v^^" 



^^. .^^ 



.0 o 



HISTOEY 



OF 



ERIE COUNTY, 



PENNSYLVANIA. 



Containing A History of the County; its Townships, Towns, 

Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, etc.; Portraits of 

Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies; 

History OF Pennsylvania, Statistical and 

Miscellaneous Matter, etc., etc. 



4^ 



II_iI_.TJSTI^.^TEID. 



CHICAGO: 

WARNER, BEERS & CO., 

1884. 





F 



1 \ 



/' /py'7C 



-Hi 



PEEFACE. 



IN eotering upon the publication of a historv of Erie County, the difficulty 
and importance of the task were not underestimated by the publishers. A 
desire for such a work has long existed, a work that would faithfully present 
a correct, concise and clean record of events, beginning with the Indian tribes 
that once inhabited the land, thence tracing its history down to the present 
period. 

The burning of the court house, on the 23d of March, 1823, which destroyed 
the records of the first twenty years after the organization of the county, has 
ever been a source of annoyance to those tracing the original titles to lands 
through the names of the first settlers. This work shows where the titles of 
the lands in Erie County originated, to whom the first sales were made, and 
the locations of the earliest pioneers, thus supplying many missing links in 
the fabric of its recorded history. 

The book may be said to have had its inception in 1879, when Mr, Benja- 
min Whitman, having sold the Erie Observer, which he had edited since Jan- 
uary, 1861, made a number of short tours over the county for the joint purpose 
of reviving old friendships and settling his outstanding accounts. After one 
or two trips he commenced writing up a series of articles for the Obsei'ver under 
the heading of " County Jaunts," and finding them received with favor, con- 
ceived the idea of expanding them into a history of the county. The eftbrt 
of Mr. Whitman was more to give a plain and correct statement of facts than 
to indulge in fine writing, for which, it is needless to add, there is little op- 
portunity in a work of this kind. His manuscript was purchased by the pub- 
lishers, and is mainly embodied in the book. 

He was largely aided in the collecting of his matter by Capt. N. W. Russell, 
whose father, Mr. Hamlin Russell, when on his death bed in 1852, after a res- 
idence of half a century in Erie County, said to him, ' " I have made, a great 
mistake in not keeping, for the good of future generations, a historical record 
of the advent and progress of the early settlers. Your retentive memoiy can yet 
collect them, and put them in a shape that will be of great use to the inhabitants 
hereafter. Promise me you will do so." The promise was given, and has been 
fulfilled to a considerable extent in this work. " In the preparation of the 
matter," says Mr. Whitman, "Capt. N. W. Russell, of Mill Creek Township, 
deserves very large credit. His remembrance of early events is remark- 
able, and to his valuable assistance I owe more than I can express. His fre- 
quent sketches on historical subjects, printed in the newspapers, were really 
the foundation of the book, and in many cases I have not done much more than 
to elaborate his articles. Mr. Russell has, also, revised all the proof, and 
vouches for the correctness of the historical matter." 

For the convenience of its readers, the book has been divided into five 
parts. The outline history of the State, contained in Part I, is from the pen 



iv PREFACE. 

of Prof. Samuel P. Bates, of Meadville. The history of Erie County, included 
in Part II, was compiled by Mr. Whitman, with the aid of Mr. Russell, as 
above stated. The history of the city of Erie, in Part III, was written by Mr. 
^R. C. Brown, of Chicago, 111., excepting Chapter IV, which is from the pen 
of Mr. F. E. "Weakley, of Lebanon, Ohio. The township histories, in Part IV, 
embrace a portion of the matter furnished by Messrs. Whitman and Russell, 
with additions by Messrs. F. E. Weakley and J. B. Mansiield; while the bio- 
graphical sketches in Part V, were collected by a corps of solicitors, and a proof 
of each sketch submitted by mail to each subject for correction. It is due to 
Mr. Whitman to add that the township sketches prepared by him were much 
more full than they appear in the book, the limits to which the publishers 
were obliged to confine themselves not allowing space for all of his matter. 

The publication of such a work, for a patronage limited to a single county, 
was a hazardous undertaking, and much solicitude was felt by the publishers 
on this account during the first stages of the enterprise, but whatever their 
misgivings, they were soon dispelled by the liberal patronage of the people of 
the county. An earnest effort has been made to render the book reliable and 
attractive, and to more than fulfill every promise made in the prospectus. 

Acknowledgments are due to County, Township, City and Borough oificials, 
old settlers, members of the various professions and to citizens throughout the 
county, for favors and generous assistance in the preparation of the work. 

THE PUBLISHERS. 




CONTENTS. 



PART I. 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



PAGE. 

CHAPTER I. — Introductory. — Cornelis Jacob- 
son Mey, 1624-2.5. William Van Hulst, 1625- 
26. Peter Minuit, 1626-33 David Petersen 
de Vries, 1632-33. Wouter Van Twiller, 
163.3-38 1.5-23 

CHAPTER II.— Sir William Keift, 1638-47. Peter 
Minuit, 1638-41. Peter Hollandaer, 1641-43. 
John Printz, 1643-53. Peter Stiiyvesant, 
1647-64. John Pappagoya, 1653-54. John 
Claude Rysingh, 1654-55 23-33 

CHAPTER III.— John Paul Jacquet, 1655-57. 
Jacob Alrichs, 1657-59. Goeran Van Dyck, 
1657-58. William Beekman, 1658-63. Alex. 
D'Hinoyossa, 1659-64 33-35 

CHAPTER IV.— Richard Nichols, 1664-^7. Rob- 
ert Needham, 1664-68. Francis Lovelace, 
1667-73. John Carr, 1668-73. Anthony 
Colve, 1673-74. Peter Alrichs, 1673-74. 
35-41 

CHAPTER v.— Sir Edmund Andros, 1674-81. 
Edmund Cantwell, 1674-76. John Collier, 
1676-77. Christopher Billop, 1677-81 41-50 

CHAPTER VI.— William Markham, 1681-82. 
William Penn, 1682-84 51-61 

CHAPTER VII.— Thomas Lloyd, 1684-86. Five 
Commissioners, 1686-88. John Blackwell, 
1688-90. Thomas Lloyd, 1690-91. William 
Markham, 1691-93. Benjamin Fletcher, 
1693-95. William Markham, 1693-99 61-69 

CHAPTER VIII.— William Penn, 1699-1701. 
Andrew Hamilton, 1701-03. Bdward Ship- 



PAGE. 

pen, 170.3-04. John Evans, 1704-09. Charles 
Gooken, 1709-17 69-75 

CHAPTER IX.— Sir William Keith, 1717-26. 
Patrick Gordon, 1726-36. James Logan, 
1736-38. George Thomas, 1738-47. An- 
thony Palmer, 1747-48. James Hamilton, 
1748-54 75-89 

CHAPTER X.— Robert H. Morris, 1754-56. Will- 
iam Denny, 1756-59. James Hamilton, 
1759-63 89-97 

CHAPTER XI.— John Penn, 1763-71. James 
Hamilton, 1771. Richard Peun, 1771-73. 
John Penn, 1773-76 98-104 

CHAPTER XII.— Thomas Wharton, Jr.,1777-78. 
George Bryan, 1778. Joseph Reed, 1778-81. 
William Moore, 1781-82. John Dickinson, 
1782-85. Benjamin Franklin, 1785-88 104-114 

CHAPTER XIII. — Thomas Mifflin, 1788-99. 
Thomas McKean, 1799-1808. Simon Snyder, 
1708-17. William Findlay, 1817-20. Joseph 
Heister, 1820-23. John A. Shulze, 1823-29. 
George Wolfe, 1829-35. Joseph Ritner, 
1835-39 114-121 

CHAPTER XIV.— David R. Porter, 1839-45. 
Francis R. Shunk, 1845-48. William F. John- 
stone, 1848-52. William Bigler, 1852-55. 
John Pollock, 1855-58. AVilliam F. Packer, 
1858-61. Andrew G. Curtiu, 1861-67. John 
W. Geary, 1867-73. John F. Hartranft, 
1873-78. Henry F. Hoyt, 1878-82. Robert 

E. Pattison, 1882 122-131 

Gubernatorial Table 132 



PART 11. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I.— General Description, etc.— 

137-144 

County and Township Organization 137 

Cities, Boroughs and Villages 138^ 

Distance Table 138 

Organization of Cities and Boroughs 139 

Election Districts t.. 139 

What Township Taken From, etc 140 

Post Offices 141 

Census 142-144 

County and Township Boundaries 143 



CHAPTER IL— Physical Geography 145-150 

The Land— Its Characteristics and Value 146 

Climate, Geology and Timber 149 

Minerals, Oil Wells, etc 150 

CHAPTER III.— Geology 151-155 

CHAPTER IV. — Streams, Lakes, Bays, 

Bridges and Culverts 155-166 

Principal Settlements, Railroads, etc 136 

Features of theStreams 1.59 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

French Creek and Its Principal Tributaries 160 

The Lake Shore Streams IGl 

Lakes and Bays 162 

The Interior Lakes 165 

Bridges, Culverts, etc 165 

CHAPTER v.— Pre-histokic Remains and 

Natural Curiosities 166-172 

Ancient Embankments 169 

More Strange Discoveries 170 

Natural Curiosities 171 

CHAPTER VI.— Indian History 172-185 

Extermination of theEriez 173 

The Six Nations 174 

French and English Intrigues 175 

Pontiac's Conspiracy 176 

Capture of Le Boeu'f and Presque Isle 176 

American Occupation 180 

Threats of an Indian War 181 

Raids by the Savages 182 

Indian Villages and (Graveyards 183 

Cornplanter, The Seneca Chief. 184 

CHAPTER VII.— The French and English 

185-194 

The First Soldiers 186 

Army of Occupation 186 

Coffin's Statement 189 

Washington's Visit 189 

Progress of the French 191 

French Village at Presque Isle.... i 191 

Events in 1757 and 1758 192 

The English Gaining 192 

Evacuation of the French 193 

English I>omlnion 193 

The French and English Forts 194 

The French Road 194 

CHAPTER VIII.— The Triangle 194-200 

The Western Boundary 195 

The New York Line 195 

The Triangle 195 

Release of the Indian Title 196 

Interesting Details 199 

Continental Certificates 200 

CHAPTER IX.— The American Occupation 

201-209 

Protecting the Frontier 202 

Occupancy of Fort Le Boeuf. 202 

Interference of the General Government... 203 

Was the Danger Real? 203 

A Lengthy Discussion 204 

An Important Council 204 

Fort Le Boeuf and its CTarrison 205 

A Treaty of Peace 206 

Beginning of the Town of Erie 206 

The Last Indian JNIurder 209 

CHAPTER X.— Anthony Wayne 209-212 

Massacre of Paoli 210 

His Western Campaign 210 

Sickness and Death 210 

His Appearance and Bearing 211 

Disinterment of His Remains 211 

Appearance of the Body ".. 212 

Second Disinterment 212 

His Eastern Tomb 212 

CHAPTER XL— Land Matters 213-226 

Pennsylvania Population Company 213 

A Great Land Speculator 214 

Plan of Settlement 214 

Holland Land Company 215 

Tenth Donation District 215 

Harrisburg and Presque Isle Company 216 

The Moravian Grant 216 

The Reservations 216 

Academy Lands .'.... 219 

Surveyors and Land Agents 219 

More Land Legislation 220 

Settled at Last 220 

Abstract of Judah Colt's Autobiography 221 

Land Sales 223 

List of Purchasers 223 

State Commissioners 224 



PAGE. 

Land Litigation 224 

The Speculation of 1836 226 

CHAPTER XII.— The Pioneers 229-233 

Where the People Came From 230 

Marriages, Births and Deaths 230 

Condition of the People, etc 231 

Game, etc 232 

CHAPTER XIII. — Common Roads, Stage 

Lines, Mail Routes, Taverns, etc..233-244 

Buffalo Road 234 

The Ridge Road 235 

The Lake Road 235 

Waterford Turnpike 235 

Edinboro Plank Road 236 

Waterford Plank Road 239 

The .Shunpike 239 

Wattsburg Plank Road 240 

Lake Pleasant Road 240 

The Colt's Station Road 241 

Old Taverns 241 

Travel and Transportation 242 

The Salt Trade 243 

Stage Lines and Mail Routes 243 

CHAPTER XIV.— Religious Organizations 

— Churches— Graveyards, etc 245-262 

Presbyterian Missionaries 245 

The Erie Presbytery 246 

Permanent Preachers 246 

Rev. Johnson Eaton 246 

The Erie and Other Churches 249 

Methodist Episcopal Church 249 

United Presbyterians, Lutherans, Episcopa- 
lians, etc....'. 254 

Catholics and other Denominations 255 

List of Churches 255 

Sunday Schools.... 260 

• Bible .Society and Y. M. C. A 261 

Graveyards and Cemeteries ; 261 

CHAPTER XV.— Mills and Factories 262-270 

Outside of Erie City 263 

Other Early Mills and Factories 264 

List of Manufacturing Establishments 265 

CHAPTER XVI.— Lake Navigation 270-283 

The Merchant Service 271 

The Era of Steamboats 272 

Propellers and Ships 273 

The Old Times and the New 273 

Valuable Statistics 274 

Government Vessels 274 

Disasters on the Bay and Lake 275 

Distances by Lake 276 

Opening of" Navigation 279 

Collectors at Erie 280 

Deputy Collectors 280 

Vessels Owned in Erie 280 

Business of the Port 281 

Light-houses and their Keepers 282 

CHAPTER XVII.— County Buildings 283-293 

The County Jail...:.. 285 

The Almshouse 286 

County Statistics 291 

Workhouse 292 

CHAPTER XVIII.— Perry's Victory asd the 

War of 1812-14 ...293-320 

Erie's Defenseless Condition 293 

First Stages of the War 294 

Assembling the Militia 295 

A Fleet Arranged For 295 

Perry Reaches Erie 296 

The First Step to Victory 300 

Safely Concentrated 300 

Menaces of the Enemy 302 

Getting over the Bar 302 

The First Cruise 303 

Challenging to Fight 304 

Preparing for Battle... 305 

Brief Account of the Victorv 305 

After the Battle ."......-. 309 

Victories on Land 310 

Perry's Return to Erie 310 



CONTENTS. 



PAtiE. 

The Winter of 1813-14 311 

A Fatal Duel 312 

The Campaign of 1814 313 

Incidents of the War 314 

Disposal of the Vessels 314 

American Army Ofi&cers 315 

-The Story of James Bird 316 

Official Report of the British Commander.... 319 

CHAPTER XIX.— Bench and Bae 320-332 

United States Courts 323 

The Bar 324 

Deaths, Removals, etc 330 

Court Criers, and Other Matters 332 

CHAPTER XX.— Notable Events 33:3-340 

The King of France 333 

Lafayette 333 

Horace GIreeley 333 

Presidential Visitors 334 

An Exciting Campaign 335 

The Only Execution 335 

Indictments for Murder 339 

CHAPTER XXL— Political History— An- 
nual Record 340-430 

1788 to 1800 340 

1800 to 1802 341 

1803tol8u6 342 

1807 to 1810 343 

1811 to 181(5 344 

1817 to 1820 345 

1821 to 1823 34(5 

1824 to 1825 349 

1826 to 1828 350 

1829 to 1830 351 

1831 to 1832 352 

1833 to 1835 353 

1836 354 

1837 to 1838 355 

1839 to 1840 359 

1841 360 

1842 3G1 

1843 to 1844 362 

1845 to 1840 .364 

1847 365 

1848 366 

1849 to 1850 3()9 

1851 370 

— ■ 1852 .371 

1853 372 

1854 373 

1855 to 1856 374 

185'. 376 

ieo8 379 

1859 to 1860 380 

1861 to 1862 382 

1863 to 18(i4 383 

ISe.^ to 1866 385 

1867 to 1868 386 

1869 to 1870 390 

1871 to 1872 .391 

1873 .394 

1874 395 

1875 to 1876 .396 

1877 to 1878 401 

1879 to 1880 402 

1881 404 

1882 405 

1883 406 

List of Public Officers 406 

United States Officers 406 

State Officers from Erie County 410 

State Senators 411 

Members of the House of Representatives.. 412 
County Officers 414 

CHAPTER XXII.— The Canal and Rail- 
roads 430-444 

The Lake Terminus 431 

Completion of the Canal 431 

Its Abandonment 432 

Railroads 433 

Erie to Butlalo 433 

Erie to Cleveland 433 

Consolidation Effected 434 

The Railroad War 4.34 



Further Consolidation ; 435 

Local Features 435 

Distances 436 

Philadelphia & Erie Railroad 436-' 

(ieneral Description 439 

Other Matters 439 

Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad 440 

Buffalo, Corry & Pittsburgh P.ailroad 441 

Kew York, Pennsylvania & (Jhio Railroad... 441 

Union & Titusville Railroad 442 

New York, (Chicago it St. Louis Railroad 

(The>fickel Plate) 442 

Projected Railroads 443 

CHAPTER XXIII —Physicians and Den- 

tlsts Ill 4 51 

List of Registered Physicians 445-450 

Erie 445 

Corry 446 

McKean 446 

Wattsburg 449 

Fairview 449 

(iirard 449 

Union City 449 

North East 449 

Albion 449 

Waterford 449 

•Springfield 449 

Edinboro 450 

Mill Village 450 

Other Localities 450 

Other Matters 450 

Dentists 451 

CHAPTER XXIV. — Schools, Academies, etc. 

451-456 

The County Schools 453 

School Books, etc 453 

Spelling Schools 4.54 

Academies, etc .^ 4.54 

Cieneral Remarks 4-55 

Tabulated Statement 456 

CHAPTER XXV.— Newspapers 4.59-465 

Earlv Newspapers 459 

The Erie Gazette 4.59 

The Erie Observer 460 

The Erie Dispatch 461 

Other English Papers 461 

(ierman and Portuguese Papers 462 

Defunct Papers '. 463 

Miscellaneous 463 

Personal 464 

Papers Outside of Erie 465 

CHAPTER XXVI.— AVAR foe the UNI0N....465-489 

The First Regiment 466 

The Eighty-third Regiment , 466 

The One Hundred Eleventh Regiment 469 

The One Hundred Forty-fifth Regiment 470 

The First Draft 470 

Other Matters 471 

The Second Draft 472 

Lively Recruiting 473 

^' Half a Million More 474 

Nearing the End 474 

Officers from Erie County 475 

(Tounty Finances in Connection with the 

War 476 

Prices Compared 479 

The Erie Regiment — three months 479 

The Eighty-third Regiment 481 

The One Hundred Eleventh Regiment 483 

The One Hundred Forty-fifth Regiment 485 

CHAPTER XXVII.— Miscellaneous 490-500 

Agricultural Societies 490 

Militia and Military Oganizations 490 

Temperance 492 

Slaves and Slavery 492 

Seal of the County 493 

The Weather 493 

Early .Justices 493 

The Cholera 495 

Telegraph Lines 495 

Shows and Circuses 495 

Cattle Driving 495 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Currency 496 

Soldiers' Monuments 496 

The Revolution 496 

The Mexican War 499 



PAGE. 

Anti-Slavery 499 

Oldest Men and Women 499 

Thanksgiving Day .500 

The Flood of 1883 .500 



PART III. 
HISTORY OF THE CITY OF ERIE. 



CHAPTER I.— Hl.STORlCAL 503-519 

Scraps of History .512 

CHAPTER II.— General Description and 

Progress 519-534 

Hotels and Public Halls 524 

Pleasure Resorts 524 

Railroads and Shipping Facilities 525 

Bay, Harbor and Peninsula 525 

Life-Saving Service 532 

The Head 532 

Fisheries 533 

CHAPTER III.— Municipal Government 

53.5-550 

Water Works ,543 

Fire Department 546 

Markets 546 

Police .549 

Financial E.\.hibit 549 

CHAPTER IV.— Churches ,550-586 

First Presbyterian Church 5.50 

Park Presbyterian Church 552 

Central Presbyterian Church 554 

Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church 555 

United Presbyterian Congregation 556 

St. Paul's Episcopal Church 560 

St. John's Episcopal Church.... 563 

Church of the Cross and Crown 564 

First Methodist Episcopal Church 565 

Simpson Meth"di>^t ICi)iscopal Church "69 

Tenth Street .Metliodist Episcopal Church... 570 
The African Methodist Episcopal Church.... 571 

The First Baptist Church 571 

First German Baptist Church 573 



St. John's Evangelical Lutheran and Re- 
formed Church 573 

St. Paul's German Evangelical Church 574 

Salem Church of the Evangelical Association 575 
The English Evangelical Lutheran Church.. 576 
The German Evangelical Lutheran Trinity 

Church .579 

Anschai Chesed Reform Congregation 579 

United Brethren Church 580 

The First Universalist Church 58ii 

St. Patrick's Catholic Pro-Cathedral 581 

St. Mary's Catholic Church 583 

St. Joseph's Catholic Church 584 

St. John's Catholic Church .585 

St. Andrew's Catholic Church 585 

CHAPTER v.— Education and Societies.. 586-600 

Erie Academy .591 

Erie Female Seminary 592 

Catholic Schools 592 

Secret and Other Societies ,594 

CHAPTER VI.— PRIV.A.TE Corporations, Cem- 

• ETERIE5 AND CHARITABLE INSTITU- 
TIONS 600-613 

Erie Gas Company 600 

Telegraph, Telephone and Express Compa- 
nies 601 

The Erie City Passenger Railway Company 601 

Banks 601 

Insurance Companies 603 

Cemeteries 604 

Charitable Institutions 606 

CHAPTER VII.— Leading Manufacturing In- 
terests 613-649 

Board of Trade and Business Statistics.. 649-651 



PART ^V. 

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES. 



CHAPTER I.— Mill Creek Township 655-666 

Lands 655 

Reservations 656 

Creeks and Bridges 656 

Public Highways 659 

Schools '. 659 

Villages and Post Offices 660 

Other Prominent Points 661 

Religious .Societies o62 

Mills 663 

Early Settlers 663 

Public Men 664 

Miscellaneous , 665 

CHAPTER II.— Waterford Township and 

Borough of Waterford 666-684 

Lands of the Township 666 

Tax List in 1813 669 

Streams and Lakes 670 

Roads, Bridges and Mills 670 

Religious Societies 671 



.School History 671 

Waterford Station 672 

Borough of Waterford 672 

The French Fort 673 

Pontiac's Conspiracy 673 

Beginning of the Town 673 

First Settlers 674 

Early Events 675 

The Lytles 675 

The Boating Trade 676 

Societies, etc 676 

Incorporation 679 

The Academy 680 

The Cemetery 680 

Religious Societies 681 

State and County Officers 682 

Postmasters 683 

Newspapers 683 

Manufactories 683 

Miscellaneous 684 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

CHAPTER III. — Union Township and 

Borough of L'nion City 684-695 

The South Branch and its Tributaries 685 

Bridges and Mills 685 

Churches and Graveyards 686 

Eariy Settlers 686 

Political 689 

Borough of Union City 690 

The Founder 690 

(irowth of the Town 690 

Societies 691 

Manufactories 692 

Church Organizations 693 

Newspapers 694 

Miscellaneous 695 

CHAPTER IV.— Le Boeuf Township and 

Borough of Mill Village 696-703 

Early Settlers 696 

Streams and Mills 699 

Valleys and Ridges 699 

Holland Land Company 700 

Common Roads 700 

Churches 701 

Schools "01 

Public Men 702 

Villages 702 

Borough of Mill Village 702 

CHAPTER v. — Venango Township and 

Borough of Wattsbukg 704-715 

Early Settlers 704 

Taxablesin 1800 705 

Political '05 

War of 1812 705 

Streams, Lake and Bridges 706 

Public Roads 706 

Mills, Factories and Schools 709 

Churches '10 

The Middlebrook Church— Graveyards 710 

Villages 711 

Recollections of a Native of the Township.. 711 

Borough of Wattsburg 712 

Incorporation 713 

Religious •. 713 

Societies, etc * 713 

Business Features 714 

Public Men 714 

Schools and Newspapers 714 

CHAPTER VI. — Harbor Creek Township 

715-723 

General Description 715 

Creeks and Gullies 716 

Mills 719 

Roads, etc 719 

Wesley ville 720 

Harbor Creek and Moorheadville 720 

Religious Societies 721 

County Officers 722 

School History 722 

Miscellaneous 723 

CHAPTER VII.— North East Township and 

Borough of North East 723-739 

Early Settlers 724 

First Things 725 

Railroads and Common Roads 725 

The Creeks 726 

Manufacturing Establishments 726 

The Grape Culture 729 

Villages 729 

Cemeteries 730 

Schools 731 

Rev. Cyrus Dickson 731 

Borough of North East 732 

Religious Societies 733 

Public Schools and College 7:?4 

Hotels, Banks, etc 735 

Newspapers 736 

State and County Officers 7;36 

Miscellaneous 736 

CHAPTER VIII.— Faibview Township and 

Borough of Fairview 739-749 

General Description 740 

Lands and Streams 741 



page. 

Bridges and Mills 742 

Schools 742 

Common Roads, Railroads and Canals 743 

Political 743 

Religious Societies 744 

Manchester and Swanville 744 

Other Matters 745 

Borough of Faikview 746 

Early Incidents 746 

Other Churches 749 

Miscellaneous 749 

CHAPTER IX.— Springfield Township...750-760 

Lands, etc 750 

Early Settlers... 751 

Incidents of the Pioneers 752 

Streams, Mills and Factories 7.52 

Burial Places 753 

Public Men 754 

Academies and Schools 754 

Railroads, Common Roads and Hotels 755 

Churches 7.56 

Villages 759 

CHAPTER X. — Conneaut Township and 

BoRouiiH OF Albion 760-769 

The First Settlers 760 

Creeks and Bridges 761 

Land, Litigation and Pre-Historic Remains. 762 

Rairoads, Canals and Common Roads 763 

Schools, Mills and Burial Places 764 

Villages 764 

Miscellaneous 765 

B(?kough of Albion 765 

Churches 766 

Business, Schools and Societies 766 

Factories. Newspapers, etc 769 

CHAPTER XL— Elk Creek Township 770-775 

General Description 770 

Roads and Streams 771 

Churches 772 

Schools 772 

Wellsburg 772 

Cranesville 774 

Pageville 774 

CHAPTER XII. — McKean Township and 

BoKOfGH OF MiDDLEBOKO 77-5-782 

Streams and Lands 775 

Mills and .Schools 776 

Churches, Cemeteries and Roads 779 

Villages 780 

Early Settlers , 780 

Public Officers 781 

Borough of Middleboro 781 

CHAPTER XIII.— Greenfield Township..782-786 

Beginning the Settlement 783 

Other Matters 784 

Streams and Mills 784 

Village and Churches 785 

Schools 786 

Roads, etc 786 

CHAPTER XIV.— Greene Township 789-793 

First Settlers 789 

Lauds 790 

Streams and Mills 790 

JRoads aud Railroad 790 

Hamlets and Churches 791 

Public Men 792 

Schools 792 

CHAPTER XV.— Washington Township and 

Borough of Edinboro 793-802 

First Settlers 793 

Roads 794 

Streams, Lake and Lands 795 

Villages and Churches 795 

Schools 796 

Factories and Mills 799 

Borough of Edinboro 800 

General Description 800 

Churches 800 

Secret Societies, Newspapers and Post Offices 801 

State and County Officers 802 

The Normal School 802 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

CHAPTER XVI. — CoKCORD To^vnship axd 

BoROU(iH OF Elgin •. 803-806 

County Officers .- 803 

Early Settlers 803 

General Description 804 

Streams 804 

Railroads, Common Roads, etc 805 

Schools and Churches 805 

Miscellaneous 806 

BoKOusH OF Elgin 806 

CHAPTER XVII.— City of Corky 809-823 

How the Citv Started 809 

Rapid Growth 810 

Borough and City 810 

The City in General 811 

Oil Works 812 

Other Leading Industries 813 

General Business Features 814 

City Government 814 

School Building 815 

Newspapers 816 

Secret Societies 816 

Gas, Gas Wells and Public Halls 820 

Religious Societies 820 

Miscellaneous 823 

CHAPTER XVIII.— Wayne Township 824-832 

Lauds and their Value 824 

The Streams 825 

Village of Beaver Dam 825 

Carter Hill and Hare Creek 829 

Schools, Mills, etc 829 

The State Fish Hatchery '830 

The Pioneers 830 

Prominent Men 831 

The Greeleys 831 

CHAPTER XIX.— Amity Township 832-835 

Streams and Bridges 832 



PAGE. 

Mills and Roads 833 

Public Schools 834 

Lands, Villages, etc 8.34 

Early Settlers 835 

CHAPTER XX.— GiRARD Township and Bor- 
oughs of Girard and Lockpokt 8.35-851 

Earlv Settlers 836 

Laniis and Roads 839 

Railroads and Canal 839 

Streams, etc 840 

Mouth of Elk Creek „ 840 

Mills and Churches 841 

Schools and Mounds 842 

Miles Grove 842 

West Girard 843 

Borough of Girard 844 

Churches, Schools etc 844 

Hotels and Factories 845 

Square, Monuments, etc 846 

Public Men : 846 

Newspapers and Banks 849 

Miscellaneous 850 

Borough of Lockport 8.50 

CHAPTER XXI.— Franklin Township 851-854 

First Settlements 8.52 

General Description 852 

Mills and Schools 853 

Churches and Graveyards 853 

Village and Quarry 854 

CHAPTER XXII.— Summit Township 855-860 

The Pioneers 855 

Railroads and Common Roads 8.55 

Streams and Valleys 856 

Religious Societies .' 856 

School History 859 

Mills, Quarry, Etc 860 

Miscellaneous 860 



PART V. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-ERIE AND CORRY. 

City of Erie (alphabetically arranged) 863-975 

City of Erie (not alphabetically arranged— Hon. S. M. Brainerd) 9"6 

Cityof Corry 977-1006 



PART VI. 



TOWNSHIP BIOGRAPHIES. 



Amity Township 3 

Concord Township 11 

Conneaut Township 16 

Elk (reek Township 29 

Fairview Township 37 

Franklin Township -15 

Girard Township 53 

Greene Township 70 

Greenfield Township 75 

Harbor Creek Township SO 

Le Bttuf Township 'JS 



McKean Township 102 

Mill Creek Township 116 

North Fust Township 134 

Springfield Township 152 

Summit Township 164 

Union Township 168 

Venango Township 183 

Washington Township 203 

Waterford Township 216 

AVayne Township 233 



CONTENTS. 



PORTRAITS. 



PAGE. 

' Bennett, J. H., Venango Township 887 

' Bowman, Ralph, Elk Creek Township r.07 

' Bowman, Jane, Elk Creek Township 608 

^ Bowman, Lucretia, Elk Creek Township 518 

• Boyd, Charles C, Waterford Township 727 

' Brightman, William, Wayne Township 848 

Brown, Samuel M., Mill Creek Township....- 668 

■ Burton, .Tohn, Mill Creek Township 468 

■ Carroll, William, Union Township 238 

- Casey, James, Erie 597 

'- Chambers, James, Harbor Creek Township...... 187 

Chapin, Pliny, Venango Township 708 

Cochran, Robert, Erie 388 

Colegrove, Isaac, Corry 398 

■ Cook, J. L., Waterford Township 827 

. Custard, Robert, North East Township 927 

'■ Dobbins, Daniel, Erie 79 

' Downing, J. F., Erie 657 

Duncombe, Eli, Amity Township 488 

Eagley, John, Sr., Springfield Township 857 

■ Ebersole, Joseph, Harbor ("reek Township 307 

'■■ Ebersole, Joseph .T., Harbor Creek Township 697 

■' Ellicott, Andrew, Erie Frontispiece 

Elliott, Thomas, Harbor Creek Township 318 

. Farrar, F. F., Erie 897 

Foot, Jabez B., Venango Township 358 

Foote, David E., Venango Township 578 

' Galbraith, John, Erie 227 

• Hammond, Paul, Concord Township 427 

Hamot, P. S. v., Erie 134 

Hartleb, Mathias, Erie 768 

Hasbrouck, William, Concord Township 637 

■ Haynes, J. H., North East Township 218 

' Hecker, A. W., Corry 628 

Henderson, Joseph, Erie 807 

Henry, Robert H., Harbor Creek Township 788 

Kennedy, D. C, Wayne Township 438 

' Kincaid, John, Wayne Township 777 

■ Koch, Moses, Erie 757 

Loop, D. D^ North East Township 347 

Lowry, N. I)., Harbor Creek Township 558 

Marshall, James C, Erie 497 

^ Marvin, Elihu, Erie 327 



McCreary, D. B.,Erie 747 

■ McKee, Thomas, Mill Creek Township 268 

Metcalf, Prescott, Erie 507 

Moore, M. M., HarborCreek Township 918 

Nash, Norman, North East Township 338 

Nicholson, Isabel, Mill Creek Township 867 

Orton, J. R.,Conneaut Township 688 

Ottinger, Douglass, Erie 537 

^Putnam, William, Union Township 878 

Rea, Samuel, Springfield Township 277 

Rea, Johnston, Girard Township 447 

Reed, Seth, Erie 45 

Reed, Rufus S., Erie 157 

. Reed, Charles M., Erie 297 

Reeder, Moses, Washington Township 288 

Russell, N. W., Erie 377 

Salsbury, A. P., Conneaut Township ,i27 

Sanford, G., Erie 167 

Sedgwick, John, Waterford Township 367 

Selden, George, Erie... 247 

/Short, Alfred North, East Township 567 

- Sill, Thomas H., Erie 257 

' Sill, James, Erie 818 

- Smith, Samuel, Wavne Township 407 

Stafford, Henry C, Erie 938 

Staples, F. E., Erie 947 

Sterrett, A. J., Erie 7.38 

Sterrett, .Joseph M., Erie 148 

Stinson, William S., Harbor Creek Township 907 

Stranahan, P. G., Union Township 648 

Strong, Martin, Erie 207 

Taylor, Isaac R., Washington Township 547 

Thayer, Alvin, Erie 797 

Tracy, John A., Erie 417 

Tracy, John F., Erie 617 

Vincent, John, Erie 198 

Vincent, B. B., Erie 457 

^Mncent, Strong, Erie 717 

Weed, William B, Greene Township 477 

' Weschler, Jacob, Erie 837 

Wheeler, Silas, Corry 178 

' Wilson, David, Union Township 587 

Woodruff, S. E., Erie 677 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



Errata 12 

Map of Erie County 13-14 

Map Showing Various Purchases From the Indians 113 

Diagram Showing Proportionate Annual Production of Anthracite Coal Since 1820 118 

Table Showing Amountof Anthracite Coal Produced in Each Region Since 1820 119 




ERRATA. 



Page 214 — For " after the last war," read " before the last war." 

Page 263— McCullough's mills were built in 1S02. 

Page 272 — The steamboat Walk-in-the- Water was wrecked in 1821. 

Page 272— The steamboat Missouri was bought, not built, by Gen. Reed in 1840. 

Page 274— The U. S. revenue cutter Benjamin Rush was built in 1828. 

Page 293— The block-house referred to as having been built in 179o stood on Garrison Hill. 

Page 324— William Wallace located in Erie in 1798. 

Page 332 — The name of the first court crier was Daniel Nangle, instead of David Langley. 

Page 341 — William Hoge was a resident of Washington County. 

Page 401— The Democratic vote for Congress in Warren County in 1878 was 821, instead of 1821. 

Page 425 — For Sylveras E. Webster, County Surveyor, read Cyrenus E. Webster. 

Page 429— For David Langley, Court Crierj read Daniel Nangle. 

Page 433 — The iirst passenger train came into Erie January 9, 1852. 

Page 463 — The Observer office was the first to introduce a power press, not steam power. 

Page 495 — For Isaac Jliller read Israel Miller. 

Page 499— For Daniel Stanclitf read Lemuel Stanclitif. 

Page 500 — For Benjamin Colton read Benjamin Collom. 

Page 500— John Teel, second, died April 21, 1872. 

Page 656— For Benjamin Russell read N. W. and G. J. Russell. 

Page 664— For Tract 47 read Tract 247. 

Page 664 — For Mr. Martin Stough read Mrs. Martin Stough. 

Page 67.')— Cieorge W. Reed settled in Waterford in 1810. 

Page 679, also 139— The park in Waterford Borough is about a mile from Waterford Station on the P. & E. 

road, making the distance by rail from Erie about twenty miles. 
Page 680 — For James Judson read Amos Judson. 
Page 732 — Rev. Cyrus Dickson completed his college course in 1837. 
Page 744— For John M. Kratz read Joseph M. Kratz. 



PART I. 



isTORY"' Pennsylvania. 



BY SAMUEL P. BATES. 



"God, that has given it me through many difficulties, will, I believe, 
bless and make it the seed of a nation. I shall have a tender care to the 
government that i-t be well laid at first. ----- I do, therefore, 
desire the Lord's •wisdoni to guide me, and those that may be eoneernecl 
with me, that we may do the thing that is truly wise and just." 

WILLIAM PENN. 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



OHAPTEE I. 



Introductory — CoRNELis Jacobson Mey, 1624-25— William Van Hulst, 1625- 
26— Peter Minuit, 1626-33— David Petersen de Vries, 1682-33— Wouter 
Yan Twiller, 1633-38. 

IN the early colonization upon the American continent, two motives were 
principally operative. One was the desire of amassing sudden wealth 
without great labor, which tempted advejiturous spirits to go in search of gold, 
to trade valueless trinkets to the simple natives for rich furs and skins, and even 
to seek, amidst the wilds of a tropical forest, for the fountain whose healing 
waters could restore to man perpetual youth. The other was the cherished 
purpose of escaping the unjust restrictions of Government, and the hated ban 
of society against tJie worship of the Supreme Being according to the honest 
dictates of conscience, which incited the humble devotees of Christianity to 
forego the comforts of home, in the midst of the best civilization of the age, 
and make for themselves a habitation on the shores of a new world, where they 
might erect altars and do homage to their God in such habiliments as they 
preferred, and utter praises in such note as seemed to them good. This pur- 
pose was also incited by a certain romantic temper, common to the race, es- 
pecially noticeable in youth, that invites to some uninhabited j spot, and Ras- 
selas and Robinson Crusoe- like to begin life anew. 

William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, had felt the heavy hand of 
persecution for religious opinion's sake. As a gentleman commoner at Ox- 
ford, he had been fined, and finally expelled from that venerable seat of learn- 
ing for non-comformity to the established worship. At home, he was whipped 
and turned out of doors by a father who thought to reclaim the son to the 
more certain path of advancement at a licentious court. He was sent to prison 
by the Mayor of Cork. For seven months he languished in the tower of Lon- 
don, and, finally, to complete his disgrace, he was cast into Newgate with com- 
mon fblons. Upon the accession of James II, to the throne of England, over 
fourteen hundred persons of the Quaker faith were immured in prisons for a 
conscientious adherence to their religious convictions. To escape this harassing 
persecution, and find peace and quietude from this sore proscription, was the 
moving cause which led Penn and his followers to emigrate to America. 

Of all those who have been founders of States in near or distant ages, none 
have manifested so sincere and disinterested a spirit, nor have been so fair ex- 
emplars of the golden rule, and of the Redeemer's sermon on the mount, as 
William Penn. In his preface to the frame of government of his colony, he 
says: " The end of government is first to terrify evil-doers; secondly, to cher- 
ish those who do well, which gives government a life beyond corruption, and 



16 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

makes it as durable in the world, as good men shall be. So that government 
seems to be a part of religion itself, a thing sacred in its institution and end. 
For, if it does not directly remove the cause, it crushes the effects of evil, and 
is an emanation of the same Divine power, that is both author and object of 
pure religion, the difference lying here, that the one is more free and mental, 
the other more corporal and compulsive in its operations; but that is only to 
evil-doers, government itself being otherwise as capable of kindness, goodness 
and charity, as a more private society. They weakly ei-r, who think there ia no 
other use of government than correction, which is the coarsest part of it. 
Daily experience tells us, that the care and regulation of many other affairs 
more soft, and daily necessary, make up much the greatest part of government. 
Governments, like clocks, go from the motion men give them, and as govern- 
ments are made and moved by men, so by them are they ruined, too. Where- 
fore, governments rather depend upon men, than men upon governments. Let 
men be good, and the government cannot be bad. If it be ill, they will cure 
it. But if men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will endeavor 
to warp and spoil to their turn. * * * That, therefore, which makes a good 
constitution, must keep it, men of wisdom and virtue, qualities, that because they 
descend not with worldly inheritances, must be carefully propagated by a vir- 
tuous education of youth, for which, after ages will owe more to the care and 
prudence of founders and the successive magistracy, than to their parents for 
their private patrimonies. * * * We have, therefore, with reverence to God, 
and good conscience to men, to the best of our skill, contrived aad composed the 
Frame and Laws of this government, viz. : To support power in reverence 
with the people, and to secure the people from the abuse of power, that they 
may be free by their just obedience, and the magistrates honorable for their 
just administration. For liberty without obedience is confusion, and obedi- 
ence without liberty is slavery." 

Though born amidst the seductive arts of the great city, Penn's tastes were 
rural. He hated the manners of the corrupt court, and delighted in the homely 
labors and innocent employments of the farm. '* The country," he said, "is 
the philosopher's garden and library, in which he reads and contemplates the 
power, wisdom and goodness of God. It is his food as well as study, and gives 
him life as well as learning." And to his wife he said upon taking leave of 
her in their parting interview: " Let my children be husbandmen, and house- 
wives. It is industrious, healthy, honest, and of good report. This leads to 
consider the works of God, and diverts the mind from being taken up with vain 
arts and inventions of a luxurious world. Of cities and towns of concourse, 
beware. The world is apt to stick close to those who have lived and got wealth 
there. A country life and estate I love best for my children." 

Having thus given some account at the outset of the spirit and purposes of 
the founder, and the motive which drew him to these shores, it will be in 
place, before proceeding with the details of the acquisition of territory, and 
the coming of emigrants for the actual settlement under the name of Pennsyl- 
vania, to say something of the aborigines who were found in possession of the 
soil when first visited by. Europeans, of the condition of the surface of the 
country, and of the previous attempts at settlements before the coming of Penn. 

The surface of what is now known as Pennsylvania was, at the time of the 
coming of the white men, one vast forest of hemlock, and pine, and beech, 
and oak, unbroken, except by an occasional rocky barren upon the precipitous 
mountain side, or by a few patches of prairie, which had been reclaimed by 
annual burnings, and was used by the indolent and simple-minded natives for 
the culture of a little maize and a few vegetables. The soil, by the annual 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 17 

accumulations of leaves and abundant growths of forest vegetation, was luxu- 
rious, and the trees stood close, and of gigantic size. The streams swarmed 
with fish, and the forest abounded with game. Where now are cities and 
hamlets filled with busy populations intent upon the accumulation of wealth, 
the mastery of knowledge, the pursuits of pleasure, the deer browsed and 
sipped at the water's edge, and the pheasant drummed his monotonous note. 
Where now is the glowing furnace from which day and night tongues of fiame 
are bursting, and the busy water wheel sends the shuttle flashing through the 
loom, half-naked, dusky warriors fashioned their spears with rude implements 
of stone, and made themselves hooks out of the bones of animals for alluring 
the tinny tribe. Where now are fertile fields, upon which the thrifty farmer 
turns his furrow, which his neighbor takes up and runs on until it reaches 
from one end of the broad State to the other, and where are flocks and herds, 
rejoicing in rich meadows, gladdened by abundant fountains, or reposing at the 
heated noontide beneath ample shade, not a blow had been struck against the 
giauts of the forest, the soil rested in virgin purity, the streams glided on in 
majesty, unvexed by wheel and unchoked by device of man. 

Where now the long train rushes on with the speed of the wind over 
plain and mead, across streams and under mountains, awakening the echoes of 
the hills the long day through, and at the midnight hour screaming out its 
shrill whistle in fiery defiance, the wild uative, with a fox skin wrapped about 
his loins and a few feathers stuck in his hair, issuing from his rude hut, trot- 
ted on in his forest path, followed by his squaw with her infant peering forth 
from the rough sling at her back, pointed his canoe, fashioned fi'om the barks 
of the trees, across the deep river, knowing the progress of time only by the 
rising and setting sun, troubled by no meridians for its index, starting on his 
way when his nap was ended, and stopping for rest when a spot was reached 
that pleased his fancy. Where now a swarthy population toils ceaselessly deep 
down in the bowels of the earth, shut out trom the light of day in cutting out 
the material that feeds the fires upon the forge, and gives genial warmth to the 
lovers as they chat merrily in the luxurious drawing room, not a mine had 
been opened, and the vast beds of the black diamond rested unsunned beneath 
the superincumbent mountains, where they had been fashioned by the Creator's 
hand. Rivers of oil seethed through the impatient and uneasy gases and vast 
pools and lakes of this pungent, parti -colored fluid, hidden away from the 
coveting eye of man, guarded well their own secrets. Not a derrick protruded 
its well-balanced form in the air. Not a drill, with its eager eating tooth de- 
scended into the flinty rock. No pipe line diverted the oily tide in a silent, 
ceaseless current to the ocean's brink. The cities of iron tanks, filled to burst- 
ing, had no place amidst the forest solitudes. Oil exchanges, with their vex- 
ing puts and calls, shorts and longs, bulls and bears, had not yet come to dis- 
turb the equanimity of the red man, as he smoked the pipe of peace at the 
council fire. Had he once seen the smoke and soot of the new Birmingham of 
the West, or snuffed the odors of an oil refinery, he would willingly have for- 
feited his goodly heritage by the forest stream or the deep flowing river, and 
sought for himself new hunting grounds in less favored regions. 

It was an unfortunate circumstance that at the coming of Europeans the 
territory now known as Pennsylvania was occupied by some of the most bloody 
and revengeful of the savage tribes. They were known as the Lenni Lenapes, 
and held sway from the Hudson to the Potomac. A tradition was preserved 
among them, that in a remote age their ancestors had emigrated eastward from 
beyond the Mississippi, exterminating as they came the more civilized and 
peaceful peoples, the Mound-Builders of Ohio and adjacent States, and who 



18 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

were held among the tribes by whom they were surrounded as the progenitors, 
the grandfathers or oldest people. They came to be known by Europeans as 
the Delawares, after the name of the river and its numerous branches along 
which they principally dwelt. The Monseys or Wolves, another tribe of the 
Lenapes, dwelt upon the Susquehanna and its tributaries, and, by their war- 
like disposition, won the credit of being the fiercest of their nation, and the 
guardians of the door to their council house from the North. 

Occupying the greater part of the teritory now known as New York, were 
the five nations — the Senacas, the Mohawks, the Oneidaa, the Cayugas, and 
the Onondagas, which, from their hearty union, acquired great strength and 
came to exercise a commanding influence. Obtaining firearms of the Dutch 
at Albany, they repelled the advances of the French from Canada, and by 
their superiority in numbers and organization, had overcome the Lenapes, 
and held them for awhile in vassalage. The Tuscaroras, a tribe which had 
been expelled from their home in North Carolina, were adopted by the Five Na- 
tions in 1712, and from this time forward these tribes were known to the English 
as the Six Nations, called by the Lenapes, Mingoes, and by the French, Iroquois. 
There was, therefore, properly a United States before the thirteen colonies 
achieved their independence. The person and character of these tribes were 
marked. They were above the ordinary stature, erect, bold, and commanding, 
of great decorum in council, and when aroused showing native eloquence. In 
warfare, they exhibited all the bloodthirsty, revengeful, cruel instincts of the 
savage, and for the attainment of their purposes were treacherous and crafty. 

The Indian character, as developed by intercourse with Europeans, exhibits 
some traits that are peculiar While coveting what they saw that pleased 
them, and thievish to the last degree, they were nevertheless generous. This 
may be accounted for by their habits. " They held that the game of the for- 
est, the fish of the rivers, and the grass of the field were a common heritage, 
and free to all who would take the trouble to gather them, and ridiculed the 
idea of fencing in a meadow." Bancroft says: " The hospitality of the Indian 
has rarely been questioned. The stranger enters his cabin, by day or by 
night, without asking leave, and is entertained as freely as a thrush or a 
blackbird, that regales himself on the luxuries of the fi-uitful grove. He 
will take his own rest abroad, that he may give up his own skin or mat of 
sedge to his guest. Nor is the traveler questioned as to the purpose of his 
visit. He chooses his own time fi'eely to deliver his message." Penn, who, 
from frequent intercourse came to know them well, in his letter to the society 
of Free Traders, says of them: "In liberality they excel; nothing is too good 
for their friend. Give them a fine gun, coat or other thing, it may pass 
twenty hands before it sticks; light of heart, strong afl'ections, but soon spent. 
The most merry creatures that live; feast and dance perpetually. They never 
have much nor want much. Wealth circulateth like the blood. All parts 
partake; and though none shall want what another hath, yet exact observers 
of property. Some Kings have sold, others presented me with several parcels 
of land. The pay or presents I made them, were not hoarded by the particu- 
lar owners, but the neighboring Kings and clans being present when the 
goods were brought out. the parties chiefly concerned consulted what and to 
whom they should give them. To every King, then, by the hands of a per- 
son for that work appointed is a proportion sent, so sorted and folded, and 
with that gravity that is admirable. Then that King subdivideth it in like man- 
ner among his de[)endents, they hardly leaving themselves an equal share 
with one of their subjects, and be it on such occasions as festivals, or at their 
common meals, the Kings distribute, and to themselves last. They care for 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 19 

little because they Tvant but little, and the reason is a little contents them. In 
this they are sufficiently revenged on us. They are also free from our pains. 
They are not disquieted with bills of lading and exchange, nor perplexed 
with chancery suits and exchequer reckonings. We sweat and toil to live; 
their pleasure feeds them; I mean their hunting, fishing and fowling, and 
this table is spread everywhere. They eat twice a day, morning and evening. 
Their Heats and table are the ground. Since the Europeans came into these 
parts they are grown great lovers of strong liquors, rum especially, and for it 
exchange the richest of their skins and furs. If they are heated with liquors, 
they are restless till they have enough to sleep. That is their cry, ' Some 
more and I will go to sleep; ' but when drunk one of the most wretched spec- 
tacles in the world." 

On the 28th of August, 1609, a little more than a century from the time 
of the first discovery of the New World by Columbus, Hendrick Hudson, an 
English navigator, then in the employ of the Dutch East India Company, hav- 
ing been sent out in search of a northwestern passage to the Indies, discovered 
the mouth of a great bay, since known as Delaware Bay, which he entered and 
partially explored. But finding the waters shallow, and being satisfied that 
this was only an arm of the sea which received the waters of a great river, 
and not a passage to the western ocean, he retired, and, turning the prow of 
his little craft northward, on the 2d of September, he discovered the river 
which bears his name, the Hudson, and gave several days to its examination. 
Not finding a passage to the West, which was the object of his search, he returned 
to Holland, bearing the evidences of his adventures, and made a full report of 
his discoveries in which he says, " Of all lands on which I ever set my foot, 
this is the best for tillage." 

A proposition had been made in the States General of Holland to form a 
West India Company with purposes similar to those of the East India Com- 
pany; but the conservative element in the Dutch Congress prevailed, and while 
the Government was unwilling to undertake the risks of an enterprise for 
which it -would be responsible, it was not unwilling to foster private enter- 
prise, and on the 27th of March, 1614, an edict was passed, granting the 
privileges of trade, in any of its possessions in the New World, during four 
voyages, founding its right to the territory drained by the Delaware and 
Hudson upon the discoveries by Hudson. Five vessels were accordingly 
fitted by a company composed of enterprising merchants of the cities of Am- 
sterdam and Hoorn, which made speedy and prosperous voyages under com- 
mand of Cornells Jacobson Mey, bringing back with them fine furs and rich 
woods, which so excited cupidity that the States General was induced on the 
14th of October, 1614, to authorize exclusive trade, for four voyages, extend- 
ing through three years, in the newly acquired possessions, the edict designat- 
ing them as New Netherlands. 

One of the party of this first enterprise, Cornells Hendrickson, was left 
behind with a vessel called the Unrest, which had been built to supply the 
place of one accidentally burned, in which he proceeded to explore more fully 
the bay and river Delaware, of which he made report that was read before the 
States General on the 19th of August, 1616. This report is curious as dis- 
closing the opinions of the first actual explorer in an official capacity: "He 
hath discovered for his aforesaid masters and directors certain lands, a bay, 
and three rivers, situate between thirty-eight and forty degrees, and did their 
trade with the inhabitants, said trade consisting of sables, furs, robes and 
other skins. He hath found the said country full of trees, to wit, oaks, hick- 
ory and pines, which trees were, in some places, covered with vines. He hath 



20 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

seen in said country bucks and does, turkeys and partridges. He hath found 
the climate of said country very temperate, judging it to be as temperate as 
this country, Holland. He also traded for and bought from the inhabitants, 
the Minquas, three persons, being people belonging to ihis company, which 
three persons were employed in the service of the Mohawks and Machicans, 
giving fur them kettles, beads, and merchandise." 

This second charter of privileges expired in January, 1618, and during its 
continuance the knowledge acquired of the country and its resources promised 
so much of success that the States General was ready to grant broader privi- 
leges, and on the 3d of June, 1621, the Dutch West India Company was in- 
corporated, to extend for a period of twenty-four years, with the right of 
renewal, the capital stock to be open to subscription by all nations, and 
"privileged to trade and plant colonies in Africa, from the tropic of Cancer 
to the Cape of Good Hope, and in America from the Straits of Magellan to the 
remotest north." The past glories of Holland, though occupying but an in- 
significant patch of Europe, emboldened its Government to pass edicts for the 
colonizing and carrying on an exclusive trade with a full half of the entire 
world, an example of the biting off of more than could be well chewed. But 
the light of this enterprising people was beginning to pale before the rising 
glories of the stern race in their sea girt isle across the channel. Dissensions 
were arising among the able statesmen who had heretofore guided its affairs, 
and before the periods promised in the original charter of this colonizing com- 
pany had expired, its supremacy of the sea was successfully resisted, and its 
exclusive rights and privileges in the New World had to be relinquished. 

The principal object in establishing this West India Company was to 
secure a good dividend upon the capital stock, which was subscribed to by the 
rich old burgomasters. The fine furs and products of the forests, which had 
been taken back to Holland, had proved profitable. But it was seen that if 
this trade was to be permanently secured, in face of the active competition of 
other nations, and these commodities steadily depended upon, permanent set- 
tlements must bo provided for. Accordingly, in 1623, a colony of about forty 
families, embracing a party of Walloons, protestant fugitives from Belgium, 
sailed for the new province, under the leadership of Cornel is Jacobson Mey and 
Joriz Tienpont. Soon after their arrival, Mey, who had been invested with 
the power of Director General of all the territory claimed by the Dutch, see- 
ing, no doubt, the evidences of some permanence on the Hudson, determined 
to take these honest minded and devoted Walloons to the South River, or Del- 
aware, that he might also gain for his country a foothold there. The testi- 
mony of one of the women, Catalina Tricho, who was of the party, is 
curious, and sheds some light upon this point. "That she came to this prov 
ince either in the year 1623 or 1624, and that four women came along wUh 
her in the same ship, in which Gov. Arien Jorissen came also over, which four 
women were married at sea, and that they and their husbands stayed about 
three weeks at this place (Manhattan) and then they with eight seamen more, 
went in a vessel by orders of the Dutch Governor to Delaware River, and 
there settled." Ascending the Delaware some fifty miles, Mey landed 
on the eastern shore near where now is the town of Gloucester, and built a 
fort which he called Nassau. Having duly installed his little colony, he re- 
turned to Manhattan; but beyond the building of the fort, which served as a 
trading post, this attempt to plant a colony was futile; for these religious 
zealots, tiring of the solitude in which they were left, after a few months 
abandoned it, and returned to their associates whom they had left upon the 
Hudson. Though not successful in establishing a permanent colony upon the 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 21 

Delaware, ships plied regularly between the fort and Manhattan, aud this 
became the rallying point for the Indians, who brought thither their commodi- 
ties for trade. At about this time, 1626, the island of Manhattan estimated 
to contain 22,000 acres, on which now stands the city of New York with its 
busy population, surrounded by its forests of masts, was bought for the insig- 
nificant sum of sixty guilders, about $24, what would now pay for scai-cely a 
square inch of some of that very soil. As au evidence of the thrift which had 
begun to mark the progress of the colony, it may be stated that the good ship 
" The Arms of Amsterdam," which bore the intelligence of this fortunate pur- 
chase to the assembly of the XIX in Holland, bore also in the language of 
O'Calaghan, the historian of New Netherland, the " information that the col- 
ony was in a most prosperous state, and that the women and the soil were 
both fruitful. To prove the latter fact, samples of the recent harvest, consist- 
ing of wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, canary seed, were sent forward, 
together with 8,130 beaver skins, valued at over 45,000 guilders, or nearly 
$19,000." It is accorded by another his! orian that this same ship bore also 
" 853^ otter skins, eighty-one mink skins, thirty-six wild cat skins and thirty-four 
rat skins, with a quantity of oak and hickory timber." From this it may be 
seen what the commodities were which formed the subjects of trade. Doubt- 
less of wharf rats Holland had enough at home, but the oak and hickory tim- 
ber came at a time when there was sore need of it. 

Finding that the charter of privileges, enacted in 1621, did not give suffi- 
cient encouragement and promise of security to actual settlers, further con- 
cessions were made in 1629, whereby " all such persons as shall appear and 
desire the same from the company, shall be acknowledged as Patroons [a sort 
of feudal lord] of New Netherland, who shall, within the space of four years 
next after they have given notice to any of the chambers of the company here, 
or to the Commander or Council there, undertake to plant a colony there of 
fifty souls, upward of fifteen years old; one- fourth part within one year, and 
within three years after sending the first, making together four years, the re- 
mainder, to the full number of fifty persons, to be shipped from hence, on pain, 
in case of willful neglect, of being deprived of the privileges obtained." * * 
" The Patroons, by virtue of their power, shall be permitted, at such places as they 
shall settle their colonies, to extend their limits four miles along the shore, or 
two miles on each side of a river, and so far into the country as the situation 
of the occupiers will permit." 

Stimulated by these flattering promises, Goodyn and Bloemmaert, two 
wealthy and influential citizens, through their agents — Heyser and Coster — 
secured by purchase from the Indians a tract of land on the western shore, 
at the mouth of the Delaware, sixteen miles in length along the bay front, and 
extending sixteen miles back into the country, giving a square of 256 miles. 
Goodyn immediately gave notice to the company of their intention to plant a 
colony on their newly acquired territory as patroons. They were joined by an 
experienced navigator, De Vries, and on the 12th of December, 1630, a vessel, 
the Walrus, under command of De Vries,- was dispatched with a company of 
settlers and a stock of cattle and farm implements, which arrived safely in 
the Delaware. De Vries landed about three leagues within the capes, "near 
the entrance of a fine navigable stream, called the Hoarkill," where he pro- 
ceeded to build a house, well surrounded with cedar palisades, which served 
the purpose of fort, lodging house, and trading post. The little settlement, 
which consisted of about thirty persons, was christened by the high sounding 
title of Zwanendal — Valley of Swans. In the spring they prepared their fields 
and planted them, and De Vries returned to Holland, to make report of his 
proceedings. 



22 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 

But a sad fate awaited the little colony atZwanendal. In accordance with 
the custiim of European nations, the commandant, on taking possession of the 
new purchase, erected a post, and affixed thereto a piece of tin on which was 
traced the arms of Holland and a legend of occupancy. An Indian chieftain, 
passing that way, attracted by the shining metal, and not understanding the 
object of the inscription, and not having the fear of their high mightinesses, 
the States General of Holland before his eyes, tore it down and proceeded to 
make for himself a tobacco pipe, considering it valuable both by way of orna- 
ment and use. When this act of trespass was discovered, it was regarded by 
the doughty Dutchman as a direct insult to the great State of Holland, and 
so great an ado was raised over it that the simple minded natives became 
frightened, believing that their chief had committed a mortal offense, and in 
the strength and sincerity of their friendship immediately proceeded to dis- 
patch the offending chieftain, and brought the bloody emblems of their deed to 
the head of the colony. This act excited the anger of the relatives of the mur- 
dered man, and in accordance with Indian law, they awaited the chance to 
take revenge. O'Calaghan gives the following account of this bloody massa- 
cre which ensued: ''The colony at Zwanendal consisted at this time of thirty- 
four persons. Of these, thirty- two were one day at work in the fields, while 
Commissary Hosset remained in charge of the house, where another of the set- 
tlers lay sick abed. A large bull dog was chained out of doors. On pretence 
of selling some furs, three savages entered the house and murdered Hosset 
and the sick man. They found it not so easy to dispatch the mastiff. It was 
not until they had pierced him with at least twenty-five arrows that he was 
destroyed. The men in the fields were then set on, in an equally treacherous 
manner, under the guise of friendship, and eveiy man of them slain." Thus 
was a worthless bit of tin the cause of the cutting off and utter extermination 
of the infant colony. 

De Vries was upon the point of returning to Zwanendal when he received 
intimation of disaster to the settlers. With a large vessel and a yacht, he set 
sail on the 24th of May, 1632, to carry succor, provided with the means of 
prosecuting the whale fishery which he had been led to believe might be made 
very profitable, and of pushing the production of grain and tobacco. On ar- 
riving in the Delaware, he fired a signal gun to give notice of his approach. 
The report echoed through the forest, but, alas! the ears which would h;ive 
been gladened with the sound were heavy, and no answering salute came from 
the shore. On landing, he found his house destroyed, the palisades burned, 
and the skulls and bones of his murdered countrymen bestrewing the earth, 
sad relics of the little settleinent, which had promised so fairly, and warning 
tokens of the barbarism of the natives. 

De Yries knew that he was in no position to attempt to punish the guilty 
parties, and hence determined to piu'sue an entirely pacific policy. At his 
invitation, the Indians gathered in with their chief for a conference. Sitting 
down in a circle beneath the shadows of the somber forest, their Sachem in 
the centre, De Vries, without alluding to their previous acts of savagery, 
concluded with them a treaty of peace and friendship, and presented them in 
token of I'atification, "some duffels, bullets, axes and Nuremburg trinkets." 

In place of finding his colony with plenty of provisions for the immediate 
needs of his party, he could get nothing, and began to be in want. He accord- 
ingly sailed up the river in quest of food. The natives were ready with 
their furs for barter, but they had no supplies of food with which they wished 
to part. Game, however, was plenty, and wild turkeys were brought in weigh- 
ing over thirty pounds. One morning after a frosty night, while the little 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 23 

craft was up the stream, the party was astonished to find the waters frozen 
over, and their ship fast in the ice. Judging by the mild climate of their own 
country, Holland, they did not suppose this possible. For several weeks thev 
were held fast without the power to move their floating home. Being in need 
of a better variety of food than he found it possible to obtain, De Vries sailed 
away with a part of his followers to Virginia, where he was hospitably enter- 
tained by the Governor, who sent a present of goats as a token of friendship to 
the Dutch Governor at Manhattan. Upon his return to the Delaware, De 
Vries found that the party he had left behind to prosecute the whale fishery 
had only taken a few small ones, and these so poor that the amount of oil ob- 
tained was insignificant. He had been induced to embark in the enterprise of 
a settlement here by the glittering prospect of prosecuting the whale fishery 
along the shore at a great profit. Judging by this experience that the hope 
of great gains from this source was groundless, and doubtless haunted by a 
superstitious dread of making their homes amid the relics of the settlers of the 
previous year, and of plowing fields enriched by their blood who had been 
so utterly cut off, and a horror of dwelling amongst a people bo revengeful and 
savage, De Vries gathered all together, and taking his entire party with him 
sailed away to Manhattan and thence home to Holland, abandoning utterly the 
settlement. 

The Dutch still however sought to maintain a foothold upon the Dela- 
ware, and a fierce contention having sprung up between the powerful patroons 
and the Director General, and they having agreed to settle differences by 
the company authorizing the purchase of the claims of the patroons, those upon 
the Delaware were sold for 1 5, 600 guilders. Fort Nassau was accordingly re -oc- 
cupied and manned with a small military force, and when a party from Con- 
necticut Colony came, under one Holmes to make a settlement upon the Dela- 
ware, the Dutch at Nassau were found too strong to be subdued, and Holmes 
and his party were compelled to surrender, and were sent as prisoners of war 
to Manhattan. 



CHAPTER II. 

Sm William E[eipt, 1638-47— Peter Minuit, 1638-41— Peter Hollandaer, 1641-43— 
John Printz, 1648-53— Peter Stuyvesant, 1647-64 — John Pappagoya, 1653-54 — 
John Claude Rysingh, 1654-55. 

AT this period, the throne of Sweden was occupied by Gustavus Adolphus, 
a monarch of the most enlightened views and heroic valor. Seeing the 
activity of surrounding nations in sending out colonies, he proposed to his 
people to found a commonwealth in the New World, not for the mere purpose 
of gain by trade, but to set up a refuge for the oppressed, a place of religious 
liberty and happy homes that should prove of advantage to " all oppressed 
Christendom." Accordingly, a company with ample privileges was incorpo- 
rated by the Swedish Government, to which the King himself pledged $400,000 
of the royal treasm-e, and men of every rank and nationality were invited to 
join in the enterprise. Gustavus desired not that his colony should depend 
upon serfs or slaves to do the rough work. " Slaves cost a great deal, labor 
with reluctance, and soon perish from hard usage. The Swedish nation is 
laborious and intelligent, and surely we shall gain more by a free people with 
wi ves and children. " 



24 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

In the meantime, the fruits of the reformation in Germany were menaced, 
and the Swedish monarch determined to unsheath his sword and lead his 
people to the aid of Protestant faith in the land where its standard had been 
successfully raised. At the battle of Liitzen, where for the cause which he had 
espoused, a signal victory was gained, the illustrious monarch, in the flower 
of life, received a mortal wound. Previous to the battle, and while engaged in 
active preparations for the great struggle, he remeiabered the interests of his 
contemplated colony in America, and in a most earnest manner commended 
the enterprise to the people of Germany. 

Oxenstiern, the minister of Gustavus, upon whom the weight of govern- 
ment devolved during the minority of the young daughter, Chi'istina, declared 
that he was but the executor of the will of the fallen King, and exerted him- 
self to further the interests of a colony which he believed would be favorable to 
"all Christendom, to Europe, to the whole world." Four years however 
elapsed before the project was brought to a successful issue. Peter Minuit, 
who had for a time been Governor of New Netherlands, having been displaced, 
sought employment in the Swedish company, and was given the command of 
the first colony. Two vessels, the Key of Oalmar and the Griffin, early in the 
year 1638, with a company of Swedes and Fins, made their way across the 
stormy Atlantic and arrived safely in the Delawax'e. They purchased of the 
Indians the lands from the ocean to the falls of Trenton, and at the mouth of 
Christina Creek erected a fort which they called Christina, after the name of 
the youthful Queen of Sweden. The soil was fruitful, the climate mild, and 
the scenery picturesque. Compared with many parts of Finland and Sweden, 
it was a Paradise, a name which had been given the point at the entrance of 
the bay. As tidings of the satisfaction of the first emigrants were borne back 
to the fatherland, the desire to seek a home in the new country spread rap- 
idly, and the ships sailing were unable to take the many families seeking pas- 
sage. 

The Dutch were in actual possession of Fort Nassau when the Swedes 
first arrived, and though they continued to hold it and to seek the trade of the 
Indians, yet the artful Minuit was more than a match for them in Indian bar- 
ter. William Keift, the Governor of New Netherland, entered a vigorous 
protest against the encroachments of the Swedes upon Dutch territory, in 
which he said " this has been om- property for many years, occupied with 
forts and sealed by our blood, which also was done when thou wast in the 
service of New Netherland, and is therefore well known to thee. " But Minuit 
pushed forward the work upon his fort, regardless of protest, trusting to the 
respect which the flag of Sweden had inspired in the hands of Banner and 
Torstensen. For more than a year no tidings were had from Sweden, and no 
supplies from any source were obtained; and while the fruits of their labors 
were abundant there were many articles of diet, medicines and apparel, the 
lack of which they began to sorely feel. So pressing had the want become, 
that application had been made to the authorities at Manhattan for permission 
to remove thither with all their effects. But on the very day before that on 
which they were to embark, a ship from Sweden richly laden with provisions, 
cattle, seeds and merchandise for barter with the natives came joyfully to their 
relief, and this, the first permanent settlement on soil where now are the States 
of Delaware and Pennsylvania, was spared. The success and prosperity of the 
colony during the first few years of its existence was largely due to the skill 
and policy of Minuit, who preserved the friendship of the natives, avoided an 
open conflict with the Dutch, and so prosecuted trade that the Dutch Governor 
reported to his government that trade had fallen off 30,000 beavers. Minuit 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 25 

was at the head of the colony for about three years, and died in the midst 
of the people whom he had led 

Minuit was succeeded in the government by Peter Hollandaer, who had 
previously gone in charge of a company of emigrants, and who was now, in 
1641, commissioned. The goodly lands upon the Delaware were a constant 
attraction to the eye of the adventurer; a party from Connecticut, under the lead- 
ership of Robert Cogswell, came, and squatted without authority upon the site 
of the present town of Salem, N. J. Another company had proceeded up the 
river, and, entering the Schuylkill, had planted themselves upon its banks. 
The settlement of the Swedes, backed as it was by one of the most powerful 
nations of Europe, the Governor of New Netherland was not disposed to 
molest; but when these irresponsible wandering adventurers came sailing past 
their forts and boldly planted themselves upon the most eligible sites and fer- 
tile lantls in their territory, the Dutch determined to assume a hostile front, 
and to drive them away. Accordingly, Gen. Jan Jansen Van Ilpendam — his 
very name was enough to frighten away the emigrants — was sent with two 
vessels and a military force, who routed the party upon the Schuylkill, destroy- 
ing their fort and giving them a taste of the punishment that was likely to be 
meted out to them, if this experiment of trespass was repeated. The Swedes <q 

joined the Dutch in breaking up the settlement at Salem and driving away the 
New England intruders. 

In 1642, Hollandaer was succeeded in the government of the Swedish 
Colony by John Printz, whose instructions for the management of affairs were , 

drawn with much care by the officers of the company in Stockholm. " He was, 
first of all, to maintain friendly relations with the Indians, and by the advan- 
tage of low prices hold their <.rade. His next care was to cultivate enough 
grain for the wants of the colonists, and when this was insured, turn his atten- 
tion io the culture of tobacco, the raising of cattle and sheep of a good species, 
the culture of the gi'ape, and the raising of silk worms. The manufacture of 
salt by evaporation, and the search for metals and minerals were to be prose- 
cuted, and inquiry into the establishment of fisheries, with a view to profit, 
especially the whale tishei-y, was to be made." It will be seen from these in- 
structions that the far-sighted Swedish statesmen had formed an exalted con- 
ception of the resources of the new country, and had figiu-ed to themselves 
great possibilities from its futm-e development. Visions of rich silk products, 
of the precious metals and gems from its mines, flocks upon a thousand hills 
that should rival in the softness of their downy fleeces the best products of the 
Indian looms, and the luscious clusters of the vine that could make glad the 
palate of the epicure filled their imaginations. 

With two vessels, the Stoork and Kenown, Printz set sail, and arrived at 
Fort Christina on the 1 5th of February, 1643. He was bred to the profession 
of arms, and was doubtless selected with an eye to his ability to holding posses- 
sion of the land against the conflict that was likoly to arise. He had been a 
Lieutenant of cavalry, and was withal a man of prodigious proportions, " who 
weighed," according to De Vries, " upward of 400 pounds, and drank three 
drinks at every meal." He entertained exalted notions of his dignity as Govern- 
or of the colony, and prepared to establish himself in his new dominions with 
some degree of magnificence. He brought with him from Sweden the bricks 
to be used for the construction of his royal dwelling. Upon an inspection of 
the settlement, he detected the inherent weakness of the location of Fort 
Christina for commanding the navigation of the river, and selected the island 
of Tiuacum for the site of a new fort, called New Gottenburg, which was 
speedily erected and made strong with huge hemlock logs. In the midst of 



26 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

the island, he built his royal residence, which was surrounded with trees and 
shubbery. He erected another fort near the mouth of Salem Creek, 
called Elsinborg, which he mounted with eight brass twelve-pounders, 
and garrisoned. Here all ships ascending the river were brought to, 
and requii-ed to await a permit from the Governor before proceeding 
to their destination. Gen. Van Ilpendam, who had been sent to drive 
away the intruders from New England, had remained after executing 
his commission as commandant at Fort Nassau; but having incurred the dis- 
pleasure of Director Keift, he had been displaced, and was succeeded by An- 
dreas Hudde, a crafty and politic agent of the Dutch Governor, who had no 
sooner arrived and become settled in his place than a conflict of authority 
sprang up between himself and the Swedish Governor. Dutch settlers secured 
a grant of land on the west bank of Delaware, and obtained possession by pur- 
chase from the Indians. This procedure kindled the wrath of Printz, who 
tore down the ensign oi the company which had been erected in token of 
the power of Holland, and declared that he would have pulled down the 
colors of their High Mightinesses had they been erected on this the Swed- 
ish soil. That there might be no mistake about his claim to authority, the 
testy Governor issued a manifesto to his rival on the opposite bank, in which 
were these explicit declarations: 

" Andreas Hvidde! I remind you again, by this written warning, to discon- 
tinue the injuries of which you have been guilty against the Royal Majesty 
of Sweden, my most gracious Queen; against Her Royal Majesty's rights, pre- 
tensions, soil and land, without showing the least respect to the Royal Majes- 
ty's magnificence, reputation and dignity; and to do so no more, considering 
how little it would be becoming Her Royal Majesty to bear such gross violence, 
and what great disasters might originate from it, yea, might be expected. * 
* * All this I can freely bring forward in my own defense, to exculpate me 
from all future calamities, of which we give you a warning, and place it at 
your account. Dated New Gothenburg, 3d September, stil, veteri 1646." 

It will be noted from the repetition of the high sounding epithets applied 
to the Queen, that Printz had a very exalted idea of his own position as the 
Vicegerent of the Swedish monarch. Hudde responded, saying in reply: "The 
place we possess we hold in just deed, perhaps before the name of South River 
was heard of in Sweden." This paper, upon its presentation, Printz flung to 
the ground in contempt, and when the messenger, who bore it, demanded an 
answer, Printz unceremoniously threw him out doors, and seizing a gun would 
have dispatched the Dutchman had he not been arrested; and whenever any of 
Huddo's men visited Tinicum they were sure to be abused, and frequently came 
back " bloody and bruised." Hudde urged rights acquired by prior posses- 
sion, but Printz answered: " The devil was the oldest possessor in hell, yet he, 
notwithstanding, would sometimes admit a younger one." A vessel which had 
come to the Delaware from Manhattan with goods to barter to the Indians, was 
brought to, and ordered away. In vain did Hudde plead the rights acquired 
by previous possession, and finally treaty obligations existing between the 
two nations. Printz was inexorable, and peremptorily ordered the skipper 
away, and as his ship was not provided with the means of fighting its way up 
past the frowning battlements oE Fort Elsinborg, his only alternative was to 
return to Manhattan and report the result to his employers. 

Peter Stuyvesant, a man of a good share of native talent and force of ohar- 
acter, succeeded to the chief authority over New Netherland in May, 1647. 
The affairs of his colony were not in an encouraging condition. The New 
England colonies were crowding upon him from the north and east, and the 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 27 

Swedes upon the South River were occupying the territory which the Dutch 
for many years previous to the coming of Christina's colony had claimed. 
Amid the thickening complications, Stuyvesant had need of all his power of 
argument and executive skill. He entered into negotiations with the New En- 
gland colonies for a peaceful settlement of their difficulties, getting the very 
best terms he could, without resorting to force; for, said his superiors, the 
officers of the company in Holland, who had an eye to dividends, " War can- 
not be for our advantage; the New England people are too powerful for us." 
A pacific policy was also preserved toward the Swedes. Hudde was retained 
at the head of Dutch affairs upon the Delaware, and he was required to make 
full reports of everything that was transpiring there in order that a clear in- 
sight might be gained of the policy likely to be pursued. Stuyvesant was en- 
, tirely too shrewd a politician for the choleric Printz. He recommended to the 
company to plant a Dutch colony on the site of Zwanendal at the mouth of 
the river, another on the opposite bank, which, if effectually done, would com- 
mand its navigation; and a third on tho upper waters at Beversreede, which 
would intercept the intercourse of the native population. By this course of 
active colonizing, Stuyvesant rightly calculated that the Swedish power would 
be circumscribed, and finally, upon a favorable occasion, be crushed out. 

Stuyvesant, that he might ascertain the nature and extent of the Swedish 
claims to tho country, and examine into the complaints that were pouring in 
upon him of wrongs and indignities suffered by the Dutch at the hands of" the 
Swedish power, in 1651 determined to visit the Delaware in his official capac- 
ity. He evidently went in some state, and Printz, who was doubtless impressed 
with the condecension of the Governor of all New Netherland in thus coming, 
was put upon his good behavior. Stuyvesant, by his address, got completely 
on the blind side of the Swedish chief, maintaining the garb of friendship 
and brotherly good- will, and iu'sisting that the discussion of rights should be 
carried on in a peaceful and friendly manner, for we are informed that they 
mutually promised " not to commit any hostile or vexatious acts against one 
another, but to maintain together all neighborly friendship and correspond- 
ence, as good friends and allies aro bound to do. ' ' Printz was thus, by this 
agreement, entirely disarmed and placed at a disadvantage; for the Dutch 
Governor took advantage of the armistice to acquire lands below Fort Chris- 
tina, where he proceeded to erect a fort only five miles away, which he named 
Fort Casimir. This gave the Dutch a foothold upon the south bank, and in 
nearer proximity to the ocean than Fort Christina. Fort Nassau was dis- 
mantled and destroyed, as being no longer of use. In a conference with the 
Swedish Governor, Stuyvesant demanded to see documental proof of his right 
to exercise authority upon he Delaware, and the compass of the lands to 
which the Swedish Government laid claim. Printz prepared a statement in 
which he set out the "Swedish limits wide enough." But Stuyvesant de- 
manded the documents, under the seal of the company, and characterized this 
writing as a "subterfuge," maintaining by documentary evidence, on his part, 
the Dutch West India Company's right to the soil. 

Printz was great as a blusterer, and preserver of authority when personal 
abusa and kicks and cuffs could be resorted to with(jut the fear of retaliation; 
but no match in statecraft for the wily Stuyvesant. To the plea of pre-occu- 
pancy he had nothing to answer more than he had already done to Hudde s 
messenger respecting the government of Hades, and herein was the cause of 
the Swedes inherently weak. In numbers, too, the Swedes were feeble com- 
pared with the Dutch, who had ten times the population. But in diplomacv 
he had been entirely overreached. Fort Casimir, by its location, rendered 



28 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 

the rival Fort Elsinborg powerless, and under plea that the mosquitoes had bo- 
come troublesome there, it was abandoned. Discovering, doubtless, that a cloud 
of complications was thickening over him, which he would be unable with the 
forces at his command to successfully withstand, he asked to be relieved, and, 
without awaiting an answer to his application, departed for Sweden, leaving 
his son-in-law, John Pappegoya, who had previously received marks of the 
royal favor, and been' invested with the dignity of Lieutenant Governor, in 
supreme authority. 

The Swedish company had by this time, no doubt, discovered that forcible 
opposition to Swedish occupancy of the soil upon Delaware was destined soon 
to come, and accordingly, as a precautionary measure, in Novembef, 1653, the 
College of Commerce sent John Amundson Besch, with the commission of 
Captain in the Navy, to superintend the construction of vessels. Upon his 
arrival, he acquired lands suitable for the purpose of ship-building, and set 
about laying his keels. He was to have supreme authority over the naval force, 
and was to act in conjunction with the Grovernor in protecting the interests of 
the colony, but in such a manner that neither should decide anything without 
consulting the other. 

On receiving the application of Printz to be relieved, the company ap- 
pointed John Claude Rysingh, then Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, 
as Vice Director of New Sweden. He was instructed to fortify and extend 
the Swedish possessions, but without interrupting the friendship existing 
with the English or Dutch. He was to use his power of persuasion in induc- 
ing the latter to give up Fort Casimir, which was regarded as an intrusion 
upon Swedish possessions, but without resorting to hostilities, as it was better 
to allow the Dutch to occupy it than to have it fall into the hands of the En- 
glish, "who are the more powerful, and, of course, the most dangerous in that 
country." Thus early was the prowess of England foreshadowed. Gov. 
Rysingh arrived in the Delaware, on the last day of May, 1654, and immediately 
demanded the surrender of Fort Casimir. Adriaen Van Tienhoven, an aide- 
de-camp on the staff of the Dutch commandant of the fort, was sent on board 
the vessel to demand of Gov. Rysingh by what right he claimed to dis- 
possess the rightful occupants; but the Governor was not disposed to discuss 
the matter, and immediately landed a party and took possession without more 
opposition than wordy protests, the Dutch Governor saying, when called onto 
make defense, "What can I do? there is no powder." Rysingh, however, in 
justification of his course, stated to Teinhoven, after he had gained possession 
of the fort, that he was acting under orders from the crown of Sweden, whose 
embassador at the Dutch Court, when remonstrating against the action of Gov. 
Stuyvesant in erecting and manning Fort Casimir had been assured, by 
the State's General and the offices of the West India Company, that they had 
not authorized the erection of this fort on Swedish soil, saying, " if our people 
are in your Excellency's way, drive them off." "Thereupon the Swedish 
Governor slapped Van Toinhoven on the breast, and said, ' Go! tell your Gov- 
ernor that.'" As the capture was made on Trinity Sunday, the name was 
changed from Fort Casimir to Fort Trinity. 

Thus were the instructions of the new Governor, not to resort to force, but 
to secui'e possession of the fort by negotiation, complied with, but by a forced 
interpretation. For, although he had not actually come to battle, for the very 
Sfood reason that the Dutch had no powder, and were not disposed to use 
their fists against fire arms, which the Swedes brandished freely, yet, in mak- 
ing his demand for the fort, he had put on the stern aspect of war. 

Stuyvesant, on learning of the loss of Fort Casimir, sent a messenger to the 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. . 29 

Delaware to invite Gov. Rysingh to come to Mant attan to bold friendly confer- 
ence upon the subject of their difficulties. This Rysingh refused to do, and the 
Dutch Governor, probably desiring instructions from the home Governmeiit be- 
fore proceeding to extremities, made a voyage to the West Indies f or the piirpose 
of arranging favorable regulations of trade with the colonies, though without 
the instructions, or even the knowledge of the States General. Cromwell, 
who was now at the head of the English nation, by the policy of his agents, 
rendered this embassy of Stuyvesant abortive. 

As soon as information of the conduct of Rysingh at Zwanendal was 
known in Holland, the company lost no time in disclaiming the representa- 
tions which he had made of its willingness to have the fort turned over to the 
Swedes, and immediately took measures for restoring it and wholly dispossess- 
ing the Swedes of lands iipon the Delaware. On the 16th of November, 1655, 
the company ordered Stuyvesant " to exert every nerve to avenge the insult, 
by not only replacing matters on the Delaware in their former position, but 
by driving the Swedes from every side of the river," though they subsequent- 
ly modified this order in such manner as to allow the Swedes, after Fort Casi- 
mir had been taken, "to hold the land on which Fort Christina is built," with 
a garden to cultivate tobacco, because it appears that they had made the pur- 
chase with the previous knowledge of the company, thus manifesting a disin- 
clination to involve Holland in a war with Sweden. "Two armed ships were 
forthwith commissioned; 'the drum was beaten daily for volunteers ' in the 
streets of Amsterdam; authority was sent out to arm and equip, and if neces- 
sary to press into the company's service a sufficient number of ships for the 
expedition." In the meantime, Gov. Rysingh, who had inaugurated his 
reign by so bold a stroke of policy, determined to ingratiate himself into the 
favor of the Indians, who had been soured in disposition by the arbi- 
trary conduct of the passionate Printz. He accordingly sent out on all sides 
an invitation to the native tribes to assemble on a certain day, by their chiefs 
and principal men, at the seat of government on Tinicum Island, to brighten 
the chain of friendship and renew their pledges of faith and good neighbor- 
hood. 

On the morning of the appointed day, ten grand sachems with their at- 
tendants came, and with the formality characteristic of these native tribes, the 
council opened. Many and bitter were the complaints made against the Swedes 
for wrongs suffered at their hands, " chief among which was that many of 
their number had died, plainly pointing, though not explicitly saying it, to the 
giving of spirituous liquors as the cause." The new Governor had no answer 
to make to these complaints, being convinced, probably, that they were but too 
true. Without attempting to excuse or extenuate the past, Rysingh brought 
forward the numerous presents which he had taken with him from Sweden for 
the purpose. The sight of the piled up goods produced a prof ound impression 
upon the minds of the native chieftains. They sat apart for conference before 
making any expression of their feelings. Naaman, the fast friend of the white 
man, and the most conseqiiential of the warriors, according to Campanius, 
spoke: " Look," said he, "and see what they have brought to us." So say- 
ing, he stroked himself three times down the arm, which, among the Indians, 
was a token of friendship; afterward he thanked the Swedes on behalf of his 
people for the presents they had received, and said that friendship should be 
observed more strictly between them than ever before; that the Swedes and 
the Indians in Gov. Printz's time were as one body and one heart, striking his 
breast as he spoke, and that thenceforward they should be as one head; in 
token of which he took hold of his head with both hands, and made a motion 



30 • HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

as if he were tying a knot, and then he made this comparison: " That, as tiie 
calabash was round, without any crack, so they should be a compact body with- 
out any fissure; and that if any should attempt to do any harm to the Indians, 
the Swedes should immediately inform them of it; and, on the other hand, the 
Indians would give immediate notice to the Christians, even if it were in the 
middle of the night." On this they were answered that that would be indeed 
a true and lasting friendship, if every one would agree to it; on which they 
gave a general shout in token of consent. Immediately on this the great guns 
were fired, which pleased them extremely, and they said, '''Poo, hoo, hoo; 
mokeinck picon,^' that is to say "Hear and believe^ the great guns are fired." 
Rysingh then produced all the treaties which had ever been concluded between 
them and the Swedes, which were again solemnly confirmed. ' " "When those 
who had signed the deeds heard their names, they appeared to rejoice, but, 
when the names were read of those who were dead, they hung their heads in 
sorrow." 

After the first ebulition of feeling had subsided on the part of the Dutch 
Company at Amsterdam, the winter passed without anything further being 
done than issuing the order to Stuyvesant to proceed against the Swedes. In 
the spring, however, a thirty- six-gun brig was obtained from the burgomasters 
of Amsterdam, which, with four other crafts of varying sizes, was prepared for 
duty, and the little fleet set sail for New Netherland. Orders were given for 
immediate action, though Director General Stuyvesant had not returned from 
the West Indies. Upon the arrival of the vessels at Manhattan, it was an- 
nounced that " if any lovers of the prosperity and security of the province of 
New Netherland were inclined to volunteer, or to serve for reasonable wages, 
they should come forward," and whoever should lose a limb, or be maimed, was 
assured of a decent compensation. The merchantmen were ordered to furnish 
two of their crews, and the river boatmen were to be impressed. At this junct- 
ure a grave question arose: "Shall the Jews be enlisted?" It was decided 
in the negative; but in lieu of service, adult male Jews were taxed sixty-five 
stivers a head per month, to be levied by execution in case of refusal. 

Stuyvesant had now arrived from his commercial trip, and made ready for 
opening the campaign in earnest. A day of prayer and thanksgiving was held 
to beseech the favor of Heaven upon the enterprise, and on the 5th of Septem- 
ber, 1655, with a fleet of seven vessels and some 600 men, Stuyvesant hoisted 
sail and steered for the Delaware. Arrived before Fort Trinity (Casimir), the 
Director sent Capt. Smith and a drummer to summon the fort, and ordered a 
flank movement by a party of fifty picked men to cut ofl" communication with 
Fort Christina and the headquarters of Gov. Rysingh. Swen Schute, the com- 
mandant of the garrison, asked permission to communicate with Rysingh, 
which was denied, and he was called on to prevent bloodshed. An interview 
in the valley midway between the fort and the Dutch batteries was held, when 
Schute asked to send an open letter to Rysingh. This was denied, and for a 
third time the fort was summoned. Impatient of delay, and in no temper for 
parley, the great guns were landed and the Dutch force ordered to advance. 
Schute again asked for a delay until morning, which was granted, as the day 
was now well spent and the Dutch would be unable to make the necessary 
preparations to open before morning. Early on the following day, Schute went 
on board the Dutch flag- ship, the jJalance, and agreed to terms of surrender 
very honorable to his flag. He was permitted to send to Sweden, by the first 
opportunity, the cannon, nine in number, belonging to the crown of Sweden, 
to march out of the fort with twelve men, as his body guard, fully accoutered, 
and colors flying; the common soldiers to wear their side arms. The com- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 31 

mandant and other officers were to retain their private property, the muskets 
belonging to the crown were to be held until sent for, and finally the fort was 
to be surrendered, with all the cannon, ammunition, materials and other goods 
belonging to the West India Company. The Dutch entered the fort at noon 
with all the formality and glorious circumstance of war, and Dominie Megap- 
olensis, Chaplain of the expedition, preached a sermon of thanksgiving on the 
following Sunday in honor of the great triumph. 

"While these signal events were transpiring at Casimir, Gov. Rysing, at his 
royal residence on Tinicum, was in uttor ignorance that he was being despoiled 
of his power. A detachment of nine men had been sent by the Governor to 
Casimir to re-enforce the garrison, which came unawares upon the Dutch lines, 
and after a brief skirmish all but two were captured. Upon learning that the 
fort was invested, Factor Ellswyck was sent with a flag to inquire of the in- 
vaders the purpose of their coming. The answer was returned ' ' To recover 
and retain our property." Rysingh then communicated the hope that they 
would therewith rest content, and not encroach further upon Swedish territory, 
having, doubtless, ascex-tained by this time that the Dutch were too strong for 
him to make any effectual resistance. Stuyvesant returned an evasive answer, 
but made ready to march upon Fort Christina. It will be remembered that 
by the terms of the modified orders given for the reduction of the Swedes, 
Fort Christina was not to be disturbed. But the Dutch Governor's blood was 
now up, and he determined to make clean work while the means were in his 
hands. Discovering that the Dutch were advancing, Rysingh spent the whole 
night in strengthening the defenses and putting the garrison in position to 
make a stout resistance. Early on the following day the invaders made their 
appearance on the opposite bank of Christina Creek, where they threw up de- 
fenses and planted their cannon. Forces were landed above the fort, and the 
place was soon invested on all sides, the vessels, in the meantime, having been 
brought into the mouth of the creek, their cannon planted west of the fort and 
on Timber Island. Having thus securely shut up the Governor and his garri- 
son, Stuyvesant summmoned him to surrender. Rysingh could not in honor 
tamely submit, and at a council of war it was resolved to make a defense and 
" leave the consequence to be redressed by our gracious superiors." But their 
supply of powder barely siifficed for one round, and his force consisted of only 
thirty men. In the meantime, the Dutch soldiery made free with the property 
of the Swedes without the fort, killing their cattle and invading their homes. 
"At length the Swedish garrison itself showed symptoms of mutiny. The 
men were harassed with constant watching, provisions began to fail, many 
were sick, several had deserted, and Stuyvesant threatened, that, if they held 
out much longer, to give no quarter." A conference was held which ended 
by the return of Rysingh to the fort more resolute than ever for defense. 
Finally Stuyvesant sent in his ultimatum and gave twenty-four hours for a 
final answer, the generous extent of time for consideration evincing the humane 
disposition of the commander of the invading army, or what is perhaps more 
probable his own lack of stomach for carnage. Before the expiration of the 
time allowed, the garrison capitulated, " after a siege of fourteen days, dur- 
ing which, very fortunately, there was a great deal more talking than cannon- 
ading, and no blood shed, except those of the goats, poultry and swine, which 
the Dutch troops laid their hands on. The twenty or thirty Swedes then 
marched out with their arms; colors flying, matches lighted, drums beating, 
and fifes playing, and the Dutch took possession of the fort, hauled down the 
Swedish flag and hoisted their own." 

By the terms of capitulation, the Swedes, who wished to remain in the 



32 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

country, were permitted to do so, on taking the oath of allegiance, and riglita 
of property were to be respected under the sway of Dutch law. Gov. Ry- 
singh, and all others who desired to return to Europe, were furnished passage, 
and by a secret provision, a loan of £300 Flemish was made to Rysingh, to be 
refunded on bis arrival in Sweden, the cannon and other property belonging 
to the crown remaining in the hands of the Dutch until the loan was paid. 
Before withdrawing Stuyvesant offered to deliver over Fort Christina and the 
lands immediately about it to Rysingh, but this offer was declined with dig- 
nity, as the matter had now passed for arbitrament to the courts of the two na- 
tions. 

The terms of the capitulation were honorable and liberal enough, but the 
Dutch authorities seem to have exercised little care in carrying out its provis- 
ions, or else the discipline in the service must have been very lax. For Ry- 
singh had no sooner arrived at Manhattan, than he entered most vigorous pro- 
tests against the violations of the provisions of the capitulation to Gov. Stuy- 
vesant. He asserted that tlje property belonging to the Swedish crown had 
been left without guard or protection from pillage, and that he himself had 
not been assigned quarters suited to his dignity. He accused the Dutch 
with having broken open the church, and .taken away all the cordage and sails 
of a new vessel, with having plundered the villages, Tinnakong, Uplandt. Fin- 
land, Printzdorp and other places. " In Christina, the women were violently 
torn from their houses; whole buildings were destroyed; yea, oxen, cows, hogs 
and other creatures were butchered day after day; even the horses were not 
spared, but wantonly shot; the plantations destroyed, and the whole country 
so desolated that scarce any means were left for the subsistence of the inhab- 
itants." "Your men carried off even my own property, " said Rysingh, 
" with that of my family, and we were left like sheep doomed to the knife, 
without means of defense against the wild barbarians."' 

Thus the colony of Swedes and Fins on the South River, which had been 
planned by and had been the object of solicitude to the great monarch himself, 
and had received the fostering care of the Swedish Government, came to an 
end after an existence of a little more than seventeen years — 1638-1655. But 
though it no longer existed an a colony under the government of the crown of 
Sweden, many of the colonists remained and became the most intelligent and 
law-abiding citizens, and constituted a vigorous element in the future growth 
of the State. Some of the best blood of Europe at this period flowed in the 
veins of the Swedes. "A love for Sweden," says Bancroft, "their dear 
mother country, the abiding sentiment of loyalty toward its sovereign, con- 
tinued to distinguish the little band. At Stockholm, they remained for a 
century the objects of disinterested and generous regard; affection united them 
in the New World; and a part of their descendants still preserve their altar 
and their dwellings around the graves of their fathers." 

This campaign of Stuyvesant, for the dispossessing of the Swedes of terri- 
tory upon the Delaware, furnishes Washington Irving subject for some of the 
most inimitable chapters of broad humor, in his Knickerbocker's New York, to 
be found in the English language. And yet, in the midst of his side-splitting 
paragraphs, he indulges in a reflection which is worthy of remembrance. 
"He who reads attentively will discover the threads of gold which run 
throughout the web of history, and are invisible to the dull eye of ignorance. 
* * * By the treacherous surprisal of Fort Casimir, then, did the crafty 
Swedes enjoy a transient triumph, but drew upon their heads the vengeance 
of Peier Stuyvesant, who wrested all New Sweden from their hands. By the 
conquest of New Sweden, Peter Stuyvesant aroused the claims of Lord Balti- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 33 

more, who appealed to the cabinet of Groat Britain, who subdued the whole 
province of New Netherlands. By this great achievement, the whole extent of 
North America, from Nova Scotia to the Floridas, was rendered one entire 
dependency upon the British crown. But mark the consequence: The hith- 
erto scattered colonies being thus consolidated and having no rival colonies to 
check or keep them in awe, waxed great and powerful, and finally becoming 
too strong for the mother country, were enabled to shake off its bonds. But 
the chain of effects stopped not here; the successful revolution in America pro- 
duced the sanguinary revolution in France, which produced the puissant 
Bonaparte, who produced the French despotism." 

In March, 1656, the ship "Mercury," with 130 emigrants, arrived, the 
government at Stockholm having had no intimation of the Dutch conquest. 
An attempt was made to prevent a landing, and the vessel was ordered to 
report to Stuyvesant at Manhattan, but the order was disregarded and the col- 
onists debarked and acquired lands. The Swedish Government was not dis- 
posed to submit to these high-handed proceedings of the Dutch, and the min- 
isters of the two courts maintained a heated discussion of their differences. 
Finding the Dutch disposed to hold by force their conquests, the government 
of Sweden allowed the claim to rest until 1664. In that year, vigorous meas- 
ures were planned to regain its claims upon the Delaware, and a fleet bearing 
a military force was dispatched for the purpose. But, having been obliged to 
put back on account of stress of weather, the enterprise was abandoned. 



CHAPTER III. 



John Paul Jacquet, 1655-57— Jacob Alrichs, 1657-59— Goeran Van Dyck, 1657 
-58— William Beekman, 1658-63— Alexander D'Hinoyossa. 1659-64. 

TT^HE colonies upon the Delaware being now under exclusive control of the 
-L Dutch, John Paul Jaquet was appointed in November, 1655, as Vice 
Director, Derek Smidt having exercised authority after the departure of Stuy- 
vesant. The expense of fitting out the expedition for the reduction of the 
Swedes was sorely felt by the AVest India Company, which had been obliged 
to borrow money for the purpose of V.de city of Amsterdam. In payment of 
this loan, the company sold to the city all the lauds upon the south bank of 
the Delaware, from the ocean to Christina Creek, reaching back to the lands 
of the Minquas, which was designated Nieur Amstel. Again was there di- 
vided authority upon the Delaware. The government of the new possession 
was vested in a commission of forty residents of Amsterdam, who appointed 
Jacob Alrichs as Director, and sent him with a force of forty soldiers and 1 50 
colonists, in three vessels, to assume the government, whereupon Jaquet relin- 
quished authority over this portion of his territory. The company in commu- 
nicating with Stuyvesant upon the subject of his course in dispossessing the 
Swedes, after duly considering all the complaints and remonstrances of the 
Swedish government, approved his conduct, " though they would not have been 
displeased had such a formal capitulation not taken place," adding as a paren- 
thetical explanation of the word formal " what is written is too long preserved, 
and may be produced when not desired, whereas words not recorded are, in the 
lapse of time, forgotten, or may be explained away." 



34 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 

Stuyvesant still remained in supreme control over both the colony of the 
city and the colony of the company, to the immediate governorship of the lat- 
ter of which, Goeran Van Dyck was appointed. But though settlements in 
the management of affairs were frequently made, they would not remain set- 
tled. There was conflict of authority between Alriehs and Van Dyck. The 
companies soon found that a grievous system of smuggling had sprung up. 
After a searching examination into the irregularities by Stuyvesant, who vis- 
ited the Delaware for the purpose, he recommended the appointment of one 
general agent who should have charge of all the revenues of both co'onies, 
and William Beekman was accordingly appointed. The company of the city 
seems not to have been satisfied with the profits of their investment, and ac- 
cordingly made new regulations to govern settlement, by which larger returns 
would accrue. This action created discontent among the settlers, and many 
who were meditating the purchase of lands and the acquisition of homes, de- 
termined to go over into Maryland where Lord Baltimore was offering far more 
liberal terms of settlement. To add to tbe discomforts of the settlers, " the 
miasms which the low alliivial soil and the rank and decomposed vegetation 
of a new country engenders, ' ' produced wasting sicknesses. When the planting 
was completed, and the new soil, for ages undisturbed, had been thoroughly 
stirred, the rains set in which descended almost continuously, producing fever 
and ague and dysentery. Scarcely a family escaped the epidemic. Six in 
the family of Director Alriehs were attacked, and his wife died. New colo- 
nists came without provisions, which only added to the distress. " Scarcity of 
provisions," says O'Calaghan, "naturally followed the failure of the crops; 
900 schepels of grain had been sown in the spring. They produced scarcely 
600 at harvest. Rye rose to three guilders the bushel; peas to eight guilders 
the sack; salt was twelve guilders the bushel at New Amsterdam; cheese and 
butter were not to be had, and when a man journeys he can get nothing but 
dry bread, or he must take a pot or kettle along with him to cook his victuals." 
" The place had now got so bad a name that the whole river could not wash it 
clean." The exactions of the city company upon its colony, not only did not 
bring increased revenue, but by dispersing the honest colonists, served to 
notify Lord Baltimore — who had laid claim to the lands upon Delaware, on 
account of original discovery by Lord De la War, from whom the river takes 
its name, and from subsequent charter of the British crown, covering territory 
from the 38th to the 40th degree of latitude— of the weakness of the colonies, 
and persuade him that now was a favorable opportunity to enforce his claims. 
Accordingly, Col. Ltie, with a number of delegates, was dispatched to demand 
that the Dutch should quit the place, or declare themselves subjects of Lord 
Baltimore, adding, " that if they hesitated, they should be responsible for 
whatever innocent blood might be shed." 

Excited discussions ensued between the Dutch authorities and the agents 
of the Maryland government, and it was finally agreed to refer the matter to 
Gov. Stuyvesant, who immediately sent Commissioners to the Chesapeake to 
settle differences, and enter into treaty regulations for the mutual return of 
fugitives, and dispatched sixty soldiers to the Delaware to assist in preserving 
order, and resisting the English, should an attempt be made to dispossess the 
Dutch. 

Upon the death of Alriehs, which occurred in 1659, Alexander D'Hinoyossa 
was appointed Governor of the city colony. The new Governor was a man of 
good business capacity, and sought to administer the affairs of his colony for 
the best interests of the settlers, and for increasing the revenues of the com- 
pany. To further the general prosperity, the company negotiated a new loan 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 35 

with which to strengthen and improve its resources. This liberal policy had 
the desired effect. The Swedes, who had settled above on the river, moved 
down, and acquired homes on the lands of the city colony. The Fins and dis- 
contented Dutch, who had gone to Maryland, returned and brought with them 
some of the English settlers. 

Discouraged by the harassing conflicts of authority which seemed inter- 
minable, the West India Company transferred all its interests on the east side 
of the river to the colony of the city, and upon the visit of D'Hinoyossa to 
Holland in 1663, he secured for himself the entire and exclusive government 
of the colonies upon the Delaware, being no longer subject to the authority of 
Stuyvesant. 

Encouraged by liberal terms of settlement, and there being now a prospect 
of stable government, emigrants were attracted thither. A Mennonite commu- 
nity came in a body. " Clergymen were not allowed to join them, nor any 
* intractable people such as those in communion with the Roman See, usurious 
Jews, English stiff-necked Quakers, Puritans, foolhardy believers in the mil- 
lennium, and obstinate modern pretenders to revelation.' " They were obliged 
to take an oath never to seek for an office; Magistrates were to receive no com- 
pensation, "not even a stiver," The soil and climate were regarded as excel- 
lent, and when sufficiently peopled, the country would be the " finest on the 
face of the globe." 



CHAPTER lY. 



Richard Nichols, 1664-67— Robert Needham, 1664-68— Francis Lovelace, 
1667-73— John Carr, 1668-73— Anthony Colve, 1673-74— Peter Alrichs, 
1673-74. 

AFFAIRS were scarcely arranged upon the Delaware, and the dawning of 
a better day for the colonists ushered in, before new complications 
began to threaten the subversion of the whole Dutch power in America. The 
English had always claimed the entire Atlantic seaboard. Under Cromwell, 
the Navigation act was aimed at Dutch interests in the New World. Captain 
John Scott, who had been an officer in the army of Charles I, having 
obtained some show of authority from the Governor of Connecticut, had visited 
the towns upon the west end of Long Island, where was a mixed population of 
Dutch and English, and where he claimed to have purchased large tracts of 
land, and had persuaded them to unite under his authority in setting up a 
government of their own. He visited England and " petitioned the King to be 
invested with the government of Long Island, or that the people thereof be 
allowed to choose yearly a Governor and Assistants," By his representation, 
an inquiry was instituted by the King's council, "as to his majesty's title to the 
premises; the intrusions of the Dutch; their deportment; management of the 
country; strength, trade and government; and lastly, of the means necessary 
to induce or force them to acknowledge the King, or if necessary, to expel 
them together from the country. " The visit of Scott, and his prayer to the 
King for a grant of Long Island, was the occasion of inaugurating a policy, 
which resulted in the overthrow of Dutch rule in America, But the attention 
of English statesmen had for some time been turned to the importance of the 
territory which the Dutch colonies had occupied, and a bwlief that Dutcn trade 
in the New World was yielding great returns, stimulated inquiry. James, 



3(5 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 

Duke of York, brother of the King, who afterward himself became King, was 
probably at this time the i:)ower behind the throne that was urging on action 
looking to the dispossession of the Dutch. The motive which seemed to actuate 
him was the acquisition of personal wealth and power. He saw, as he 
thought, a company of merchants in Amsterdam accumulating great wealth out 
of these colonies, and he meditated the transfer of this wealth to himself. He 
was seconded in this project by the powerful influence of Sir George Downing, 
who had been Envoy at The Hague, under Cromwell, and was now under Charles 
II. "Keen, bold, subtle, active, and observant, but imperious and unscrupulous, 
disliking and distrusting the Dutch," he had watched every movement of the 
company's granted privileges by the States General, and had reported every- 
thing to his superiors at home. "The whole bent," says O'Calaghan,'' of this 
man's mind was constantly to hold up before the eyes of his countrymen the 
growing power of Holland and her commercial companies, their immense 
wealth and ambition, and the danf'er to England of permitting these to pro- 
gress onward unchecked.'' 

After giving his testimony before the council, Scott returned to America 
with a letter from the King recommending his interests to the co-operation and 
protection of the New England colonies. On arriving in Connecticut, he was 
commissioned by the Governor of that colony to incorporate Long Island under 
Connecticut jurisdiction. But the Baptists, Quakers and Menuonites, who formed 
a considerable part of the population, " dreaded falling into the hands of the 
Puritans." In a quaint document commencing, ''In the behalf e of sum hun- 
dreds of English here planted on the west end of Long Island wee address," 
etc.," they besought Scott to come and settle their difficulties. On his arrival 
he acquainted them with the fact, till then unknown, that King Charles had 
granted the island to the Duke of York, who would soon assert his rights. 
Whereupon the towns of Hemstede, Newwarke, Crafiford, Hastings, Folestone 
and Graveseud, entered into a ' ' combination " as they termed it, resolved to 
elect deputies to draw up laws, choose magistrates, and empowered Scott to 
act as their President; in short set up the first independent State in America. 
Scott immediately set out at the head of ]50 men, horse and foot, to subdue 
the island. 

On the 2'2d of March, 1664, Charles II made a grant of the whole of Long 
Island, and all the adjoining country at the time in possession of the Dutch, 
to the Duke of York Borrowing four men-of-war of the king, James sent 
them in command of Col. Richard Nicholls, an old officer, with whom was as- 
sociated Sir Robert Carr, Sir George Cartwright, and Samuel Maverick, Esq., 
and a force of 450 men, to dispossess the Dutch. To insure the success of the 
expedition, letters were addressed to each of the Governors of the New England 
colonies, enjoining upon them to unite in giving aid by men and material to 
Nicholls. The fleet sailed directly for Boston, where it was expected, and 
whence, through one Lord, the Dutch were notified of its coming. The great- 
est consternation was aroused upon the receipt of this intelligence, and the 
most active preparations were making for defense. But in the midst of these 
preparations, notice was received from the Chambers at Amsterdam, doubtless 
inspired by the English, that " no apprehension of any public enemy or dan- 
ger from England need be entertained. That the King was only desirous to 
reduce the colonies to uniformity in church and state, and with this view was 
dispatching some C^ommissioners with two or three frigates to New England to 
introduce Episcopacy in that quarter. " Thrown completely off his guard by 
this announcement, the Director General, Stuy vesant abandoned all preparations 
for resistance, and indulged in no anticipations of a hostile visitation. Thus 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 37 

were three full weeks lost in which the colonies might have been put in a ver}- 
good state of defense. 

Nicholls on arriving in American waters, touched at Boston and Connecti- 
cut, v/here some aid was received, and then hastened foward to Manhattan. 
Stnyvesant had but a day or two before learned of the arrival, and of the hos- 
tile intent. Scarcely had he issued ordei-s for bringing out his forces and for 
fortifying before Nicholls scattered proclamations through the colony promis- 
ing to protect all who submitted to his Brittanic majesty in the undisturbed 
possession of their property, and made a formal summons upon Stuyvesant to 
surrender the country to the King of Great Britain. The Director found that 
he had an entirely different enemy to treat with from Rysingh, and a few half- 
armed Swedes and Fins upon the Delaware. Wordy war ensued between the 
Commissioners and the Director, and the English Governor finding that Stuy- 
vesant not in the temper to yield, landed a body of his soldiers upon the lower end 
of the island, and ordered Hyde, the commander of the fleet, to lay the frigates 
broadside before the city. It was a critical moment. Stnyvesant was stand- 
ing on one of the points of the fort when he saw the frigates approaching. 
The gunner stood by with burning match, prepared to tire on the fleet, and 
Stnyvesant seemed on the point of giving the order. But he was restrained, 
and a further communication was sent to Nicholls, who would listen to nothing 
short of the full execution of his mission. Still Stnyvesant held out. The 
inhabitants implored, but rather than surrender " he would be carried a corpse 
to his grave." The town was, however, in qo condition to stand a siege. The 
powder at the fort would only suffice for one day of active operations. Pro- 
visions were scarce. The inhabitants were not disposed to be sacrificed, and 
the disaffection among them spread to the soldiers. They were overheard mut- 
tering, " Now we hope to pepper those devilish traders who have so long 
salted us; we know where booty is to be found, and where the young women 
live who wear gold chains. " 

The Rev. Jannes Myapoleuses seems to have been active in negotiations and 
opposed to the shedding of blood. A remonstrance drawn by him was finally 
adopted and signed by the principal men, and presented to the Director Gen- 
eral, in which the utter hopelessness of resistance was set forth, and Stnyve- 
sant finally consented to capitulate. Favorable terms were arranged, and 
Nicholls promised that if it should be finally agreed between the English and 
Dutch governments that the province should be given over to Dutch rule, he 
would peacefully yield his authority. Thus without a gun being fired, the En- 
glish made conquest of the Manhattoes. 

Sir Robert Carr, with two frigates and an ample force, was dispatched to 
the Delaware to reduce the settlements there to English rule. The planters, 
whether Dutch or Swedes, were to be insured in the peaceable possession of 
their property, and the magistrates were to be continued in office. 

Sailing past the fort, he disseminated among the settlers the news of the 
surrender of Stnyvesant, and the promises of protection which Nicholls had 
made use of. But Gov. D'Hinoyossa was not disposed to heed the demand 
for surrender without a struggle. Whereupon Carr landed his forces and 
stormed the place. After a fruitless but heroic resistance, in which ten were 
wounded and three were killed, the Governor was forced to surrender. Thus 
was the complete subversion of the State's General in America consummated, 
and the name of New Amsterdam gave place to that of New York, from the 
name of the English proprietor, James, Duke of York. 

The resistance offered by D'Hinoyossa formed a pretext for shameless 
plunder. Carr, in his report which shows him to have been a lawless fel- 



S8 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

low, says, "Ye soldiers never stoping untill they stormed ye fort, andsae con- 
sequently to plundering; the seamen, noe less given to that sport, were quickly 
within, and have gotton good store of booty." Carr seized the farm of 
D'Hinoyossa, hie brciiiex', John Carr, that of Sheriff Sweringen, and Ensign 
Stock that of Peter Alrichs. The produce of the land for that year was seized, 
together with a cargo of goods that was unsold. " Even the inoffensive Men- 
nonists, though non-combatant from principle, did not escape the sack and 
plunder to which the whole river was subjected by Carr and his marauders. 
A boat was dispatched to their settlement, which was stripped of everything, 
to a very naile." 

Nioholls, on hearing of the rapacious conduct of his subordinate, visited 
the Delaware, removed Carr, and placed Robert Needham in command. Pre- 
vious to diripatching his fleet to America, in June, 1664, the Duke of York had 
granted to John, Lord Berkeley, Baron of Stratton, and Sir George Carteret, 
of Saltrum in Devon, the territory of New Jersey, bounded substantially as the 
present State, and this, thoitgh but little settled by the Dutch, had been in- 
cluded in the terms of surrender secured by Nicholls. In many ways, he 
showed himself a man of, ability and discretion. He drew up with signal 
success a body of laws, embracing most of the provisions which had been in 
force in the English colonies, which were designated the Duke's Laws. 

In May, 1667, Col. Francis Lovelace was appointed Governor in place of 
Nicholls, and soon after taking charge of affairs, drew up regulations for the 
government of the territory upon the Delaware, and dispatched Capt. John 
Carr to act there as his Deputy Governor. It was provided that whenever 
complaint duly sworn to was made, the Governor was to summon " the schout, 
Hans Block, Israel Helm, Peter Rambo, Peter Cock and Peter Alrichs, or any 
two of them, as counsellors, to advise him, and determine by the major vote 
what is just, equitable and necessary in the case in question. " It was f tu'ther 
provided that all men should be punished in an exemplary manner, though 
with moderation; that the laws should be frequently communicated to the 
counsellors, and that in cases of diiEculty recourse should be had to the Gov- 
ernor and Council at New York. 

In 1 668, two murders were perpetrated by Indians, which caused consider- 
able disturbance and alarm throughout the settlements. These capital crimes 
appear to have been committed while the guilty parties were maddened by 
liquor. So impressed were the sachems and leading warriors of the baneful 
effects of strong drink, that they appeared before the Council and besought its 
authority to utterly prohibit the sale of it to any of their tribes. These re- 
quests were repeated, and finally, upon the advice of Peter Alrichs, " the 
Governor (Lovelace) prohibited, on pain of death, the selling of powder, shot 
and strong liquors to the Indians, and writ to Carr on the occasion to use the 
utmost vigilance and caution." 

The native murderers were not apprehended, as it was difficult to trace 
them; but the Indians themselves were determined to ferret them out. One 
was taken and shot to death, who was the chief offender, but the other escaped 
and was never after heard of. The chiefs summoned their young men, and in 
presence of the English warned them that such would be the fate of all offend- 
ers. Proud justly remarks: "This, afc a time when the Indians were numer- 
ous and strong and the Europeans few and weak, was a memorable act of jus- 
tice, and a proof of •fci'ue friendship to the English, greatly alleviating the 
fear, for which they had so much reason among savages, in this then wilder- 
ness country." 

In 1669, a reputed son of the distinguished Swedish General, Connings- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA: 39 

marke, commonly called the Long Fin, with another of his nationality, Henry 
Coleman, a man of property, and familiar with the language and habits of the 
Indians, endeavored to incite an insurrection to throw off the English rule and 
establish the Swedish supremacy. The Long Fin was apprehended, and was 
condemned to die; but upon reconsideration his sentence was commuted to 
whipping and to branding with the letter R. He was brought in chains to 
New York, where he was incarcerated in the Stadt-house for a year, and was 
then transported to Barbadoes to be sold. Improvements in the modes of 
administering justice were from time to time introduced. New Castle was 
made a corporation, to be governed by a Bailiff and six associates. Duties on 
importations were laid, and Capt. Martin Pringer was appointed to collect and 
make due returns of them to Gov. Lovelace. 

In 1673, the French monarch, Louis XIV, declared war against the Neth- 
erlands, and with an army of over 200 000 men moved down upon that de- 
voted country. In coujunction with the land force, the English, with a power- 
ful armament, descended upon the Dutch waters. The aged Du Ruyter and 
the youthful Van Tromp put boldly to sea to meet the invaders. Three great 
naval battles were fought upon the Dutch coast on the 7th and 14th of June, 
and the 6th of August, in which the English forces were finally repulsed and 
driven from the coast. In the meantime, the inhabitants, abandoning their 
homes, cut the dikes which held back the sea, and invited inundation. Deem 
ing this a favorable opportunity to regain their possessions wrenched from them 
in the New World, the Dutch sent a small fleet under Commodores Cornelius 
Evertse and Jacobus Benkes, to New York, to demand the surrender of all 
their previous possessions. Gov. Lovelace happened to be absent, and his 
representative, Capt John Manning, surrendered with but brief resistance, 
and the magistrates from Albany, Esopus, East Jersey and Long Island, on 
being summoned to New York, swore fealty to the returning Dutch power. 
Anthony Colve, as Governor, was sent to Delaware, where the magistrates 
hastened to meet him and submit themselves to his authority. Property in 
the English Government was confiscated; Gov. Lovelace retm-ned to England, 
and many of the soldiers were carried prisoners to Holland. Before their de- 
parture, Commodoi-es Evertse and Benkes, who styled themselves "The honora- 
ble and awful council of war, for their high mightinesses, the State's General 
of the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange," 
commissioned Anthony Colve, a Captain of foot, on the 12th of August, 1673, 
to be Governor General of "New Netherlands, with all its appendences," 
and on the 19th of September following, Peter Alrichs, who had manifested 
his subserviency and his pleasure at the return of Dutch ascendancy, was ap- 
pointed by Colve Deputy Governor upon the Delaware. A body of laws was 
drawn up for his instruction, and three courts of justice were established, at 
New Castle, Chester and Lewistown. Capt. Manning on his return to En- 
gland was charged with treachery for delivering up the fort at New York with- 
out resistance, and was sentenced by a court martial "to have his sword broken 
over his head in public, before the city hall, and himself rendered incapable 
of wearing a sword and of serving his Majesty for the future in any public 
trust in the Government. " 

But the revolution which had been affected so easily was of short duration. 
On the 9th of February, 1674, peace was concluded between England and 
Holland, and in the articles of pacification it was provided "that whatsoever 
countries, islands, towns, ports, castles or forts, have or shall be taken, on both 
sides, since the time that the late unhappy war broke out, either in Europe, or 
elsewhere, shall be restored to the former lord and proprietor, in the same con- 



40 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

dition they shall be in when the peace itself shall be proclaimed, after which 
time there shall be no spoil nor plunder of the inhabitants, no demolition 
of fortifications, nor carrying away of guns, powder, or other military stores 
which belonged to any castle or port at the time when it was taken." This 
left no room for controversy about possession. But that there might be no legal 
bar nor loophole for question of absolute right to his possessions, the Duke of 
York secured from the King on the 29th of June following, a new patent cov- 
ering the former grant, and two days thereafter sent Sir Edmund Andros, to 
possess and govern the country. He arrived at New York and took peaceable 
possession on the 31st of October, and two days thereafter it was resolved in 
council to reinstate all the officers upon Delaware as they were at the surrender 
to the Dutch, except Peter Alrichs, who for his forwardness in yielding his 
power was relieved. Capt. Edmund Cantwell and William Tom were sent to 
occupy the fort at New Castle, in the capacities of Deputy Governor and Sec- 
retary. In May, 3675, Gov. Andros visited the Delaware, and held court at 
New Castle " in which orders were made relative to the opening of roads, tho 
regulation of church property and the support of preaching, the prohibition 
of the sale of liquors to the Indians, and the distillation thereof by the inhab- 
itants." On the 23d of September, 1676, Cantwell was superseded by John 
Collier, as Vice Governor, when Ephraim Hermans became Secretary. 

As was previously observed, Gov. Nicholls, in 1664, made a complete di- 
gest of all the laws and usages in force in the English-speaking colonies in 
America, which were known as the Duke's Laws. That these might now be 
made the basis of judicature throughout the Duke's possessions, they were, on 
the 25th of September, 1676, furmally proclaimed and published by Gov. 
Lovelace, with a suitable ordinance introducing them. It may here be ob- 
served, that, in the administration of Gov. Hartranft, by act of the Legislature 
of June 12, 1878, the Duke's Laws were published in a handsome volume, to- 
gether with the Charter and Laws instituted by Penn, and historical notes 
covering the early history of the State, under the direction of John B. Linn, 
Secretary of the commonwealth, edited by Staughton George, Benjamin M. 
Nead, and Thomas McCaniant, from an old copy preserved among the tciwn rec- 
ords of Hempstead, Long Island, the seat of the independent State which 
had been set up there by John Scott before the coming of Nicholls. The num- 
ber of taxable male inhabitants between th(i ages of sixteen and sixty years, 
in 1677, for Uplandt and New Castle, was 443, which by the usual estimate of 
seven to one would give the population 3,101 for this district. Gov. Collier 
having exceeded his authority by exercising judicial functions, was deposed 
by Andros, and Capt. Christopher Billop was appointed to succeed him. But 
the change resulted in little benefit to the colony; for Billop was charged 
with many irregularities, " taking possession of the fort and turning it into 
a stable, and the court room above into a hay and fodder loft; debarring the 
court from sitting in its usual place in the fort, and making use of soldiers for 
his own private purposes. " 

The hand of the English Government bore heavily upon the denomination 
of Christians called Friends or Quakers, and the earnest-minded, conscientious 
worshipers, uncompromising In their faith, were eager for homes in a land 
where they should be absolutely free to worship the Supreme Being. Berke- 
ley and Carteret, who had bought New Jersey, were Friends, and the settle- 
ments made in their territory were largely of that faith. In 1675, Lord Ber- 
keley sold his undivided half of the province to John Fenwicke, in trust for 
Edward Byllinge, also Quakers, and Fenwicke sailed in the Griffith, with a 
company of Friends who settled at Salem, in West Jersey. Byllinge, having 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 41 

become involved in debt, made an assignment of bis interest for the benefit of 
his creditors, and William Penn was induced to become trustee jointly with 
Gowen Lawrie and Nicholas Lucas. Penn was a devoted Quaker, and he was 
of that earnest nature that the interests of his friends and Christian devotees 
were like his own personal interests. Hence he became zealous in promoting 
the welfare of the colony. For its orderly government, and that settlers might 
have assurance of stability in the management of affairs, Penn drew up " Con- 
cessions and agreements of the proprietors, freeholders and inhabitants of West 
New Jersey in America" in forty- four chapters. Foreseeing difficulty from 
divided authority, Penn secured a division of the province by " a line of par- 
tition from the east side of Little Egg Harbor, straight north, through the 
country to the utmost branch of the Delaware River. " Penn' s half was called 
New West Jersey, along the Delaware side, Carteret's New East Jersey along the 
ocean shore. Penn's purposes and disposition toward the settlers, as the 
founder of a State, are disclosed by a letter which he wrote at this time to a 
Friend, Richard Hartshorn, then in America: "We lay a foundation for 
after ages to understand their liberty, as men and Christians; that they may 
not be brought into bondage, but by their own consent; for we put the power 
in the people. * * So every man is capable to choose or to be chosen ; no man 
to be arrested, condemned, or molested, in his estate, or libert)', but by twelve 
men of the neighborhood; no man to lie in prison for debt, but that his estate 
satisfy, as far as it will go, and he be set at liberty to work; no man to be 
called in question, or molested for his conscience." Lest any should be in- 
duced to leave home and embark in the enterprise of settlement unadvisedly, 
Penn wrote and published a letter of caution, " That in whomsoever a desire to 
be concerned in this intended plantation, such would weigh the thing before 
the Lord, and not headily, or rashly, conclude on any such remove, and that 
they do not offer violence to the tender love of their near kindred and relations, 
but soberly, and conscientiously endeavor to obtain their good wills; that 
whether they go or stay, it may be of good savor before the Lord and good 
people." 



CHAPTER V. 

Sir Edmund Andros, 1674-81— Edmund Cantwell, 1674-76— John Collier, 1676- 
77— Christopher Billop, 1677-81. 

WILLIAM PENN, as Trustee, and finally as part owner of New Jersey, 
became much interested in the subject of colonization in America. 
Many of his people had gone thither, and he had given much prayerful study 
and meditation to the amelioration of their condition by securing just laws for 
their government. His imagination pictured the fortunate condition of a 
State where the law-give:^ should alone study the happiness of his subjects, and 
his subjects should be chiefly intent on rendering implicit obedience to 
just laws. From his experience in the management of the Jerseys, he had 
doubtless discovered that if he would carry out his ideas of govei'nment suc- 
cessfully, he miTst have a province where his voice would be potential and his 
will supreme. He accordingly cast about for the acquirement of such a land in 
the New World. 

Penn had doubtless been stimulated in his desires by the very roseate ac- 
counts of the beauty and excellence of the country, its salubrity of climate, its 



42 HISTORY OF PExNNSYLVANIA. 

balmy airs, the fertility of its soil, and the abundance of the native fish, flesh 
and fowl. In 1680, one Malhon Stacy wx-ote a letter which was largely circu- 
lated in England, in which he says: "It is a country that produceth all things 
for the support and furtherance of man, in a plentiful manner. * * * i 
have seen orchards laden with fruit to admiration; their very limbs torn to 
pieces with weight, most delicious to the taste, and lovely to behold. I have 
seen an apple tree, from a pippin- kernel, yield a barrel of curious cider; and 
peanhes in such plenty that some people took their carts a peach gathering; I 
could not nut smile at the conceit of it; they are very delicious fruit, and hang 
almost like our onions, that are tied on ropes. I have seen and know, this 
summer, forty bushels of bold wheat of one bushel sown. From May till 
Michaelmas, great store of very good wild fruits as strawberries, cranberries 
and hurtleberries, which are like our billberries in England, only far sweeter; 
the cranberries, much like cherries for color and bigness, which may be 
kept till fruit comes again; an excellent sauce is made of them for venison, 
turkeys, and other great fowl, and they are better to make tarts of than either 
gooscoerries or cherries; we have them brought to our houses by the Indians 
in great plenty. My brother Robert had as many cherries this year as would 
have loaded several carts. As for venison and fowls, we have great plenty; 
we have brought home to our countries by the Indians, seven or eight fat bucks 
in a day. We went into the river to catch herrings after the Indian fashion. 
* * * We could have filled a three-bushel sack of as good large herrings 
as ever I saw. And as to beef and pork, here is great plenty of it, and good 
sheep. The common grass of this country fpeds beef very fat. Indeed, the 
country, take it as a wilderness, is a brave country.". 

The father of William Penn had arisen to distinction in tne British Navy. 
He was sent in Cromwell's time, with a considerable sea and land force, to the 
W^est Indies, ivhere he reduced the Island of Jamaica under English rule. At 
the restoration, he gave in his adhesion to the royal cause. Under James, 
Duke of York, Admiral Penn commanded the English fleet which descended 
upon the Dutch coast, and gained a great victory over the combined naval 
forces led by Van Opdam. For this great service to his country, Penn was 
knighted, and became a favorite at court, the King and his brothor, the Duke, 
holding him in cherished remembrance. At his death, there was due him 
from the crown the sum of £16,000, a portion of which he himself had ad- 
vanced for the sea service. Filled with the romantic idea of colonization, and 
enamored with the sacred cause of his people, the son, who had come to be re- 
garded with favor for his great father's sake, petitioned King Charles II to 
grant him, in liquidation of this debt, " a tract of land in America, Iving 
north of Maryland, bounded east by the Delaware River, on the west limited 
as Maiyland, and northward to extend as far as plantable." There were con- 
flicting interests at this time which were being warily watched at court. The 
petition was submitted to the Privy Council, and afterward to the Lords of 
the committee of plantations. The Duke of York already held the counties of 
New Castle, Kent and Sussex. Lord Baltimore held a grant upon the south, 
with an indefinite northern limit, and the agents of both these territories 
viewed with a jealous eye any new grant that should in any way trench upon 
their rights. These claims were fully debated and heard by the Lords, and, 
being a matter in which the King manifested special interest, the Lord Chief 
Justice, North, and the Attorney General, Sir William Jones, were consulted 
both as to the grant itself, and the form or manner of making it. Finally, 
after a careful study of the whole subject, it was determined by the hio-hest 
authority in the Government to grant to Penn a larger tract than he had asked 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 48 

for, and the charter was drawn with unexampled liberality, in unequivocal 
terms of gift and perpetuity of holding, and with remarkable minuteness of 
detail, and t'hat Penn should have the advantage of any double meaning con- 
veyed in the instrument, the twenty- third and last section provides: "And, 
if perchance hereafter any doubt or question should arise concerning the true 
sense and meaning of any word, clause or sentence contained in this our present 
charter, we will ordain and command that at all times and in all things such 
interpretation be made thereof, and allowed in any of our courts whatsoever 
as shall be adjudged most advantageous and favorable unto the said William 
Penn, his heirs and assigns." 

It was a joyful day for Penn when he finally reached the consummation of 
his wishes, and saw himself invested with almost dictatorial power over a 
country as large as England itself, destined to become a populous empire. 
But his exultation was tempered with the most devout Christian spirit, fearful 
lest in the exercise of his great power he might be led to do something that 
should be displeasing to God. To his dear friend, Robert Turner, he writes 
in a modest way: " My true love in the Lord salutes thee and dear friends 
that love the Lord's precious truth in those parts. Thine I have, and for my 
business here know that after many waitings, watchings, solicitings and dis- 
putes in council, this day my country was confirmed to me under the great seal 
of England, with large powers and privileges, by the name of Pennsylvania, a 
name the King would give it in honor of my father. I chose New Wales, be- 
ing, as this, a pretty hilly country; but Penn being Welsh for a head, asPen- 
manmoire in Wales, and Penrith in Cumberland, and Penn in Buckingham- 
shire, the highest land ia England, called this Pennsylvania, which is the high 
or head woodlands; for I proposed, when the Secretary, a Welshman, refused 
to have it called New Wales, Sylvania, and they added Penn to it; and though 
I much opposed it, and went to the King to have it struck out and altered, he 
said it was past, and would take it upon him; nor could twenty guineas move 
the Under Secretary to vary the name ; for I feared lest it should be looked on 
as a vanity in me, and not as a respect in the King, as it truly was to my 
father, whom he often mentions with praise. Thou may est communicate my 
grant to Friends, and expect shortly my proposals. It is a clear and just 
thing, and my God, that has given it me through many difficulties, will, I be- 
lieve, bless and make it the seed of a nation. I shall have a tender care to the 
government, that it be well laid at first. " 

Penn had asked that the western boundary should be the same as that of 
Maryland; but the King made the width from east to west five full degrees. 
The charter limits were " all that tract, or part, of land, in America, with the 
islands therein contained as the same is bounded, on the east by Delaware 
River, from twelve miles distance northwards of New Castle town, unto the 
three and fortieth degree of northern latitude. * * * * 

The said land to extend westward five degrees in longitude, to be computeci 
from the said eastern bounds; and the said lands to be bounded on the north 
by the beginning of the three and fortieth degree of northern latitude, and, 
on the south, by a circle drawn at twelve miles distance from New Castle 
northward and westward unto the beginning of the fortieth degree of northern 
latitude; and then by a straight line westward to the limits of longitude above 
mentioned." 

It is evident that tne royal secretaries did not well understand the geogra- 
phy of this section, for by reference to a map it will be seen that the begin- 
ning of the fortieth degree, that is, the end of the .thirty- ninth, cuts the 
District of Columbia, and hence Baltimore, and the greater part of Maryland 



44 HI8T0RY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

and a good slice of Virginia would have been included in the clear tei'ms of 
the chartered limits of Pennsylvania. But the charters of Maryland and Vir- 
ginia antedated this of Pennsylvania. Still, the terms of the Penn charter 
were distinct, the beginning of the fortieth degree, whereas those of Maryland 
were ambiguous, the northern limit being fixed at the fortieth degree; but whether 
at the beginning or at the ending of the fortieth was not stated. Penn 
claimed three full degrees of latitude, and when it was found that a contro- 
versy was likely to ensue, the King, by the hand of his royal minister, Con- 
way, issued a fiu-ther declaration, dated at Whitehall, April 2, 1681, in which 
the wording of the original chartered limits fixed for Pennsylvania were 
quoted verbatim, and his royal pleasure declared that these limits should be 
respected '* as they tender his majesty's displeasure." This was supposed to 
settle the matter. But Lord Baltimore still pressed his claim, and the ques- 
tion of southern boundary remained an open one, causing much disquietude 
to Penn, requiring watchful care at court for more than half a century, and 
until after the proprietor's death. 

We gather from the terms of the charter itself that the King, in making 
the grant, was influenced "by the commendable desire of Penn to enlarge our 
British Empire, and promote such useful commodities as may be of benefit 
to us and our dominions, as also to reduce savage nations by just and gentle 
manners, to the h>ve of civil society and Christian religion," and out of "re- 
gard to the memory and merits of his late father, in divers services, and par- 
ticularly to his conduct, courage and discretion, under our dearest brother, 
James, Duke of York, in the signal battle and victory, fought and obtained, 
against the Dutch fleet, commanded by the Herr Van Opdam in 1665." 

The motive for obtaining it on the part of Penn may be gathered from tho 
following extract of a letter to a friend: " For my country I eyed the Lord in 
obtaining it; and more was I drawn inward to look to Him, and to owe it to His 
hand and power than to any other way. I have so obtained and desire to keep 
it, that I may be unworthy of His love, but do that which may answer His 
kind providence and people." 

The charter of King Charles II was datbd April 2, 1681. Iiest any 
trouble might arise in the future from claims founded on the grant previously 
made to the Duke of York, of "Long Island and adjacent territories occupied 
by the Dutch," the prudent forethought of Penn induced him to obtain a deed, 
dated August 31, 1682, of the Duke, for Pennsylvania, substantially in the 
terms of the royal charter. But Penn was still not satisfied. He was cut off 
from the ocean except by the uncertain navigation of one narrow stream. He 
therefore obtained from the Duke a grant of New Castle and a district of 
twelve miles around it, dated on the 24th of August, 1682, and on the same 
day a further grant from the Duke of a tract extending to Cape Henlopen, 
embracing the two counties of Kent and Sussex, the two grants comprising 
what were known as the territories, or the three lower counties, which were 
for many years a part of Pennsylvania, but subsequently constituted the State 
of Delaware. 

Being now satisfied with his province, and that his titles were secure, Penn 
drew up such a description of the country as from his knowledge he was able 
to give, which, together with the royal charter and proclamation, terms of 
settlement, and other papers pertaining thereto, he published and spread 
broadcast through the kingdom, taking special pains doubtless to have the 
documents reach the Friends. The terms of sale of lands were 40 shillings for 
100 acres, and 1 shilling per acre rental. The question has been raised, why 
exact the annual payment of one shilling per acre. The terms of the grant by 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 47 

the royal charter to Penn were made absolute on the " payment thei-efor to us, 
our heirs and successors, two beaver skins, to be delivered at our castle in 
Windsor, on the 1st day of January in every year," and contingent payment 
of one-fifth part of all gold and silver which shall from time to time happen 
to be found clear of all charges." Penn, therefore, held his title only upon 
the payment of quit-rents. He could consequently give a valid title only by 
the exacting of quit-rents. 

Having now a great province of his own to manage, Penn was obliged to 
relinquish his share in West New Jersey. He had given largely of his time and 
energies to its settlement; he had sent 1,400 emigrants, many of them people 
of high character; had seen farms reclaimed from the forest, the town of 
Burlington built, meeting houses erected in place of tents for worship, good 
Government established, and the savage Indians turned to peaceful ways. 
With satisfaction, therefore, he could now give himself to reclaiming and set- 
tling his own province. He had of course in his published account of the 
country made it appear a desirable place for habitation. But lest any should 
regret having gone thither when it was too late, he added to his description a 
caution, " to consider seriously the premises, as well the inconveniency as 
future ease and plenty; that so none may move rashly or from a fickle, but from 
a solid mind, having above all things an eye to the providence of God in the 
disposing of themselves." Nothing more surely points to the goodness of 
heart of William Penn, the great founder of our State, than this extreme 
solicitude, lest he might induce any to go to the new country who should af- 
terward regret having gone. 

The publication of the royal charter and his description of the country 
attracted attention, and many purchases of land were made of Penn before 
leaving England. That these purchasers might have something binding to 
rely upon, Penn drew up what he termed " conditions or concessions " between 
himself as proprietor and purchasers in the province. These related to the 
settling the country, laying out towns, and especially to the treatment of the 
Indians, who were to have the same rights and privileges, and careful regard 
as the Europeans. And what is perhaps a remarkable instance of provident 
forethought, the eighteenth article provides " That, in clearing the ground, 
care be taken to leave one acre of trees for every five acres cleared, especially 
to preserve oak and mulberries, for silk and shipping." It could be desired 
that such a provision might have remained operative in the State for all 
time. 

Encouraged by the manner in which his proposals for settlement were 
received, Penn now drew up a frame of government, consisting of twenty- 
four articles and forty laws. These were drawn in a spirit of unexampled 
fairness and liberality, inti'oduced by an elaborate essay on the just rights of 
government and governed, and with such conditions and concessions that it 
should never be in the power of an unjust Governor to take advantage of the 
people and practice injustice. " For the matter of liberty and privilege, I pur- 
pose that which is extraordinary, and leave myself and successors no power of 
doing mischief, that the will of one man may not hinder that of a whole coun- 
try. This frame gave impress to the character of the early government. It im- 
planted in the breasts of the people a deep sense of duty, of right, and of obli- 
gation in all public affairs, and the relations of man with man, and formed a 
framework for the future constitution. Penn himself had felt the heavy hand 
of government for religious opinions and practice' sake. He determined, for 
the matter of religion, to leave all free to hold such opinions as they might 
elect, and hence enacted for his State that all who " hold themselves obliged 

3 



48 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

in conscience, to live peaceably and justly in civil society, shall, in no ways, 
be molested, nor prejudiced, for their religious persuasion, or practice, in mat- 
ters of faith and worship, nor shall they be compelled, at any time, to fre- 
quent, or maintain, any religious worship, place, or ministry whatever." At 
this period, such govermental liberality in matters of religion was almost un. 
known, thoiigh Koger Williams in the colony of Ehode Island had previously, 
under similar circumstances, and having just escaped a like persecution, pro- 
claimed it, as had likewise Lord Baltimore in the Catholic colony of Mary- 
land 

The mind of Penn was constantly exercised upon the affairs of his settlement. 
Indeed, to plant a colony in a new country had been a thought of his boyhood, 
for he says in one of his letters: "I had an opening of joy as to these parts in 
the year 1651, at Oxford, twenty years since." Not being in readiness to go 
to his province during the first year, he dispatched three ship loads of set- 
tlers, and with them sent his cousin, William Markham, to take formal pos- 
session of the country and act as Deputy Governor Markham sailed for New 
York, and upon his arrival there exhibited his commission, bearing date March 
6, 1681, and the King's charter and proclamation. In the absence of Gov. An- 
dros, who, on having been called to account for some complaint made against 
him, had gone to England, Capt. Anthony Brockholls, Acting Governor, re- 
ceived Markham's papers, and gave him a letter addressed to the civil officers 
on the Delaware, informing them that Markham's authority as Governor had 
been examined, and an official record made of it at New York, thanking them 
for their fidelity, and requesting them to submit themselves to the new author- 
ity. Armed with this letter, which was dated June 21, 1681, Markham pro- 
ceeded to the Delaware, where, on exhibiting his papers, he was kindly re- 
ceived, and allegiance was cheerfully transferred to the new government. In- 
deed so frequently had the power changed hands that it had become quite a 
matter of habit to transfer obedience from one authority to another, and they 
had scarcely laid their heads to rest at night but with the consciousness that 
the morning light might bring new codes and new officers. 

Markham was empowered to call a council of nine citizens to assist him in 
the government, and over whom he was to preside. He brought a letter ad- 
dressed to Lord Baltimore, touching the boundary between the two grants, and 
exhibiting the terms of the charter for Pennsylvania. On receipt of this let- 
ter. Lord Baltimore came to Upland to confer with Markham. An observation 
fixing the exact latitude of Upland showed that it was twelve miles south of 
the forty-first degree, to which Baltimore claimed, and that the beginning of 
the fortieth degree, which the royal charter explicitly fixed for the southern 
boundary of Pennsylvania, would include nearly the entire State of Maryland, 
and cut the limits of the present site of the city of Washington. "If this be 
allowed," was significantly asked by Baltimore, "where is my province?" 
He returned to his colony, and from this time forward an active contention 
was begun before the authorities in England for possession of the disputed 
territory, which required all the arts and diplomatic skill of Penn. 

Markham was accompanied to the province by four Commissioners sent 
out by Penn — William Crispin, John Bezer, William Haige and Nathaniel 
Allen. The first named had been designated as Surveyor General, but he 
having died on the passage, Thomas Holme was appointed to succeed him. 
These Commissioners, in conjunction with the Governor, had two chief duties 
assigned them. The first was to meet and preserve friendly relations with the 
Indians and acquire lands by actual purchase, and the second was to select the 
site of a great city and make the necessary surveys. That they might have a 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 49 

suitable introduction to the natives from him, Penn addressed to them a dec- 
laration of his purposes, conceived in a spirit of brotherly love, and expressed 
in such simple terms that these children of the fox-est, unschooled in book 
learning, would have no difficulty in apprehending his meaning. The refer- 
ring the source of alljpower to the Creator was fitted to produce a strong im- 
pression upon their naturally superstitious habits of thought. "There is a 
great God and power, that hath made the world, and all things therein, to 
whom you and I, and all people owe their being, and well being; and to whom 
you and I must one day give an account for all that we do in the world. This 
great God hath written His law in our hearts, by which we are taught and com- 
manded to love, and help, and do good to one another. Now this great God hath 
been pleased to make me concerned in your part of the world, and the King 
of the country where I live hath given me a great province therein; but I de- 
sire to enjoy it with your love and consent, that we may always live together, 
as neighbors and friends; else what would the great God do to us, who hath 
made us, not to devour and destroy one another, but to live soberly and kindly 
together in the world? Now I would have you well observe that I am very 
sensible of the unkindness and injustice that have been too much exercised 
toward you by the people of these parts of the world, who have sought them- 
selves, and to make great advantages by you, rather than to be examples of 
goodness and patience unto you, which I hear hath been a matter of trouble 
to you, and caused great grudging and animosities, sometimes to the shedding 
of blood, which hath made the great God angry. But I am not such a man, 
as is well known in my own country. I have great love and regard toward 
you, and desire to gain your love and friendship by a kind, just and peaceable 
life, and the people I send are of the same mind, and shall in all things be- 
have themselves accordingly; and if in anything any shall offend you or 
your people, you shall have a full and speedy satisfaction for the same by an 
equal number of just mea on both sides that by no means you may have just 
occasion of being offended against them. I shall shortly come to you myself, 
at which time we may more largely and freely confer and discourse of these 
matters. In the meantime, I have sent my Commissioners to treat with you 
about land, and form a league of peace. Let me desire you to be kind to 
them and their people, and receive these presents and tokens which I have sent 
you as a testimony of my good will to you, and my resolution to live justly, 
peaceably and friendly with you." 

In this plain but sublime statement is embraced the whole theory of Will • 
iam Penn's treatment of the Indians. It was the doctrine which the Savior 
of mankind came upon earth to promulgate — the estimable worth of every 
human soul. And when Penn came to propose his laws, one was adopted 
which forbade private trade with the natives in which they might be overreached; 
but it was required that the valuable skins and furs they had to sell should be 
hung up in the market place where all could see them and enter into compe- 
tition for their purchase. Penn was offered £6,000 for a monopoly of trade. 
But he well knew the injustice to which this would subject the simple-minded 
natives, and he refused it saying: "As the Lord gave it me over all and 
great opposition, I would not abuse His love, nor act unworthy of His provi- 
dence, and so defile what came to me clean " — a sentiment worthy to be treas- 
ured with the best thoughts of the sages of old. And to his Commissioners he 
gave a letter of instructions, in which he says: "Be impartially just to all; 
that is both pleasing to the Lord, and wise in itself. Be tender of offending 
the Indians, and let them know that you come to sit down lovingly among 
them. Let my letter and conditions be read in their tongue, that they may see 



50 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 

we have their good in our eye. Be grave, they love not to be smiled on." 
Acting upon these wise and just considerations, the Commissioners had no diffi- 
culty in making large purchases of the Indians of lands on the right bank of 
the Delaware and above the mouth of the Schuylkill. 

But they found greater difficulty in settling the piace for the new city. 
Penn had given very minute instructions about this, and it was not easy 
to find a tract which answered all the conditions. For seven weeks they kept 
up their search. Penn had written, " be sure to make your choice where it is 
most navigable, high, dry and healthy; that is, where most ships may bestride, 
of deepest draught of water, if possible to load and unload at the bank or 
"key's side without boating and lightening of it. It would do well if the river 
coming into that creek be navigable, at least for boats up into the country, 
and that the situation be high, at least dry and sound and not swampy, which 
is best known by digging up two or three earths and seeing the bottom." By 
his instructions, the site of the city was to be between two navigable streams, 
and embrace 10,000 acres in one block. " Be sure to settle the figure of the 
town so that the streets hereafter may be uniform down to the water from the 
country bounds. Let every house be placed, if the person pleases, in the 
middle of its plat, as to the breadth way of it, that so there may be ground on 
each side for gardens or orchards or fields, that it may be a green country town, 
which will never be burnt and always wholesome." The soil was examined, 
the streams were sounded, deep pits were dug that a location might be found 
which should gratify the desires of Penn. All the eligible sites were inspected 
from the ocean far up into the country. Penn himself had anticipated that 
Chester or Upland would be adopted from all that he could learn of it; but 
this was rejected, as was also the ground upon Poquessing Creek and that at 
Pennsbury Manor above Bristol which had been carefully considered, and the 
present site of Philadelphia was finally adopted as coming nearest to the 
requirements of the proprietor. It had not 10,000 acres in a solid square, but 
it was between two navigable streams, and the soil was high and diy, being for 
the most part a vast bed of gravel, excellent for drainage and likely to prove 
healthful. The streets were laid out regularly and crossed each other at 
right angles. As the ground was only gently rolling, the grading was easily 
accomplished. One broad street. Market, extends from river to river through 
the midst of it, which is crossed at right angles at its middle point by Broad 
street of equal width. It is 120 miles from the ocean by the course of the 
river, and only sixty in a direct line, eighty-seven miles from New York, 
ninety-five from Baltimore, 136 from Washington, 100 from Harrisburg and 
800 from Pittsburgh, and lies in north latitude 39^ 56' 54", and longitude 75^ 
8' 45" west from Greenwich The name Philadelphia (brotherly love), was 
one that Penn had before selected, as this founding a city was a project which 
he had long dreamed of and contemplated with never-ceasing interest. 




HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 51 



CHAPTER Yl. 

William Markham, 1681-83— William Penn, 1682-84. 

HAVING now made necessary preparations and settled his affairs in En- 
gland, Penn embarked on board the ship Welcome, in August, 1682, in 
company with about a hundred planters, mostly from his native town of Sussex, 
and set his prow for the New World. Before leaving the Downs, he addressed 
a farewell letter to his friends whom ho left behind, and another to his wife 
and children, giving them much excellent advice, and sketching the way of 
life he wished them to lead. With remarkable care and minuteness, he points 
out the way in which he would have his children bred, and educated, married, 
and live. A single passage from this remarkable document will indicate its 
general tenor. " Be sure to observe," in educating his children, " their genius, 
and do not cross it as to learning ; let them not dwell too long on one thing ; 
but let their change be agreeable, and let all their diversions have some little 
bodily labor in them. When grown big, have most care for them ; for then 
there are more snares both within and without. When marriageable, see that 
they have worthy persons in their eye ; of good life and good fame for piety 
and understanding. I need no wealth but sufficiency ; and be sure their love 
be dear, fervent and mutual, that it may be happy for them." And to his 
children he said, " Betake yourselves to some honest, industrious course of 
life, and that not of sordid covetousness, but for example and to avoid idle- 
ness, ***** Love not money nor the world ; use them only, 
and they will serve you ; but if you love them you serve them, which will 
debase your spirits as well as offend the Lord. ***** Watch 
against anger, neither speak nor act in it ; for, like drunkenness, it makes a 
man a beast, and throws people into desperate inconveniences." The entire 
letters are so full of excellent counsel that they might with great profit be 
committed to memory, and treasured in the heart. 

The voyage of nearly six weeks was prosperous ; but they had not been 
long on the ocean before that loathed disease — the virulent small-pox — broke 
out, of which thirty died, nearly a third of the whole company. This, added 
to the usual discomforts and terrors of the ocean, to most of whom this was 
probably their first experience, made the voyage a dismal one. And here was 
seen the nobility of Penn. "For his good conversation" says one of them, 
" was very advantageous to all tlie company. His singular care was manifested 
in contributing to the necessities of many who were sick with the small-pox 
then on board." 

His arrival upon the coast and passage up the river was hailed with dem- 
onstrations of joy by all classes, English, Dutch, Swedes, and especially by his 
own devoted followers. He landed at New Castle on the 24th of October, 1682, 
and on the following day summoned the people to the court house, where pos- 
session of the country was formally made over jO him, and he renewed the 
commissions of the magistrates, to whom and to the assembled people he an- 
nounced the design of his coming, explained the nature and end of truly good 
government, assuring them that their religious and civil rights should be re- 
spected, and recommended them to live in sobriety and peace. He then pro- 



52 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

ceeded to Upland, hencefoward known as Chester, where, on the 4th of Novem- 
ber, he called an assembly of the people, in which an equal number of votes 
was allowed to the province and the territories. Nicholas Moore, President of 
the Free Society of Traders, was chosen speaker. As at New Castle, Penn 
addressed the assembly, giving them assurances of his beneficent intentions, 
for which they returned their grateful acknowledgments, the Swedes beiag 
especially demonstrative, deputing one of their number. Lacy Cock, to say 
" That they would love, serve and obey him with all they had, and that this 
was the best day they ever saw." We can well understand with what satisfac- 
tion the settlers upon the Delaware hailed the prospect of a stable government 
established in their own midst, after having been so long at the mercy of the 
government in New York, with allegience trembling between the courts of 
Sweden, Holland and Britain. 

The proceedings of this first assembly were conducted with great decorum, 
and after the usages of the English Parliament. On the 7th of December, 
1682, the three lower counties, what is now Delaware, which had previously 
been under the government of the Duke of York, were formerly annexed to the 
province, and became an integral part of Pennsylvania. The frame of govern- 
ment, which had been drawn with much deliberation, was submitted to the 
assembly, and, after some alterations and amendments, was adopted, and be- 
came the fundamental law of the State. The assembly was in session only 
three days, but the work they accomplished, how vast and far-reaching in its 
influence ! 

The Dutch, Swedes and other foreigners were then naturalized, and the 
government was launched in fair running order: That some idea may be had 
of its character, the subjects treated are here given: 1, Liberty of conscience; 
2, Qualification of officers; 3, Swearing by God, Christ or Jesus; 4, Swearing 
by any other thing or name; 5, Profanity; 6, Cursing; 7, Fornication; 8, In- 
cest; 9, Sodomy; 10, Rape; 11, Bigamy; 12, Drunkenness; 13, Suffering 
drunkenness; 14, Healths drinking; 15, Selling liquor to Indians; 16, Arson; 
17, Burglary; 18, Stolen goods; lO, Forcible entry; 20, Riots; 21, Assaulting 
parents; 22, Assaulting Magistrates; 23, Assaulting masters; 24, Assault and 
battery; 25, Duels; 26, Riotous sports, as plays; 27, Gambling and lotteries; 
28, Sedition; 29, Contempt; 30, Libel; 31, Common scolds; 32, Charities; 
33, Prices of beer and ale; 34, Weights and measures; 35, Names of days and 
months; 36, Perjury; 37, Court proceedings in English; 88, Civil and crim- 
inal trials; 39, Fees, salaries, bribery and extortion; 40, Moderation of fines; 
41, Suits avoidable; 42, Foreign arrest; 43, Contracts; 44, Charters, gifts, 
grants, conveyances, bills, bonds and deeds, when recorded; 45, Wills; 46, 
Wills of non compos mentis; 47, Registry of Wills; 48, Registry for servants; 
49, Factors; 50, Defacers, corruptors and embezzlers of charters, conveyances 
and records; 51, Lands and goods to pay debts; 52, Bailable offenses; 53, 
Jails and jailers; 54, Prisons to be workhouses; 55, False imprisonment; 56, 
Magistrates may elect between fine or imprisonment; 57, Freemen; 58, Elec- 
tions; 59, No money levied but in pursuance of law; 60, Laws shall be printed 
and taught in schools; 61, All other things, not provided for nerein, are re- 
ferred to the Governor and freemen from time to time. 

Very soon after his arrival in the colony, after the precept had been issued, 
but before the conveninj^ of the Assembly, Penn, that he might not be wanting 
in respect to the Duke of York, made a visit to New Y'^ork. where he was kind- 
ly received, and also after the adjournment of the Assembly, journeyed to Mary- 
land, where he was entertained by Lord Baltimore with great ceremony. The 
settlement of the disputed boundaries was made the subject of formal confer- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 53 

©nee. But after two days spent in fruitless discussion, the weather becoming 
severely cold, and thus 'preluding the possibility of taking observations or 
making the necessary surveys, it was agreed to adjourn further consideration 
of the subject until the milder weather of the spring. We may imagine that 
the two Governors were taking the measure of each other, and of gaining all 
possible knowledge of each other's claims and rights, preparatory to that 
struggle for possession of this disputed fortieth degree of latitude, which was 
destined to come before the home government. 

With all his cares iu founding a State and providing a government over a 
new people, Penn did not forget to preach the "blessed Gospel," and wherever 
he went he was intent upon his " Master's business." On his return from 
Maryland, Lord Baltimore accompanied him several miles to the house of 
William Richardson, and thence to Thomas Hooker's, where was a religious 
meeting, as was also one held at Choptauk. Penn himself says: " I have 
been also at New York, Long Island, East Jersey and Maryland, in which I 
have had good and eminent service for the Lord." And again he says: "As to 
outward things, we are satisfied— the land good, the air clear and sweet, the 
springs plentiful, and provisions good and easy to come at, an innumerable 
qu'antity of wild fowl and fish; in fine, here is what an Abraham, Isaac and 
Jacob would be well contented with, and service enough for God; for the 
fields are here white for the harvest. O, how sweet is the quiet of these parts, 
freed from the anxious and troublesome solicitations, hurries and perplexities 
of woeful Europe! * * * Blessed be the Lord, that of twenty-three ships, 
none miscarried; only two or three had the small-pox; else healthy and swift 
passages, generally such as have not been known; some but twenty-eight days, 
and few longer than six weeks. Blessed be God for it; my soul fervently 
breathes that in His heavenly guiding wisdom, we may be kept, that we may 
serve Him in our day, and lay down our heads in peace." And then, as if re- 
proached for not having mentioned another subject of thankfulness, he adds in 
a postscript, "Many women, in divers of the ships, brought to bed; they and 
their children do well." 

Penn made it his first care to take formal possession of his province, and 
adopt a frame of government. When this was done, his chief concern was 
to look to the establishment of his proposed new city, the site of which had 
already been determined on by his Commissioners. Accordingly, early in 
November, at a season when, in this section, the days are golden, Penn em- 
barked in an open barge with a number of his friends, and was wafted 
leisurely up the Delaware to the present site of the city of Philadel- 
phia, which the natives called Coaquannock. Along the river was a bold shore, 
fringed with lofty pines, which grew close dovra to the water's edge, so much 
so that when the first ship passing up with settlers for West Jersey had brushed 
against the branches, the passengei-s remarked that this would be a good place 
for a city. It was then in a wild state, the deer browsing along the shore and 
sipping the stream, and the coneys burrowing in the banks. The scattered 
settlers had gathered in to see and welcome the new Governor, and when he 
stepped upon the shore, they extended a helping hand in assisting him up the 
rugged bluff. Three Swedes had already taken up tracts within the limits of 
the block of land chosen for the city. But they were given lands in exchange, 
and readily relinquished their claims. The location was pleasing to Penn, and 
was adopted without further search, though little could be seen of this then 
forest-encumbered country, where now is the home of countless industries, the 
busy mart, the river bearing upon its bosom the commerce of many climes, 
and the abiding place of nearly a million of people. But Penn did not con- 



54 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

sider that he had as yet any just title to the soil, holding that the Indians 
were its only rightful possessors, and until it was fairly acquired by purchase 
from them, his own title was entirely void. 

Hence, he sought an early opportunity to meet the chiefs of the tribes and 
cultivate friendly relations with them. Tradition fixes the first great treaty 
or conference at about this time, probably in November, and the place under 
the elm tree, known as the " Treaty Tree," at Kensington. It was at a sea- 
son when the leaves would still be upon the trees, and the assembly was called 
beneath the ample shade of the wide-sweeping branches, which was pleasing 
to the Indians, as it was their cutjtom to hold all their great deliberations and 
smoke the pipe of peace in the open air. The letter which Penn had sent had 
prepared the minds of these simple-hearted inhabitants of the forest to regard 
him with awe and reverence, little less than that inspired by a descended god. 
His coming had for a long time been awaited, and it is probable that it had 
been heralded and talked over by the wigwam fire throughout the remotest 
bounds of the tribes. And when at length the day came, the whole popula- 
tion far around had assembled. 

It is known that three tribes at least were represented — the Lenni Lenape, 
living along the Delaware; the Shawnees, a tribe that had come up from the 
South, and were seated along the Lower Susquehanna; and the Mingoes, 
sprung from the Six Nations, and inhabiting along the Conestoga. Penn was 
probably accompanied by the several officers of his Government and his most 
trusted friends. There were no implements of warfare, for peace was a cardi- 
nal feature of the Quaker creed. 

No veritable account of this, the great treaty, is known to have been made; 
but from the fact that Penn not long after, in an elaborate treatise upon the 
country, the inhabitants and the natives, has given the account of the manner 
in which the lodians demean themselves in conference, we may infer that he 
had this one in mind, and hence we may adopt it as his own description of the 
scene. 

'* Their order is thus: The King sits in the middle of a half moon, and 
hath his council, the old and wise, on each hand; behind them, or at a little 
distance, sit the younger fry in the same figure. Having consulted and re- 
solved their business, the King ordered one of them to speak to me. He stood 
up, came to me, and, in the name of the King, saluted me; then took me by 
th^s hand and told me he was ordered by the King to speak to me; and now it 
was not he, but the King that spoke, because what he would say was the 
King's mind. * * * * During the time that this person spoke, not 
a man of them was observed to whisper or smile; the old grave, the young 
reverant, in their deportment. They speak little, but fervently, and with ele- 
gance." 

In response to the salutation from the Indians, Penn makes a reply in 
suitable terms: "The Great Spirit, who made me and you, who rules the 
heavens and the earth, and who knows the innermost thoughts of men, knows 
that I and my friends have a hearty desire to live in peace and friendship 
with you, and to serve you to the uttermost of our power. It is not our custom 
to use hostile weapons against our fellow- creatures, for which reason we have 
come unarmed. Our object is not to do injury, and thus provoke the Great 
Spirit, but to do good. We are met on the broad pathway of good faith and 
good will, so that no advantage is to be taken on either side; but all to be open- 
ness, brotherhood and love." Having unrolled his parchment, he explains to 
them through an interpreter, article by article, the nature of the business, and 
laying it upon the ground, observes that the ground shall be for the use of 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 55 

both people. " I will not do as the Marylanders did, call you children, or 
brothers only; for parents are apt to whip their children too severely, and 
brothers sometimes will differ : neither will I compare the friendship between 
ns to a chain, for the rain may rust it, or a tree may fall and break it; but I 
will consider you as the same flesh and blood with the Christians, and the same 
as if one man's body were to be divided into two parts." Having ended his 
business, the speaker for the King comes forward and makes great promises 
"of kindness and good neighborhood, and that the Indians and English must 
live in love as long as the sun gave light." This ended, another Indian makes 
a speech to his own people, first to explain to them what had been agreed on, 
and then to exhort them "to love the Christians, and particularly live in peace 
with me and the people under my government, that many Governors had been 
in the river, but that no Governor had come himself to live and stay here be- 
fore, and having now such an one, that had treated them well, they should never 
do him nor his any wrong." At every sentence they shouted, as much as to 
say, amen. 

The Indians had no system of writing by which they could record their 
dealings, but their memory of events and agreements was almost miraculous. 
Heckewelder records that in after years, they were accustomed, by means of 
strings, or belts of wampum, to preserve the recollection of their pleasant in- 
terviews with Penn, after he had departed for England. He says, " They fre- 
quently assembled together in the woods, in some shady spot, as nearly as pos- 
sible similar to those where they used to meet their brother Miquon (Penn), and 
there lay all his words and speeches, with those of his descendants, on a 
blanket, or clean piece of bark, and with great satisfaction go successively 
over the whole. This practice, which I have repeatedly witnessed, continued 
until the year 1780, when disturbances which took place put an end to it, 
probably forever." 

The memory of this, the "Great Treaty," was long preserved by the na- 
tives, and the novel spectacle was reproduced upon canvas by the genius of 
Benjamin West. In this picture, Penn is represented as a corpulent old man, 
whereas he was at this time but thirty-eight years of age, and in the very 
height of manly activity. The Treaty Tree was preserved and guarded from 
injury with an almost superstitious care. During the Revolution, when Phila- 
delphia was occupied by the British, and their parties were scouring the coun- 
try for firewood, Gen. Simcoe had a sentinel placed at this tree to protect it 
from mutilation. It stood until 1810, when it was blown down, and it was 
ascertained by its annual concentric accretions to be 283 years old, and was, 
consequently, 155 at the time of making the treaty. The Penn Society erected 
a substantial monument on the spot where it stood. 

Penn drew up his deeds for lands in legal form, and had them duly exe- 
cuted and made of record, that, in the dispute possible to arise in after times, 
there might be proof definite and positive of the purchase. Of these purchases 
there are two deeds on record executed in 1683. One is for land near Nesha- 
miny Creek, and thence to Penypack, and the other for lands lying between 
Schuylkill and Chester Rivers, the first bearing the signature of the great 
chieftain, Taminend. In one of these purchases it is provided that the tract 
"shall extend back as far as a man could walk in three days. " Tradition 
runs that Penn himself, with a number of his friends, walked out the half this 
purchase with the Indians, that no advantage should be taken of them by mak- 
ing a great walk, and to show his consideration for them, and that he was not 
above the toils and fatigues of such a duty." They began to walk out this 
land at the mouth of the Neshaminy, and walked up the Delaware; in one day 



56 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

and a half they got to a spruce tree near the mouth of Baker's Creek, when 
Penn, concluding that this would include as much land as he would want at 
present, a line was run and marked from the spruce tree to Neshaminy, and 
the remainder left to be walked when it should be wanted. They proceed- 
ed after the Indian manner, walking leisurely, sitting down sometimes to 
smoke their pipes, eat biscuit and cheese, and drink a bottle of wine. In the 
day and a half they walked a little less than thirty miles. The balance of the 
purchase was not walked until September 20, 17b3, when the then Governor of 
Pennsylvania oflfered a prize of 500 acres of land and £6 for the man who 
would walk the farthest. A distance of eighty-six miles was covered, in 
marked contrast with the kind consideration of Penn. 

During the first year, the country upon the Delaware, from the falls of 
Trenton as far as Chester, a distance of nearly sixty miles, was rapidly taken up 
and peopled. The large proportion of these were Quakers, and devotedly attached 
to their religion and its proper observances. They were, hence, morally, of the 
best classes, and though they were not generally of the aristocracy, yet many 
of them were in comfortable circumstances, had valuable properties, were of 
respectable families, educated, and had the resources within themselves to live 
contented and happy. They were provident, industrious, and had come hither 
with no fickle purpose. Many brought servants with them, and well supplied 
wardrobes, and all necessary articles which they wisely judged would be got 
in a new country with difficulty. 

Their religious principles were so peaceful and generous, and the govern- 
ment rested so lightly, that the fame of the colony and the desirableness of 
settlement therein spread rapidly, and the numbers coming hither were unpar- 
, alleled in the history of colonization, especially when we consider tliat a broad 
ocean was to be crossed and a voyage of several weeks was to be endured. In 
a brief period, ships with passengers came from London, Bristol, Ireland, 
Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire, Holland, Germany, to the number of about fifty. 
Among others came a company of German Quakers, from Krisheim, near 
Worms, in the Palatinate. These people regarded their lot as particularly 
fortunate, in which they recognized the direct interposition and hand of Provi- 
dence. For, not long afterward, the Palatinate was laid waste by the Preach 
army, and many of their kindred whom they had left behind were despoiled of 
their possessions and reduced to penury. There came also from Wales a com- 
pany of the stock of ancient Britons. 

So large an influx of population, coming in many cases without due pro- 
vision for variety of diet, caused a scarcity in many kinds of food, especially 
of meats. Time was required to bring forward flocks and herds, more than 
for producing grains. But Providence seemed to have graciously considered 
their necessities, and have miraculously provided for them, as of old was pro 
vision made for the chosen people. For it is recoi'ded that the "wild pigeons 
came in such great numbers that the sky was sometimes darkened by their 
flight, and, flying low, they were frequently knocked down as they flew, in 
great quantities, by those who had no other means to take them, whereby the} 
supplied themselves, and, having salted those which they could not immedi- 
ately use, they preserved them, both for bread and meat." The Indians were 
kind, and often furnished them with game, for which they would receive no 
compensation. 

Their first care on landing was to bring their household goods to a place 
of safety, often to the simple protection of a tree. For some, this was their 
only shelter, lumber being scarce, and in many places impossible to obtain. 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 57 

Some made for themselves caves in the earth until better habitations could be 
secured. 

John Key, who was said to have been the first child born of English par- 
ents in Philadelphia, and that in recognition of which William Penn gave 
him a lot of ground, died at Kennet, in Chester County, on July 5, 1768, 
in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was born in one of these caves upon 
the river bank, long afterward known by the name of Penny- pot, near Sassa- 
fras street. About six years before his death, he walked from Kennet to the 
city, about thirty miles, in one day. In the latter part of his life he went 
under the name of first Born. 

The contrasts between the comforts and conveniences of an old settled 
country and this, where the heavy forests must be cleared away and severe la- 
bors must be endured before the sun could be let in sufficiently to produce 
anything, must have been very marked, and caused repining. But they had 
generally come with meek and humble hearts, and they willingly endured 
hardship and privation, and labored on earnestly for the spiritual comfort 
which they enjoyed. Thomas Makin, in some Latin verses upon the early set- 
tlement, says (we quote the metrical translation): 

"Its fame to distant countries far has spread, 
And some for peace, and some for profit led; 
Born in remotest climes, to settle here 
They leave their native soil and all that's dear, 
And still will flock from far, here to be free. 
Such powerful charms has lovely liberty." 

But for their many privations and sufferings there were some compensat- 
ing conditions. The soil was fertile, the air mostly clear and healthy, the 
streams of water were good and plentiful, wood for fire and building unlimit- 
ed, and at certain seasons of the year game in the forest was abundant. Rich- 
ard Townsend, a settler at Germantown, who came over in the ship with Penn, 
in writing to his friends in England of his first year in America, says: "I, 
with Joshua Tittery, made a net, and caught great quantities of fish, so that, 
notwithstanding it was thought near three thousand persons came in the first 
year, we were so providentially provided for that we could buy a deer for 
about two shillings, and a large turkey for about one shilling, and Indian corn 
for about two shillings sixpence a bushel." 

In the same letter, the writer mentions that a young deer came out of the 
forest into the meadow where he was mowing, and looked at him, and when 
he went toward it would retreat; and, as he resumed his mowing, would come 
back to gaze upon him, and finally ran forcibly against a tree, which so 
stunned it that he was able to overmaster it and bear it away to his home, and 
as this was at a time when he was suffering for the lack of meat, he believed 
it a direct interposition of Providence. 

In the spring of 1688, there was great activity throughout the colony, and 
especially in the new city, in selecting lands and erecting dwellings, the Sur- 
veyor General, Thomas Holme, laying out and marking the streets. In the 
center of the city was a public square of ten acres, and in each of the four 
quarters one of eight acres. A large mansion, which had been undertaken be- 
fore his arrival, was built for Penn, at a point twenty-six miles up the river, 
called Pennsbury Manor, where ho sometimes resided, and where he often met 
the Indian sachems. At this time, Penn divided the colony into counties, 
three for the province (Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester) and three for the 
Territories (New Castle, Kent and Sussex). Having appointed Sheriffs and 
other proper officers, he issued writs for the election of members of a General 



58 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Assembly, three from each county for the Council or Upper House, and nine 
from each county for the Assembly or Lower House.* 

This Assembly convened and organized for business on the 10th of Jan- 
uary, 1683, at Philadelphia. One of the lii'st subjects considered was the 
revising some provisions of the frame of government which was effected, re- 
ducing the number of members of both Houses, the Council to 18 the As- 
sembly to 30, and otherwise amending in unimportant particulars. In 
an assembly thus convened, and where few, if any, had had any experience in 
serving in a deliberative body, we may reasonably suppose that many crude 
and impracticable propositions would be presented. As an example of these 
the following may be cited as specimens: That young men should be obliged 
to marry at, or before, a certain age; that two sorts of clothes only shall be 
worn, one for winter and the other for summer. The session lasted twenty two 
days. 

The first grand jury in Pennsylvania was summoned for the 2d of Feb- 
ruary, 1683, to inquire into the cases of some persons accused of issuing 
counterfeit money. The Governor and Council sat as a court. One Picker- 
ing was convicted, and the sentence was significant of the kind and pa,triarchal 
nature of the government, "that he should make full satisfaction, in good 
and current pay, to every person who should, within the space of one month, 
bring in any of this false, base and counterfeit coin, and that the money 
brought in should be melted down before it was returned to him, and that he 
should pay a fine of forty pounds toward the building a court house, stand 
committed till the same was paid, and afterward find security for his good 
behavior." 

The Assembly and courts having now adjourned, Penn gave his attention 
to the grading and improving the streets of the new city, and the managing 
the affairs of his land ofiice, suddenly grown to great importance. For every 
section of land taken up in the wilderness, the purchaser was entitled to a 
certain plot in the new city. The Kiver Delaware at this time was nearly a 
mile broad opposite the city, and navigable for ships of the largest tonnage. 
The tide rises about six feet at this point, and flows back' to the falls of 
Trenton, a distance of thirty miles. The tide in the Schuylkill flows only 
about five miles above its confluence with the Delaware. The river bank along 
the Delaware was intended by Penn as a common or public resort. But in 
his time the owners of lots above Front street pressed him to allow them to 
construct warehouses upon it, opposite their properties, which importunity in- 
duced him to make the following declaration concerning it; "The bank is a 
top common, from end to end; the rest next the water belongs to front-lot 
men no more than back-lot men. The way bounds them; they may build stairs, 
and the top of the bank a common exchange, or wall, and against the street, 
common wharfs may be built freely; but into the water, and the shore is no 
purchaser's." But in future time, "this liberal desire of the founder was dis- 
regarded, and the bank has been covered with immense warehouses. 

*It may be a matter of curiosity to know the names of the members of this first regularly elected Legis- 
lature in Pennsylvania, and they are accordingly appended as given in otficial records: 

Council: William Markham, Christopher Tavlor, Thomas Holme. Lacy Cock, William Haige, John Moll, 
Ralph Withers, John Simcock, Fxlward Cantweli, William Clayton, William Biles, James Harrison, William 
Clark, Francis Whitewell, John Richardson, John Hillvard. 

Assembly: From Bucks, William Yardly, Samuel Darke, Robert Lucas, Nicholas Walnc, John Wood, John 
Clowes, Thomas Fitzwater, Robert Hall, James Boyden ; from Philadelphia, John Longhurst, John Hart, Wal- 
ter King, Andros Binkson, John Moon, Thomas Wynne (Speaker), Gritfith Jones, William Warner, Swan Swan- 
son; from Chester, John Hoskins, Robert Wade, George Wood, John Blunston, Dennis Rochford, Thomas 



Brinkloe, Daniel Brown, Benony Bishop; from Sussex, Luke Watson, Alexander Draper, AVilliam Futcher, 
Henry Bowman, Alexander Moleston, John Hill, Robert Bracy, John Kipshaven, Cornelius Verhoof. 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 59 

Seeing now his plans of government and settlement fairly in operation, as 
autumn approached, Penn wrote a letter to the Free Society of Traders in 
London, which had been formed to promote settlement in his colony, in which 
he touched upon a great variety of topics regarding his enterprise, extending to 
quite a complete treatise. The great interest attaching to the subjects dis- 
cussed, and the ability with which it was drawn, makes it desirable to insert 
the document entire; but its great length makes its use incompatible with the 
plan of this work. A few extracts and a general plan of the letter is all that 
can be given. He first notices the injurious reports put in circulation in En- 
gland during his absence: " Some persons have had so little wit and so much 
malice as to report my death, and, to mend the matter, dead a Jesuit, too. 
One might have reasonably hoped that this distance, like death, would have 
been a protection against spite and envy. * * * However, to the great sorrow 
and shame of the inventors, I am still alive and no Jesuit, and, I thank God, 
very well." Of the air and waters hn says: " The air is sweet and clear, the 
heavens serene, like the south parts of France, rarely overcast. The waters 
are generally good, for the rivers and brooks have mostly gravel and stony bot- 
toms, and in number hardly credible. We also have mineral waters that 
operate in the same manner with Barnet and North Hall, not two miles from 
Philadelphia." He then treats at length of the four seasons, of trees, fruits, 
grapes, peaches, grains, garden produce; of animals, beasts, birds, fish, whale fish- 
ery, horses and cattle, medicinal plants, flowers of the woods; of the Indians 
and their persons. Of their language he says: "It is lofty, yet narrow; but, 
like the Hebrew, in signification, full, imperfect in their tenses, wanting in their 
moods, participles, adverbs, conjunctions, interjections. I have made it my busi- 
ness to understand it, and I must say that I know not a language spoken in Europe 
that hath words of more sweetness or greatness in accent and emphasis than 
theirs." Of their customs and their children : " The children will go very young, 
at nine months, commonly; if boys, they go a fishing, till ripe for the woods, which 
is about fifteen; then they hunt, and, after having given some proofs of their 
manhood by a good return of skins, they may marry, else it is a shame to think 
of a wife. The girls stay with their mother and help to hoe the ground, plant 
corn and carry burdens. When the young women are fit for marriage, they 
wear something upon their heads as an adverlisment; but so, as their faces hardly 
to be seen, but when they please. The age they marry at, if women, is about 
thirteen and fourteen; if men, seventeen and eighteen; they ai'e rarely elder." 
In a romantic vein he speaks of their houses, diet, hospitality, revengefulness 
and concealment of resentment, great liberality, free manner of life and 
customs, late love of strong liquor, behavior in sickness and death, their re- 
ligion, their feastings, their government, their mode of doing business, their 
manner of administering justice, of agreement for settling difficulties entered into 
with the pen, their susceptibility to improvement, of the origin of the Indian race 
their resemblance to the Jews. Of the Dutch and Swedes whom he found set- 
tled here when he came, he says: " The Dutch applied themselves to traffick, 
the Swedes and Finns to husbandry. The Dutch mostly inhabit those parts 
that lie upon the bay, and the Swedes the freshes of the Delaware. They are 
a plain, strong, industrious people; yet have made no great progress in culture 
or propagation of fruit trees. They are a people proper, and strong of body, 
so they have fine children, and almost every house full; rare to find one of them 
without three or four boys and as many girls — some, six, seven and eight sons, 
and I must do themthat right, I see few young men more sober and laborious." 
After speaking at length of the organization of the colony and its manner of 
government, he concludes with his own opinion of the country: "I say little 



60 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

of the town itself; but this I will say, for the good providence of God, that 
of all the many places I have seen in the world, I remember not one better 
seated, so that it seems to me to have been appointed for a town, whether we 
regard the rivers or the conveniency of the coves, docks, springs, the loftiness 
and soundness of the land and the air, held by the people of these parts to be 
very good. It is advanced within less than a year to about fourscore bouses 
and cottages, where merchants and handicrafts are following their vocations 
as fast as they can, while the countrymen are close at their farms. * * * I 
bless God I am fully satisfied with the country and entertainment I got in it; 
for I find that particular content, which hath always attended me, where God in 
His providence hath made it my place and service to reside." 

As we have seen, the visit of Penn to Lord Baltimore soon after his arrival 
in America, for the purpose of settling the boundaries of the two provinces, after 
a two days' conference, proved fruitless, and an adjournment was had for the 
winter, when the efforts for settlement were to be resumed. Early in the 
spring, an attempt was made on the part of Peun, but was prevented till May, 
when a meeting was held at New Castle. Penn proposed to confer by the aid 
of counselors and in writing. But to this Baltimore objected, and, complain- 
ing of the sultryness of the weather, the conference was broken up. In the 
meantime, it had come to the knowledge of Penn that Lord Baltimore had 
issued a proclamation offering settlers more land, and at cheaper rates than 
Penn had done, in portions of the lower counties which Penn had secured 
from the Duke of York, but which Baltimore now claimed. Besides, it was 
ascertained that an agent of his had taken an observation, and determined the 
latitude without the knowledge of Penn, and had secretly made an ex "parte 
statement of the case before the Lords of the Committee of Plantations in En- 
gland, and was pressing for arbitrament. This state of the case created much 
uneasiness in the mind of Penn, especially as the proclamation of Lord Balti- 
more was likely to bring the two governments into conflict on territory mutu- 
ally claimed. But Lord Baltimore was not disposed to be content with diplo- 
macy. He determined to pursue an aggressive policy. He accordingly com- 
missioned his agent, Col. George Talbot, under date of September 17, 1683, 
to go to Schuylkill, at Delaware, and demand of William Penn " all that part 
of the land on the west side of the said river that lyeth to the southward of 
the fortieth degree." This bold demand would have embraced the entire colony, 
both the lower counties, and the three counties in the province, as the fortieth 
degree reaches a considerable distance above Philadelphia. Penn was absent 
at the time in New Yoi'k, and Talbot made his demand upon Nicholas Moore, 
the deputy of Penn. Upon his retiurn, the proprietor made a dignified but 
earnest rejoinder. While he felt that the demand could not be justly sus- 
tained, yet the fact that a controversy for the settlement of the boundary was 
likely to arise, gave him disquietude, and though he was gratified with the 
success of his plans for acquiring lands of the Indians and establishing friendly 
relations with them, the laying-out of his new city and settling it, the adop- 
tion of a stable government and putting it in successful operation, and, more 
than all, the drawing thither the large number of settlers, chiefly of his own 
religious faith, and seeing them contented and happy in the new State, he 
plainly foresaw that his skill and tact would be taxed to the utmost to defend 
and hold his claim before the English court. If the demand of Lord Balti- 
more were to prevail, all that he had done would be lost, as his entire colony 
would be swallowed up by Maryland. 

The anxiety of Penn to hold from the beginning of the 40° of latitude was 
not to increase thereby his territory by so much, for two degrees which he 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 61 

securely had, so far as amount of land was concerned, would have entirely 
satiritied him; but he wanted this degree chiefly that he might have the free 
navigation of Delaware Bay and River, and thus open communication with the 
ocean. He desired also to hold the lower counties, which were now well 
settled, as well as his own counties rapidly being peopled, and his new city of 
Philadelphia, which he regarded as the apple of his eye. So anxious was he 
to hold the land on the right bank of the Delaware to the open ocean, that at. 
his second meeting, he asked Lord Baltimore to set a price per square mile on 
this disputed ground, and though he had purchased it once of the crown and 
held the King's charter for it, and the Duke of York's deed, yet rather than 
have any further wrangle over it, he was willing to pay for it again. But this 
Lord Baltimore refused to do. 

Bent upon bringing matters to a crisis, and to force possession of his 
claim, early in the year 1684 a party from Maryland made forcible entry 
upon the plantations in the lower counties and drove off the owners. The 
Governor and Council at Philadelphia sent thither a copy of the answer of 
Penn to Baltimore's demand for the land south of the Delaware, with orders 
to William Welch, Sheriff at New Castle, to use his influence to reinstate the 
lawful owners, and issued a declaration succinctly stating the claim of Penn, 
for the purpose of preventing such unlawful incursions in future. 

The season opened favorably for the continued prosperity of the young 
colony. Agriculture was being prosecuted as never before. Goodly flocks 
and herds gladdened the eyes of the settlers. An intelligent, moral and in- 
dustrious yeomanry was springing into existence. Emigrants were pouring 
into the Delaware from many lands. The Government was becoming settled 
in its operations and popular with the people. The proprietor had leisure to 
attend to the interests of his religious society, not only in his own dominions, 
but in the Jerseys and in New York. 



CHAPTER VII. 



Thomas Lloyd, 1684-86— Five Commissioners, 1686-88— John Black-well, 1688 
-90— Thomas Lloyd, 1690-91— William Markham, 1691-93— Benjamin 
Fletcher, 1693-95— William MarkhaiM, 1693-99. 

BUT the indications, constantly thickening, that a struggle was likely soon 
to be precipitated before the crown for possession of the disputed terri- 
tory, decided Penn early in the summer to quit the colony and return to En- 
gland to defend his imperiled interests. There is no doubt that he took this 
step with unfeigned regret, as he was contented and happy in his new country, 
and was most usefully employed. There were, however, other inducements 
which were leading him back to England. The hand of persecution was at 
this time laid heavily upon the Quakers. Over 1,400 of these pious and in- 
offensive people were now, and some of them had been for years, languishing 
in the prisons of England, for no other offense than their manner of worship. 
By his friendship with James, and his acquaintance with the King, he might 
do something to soften the lot of these unfortunate victims of bigotry. 

He accordingly empowered the Provincial Council, of which Thomas 
Lloyd was President, to act in his stead, commissioned Nicholas Moore, Will- 
iam Welch, William Wood, Robert Turner and John Eckley, Provincial 



62 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Judges for two years; appointed Thomas Lloyd, James Claypole and Robert 
Turner to sign land patents and warrants, and William Clark as Justice of 
the Peace for all the counties; and on the 6th of June, 1684, sailed for Europe. 
His feelings on leaving his colony are exnibited by a farewell address which 
he issued from on board the vessel to his people, of which the following are 
brief extracts: "My love and my life is to you, and with you, and no water 
can quench it, nor distance wear it out, nor bring it to an end. I have been 
with you, cared over you and served over you with unfeigned love, and you 
are beloved of me, and near to me, beyond utterance. I bless you in the 
name and power of the Lord, and may God bless you with His righteousness, 
peace and plenty all the land over. * * * Q]x\ now are you come to a 
quiet land; provoke not the Lord to trouble it. And now liberty and author- 
ity are with you, and in your hands. Let the government be upon His 
shouldei's, in all your spirits, that you may rule for Him, under whom the 
princes of this world will, one day, esteem their honor to govern and serve in 
their places * * * And thou, Philadelphia, the virgin settlement of 
this province, named before thou wert born, what love, what care, what serv- 
ice and what travail has there been, to bring thee forth, and preserve thee from 
such as would abuse and defile thee! * * * go, dear friends, my love 
again salutes you all, wishing that grace, mercy and peace, with all temporal 
blessings, may abound richly among you — so says, so prays, your friend and 
lover in the truth. William Penn." 

On the 6th of December of this same year, 1684, Charles II died, and was 
succeeded by his brother James, Duke of York, under the title of James II. 
James was a professed Catholic, and the people were greatly excited all over 
the kingdom lest the reign of Bloody Mary should be repeated, and that the 
Catholic should become the established religion. He had less ability than 
his brother, the deceased King, but great discipline and industry. Penn en- 
joyed the friendship and intimacy of the new King, and he determined to use 
his advantage for the relief of his suffering countiymen, not only of his sect, 
the Quakers, but of all, and especially for the furtherance of universal liberty. 
But there is no doubt that he at this time meditated a speedy return to his 
province, for he writes: "Keep up the peoples' hearts and loves; I hope to be 
with them next fall, if the Lord prevent not. I long to be with you. No 
temptations prevail to fix me here. The Lord send us a good meeting." By 
authority of Penn, dated 18th of January, 1685, William Markham, Penn's 
cousin, was commissioned Secretary of the province, and the proprietor's Sec- 
retary. 

That he might be fixed near to court for the furtherance of his private as 
well as public business, he secured lodgings for himself and family, in 1685, at 
Kensington, near London, and cultivated a daily intimacy with the King, who, 
no doubt, found in the strong native sense of his Quaker friend, a valued ad- 
viser upon many questions of difficulty. His first and chief care was the set- 
tlement of his disagreement with Lord Baltimore touching the boundaries of 
their provinces. This was settled in November, 1685, by a compromise, by 
which the land lying between the Delaware and Chesepeake Bays was divided 
into two equal parts — that upon the Delaware was adjudged to Penn, and that 
upon the Chesapeake to Lord Baltimore. This settled' the matter in theory; 
but when the attempt was made to run the lines according to the language of 
the Royal Act, it was found that the royal secretaries did not understand the 
geography of the country, and that the line which their language described was 
an impossible one. Consequently the boundary remained undetermined till 
1732. The account of its location will be given in its proper place. 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 63 

Having secured this important decision to his satisfaction, Penn applied 
himself with renewed zeal, rot only to secure the release of his people, who 
were languishing in prisons, but to procure for all Englishmen, everywhere, 
enlarged liberty and freedom of conscience. His relations with the King fa- 
vored his designs. The King had said to Penn before he ascended the throne 
that he was opposed to persecution for religion. On the first day of his reign, 
he made an address, in which he proclaimed himself opposed to all arbitrary 
principles in government, 'and promised protection to the Church of England. 
Early in the year 1686, in consequence of the King's proclamation for a gen- 
eral pardon, over thirteen hundred Quakers were set at liberty, and in April, 
1687, the King issued a declaration for entire liberty of conscience, and sus- 
pending the penal laws in matters ecclesiastical. This was a great step in ad- 
vance, and one that must ever throw a luster over the brief reign of this un- 
fortunate monarch. Penn, though holding no official position, doubtless did 
as much toward securing the issue of this liberal measure as any Englishman. 

Upon the issue of these edicts, the Quakers, at their next annual meeting, 
presented an address of acknowledgment to the Ring, which opened in these 
words: "We cannot but bless and praise the name of Almighty God, who 
hath the hearts of princes in His hands, that He hath inclined the King to hear 
the cries of his suffering subjects for conscience' sake, and we rejoice that he 
hath given us so eminent an occasion to present him our thanks." This ad- 
dress was presented by Penn in a few well -chosen words, and the King re- 
plied in the following, though brief, yet most expressive, language: "Gentle- 
men — I thank you heartily for your address. Some of you know (I am sure 
you do Mr. Penn), that it was always my principle, that conscience ought not 
to be forced, and that all men ought to have the liberty of their consciences. 
And what I have promised in my declaration, I will continue to perform so 
long as I live. And I hope, before I die, to settle it so that after ages shall 
have no reason to alter it." 

It would have been supposed that such noble sentiments as these from a 
sovereign would have been hailed with delight by the English people. But 
they were not. The aristocracy of Britain at this time did not want liberty of 
conscience. They wanted comformity to the established church, and bitter 
persecution against all others, as in the reign of Charles, which filled the 
prisons with Quakers. The warm congratulations to James, and fervent prayers 
for his welfare, were regarded by them with an evil eye. Bitter reproaches 
were heaped upon Penn, who was looked upon as the power behind the throne 
that was moving the King to the enforcing of these principles. He was ac- 
cused of having been educated at St. Omer's, a Catholic college, a place which 
he never saw in his life, of having taken orders as a priest in the Catholic 
Church, of having obtained dispensation to marry, and of being not only a 
Catholic, but a Jesuit in disguise, all of which were pure fabrications. But in 
the excited state of the public mind they were believed, and caused him to be 
regarded with bitter hatred. The King, too, fell rapidly into disfavor, and so 
completely had the minds of his people become alienated from him, that upon 
the coming of the Prince of Orange and his wife Mary, in 1688, James was 
obliged to flee to France for safety, and they were received as the rulers of 
Britain. 

But while the interests of the colony were thus prospering at court, they 
were not so cloudless in the new country. There was needed the strong hand 
of Penn to check abuses and guide the course of legislation in proper chan- 
nels. He had labored to place the government entirely in the hands of the 
people — an idea, in the abstract, most attractive, and one which, were the entire 

4 



64 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

population wise and just, would result fortunately: yet, in practice, he found 
to his sorrow the results most vexatious. The proprietor had not long been 
gone before troubles arose between the two Houses of the Legislatiu-e relative 
to promulgating the laws as not being in accordance with the requirements of 
the charter Nicholas Moore, the Chief Justice, was impeached for iri'egular- 
ities in imposing fines and in other ways abusing his high trust. But though 
formally arraigned and directed to desist from exercising his functions, he suc- 
cessfully resisted the proceedings, and a final judgment was never obtained. 
Patrick Robinson, Clerk of the court, for refusing to produce the records in the 
trial of Moore, was voted a public enemy. These troubles in the government 
were the occasion of much grief to Penn, who wrote, naming a number of the 
most influential men in the colony, and beseeching them to unite in an endeavor 
to check further irregularities, declaring that they disgraced the province, 
" that their conduct had struck back hundreds, and was £10,000 out of his 
way, and £100,000 out of the country." 

In the latter part of the year 1686, seeing that the whole Council was too 
unwieldy a body to exercise executive power, Penn determined to contract the 
number, and accordingly appointed Thomas Lloyd, Nicholas Moore, James 
Clay pole, Robert Tiu-ner and John Eckley, any three of whom should consti- 
tute a quorum, to be Commissioners of State to act for the proprietor. In 
place of Moore and Claypole, Ai'thur Cook and John Simcock were appointed. 
They were to compel the attendance of the Council; see that the two Houses 
admit of no parley, to abrogate till laws except the fundamentals; to dismiss 
the Assembly and call a new one, and finally he solemnly admonishes them, 
" Be most just, as in the sight of the all-seeing, all-searching God." In a 
letter to these Commissiouers, he says: " Three things occur to me eminently: 
First, that you be watchful that none abuse the King, etc. ; secondly, that you 
get the custom act revived as being the equalest and least oifensive way to 
support the government; thirdly, that you retrieve the dignity of courts and 
sessions." 

In a letter to James Harrison, his confidential agent at Pennsbury Manor, 
he unbosoms himself more freely respecting his employment in London than 
in any of his State papers or more public communications, and from it can be 
seen how important were his labors with the head of the English nation. " I 
am engaged in the public business of the nation and Friends, and those in au- 
thority would have me see the establishment of the liberty, that I was a small 
instrument to begin in the land. The Lord has given me great entrance and 
interest with the King, though not so much as is said; and I confess I should 
rejoice to see poor old England fixed, the penal laws repealed, that are now 
suspended, and if it goes well with England, it cannot go ill with Pennsyl- 
vania, as unkindly used as I am; and no poor slave in Turkey desires more 
earnestly, I believe, for deliverance, than I do to be with you." In the sum- 
mer of 1687, Penn was in company with the King in a progress through the 
counties of Berkshire, Glocestershire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Cheshire, 
Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, during which he 
held several religious meetings with his people, in some of which the King ap- 
pears to have been present, particularly in Chester. 

Since the departure of Penn, Thomas Lloyd had acted as President of 
the Council, and later of the Commissioners of State. He had been in effect 
Governor, and held responsible for the success of the government, while pos- 
sessing only one voice in the disposing of affairs. Tiring of this anomalous 
position, Lloyd applied to be relieved. It was difficult to find a person of 
sufficient ability to fill the place: but Penn decided to relieve him, though 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 65 

showing his entire confidence by notifying him that he intended soon to ap- 
point him absolute Governor. In his place, he indicated Samuel Carpenter, 
or if he was unwilling to serve, then Thomas Ellis, but not to be President, hia 
will being that each should preside a month in turn, or that the oldest mem- 
ber should be chosen. 

Penn foresaw that the executive power, to be efficient, must be lodged in 
the hands of one man of ability, such as to command the respect of his people. 
Those whom he most trusted in the colony had been so mixed up in the wran- 
gles of the executive and legislative departments of the government that he 
deemed it advisable to appoint a person who had not before been in the col- 
ony and not a Quaker. He accordingly commissioned John Blackwell, July 
27, 1688, to be Lieutenant Governor, who was at this time in New England, 
and who had the esteem and confidence of Penn. With the commission, the 
proprietor sent full instructions, chiefly by way of caution, the last one being: 
" Rule the meek meekly; and those that will not be ruled, rule with authority." 
Though Lloyd had been relieved of power, he still remained in the Council, 
probably because neither of the persens designated were willing to serve. 
Having seen the evils of a many-headed executive, he had recommended the 
appointment of one person to exercise executive authority. It was in con 
formity with this advice that Blackwell was appointed. He met the Assembly 
in March, 1689; but either his conceptions of business were arbitrary and im- 
perious, or the Assembly had become accustomed to great latitude and lax 
discipline; for the business had not proceeded far before the several branches 
of the government were at variance. Lloyd refused to give up the great seal, 
alleging that it had been given him for life. The Governor, arbitra- 
rily and without warrant of law, imprisoned officers of high rank, denied the 
validity of all laws passed by the Assembly previous to his administration, and 
set on foot a project for organizing and equipping the militia, under the plea 
of threatened hostility of France. The Assembly attempted to arrest his 
proceedings, but he shrewdly evaded their intents by organizing a party 
among the members, who persistently absented themselves. His reign 
was short, for in January, 1690, he left the colony and sailed away for En- 
gland, whereupon the government again devolved upon the Council, Thomas 
Lloyd, President. Penn had a high estimation of the talents and integrity 
of Blackwell, and adds, " He is in England and Ireland of great repute for 
ability, integrity and virtue. " 

Three forms of administering the executive department of the government 
had now been tried, by a Council consisting of eighteen members, a commission of 
five members, and a Lieutenant Governor. Desirous of leaving the government 
as far as possible in the hands of the people who were the sources of all 
power, Penn left it to the Council to decide which form should be adopted. 
The majority decided for a Deputy Governor. This was opposed by the mem- 
bers from the provinces, who preferred a Council, and who, finding themselves 
outvoted, decided to withdraw, and determined for themselves to govern the 
lower counties until Penn should come. This obstinacy and falling out be- 
tween the councilors from the lower counties and those from the province 
was the beginning of a controversy which eventuated in a separation, and 
finally in the formation of Delaware as a separate commonwealth. A deputa- 
tion from the Council was sent to New Castle to induce the seceding members 
to return, but without success. They had never regarded with favor the re- 
moval of the sittings of the Council from New Castle, the first seat of gov- 
ernment, to Philadelphia, and they were now determined to set up a govern- 
ment for themselves. 



66 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

In 1689, the Friends Public School in Philadelphia was first incorporated, 
confirmed by a patent from Pean in 1701, and another in 1708, and finally, 
with greatly enlarged powers, from Penn personally, November 29, 1711. The 
preamble to the charter recites that as "the prosperity and welfare of any 
people depend, in great measure, upon the good education of youth, and their 
early inti-oduction in the principles of true religion and virtue, and qualifying 
them to serve their country and themselves, by breeding them in reading, 
writing, and learning of languages and useful arts and sciences suitable to 
their sex, age and degree, which cannot be effected in any manner so well as 
by erecting public schools," etc. George Keith was employed as the first mas- 
ter of this school. He was a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, a man of learning, 
and had emigrated to East Jersey some years previous, whore he was Surveyor 
General, and had surveyed and marked the line between East and West New 
Jersey. He only remained at the head of the school one year, when he was 
succeeded by his usher, Thomas Makin. This was a school of considerable 
merit and pretension, where the higher mathematics and the ancient lan- 
guages were taught, and was the first of this high grade. A school of a pri- 
mary grade had been established as early as 1683, in Philadelphia, when 
Enoch Flower taught on the following terms: "To learn to read English, 
four shillings by the quarter; to write, six shillings by ditto; to read, write and 
cast accounts, eight shillings by the quarter; boarding a scholar, that is to 
say, diet, lodging, washing and schooling, £10 for one whole year," from which 
it will be seen that although learning might be highly prized, its cost in 
hard cash was not exorbitant. 

Penn's favor at court during the reign of James II caused him to be sus- 
pected of disloyalty to the government svhen William and Mary had come to 
the throne. Accordingly on the 10th of December, 1688, while walking in 
White Hall, he was summoned before the Lords of the Council, and though 
nothing was found against him, was compelled to give security for his appear- 
ance at the next term, to answer any charge that might be made. At the sec- 
ond sitting of the Council nothing having been found against him, he was 
cleared in open court. In 1690, he was again brought before the Lords on 
the charge of having been in cox'respoudence with the late King. He ap 
pealed to King William, who, after a hearing of two hours, was disposed to 
release him, but the Lords decided to hold him until the Trinity term, when 
he was again discharged. A third time he was arraigned, and this time with 
eighteen others, charged with adhering to the kingdom's enemies, but was 
cleared by order of the King's Bench. Being now at liberty, and these vexa- 
tious suits a[)parently at an end, he set about leading a large party of settlers 
to his cherished Pennsylvania. Proposals were published, and the Govern- 
ment, regarding the enterprise oE so much importance, had ordered an armed 
convoy, when he was again met by another accusation, and now, backed by 
the false oath of one William Fuller, whom the Parliament subsequently de- 
clared a " cheat and an imposter." Seeing that he must prepare again for his 
defense, he abandoned his voyage to America, after having made expensive 
preparations, and convinced that his enemies were determined to prevent his 
attention to public or private afifairs, whether in England or America, he with- 
drew himself during the ensuing two or three years from the public eye. 

But though not participating in business, which was calling loudly for his 
attention, his mind was busy, and several important treatises upon religious 
and civil matters were produced that had great influence upon the turn of 
public affairs, which would never have been written but for this forced retire- 
ment. In his address to the yearly meeting of Friends in London, he says: 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. gj 

" My enemies are yours. My privacy is not because men have sworn truly, 
but falsely against me. " 

His personal grievances in England were the least which he suffered. For 
Jack of guiding influence, bitter dissensions had sprung up in his colony, 
which threatened the loss of all. Desiring to secure peace, he had commis- 
sioned Thomas Lloyd Deputy Governor of the province, and William Mark- 
ham Deputy Governor of the lower counties. Penn's grief on account of this 
division is disclosed in a letter to a friend in the province: "I left it to them, 
to choose either the government of the Council, five Commissioners or a deputy. 
What could be tenderer? Now I perceive Thomas Lloyd is chosen by the 
three upper, but not the three lower counties, and sits down with this broken 
choice. This has grieved and wounded me and mine, I fear to the hazard of 
all I * * * for else the Governor of New York is like to have all, if he 
has it not already." 

But the troubles of Penn in America were not confined to civil affairs. 
His religious society was torn with dissension. George Keith, a man of con- 
siderable power in argumentation, but of over weaning self -conceit, attacked the 
Friends for the laxity of their discipline, and drew off some followers. So 
venomous did he become that on the 20th of April, 1692, a testimony of de- 
nial was drawn up against him at a meeting of ministers, wherein he and his 
conduct were publicly disowned. This was confirmed at the next yearly meet- 
ing. He drew off large numbers and set up an independent society, who 
termed themselves Christian Quakers. Keith appealed from this action of the 
American Church to the yearly meeting in London, but was so intemperate in 
speech that the action of the American Church was confirmed. Whereupon 
he became the bitter enemy of the Quakers, and, uniting with the Church of 
England, was ordained a Vicar by the Bishop of London. He afterward re- 
turned to America where he wrote against his former associates, but was final- 
ly fixed in a benefice in Sussex, England. On his death bed, he said, " I wish 
I had died when I was a Quaker, for then I am sure it would have been well 
with my soul." 

But Keith had not been satisfied with attacking the principles and prac- 
tices of his church. He mercilessly lampooned the Lieutenant Governor, say- 
ing that 'He was not fit to be a Governor, and his name would stink," and of 
the Council, that "He hoped to God he should shortly see their power taken 
from them." On another occasion, he said of Thomas Lloyd, who was reputed 
a mild-tempered man, and had befriended Keith, that he was " an impu- 
dent man and a pitiful Governor,' ' and asked him "why he did not send him 
to jail," saying that "his back (Keith's) had long itched for a whipping, and 
that he would print and expose them all over America, if not over Europe. " 
So abusive had he finally become that the Council was obliged to take notice 
of his conduct and to warn him to desist. 

Penn, as has been shown, was silenced and thrown into retirement in En- 
gland. It can be readily seen what an excellent opportunity these troubles 
in America, the separation in the government, and the schism in the church, 
gave his enemies to attack him. They represented that he had neglected his 
colony by remaining in England and meddling with matters in which he had 
no business; that the colony in consequence had fallen into great disorder, 
and that he should be deprived of his proprietary rights. These complaints 
had so much weight with William and Mary, that, on the 21st of October, 1692, 
they commissioned Benjamin Fletcher, Governor of New York, to take the 
province and territories under his government. There was another motive 
operating at this time, more potent than those mentioned above, to induce the 



68 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

King and Queen to put the government of Pennsylvania under the Governor 
of New York. The French and Indians from the north were threatening the 
English. Already the expense for defense had become burdensome to New 
York. It was believed that to ask aid for the common defense from Penn, 
with his peace principles, would be fniitless, but that through the influence of 
Gov. Fletcher, as executive, an appropriation might be secured. 

Upon receiving his commission, Gov. Fletcher sent a note, dated April 19, 
1693, to Deputy Gov. Lloyd, informing him of the grant of the royal commis- 
sion and of his intention to visit the colony and assume authority on the 29th 
inst. He accordingly came with great pomp and splendor, attended by a 
numerous retinue, and soon after his arrival, submission to him having been 
accorded without question, summoned the Assembly. Some differences having 
arisen between the Governor and the Assembly about the manner of calling and 
electing the Representatives, certain members united in an address to the Gov- 
ernor, claiming that the constitution and laws were still in full force and 
must be administei'ed until altered or repealed; that Pennsylvania had just as 
good a right to be governed according lo the usages of Pennsylvania as New 
York had to be governed according to the usages of that province. The Leg- 
islature being finally organized, Gov. Fletcher presented a letter from the 
Queen, setting forth that the expense for the preservation and defense of Albany 
against the French was intolerable to the inhabitants there, and that as this 
was a frontier to other colonies, it was thought but just that they should help 
bear the burden. The Legislature, in firm but respectful terms, maintained 
that the constitution and laws enacted under them were in full force, and 
when he, having flatly denied this, attempted to intimidate them by the threat 
of annexing Pennsylvania to New York, they mildly but firmly requested that 
if the Governor had objections to the bill which they had passed and would 
communicate them, they would try to remove them. The business was now 
amicably adjusted, and he in compliance with their wish dissolved the Assembly, 
and after appointing William Markham Lieutenant Governor, departed to his 
government in New York, doubtless well satisfied that a Quaker, though usu- 
ally mild mannered, is not easily frightened or coerced. 

Gov. Fletcher met the Assembly again in March, 1694, and during this 
session, having apparently failed in his previous endeavors to induce the Assem- 
bly to vote money for the common defense, sent a communication setting forth 
the dangers to be apprehended from the French and Indians, aud concluding in 
these words : "That he considered their principles ; that they could not carry arms 
nor levy money to make war, though for their own defense, yet he hoped that 
they would not refuse to feed the hungry and clothe the naked; that was to 
supply the Indian nations with such necessaries as may influence their contin- 
ued friendship to their provinces." But notwithstanding the adroit sugar- 
coating of the pill, it was not acceptable and no money was voted. This and a 
brief session in September closed the Governorship of Pennsylvania by 
Fletcher. It would appear from a letter written by Penn, after hearing of 
the neglect of the Legislature to vote money for the purpose indicated, that 
he took an entirely different view of the subject from that which was antici- 
pated; for he blamed the colony for refusing to send money to New York for 
what he calls the common defense. 

Through the kind offices of Lords Rochestei , Raaelagh, Sidney and Somers, 
the Duke of Buckingham and Sir John Trenchard, the king was asked to 
hear the case of William Penn, against whom no charge was proven, and who 
would two years before have gone to his colony had he not supposed that he 
would have been thought to go in defiance of the government. King William 



HISTORY OF PENNSVLVANIA. 69 

answered that William Penn was his old acquaintance as well as theirs, that 
he might follow his business as freely as ever, and that he had nothing to say 
to him. Penn was accordingly reinstated in his government by letters patent 
dated on the 20th of August, 1694, whereupon he commissioned William Mark- 
ham Lieutenant Governor. 

When Markham called the Assembly, he disregarded the provisions of the 
charter, assuming that the removal of Penn had annulled the grant. The 
Assembly made no objection to this action, as there were provisions in the old 
charter that they desired to have changed. Accordingly, when the appropria- 
tion bill was considered, a new constitution was attached to it and passed. 
This was approved by Markham and became the organic law, the third consti- 
tution adopted under the charter of King Charles. By the provisions of this 
instrument, the Council was composed of twelve members, and the Assembly 
of twenty-four. During the war between France and England, the ocean 
swarmed with the privateers of the former. When peace was declared, many of 
these crafts, which had richly profited by privateering, were disposed to con- 
tinue their irregular practices, which was now piracy. Judging that the peace 
principles of the Quakers would shield them from forcible seizure, they were 
accustomed to run into the Delaware for safe harbor. Complaints coming 
of the depredations of these parties, a proclamation was issued calling on 
magistrates and citizens to unite in breaking up practices so damaging to the 
good name of the colony. It was charged in England that evil-disposed per- 
sons in the province were privy to these practices, if not parties to it, and that 
the failure of the Government to break it up was a proof of its inefficiency, 
and of a radical defect of the principles on which it was based. Penn was 
much exercised by these charges, and in his letters to the Lieutenant Governor 
and to his friends in the Assembly, urged ceaseless vigilance to effect reform. 



CHAPTER YIIL 



William Penn, 1699-1701— Andrew Hamilton. 1701-3— Edward Shippen 
1703-4— John Evans, 1704-9— Charles Gookin, 1709-17. 

BEING free from harassing persecutions, and in favor at court, Penn de- 
termined to remove with his family to Pennsylvania, and now with the ex- 
pectation of living and dying here. Accordingly, in July, 1699, he set sail, 
and, on account of adverse winds, was three months tossed about upon the 
ocean. Just before his arrival in his colony, the yellow fever raged there with 
great virulence, having been brought thither from the West Indies, but had 
been checked by the biting frosts of autumn, and had now disappeared. An 
observant traveler, who witnessed the effects of this scourge, writes thus of it 
in his journal: " Great was the majesty and hand of the Lord. Great was 
the fear that fell upon all flesh. I saw no lofty nor airy countenance, nor 
heard any vain jesting to move men to laughter, nor witty repartee to raise 
mirth, nor extravagant feasting to excite the lusts and desires of the flesh 
above measure; but every face gathered paleness, and many hearts were hum- 
bled, and countenances fallen and sunk, as such that waited every moment to 
be summoned to the bar and numbered to the grave. " 

Great joy was everywhere manifested throughout the province at the arnv- 



70 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

al of the proprietor and his family, fondly believing that he had now come to 
stay. He met the Assembly soon after landing, but, it being an inclement 
season, he only detained them loQg enough to pass two measures aimed against 
piracy and illicit trade, exaggerated reports of which, having been spread 
broadcast through the kingdom, had caused him great uneasiness and vexation. 
At the first monthly meeting of Friends in 1700, he laid before them his 
concern, which was for the welfare of Indians and Negroes, and steps were 
taken to instruct them and provide stated meetings for them where they could 
hear the Word. It is more than probable that he had fears from the first that 
his enemies in England would interfere in his affairs to such a degree as to re- 
quire his early return, though he had declared to his friends there that he 
never expected to meet them again. His greatest solicitude, consequently, 
was to give a charter to his colony, and also one to his city, the very best that 
human ingenuity could devise. An experience of now nearly twenty years 
would be likely to develop the weaknesses and impracticable provisions of the 
first constitutions, so that a frame now drawn with all the light of the past, 
and by the aid and suggestion of the men who had been employed in admin- 
istering it, would be likely to be enduring, and though he might be called 
hence, or be removed by death, their work would live on from generation to 
generation and age to age, and exert a benign and preserving influence while 
the State should exist. 

In February, 1701, Penn met the most renowned and powerful of the In- 
dian chieftains, reaching out to the Potomac, the Susquehanna and to the Ononda- 
goes of the Five Nations, some forty in number, at Philadelphia, where he 
renewed with them pledges of peace and entered into a formal treaty of active 
friendship, binding them to disclose any hostile intent, confirm sale of lands, 
be governed by colonial law, all of which was confirmed on the part of the In- 
dians "by five parcels of skins;" and on the part of Penn by " several English 
goods and merchandises," 

Several sessions of the Legislature were held in which great harmony pre- 
vailed, and much attention was giving to revising and recomposing the consti- 
tution. BiTt in the midst of their labors for the improvement of the organic 
law, intelligence was brought to Penn that a bill had been introduced in the 
House of Lords for reducing all the proprietary governments in America to 
regal ones, under pretence of advancing the prerogative of the crown, and 
the national advantage. Such of the owners of land in Pennsylvania as hap- 
pened to be in England, remonstrated against action upon the bill until Penn 
could return and be heard, and wrote to him urging his immediate coming 
hither. Though much to his disappointment and sorrow, he determined to 
go immediately thither. He promptly called a session of the Assembly, and 
in his message to the two Houses said, "I cannot think of such a voyage 
without great reluctancy of mind, having promised myself the quietness of a 
wilderness. For my heart is among you, and no disappointment shall ever be 
able to alter my love to the country, and resolution to return, and settle my 
family and posterity in it. * * Think therefore (since all men are mortal), 
of some suitable expedient and provision for youi' safety as well in your privi- 
leges as property. Review again your laws, propose new ones, and you will 
find me ready to comply with whatsoever may render us happy, by a nearer 
union of our interests." The Assembly returned a suitable response, and then 
proceeded to draw up twenty-one articles. The first related to the appoint- 
ment of a Lieutenant Governor. Penn proposed that the Assembly should 
choose one. But this they declined, preferring that he should appoint one. 
Little trouble was experienced in settling everything broached, except the 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 71 

union of the province and lower counties. Penn used his best endeavors to 
reconcile them to the union, but without avail. The new constitation was 
adopted on the 28th of October, 1701. The instrument provided for the 
union, but in a supplementary article, evidently granted with great reluctance, 
it was provided that the province and the territories might be separated at any 
time within three years. As his last act before leaving, he presented the city 
of Philadelphia, now grown to be a considerable place, and always an object 
of his a£fectionate regard, with a charter of privileges. As his Deputy, he ap- 
pointed Andrew Hamilton, one of the proprietors of East New Jersey, and 
sometime Governor of both East and West Jersey, and for Secretary of the 
province and^ Clerk of the Council, he selected James Logan, a man of sin- 
gular urbanity and strength of mind, and withal a scholar. 

Penn set sail for Europe on the 1st of November, 1701. Soon after his 
arrival, on the 18th of January, 1702, King William died, and Anne of Den- 
mark succeeded him. He now found himself in favor at court, and that he 
might be convenient to the royal residence, he again took lodgings at Kensing- 
ton. The bill which had been pending before Parliament, that had given him 
so much uneasiness, was at the succeeding session dropped entirely, and was 
never again called up. During his leisure hours, he now busied himself in 
writiDg ' ' several useful and excellent treatises on divers subjects." 

Gov. Hamilton's administration continued only till December, 1702, when 
he died. He was earnest in his endeavors to induce the territories to unite 
with the province, they having as yet not accepted the new charter, alleging 
that they had three years in which to make their decision, but without success. 
He also organized a military force, of which George Lowther was commander, 
for the safety of the colony. 

The executive authorit}> now devolved upon the Council, of which Edward 
Shippen was President. Conflict of authority, and contention over the due in- 
terpretation of some provisions of the new charter, prevented the accomplish- 
ment of much, by way of legislation, in the Assembly which convened in 1703: 
though in this body it was finally determined that the lower counties should 
thereafter act separately in a legislative capacity. This separation proved 
final, the two bodies never again meeting in common. 

Though the bill to govern the American Colonies by regal authority failed, 
yet the clamor of those opposed to the proprietary Governors was so strong 
that an act was finally passed requiring the selection of deputies to have the 
royal assent. Hence, in choosing a successor to Hamilton, he was obliged to 
consider the Queen's wishes. John Evans, a man of parts, of Welsh extrac- 
tion, only twenty-six years old, a member of the Queen's household, and not a 
Quaker, nor even of exemplary morals, was appointed, who arrived in the col- 
ony in December, 1703. He was accompanied by William Penn, Jr., who was 
elected a member of the Council, the number having been increased by author- 
ity of the Governor, probably with a view to his election. 

The first care of Evans was to unite the province and lower counties, 
though the final separation had been agreed to. He presented the matter so 
well that the lower counties, from which the difficulty had always come, were 
willing to return to a firm union. But now the provincial Assembly, having 
become impatient of the obstacles thrown in the way of legislation by the dele- 
gates from these counties, was unwilling to receive them. They henceforward 
remained separate in a legislative capacity, though still a part of Pennsylvania, 
under the claim of Penn, and ruled by the same Governor, and thus they con- 
tinued until the 20th of September, 1776, when a constitution was adopted, 
and they were proclaimed a separate State under the name of Delaware. 



72 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

During two years of the government of Evans, there was ceaseless discord be- 
tween the Council, headed by the Governor and Secretary Logan on the one 
side, and the Assembly led by David Lloyd, its Speaker, on the other, and 
little legislation was effected. 

Realizing the defenseless condition of the colony, Evans determined to 
organize the militia, and accordingly issued his proclamation. "In obedience 
to her Majesty's royal command, and to the end that the inhabitants of this 
government may be in a posture of defense and readiness to withstand and 
repel all acts of hostility, I do hereby strictly command and require all per- 
sons residing in this government, whose persuasions will, on any account, per- 
mit them to take up arms in their own defense, that forthwith they do pro- 
vide themselves with a good firelock and ammunition, in order to enlist them- 
selves in the militia, which I am now settling in this government. " The Gov- 
ernor evidently issued this proclamation ia good faith, and with a pure pur- 
pose. The French and Indiana had assumed a threatening aspect upon the north, 
and while the other colonies had assisted New York liberally, Pennsylvania had 
done little or nothing for the common defense. But his call fell stillborn. 
The " fire-locks" were not brought out, and none enlisted. 

Disappointed at this lack of spirit, and embittered by the factious temper of 
the Assembly, Evans, who seems not to have had faith in the religious prin- 
ciples of the Quakers, and to have entirely mistook the natm-e of their Christian 
zeal, formed a wild scheme to test their steadfastness under the pressure of 
threatened danger. In conjunction with his gay associates in revel, he agreed 
to have a false alarm spread of the approach of a hostile force in the river, 
whereupon he was to raise the alarm in the city. Accordingly, on the day of 
the fair in Philadelphia, 16th of March, 1706, a messenger came, post haste 
from New Castle, bringing the startling intelligence that an armed fleet of the 
enemy was already in the river, and making their way rapidly toward the city. 
Whereupon Evans acted his part to a nicety. He sent emissaries through the 
town proclaiming the dread tale, while he mounted his horse, and in an ex- 
cited manner, and with a drawn sword, rode through the streets, calling upon all 
good men and true to rush to arms for the defense of their homes, their wives 
and children, and all they held dear. The ruse was so well played that it 
had an immense effect. " The suddenness of the surprise,'' says Proud, " with 
the noise of precipitation consequent thereon, threw many of the people into 
very great fright and consternation, insomuch that it is said some threw their 
plate and most valuable effects down their wells and little houses; that others 
hid themselves, in the best manner they could, while many retired further up 
the river, with what they could most readily carry off; so that some of the 
creeks seemed full of boats and small craft; those of a larger size running as 
far as Burlington, and some higher up the river; several women are said to 
have miscarried by the fright and terror into which they were thrown, and 
much mischief ensued." 

The more thoughtful of the people are said to have understood the 
deceit from the first, and labored to allay the excitement; but the seeming 
earnestness of the Governor and the zeal of his emissaries so worked upon the 
more inconsiderate of the population that the consternation and commotion 
was almost past belief. In an almanac published at Philadelphia for the next 
year opposite this date was this distich: 

"Wise men wonder, good men grieve. 
Knaves invent and fools believe." 

Though this ruse was played iipon all classes alike, yet it was generally 
believed to have been aimed chiefly at the Quakers, to try the force of thoir 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 73 

principles, and see if they would not rush to arms when danger should really 
appear. But in this the Governor was disappointed. For it is said that only- 
four out of the entire population of this religious creed showed any disposition 
to falsify their faith. It was the day of their weekly meeting, and regardless 
of the dismay and consternation which were everywhere manifest about them, 
they assembled in their accustomed places of worship, and engaged in their 
devotions as though nothing unusual was transpiring without, manifesting 
such unshaken faith, as Whittier has exemplified in verse by his Abraham 
Davenport, on the occasion of the Dark Day : 

', Meanwhile in the old State House, dim as ghosts, 
' Sat the law-givers of Connecticut, 

Trembling beneath their legislative robes. 

'It is the Lord's areat day! Let us adjourn,' 

Some said; and then, as with one accord, 

All eyes were turned on Abraham Davenport. 

He rose, slow, cleaving with his steady voice 

The intolerable hush. ' This well may be 

The Day of Judgment which the world awaits; 

But be It so or not, I only know 

My present duty, and my Lord's command 

To occupy till He come. So at the post. 

Where He hath set me in His Providence, 

I choose, for one, to meet Him face to face. 

No faithless servant frightened from ray task. 

But ready when the Lord of the harvest calls; 

And therefore, with all reverence, I would say, 

Let God do His work, we will see to ours. ^^ 

Bring in the candles.' And they brought them in. 

In conjunction with the Legislature of the lower counties, Evans was in- 
strumental in having a law passed for the imposition of a tax on the tonnage 
of the river, and the erection of a fort near the town of New Castle for com- 
pelling obedience. This was in direct violation of the fundamental compact, 
and vexatious to commerce. It was at length forcibly resisted, and its impo- 
sition abandoned. His administration was anything but efficient or peaceful, 
a series of contentions, of charges and counter -charges having been kept up 
between the leaders of the two factions, Lloyd and Logan, which he was pow- 
erless to properly direct or control. " He was relieved in 1709. Possessed of 
a good degree of learning and refinement, and accustomed to the gay society 
of the British metropolis, he found in the grave and serious habits of the 
Friends a type of life and character which he failed to comprehend, and with 
which he could, consequently, have little sympathy. How widely he mistook 
the Quaker character is seen in the result of his wild and hair-brained experi- 
ment to test their faith. His general tenor of life seems to have been of a 
piece with this. Watson says: 'The Indians of Connestoga complained of 
him when there as misbehaving to their women, and that, in 1709, Solomon 
Cresson, going his rounds at night, entered a tavern to suppress a riotous as- 
sembly,' and found there John Evans, Esq., the Governor, who fell to beat- 
ing Cresson.' " 

The youth and levity of Gov. Evans induced the proprietor to seek for a 
successor of a more sober and sedate character. He had thought of proposing 
his son, but finally settled upon Col. Charles Gookin, who was reputed to be a 
man of wisdom and prudence, though as was afterward learned, to the sorrow 
of the colony, he was subject to fits of derangement, which toward the close of 
his term were exhibited in the most extravagant acts. He had scarcely ar- 
rived in the colony before charges were preferred against the late Governor, 
and he was asked to institute criminal proceedings, which he declined. This 



74 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

was the occasion of a renewal of contentions between the Governor and his 
Council and the Assembly, which continued during the greater part of his ad- 
ministration. In the midst of them. Logan, who was at the head of the Coun- 
cil, having demanded a trial of the charges against him, and failed to secure 
one, sailed for Europe, where he presented the difficulties experienced in ad- 
ministering the government so strongly, that Penn was seriously inclined to 
sell his interest in the colony. He had already greatly crippled his estate by 
expenses he had incurred in making costly presents to the natives, and in set- 
tling his colony, for which he had received small return. In the year 1707, 
he had become involved in a suit in chancery with the executors of his former 
steward, in the course of which he was confined in the Old Baily during this 
and a part of the following year, when he was obliged to mortgage his colony 
in the sum of £6,600 to relieve himself. Foreseeing the great consequence 
it would be to the crown to buy the rights of the proprietors of the several 
English colonies in America before they would grow too powerful, negotia- 
tions had been entered into early in the reign of William and Mary for their 
purchase, especially the *'tine province of Mr. Penn." Borne down by these 
troubles, and bv debts and litigations at home, Penn seriously entertained the 
proposition to sell in 1712, and offered it for £20,000. The sum of £12,000 
was offered on the part of the crown, which was agreed upon, but before the 
necessary papers were executed, he was stricken down with apoplexy, by which 
he was incapacitated for transacting any business, and a stay was put to fur- 
ther proceedings until the Queen should order an act of Parliament for con- 
summating the purchase. 

It is a mournful spectacle to behold the great mind and the great heart of 
Penn reduced now in his declining years, by the troubles of government and 
by debts incurred in the bettering of his colony, to this enfeebled condition. 
He was at the moment writing to Logan on public affairs, when his hand was 
suddenly seized by lethargy in the beginning of a sentence, which he never 
finished. His mind was touched by the disease, which he never recovered, 
and after lingering for six years, he died on the 30th of May, 1718, in the 
seventy- foui'th year of his age. With great power of intellect, and a religious 
devotion scarcely matched in all Christendom, he gave himself to the welfare 
of mankind, by securing civil and religious liberty through the operations of 
organic law. Though not a lawyer by profession, he drew frames of govern- 
ment and bodies of laws which have been the admiration of succeeding gener- 
ations, and are destined to exert a benign influence in all future time, and by 
his discussions with Loi'd Baltimore and before the Lords in Council, he 
showed himself familiar with the abstruse principles of law. Though but a 
private person and of a despised sect, he was received as the friend and confi- 
dential advisee of the ruling sovereigns of England, and some of the princi- 
ples which give luster to British law were engrafted there through the influ- 
ence of the powerful intellect and benignant heart of Penn. He sought to 
know no philosophy but that promulgated by Christ and His disciples, and 
this he had sounded to its depths, and in it were anchored his ideas of public 
law and private and social living. The untamed savage of the forest bowed in 
meek and loving simplicity to his mild and resistless sway, and the members 
of the Society of Friends all over Europe flocked to his City of Brotherly Love. 
His prayers for the welfare of his people are the beginning and ending of all 
his public and private correspondence, and who will say that they have not 
been answered in the blessings which have attended the commonwealth of his 
founding? And will not the day of its greatness be when the inhabitants, 
throughout all its borders shall return to the peaceful and loving spirit of 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 75 

Penn ? In the midst of a licentious court, and with every prospect of advance- 
ment in its sunshine and favor, inheriting a great name and an independent 
patrimony, he turned aside from this brilliant track to make common lot with 
a pctor sect under the ban of Government; endured stripes and imprisonment 
and loss of property; banished himself to the wilds of the American continent 
that he might secure to his people those devotions which seemed to them re- 
quired by their Maker, and has won for himself a name by the simple deeds of 
love and humble obedience to Christian mandates which shall never perish. 
Many have won renown by deeds of blood, but fadeless glory has come to 
William Penn by charity. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Sir William Keith, 1717-33— Patrick Gordon, 1726-36— James Logan, 1736-38 
—George Thomas, 1738^7— Anthony Palmer, 1747-48— James Hamilton, 
1748-54. 

IN 1712, Penn had made a will, by which he devised to his only surviving 
son, William, by his first marriage, all his estates in England, amounting 
to some twenty thousand pounds. By his first wife, Gulielma Maria Springett, 
he had issue of three sons — William, Springett and William, and four daugh- 
ters — Gulielma, Margaret, Gulielma and Letitia; and by his second wife, 
Hannah Callowhill, of four sons — John, Thomas, Richard and Dennis. To 
his wife Hannah, who survived him, and whom he made the sole executrix of 
his will, he gave, for the equal benefit of herself and her children, all his 
personal estate in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, after paying all debts, and 
alloting ten thousand acres of land in the Province to his daughter Letitia, by 
his first marriage, and each of the three children of his son William. 

Doubts having arisen as to the force of the provisions of this will, it was 
finally determined to institute a suit in chancery for its determination. Before 
a decision was reached, in March, 1720, William Penn, Jr., died, and while 
still pending, his son Springett died also. During the long pendency of this 
litigation for nine years, Hannah Penn, as executrix of the will, assumed the 
proprietary powers, issued instructions to her Lieutenant Governors, heard 
complaints and settled difficulties with the skill and the assurance of a veteran 
diplomatist. In 1727, a decision was reached that, upon the death of William 
Penn, Jr., and his son Springett, the proprietary rights in Pennsylvania de- 
scended to the three surviving sons — John, Thomas and Richard — issue by the 
second marriage; and that the proprietors bargain to sell his province to the 
crown for twelve thousand pounds, made in 1712, and on which one thousand 
pounds had been paid at the confirmation of the sale, was void. Whereupon 
the three sons became the joint proprietors. 

A year before the death of Penn, the lunacy of Gov. Gookin having be- 
come troublesome, he was succeeded in the Government by Sir William Keith. 
a Scotchman who had served as Surveyor of Customs to the English Govern 
ment, in which capacity he had visited Pennsylvania previously, and knew 
something of its condition. He was a man of dignified and commanding 
bearing, endowed with cunning, of an accommdating policy, full of faithful 
promises, and usually found upon the stronger side. Hence, upon his 
arrival in the colony, he did not summon the Assembly immediately. 



76 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

assigning as a reason in his first message that he did not wish to inconvenience 
the country members by calling them in harvest time. The disposition thus 
manifested to favor the people, and his advocacy of popular rights on several 
occasions in opposition to the claims of the proprietor, gave great satisfaction 
to the popular branch of the Legislature which manifested its appreciation of 
his conduct by votiug him liberal salaries, which had often been withheld from 
his less accommodating predecessors. By his artful and insinuating policy, 
he induced the Assembly to pass two acts which had previously met with un- 
compromising opposition — one to establish a Court of Equity, with himself as 
Chancellor, the want of which had been seriously felt; and another, for organ- 
izing the militia. Though the soil was fruitful and produce was plentiful, 
yet, for lack of good markets, and on account of the meagerness of the cir- 
culating medium, prices were very low, the toil and sweat of the husbandman 
being little rewarded, and the taxes and payments on land were met with great 
difficulty. Accordingly, arrangements were made for the appointment of in- 
spectors of provisions, who, from a conscientious discharge of duty, soon 
caused the Pennsylvania brands of best products to be much sought for, and 
to command ready sale at highest prices in the West Indies, whither most of 
the surplus produce was expi)rted. A provision was also made for the issue (jf 
a limited amount of paper money, on the establishment of ample securities, 
which tended to raise the value of the products of the soil and of manufact- 
ures, and encourage industry. 

By the repeated notices of the Governors in their messages to the Legis- 
lature previous to this time, it is evident that Indian hostilities had for some- 
time been threatened. The Potomac was the dividing line between the 
Northern and Southern Indians. But the young men on either side, when out 
in pursuit of game, often crossed the line of the river into the territory of the 
other, when fierce altercations ensued. This troiible had become so 
violent in 1719 as to threaten a great Indian war, in which the pow- 
erful confederation, known as the Five Nations, would take a hand. 
To avert this danger, which it was foreseen would inevitably involve 
the defenseless familes upon the frontier, and perhaps the entire colony, 
Gov. Keith determined to use his best exertions. He accordingly made 
a toilsome journey in the spring of 1721 to confer with the Governor of 
Virginia and endeavor to employ by concert of action such means as would 
allay further cause of contention. His policy was well devised, and enlisted 
the favor of the Governor. Soon after his return, he summoned a council of 
Indian Chieftains to meet him at Conestoga, a point about seventy miles west 
of Philadelphia. He went in considerable pomp, attended by some seventy 
or eighty hor.seraen, gaily caparisoned, and many of them armed, arriving 
about noon, on the 4th of July, not then a day of more note than other days. 
He went immediately to Capt. Civility's cabin, where were assembled four 
deputies of the Five Nations and representatives of other tribes. The Gov- 
ernor said that he had come a long distance from home to see and speak to 
representatives of the Five Nations, who had never met the Governor of Penn- 
sylvania. They said in reply that they had heard much of the Governor, and 
would have come sooner to pay him their respects, but that the wild conduct of 
some of their young men had made them ashamed to show their faces. In the 
formal meeting in the morning, Ghesaont, chief of the Senecas, spoke for all 
the Five Nations. He said that they now felt that they were speaking to the 
same effect that they would were William Penn before them, that they had not 
forgotten Penn, nor the treaties made with him, and the good advice he gave 
them; that though they could not write as do the English, yet they could keep 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 77 

all these transactions fresh in their memories. After laying down a belt of 
wampum upon the table as if by way of emphasis, he began again, declaring 
that "all their disorders arose from the ase of rum and strong spirits, which 
took away their sense and memory, that they had no such liquors," and desired 
that no more be sent among them. Here he produced a bundle of dressed 
skins, by which he would say, "you see how much in earnest we are upon this 
matter of furnishing fiery liquors to us." Then he proceeds, declaring that 
the Five Nations remember all their ancient treaties, and they now desire that 
the chain of friendship may be made so strong that none of the links may 
ever be broken. This may have been a hint that they wanted high-piled 
and valuable presents; for the Quakers had made a reputation of brightening 
and strengthening the chain of friendship by valuable presents which had 
reached so far away as the J'ive Nations. He then produces a bundle of raw 
skins, and observes ' ' that a chain may contract rust with laying and become 
weaker; wherefore, he desires it may now be so well cleaned as to remain 
brighter and stronger than ever it was before." Here he presents another par- 
cel of skins, and continues, "that as in the firmament, all clouds and dark- 
ness are removed from the face of the sun, so they desire that all misunder- 
standings may be fully done away, so that when they, who are now here, shall 
be dead and gone, their whole people, with their children and posterity, may en- 
joy the clear sunshine with us forever." Presenting another bundle of skins, 
he says, "that, looking upon the Governor as if William Penn were present, 
they desire, that, in case any disorders should hereafter happen between their 
young people and ours, we would not be too hasty in resenting any such acci- 
dent, until their Council and ours can have some opportunity to treat amicably 
upon it, and so to adjust all matters, as that the friendship between us may 
still be inviolably preserved." Here he produces a small parcel of dressed 
skins, and concludes by saying "that we may uow be together as one people, 
treating one another's children kindly and affectionately, that they are fully 
empowered to speak for the Five Nations, and they look upon the Governor as 
the representative of the Great King of England, and therefore they expect 
that everything now stipulated will be made absolutely firm and good on both 
sides." And now he presents a different style of present and pulls out a 
bundle of bear skins, and proceeds to put in an item of complaint, that " they 
get too little for their skins and furs, so that they cannot live by hunting ; 
they desire us, therefore, to take compassion on them, and contrive some way 
to help them in that particular. Then producing a few furs, he speaks only 
for himself, " to acquaint the Governor, that the Five Nations having heard 
that the Governor of Virginia wanted to speak with them, he himself, with 
some of his company intended to proceed to Virginia, but do not know the 
way how to get safe thither." 

To this formal and adroitly conceived speech of the Seneca chief, Gov. 
Keith, after having brought in the present of stroud match coats, gunpowder, 
lead, biscuit, pipes and tobacco, adjourned the council till the following day, 
when, being assembled at Conestoga, he answered at length the items of the 
chieftain's speech. His most earnest appeal, however, was made in favor of 
peace. " I have persuaded all my [Indian] brethren, in these parts, to con- 
sider what is for their good, and not to go ouc any more to war ; but your 
young men [Five Nations] as they come this way, endeavor to force them ; 
and, because they incline to the counsels of peace, and ihe good advice of their 
true friends, your people use them ill, and often prevail with them to go out 
to their own destruction. Thus it was that their town of Conestoga lost their 
good king not long ago. Their young children are left without parents j 



78 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

their wives without husbands ; the old men, contrary to the course of nature, 
mourn the death of their young ; the people decay and grow weak ; we lose 
our dear friends and are afflicted. Surely you cannot propose to get either 
riches, or possessions, by going thus out to war ; for when you kill a deer, you 
have the flesh to eat, and the skin to sell ; but when you return from war, you 
bring nothing liome, but the scalp of a dead man, who perhaps was husband 
to a kind wife, and father to tender children, who never wronged you, though, 
by losing him, you have robbed them of their help and protection, and at the 
same time got nothing by it. If I were not your friend, I would not take the 
trouble to say all these things to you." When the Governor had concluded 
his address, he called the Senaca chieftain (Ghesaont) to him, and presented a 
gold coronation medal of King George I, which he requested should be taken 
to the monarch of the Five Nations, " Kannygooah," to be laid up and kept as 
a token to our children's children, that an entire and lasting friendship is now 
established forever betweon the English in this country and the great Five 
Nations." Upon the return of the Governor, he was met at the upper ferry of 
the Schuylkill, by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city, with about two hun- 
dred horse, and conducted through the streets after the manner of a conqueror 
of old returning from the scenes of his triumphs. 

Gov. Keith gave diligent study to the subject of finance, regulating the 
currency in such a way that the planter should have it in his power to dis- 
charge promptly his indebtedness to the merchant, that their mutual interests 
might thus be subserved. He even proposed to establish a considerable settle- 
ment on his own account in the colony, in order to carry on manufactures, and 
thus consume the grain, of which there was at this time abundance, and no 
profitable market abroad. 

In the spring of 1722, an Indian was barbarously murdered within the 
limits of the colony, which gave the Governor great concern. After having 
cautioned red men so strongly about keeping the peace, he felt that the honor 
of himself and all his people was compromised by this vile act. He immedi- 
ately commissioned James Logan and John French to go to the scene of the 
murder above Conestoga, and inquire into the facts of the case, quickly appre- 
hended the supposed murderers, sent a fast Indian runner (Satcheecho), to 
acquaint the Five Nations with his sorrow for the act, and of his determination 
to bring the guilty parties to justice, and himself set out with three of his 
Council (Hill, Norris and Hamilton), for Albany, where he had been invited 
by the Indians for a conference with the Governors of all the colonies, and 
where he met the chiefs of the Five Nations, and treated with them upon the 
subject of the murder, besides making presents to the Indians. It was on this 
occasion that the grand sachem of this great confederacy made that noble, 
and generous, and touching response, so different from the spirit of revenge 
generally attributed to the Indian character. It is a notable example of love 
that begets love, and of the mild answer that turneth away wrath. He said : 
" The great king of the Five Nations is sorry for the death of the Indian 
that was killed, for he was of his own flesh and blood. He believes that the 
Governor is also sorry ; but, now that it is done, there is no help for it, and 
he desires that Cartlidge [the mui'derer] may not be put to death, nor that he 
should be spared for a tima, and afterward executed ; one life is enough to be 
lost ; there should not two die. The King's heart is good to the Governor and 
all the English." 

Though Gov. Keith, during the early part of his term, pursued a pacific 
policy, yet the interminable quarrels which had been kept up between the As- 
sembly and Council during previous administrations, at length broke out with 





/^^nx^^c/y^;^^-//r?^^i^ 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 81 

more virulence than ever, and he who in the first flush of power had declared 
"That he should pass no laws, nor transact anything of moment relating to 
the public afifairs without the advice and approbation of the Council," took it 
upon himself finally to act independently of the Council, and even went so 
far as to dismiss the able and trusted representative of the proprietary inter- 
ests, James Logan, President of the Council and Secretary of the Province, 
from the duties of his high office, and even refused the request of Hannah 
Penn, the real Governor of the province, to re-instate him. This unwarranta- 
ble conduct cost him his dismissal from office in July, 1726. Why he should 
have assumed so headstrong and unwarrantable a course, who had promised at 
the first so mild and considerate a policy, it is difficult to understand, unless it 
be the fact that he found that the Council was blocking, by its obstinacy, 
wholesome legislation, which he considered of vital importance to the pros- 
perity of the colony, and if, as he alleges, he found that the new constitution 
only gave the Council advisory and not a voice in executive power. 

The administration of Gov. Keith was eminently successful, as he did not 
hesitate to grapple with important questions of judicature, finance, trade, 
commerce, and the many vexing relations with the native tribes, and right 
manfully, and judiciously did he efifect their solution. It was at a time when 
the colony was tilling up rapidly, and the laws and regulations which had been 
found ample for the management of a few hundred families struggling for a 
foothold in the forest, and when the only traffic was a few skins, were entirely 
inadequate for securing protection and prosperity to a seething and jostling 
population intent on trade and commerce, and the conflicting interests which 
required wise legislation and prudent management. No colony on the Ameri- 
can coast made such progress in numbers and improvement as did Pennsylvania 
during the nine years in which William Keith exercised the Gubernatorial 
office. Though hot himself a Quaker, he had secured the passage of an act of 
Assembly, and its royal affirmation for allowing the members of the Quaker 
sect to wear their hats in court, and give testimony under affirmation instead 
of oath, which in the beginning of the reign of Queen Anne had been with- 
held from them. After the expiration of his term of office, he was immedi- 
ately elected a member of the Assembly, and was intent on being elected 
Speaker, " and had his support out- doors in a cavalcade of eighty mounted 
horsemen and the resounding of many guns fired;" yet David Lloyd was 
elected with only three dissenting voices, the out- door business having perhaps 
been overdone. 

Upon the recommendation of Springett Penn, who was now the prospective 
heir to Pennsylvania, Patrick Gordon wag appointed and confirmed Lieutenant 
Governor in place of Keith, and arrived in the colony and assumed authority 
in July, 1726. He had served in the army, and in his first address to the 
Assembly, which he met in August, he said that as he had been a soldier, he 
knew nothing of the crooked ways of professed politicians, and must rely on a 
straightforward manner of transacting the duties devolving upon him. George 
I died in June, 1727, and the Assembly at its meeting in October prepared 
and forwarded a congratulatory address to his successor, George II. By the 
decision of the Court of Chancery in 1727, Hannah Penn's authority over the 
colony was at an end, the proprietary interests having descended to John, 
Richard and Thomas Penn, the only surviving sons of William Penn, Sr. 
This period, from the death of Penn in 1718 to 1727, one of the most pros- 
perous in the history of the colony, was familiarly known as the " Reign of 
Hannah and the Boys." 

Gov. Gordon found the Indian troubles claiming a considerable part of his 

5 



82 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

attention. In 1728, worthless bands, who had strayed away from their proper 
tribes, incited by strong drink, had become implicated in disgraceful broils, in 
which several were killed and wounded. The guilty parties were apprehended, 
but it was found difficult to punish Indian offenders without incurring the 
wrath of their relatives. Treaties were frequently renewed, on which occa- 
sions the chiefs expected that the chain of friendship would be polished " with 
English blankets, broadcloths and metals." The Indians found that this 
"brightening the chain" was a profitable business, which some have been un- 
charitable enough to believe was the moving cause of many of the Indian diffi- 
culties. 

As early as 1732, the French, who were claiming all the ten*itory drained 
by the IMississippi and its tributaries, on the ground of priority of discovery 
of its mouth and exploration of its channel, commenced erecting trading posts 
in Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, and invited the Indians 
living on these streams to a council for concluding treaties with them at Mon- 
treal, Canada. To neutralize the influence of the French, these Indians were 
summoned to meet in council at Philadelphia, to renew treaties of friendship, 
and they were invited to remove farther east. But this they were unwill- 
ing to do. A treaty was also concluded with the Six Nations, in which they 
pledged lasting friendship for the English. 

Hannah Penn died in 1733, when the Assembly, supposing that the pro- 
prietary power was still in her hands, refused to recognize the power of Gov. Gor- 
don. But the three sons, to whom the proprietary possessions had descended, 
in 1727, upon the decision of the Chancery case, joined in issuing a new com- 
mission to Gordon. In approving this commission the King directed a clause 
to be inserted, expressly reserving to himself the government of the lower 
counties. This act of the King was the beginning of those series of encroach- 
ments which finally culminated in the independence of the States of America. 
The Judiciary act of 1727 was annulled, and this Avas followed by an attempt 
to pass an act requiring the laws of all the colonies to be submitted to the 
Crown for approval before they should become valid, and that a copy of all 
laws previously enacted should be submitted for approval or veto. The agent 
of the Assembly, Mr. Paris, with the agents of other colonies, made so vigor- 
ous a defense, that action was for the time stayed. 

In 1732, Thomas Penn, the youngest son, and two years later, John Penn, 
the eldest, and the only American born, arrived in the Province, and were re- 
ceived with every mark of respect and satisfaction. Soon after the arrival of 
the latter, news was brought that Lord Baltimore had made application to have 
the Provinces transferred to his colony. A vigorous protest was made against 
this by Quakers in England, headed by Richard Penn; but lest this protest 
might prove ineffectual, John Penn very soon went to England to defend the 
proprietary rights at court, and never again returned, he having died a bach- 
elor in 1746. In August, 1736, Gov. Gordon died, deeply lamented, as an 
honest, upright and straightforward executive, a character which he expressed 
the hope he would be able to maintain when he assumed authority. His term 
had been one of prosperity, and the colony had grown rapidly in numbers, 
trade, commerce and manufactures, ship-building especially having assumed ex- 
tensive proportions. 

James Logan was President of the Council and in effect Governor, during 
the two years which elapsed between the death of Gordon and the arrival of 
his successor. The Legislature met regularly, but no laws were passed for 
lack of an executive. It was during this period that serious trouble broke out 
near the Maryland border, west of the Susquehanna, then Lancaster, now 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 83 

"Sork County. A number of settlers, in order to evade the payment of taxes, 
had secured titles to their lands from Maryland, and afterward sought to be 
reinstated in their riglits under Pennsylvania authority, and plead protection 
from the latter. The Sheriff of the adjoining Maryland County, with 300 
followers, advanced to drive these settlers from their homes. On hearing of 
this movement, Samuel Smith, Sheriff of Lancaster County, with a hastily sum- 
moned posse, advanced to protect the citizens in their rights. Without a con- 
flict., an agreement was entered into by both parties to retire. Soon afterward, 
however, a band of fifty Mary landers again entered the State with the design 
of driving out the settlers and each securing for himself 200 acres of land. 
They were led by one Cressap. The settlei's made resistance, and in an en- 
counter, one of them by the name of Knowles was killed. The Sheriff of 
Lancaster again advanced with a posse, and in a skirmish which ensued one 
of the invaders was fiilled, and the leader Cressap was wounded and taken 
prisoner. The Governor of Maryland sent a commission to Philadelphia to 
demand the release of the prisoner. Not succeeding in this, he seized four of 
the settlers and incarcerated them in the jail at Baltimore. Still determined 
to effect their purpose, a party of Marylanders, under the leadership of one 
Higginbotham, advanced into Pennsylvania and began a warfare upon the 
settlers. Again the Sheriff of Lancaster appeared upon the scene, and drove 
out the invaders. So stubbornly were these invasions pushed and resented 
that the season passed without planting or securing the usual crops. Finally 
a party of sixteen Marylanders, led by Richard Lowden, broke into the Lan- 
caster jail and liberated the Maryland prisoners. Learning of these disturb- 
ances, the King in Council issued an order restraining both parties from fur- 
ther acts of violence, and afterward adopted a plan of settlement of the vexed 
boundary question. 

Though not legally Governor, Logan managed the affairs of the colony 
with great prudence and judgment, as he had done and continued to do for a 
period of nearly a half century. He was a scholar well versed in the ancient 
languages and the sciences, and published several learned works in the Latin 
tongue. His Experiment a Meletemata de plantarum generatione, written in 
Latin, was published at Leyden in 1739, and afterward, in 1747, republished 
in London, with an English version on the opposite page by Dr. J. Fothergill. 
Another work of his in Latin was also published at Leyden, entitled, Canonum 
pro inveniendis refractionum, turn simplicium turn in lentibus duplicimi focis, 
demonstrationis geonietricae. After retiring from public business, he lived at 
his country-seat at Stenton, near Germantown, where he spent his time among 
his books and in correspondence with the literati of Europe. In his old age 
he made an English translation of Cicero's De Senectute, which was printed at 
Philadelphia in 1744 with a preface by Benjamin Franklin, then rising into 
notice. Logan was a Quaker, of Scotch descent, though born in Ireland, and 
came to America in the ship with William Penn, in his second visit in 1699, 
when about twenty-five years old, and died at seventy- seven. He had held the 
ofBces of Chief Commissioner of property. Agent for the purchase and sale of 
lands, Receiver General, Member of Council, President of Council and Chief 
Justice. He was the Confidential Agent of Penn, having charge of all his vast 
estates, making sales of lands, executing conveyances, and making collections. 
Amidst all the great cares of business so pressing as to make him exclaim, " I 
know not what any of the comforts of life are," he found time to devote to the 
delights of learning, and collected a large library of standard works, which he 
bequeathed, at his death, to the people of Pennsylvania, and is known as the 
Loganian Library. 



84 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

George Thomas, a planter from the West Indies, was appointed Governor 
in 1737, but did not arrive in the colony till the following year. His first care 
was to settle the disorders in the Cumberland Valley, and it was finally agreed 
that settlers from either colony should owe allegiance to the Governor of that 
colony wherever settled, until the division line which had been provided for 
was surveyed and marked. War was declared on the 23d of October, 1739, 
between Great Britain and Spain. Seeing that his colony was liable to be 
encroached upon by the enemies of his government, he endeavored to organ- 
ize the militia, but the majority of the Assembly was of the peace element, and 
it Could not be induced to vote money. Finally he was ordered by the home 
government to call for volunteers, and eight companies were quickly formed, 
and sent down for the coast defense. Many of these proved to be servants for 
whom pay was demanded and finally obtained. In 1740, the great evangelist, 
Whitetield, visited the colony, and created a deep religious interest among all 
denominations. In his first intercoiu'se with the Assembly, Gov. Thomas en- 
deavored to coerce it to his views. But a more stubborn set of men never met 
in a deliberative body than were gathered in this Assembly at this time. 
Finding that he could not compel action to his mind, he yielded and con- 
sulted their views and decisions. The Assembly, not to be outdone in mag- 
nanimity, voted him £1,500 arrearages of salary, which had been withheld be- 
cause he would not approve their legislation, asserting that public acts should 
take precedence of appi'opriations for their own pay. In March, 1744, war 
was declared between Great Britain and France. Volunteers were called 
for, and 10,000 men were rapidly enlisted and armed at their own expense. 
Franklin, recognizing the defenseless condition of the colony, issued a pamph- 
let entitled Plain Truth, in which he cogently urged the necessity of organ- 
ized preparation for defense. Franklin was elected Colonel of one of the 
regiments, but resigned in favor of Alderman Lawrence. On the 5th of May, 
1747, the Governor communicated intelligence of the death of John Penn, the 
eldest of the proprietors, to the Assembly, and his own intention to retire from 
the duties of his office on account of declining health. 

Anthony Palmer was President of the Council at the time of the with- 
drawal of Gordon, and became the Acting Governor. The peace party in the As- 
sembly held that it was the duty of the crown of England to protect the colony, 
and that for the colony to call out volunteers and become responsible for their 
payment was burdening the people with an expense which did not belong to 
them, and which the crown was willing to assume. The Fren<!h were now 
deeply intent on securing firm possession of the Mississippi Valley and the en- 
tire basin, even to the summits of the Alleghanies in Pennsylvania, and were 
busy establishing trading posts along the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers. They 
employed the most artful means to win the simple natives to their interests, 
giving showy presents and laboring to convince them of their great value. 
Pennsylvania had won a reputation among the Indians of making presents of 
substantial worth. Not knowing the difference between steel and iron, the 
French distributed immense numbers of worthless iron hatchets, which the 
natives supposed were the equal of the best English steel axes. The Indians, 
however, soon came to distinguish between the good and the valueless. Un- 
derstanding the Pennsylvania methods of securing peace and friendship, the 
the natives became very artful in drawing out "well piled up" presents. The 
government at this time was alive to the dangers which threatened from the 
insinuating methods of the French. A trusty messenger, Conrad Weiser, was 
sent among the Indians in the western part of the province to observe the 
plans of the French, ascertain the temper of the natives, and especially to 



HISTORY OF PENNSVLVANIA. 85 

magnify the power of the English, and the disposition of Pennsylvania to give 
great presents. This latter policy had the desired effect, and worthless and 
wandering bands, which had no right to speak for the tribe, came teeming in, 
desirous of scouring the chain of friendship, intimating that the French were 
making great offers, in order to induce the government to large liberality, 
until this "brightening the chain," became an intolerable nuisance. At a sin- 
gle council held at Albany, in 1747, Pennsylvania distributed goods to the 
value of £1,000, and of such a character as should be most serviceable to the 
recipients, not worthless gew-gaws, but such as would contribute to their last- 
ing comfort and well being, a protection to the person against the bitter frosta 
of winter, and sustenance that should minister to the steady wants of the 
body and alleviation of pain in time of sickness. The treaty of Aix-la-Cha- 
pelle, which was concluded on the 1st of October, 1748, secured peace between 
Great Britain and France, and should have put an end to all hostile encoun- 
ters between their representatives on the American contiDent. Palmer re- 
mained at the head of the government for a little more than two years. He 
was a retired merchant from the West Indies, a man of wealth, and had come 
into the colony in 1708. He lived in a style suited to a gentleman, kepi a 
coach and a pleasure barge. 

On the 23d of November, 1748, James Hamilton arrived in the colony from 
England, bearing the commission of Lieutenant Governor. He was born in 
America, son of Andrew Hamilton, who had for many years been Speaker of 
the Assembly. The Indians west of the Susquehanna had complained that set- 
tlers had come upon their best lands, and were acquiring titles to them, where- 
as the proprietors had never purchased these lands of them, and had no claim 
to them. The first care of Hamilton was to settle these disputes, and allay the 
rising excitement of the natives. Richard Peters, Secretary of the colony, a 
man of great prudence and ability, was sent in company with the Indian in- 
terpreter, Conrad Weiser, to remove the intruders. It was firmly and fear- 
lessly done, the settlers giving up their tracts and the cabins which they had 
built, and accepting lands on the east side of the river. The hardship was in 
many cases great, but when they were in actual need, the Secretary gave 
money and placed them upon lands of his own, having secured a tract of 
2,000,000 of acres. 

But these troubles were of small consequence compared with those that 
were threatening from the West. Though the treaty of Aix was supposed to 
have settled all difficulties between the two courts, the French were determined 
to occupy the whole territory drained by the Mississippi, which they claimed 
by priority of discovery by La Salle. The British Ambassador at Paris entered 
complaints before the French Court that encroachments were being made by 
the French upon English soil in America, which were politely heard, and 
promises made of restraining the French in Canada from encroaching upon 
English territory. Formal orders were sent out from the home government to 
this effect; but at the same time secret intimations were conveyed to them that 
their conduct in endeavoring to secure and hold the territory in dispute was 
not displeasing to the government, and that disobedience of these orders would 
not incur its displeasure. The French deemed it necessary, in order to estab- 
lish a legal claim to the country, to take formal possession of it. Accordingly, 
the Marquis de la Galissoniere, who was at this time Governor General of 
Canada, dispatched Capt. Bienville de Celeron with a party of 215 French and 
fifty-tive Indians, to publicly proclaim possession, and bury at prominent 
points plates of lead bearing inscriptions declaring occupation in the name of 
the French King. Celeron started on the 15th of June, 1749, from La Chine, 



86 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

following the southern shores of Lakes Ontario and Erie, until he reached a 
point opposite Lake Chautauqua, where the boats were drawn up and were taken 
bodily over the dividing ridge, a distance of ten miles, with all the impedimenta 
of the expedition, the pioneers having- first opened a road. Following on down 
the lake and the Conewango Creek, they arrived at Warren near the confluence 
of the creek with the Allegheny River. Here the first plate was buried. 
These plates were eleven inches long, seven and a half wide, and one-eighth 
of an inch thick. The inscription was in French, and in the following terms, 
as fairly translated into English: "In the year 1749, of the reign of Louis 
XIV, King of France, We Celeron, commander of a detachment sent by 
Monsieur the Marquis de la Galissoniere, Governor General of New France, 
to re-establish tranquillity in some Indian villages of these cantons, have 
buried this plate of lead at the confluence of the Ohio with the Chautauqua, 
this 29th day of July, near the River Ohio, otherwise Belle Riviere, as a mon- 
ument of the renewal of the possession we have taken of the said River Ohio, 
and of all those which empty into it, and of all the lands on both sides as far 
as the sources of the said river, as enjoyed or ought to have been enjoyed by 
the King of France preceding, and as they has'e there maintained themselves 
by arms and by treaties, especially those of Ryswick, Utrecht and Aix-la- 
Chapelle." The burying of this plate was attended with much form and cer- 
emony. All the men and officers of the expedition were drawn up in battle 
array, when the Commander, Celeron, proclaimed in a loud voice, '• Vive le 
Roi," and declared that possession of the country was now taken in the name 
of the King. A plate on which was inscribed the arms of France was affixed 
to the nearest tree. 

The same formality was observed in planting each of the other plates, the 
second at the rock known as the "Indian God," on which are ancient and un- 
known inscriptions, a few miles below Franklin, a third at the mouth of 
Wheeling Creek; a fourth at the mouth of the Muskingum; a fifth at the mouth 
of the Great Kanawha, and the sixth and last at the mouth of the Great Miami. 
Toilsomely ascending the Miami to its head- waters, the party burned their 
canoes, and obtained ponies for the march across the portage to the head-waters 
of the Maumee, down which and by Lakes Erie and Ontario they returned 
to Fort Frontenac, arriving on the 6th of November. It appears that the In- 
dians through whose territory they passed viewed this planting of plates with 
great suspicion. By some means they got possession of one of them, gener- 
ally supposed to have been stolen from the party at the very commencement of 
their journey from the mouth of the Chautauqua Creek. 

Mr. O. H. Marshall, in an excellent monograph upon this expedition, made 
up from the original manuscript journal of Celeron and the diary of Father 
Bonnecamps, found in the Department de la Marine, in Paris, gives the fol- 
lowing account of this stolen plate: 

" The first of the leaden plates was brought to the attention of the public 
by Gov. (Teorge Clinton to the Lords of Trade in London, dated New York, 
December 19, 1750, in which he states that be would send to their Lordships 
in two or three weeks a plate of lead full of writing, which some of the upper 
nations of Indians stole from Jean Coeur, the French interpreter at Niagara, 
on his way to the River Ohio, which river, and all the lands thereabouts, the 
French claim, as will appear by said writing. He further states 'that the lead 
plate gave the Indians so much uneasiness that they immediately dispatched 
some of the Cayuga chiefs to him with it, saying that their only reliance was 
on him, aud earnestly begged he would communicate the contents to them, 
which he had done, much to their satisfaction and the interests of the English.' 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 87 

The Governor concludes by saying that ' the contents of the plate may be of 
great importance in clearing up the encroachments which the French have 
made on the British Empire in America.' The plate was delivered to Colonel, 
afterward Sir William Johnson, on the 4th of December, 1750, at his resi- 
dence on the Mohawk, by a Cayuga sachem, who accompanied it by the follow- 
ing speech: 

'" Brother Corlear and War-ragh-i-ya-ghey! I am sent here by the Five 
Nations with a piece of writing which the Senecas, our brethren, got by some 
artifice from Jean Ooeur, earnestly beseeching you will let us know what it 
means, and as we put all our confidence in you, we hope you will explain it 
ingeniously to us.' 

" Col. Johnson replied to the sachem, and through him to the Five Na- 
tions, returning a belt of wampum, and explaining the inscription on the 
plate. He told them that ' it was a matter of the greatest consequence, involv- 
ing the possession of their lands and hunting grounds, and that Jean Coeur 
and the French ought immediately to be expelled from the Ohio and Niagara.' 
In reply, the sachem said that 'he had heard with great attention and surprise 
the substance of the "devilish writing" he had brought, and that Col. Johnson's 
remarks were fully approved.' He promised that belts from each of the Five 
Nations should be sent from the Seneca's castle to the Indians at the Ohio, to 
warn and strengthen them against the French encroachments in that direc- 
tion." On the 29th of January, 1751, Clinton sent a copy of this inscription 
to Gov. Hamilton, of Pennsylvania. 

The French followed up this formal act of possession by laying out a line 
of military posts, on substantially the same line as that pursued by the Cele- 
ron expedition; but instead of crossing over to Lake Chautauqua, they kept 
on down to Presque Isle (now Erie), where was a good harbor, where a fort 
was established, and thence up to Le Boeuf (now Waterford), where another 
post was placed; thence down the Venango River (French Creek) to its mouth 
at Franklin, establishing Fort Venango there; thence by the Allegheny to 
Pittsburgh, where Fort Du Quesne was seated, and so on down the Ohio. 

To counteract this activity of the French, the Ohio Company was char- 
tered, and a half million of acres was granted by the crown, to be selected 
mainly on the south side of the Ohio, between the Monongalia and Kanawha 
Rivers, and the condition made that settlements (100 families within seven 
years), protected by a fort, should he made. The company consisted of a 
number of Virginia and Maryland gentlemen, of whom Lawrence Washington 
was one, and Thomas Hanbury, of London. 

In 1752, a treaty was entered into with the Indians, securing the right of 
occupancy, and twelve families, headed by Capt. Gist, established themselves 
upon the Monongalia, and subsequently commenced the erection of a fort, 
where the city of Pittsburgh now is. Apprised of this intrusion into the 
very heart of the territory which they were claiming, the French built a fort 
at Le Boeuf, and strengthened the post at Franklin. 

These proceedings having been promptly reported to Lieut. Gov. Dinwid- 
dle, of Virginia, where the greater number of the stockholders of the Ohio 
Company resided, he determined to send an official communication — protesting 
against the forcible interference with their chartered rights, granted by the 
crown of Britain, and pointing to the late treaties of peace entered into be- 
tween the English and Fi-ench, whereby it was agreed that each should respect 
the colonial possessions of the other — to the Commandant of the French, who 
had his headquarters at Fort Le Boeuf, fifteen miles inland from the present 
site of the city of Erie. 



88 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

But who should be the messenger to execute this delicate and responsible 
duty ? It was winter, and the distance to be traversed was some 500 miles, 
through an unbroken wilderness, cut by rugged mountain chains and deep and 
rapid streams. It was proposed to several, who declined, and was finally 
accepted by George Washington, a youth barely twenty-one years old. On 
the last day of November, 1753, he bade adieu to civilization, and pushing on 
through the forest to the settlements on the Monongalia, where he was joined 
by Capt. Gist, followed up the Allegheny to Fort Venango (now Franklin); 
thence up the Venango to its head-waters at Fort Le Boeuf, where he held 
formal conference with the French Commandant, St, Pierre. The French 
officer had been ordered to hold this territory on the score of the dis- 
covery of the Mississippi by La Salle, and he had no discretion but to execute 
his orders, and referred Washington to his superior, the Governor General of 
Canada. Making careful notes of the location and strength of the post and 
those encountered on the way. the young embassador returned, being twice 
fired at on his journey by hostile Indians, and near losing his life by being 
thrown into the freezing waters of the Allegheny. Upon his arrival, he made 
a full report of the embassage, which was widely published in this country 
and in England, and was doubtless the basis upon which action was predicted 
that eventuated in a long and sanguinary war, which finally resulted in the 
expulsion of the power of France from this continent. 

Satisfied that the French were determined to hold the territory upon the 
Ohio by force of arms, a body of 150 men, of which Washington was second 
in command, was sent to the support of the settlers. But the French, having 
the Allegheny River at flood-tide on which to move, and Washington, without 
means of transportation, having a rugged and mountainous country to over- 
come, the former first reached the point of destination. Contracoeur, the 
French commander, with 1,000 men and field pieces on a fleet of sixty boats and 
300 canoes, dropped down the Allegheny and easily seized the fort then being 
constructed by the Ohio Company at its mouth, and proceeded to erect there 
an elaborate work which he called Fort Du Quesne, after the Governor Gen- 
eral. Informed of this proceeding, Washington pushed forward, and finding 
that a detachment of the French was in his immediate neighborhood, he made 
a forced march by night, and coming upon them unawares killed and captured 
the entire party save one. Ten of the French, including their commander, 
JumonvJUe, were killed, and twenty-one made prisoners. Col. Fi'y, the com- 
mander of the Americans, died at Will's Creek, where the command devolved 
on Washington. Though re -enforcements had been dispatched from the sev- 
eral colonies in response to the urgent appeals of Washington, none reached 
him but one company of 100 men under Capt. Mackay from South Carolina. 
Knowing that he was confronting a vastly superior force of the French, well 
supplied with artillery, he threw up works at a point called the Great 
Meadows, which he characterizes as a "charming field for an encounter," nam- 
ing his hastily built fortification Fort Necessity, Stung by the loss of their 
leader, the French came out in strong force and soon invested the place. Unfor- 
tunately one part of Washington's position was easily commanded by the artil- 
lery of the French, which they were not slow in taking advantage of. The ac- 
tion opened on the 3d of July, and was continued till late at night. A capit- 
ulation was proposed by the French commander, whicji Washington reluctantly 
accepted, seeing all hope of re -enforcements reaching him, cut ofif, and on the 
4th of July marched out with honors of war and fell back to Fort Cumberland. 

Gov. Hamilton had strongly recommended, be fore hostilities opened, that the 
Assembly should provide for defense and establish a line of blockhouses along 



FIISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 89 

the frontier. But the Assembly, while willing to vote money for buying peace 
from the Indians, and contributions to the British crown, from which protec- 
tion was claimed, was unwilling to contribute directly for even defensive war- 
fare. Id a single year, £8,000 were voted for Indian gratuities. The proprie- 
tors were appealed to to aid in bearing this burden. But while they were 
willing to contribute liberally for defense, they would give nothing for Indian 
gratuities. They sent to the colony cannon to the value of £400. 

In February, 1753, John Penn, grandson of the founder, son of Richard, 
arrived in the colony, and as a mark of respect was immediately chosen a mem- 
ber of the Council and made its President. In consequence of the defeat of 
Washington at Fort Necessity, Gov. Hamilton convened the Assembly in extra 
session on the 6th of August, at which money was freely voted; but owing to 
the instructions given by the proprietors to their Deputy Govei'nor not to sign 
any money bill that did not place the whole of the interest at their disposal, 
this action of the Assembly was abortive. 

The English and French nations made strenuous exertions to strengtnen 
their forces in America for the campaigns sure to be undertaken in 1754. The 
French, by being under the supreme authority of one governing power, the 
Governor General of Canada, were able to concentrate and bring all their 
power of men and resources to bear at the threatened point with more celerity 
and certainty than the English, who were dependent upon colonies scattered 
along all the sea board, and upon Legislatures penny- wise in voting money. 
To remedy these inconveniences, the English Government recommended a con- 
gress of all the colonies, together with the Six Nations, for the purpose of con- 
certing plans for efficient defense. This Congress met on the 19th of June, 
1754, the first ever convened in America. The Representatives from Pennsyl- 
vania were John Penn and Richard Peters for the Council, and Isaac Norris 
and Benjamin Franklin for the Assembly. The influence of the powerful 
mind of Franklin was already beginning to be felt, he having been Clerk of 
the Pennsylvania Assembly since 1736, and since 1750 had been a member. 
Heartily sympathizing with the movers in the purposes of this Congress, he 
came to Albany with a scheme of union prepared, which, having been pre- 
sented and debated, was, on the 10th of July, adopted substantially as it came 
from his hands. It provided for the appointment of a President General by 
the Crown, and an Assembly of forty-eight members to be chosen by the sev- 
eral Colonial Assemblies. The plan was rejected by both parties in interest, 
the King considering the power vested in the representatives of the people too 
great, and every colony rejecting it because the President General was given 
' ' an influence greater than appeared to them proper in a plan of government 
intended for freemen." 



CHAPTER X. 

Robert H. Morris, 1754-56— "William Denny, 1756-59— James Hamilton. 1759-63. 

FINDING himself in a false position by the repugnant instructions of the 
proprietors, Gov. Hamilton had given notice in 1753, that, at the end oi 
twelve months from its reception, he would resign. Accordingly in October, 
1754, he was succeeded by Robert Hunter Morris, son oi Lewis Morris, Chief 
Justice of New York and New Jersey, and Governor of New Jersey. The son 



90 HSTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

was bred a lawyer, and was for twenty-six years Councilor, and twenty Chief 
Justice of New Jersey. The Assembly, at its first session, voted a money bill, 
for £40,000, but not having the proviso required by the proprietors, it was 
vetoed. Determined to push military operations, the British Government had 
called early in the year for 3,000 volunteers from Pennsylvania, with subsis- 
tance, camp equipage and transportation, and had sent two regiments of the 
line, under Gen. Braddock, from Cork, Ireland. Landing at Alexandria, 
Va. , he marched to Frederick, Md., where, finding no supplies of 
transportation, he halted. The Assembly of Pennsylvania had voted to borrow 
£5,000, on its own account, for the use of the crown in prosecuting the cam- 
paign, and had sent Franklin, who was then Postmaster General for the colo- 
nies, to Braddock to aid in prosecuting the expedition. Finding that the army 
was stopped for lack of transportation, Franklin returned into Pennsylvania, 
and by his commanding inliuence soon secured the necessary wagons and beasts 
of burden. 

Braddock had formed extravagant plans for his campaign. He would 
march forward and reduce Fort Du Quesne, thence proceed against Fort Ni- 
agara, which having conquered he would close a season of triumphs by the 
capture of Fort Frontignace. But this is not the first time in warfare that 
the result of a campaign has failed to realize the promises of the manifesto. 
The orders brought by Braddock giving precedence of ofiicers of the line over 
provincials gave offense, and Washington among others threw up his commis- 
sion; but enamored of the profession of arms, he accepted a position ofi'ered 
him by Braddock as Aide-decamp. Accustomed to the discipline of military 
establishments in old, long-settled countries, Braddock had little conception of 
making war in a wilderness with only Indian trails to move upon, and against 
wily savages. Washington had advised to push forward with pack horses, and, 
by rapidity of movement, forestall ample preparation. But Braddock had but 
one way of soldiering, and where roads did not exist for wagons he stopped to 
fell the forest and construct bridges over streams. The French, who were 
kept advised of every movement, made ample preparations to receive him. In 
the meantime, Washington fell sick; but intent on being up for the battle, he 
hastened forward as soon as sufiiciently recovered, and only joined the army 
on the day before the fatal engagement. He had never seen much of the pride 
and circumstance of war, and when, on the morning of the 9fch of July, the 
army of Braddock marched on across the Monongahela, with gay colors flying 
and martial music awakening the echoes of the forest, he was accustomed in 
after years to speak of it as the "most magnificent spectacle" that he had ever 
beheld. But the gay pageant was destined to be of short duration; for the 
army had only marched a little distance before it fell into an ambuscade skill- 
fully laid by the French and Indians, and the forest resounded with the un- 
earthly whoop of the Indians, and the continuous roar of musketry. The 
advance was checked and thrown into confusion by the French from their well- 
chosen position, and every tree upon the flanks of the long drawn out line con- 
cealed a mui'derous foe, who with unerring aim picked off the officers. A res- 
olute defense was made, and the battle raged with great fary for three hours; 
but the fire of tbe English was ineffectual because directed against an invisi- 
ble foe. Finally, the mounted ofiicers having all fallen, killed or wounded, 
except Washington, being left without leaders, panic seized the survivors and 
"they ran," says Washington, "before the French and English like sheep be- 
fore dogs." Of 1,460, in Braddock's army, 456 were killed, and 421 wounded, 
a greater mortality, in proportion to the number engaged, than has ever oc- 
curred in the annals of modern warfare. Sir Peter Halkett was killed, and 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 91 

Braddock mortally wounded and brought off the field only with the greatest 
difficulty. When Orme and Morris, the other aids, fell, Washington acted 
alone with the greatest gallantry. In writing to his brother, he said: "I have 
been protected beyond ail human probability or expectation; for I had four 
bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me; yet I escaped unhurt, 
though death was leveling my companions on every side." In after years, 
when Washington visited the Great Kanawha country, he was approached by 
an Indian chieftain who said that in this battle he had tired his rifle many 
times at Washington and had told his young men to do the same; but when he 
saw that his bullets had no apparent effect, he had bidden them to desist, be- 
lieving that the Great Spirit was protecting him. 

The panic among the survivors of the English carried them back tipon the 
reserve, commanded by Gen. Dunbar, who seems himself to have been seized 
with it, and without attempting to renew the campaign and return to the en- 
counter, he joined in the flight which was not stayed until Fort Cumberland 
was reached. The French were anticipating a renewal of the struggle; but 
when they found that the English had fled leaving the frontier all unprotected, 
they left no stone unturned in whetting the minds of the savages for the 
work of plunder and blood, and in organizing relentless bands to range at 
will along all the wide frontier. The Indians could not be induced to piu-sue 
the retreating English, but fell to plundering the field. Nearly everything 
was lost, even to the camp chest of Braddock. The wounded General was 
taken back to the summit of Laurel Hill, where, four days after, he breathed 
his last He was btu'ied in the middle of the road, and the army marched 
over his grave that it might not be discovered or molested by the natives. 
The eaoy victory, won chiefly by the savages, served to encourage them in 
their fell work, in which, when their passions were aroused, no known people 
on earth were less touched by pity. The unprotected settler in his wilder- 
ness home was the easy prey of the torch and the scalping knife, and the burn- 
ing cabin lit up the somber forests by their continuous blaze, and the shrieks 
of women and children resounded from the Hudson to the far Potomac Be- 
fore the defeat of Braddock, there were 3,000 men capable of bearing arms 
west of the Susquehanna. In six months after, there were scarcely 100. 

Gov. Morris made an earnest appeal to the Assembly for money to ward off 
the impending enemy and protect the settlers, in response to which the As- 
sembly voted £50,000; but having no exemption of the proprietor's estates, 
it was rejected by the Governor, in accordance with his original instructions. 
Expeditions undertaken against Nova Scotia and at Crown Point were more fortu- 
nate than that before Du Quesne, and the Assembly voted £ 1 5,000 in bills of credit 
to aid in defraying the expense. The proprietors sent £5,000 as a gratuity, 
not as any part of expense that could of right be claimed of them. 

In this hour of extremity, the Indians for the most part showed themselves 
a treacherous race, ever ready to take up on the stronger side. Even the Shaw- 
anese and Delawares, who had been loudest in their protestations of friendship 
for the English and readiness to fight for them, no sooner saw the French vic- 
torious than they gave ready ear to their advice to strike for the recovery of 
the lands which they had sold to the English. 

In this pressing emergency, while the Governor and Assembly were waging 
a fruitless war of words over money bills, the pen of Franklin was busy in in- 
fusing a wholesome sentiment in the minds of the people. In a pamphlet 
that he issued, which he put in the familiar form of a dialogue, he answered the 
objections which had been urged to a legalized militia, and willing to show 
his devotion by deeds as well as words, he accepted the command upon the 



92 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

frontier. By his exertions, a respectable force was raised, and though in the 
dead of winter, he commenced the erection of a line of forts and block-houses 
along the whole range of the Kittatinny Hills, from the Delaware to the Po- 
tomac, and had them completed and garrisoned with a body sufficient to with- 
stand any force not provided with artillery. In the spring, he turned over the 
command to Col. Clapham, and returning to Philadelphia took his seat in the 
Assembly. The Governor now declared war against the Indians, who had es- 
tablished their headquarters thirty miles above Harris' Ferry, on the Susque- 
hanna, and were busy in their work of robbery and devastation, having se- 
cured the greater portion of the crops of the previous season of the settlers 
whom they had killed or driven out. The peace party strongly objected to the 
course of the Governor, and voluntarily going among the Indians induced 
them to bury the hatchet. The Assembly which met in May, 1756, prepared a 
bill with the old clause for taxing the proprietors, as any other citizens, which 
the Governor was forbidden to approve by his instructions, "and the two 
parties were sharpening their wits for another wrangle over it," when Gov. 
Morris was superseded by William i)enny, who arrived in the colony aad as- 
sumed authority on the 20th of August, 1756. He was joyfully and cordially 
received, escorted through the streets by the regiments of Franklin and Duch§, 
and royally feasted at the State House. 

But the promise of efficient legislation was broken by an exhibiticjn of the 
new Governor's instructions, which provided that every bill for the emission of 
money must place the proceeds at the joint disposal of the Governor and As- 
sembly; paper currency could not be issued in excess of £40,000, nor could ex- 
isting issues be confirmed unless proprietary rents were paid in sterling 
money ; proprietary lands were permitted to be taxed which had been actually 
leased, provided that the taxes were paid out of the rents, but the tax could 
not become a lien upon the land. In the first Assembly, the contention be- 
came as acrimonious as ever. 

Previous to the departure of Gov. Morris, as a retaliatory act he had 
issued a proclamation against the hostile Indians, providing for the payment 
of bounties: For every male Indian enemy above twelve years old, who shall 
be taken prisoner and delivered at any forts, garrisoned by troops in pay 
of this province, or to any of the county towns to the keepers of the common 
jails there, the sum of one hundred and fifty Spanish dollars or pieces of eight; 
for the scalp of every male Indian above the age of twelve years, produced as 
evidence of their being killed, the sum of one hundred and thirty pieces of 
eight; for every female Indian taken prisoner and brought in as aforesaid, 
and for every male Indian under the age of twelve years, taken and brought 
in, one hundred and thirty pieces of eight; for the scalp of every Indian 
woman produced as evidence of their being killed, the sum of fifty pieces of 
eight." Liberal bounties were also offered for the delivering up of settlers who 
had been carried away captive. 

But the operation which had the most wholesome and pacifying efifect upon 
the savages, and caused them to stop in their mad career and consider the 
chances of war and the punishment they were calling down upon their own 
heads, though executed under the rule of Gov. Denny, was planned and 
provided for, and was really a part of the aggressive and vigorous policy of 
Gov. Morris. In response to the act of Assembly, providing for the calling 
out and organizing the militia, twenty-five companies were recruited, and had 
been stationed along the line of posts that had been established for the defense 
of the froatiers. At Kittanning, on the Allegheny River, the Indians had one 
of the largest of their towns in the State, and was a recruiting statiun and 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 93 

rallying point for sending out their murderous bands. The plan proposed and 
adopted by Gov. Morris, and approved and accepted by Gov. Denny, 
was to send out a strong detachment from the militia for the reduction of this 
stronghold. Accordingly, in August, 1756, Col. Armstrong, with a force of 
three hundred men, made a forced march, and, arriving unperceived in the neigh- 
borhood of the town, sent the main body by a wide detour from above, to come 
in upon the river a few hundred yards below. At 3 o'clock on the morning of 
the 7th of September, the troops had gained their position undiscovered, and 
at dawn the attack was made. Shielded from view by the tall corn which cov- 
ered all the flats, the troops were able to reach in close proximity to the cabins 
unobserved. Jacobs, the chief, sounded the war-whoop, and made a stout re- 
sistance, keeping up a rapid fire from the loop holes in his cabin. Not desir- 
ing to push his advantage to the issue of no quarter, Armstrong called on the 
savages to surrender: but this they refused to do, declaring that they were 
men and would never be prisoners. Finding that they would not yield, and 
that they were determined to sell their lives at the dearest rate, he gave orders 
to fire the hiits, and the whole town was soon wrapt in flames. As the heat 
began to reach the warriors, some sung, while wrung with the death agonies; 
others broke for the river and were shot down as they fled. Jacobs, in attempt- 
ing to climb through a window, was killed. All calls for surrender were re- 
ceived with derision, one declaring that he did not care for death, and that he 
could kill four or five before he died. Gunpowder, small arms and valuable 
goods which had been distributed to them only the day before by the French, 
fell into the hands of the victors. The triumph was complete, few if any 
escaping to tell the sad tale. Col. Armstrong's celerity of movement and 
well conceived and executed plan of action were publicly acknowledged, and 
he was voted a medal and plate by the city of Philadelphia. 

The finances of the colony, on account of the repeated failures of the 
money bills, were in a deplorable condition. Military operations could not 
be carried on and vigorous campaigns prosecuted without ready money. Ac- 
cordingly, in the first meeting of the Assembly after the arrival of the new 
Governor, a bill was passed levying £100,000 on all property alike, real and 
personal, private and proprietary. This Gov. Denny vetoed. Seeing that 
money must be had, the Assembly finally passed a bill exempting the proprie- 
tary estates, but determined to lay their grievances before the Crown. To 
this end, two Commissioners were appointed, Isaac Norris and Benjamin 
Franklin, to proceed to England and beg the interference of the royal Gov- 
ernment in their behalf. Failing health and business engagements of Norris 
prevented his acceptance, and Franklin proceeded alone. He had so often de- 
fended the Assembly in public and in drawing remonstrances that the whole 
subject was at his fingers' ends. 

Military operations throughout the colonies, during the year 1757, con- 
ducted under the command of the Earl of Loudoun were sluggish, and resulted 
only in disaster and disgrace. The Indians were active in Pennsylvania, and 
kept the settlers throughout nearly all the colonies in a continual fermeut, 
hostile bands stealing in upon the defenseless inhabitants as they went to 
their plantings and sowings, and greatly interfering with or preventing alto- 
gether the raising of the ordinary crops. In 1758, Loudoun was recalled, 
and Gen. Abercrombie was given chief command, with Wolfe, Amherst and 
Forbes as his subordinates. It was determined to direct operations simul- 
taneously upon three points — Fort Du Quesne, Louisburg and the forts upon 
the great lakes. Gen. Forbes commanded the forces sent against Fort Du 
Quesne. With a detachment of royal troops, and militia from Pennsylvania 



94 HISTORl OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

and Virginia, under command of Cols. Bouquet and Washington, his column 
moved in July, 1758. The French were well ordered for receiving the attack, 
and the battle in front of the fort raged with great fury; but they were finally 
driven, and the fort, with its munitions, fell into the hands of the victors, and 
was garrisoned by 400 Pennsylvanians. Returning, Forbes placed his remain- 
ing forces in barracks at Lancaster. 

Franklin, upon his arrival in England, presented the grievances before the 
proprietors, and, that he might get his case before the royal advisers and the 
British public, wrote frequent articles for the press, and issued a pamphlet 
entitled " Historical Review of the Constitution and Government of Pennsyl- 
vania." The dispute was adroitly managed by Franklin before the Privy 
Council, and was finally decided substantially in the interest of the Assem- 
bly. It was provided that the proprietors' estates should be taxed, but that 
their located uncultivated lands should be assessed as low as the lowest uncul- 
tivated lands of the settlers, that bills issued by the Assembly should be re- 
ceivable in payment of quit rents, and that the Deputy Governor should have 
a voice in disposing of the revenues. Thus was a vexed question of loDg 
standing finally put to rest. So successfully had Franklin managed this con- 
troversy that the colonies of Massachusetts, Maryland and Georgia appointed 
him their agent in England. 

In October, 1759, James Hamilton was again appointed Governor, in place 
of Gov. Denny, who had by stress of circumstances transcended his instruc- 
tions. The British Government, considering that the colonies had borne more 
than their proportionate expense in carrying on the war against the French 
and Indians, voted £200,000 for five years, to be divided among the colonies, 
the share falling to Pennsylvania being £'26,000. On the 25th of October, 
1760, George II died, and was succeeded by his grandson, George III. Early 
in 1762, war was declared between Great Britain and Spain, but was of short 
continuance, peace having been declared in November following, by which 
Spain and France relinquished to the English substantially the territory east 
of the Mississippi. The wise men of the various Indian nations inhabiting 
this wide territory viewed with concern this sudden expansion of English 
power, fearing that they would eventually be pushed from their hunting 
grounds and pleasant haunts by the rapidly multiplying pale faces. The In- 
dians have ever been noted for proceeding against an enemy secretly and 
treacherously. Believing that by concerted action the English might be cut 
off and utterly exterminated, a secret league was entered into by the Shawa- 
nese and the tribes dwelling along the Ohio River, under the leadership of a 
powerful chieftain, Pontiac, by which swift destruction was everywhere to be 
meted out to the white man upon an hour of an appointed day. The plan was 
thoroughly understood by the red men, and heartily entered into. The day 
dawned and the blow fell in May, 1763. The forts at Presque Isle, Le Boeuf. 
Venango, La Ray, St. Joseph's, Miamis, Onaethtanon, Sandusky and Micliili- 
mackinack, all fell before the unanticipated attacks of tho savages who were 
making protestations of friendship, and the garrisons were put to the slaugh- 
ter. Fort Pitt (Du Quesne), Niagara and Detroit alone, of all this line of 
forts, held out. Pontiac in person conducted the siege of Detroit, which he 
vigorously pushed from May until October, paying his warriors with promises 
written on bits of birch bark, which he subsequently religiously redeemed. It is 
an evidence of his gieat power that he could unite his people in so gen- 
eral and secretly kept a compact, and that in this siege of Detroit he was able 
to hold his warriors up to the woi'k so long and so vigorousiy even after all hope 
of success must have reasonably been abandoned. The attack fell with great 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 95 

severity upon the Pennsylvania settlers, and they continued to be driven in 
until Shippensbung, in Cumberland County, became the extreme outpost of 
civilization. The savages stole unawares upon the laborers in the fields, or 
came stealthily in at the midnight hour and spared neither trembling age nor 
helpless infancy, firing houses, barns, crops and everything combustible. 
The suffering of the frontiersmen in this fatal year can scarcely be conceived. 

Col. Armstrong with a hastily collected force advanced upon their towns 
and forts at Muncy and Great Island, which he destroyed; but the Indians 
escaped and withdrew before him. He sent a detachment under Col. Bouquet 
to the relief of Fort Pitt, which still held out, though closely invested by the 
dusky warriors. At Fort Ligonier, Bouquet halted and sent forward thirty 
men, who stealthily pushed past the Indians under cover of night, and reached 
the fort, carrying intelligence that succor was at hand. Discovering that a 
force was advancing upon them, the Indians turned upon the troops of Bou- 
quet, and before he was aware that an enemy was near, he found himself sur- 
rounded and all means of escape apparently cut oflf. By a skillfully laid 
ambuscade, Bouquet, sending a small detachment to steal away as if in retreat, 
induced the Indians to follow, and when stretched out in pursuit, the main 
body in concealment fell upon the unsuspecting savages, and routed them with 
immense slaughter, when he advanced to the relief of the fort unchecked. 

As we have already seen, the boundary line between Maryland and Penn- 
sylvania had long been in dispute, and had occasioned serious disturbances 
among the settlers in the lifetime of Penn, and repeatedly since. It was not 
definitely settled till 1760, when a beginning was made of a final adjustment, 
though so intricate were the conditions that the work was prosecuted for seven 
years by a large force of surveyors, axmen and pioneers. The charter of Lord 
Baltimore made the northern boundary of Maryland the 40th degree of lati- 
tude; but whether the beginning or end of the 40th was not specified. The 
charter of Penn, which was subsequent, made his southern boundary the 
beginning of the 40th parallel. If, as Lord Baltimore claimed, his northern 
boundary was the end of the 40th, then the city of Philadelphia and all the 
settled parts of Pennsylvania would have been included in Maryland. If, as. 
Penn claimed by express terms of his charter, his southern line was the begin- 
ning of the 40th, then the city of Baltimore, and even a part of the District of 
Columbia, including nearly the whole of Maryland would have been swal- 
lowed up by Pennsylvania. It was evident to the royal Council that neither 
claim could be rightfully allowed, and nence resort was had to compromise. 
Penn insisted upon retaining free communication with the open ocean by the 
Delaware Bay. Accordingly, it was decided that beginning at Cape Henlopen, 
which by mistake in marking the maps was fifteen miles below the present 
location, opposite Cape May, a line should be run due west to a point half way 
between this cape and the shore of Chesapeake Bay; from this point " a line 
was to be run northerly in such direction that it should be tangent on the west 
side to a circle with a radius of twelve miles, whose center was the center of 
the court house at New Castle. From the exact tangent point, a line was to be 
run due north until it should reach a point fifteen miles south on the parallel 
of latitude of the most southern point in the boundary of the city of Phila- 
delphia, and this point when accurately found by horizontal measurement, was 
to be the corner bound between Maryland and Pennsylvania, and subsequently, 
when Delaware was set off from Pennsylvania, was the boundary of the three 
States. From this bound a line was to be run due west five degrees of longi- 
tude from the Delaware, which was to be the western limit of Pennsylvania, 
and the line thus ascertained was to mark the division between Maryland and 



96 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Pennsylvania, and forever settle the vexed question. If the due north line 
should cut any part of the circle about New Castle, the slice so cut should be- 
long to New Castle. Such a segment was cut. This plan of settlement was 
entered into on the lOth of May, 1732, between Thomas and Richard, sons of 
William Penn, on the one part, and Charles, Lord Baltimore, great grandson 
of the patentee. But the actual marking of the boundaries was still deferred, 
and as the settlers were taking out patents for their lands, it was necessary 
that it should be definitely known in which State the lands lay. Accordingly, 
in 1739, in obedience to a decree in Council, a temporary line was run upon a 
new basis, which now often appears in litigations to plague the brain of the 
attorney. 

Commissioners were again appointed in 1751, who made a few of the 
measurements, but owing to objections raised on the part of Maryland, the 
work was abandoned. Finally, the proprietors, Thomas and Kichard Penn, 
and Frederic, Lord Baltimore, entered into an agreement for the executing of 
the survey, and John Lukens and Archibald McLean on the part of the Penns, 
and Thomas Garnett and Jonathan Hall on the part of Lord Baltimore, were 
appointed with a suitable corps of assistants to lay off the lines. After these 
surveyors had been three years at work, the proprietors in England, thinking 
that there was not enough energy and practical and scientific knowledge mani- 
fested by these surveyors, appointed Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, two 
mathematicians and surveyors, to proceed to America and take charge of the 
work. They brought with them the most perfect and best constructed instru- 
ments known to science, arriving in Philadelphia on the 15th of November, 
1763, and, assisted by some of the old surveyors, entered upon their work. By 
the 4th of June, 1766, they had reached the summit of the Little Allegheny, 
when the Indians began to be troublesome. They looked with an evil eye on 
the mathematical and astronomical instruments, and felt a secret dread and 
fear of the consequences of the frequent and long continued peering into the 
heavens. The Six Nations were understood to be inimical to the further prog- 
ress of the survey. But through the influence of Sir William Johnson a 
treaty was concluded, providing for the prosecution of the work unmolested, 
and a number of chieftains were sent to accompany the surveying party. 
Mason and Dixon now had with them thirty surveyors, fifteen axmen, and fif- 
teen Indians of consequence. Again the attitude of the Indians gave cause of 
fear, and on the 29th of September, twenty-six of the surveyors abandoned the 
expedition and returned to Philadelphia. Having reached a point 244 miles 
from the Delaware, and within thirty- six miles of the western limit of the 
State, in the bottom of a deep, dark valley, they came upon a well-worn 
Indian path, and here the Indians gave notice that it was the will of the Six 
Nations that this survey proceed no further. There was no questioning this 
authority, and no means at command for resisting, and accordingly the party 
broke up and returned to Philadelphia. And this was the end of the labors of 
Mdson and Dixon upon this boundary. From the fact that this was subse- 
quently the mark of division between the Free and Slave States, Mason and 
Dixon's line became familiar im American politics. The line was marked by 
stones which were quarried and engraved in England, on one side having the 
arms of Penn, and on the opposite those of Lord Baltimore. These stones 
were firmly set every five miles. At the end of each intermediate mile a 
smaller stone was placed, having on one side engraved the letter P., and on the 
opposite side the letter M. The remainder of the line was finished and marked 
in 1782-84 by other surveyors. A vista was cut through the forest eight yards in 
width the whole distance, which seemed in looking back through it to come to a 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 97 

point at the distance of two miles. In 1849, the stone at the northeast corner 
of Maryland having been removed, a resurvey of the line was ordered, and 
suryeyors were appointed by the three States of Pennsylvania, Delaware and 
Maryland, who called to their aid Col. James D. Graham. Some few errors 
were discovered in the old survey, but in the main it was found to be accurate. 
John Penn, grandson of the founder, and son of Richard, had come to the 
colony in 1753, and, having acted as President of the Council, was, in 1763, 
commissioned Governor in place of Hamilton. The conspira^cy of Pontiac, 
though abortive in the results contemplated, left the minds of the Indians in 
a raost dangerous state. The more resolute, who had entered heartily into the 
views of their leader, still felt that his purposes were patriotic, and hence 
sought, by every means possible, to ravage and destroy the English settlements. 
The Moravian Indians at Nain and Wichetunk, though regarded as friendly, 
were suspected of indirectly aiding in the savage warfare by trading firearms 
and ammunition. They were accordingly removed to Philadelphia that they 
might be out of the way of temptation. At the old Indian town of Conestoga 
there lived some score of natives. Many heartless murders had been com- 
mitted along the frontier, and the perpetrators had been traced to this Con- 
estoga town ; and while the Conestoga band were not known to be impli- 
cated in these outrages, their town was regarded as the lurking place of roving 
savages who were. For protection, the settlers in the neighboring districts of 
Paxton and Donegal, had organized a band known as the Paxton boys. Earnest 
requests were made by Rev. John Elder and John Harris to the Government 
to remove this band at Conestoga ; but as nothing was done, and fearful 
depredations and slaughter continued, a party of these Paxton rangers attacked 
the town and put the savages to the sword. Some few escaped, among them a 
known bloodthirsty savage, who were taken into the jail at Lancaster for pro- 
tection ; but the rangers, following them, overpowered the jailer, and breaking 
into the jail murdered the fugitives. Intense excitement was occasioned by 
this outbreak, and Gov. Penn issued his proclamation offering rewards for the 
apprehension of the perpetrators. Some few were taken ; but so excellent was 
their character and standing, and such were the provocations, that no convic- 
tions followed. Apprehensions for the safety of the Moravian Indians induced 
the Government to remove them to Province Island, and, feeling insecure 
there, they asked to be sent to England. For safety, they were sent to New 
York, but the Governor of that province refused them permission to laud, as 
did also the Governor of New Jersey, and they were brought back to Philadel- 
phia and put in barracks under strong guard. The Paxton buys, in a consider- 
able body, were at that time at Germantown interceding for their brethren, 
who were then in durance and threatened with trial. Franklin was sent out 
to confer with them on the part of the Government. In defending their course, 
they said : " Whilst more than a thousand families, reduced to extreme dis- 
tress, during the last and present war, by the attacks of skulking parties of 
Indians upon the frontier, were destitute, and were suffered by the public to 
depend on private charity, a hundred and twenty of the perpetrators of the 
most horrid barbarities were supported by the province, and protected from 
the fury of the brave relatives of the murdered. " Influenced by the persua- 
sions of Franklin, they consented to return to their homes, leaving only 
Matthew Smith and James Gibson to represent them before the courts. 



98 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



CHAPTER XI. 

John Penn, 1763-71 — James Hamilton, 1771— Richard Penn, 1771-73— John 

Penn, 1773-76. 

A DIFFERENCE having arisen between the Governor and Assembly on the 
vexed question of levying money, the Assembly passed a series of reso- 
lutions advocating that the " powers of government ought to be separated from 
the power attending the immense proprietary property, and lodged in the 
hands of the King. " After an interval of fifty days — that time for reflection 
and discussion might be given — the Assembly again convened, and adopted a 
petition praying the King to assume the direct government of the province, 
though this policy was strongly opposed by some of the ablest members, as 
Isaac Norris and John Dickinson. The Quaker element was generally in 
favor of the change. 

Indian barbarities still continuing along the frontier, Gov. Penn declared 
war against the Shawanese and Delawares in July, 1765, and sent Col. Bouquet 
with a body of Pennsylvania troops against them. By the 3d of October, he 
had come up to the Muskingum, in the heart of the most thickly peopled 
Indian territory. So rapid had been the movement of Bouquet that tlae savages 
had no intelligence of his advance until he was upon them with no preparations 
for defense. They sued for peace, and a treaty was entered into by which the 
savages agreed to abstain from further hostilities until a general treaty could 
be concluded with Sir William Johnson, the general agent for Indian affairs 
for all the coloaies, and to deliver up all English captives who had been carried 
away during the years of trouble. Two hundred and eight were quickly 
gathered up and brought in, and many others were to follow, who were now 
widely scattered. The relatives of many of these captives had proceeded with 
the train of Bouquet, intent on reclaiming those who had been dear to them. 
Some were joyfully received, while others who had been borne off in youth had 
become attached to their captors, and force was necessary to bring them away. 
" On the ret^u'n of the army, some of the Indians obtained leave to accompany 
their former captives to Fort Pitt, and employed themselves in hunting and 
carrying provisions for them on the road. " 

The great struggle for the independence of the colonies of the British 
crown was now close at hand, and the first sounds of the controversy were be- 
ginning to be heard. Sir William Keith, that enterprising Governor whose 
head seemed to have been full of new projects, as early as 1739 had proposed 
to lay a uniform tax on stamped paper in all the colonies, to realize funds for 
the common defense. Acting upon this hint, Grenville, the British Minister, 
notified the colonists in 1763 of his purpose to impose such a tax. Against 
this they remonstrated. Instead of this, a tax on imports, to be paid in coin, 
was adopted. This was even more distasteful. The Assembly of Rhode 
Island, in October, 1765, submitted a paper to all the colonial assemblies, with 
a view to uniting in a common petition to the King against parliamentary 
taxation. This was favorably acted on by the Assembly of Pennsylvania, and 
Franklin was appointed agent to represent their cause before the British Par- 
liament. The Stamp Act had been passed on the 22d of March, 1765. Its 
passage excited bitter opposition, and a resolution, asserting that the Colonial 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 99 

Assemblies had the exchisive right to levy taxes, was passed by the Virginia 
Assembly, and concurred in by all the others. The Massachusetts Asseaibly 
proposed a meeting of delegates in New York on the second Tuesday of October, 
1705, to confer upon the subject. The Pennsylvania Assembly adopted the 
suggestion, and appointed Messrs. Fox, Morton, Bryan and Dickenson as dele- 
gates. This Congress met according to the call and adopted a respectful pe- 
tition to the King, and a memorial to Parliament, which were signed by all 
the members and forwarded for presentation by the Colonial Agents in En- 
gland. The Stamp Act was to go into effect on the 1st of November. On the 
last day of October, the newspapers were dressed in mourning, and suspended 
publication. The publishers agreed not to use the stamped paper. The 
people, as with one mind, determined to dress in homespun, resolved not to 
use imported goods, and, to stimulate the production of wool the colonists cov- 
enanted not to eat lamb for the space of one year. The result of this policy 
was soon felt by British manufacturers who became clamorous for repeal of 
the obnoxious measures, and it was accordingly repealed on the 18th of March, 
1766. 

Determined in some form to draw a revenue from the colonies, an act was 
passed in 1767, to lay a duty on tea, paper, printers' colors, and glass. The As- 
sembly of Pennsylvania passed a resolution on the 20th of February, 1768, 
instructing its agent in London to urge its repeal, and at the session in May 
received and entered upon its minutfis a circular letter from the Massachusetts 
Assembly, setting forth the grounds on which objection to the act should be 
urged. This circular occasioned hostile feeling among the ministry, and the 
Secretary for foreign affairs wrote to Gov. Penn to urge the Assembly to 
take no notice of it; but if they appi'oved its sentiments, to prorogue their 
sittings. This letter was transmitted to the Assembly, and soon after one 
from the Virginia Assembly was presented, urging union of all the colonies 
in opposing the several schemes of taxation. This recommendation was 
adopted, and committees appointed to draw a petition to the King and to each 
of the Houses of Parliament. To lead public sentiment, and have it well 
grounded in the arguments used against taxation, John Dickinson, one of the 
ablest of the Pennsylvania legislators at this time, published a number of 
articles purporting to come from a plain farmer, under the title of the Farmer's 
Letters, which became popular, the idea that they were the work of one in 
humble life, hel[)ing to swell the tide of popularity. They were republished 
in all the colonies, and exerted a commanding influence. Alarmed at the 
unanimity of feeling against the proposed schemes, and supposing that it was 
the amount of the tax that gave offense. Parliament reduced the rate in 1769 
to one sixth of the original sum, and in 1770 abolished it altogether, except 
three pence a pound on tea But it was the principle, and not the amount 
that was objected to, and at the next session of the Assembly in Pennsylvania, 
their agent in London was directed to urge its repeal altogether. 

It would seem incredible that the colony of Connecticut should lay claim 
to any part of the territory of Pennsylvania, but so it was. The New En- 
gland charters gave limitless extent westward even to the shores of the Pacific 
Ocean, and south to the northern limits of the tract ceded to Lord Baltimore — 
the territory between the 40th and 46th degrees of north latitude, and from 
ocean to ocean. To encroach upon New York with its teaming popu- 
lation was not calculated to tempt the enterprise of the settler; but 
the rich virgin soil, and agreeable climate of the wide Wyoming Val- 
ley, as yet unappropriated, was likely to attract the eye of the explorer^ 
Accordingly, at the general conference with the Indians held at Albany 



100 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA- 

in 1754, the Connecticut delegates made a purchase of a large tract in 
this valley; a company, known as the Susquehanna Company, was formed in 
Connecticut to promote the settlement of these lands, and a considerable im- 
migration commenced. The proprietors of Pennsylvania had also made pur- 
chase of the Indians of these identical lands, and the royal charters of Charles 
and James covered this groiind. But the Plymouth Charter antedated Penn's. 
Remonstrances were made to the Governor of Connecticut against encroach- 
ments upon the territory of Pennsylvania. The answer returned was under- 
stood to disclaim any control over the company by the Connecticut authorities; 
but it subsequently appeared that the Government was determined to defend 
the settlers in the possession of their lands. In 1768, the proprietors of Penn- 
sylvania entered into treaty stipulations with the Indians for all this tract cov- 
ered by the claim of the Susquehanna Company. Pennsylvania settlers, 
attracted by the beauty of the place, gradually acquired lands under Penn- 
sylvania patents, and the two parties began to infringe on each other's claims. 
Forts and block-houses were erected for the protection of either party, and a 
petty warfare was kept up, which resulted in some loss of life. Butler, the 
leader of the Connecticut party, proposed to settle their differences by per- 
sonal combat of thirty picked men on each side. In order to assert more direct 
legal control over the settlers, a new county was formed which was called 
Northumberland, that embraced all the disputed lands. But the Sheriff, even 
with the aid of the militia, which he called to his assistance, was unable to 
execute his processes, and exercise legal control, the New Englanders, proving 
a resolute set, determined to hold the splendid farms which they had marked 
out for themselves, and were bringing rapidly under cultivation. To the re- 
monstrances of Gov. Penn, Gov. Trumbull responded that the Susquehanna Com- 
pany was proceeding in good faith under provisions secured by the charter of 
the Plymouth Colony, and proposed that the question be submitted to a com- 
petent tribunal for arbitrament. An ex parte statement was submitted to 
Council in London by the Connecticut party, and an opinion was rendered 
favorable to its claims. In September, 1775, the matter was submitted to the 
Continental Congress, and a committee of that body, to whom it was referred, 
reported in favor of the Connecticut claim, apportioning a tract out of the 
very bowels of Pennsylvania nearly as large as the whole State of Connecticut. 
This action was promptly rejected b}'" the Assembly of Pennsylvania, and a 
final decision was not reached until 1802, when Congress decided in favor of 
the integrity of the chartered rights of Penn, 

Richard Penn, son of the founder, died in 1771, whereupon Gov, John 
Penn returned to England, leaving the President of the Council, James Ham- 
ilton, at the head of tbo Government. John Penn, eldest son of Richard, suc- 
ceeded to the proprietary interests of his father, which he held in conjunction 
with his uncle, Thomas, and in October of the same year, Richard, the second 
son, was commissioned Govei'nor. He held the office but about two years, and 
in that time won the confidence and esteem of the people, and so much attached 
was he to the popular cause, that upon his return to England, in 1775, he was 
intrusted by Congress with the last petition of the colonies ever presented to 
the King, In August, 1773, John Penn returned with the commission of 
Governor, superseding his brother Richard. Soon after his arrival, the Gov- 
ernor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, issued his proclamation, laying claim to a 
vast territory in the Monongalia Valley, including ^Lb site of the present 
city of Pittsburgh, and upon the withdrawal of the British garrison, one Con- 
nolly had taken possession of it in the name of Virginia. Gov. Penn issued a 
counter-proclamation, calling on all good citizens within the borders of Penn- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 101 

eylvania, to preserve their allegiance to his Government, seized and imprisoned 
Connolly, and sent Commissioners to Virginia to effect an amicable settlement. 
These, Dunmore refused to bear, and was preparing to assert his authority by 
force; but his Council refused to vote him money for this purpose. 

To encourage the sale of tea in the colonies, and establish the principle of 
taxation, the export duty was rem.)ved. The colonies took the alarm. At a 
public meeting called in Philadelphia to consider the subject, on the 18th of 
October, 1773, resolutions were adopted in which it was declared : " That the 
disposal of their own property is the inherent right of freemen; that there can 
be no property in that which another can, of right, take from us without our 
consent; that the claim of Parliament to tax America, is, in other words, a claim 
of right to levy contributions on us at pleasure.'' The East India Company 
now made preparations for sending large importations of tea into the colonies. 
The ships destined for Philadelphia and New York, on approaching port, and 
being advised of the exasperated state of public feeling, returned to England 
with their cargoes. Those sent to Boston came into the harbor; but at night a 
party disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded the vessels, and breaking open 
the packages, emptied 300 chests into the sea. The ministry, on being apprised 
of this act, closed the port of Boston, and subverted the colonial charter. 
Early in the year, committees of correspondence had been established in all 
the colonies, by means of which the temper and feeling in each was well un- 
derstood by the others, and concert of action was secured. The hard condi- 
tions imposed on the town of Boston and the colony of Massachusetts Bay, 
aroused the sympathy of all ; for, they argued, we know not how soon the heavy 
hand of oppression may be felt by any of us. Philadelphia declared at a pub- 
lic meeting that the people of Pennsylvania would continue firmly to adhere 
to the cause of American liberty, and urged the calling of a Congress of dele- 
gates to consider the general interests. 

At a meeting held in Philadelphia on the 18th of June, 1774, at which 
nearly 8,000 people were convened, it was decided that a Continental Congress 
ought to be held, and appointed a committee of correspondence to communi- 
cate with similar committees in the several counties of Pennsylvania and in the 
several colonies. On the 15th of July, 1774, delegates from all the counties, 
summoned by this committee, assembled in Philadelphia, and declared that 
there existed an absolute necessity for a Colonial Congress. They accordingly 
recommended that the Assembly appoint delegates to such a Congress to 
represent Pennsylvania, and Joseph Galloway, Samuel Ehoads, George Boss, 
Edward Biddle, John Dickinson, Charles Humphries and Thomas Mifflin were 
appointed. 

On the 4th of Septemoer, 1774, the first Continental Congress assembled m 
Philadelphia. Peyton Kandolph, of Virginia, was called to preside, and 
Charles Thomson, of Pennsylvania, was appointed Secretary. It was resolved 
that no more goods be imported from England, and that unless a pacification 
was effected previously, no more Colonial produce of the soil be exported 
thither after September 10, 1775. A declaration of rights was adopted, and 
addresses to the King, the people of Great Britain, and of British America 
were agreed to, after which the Congress adjourned to meet again on the 10th 
of May, 1775. 

In January, 1775, another meeting of the county delegates was held in 
Philadelphia, at which^he action of the Colonial Congress was approved, and 
while a restoration o^armony with the mother country was desired, yet if 
the arbitiary acts of Parliament were persisted in, they would at every hazard 
defend the "rights and liberties of America." The delegates appointed to 



102 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

represent the colony in the Second Congress were Mifflin, Humphries, Biddlp, 
Dickinson, Morton, Franklin, Wilson and Willing. 

The government of Great Britain had determined with a strong hand to 
compel obedience to its behests. On the 19th of April, 1775, was fought the 
battle of Lexington, and the crimson fountain was opened. That blow was 
felt alike through all the colonies. The cause of one was the cause of all. 
A public meeting was held in Philadelphia, at which it was resolved to organize 
military companies in all the counties. The Assembly heartily seconded these 
views, and engaged to provide for the pay of the militia while in service. 
The Second Congress, which met in May, provided for organizing a continental 
army, fixing the quota for Pennsylvania at 4,300 men. The Assembly adopted 
the recommendation of Congress, provided for arming, disciplining and pay- 
ing the militia, recommended the organizing minutemen for service in an 
emergency, made appropriations for the defense of the city, and offered a pre- 
mium on the production of salt peter. Complications hourly thickened. Ticon- 
deroga was captured on the 10th of May, and the battle of Bunker Hill was 
fought on the 17th of June. On the 15th of June, George Washington was 
appointed Commander-in-chief of the Contiaental Army, supported by four 
Major Generals and eight Brigadiers. 

The royal Governors were now an incumbrance greatly in the way of the 
popular movement, as were also the Assemblies where they refused to represent 
the popular will. Accordingly, Congress recommended that the several col- 
onies should adopt such government as should " best conduce to the happiness 
and safety of their constituents in particular and America in general." This 
meant that each colony should set up a government for itself independent of 
the Crown. Accordingly, a public meeting was held in Philadelphia, at 
which it was resolved that the present Assembly is " not competent to the prea- 
ent exigencies of affairs," and that a new form of government ought to be 
adopted as recommended by Congress. The city committee of correspondence 
called on the county committees to secure the election of delegates to a colonial 
meeting for the purpose of considering this subject On the 18th of June, 
the meeting was held in Philadelphia, and was organized by electing Thomas 
McKean President. It resolved to call a convention to frame a new con- 
stitution, provided the legal forms to be observed, and issued an address to 
the people. 

Having thus by frequent argumentation grown familiar with the declara- 
tion of the inherent rights of every citizen, and with flatly declaring to the 
government of Great Britain that it had no right to pursue this policy or that, 
and the several States having been recommended to absolve themselves from 
allegience to the royal governments, and set up independent colonial govern- 
ments of their own, it was a natural inference, and but a step further, to de- 
clare the colonies entirely independent of the British Government, and to or- 
ganize for themselves a general continental government to hold the place of King 
and Parliament. The idea of independence had been seriously proposed, and 
several Colonial Assemblies had passed resolutions strongly recommending it. 
And yet there were those of age and experience who had supported independ- 
ent principles in the stages of argumentation, before action was demanded, 
when they approached the brink of the fatal chasm, and had to decide 
whether to take the leap, hesitated. There were those in the Assembly of 
Pennsylvania who were reluctant to advise independence; but the majority 
voted to recommend its delegates to unite with the other colonies for the com- 
mon good. The convention which had provided for holding a meeting of del- 
egates to frame a new constitution, voted in favor of independence, and au- 
thorized the raisinof of 6.000 militia. 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 103 

On the 7th of June, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, introduced in 
Congresa the proposition that, "the United Colonies are, and of right ought to 
be, free and independent States, and that all political connection between 
them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." 
It was impossible to mistake or misinterpret the meaning of this language. 
The issue was fairly made up. It was warmly discussed. John Dickinson, 
one of the Pennsylvania delegates, and one who had been foremost in speak- 
ing and writing on the popular side, was not ready to cut off all hope of rec- 
onciliation, and depicted the disorganized condition in which the colonies 
would be left if the power and protection of Britain were thus suddenly re- 
moved. The vote upon the resolution was taken on the 2d of July, and re- 
sulted in the affirmative vote of all the States except Pennsylvania aid 
Delaware, the delegates from these States being divided. A committee con- 
sisting of Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Livingston and Sherman had been, some 
time previous, appointed to draw a formal statement of the Declaration, and 
the reasons "out of a decent respect to the opinions of mankind," which led 
to so important an act. The work was intrusted to a sub-committee consisting of 
Adams and Jefferson, and its composition was the work of Mr. Jefferson, though 
many of the ideas, and even the forms of expression, had been used again and 
again in the previous resolutions and prouunciamentoes of the Colonial Assem- 
blies and public meetings. It had been reported on the 28th of June, and was 
sharply considered in all its parts, many verbal alterations having been made in 
the committee of five; but after the passage of the preliminary resolution, the 
result was a foregone conclusion, and on the 4th of July it was finally adopted 
and proclaimed to the world. Of the Pennsylvania delegation, Franklin, 
Wilson and Morton voted for it, and Willing and Humphrey against, Dickin- 
son being absent. The colonial convention of Pennsylvania, being in session 
at the time, on receiving intelligence that a majority of its delegates in Con- 
gress had voted against the preliminary resolution, named a new delegation, 
omitting the names of Dickinson, Willing and Humphrey, and adding others 
which made it thus constituted — Franklin, Wilson, Morton, Morris, Clymer, 
Smith, Taylor and Ross. An engrossed copy of the Declaration was made, 
which was signed by all the members on the 2d of August following, on 
which are found the names from Pennsylvania above recited. 

The convention for framing a new constitution for the colony met on the 
15th of July, and was organized by electing Franklin President, and on the 
28th of September completed its labors, having framed a new organic law 
and made all necessary provisions for putting it into operation. In the mean- 
time the old proprietary Assembly adjourned on the 14th of June to the 26th 
of August. But a quorum failed to appear, and an adjournment was had to 
the 23d of September, when some routine business was attended to, chiefly 
providing for the payment of salaries and necessary bills, and on the 28th of 
September, after a stormy existence of nearly a century, this Assembly, the 
creature of Penn, adjourned never to meet again. With the ending of the As- 
sembly ended the power of Gov. Penn. It is a singular circumstance, much 
noted by the believers in signs, that on the day of his arrival in America, 
which was Sunday, the earth in that locality was rocked by an earthquake, 
which was intei'preted as an evil omen to his administration. He married the 
daughter of William Allen, Chief Justice of the colony, and, though at times 
falling under suspicion of favoring the royal cause, yet, as was believed, not 
with reason, he remained a quiet spectator of the great struggle, living at his 
country seat in Bucks County, where he died in February, 1795. 

The titles of the proprietors to landed estates were suspended by the action 



104 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

of the convention, and on the 27th of November, 1779, the Legislature passed 
an act vesting these estates in the commonwealth, but paying the proprietors a 
gratuity of £130,000, " in remembrance of the enterprising spirit of the 
Founder." This act did not touch the private estates of the proprietors, nor 
the tenths of manors. The British Government, in 1790, in consideration of 
the fact that it had been unable to vindicate its authority over the colony, and 
afford protection to the proprietors in the enjoyment of their chartered rights, 
voted an annuity of £4,000 to the heirs and descendants of Penn. This annuity 
has been regularly paid to the present time, 1884. 



OHAPTEE XII 



Thomas Wharton, Jr., 1777-78— Gkorge Bryan, 1778— Joseph Reed, 1778-81— 
William Moore, 1781-82— John Dickinson, 1782-85— Benjamin Franklin, 

1785-88. 

THE convention which framed the constitution appointed a Committee of 
Safety, consisting of twenty- five members, to whom was intrusted the 
government of the colony until the proposed constitution should be framed and 
put in operation. Thomas Kittenhouse was chosen President of this body, 
who was consequently in effect Governor. The new constitution, which was 
unanimously adopted on the 28th of September, was to take effect from its 
passage. It provided for an Assembly to be elected annually; a Supreme Ex- 
ecutive Council of twelve members to be elected for a term of thi-ee years; As- 
semblymen to be eligible but four years out of seven, and Councilmen but 
one term in seven years. Members of Congress were chosen by the Assembly. 
The constitution could not be changed for seven years. It provided for the 
election of censors every seven years, who were to decide whether there was 
a demand for its revision. If so, they were to call a convention for the pur- 
pose. On the 6th of August, 1770, Thomas Wharton, Jr., was chosen Presi- 
dent of the Council of Safety. 

The struggle with the parent country was now fully inaugurated. The 
British Parliament had declared the colonists rebels, had voted a force of 
55,000 men, and in addition had hired 17,000 Hessian soldiers, to subdue them. 
The Congress on its part had declared the objects for which arms had been 
taken up, and had issued bills of credit to the amount of $6,000,000. Par- 
liament had resolved upon a vigorous campaign, to strike heavy and rapid 
blows, and quickly end the war. The first campaign had been conducted in 
Massachusetts, and by the efficient conduct of Washington, Gen. Howe, the 
leader of the British, was compelled to capitulate and withdraw to Halifax in 
March, 1776. On the 28th of June, Sir Henry Clinton, with a strong detach- 
ment, in conjunction with Sir Peter Parker of the navy, made a combined 
land and naval attack upon the defenses of Charleston Harbor, where he was 
met by Gen, William Moultrie, with the Carolina Militia, and after a severe 
battle, in which the British fleet was roughly handled, Clinton -v.'ithdrew and 
returned to New York, whither the main body of the British Army, under Gen. 
Howe, had come, and where Admiral Lord Howe, with a large fleet directly 
from England, joined them. To this formidable power led by the best talent 
in the British Army, Washington could muster no adequate force to oppose, 
and he was obliged to withdra\\ from Long Island, from New York, from 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 105 

Harlem, from White Plains, to cross into New Jersey, and abandon position 
after position, until he had reached the right bank of the Delaware on Penn- 
sylvania soil. A heavy detachment under Cornwallis followed, and would 
have crossed the Delaware in pursuit, but advised to a cautious policy by 
Howe, he waited for ice to form on the waters of the Delaware before passing 
over. The fall of Philadelphia now seemed imminent. Washington had not 
sufficient force to face the whole power of the British A.rmy. On the 2d of 
December, the Supreme Council ordered all places of business in the cit}' to 
be closed, the schools to be dismissed, and advised preparation for removing 
the women and children and valuables. On the 12th, the Congress which was 
in session here adjourned to meet iu Baltimore, taking with them all papers 
and public records, and leaving a committee, of which Robert Morris was 
Chairman, to act in conjunction with Washington for the safety of the place. 
Gren. Putnam was dispatched on the same day with a detachment of soldiers 
to take command in the city. 

In this emergency the Council issued a stirring address: "If you wish 
to live in freedom, and are determined to maintain that best boon of heaven, 
you have no time to deliberate. A manly resistance will secure every bless- 
ing, inactivity and sloth will bring horror and destruction. * * * May 
heaven, which has bestowed the blessings of liberty upon you, awaken you to 
a proper sense of your danger and arouse that manly spirit of virtuous resolu- 
tion which has ever bidden defiance to the efforts of tyranny. May you ever 
have the glorious prize of liberty in view, and bear with a becoming fortitude 
the fatigues and severities of a winter campaign. That, and that only, will 
entitle you to the superlative distinction of being deemed, under God, the 
deliverers of your country." Such were the arguments which our fathers 
made use of in conducting the struggle against the British Empire. 

Washington, who had, from the opening of the campaign before New 
York, been obliged for the most part to act upon the defensive, formed the 
plan to suddenly turn upon his pursuers and offer battle. Accordingly, on 
the night of the 25th of December, taking a picked body of men, he moved up 
several miles to Taylorsville, where he crossed the river, though at flood tide 
and filled with floating ice, and moving down to Trenton, where a detachment 
of the British Army was posted, made a bold and vigorous attack. Taken by 
surprise, though now after sunrise, the battle was soon decided in favor of 
the Americans. Some fifty of the enemy were slain and over a thousand 
taken prisoners, with quantities of arms, ammunition and stores eaptm'ed. A 
triumphal entry was made at Philadelphia, when the prisoners and the spoils 
of war moved through the streets under guard of the victorious troops, and 
were marched away to the prison camp at Lancaster. Washington, who was 
smarting under a forced inactivity, by reason of paucity of numbers and lack 
of arms and material, and who had been forced constantly to retire before a 
defiant foe, now took courage. His name was upon every tongue, and foreign 
Governments were disposed to give the States a fair chance in their struggle 
for nationality. The lukewarm were encouraged to enlist under the banner of 
freedom. It had great strategic value. The British had intended to push 
forward and occupy Philadelphia at once, which, being now virtually the cap- 
ital of the new nation, had it been captured at this juncture, would have given 
them the occasion for claiming a triumphal ending of the war. But this adr 
vantage, though gained by a detachment small in numbers yet great in cour- 
age, caused the commander of a powerful and well appointed army to give up 
all intention of attempting to capture the Pennsylvania metropolis in this 
campaign, and retiring into winter cantonments upon the Raritan to await 



106 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

the settled weather of the spring for an entirely new cast of operations. 
Washington, emboldened by his success, led all his forces into New Jersey, 
and pushing past Trenton, where Cornwallis, the royal leader, had brought 
his main body by a forced march, under cover of darkness, attacked the 
British reserves at Princeton. But now the enemy had become wary and vig- 
ilant, and, summoned by the booming of cannon, Cornwallis hastened back to 
the relief of his hard pressed eolum'ns. Washington, finding that the enemy's 
whole army was within easy call and knowing that he had no hope of success 
with his weak army, withdrew. Washington now went into winter quarters at 
Morristown, and by constant vigilance was able to gather marauding parties 
of the British who ventured far away from their works. 

Putnam commenced fortifications at a point below Philadelphia upon the 
Delaware, and at commanding positions upon the outskirts, and on being 
summoned to the army was succeeded by Gen. Irvine, and he by Gen. Gates. 
On the 4th of March, 1777, the two Houses of the Legislature, elected under 
the new constitution, assembled, and in joint convention chose Thomas 
Wharton, Jr., President, and George BryanVice President. Penn had expressed 
the idea that power was preserved the better by due formality and ceremony, 
and, accordingly, this event was celebrated with much pomp, the result being 
declared in a loud voice from the court house, amid the shouts of the gathered 
throngs and the booming of the captured cannon brought from the field of 
Trenton. The title bestowed upon the new chief officer of the State was fitted 
by its length and high-sounding epithets to inspire the multitude with awe and 
reverence: "His Excellency, Thomas Wharton, Junior, Esquire, President of 
the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, Captain General, and Com- 
mander-in-chief in and over the same." 

While the enemy was disposed to be cautious after the New Jersey cam- 
paign so humiliating to the native pride of the Britain, yet he was determined 
to bring all available forces into the field for the campaign of 1777, and to 
strike a decisive blow. Early in April, great activity was observed among the 
shipping in New York Harbor, and Washington communicated to Congress his 
opinion that Philadelphia was the object against which the blow would be 
aimed. This announcement of probable peril induced the Council to issue a 
proclamation urging enlistments, and Con;j;re3s ordered the opening of a camp 
for drilling recruits in Pennsylvania, and Benedict Arnold, who was at this 
time a trusted General, was ordered to the command of it. So many new ves- 
sels and transports of all classes had been discovered to have come into New 
York Harbor, probably forwarded from England, that Washington sent Gen. 
Mifflin, on the 10th of June, to Congress, bearing a letter in which he ex- 
pressed the settled conviction that the enemy meditated an immediate descent 
upon some part of Pennsylvania. Gen. Mifflin proceeded to examine the de- 
fensive works of the city which had been begun on the previous advance of 
the British, and recommended such changes and new works as seemed best 
adapted for its protection. The preparations for defense were vigoroiisly pros- 
ecuted. The militia were called out and placed in two camps, one at Chester 
and the other at Downington. Fire ships were held in readiness to be used 
against vessels attempting the ascent of the river. 

Lord Howe, being determined not to move until ample preparations were 
completed, allowed the greater part of the summer to wear away before he 
advanced. Finally, having embarked a force of 19,500 men on a fleet of 300 
transports, he sailed southward. Washington promptly made a corresponding 
march overland, passing through Philadelphia on the 24th of August. Howe, 
suspecting that preparations would be made for impeding the passage of the 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 107 

Delaware, sailed past its mouth, and moving up the Chesapeake instead, de- 
barlced fifty-four miles from Philadelphia and commenced the march north- 
ward. Great activity was now manifested in the city. Tne water-spouts were 
melted to furnish bullets, fair hands were busied in rolling caitidges, power- 
ful chevaux-de-frise were planted to impede the navigation of the river, and 
the last division of the militia of the city, which had been divided into three 
classes, was called out. Washington, who had crossed the Brandywine, soon 
confronted the advance of Howe, and brisk skirmishing at once opened. See- 
ing that he was likely to have the right of his position at Red Clay Creek, 
where he had intended to give battle, turned by the largely superior force of 
the enemy, under cover of darkness on the night of the 8th of September, he 
withdrew across the Brandywine at Chad's Ford, and posting Armstrong with 
the militia upon the left, at Pyle's Ford, where the banks were rugged and pre- 
cipitous, and Sullivan, who was second in command, upon the right at Brin- 
ton's Ford under cover of forest, he himself took post with three divisions, 
Sterling's, Stephens', and his own, in front of the main avenue of approach at 
Chad's. Howe, discovering that Washington was well posted, determined to 
flank him. Accordingly, on the 11th, sending Knyphausen with a division of 
Hessians to make vigorous demonstrations upon Washington's front at Chad's, 
he, with the corps of Cornwallis, in light marching order, moved up the Brandy- 
wine, far past the right flank of Washington, crossed the Brandywine at the 
fords of Trumbull and Jeffrey unopposed, and, moving down came upon 
Washington's right, held by Sullivan, all unsuspecting and unprepared to re- 
ceive him. Though Howe was favored by a dense fog which on that morning 
hung on all the valley, yet it had hardly been commenced before Washingtou 
discovered the move and divined its purpose. His resolution was instantly 
taken. He ordered Sullivan to cross the stream at Brinton's, and resolutely 
turn the left flank of Knyphausen, when he himself with the main body would 
move over and ci'ush the British Army in detail. Is was a brilliant conception, 
was feasible, and promised the most complete success. But what chagrin and 
mortifi<;ation, to receive, at the moment when he expected to hear the music of 
Sullivan's guns doubling up the left of the enemy, and giving notice to him 
to commence the passage, a message from that officer advising him that he had 
disobeyed his orders to cross, having received intelligence that the enemy were 
not moving northward, and that he was still in position at the ford. Thus 
balked, Washingtonhad no alternative but to remain in position, and it was not 
long before the guns of Howe were heard moving in upon his all unguarded 
right flank. The best dispositions were made which time would permit. His 
main body with the force of Sullivan took position along the brow of the hill 
on which stands the Birmingham meeting house, and the battle opened and 
was pushed with vigor the whole day. Overborne by numbers, and weakened 
by losses, Washington was obliged to retire, leaving the enemy in possession 
of the field. The young French nobleman, Lafayette, was wounded while gal- 
lantly serving in this tight. The wounded were carried into the Birmingham 
meeting house, where the blood stains are visible to this day, enterprising 
relic hunters for many generations having been busy in loosening small slivers 
with the points of their knives. 

The British now moved cautiously toward Philadelphia. On the 16th of 
September, at a point some twenty miles west of Philadelphia, Washington 
again made a stand, and a battle opened with brisk skirmishing, but a heavy 
rain storm coming on the powder of the patriot soldiers was completely rained on 
account of their defective cartridge boxes. On the night of the 20th, Gen. 
Anthony Wayne, who had been hanging on the rear of the enemy with his 



108 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

detachment, was surprised by Gen. Gray with a heavy column, who fell sud- 
denly upon the Americans in bivouac and put them to the sword, giving no 
quarter. This disgraceful slaughter which brought a stigma and an indelible 
stain upon the British arms is known as the Paoli Massacre. Fifty-three of 
the victims of the black flag were buried in one grave. A neat monument 
of white marble was erected forty years afterward over their moldering 
remains by the Republican Artillerists of Chester County, which vandal hands 
have not spared in their mania for relics. 

Cono-ress remained in Philadelphia while these military operations were 
cooing on at its very doors; but on the 18th of September adjourned to meet 
at Lancaster, though subsequently, on the 30th, removed across the Susque- 
hanna to York, where it remained in session till after the evacuation in 
the following summer. The Council remained until two days before the fall 
of the city, when having dispatched the records of the loan office and the more 
valuable papers to Easton, it adjourned to Lancaster. On the 26th, the British 
Army entered the city. Deborah Logan in her memoir says: " The army 
marched in and took possession in the city in the morning. We were up-stairs 
and saw them pass the State House. They looked well, clean and well clad, 
and the contrast between them and our own poor, bare- footed, ragged troops 
was very great and caused a feeling of despair. * * * * Early 
in the afternoon, Lord Cornwallis' suite Arrived and took possession of 
my mother's house." But though now holding undisputed possession of the 
American capital, Howe found his position an uncomfortable one, for his fleet 
was in the Chesapeake, and the Delaware and all its defenses were in posses- 
sion of the Americans, and Washington had manned the forts with some of 
his most resolute troops. Varnum's brigade, led by Cols. Angell and Greene, 
Rhode Island troops, were at Fort Mercer, at Red Bank, and this the enemy 
determined to attack. On the 21st of October, with a force of 2,500 men, led 
by Count Donop, the attack was made. In two colums they moved as to an 
easy victory. But the steady lire of the defenders when come in easy range, 
swept them down with deadly effect, and, retiring with a loss of over 400 and 
their leader mortally wounded, they did not renew the fight. Its reduction was 
of prime importance, and powerful works were built and equipped to bear upon 
the devoted fort on all sides, and the heavy guns of the fleet were brought up 
to aid in overpowering it. For six long days the greatest weight of metal was 
poured upon it from the land and the naval force, but without effect, the 
sides of the fort successfully withstanding the plunging of their powerful 
missiles. As a last resort, the great vessels were run suddenly in close under 
the walls, and manning the yard-arms with sharp-shooters, so effectually 
silenced and drove away the gunners that the fort fell easily into the Brit- 
ish hands and the river was opened to navigation. The army of Washing- 
ton, after being recruited and put in light marching order, was led to German- 
town where, on the morning ^of the 3d of October the enemy was met. A 
heavy fog that morning had obscured friend and foe alike, occasioning con- 
fusion in the ranks, and though the opening promised well, and some progress 
was made, yet the enemy was too strong to be moved, and the American leader 
was forced to retire to his camp at White Marsh. Though the river had now 
been opened and the city was thoroughly fortified for resisting attack, yet 
Howe felt not quite easy in having the American Army quartered in so close 
striking distance, and accordingly, on the 4th of December, with nearly his 
entire army, moved out, intending to take Washington at White Marsh, sizteen 
miles away, by surprise, and by rapidity of action gain an easy victory. But 
by the heroism and fidelity of Lydia Darrah, who, as she had often done before 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 109 

passed the ^ards to go to the mill for flour, the news of the coming of Howe 
waF communicated to Washington, who was prepared to receive him. Finding 
that he could effect nothing, Howe returned to the city, having had th,e weari- 
some march at this wintry season without effect. 

Washington now crossed the Schuylkill and went into winter quarters at 
Valley Forge. The cold of that winter was intense; the troops, half clad and 
indifferently fed, suffered severely, the prints of their naked feet in frost and 
snow being often tinted with patriot blood. Grown impatient of the small 
results from tiie immensely expensive campaigns carried on across the ocean, 
the Ministry relieved Lord Howe, and appointed Sir Henry Clinton to the 
chief command. 

The Commissioners whom Congress had sent to France early in the fall of 
1776 — Franklin, Dean and Lee had been busy in making interest for the 
united colonies at the French Court, and so successful were they, that arms and 
ammunition and loans of money were procured from time to time. Lideed, so 
persuasive had they become that it was a saying current at court that, ' ' It was 
fortunate for the King that Franklin did not take it into his head to ask to 
have the palace at Versailles stripped of its furniture to send to his dear 
Americans, for his majesty would have been unable to deny him." Finally, 
a convention was concluded, by which France agreed to use the royal army and 
navy as faithful allies of the Americans against the English. Accordingly, a 
fleet of four powerful frigates, and twelve ships were dispatched under com- 
mand of the Count D'Estaing to shut up the British fleet in the Delaware. The 
plan was ingenious, particularly worthy of the long head of Franklin. But 
by some means, intelligence of the sailing of the French fleet reached the 
English cabinet, who immediately ordered the evacuation of the Delaware, 
whereupon the Admiral weighed anchor and sailed away with his entire fleet to 
New York, and D'Estaing, upon his arrival at the mouth of the Delaware, found 
that the bird had flown. 

Clinton evacuated Philadelphia and moved across New Jersey in the direc- 
tion of New York. Washington closely followed and came up with the enemy 
on the plains of Monmouth, on the 28th of June, 1778, where a sanguin- 
ary battle was fought which lasted tba whole day, resulting in the triumph of 
the American arms, and Pennsylvania was rid of British troops. 

The enemy was no sooner well away from the city than Congress returned 
from York and resumed its sittings in its former quarters, June 24, 1778, and 
on the following day, the Colonial Legislature returned from Lancaster. Gen 
Arnold, who was disabled by a wound received at Saratoga, from field duty, 
was given command in the city and marched in with a regiment on the day 
following the evacuation. On the 23d of May, 1778, President Wharton died 
suddenly of quinsy, while in attendance upon the Council at Lancaster, when 
George Bryan, the Vice President, became the Acting President. Bryan was a 
philanthropist in deed as well as word. Up to this time, African slavery had 
iDeen tolerated in the colony. In his message of the 9th of November, he said: 
' ' This or some better scheme, would tend to abrogate slavery — the approbrium 
of America — from among us. * * * In divesti;ag the State of slaves, you 
will equally serve the cause of humanity and policy, and offer to God one of 
the most proper and best returns of gratitude for jQIls great deliverance of us 
and our posterity from thraldom; you will also set your character for justice 
and benevolence in the true point of view to Europe, who ai'e astonished to see 
a people eager for liberty holding negroes in bondage." He perfected a bill 
for the extinguishment of claims to slaves which was passed by the Assembly, 
March 1, 1780, by a vote of thirty-four to eighteen, providing that no child 



110 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

of slave parents born after that date should be a slave, but a servant till the 
age of twenty-eight years, when all claim for service should end. Thus by a 
simple enactment resolutely pressed by Bryan, was slavery forever rooted out 
of Pennsylvania. 

In the summer of 1778, a force of savages and sour- faced tories to the num- 
ber of some 1,200, under the leadership of one Col. John Butler, a cruel and in- 
human wretch, descending from the north, broke into the Wyoming Valley on 
the 2d of July. The strong men were in the army of Washington, and the 
only defenders were old men, beardless boys and resolute women. These, to 
the number of about 400, under Zebulon Butler, a brave soldier who had won 
distinction in the old French war, and who happened to be present, moved 
resolutely out to meet the invaders. Overborne by numbers, the inhabitants 
were beaten and put to the sword, the few who escaped retreating to Forty 
Fort, whither the helpless, up and down the valley, had sought safety. Here 
humane terms of surrender were agreed to, and the families returned to 
their homes, supposing all danger to be past. But the savages had 
tasted blood, and perhaps confiscated liquor, and were little mindful of capitu- 
lations. The night of the 5th was given to indiscriminate massacre. The 
cries of the helpless rang out upon the night air, and the heavens along all 
the valley were lighted up with the flames of burning cottages; " and when the 
moon arose, the terrified inhabitants were fleeing to the Wilkesbarre Mount- 
ains, and the dark morasses of the Pocono Mountain beyond. " Most of these 
were emigrants from Connecticut, and they made their way homeward as fast 
as their feet would carry them, many of them crossing the Hudson at Pough- 
keepsie, where they told their tales of woe. 

In February, 1778, Parliament, grown tired of this long and wasting war, 
abolished taxes of which the Americans had complained, and a committee, 
composed of Earl Carlisle, George Johnstone and William Eden, were sent 
empowered to forgive past offenses, and to conclude peace with the colonies, 
upon submission to the British crown. Congress would not listen to their 
proposals, maintaining that the people of America had done nothing that 
needed forgiveness, and that no conference could be accorded so long as the 
English Armies reftnained on American soil. Finding that negotiations could 
not be entered upon with the government, they sought to worm their way by 
base bribes. Johnstone proposed to Gen. Reed that if he would lend his aid 
to bring about terms of pacification, 10,000 guineas and the best office in the 
country should be his. The answer of the stern General was a type of the 
feeling which swayed every patriot: " My influence is but small, but were it 
as great as Gov. Johntone would insinuate, the King of Great Britain has noth- 
ing in his gift that would tempt me." 

At the election held for President, the choice feH upon Joseph Reed, with 
George Bryan Vice President, subsequently Matthew Smith, and finally Will- 
iam Moore. Reed was an erudite lawyer, and had held the positions of Pri- 
vate Secretary to Washington, and subsequently Adjutant General of the 
army. He was inaugurated on the 1st of December, 1778. Upon the rei.urn 
of the patriots to Philadelphia, after the departure of the British, a bitter 
feeling existed between them and the tories who had remained at their homes, 
and had largely profited by the British occupancy. The soldiers became dem- 
onstrative, especially against those lawyers who had defended the tories in 
court. Some of those most obnoxious took refuge in the house of James Wil- 
son, a signer of the Declaration. Private soldiers, in passing, fired upon it, 
and shots were returned whereby one was killed and several wounded. The 
President on being informed of these proceedings, rode at the head of the 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Ill 

city troop, and dispersed the assailants, capturing the leaders. The Academy 
and College of Philadelphia required by its charter an oath of allegiance to 
the King of Great Britain. An act was passed November 27, 1779, abrogating 
the former charter, and vesting its property in a new board. An endowment 
from confiscated estates was settled upon it of £15,000 annually. The name 
of the institution was changed to the " University of the State of Pennsyl- 
vania." 

France was now aiding the American cause with money and large land 
and naval forces. While some of the patriots remained steadfast and were 
disposed to sacrifice and endure all for the success of the struggle, many, who 
should have been in the ranks rallying around Washington, had grown luke- 
warm. The General was mortified that the French should come across the 
ocean and make great sacrifices to help us, and should find so much indiffer- 
ence prevailing among the citizens of many of the States, and so few coming 
forward to fill up the decimated ranks. At the request of Washington, Presi- 
dent Heed was invested with extraordinary powers, in 1780, which were used 
prudently but effectively. During the winter of this year, some of the veteran 
soldiers of the Pennsylvania line mutinied and commenced the march on 
Philadelphia with arms in their hands. Some of them had just cause. They 
had enlisted for "three years or the war," meaning for three years unless 
the war closed sooner. But the authorities had interpreted it to mean, three 
years, or as much longer as the war should last. President Reed immediately 
rode out to meet the mutineers, heard their cause, and pledged if all would re- 
turn to camp, to have those who had honorably served out the full term of 
three years discharged, which was agreed to. Before the arrival of the Presi- 
dent, two emissaries from the enemy who had heard of the disaffection, came 
into camp, offering strong inducements for them to continue the revolt. But 
the mutineers spurned the offer, and delivered them over to the officers, by 
whom they were tried and executed as spies. The soldiers who had so patriot- 
ically arrested and handed over these messengers were offered a reward of fifty 
guineas; but they refused it on the plea that they were acting under authority 
of the Board of Sergeants, under whose order the mutiny was being conducted. 
Accordingly, a hundred guineas were offered to this board for their fidelity. 
Their answer showed how conscipntious even mutineers can be: "It was not 
for the sake, or through any expectation of reward; but for the love of our 
country, that we sent the spies immediately to Gen. Wayne; we therefore 
do not consider ourselves entitled to any other reward but the love of our 
country, and do jointly agree to accept of no other." 

W^illiam Moore was elected President to succeed Joseph Reed, from No- 
vember 14, 1781, but held the office less than one year, the term of three years 
for which he had been a Councilman having expired, which was the limit of 
service. James Potter was chosen Vice President. On account of the hostile 
attitude of the Ohio Indians, it was decided to call out a body of volunteers, 
numbering some 400 from the counties of Washington and Westmoreland, 
where the outrages upon the settlers had been most sorely felt, who chose for 
their commander Col. William Crawford, of Westmoreland. The expedition 
met a most unfortunate fate. It was defeated and cut to pieces, and the 
leader taken captive and burned at the stake. Crawford County, which was 
settled very soon afterward, was named in honor of this unfortunate soldier. 
In the month of November, intelligence was communicated to the Legislature 
that Pennsylvania soldiers, confined as prisoners of war on board of the Jer- 
sey, an old hulk Ijing in the New York Harbor, were in a starving condition, 
receiving at the hands of the enemy the most barbarous and inhuman treat- 



112 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

ment. Fifty barrels of flour and 300 bushels of potatoes were immediately 
sent to them. 

In the State election of 1782, contested with great violence, John Dickin- 
son was chosen President, and James Ewing Vice President. On the 12th of 
March, 1783, intelligence was first received of the signing of the preliminary 
treaty in which independence was acknowledged, and on the 11th of April 
Congress sent forth the joyful proclamation ordering a cessation of hostilities. 
The soldiers of Burgoyne, who had been confined in the prison camp at Lan- 
caster, were put upon the march for New York, passing through Philadelphia 
on the way. Everywhere was joy unspeakable. The obstructions were re- 
moved from the Delaware, and the white wings of commerce again came flut- 
tering on every breeze. In June, Pennsylvania soldiers, exasperated by delay 
in receiving their pay and their discharge, and impatient to return to their 
homes, to a considerable number marched from their camp at Lancaster, and 
arriving at Philadelphia sent a committee with arms in their hands to the 
State House door with a remonstrance asking permission to elect officers to 
command them for the redress of their grievances, their own having left them, 
and employing threats in case of refusal. These demands the Council rejected. 
The President of Congress, hearing of these proceedings, called a special ses- 
sion, which resolved to demand that the militia of the State should be called 
out to quell the insurgents. The Council refused to resort to this extreme 
measure, when Congress, watchful of its dignity and of its supposed supreme 
authority, left Philadelphia and established itself in Princeton, N. J., and 
though invited to return at its next session, it refused, and met at Annapolis. 

In October, 1784, the last treaty was concluded with the Indians at Fort 
Stanwix. The Commissioners at this conference purchased from the natives 
all the land to the north of the Ohio River, and the line of Pine Creek, which 
completed the entire limits of the State with the exception of the triangle at 
Erie, which was acquired from the United States in 1792. This purchase 
was confirmed by the Wyandots and Delawares at Fort Mcintosh January 21, 
1785, and the grant was made secure. 

In September, 1785, after a long absence in the service of his country 
abroad, perfecting treaties, and otherwise establishing just relations with other 
nations, the venerable Benjamin Franklin, then nearly eighty years old, feel- 
ing the infirmities of age coming upon him, asked to be relieved of the duties 
of Minister at the Court of France, and returned to Philadelphia. Soon after 
his arrival, he was elected President of the Council. Charles Biddle was 
elected Vice President. It was at this period that a citizen of Pennsylvania, 
John Fitch, secured a patent on his invention for propelling boats by steam. 
In May, 1787, the convention to frame a constitution for the United States 
met in Philadelphia. The delegation from Pennsylvania was Benjamin Frank- 
lin, Robert Morris, Thomas Mifflin, George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimons, Jared 
Ingersoll, James Wilson and Gouverneur Morris. Upon the completion of 
their work, the instrument was submitted to the several States for adoption. A 
convention was called in Pennsylvania, which met on the 21st of November, and 
though encountering resolute opposition, it was finally adopted on the 12th of De- 
cember. On the following day, the convention, the Supreme Council and offi- 
cers of the State and city government, moved in procession to the old court 
house, where the adoption of the constitution was formally proclaimed amidst 
the booming of cannon and the ringing of bells. 

On the 5th of November, 1788, Thomas Mifflin was elected President, and 
George Ross Vice President. The constitution of the State, framed in and 
adapted to the exigencies of an emergency, was ill suited to the needs of State 



A 




114 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

in its relations to the new nation. Accordingly, a convention assembled for 
the purpose of preparing a new constitution in November, 1789, which was 
finally adopted on September 2, 1790. By the provisions of this instrument, 
the Executive Council was abolished, and the executive duties were vested in 
the hands of a Governor. Legislation was intrusted to an Assembly and a 
Senate. The judicial system was continued, the terms of the Judges extend- 
ing through good behavior. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Thomas Mifflin, 1788-99— Thomas McKean, 1799-1808— Simon Snyder, 1808-17— 
William Findlay, 1817-20— Joseph Heister, 1820-23— John A. Shulze, 1823 
-29— George Wolfe, 1829-35— Joseph Ritner, 1835-39. 

THE first election under the new Constitution resulted in the choice of 
Thomas Mifflin, who was re-elected for three successive terms, giving him 
the distinction of having been longer in the executive chair than any other 
person, a period of eleven years. A system of internal improvements was now 
commenced, by which vast water communications were undertaken, and a moun- 
tain of debt was accumulated, a portion of which hangs over the State to this 
day. In 1793, the Bank of Pennsylvania was chartered, one-third of the cap- 
ital stock of which was subscribed for by the State. Branches were established 
at Lancaster, Harrisburg, Reading, Easton and Pittsburgh. The branches 
were discontinued in 1810; in 1843, the stock held by the State was sold, and 
in 1857, it ceased to exist. In 1793, the yellow fever visited Phila- 
delphia. It was deadly in its effects and produced a panic unparalleled. 
Gov. Mifflin, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the United States Treasury, 
were attacked. " Men of affluent fortunes, who gave daily employment and 
subsistence to hundreds, were abandoned to the care of a negro after their 
wives, children, friends, clerks and servants had fled away and left them to 
their fate. In some cases, at the commencement of the disorder, no money 
could procure proper attendance. Many of the poor perished without a hu- 
man being to hand them a drink of water, to administer medicines, or to per- 
form any charitp.Lie office for them. Nearly 5,000 perished bv this wasting 
pestilence." 

The whisky insurrection in some of the western counties of the State, 
which occurred in 1794, excited, by its lawlessness and wide extent, general 
interest. An act of Congress, of March 3, 1791, laid a tax on distilled spirits 
of four pence per gallon. The then counties of Washington, Westmoreland, 
Allegheny and Fayette, comprising the southwestern quarter of the State, 
were almost exclusively engaged in the production of grain. Being far re- 
moved from any market, the product of their farms brought them scarcely any 
returns. The consequence was that a large proportion of the surplus grain 
was turned into distilled spirits, and nearly every other farmer was a distiller. 
This tax was seen to bear heavily upon them, from which a non-producer of 
spirits was relieved. A rash determination was formed to resist its collection, 
and a belief entertained, if all were united in resisting, it would be taken oft. 
Frequent altercations occurred between the persons appointed Onited States 
Collectors and these resisting citizens. As an example, on the 5th of Septem- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 115 

ber, 1791, a party in disguise set upon Robert Johnson, a Collector fur Alle- 
gheny and Washington, tarred and feathered him. cut off his hair, took away 
bis horse, and left him in this plight to proceed. Writs for the ari-est of the 
perpetrators were issued, but none dared to venture into the territory to serve 
them. On May 8, 1792, the law was modified, and the tax reduced. In Septem- 
ber, 1792, President Washington issued his proclamation commanding all per- 
sons to submit to the law, and to forbear from further opposition. But these meas- 
ures had no effect, and the insurgents began to organize for forcible resist- 
ance. One Maj. Macfarlane, who in command of a party of insurrectionists, 
was killed in an encounter with United States soldiers at the house of Gen. 
Neville. The feeling now ran veiy high, and it was hardly safe for any per- 
son to breathe a whisper against the insurgents throughout all this district. 
" A breath," says Brackenridge, " in favor of the law, was sufficient to ruin 
anv man. A clergyman was not thought orthodox in the pulpit unless against 
the law. A physician was not capable of administering medicine, unless his 
principles were right in this respect. A lawyer could get no practice, nor 
a merchant at a country store get custom if for the law. On the contrary, to 
talk against the law was the way to office and emolument. To go to the 
Legislature or to Congress you must make a noise against it. It was the Shib- 
boleth of»safety and the ladder of ambition " One Bradford had, of his own 
notion, issued a circular letter to the Colonels of regiments to assemble with 
their commands at Braddock's field on the 1st of August, where they appoint- 
ed officers and moved on to Pittsburgh. After having burned a barn, and 
made some noisy demonstrations, they were induced by some cool heads to re- 
turn. These turbulent proceedings coming to the ears of the State and Na- 
tional authorities at Philadelphia, measures were concerted to promptly and 
effectually check them. Gov. Mifflin appointed Chief Justice McKean, and 
Gen. William Irvine to proceed to the disaffected district, ascertain the facts, 
and try to bring the leaders to justice. President W^ashington issued a proc- 
lamation commanding all persons in arms to disperse to their homes on or be- 
fore the Ist of September, proximo, and called out the militia of four States 
— Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia — to the number of 13,000 
men, to enforce his commands. The quota of Pennsylvania was 4,500 infan- 
try, 500 cavalry, 200 artillery, and Gov. Mifflin took command in person. 
Gov. Richard Howell, of New Jersey, Gov. Thomas S. Lee, of Maryland, and 
Gen. Daniel Morgan, of Virginia, commanded the forces from their States, 
and Gov. Henry Lee, of Virginia, was placed in chief command. President 
Washington, accompanied by Gen. Knox, Secretary of War, Alexander Hamil- 
ton, Secretary of the Treasury, and Richard Peters, of the United States Dis- 
trict Court, set out on the Ist of October, for the seat of the disturbance. On 
Friday, the President reached Harrisburg, and on Saturday Carlisle, whither 
the army had preceded him. In the meantime a committee, consisting of 
James Koss, Jasper Yeates and William Bradford, was appointed by President 
Washington to proceed to the disaffected district, and endeavor to persuade 
misguided citizens to return to their allegiance. 

A meeting of 260 delegates from the four counties was held at Parkinson's 
Ferry on the 14th of August, at which the state of their cause was considered, 
resolutions adopted, and a committee of sixty, one from each county, was ap- 
pointed, and a sub-committee of twelve was named to confer with the United 
States Commissioners, McKean and Irvine. These conferences with the State 
and National Committees were successful in arranging preliminary conditions 
of settlement. On the 2d of October, the Committee of Safety of the insur- 
gents met at Parkinson's Ferry, and having now learned that a well- organized 



116 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

army, with "Washington at its head, was marching westward for enforcing 
obedience to the laws, appointed a committee of two, William Findley and 
David Reddick, to meet the President, and assure him that the disaffected were 
disposed to return to their duty. They met Washington at Carlisle, and sev- 
eral conferences were held, and assurances given of implicit obedience; but 
the President said that as the troops had been called out, the orders for the 
march would not be countermanded. The President proceeded forward on the 
11th of October to Chambersburg, reached Williamsport on the 13th and Fort 
Cumberland on the 14th, where he reviewed the Virginia and Maryland forces, 
and arrived at Bedford on the 19th. Remaining a few days, and being satis- 
fied that the sentiment of the people had changed, he returned to Philadel- 
phia, arriving on the 28th, leaving Gen. Lee to meet the Commissioners and 
make such conditions of pacification as should seem just. Another meeting of 
the Committee of Safety was held at Parkinson's Ferry on the 24th, at which 
assurances of abandonment of opposition to the laws were received, and the 
same committee, with the addition of Thomas Morton and Ephriam Douglass, 
was directed to return to headquarters and give assurance of this disposition. 
They did not reach Bedford until after the departure of Washington. But at 
Uniontown they met Gen. Lee, with whom it was agreed that the citizens 
of these four counties should subscribe to an oath to support the Constitution 
and obey the laws. Justices of the Peace issued notices that books were opened 
for subscribing to the oath, and Gen. Lee issued a judicious address urging 
ready obedience. Seeing that all requirments were being faithfully carried 
out, an order was issued on the 17th of November for the return of the army 
and its disbandment. A number of arrests were made and trials and convic- 
tions were had, but all were ultimately pardoned. 

With the exception of a slight ebulition at the prospect of a war with France 
in 1797, and a resistance to the operation of the " Homestead Tax " in Lehigh, 
Berks and Northampton Counties, when the militia was called out, the re- 
mainder of the term of Gov. Mifflin passed in comparative quiet. By an act 
of the Legislature of the 3d of April, 1799, the capital of the State was re- 
moved to Lancaster, and soon after the capital of the United States to Wash- 
ington, the house on Ninth street, which had been built for the residence of the 
President of the United States, passing to the use of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

During the administrations of Thomas McKean, who was elected Governor 
in 1799, and Simon Snyder in 1808, little beyond heated political contests 
marked the even tenor of the government, until the breaking-out of the troub- 
les which eventuated in the war of 1812. The blockade of the coast of France 
in 1806, and the retaliatory measures of Napoleon in his Berlin decree, swept 
American commerce, which had hitherto preserved a neutral attitude and prof- 
ited by European wars, from the seas. The haughty ctmduct of Great Britain 
in boarding American vessels for suspected deserters from the British Navy, 
under cover of which the grossest outrages were committed, American seaman 
being dragged from the decks of their vessels and impressed into the English 
service, induced President Jefferson, in July, 1807, to issue his proclamation 
ordering all British armed vessels to leave the waters of the United States, and 
forbidding any to enter, until satisfaction for the past and security for the 
future should be provided for. Upon the meeting of Congress in December, 
an embargo was laid, detaining all vessels, American and foreign, then in 
American waters, and ordering home all vessels abroad. Negotiations were 
conducted between the two countries, but no definite results were reached, and 
in the meantime causes of irritation multiplied until 1812, when President 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 117 

Madison declared war against Great Britain, known as the war of 1812. 
Pennsylvania promptly seconded the National Government, the message of 
Gov. Snyder on the occasion ringing like a silver clarion. The national call 
for 100,000 men required 14,000 from this State, but so great was the enthu- 
siasm, that several times this number tendered their services. The State force 
was organized in two divisions, to the command of the first of vv'hich Maj 
Gen. Isaac Morrell was appointed, and to the second Maj. Gen. AdamsonTan- 
nehill. Gunboats and privateers were built in the harbor of Erie and on the 
Delaware, and the defenses upon the latter were put in order and suitable 
armaments provided. At Tippecanoe, at Detroit, at Queenstown Heights, at 
the River Raisin, at Fort Stephenson, and at the River Thames, the war was 
waged with varying success. Upon the water. Commodores Decatur, Hull, 
Jones, Perry, Lawrence, Porter and McDonough made a bright chapter in 
American history, as was to be wished, inasmuch as the war had been under- 
taken to vindicate the honor and integrity of that branch of the service. Napo- 
leon, having met with disaster, and his power having been broken, 14,000 of 
Wellington's veterans were sent to Canada, and the campaign of the next year 
was opened with vigor. But at the battles of Oswego, Chippewa, Lundy's 
Lane, Fort Erie and Plattsburg, the tide was turned against the enemy, and 
the country saved from invasion. The act which created most alarm to 
Pennsylvania was one of vandalism scarcely matched in the annals of war- 
fare. In August, 1814, Gen. Ross, with 6,000 men in a flotilla of sixty sails, 
moved up Chesapeake Bay, fired the capitol, President's house and the various 
offices of cabinet ministers, and these costly and substantial buildings, the nation- 
al library and all the records of the Government from its foundation were utterly 
destroyed. Shortly afterward, Ross appeared before Baltimore with the design 
of multiplying his barbarisms, but he was met by a force hastily collected under 
Gen. Samuel Smith, a Pennsylvania veteran of the Revolution, and in the brief 
engagement which ensued Ross was killed. In the severe battle with the 
corps of Gen Strieker, the British lost some 300 men. The fleet in the mean- 
time opened a fierce bombardment of Fort McHenry, and during the day and 
ensuing night 1,500 bombshells were thrown, but all to no purpose, the gal- 
lant defense of Maj. Armistead proving successful. It was during this awful 
night that Maj. Key, who was a prisoner on board the fleet, wrote the song of 
the Star Spangled Banner, which became the national lyric. It was in the ad- 
ministration of Gov. Snydei in February, 1810, that an act was passed making 
Harrisburg the seat of government, and a commission raised for erecting public 
buildings, the sessions of the Legislature being held in the court house at Har- 
risburg from 1812 to 1821. 

The administrations of William Findley, elected in 1817, Joseph Heister, 
in 1820, and John Andrew Schulz in 1823, followed without marked events. 
Parties became very warm in their discussions and in their management of po- 
litical campaigns. The charters for the forty banks which had been passed in 
a fit of frenzy over the veto of Gov. Snyder set a flood of paper money afloat. 
The public improvements, principally in openiug lines of canal, were prose- 
cuted, and vast debts incurred. These lines of conveyances were vitally need- 
ful to move the immense products and vast resources of the State 

Previous to the year 1820, little use was made of stone coal. Judge 
Obediah Gore, a blacksmith, used it upon his forge as early as 1769, and 
found the heat stronger and more enduring than that produced by charcoal. 
In 1791, Phillip Ginter, of Carbon County, a hunter by profession, having on 
one occasion been out all day without discovering any game, was returning at 
night discouraged and worn out, across the Mauch Chunk Mountain, when, in 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



119 



TABLE SHOWING AMOUNT OP ANTHRACITE COAL PRODUCED IN 
EACH REGION SINCE 1820. 



TEAK. 



1820 
1821 
1822, 
1823, 
1824, 
1825, 
1826, 
1827, 
1828, 
1829, 
1830 
1831 
1832 
1833 
1834, 
1835, 
1836, 
1837, 
1838. 
1889. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 
1845, 
1846, 
1847, 
1848, 
1849. 
1850. 
1851, 
1852, 
1853, 
1854, 
1855, 
1856, 
1857. 
1858 
1859, 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 
1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 
1879. 
1880. 
1881. 
1882. 
1883. 



Lehigh, 
Tons. 



365 

1,073 

2,240 

5,823 

9,541 

28,393 

31,280 

32,074 

30,232 

25,110 

41,750 

40,966 

70,000 

123,001 

106,244 

131,250 

148,211 

223,902 

213,615 

221,025 

225,313 

143,037 

272,540 

267.793 

377,002 

429,453 

517,116 

633.507 

670,321 

781,656 

690,456 

964,224 

.072,136 

,054,309 

.207,186 

.284,113 

.351,970 

,318,541 

,380,030 

,628,311 

,821,674 

,738,377 

,351,054 

,894,713 

,054,669 

,040,913 

,179,364 

,502,054 

,507,582 

,929,523 

,172,916 

,235,707 

,873,339 

,705,596 

.773,836 

834.605 

854,919 

332,760 

237,449 

595,567 

463,221 

294,676 

689,437 

113,809 



Schuylkill 
Tons. 



Wyoming, 
Tons. 



Lyken'» 

Valley, 

Shamokin, | Total Tons. 

etc., 

Tons. 



1,480 

1,128 

1,567 

6,500 

16,767 

31,360 

47,284 

79,973 

89,934 

81,854 

209,271 

252,971 

226,692 

339,508 

432,045 

530,152 

446,875 

463,147 

475,091 

603,003 

573,273 

700,200 

874,850 

1,121,724 

1,295,928 

1,650,831 

1,714,365 

1,683,425 

1,782,936 

2,229,426 

2,517,493 

2,551,603 

2,957,670 

3,318.555 

3,289,585 

2,985,541 

2,902,821 

3,004,953 

3,270,516 

2,697,439 

2,890,593 

3,433,265 

3,642,218 

3,755,802 

4,957,180 

4,334,820 

4,414,356 

4,821,253 

3,853,016 

6,552,772 

6,694,890 

7,212,601 

6.866,877 

6,281,712 

6 221,934 

S, 195,042 

6.282,226 

8,960,329 

7,5.54.742 

9,253,958 

9,459,288 

10,074,726 



7,000 

43,000 

54,000 

84,000 

111,777 

43,700 

90,000 

103,861 

115,387 

78,207 

122,300 

148.470 

192,270 

252,599 

285,605 

365,911 

451,836 

518,389 

583,067 

685,196 

732,910 

827,823 

1,156,167 

1,284,500 

1,475,732 

1,603,473 

1,771,511 

1,972,581 

1,952,603 

2,186,094 

2,731,236 

2,941,817 

3,055,140 

3,145.770 

3,759,610 

3,960,836 

3,254,519 

4,736,616 

5,325,000 

5,990,813 

6.068,369 

7,825,128 

6,911,242 

9,101,549 

10,309,755 

9,504,408 

10,596,155 

8,424,158 

8,300,377 

8,085,587 

12,586,298 

11,419,279 

13,951,383 

13,971,371 

15,604,492 



11,930 

15,505 

21,463 

10,000 

10,000 

13,087 

10,000 

12,572 

14,904 

19,356 

45,075 

57,684 

99,099 

119,342 

113,507 

234,090 

234,388 

313,444 

388,256 

370,424 

443,755 

479,116 

463,308 

481,990 

478,418 

519,752 

621,157 

830,722 

826,851 

921,381 

903,885 

998,839 



365 

1,073 

3,720 

6,951 

11,108 

34,893 

48,047 

63,434 

77,516 

112,083 

174,734 

176,820 

363,871 

487,748 

376,636 

560,758 

684,117 

879,441 

738,697 

818,402 

864,384 

959,973 

1,108,418 

1,263,598 

1,630,850 

2.013,013 

2,344,005 

2,882,309 

3,089,288 

3,242,966 

3,358,899 

4,448,916 

4,993,471 

5,195,151 

6,002,334 

6.608,517 

6,927,580 

6,664,941 

6,759,369 

7,808,255 

8,513,123 

7,954,314 

7,875,412 

9,566,006 

10,177,475 

9,652,391 

12,703,882 

12,991,725 

13,834,132 

13,723,030 

15,849,899 

15.699,721 

19,669,778 

21,227,952 

20,145,121 

19,712,472 

18,501,011 

20,828,179 

17,605,262 

26,142,689 

23,437,242 

28,500,016 

29,120.096 

31,793,029 



120 HISTORY 07 PENNSYLVANIA 

the gathering shades he stumbled upon something which seemed to have a 
glistening appearance, that he was induced to pick up and carry home. This 
specimen was take a to Philadelphia, where an analysis showed it to be a good 
quality of anthracite coal. But, though coal was known to exist, no one knew 
how to use it. In 1812, Col. George Shoemaker, of Schuylkill County, took 
nine wagon loads to Philadelphia. But he was looked upon as an imposter 
for attempting to sell worthless stone for coal. He finally sold two loads for 
the cost of transportation, the remaining seven proving a complete loss. In 
1812, White & Hazard, manufacturers of wire at the Falls of Schuylkill, in- 
duced an application to be made to the Legislature to incorporate a com 
pany for the improvement of the Schuylkill, urging as an inducement the im- 
portance it would have for transporting coal; whereupon, the Senator from 
that district, in his place, with an air of knowledge, asserted " that there was 
no coal there, that there was a kind of black stone which was called coal, but 
that it would not burn." 

White & Hazard procured a cart load of Lehigh coal that cost them $1 a 
bushel, which was all wasted in a vain attempt to make it ignite. Another 
cart load was obtained, and a whole night spent in endeavoring to make a fire 
in the furnace, when the hands shut the furnace door and left the mill in de- 
spair. ''Fortunately one of them left his jacket in the mill, and returning for 
it in about half an hour, noticed that the door was red hot, and upon opening 
it, was surprised at finding the whole furnace at a glowing white heat. The 
other hands were summoned, and four separate parcels of iron wei'e heated 
and rolled by the same fire before it required renewing. The furnace was 
replenished, and as letting it alone had succeeded so well, it was concluded to 
try it again, and the experiment was repeated with the same result. The 
Lehigh Navigation Company and the Lehigh Coal Company were incorporated 
in 1818, which companies became the basis of the Lehigh Coal and Naviga- 
tion Company, incorporated in 1822. In 1820, coal was sent to Philadelphia 
by artificial navigation, but 365 tons glutted the market." In 1825, there 
were brought by the Schuylkill 5,378 tons. In 1826, by the Schuylkill, 
16,265 tons, and by the Lehigh 31,280 tons. The stage of water being in- 
sufficient, dams and sluices were constructed near Mauch Chunk, in 1819, by 
which the navigation was improved. The coal boats used were great square 
arks, 16 to 18 feet wide, and 20 to 25 feet long. At first, two of these were 
joined together by hinges, to allow them to yield up and down in passing over 
the dams. Finally, as the boatmen became skilled in the navigation, several 
were joined, attaining a length of 180 feet. Machinery was used for jointing 
the planks, and so expert had the men become that five would build an ark 
and launch it in forty-five minutes. After reaching Philadelphia, these boats 
were taken to pieces, the plank sold, and the hinges sent back for constructing 
others. Such were the crude methods adopted in the early days for bringing 
coal to a market. In 1827, a railroad was commenced, which was completed 
in three months, nine miles in length. This, with the exception of one at 
Quincy, Mass., of four miles, built in 1826, was the first constructed in the 
United States. The descent was 100 feet per mile, and the coal descended by 
gravity in a half hour, and the cars were drawn back by mules, which rode 
down with the coal. "The mules cut a most grotesque figure, standing three 
or four together, in their cars, with their feeding troughs before them, appar- 
ently surveying with delight the scenery of the mountain; and though they 
preserve the most profound gravity, it is utterly impossible for the spectator 
to maintain his. It is said that the mules, having once experienced the com- 
fort of riding down, regard it as a right, and neither mild nor severe measures 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 121 

will induce them to descend in any other way." Bituminous coal was discov- 
ered and its qualities utilized not much earlier than the anthracite. A tract 
of coal land was taken up in Clearfield County in 1785, by Mr. S. Boyd, and 
in 1804 he sent an ark down the Susquehanna to Columbia, which caused 
much surprise to the inhabitants that " an article with which they were wholly 
unacquainted should be brought to their own doors." 

During the administrations of George Wolf, elected in 1829, and Joseph 
Bitner, elected in 1835, a measure of great beneficence to the State was passed 
and brought into a good degree of successful operation — nothing less than a 
broad system of public education. Schools had been early established in 
Philadelphia, and parochial schools in the more populous portions of the 
State from the time of early settlement. In 1749, through the influence of 
Dr. Franklin, a charter was obtained for a " college, academy, and charity 
school of Pennsylvania," and from this time to the beginning of the present 
century, the friends of education were earnest in establishing colleges, the 
Colonial Government, and afterward the Legislature, making liberal grants 
from the revenues accruing from the sale of lands for their support, the uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania being chartered in 1752, Dickinson College in 1783, 
Franklin and Marshall College in 1787, and Jefferson College in 1802. Com- 
mencing near the beginning of this century, and continuing for over a period 
of thirty years, vigorous exertions were put forth to establish county acad- 
emies. Charters were granted for these institutions at the county seats of 
forty -one counties, and appropriations were made of money, varying from 
$2,000 to $6,000, and in several instances of quite extensive land grants. In 
1809, an act was passed for the education of the "poor, gratia," The Asses- 
sors in their annual rounds were to make a record of all such as were indi- 
gent, and pay for their education in the most convenient schools. But few 
were found among the spirited inhabitants of the commonwealth willing to 
admit that they were so poor as to be objects of charity. 

By the act of April 1, 1834, a general system of education by common 
schools was established. Unfortunately it was complex and unwieldy. At the 
next session an attempt was made to repeal it, and substitute the old law of 
1809 for educating the " poor, gratis," the repeal having been carried in the 
Senate. But through the appeals of Thaddeus Stevens, a man always in the 
van in every movement for the elevation of mankind, this was defeated. At 
the next session, 1836, an entirely new bill, discarding the objectionable feat- 
ures of the old one, was prepared by Dr. George Smith, of Delaware County, 
and adopted, and from this time forward has been in efficient operation. It may 
seem strange that so long a time should have elapsed before a general system of 
education should have been secured. But the diversity of origin and lan- 
guage, the antagonism of religious seats, the very great sparseness of popula- 
tion in many parts, made it impossible at an earlier day to establish schools. 
In 1854, the system was improved by engrafting upon it the feature of the 
County Superintendency, and in 1859 by providing for the establishment of 
twelve Normal Schools, in as many districts into which the State was divided, 
for the professional training of teachers. 



122 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



CHAPTEE XIY. 

David R. Porter, 1839-45— Francis R. Shcnk, 1845-48— William F. Johnstone 
1848-52— William Bigler, 1852-55— James Pollock, 1855-58— William F. 
Packer 1858-61— Andrew G. Curtin, 1861-67— John W. Geary, 1867-73— 
John F. Hartranft, 1873-78— Henry F. Hoyt, 1878-82— Robert E. Pat- 

TISON, 1882. 

IN 1837, a convention assembled in Harrisburg, and subsequently in Philadel- 
phia, for revising the constitution, which revision was adopted by a vote of 
the people. One of the chief objects of the change was the breaking up of 
what was known as "omnibus legislation," each bill being required to have 
but one distinct subject, to be definitely stated in the title. Much of the pat- 
ronage of the Governor was taken from him, and he was allowed but two terms 
of three vears in any nine years. The Senator's term was fixed at three years. 
The terms of Supreme Court Judges were limited to fifteen years, Common 
Pleas Judges to ten, and Associate Judges to five. A step backward was taken 
in limiting suffrage to white male citizens twenty-one years old, it having pre- 
viously been extended to citizens irrespective of color. Amendments could be 
proposed once in five years, and if adopted by two successive Legislatures, 
and approved by a vote of the people, they became a part of the organic law. 
At the opening of the gubernatorial term of David R. Porter, who was 
chosen in October, 1838, a civil commotion occurred known as the Buckshot 
War which at one time threatened a sanguinary result. By the returns, 
Porter had some 5,000 majority over Ritner, but the latter, who was the in- 
cumbent, alleged frauds, and proposed an investigation and revision of the 
returns. ' Thomas H. Burrows was Secretary of State, and Chairman of the 
State Committee of the Anti-Masonic party, and in an elaborate address to the 
people setting forth the grievance, he closed with the expression " let us treat 
the election as if we had not been defeated.'' This expression gave great 
offense to the opposing party, the Democratic, and public feeling ran high 
before the meeting of the Legislature. Whether an investigation could be had 
would depend upon the political complexion of that body. The Senate was 
clearly Anti-Masonic, and the House would depend upon the Representatives of 
a certain district in Philadelphia, which embraced the Northern Liberties. 
The returning board of this district had a majority of Democrats, who pro- 
ceeded to throw out the entire vote of Northern Liberties, for some alleged 
irregularities, and gave the certificate to Democrats. Whereupon, the minor- 
ity of the board assembled, and counted the votes of the Northern Liberties, 
which gave the election to the Anti-Masonic candidates, and sent certificates 
accordino-ly. By right and justice, there is no doubt that the A nti- Masons 
were fairly elected. But the majority of a returning board alone have 
authority to make returns, and the Democrats had the certificates which bore 
prima facie evidence of being correct, and should have been received and 
transmitted to the House, where alone rested the authority to go behind the 
returns and investigate their correctness. But upon the meeting of the House 
the Secretary of the Commonwealth sent in the certificates of the minority of 
the returning board of the Northern Liberties district, which gave the major- 
ity to the Anti-Masons. But the Democrats were not disposed to submit, and 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 123 

the consequence was that two delegations from the disputed district appeared, 
demanding seats, and upon the organization, two Speakers were elected and 
took the platform — Thomas S. Cunningham for the Anti-Masons, and Will- 
iam Hopkins for the Democrats. At this stage of the game, an infuriated 
lobby, collected from Philadelphia and surrounding cities, broke into the 
two Houses, and, interrupting all business, threatened the lives of members 
and compelled them to seek safety in flight, when they took uncontrolled pos- 
session of the chambers and indulged in noisy and impassioned harangues. 
From the capitol, the mob proceeded to the court house, where a ' ' committee 
of safety" was appointed. For several days the members dared not enter 
either House, and when one of the parties of the House attempted to assemble, 
the person who had been appointed to act as Speaker was forcibly ejected. All 
business was at an end, and the Executive and State Departments were closed. 
At this juncture. Gov. Ritner ordered out the militia, and at the same time 
called on the United States authorities for help. The militia, under Gens. 
Pattison and Alexander, came promptly to the rescue, but the President refused 
to furnish the National troops, though the United States storekeeper at the 
Frankf ord Arsenal turned over a liberal supply of ball and buckshot cartridges. 
The arrival of the militia only served to fire the spirit of the lobby, and they 
immediately commenced drilling and organizing, supplying themselves with 
arms and fixed ammunition. The militia authorities were, however, able to 
clear the capitol, when the two Houses assembled, and the Senate signified the 
willingness to recognize that branch of the House presided over by Mr. Hop- 
kins. This ended the difficulty, and Gov. Porter was duly inaugurated. 

Francis R. Shunk was chosen Governor in 1845, and during his term of 
office the war with Mexico occurred. Two volunteer regimente, one under 
command of Col. Wynkoop, and the other under Col. Roberts, subsequently 
Col. John W. Geary, were sent to the field, while the services of a much 
larger number were offered, but could not be received. Toward the close of 
his first term, having been reduced by sickness, and feeling his end approach- 
ing, Gov. Shunk resigned, and was succeeded by the Speaker of the Senate, 
William F. Johnston, who was duly chosen at the next annual election. Dur- 
ing the administrations of William Bigler, elected in 1851, James Pollock in 
1854, and William F. Packer in 1857, little beyond the ordinary course of 
events marked the history of the State. The lines of public works undertaken 
at the expense of the State were completed. Their cost had been enormous, 
and a debt was piled up against it of over 140,000,000. These works, vastly 
expensive, were still to operate and keep in repair, and the revenues therefrom 
failing to meet expectations, it was determined in the administration of Gov. 
Pollock to sell them to the highest bidder, the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- 
pany purchasing them for the sum of %1, 500, 000. 

In the administration of Gov. Packer, petroleum was first discovered in 
quantities in this country by boring into the bowels of the earth. From the 
earliest settlement of the country it was known to exist. As early as July 18, 
1627, a French missionary, Joseph Delaroche Daillon, of the order of Recol- 
lets, described it in a letter published in 1632, in Segard's L'Histoire du 
Canada, and this description is confirmed by the journal of Charlevois, 1721. 
Fathers Dollier and Galinee, missionaries of the order of St. Sulpice, made a 
map of this section of country, which they sent to Jean Talon, Intendent of 
Canada, on the 10th of November, 1670, on which was marked at about the 
point where is now the town of Cuba, N. Y. , "Fontaine de Bitume." The 
Earl of Belmont, Governor of New York, instructed his chief engineer, 
Wolfgang W. Romer, on September 3, 1700, in his visit to the Sis Nations, 



124 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

" To go and view a well or spring which is eight miles beyond the Seneks' 
farthest castle, which they have told me blazes up in a flame, when a lighted 
coale or firebrand is put into it; you will do well to taste the said water, and 
give me your opinion thereof, and bring with you some of it." Thomas Cha- 
bert de Joncaire, who died in September, 1740, is mentiooed in the journal of 
Charlevoix of 1721 as authority for the existence of oil at the place mentioned 
above, and at points further south, probably on Oil Creek. The following 
account of an event occurring during the occupancy of this part of the State 
by the French is given as an example of the religious uses made of oil by the 
Indians, as these fire dances are understood to have been annually celebrated: 
''While descending the Allegheny, fifteen leagues below the mouth of the 
Connewango (Warren) and three above Fort Venango (Oil City), we were 
invited by the chief of the Senecas to attend a religious ceremony of his tribe. 
We landed and drew up our canoes on a point where a small stream entered 
the river. The tribe appeared unusually solemn. We marched up the stream 
about a half a league, where the company, a large band it appeared, had 
arrived some days before us. Gigantic hills begirt us on every side. The 
scene was really sublime. The great chief then recited the conquests and 
heroisms of their ancestors. The surface of the stream was covered with a 
thick scum, which burst into a complete conflagration. The oil had been 
gathered and lighted with a torch. At sight of the flames, the Indians gave 
forth a triumphant shout, and made the hills and valley re-echo again." 

In nearly all geographies and notes of travel published during the early 
period of settlement, this oil is referred to, and on several maps the word petro- 
leum appears opposite the mouth of Oil Creek. Gen. Washington, in his will, 
in speaking of his lands on the Great Kanawha, says: " The tract of which the 

125 acres is a moiety, was taken up by Gen. Andrew Lewis and myself, for and 
on account of a bituminous spring which it contains of so inflammable a nat- 
ure as to burn as freely as spirits, and is as nearly difiicult to extinguish." 
Mr. Jefferson, in his Notes on Virginia, also gives an account of a burning 
spring on the lower grounds of the Great Kanawha. This oil not only seems 
to have been known, but to have been systematically gathered in very early 
times. Upon the flats a mile or so below the city of Titusville are many acres 
of cradle holes dug out and lined with split logs, evidently constructed for 
the purpose of gathering it. The fact that the earliest inhabitants could 
never discover any stumps from which these logs were cut, and the further fact 
that trees are growing of giant size in the midst of these cradles, are evidences 
that they must have been operated long ago. It could not have been the work 
of any of the nomadic Indian tribes found here at the coming of the white 
man, for they were never known to undertake any enterprise involving so 
much labor, and what could they do with the oil when obtained. 

The French could hardly have done the work, for we have no account of 
the oil having been obtained in quantities, or of its being transported to 
France. May this not have been the work of the Mound-Builders, or of colo 
nies from Central America? When the writer first visited these pits, in 1855, 
he found a spring some distance below Titusville, on Oil Creek, where the 
water was conducted into a trough, from which, daily, the oil, floating on its 
surface, was taken off by throwing a woolen blanket upon it, and then wring- 
ing it into a tub, the clean wool absorbing the oil and rejecting the water, and 
in this way a considerable quantity was obtained. 

In 1859, Mr, E. L. Drake, at first representing a company in New York, 
commenced drilling near the spot where this tub was located, and when the 
company would give him no more money, straining his own resources, and his 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 125 

credit with his friends almost to the breaking point, and when about to give 
up in despair, finally struck a powerful current of pure oil. From this time 
forward, the territory down the valley of Oil Creek and up all its tributaries 
was rapidly acquired and developed for oil land. In some places, the oil was 
sent up with immense force, at the rate of thousands of barrels each day, and 
great trouble was experienced in bringing it under control and storing it. In 
some cases, the force of the gas was so powerful on being accidentally fired, 
as to defy all approach for many days, and lighted up the forests at night 
with billows of light. 

The oil has been found in paying quantities in McKean, Warren, Forest, 
Crawford, Venango, Clarion, Butler and Armshrong Counties, chiefly along 
the upper waters of the Allegheny River and its tributary, the Oil Creek. It 
was first transported in barrels, and teams were kept busy from the first dawn 
until far into the night. As soon as practicable, lines of railway were con- 
structed from nearly all the trunk lines. Finally barrels gave place to im- 
mense iron tanks riveted upon cars, provided for the escape of the gases, and 
later great pipe lines were extended from the wells to the seaboard, and to the 
Great Lakes, through which the fluid is forced by steam to its distant destina- 
tions Its principal uses are for illumination and lubricating, though many 
of its products are employed in the mechanic arts, notably for dyeing, mixing 
of paints, and in the practice of medicine. Its production has grown to be 
enormous, and seems as yet to show no sign of diminution. We give an ex- 
hibit of the annual production since its discovery, compiled for this work by 
William II. Siviter, editor of the Oil City Derrick, which is the acknowledged 
authority on oil matters: 

Production of the Pennsylvania Oil Fields, compiled from the Derrick^s 
Hand-book, December, 1883: 

Barrels. Barrels. 

1859 82,000 1873 9,849,508 

1860 500,000 1874 11,102,114 

1861 2,113,000 1875 8,948,749 

1862 3,056,606 1876 9,142,940 

1863 2,611,399 1877 13,052,713 

1864 2,116,182 1878 15,011,425 

1865 3.497,712 1879 20,085,716 

1806 3,597,512 1880 24,788,950 

1867 3,347,306 1881 29,674,458 

1868 3,715,741 1882 31,789,190 

1869.... 4,186,475 1883 24,385,966 

1870 5,308,046 

1871 5,278,076 A grand total of 243,749,558 

1872 6,505,774 

In the fall of 1860, Andrew G. Curtin was elected Governor of Pennsyl- 
vania, and Abraham Lincoln President of the United States. An organized 
rebellion, under the specious name of secession, was thereupon undertaken, 
embracing parts of fifteen States, commonly designated the Slave States, and 
a government established under the name of the Confederate States of America, 
with an Executive and Congress, which commenced the raising of troops for 
defense. 

On the 12th of April, an attack was made upon a small garrison of United 
States troops shut up in Fort Sumter. This was rightly interpreted as the 
first act in a great drama. On the 15th, the President summoned 75,000 vol- 
unteers to vindicate the national authority, calling for sixteen regiments from 
Pennsylvania, and urging that two be sent forward immediately, as the capital 
was without defenders. 

The people of the State, having no idea that war could be possible, had no 



126 HI8T0RY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

preparation for the event, There chanced at the time to be five companies in 
a tolerable state of organization. These were the Ringold Light Artillery, 
Capt. McKnight, of Reading; the Logan Guards, Capt. Selheimer, of Lewis- 
town; the "Washington Artillery, Capt. Wren, and the National Light Infan- 
try, Capt. McDonald, of Pottsville; and the Allen Rifl&s, Capt. Yeager, of 
Allentown. 

On the 18th, in conjunction with a company of fifty regulars, on their way 
from the West to Fort McHenry, under command of Capt. Pemberton, after- 
ward Lieut. Gen. Pemberton, of the rebel army, these troops moved by rail 
for Washington. At Baltimore, they were obliged to march two miles through 
a jeering and insulting crowd. At the center of the city, the regulars filed 
off toward Fort McHenry, leaving the volunteers to pursue their way alone, 
when the crowd of maddened people were excited to redoubled insults. In the 
whole battalion there was not a charge of powder; but a member of the Logan 
Guards, who chanced to have a box of percussion caps in his pocket, had dis- 
tributed them to his comrades, who carried their pieces capped and half 
cocked, creating the impression that they were loaded and ready for service. 
This ruse undoubtedly saved the battalion from the murderous assault made 
upon the Massachusetts Sixth on the following day. Before leaving, they were 
pelted with stones and billets of wood while boarding the cars; but, fortu- 
nately, none were seriously injured, and the train finally moved away and 
reached Washington in safety, the first troops to come to the unguarded and 
imperiled capital. 

Instead of sixteen, twenty-five regiments were organized for the three months' 
service from Pennsylvania. Judging from the threatening attitude assumed 
by the rebels across the Potomac that the southern frontier would be con- 
stantly menaced, Gov. Curtin sought permission to organize a select corps, 
to consist of thirteen regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and one of artillery, 
and to be known as the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, which the Legislature, in 
special session, granted. This corps of 15,000 men was speedily raised, and the 
intention of the State authorities was to keep this body permamently within 
the limits of the Commonwealth for defense. But at the time of the First 
Bull Run disaster in July, 1861, the National Government found itself with- 
out troops to even defend the capital, the time of the three months' men being 
now about to expire, and at its urgent call this fine body was sent forward and 
never again returned for the execution of the duty for which it was formed, 
having borne the brunt of the fighting on many a hard-fought field during the 
three years of its service. 

In addition to the volunteer troops furnished in response to the several 
calls of the President, upon the occasion of the rebel invasion of Maryland in 
September, 1862, Gov. Curtin called 50,000 men for the emergency, and 
though the time was very brief, 25,000 came, were organized under command 
of Gen. John F. Reynolds, and were marched to the border. But the battle of 
Antietam, fought on the 17th of September, caused the enemy to beat a hasty 
retreat, and the border was relieved when the emergency troops were dis- 
banded and returned to their homps. On the 19th of October, Gen. J. E. B. 
Stewart, of the rebel army, with 1,800 horsemen under command of Hampton, 
Lee and Jones, crossed the Potomac and made directly for Chambersburg, 
arriving after dark. Not waiting for morning to attack, he sent in a flag of 
truce demanding the surrender of the town. There were 275 Union soldiers in 
hospital, whom he paroled. During the night, the troopers were busy picking 
up horses — swapping horses perhaps it should be called — and the morning saw 
them early on the move. The rear guard gave notice before leaving to re- 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 127 

move all families from the neighborhood of the public buildings, as they in- 
tended to fire them. There was a large amount of fixed ammunition in them, 
which had been captured from Longstreet's train, besides Government stores 
of shoes, clothing and muskets. At 11 o'clock the station house, round house, 
railroad machine shops and warehouses were fired and consigned to 
destruction. The fire department was promptly out; but it was dangerous to 
approach the burning buildings on account of the ammunition, and all 
perished. 

The year 1862 was one of intense excitement and activity. From about the 
1st of May, 1861, to the end of 1862, there were recruited in the State of Penn- 
sylvania, one hundred and eleven regiments, including eleven of cavalr}'^ and 
three of artillery, for three years' service; twenty- five regiments for three months; 
seventeen for nine months; fifteen of drafted militia; and twenty-five called out 
for the emergency, an aggregate of one hundred and ninety-three regiments — a 
grand total of over 200,000 men — a great army in itself. 

In June, 1863, Gen. ttobert E. Lee, with his entire army of Northern Vir- 
ginia, invaded Pennsylvania. The Army of the Potomac, under Gen. Joseph 
Hooker, f ollo^ved. The latter was superseded on the 28th of June by Gen. George 
G. Meade. The vanguards of the army met a mile or so out of Gettysburg on the 
Chambersburg pike on the morning of the 1st of July. Hill's corps of the 
rebel army was held in check by the sturdy fighting of a small division of 
cavalry under Gen. Buford until 10 o'clock, when Gen. Reynolds came to his 
relief with the First Corps. While bringing his forces into action, Reynolds 
was killed, and the command devolved on Gen. Abner Doubleday, and the 
fighting became terrible, the Union forces being greatly outnumbered. At 2 
o'clock in the afternoon, the Eleventh Corps, Gen. O. O. Howard, came to the 
support of the First. But now the corps of Ewell had joined hands with Hill, 
and a full two-thirds of the entire rebel army was on the field, opposed by 
only the two weak Union corps, in an inferior position. A sturdy fight was 
however maintained until 5 o'clock, when the Union forces withdrew through 
the town, and took position upon rising ground covering the Baltimore pike. 
During the night the entire Union army came tap, with the exception of the 
Sixth Corps, and took position, and at 2 o'clock in the morning Gen. Meade 
and staff came on the field. During the morning hours, and until 4 o'clock in 
the afternoon, the two armies were getting into position for the desperate 
struggle. The Third Corps, Gen. Sickles, occupied the extreme left, his corps 
abutting on the Little Round Top at the Devil's Den, and reaching, en echelon, 
through the rugged ground to the Peach Orchard, and thence along the Em- 
mettsburg pike, where it joined the Second Corps, Gen. Hancock, reaching 
over Cemetery Hill, the Eleventh Corps, Gen. Howard, the First, Gen. Double- 
day, and the Twelfth, Gen. Slocum, reaching across Culp's Hill — the whole 
crescent shape. To this formation the rebel army conformed, Longstreet op- 
posite the Union left. Hill opposite the center, and Ewell opposite the Union 
right. At 4 P. M. the battle was opened by Longstreet, on the extreme left of 
Sickles, and the fighting became terrific, the rebels making strenuous efforts 
to gain Little Round Top. But at the opportune moment a part of the Fifth 
Corps, Gen. Sykes, was brought upon that key position, and it was saved to 
the Union side. The slaughter in front of Round Top at the wheat-field and 
the Peach Orchard was fearful. The Third Corps was driven back from its 
advanced position, and its commander. Gen. Sickles, was wounded, losing a 
leg. In a more contracted position, the Union line was made secure, where it 
rested for the night. Just at dusk, the Louisiana Tigers, some 1,800 men, 
made a desperate charge on Cemetery Hill, emerging suddenly from a hillock 



128 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

just back of the town. The struggle was desperate, but the Tigers being 
weakened by the fire of the artillery, and by the infantry crouching behind the 
stone wall, the onset was checked, and Carroll's brigade, of the Second Corps, 
coming to the rescue, they wei*e finally beaten back, terribly decimated. At 
about the same time, a portion of Ewell's corps made an advance on the ex- 
treme Union right, at a point where the troops had been withdrawn to send to 
the support of Sickles, and unopposed, gained the extremity of Culp's Hill, 
pushing through nearly to the Baltimore pike, in dangerous proximity to the 
reserve artillery and trains, and even the headquarters of the Union com- 
mander. But in their attempt to roll up the Union right they were met by 
Green's brigade of the Twelfth Corps, and by desperate fighting their further 
progress was stayed. Thus ended the battle of the second day. The Union left 
and right had been sorely jammed and pushed back. 

At 4 o'clock on the morning of the 3d of July, Gen. Geary, who had been 
ordered away to the support of Sickles, having returned during the night and 
taken position on the right of Green, opened the battle for the recovery of his 
lost breastworks on the right of Culp's Hill. Until 10 o'clock, the battle raged 
with unabated fury. The heat was intolerable, and the sulphurous vapor 
hung like a pall over the combatants, shutting out the light of day. The 
fighting was in the midst of the forest, and the echoes resounded with fearful 
distinctness. The Twelfth Corps was supported by portions of the Sixth, 
which had now come up. At length the enemy, weakened and finding them- 
selves overborne on all sides, gave way, and the Union breastworks were re- 
occupied and the Union right made entirely secure. Comparative quiet now 
reigned on either side until 2 o'clock in the afternoon, in the meantime both 
sides bringing up fresh troops and repairing damages. The rebel leader hav- 
ing brought his best available artillery in upon his right center, suddenly 
opened with 150 pieces a concentric fire upon the devoted Union left center, 
where stood the troops of Hancock and Doubleday and Sickles. The shock 
was terrible. Rarely has such a cannonade been known on any field. For 
nearly two hours it was continued. Thinking that the Union line had been 
broken and demoralized by this fire, Longstreet brought out a fresh corps of 
some 18,000 men, under Pickett, and charged full upon the point which had 
been the mark for the cannonade. As soon as this charging column came into 
view, the Union artillery opened upon it from right and left and center, and 
rent it with fearful effect. When come within musket range, the Union 
troops, who had been crouching behind slight pits and a low stone wall, 
poured in a most murderous fire. Still the rebels pushed forward with a bold 
face, and actually crossed the Union lines and had their hands on the Union 
guns. But the slaughter was too terrible to withstand. The killed and 
wounded lay scattered over all the plain. Many were gathered in as prisoners. 
Finally, the remnant staggered back, and the battle of Gettysburg was at an 
end. 

Gathering all in upon his fortified line, the rebel chieftain fell to strength- 
ening it, which he held with a firm hand. At night-fall, he put his trains 
with the wounded upon the retreat. During the 4th, great activity in build- 
ing works was manifest, and a heavy skirmish line was kept well out, which 
resolutely met any advance of Union forces. The entire fighting force of the 
rebel army remained in position behind their breastworks on Oak Ridge, until 
nightfall of the 4th, when, under cover of darkness, it was withdrawn, and 
before morning was well on its way to Williamsport. The losses on the Union 
side were 2,834 killed, 13,709 wounded, and 6,643 missing, an aggregate of 
23, 186. Of the losses of the enemy, no adequate returns were made. Meade 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 129 

reports 13.621 prisoners taken, and the losses by killed and wounded must 
have been greater than on the Union side. On the rebel side, Maj. Gens. 
Hood, Pender, Trimble and Heth were wounded, Pender mortally. Brig. 
Gens. Barksdale and Garnett were killed, and Semms mortally wounded. 
Brig. Gens. Kemper, Armistead, Scales, G. T. Anderson, Hampton, J. M. 
Jones and Jenkins were wounded; Archer ,was taken prisoner and Pettigrew 
was wounded and subsequently killed at Falling Waters. In the Union army, 
Maj. Gen. Reynolds and Brig. Gens. Vincent, Weed, Willard and Zook were 
killed. Maj. Gens. Sickles, Hancock, Doubleday, Gibbon, Barlow, Warren 
and Butterfield, and Brig. Gens. Graham, Paul, Stone, Barnes and Brooke 
were wounded. A National Cemetery was secured on the center of the field 
where, as soon as the weather would permit, the dead were gathered and care- 
fully interred. Of the enl.ire number interred, 3,512, Maine had 104; New 
Hampshire, 49; Vermont, 61; Massachusetts, 159; Rhode Island, 12; Con- 
necticut, 22; New York, 867; New Jersey, 78; Pennsylvania, 534; Delaware, 
15; Maryland, 22; West Virginia, 11; Ohio, 131; Indiana, 80; Illinois, 6- 
Michigan, 171; Wisconsin, 73; Minnesota, 52; Unite'd States Regulars, 138; 
unknown, 979. In the center of the field, a noble monument has been erect- 
ed, and on the 19th of November, 1864, the ground was formally dedicated 
when the eminent orator, Edward Everett, delivered an oration, and President 
Lincoln delivered the following dedicatory address: 

" Fourscore and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth upon this conti- 
nent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that 
all men are created eqiial. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing 
whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can lono- en- 
dure. We are met on a great battle field of that war. We are met to dedi- 
cate a portion of it as the final resting place of those who here gave their 
lives that this nation might live. It is altogether fitting and pro]3er that we 
should do this. But in a larger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot conse- 
crate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who 
struggled here have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract. 
The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can 
never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather to be dedi- 
cated here to the unfinished work that they have thus far so nobly carried on. 
It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — 
that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to the cause for which 
they here gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve 
that the dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation shall, under God, 
have a new birth of freedom, and that the government of the people, by the 
people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.*' 

So soon as indications pointed to a possible invasion of the North by the 
rebel army under Gen. Lee, the State of Pennsylvania was organized in two 
military departments, that of the Susquehanna, to the command of which 
Darius N. Couch was assigned, with headquarters at Harrisburg, and that of 
the Monongahela, under W. T. H. Brooks, with headquarters at Pittsburgh. 
Urgent calls for the militia were made, and large numbers in regiments, in 
companies, in squadrons came promptly at the call to the number of over 36,- 
000 men, who were organized for a period of ninety days. Fortifications 
were thrown up to cover Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, and the troops were moved 
to threatened points. But before they could be brought into action, the o-reat 
decisive conflict had been fought, and the enemy driven from northern soil. 
Four regiments under Gen. Brooks were moved into Ohio to aid in ax-resting a 
raid undertaken by John Morgan, who, with 2,000 horse and four guns, had 
crossed the Ohio River for a diversion in favor of Lee. 8 



130 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

In the beginning of July, 1864, Gen. Early invaded Maiyland, and made 
his way to the threshold of Washington. Fearing another invasion of the 
State, Gov. Curtin called for volunteers to serve for 100 days. Gen. Couch 
was still at the head of the department of the Susquehanna, and six regiments 
and six companies were organized, but as fast as organized they were called to 
the front, the last regiment leaving the State on the 29th of July. On the 
evening of this day. Gens. McCausland, Bradley Johnson and Harry Gilmore, 
with 3,000 mounted men and six guns, crossed the Potomac, and made thei, 
way to Chambersburg. Another column of 3,000, under Vaughn and Jackson 
advanced to Hagerstown, and a third to Leitersburg. Averell, with a small 
force, was at Hagerstown, but finding himself over-matched withdrew through 
Greencastle to Mount Hope. Lieat. McLean, with fifty men in front of Mc- 
Causland, gallantly kept his face to the foe, and checked the advance at every 
favorable point. On being apprised of their coming, the jDublic stores at Cham- 
bersburg were moved northward. At six A. M. , McCausland opened his bat- 
teries upon the town, but, finding it unprotected, took possession. Ringing the 
court house bell to call the people together, Capt. Fitzhugh read an order to 
the assembly, signed by Gen. Jubal Early, directing the command to proceed 
to Chambersburg and demand $100,000 in gold, or $500,000 in greenbacks, 
and, if not paid, to burn the town. While this parley was in progress, hats, 
caps, boots, watches, clothing and valuables were unceremoniously appropriated, 
and purses demanded at the point of the bayonet. As money was not in hand 
to meet so unexpected a draft, the torch was lighted. In less than a quarter 
of an hour from the time the first match was applied, the whole business part 
of the town was in flames. No notice was given for removing the women and 
children and sick. Burning parties were sent into each quarter of the town, 
which made thorough work. With the exception of a few houses upon the 
outskirts, the whole was laid in ruins. Retiring rapidly, the entire rebel 
command recrossed the Potomac before any adequate force could be gathered 
to check its progress. 

The whole number of soldiers recruited under the various calls for troops 
from the State of Pennsylvania was 366,000. By authority of the common- 
wealth, in 1866, the commencement was made of the publication of a history 
of these volunteer organizations, embracing a brief historical account of the 
part taken by each regiment and independent body in every battle in which it 
was engaged, with the name, rank, date of muster, period for which he en- 
listed, casualties, and fate of every officer and private. This work was com- 
pleted in 1872, in five imperial octavo volumes of over 1,400 pages each. 

In May, 1861, the Society of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania, an organiza- 
tion of the officers of the Kevolutionary war and their descendants, donated 
$500 toward arming and equipping troops. By order of the Legislature, 
this sum was devoted to procuring flags for the regiments, and each organiza- 
tion that went forth, was provided with one emblazoned with the arms of the 
commonwealth. These flags, seamed and battle stained, were returned at the 
close of the war, and are now preserved in a room devoted to the purpose in 
the State capitol— precious emblems of the daring and suffering of that great 
army that went forth to uphold and maintain the integrity of the nation. 

When the war was over, the State undertook the charge of providing for 
all soldiers' orphans in schools located in different parts of its territory, fur- 
nishing food, clothing, instruction and care, until they should be grown to 
manhood and womanhood. The number thus gathered and cared for has been 
some 7,500 annually, for a period of nineteen years, at an average annual ex- 
pense of some $600,000, 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 131 

At the election in 1866, John W. Geary, a veteran General of the late war. 
was chosen Governor. During his administration, settlements were mado with 
the General Government, extraordinary debts incurred during the war were 
paid, and a large reduction of the old debt of $40,000,000 inherited from the 
construction of the canals, was made. A convention for a revision of the con- 
stitution was ordered by act of April 11, 1872. This convention assembled in 
Harrisburg November 18, and adjourned to meet in Philadelphia, where it 
convened on the 7th of January, 1873, and the instrument framed was adopted 
on the 18th of December, 1873. By its provisions, the number of Senators 
was increased from thirty-three to fifty, and Representatives from 100 to 201 
subject to further increase in proportion to increase of population; biennial 
in place of annual sessions; making the term of Supreme Court Judges twenty- 
one in place of fifteen years; remanding a large class of legislation to the ac- 
tion of the courts; making the term of Governor four years in place of three 
and prohibiting special legislation, were some of the changes provided for. 

In January, 1873, John F. Hartranft became Governor, and at the election 
in 1878, Henry F. Hoyt was chosen Governor, both soldiers of the late war. 
In the summer of 1877, by concert of action of the employes on the several 
lines of railway in the State, trains were stopped and travel and traffic were in- 
terrupted for several days together. At Pittsburgh, conflicts occurred between 
the railroad men and the militia, and a vast amount of property was destroyed. 
The opposition to the local military was too powerful to be controlled, and 
the National Government was appealed to for aid. A force of regulars was 
promptly ordered out, and the rioters finally quelled. Unfortunately, Gov. 
Hartranft was absent from the State at the time of the troubles. 

At the election in 1882, Robert E. Pattison was chosen Governor, who is the 
present incumbent. The Legislature, which met at the opening of 1883, having 
adjourned after a session of 156 days, without passing a Congressional appor- 
tionment bill, as was required, was immediately reconvened in extra session by 
the Governor, and remained in session until near the close of the year, from 
June 1 to December 5, without coming to an agreement upon a bill, and 
finally adjourned without having passed one. This protracted sitting is in 
marked contrast to the session of that early Assembly in which an entire con- 
stitution and laws of the province were framed and adopted in the space of 
three days. 



Y 



132 



HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



TABLE SHOWING THE VOTE FOR GOVERNORS OF PENNSYLVANIA SINCE THE ORGAN- 
IZATION OP THE STATE. 



1790. 

Thomas Mifflin 27,725 

Arthur St. Clair 2,802 

1793. 

Thomas Mifflin 18,590 

F. A. Muhlenberg 10,706 

1796. 

Thomas Mifflin 30,020 

F. A. Muhlenberg 1,011 

1799. 

Thomas McKean 38,036 

James Ross 32,641 

1802. 

Thomas McKean 47,879 

James Ross, of Pittsburgh 9,499 

James Ross 7,538 

1808. 

Simon Snyder 67,975 

James Russ 39;o75 

John Spayd 4,006 

W. Shields 2 

Charles Nice 1 

Jack Ross 2 

W. Tilghman 1 

1811. 

Simon Snyder 52,319 

William Tighlman 3,609 

Scatt'ring,no record for whom 1,675 

1814. 

Simon Snyder 51,099 

Isaac Wayne 29,566 

G. Lattimer 910 

J. R. Rust 4 

1817. 

William Findlay 66,331 

Joseph Hiester 59,272 

Moses Palmer 1 

Aaron Hanson 1 

John Setter _. 1 

Seth Thomas 1 

Nicholas Wiseman 3 

Benjamin 11. Morgan 2 

William Tilghman 1 

Andrew Gregg 1 

1820. 

Joseph Hiester 67,905 

William Findlay 66,300 

Scattering (no record) 21 

1823. 

J Andrew Shulze 81,751 

Andrew Gregg 64,151 

Andrew Shulze 112 

John Andrew Shulze 7,311 

Andrew Gragg 53 

Andrew Greg 1 

John A. Shulze ." 754 

Nathaniel B. Boileau 3 

Capt. Glosseader 3 

John Gassender 1 

Isaac Wayne 1 

George Bryan 1 

1826. 

J. Andrew Shulze 72,710 

John Sergeant 1,175 

Scattering (no record) 1,174 



1829. 

George Wolf 78,219 

Joseph Ritner 51,770 

George E. Baum 6 

Frank R. Williams 3 

1832. 

George Wolf 91,335 

Joseph Ritner 88,165 

1835. 

Joseph Ritner 94,023 

Goorge Wolf 65,804 

Henry A. Muhlenberg 40,586 

1838. 

David R. Porter 127,827 

Joseph Ritner 122,321 

1841. 

David R. Porter 136 504 

John Banks 113,473 

T.J. Lemoyne 763 

George F. Hortou is 

Samuel L. Carpenter 4 

Ellis Lewis 1 

1844. 

Francis R. Shunk 160,322 

Joseph Markle 156,040 

Julius J. Lemoyne 10 

John Haney 2 

James Page 1 

1847. 

Francis R. Shunk 146,081 

James Irvin 128,148 

Emanuel C. Reigart 11,247 

F.J. Lemoyne 1,861 

George M. Keim 1 

Abijah Morrison 3 

1818. 

William F. Johnston 168,.522 

Morris Longstreth 168,225 

E. B. Gazzam 48 

Scattering (no record) 24 

1851. 

William Bigler 186,489 

William F. Johnston 178,034 

Kimber Cleaver 1,850 

1854. 

James Pollock 20.3,822 

Williiim Bigler 166,991 

B. Rush Bradford 2,194 

1857. 

William F. Packer 188,846 

David Wilmot 149,139 

Isaac Hazlehurst 28,168 

James Pollock 1 

George R. Barret 1 

William Steel 1 

F. P. Swartz 1 

Samuel McFarland 1 

George F. Horton 7 

1860. 

Andrew G. Curtin 262,346 

Henry D. Foster 230,239 

1863. 

A. G. Curtin 269,-506 

George W. Woodward 254,171 

John Hickman 1 

Thomas M. Howe 1 



1806. 

John W. Geary 307,274 

Hiester Clymer 290,097 

Giles Lewis 7 

1869. 

John W. Geary 290,552 

Asa Packer 285,956 

W. D. Kelly 1 

W.J. Robinson 1 

1872. 

John F. Hartranft 353,387 

Charles R. Buckaleu 317,760 

S. B.Chase 1,197 

William P. Schell 12 

1875. 

John F. Hartranft 304,175 

Cyrus L. Pershing 292,145 

B. Audley Brown 13,244 

James S. Negley 1 

Phillip Wendle 1 

J. W. Brown 1 

G. F. Eeinhard 1 

G. D. Coleman 1 

James Staples 1 

Richard Vaux 1 

Craig Biddle 1 

Francis W. Hughes 1 

Henrv C. Tyler 1 

W. D. Brown 1 

George V. Lawrence 1 

A. L.Brown 1 

1878. 

H. M. Hoyt 319,490 

Andrew H. Dill 297,137 

Samuel R. Mason 81,758 

Franklin H. Lane 3,753 

S. Matson 2 

John McKee 1 

D. Kirk .* 1 

R. L. Miller 1 

,1. H. Hopkins 1 

A. G. Williams 1 

Samuel H. Lane 1 

John Fertig 1 

James Musgrove 1 

Silas M. Baily 1 

A. S. I'ost 9 

C. A. Coriien H 

Seth Yocum 1 

Edward E. Orvis 1 

1882. 

Robert E. Pattison .355,791 

James A. Beaver 315,589 

,Tohu Stewart 43,743 

Thomas A. Armstrong 23,996 

Alfred C. Pettit 5,196 

E. E. Pattison 1 

R. E.Beaver 1 

J. H. Hopkins 1 

W. H. Hope 1 

R. H. Patterson 2 

— Stewart 2 

J. A. Brown 1 

R. Smith 1 

— Cameron 1 

James McNalis 1 

T. A. Armstrong 1 

Thomas Armstrong 16 

R. E. Pattison 1 

AVilliam N. Drake 1 

John McCleery 2 

John A. Stewart 1 

G. A Grow 1 



PAKT II. 



ISTORY OF hRIE LOUNTY. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY, 



CHAPTER I. 

General Description, Etc. 

ERIE COUNTY constitates the extreme northwestern point of Pennsylvania, 
and is the only portion of the State that borders on Lake Erie. It is 
bounded on the north by Lake Erie, on the east by Chautauqua County, N. 
Y. , and Warren County, Penn. , on the south by Crawford County, Penn. , and on 
the west by Ashtabula County, Ohio. The length of the county along the lake is 
about forty-five miles, along the Chautauqua and Warren County lines thirty- 
six miles, along that of Crawford County forty-five miles, and along the Ohio 
line nine miles. It contains 745 square miles, or' 476,515 square acres. Its 
mean or center latitude is forty-two degrees north, and its longitude is three 
degrees west from Washington. 

Up to the 24th of September, 1788, all of the State lying west of 
the Alleghany Mountains was embraced in Westmoreland and Washington 
Counties. On that date, the section north of the Ohio and west of the 
Allegheny to the Ohio line was set off as a new county, which was named 
after the latter river. Pittsburgh was designated as its coanty seat. The popu- 
lation was sparse, and it was not until ten years later that a necessity arose 
in the Northwest for a separate governmental organization. On the 4th 
of April, 1798, Erie Township was erected with the identical limits of the 
present county. 

COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. 

The counties of Erie, Butler, Beaver, Crawford, Mercer, Venango and 
Warren were created by an act of the Legislature of March 12, 1800, their 
seats of justice being named at the same time. Being unable to sustain a 
separate organization, five of these, Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango and 
Warren, were united in one organization for governmental purposes, with the 
general title of Crawford County, under an act passed April 9, 1801. The 
county seat was at Meadville, and one set of county officers and one member 
of the Assembly served for the whole five. This relation continued until 1803, 
when the first county officers were elected in Erie County. 

The townships originally established in Erie County were sixteen in num- 
ber, as follows: 

Brokenstraw, Beaver Dam, "Coniaute," "Conniat," Elk Creek, Fairview, 
Greenfield, Harbor Creek, "LeBoeuff," Mill Creek, McKean, North East, 
Springfield, Union, Venango, Water ford. 

The following townships have been added, making twenty-one in all: 
Amity, Franklin, Girard, Summit, Wayne. 

The name of Brokenstraw was changed to Concord in 1821. 



138 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



Amity was taken from Union in 1826. 
Wayne was formed out of Concord in 1826. 

Girard was set off from Elk Creek, Fairview and Springfield in 1832. 
The name of "Coniaute" was changed to Washington in 1834 
That of Beaver Dam was changed to Greene in 1840. 

Franklin was created ov;t of parts of Washington, McKean and Elk Creek 
in 1844 

Summit was formed out of Greene, Waterford and McKean in 1854. 

CITIES, BOROUGHS AND VILLAGES. 

The following is a list of the cities, boroughs and villages in the county, 
with their distances from Erie by railroad and common road. The distances 
by common road are by the most direct routes, measuring from the city parks. 
Those by rail, via the Philadelphia & Erie road, are from the water's edge at 
the foot of State street, and those by the Lake Shore and Erie & Pittsburgh 
roads are from the Union Depot. The stars (*) in the first column of figures 
indicate that the towns are not upon the lines of railroad, but can be reached 
from Erie partly by rail and partly by common road. In such cases the dis- 
tances are given as by the railroad station that is generally used, as, for in- 
stance, Girard, West Girard and Lockport by way of Miles Grove; Albion, 
Wellsburg and Cranesville by way of Albion Depot; Wattsburg and Lowville 
by way of Union City, and so on. Where but one set of figures is opposite a 
name, it is an indication that the place is reached by common road only: 



PLACES. 



BY WHAT RAILROAD. 



DISTANCE 
BY RAIL 



H I d 

IPs 

CO r" u 



Albion Depot 

Albion Borough* 

Avonia 

Belle Valley* 

Branchville 

Beaver Dam* 

Cherry Hill* 

Corry 

Cranesville* 

Draketown 

Edinboro 

Edenville* 

East Springfield* 

Elgin 

Freeport* 

Fairview Borough*. . . 

Franklin Centre 

Girard Borough* 

Grahamville* 

Greenfield Village* . . . 
Harbor Creek Village 

Hatch Hollow* 

Kearsage 

Keepville 

Lockport* 

Lowville* 

Lovell's Station 

Le Boeuf Station 

McLellan's Corners. . . 

Mooreheadville 

McLane 

Middleboro 



L. S 



E. &P. 
E. &P. 
& E. & P. 
P. & E. 



P. & E. 
S. & E. & P. 
P. &E. 
E. &P. 



P. &E. 

L. S. 
P. &E. 

L. S. 
L. S. & E. & 



L. S. «feE. (S 

L. S. 

L. S. 

L. S. 

P. «feE. 



E. &P. 

L. S. 
P. & E. 
P. &E. 
P. &E. 



L. S. 



26 

27 
12 



34i 

30 

37 

37 



25i 

22i 

32 

16i 

12 



m 

18i 

24 

8 

31 



28 
21i 
37 
34 

22i 



11 



25 
24 
12i 

4 
12 
26 
27 
33 
23 
18 
18 
22 
21 
28 
16 
12 
17 
16 
18i 
18 

7i 
18 

4 

26i 
20 
18 
30 
19 
21 

m 

14 
10 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



139 



PLACES. 



Miles Grove 

Mill Town 

Mill Village 

Manchester* 

Northville 

North East Borough. 
North Springfield. . . . 

Phillipsville 

Pageville* 

Sterrettania 

Swanville 

St. Boniface 

Union City 

West Greene 

Weigleville 

Wesleyville 

West Girard* 

West Springfield* 

Wellsburg* 

Wattsburg* 

Waterford Borough*. 
Waterford Station. . . 
Warrentown 



BY WHAT KAILROAD. 



L. S. & E. & P. 



P. & E. & A. & G. W. 

L. S. & E. & P. 

L. S. 

L. S. 

L. S. 



E. &P. 

"l.*s."&'e."&p. 

■■"' R &'e.""' 



L. S. 
L. S. & E. & P. 
L. S. & E. & P. 

E. &P. 

P. &E. 

P. &E. 

P. &E. 



DISTANCE 
BY RAIL. 



15i 



34 
10 
20 
15 
20 



27 



4 
18 
27 
28 
35 
19^ 
19 



16 
14i 
19 
10 
19 
15 
21 
14 
28 
12 
9 

7i 

23 

12 
2i 
4i 

m 

25 
24 
20 
14 
14 
3 



AH points in the county accommodated by the Lake Shore Kailroad can 
also be reached by the N. Y., C. & St. L., or " Nickel Plate " road. 

The classification of the above places is as follows: 

Cities — Erie and Corry, 2. 

Boroughs — Albion, Edinboro, Elgin, Fairview, Girard, Lockport, Middle- 
boro, Mill Village, North East, Union City, Wattsburg and Waterford, 12. 

All of the rest are unincorporated villages, ranging in extent from a dozen 
to a hundred buildings, with a population of 50 to 450. 



OEGANIZATION OF CITIES AND BOROUGHS. 

Erie was incorporated as a borough in 1805, having previously formed a 
part of Mill Creek Township; divided into two wards in 1840; granted a city 
charter in 1851 ; and divided into four wards in 1858. South Erie was set off 
from Mill Creek Township and incorporated as a borough in 1866; consoli- 
dated with the city in 1870, and became the Fifth and Sixth wards, some addi- 
tions having been made from Mill Creek. 

The following shows the years in which the boroughs were incorporated: 

Waterford, 1833; Wattsburg, 1834; North East, 1834; Edinboro, 1840; 
Girard, 1846; Albion, 1861; Middleboro, 1861; Union Mills, 1863; Fairview, 
1868; Mill Village, 1870; Lockport. 1870; Elgin, 1876. 

Corry was established as a borough in 1863, and granted a city charter in 
1866. It is divided into the First and Second Wards, each constituting an 
election district. 

The name of Union Mills Borough was changed to Union City July 4, 
1871. 

ELECTION DISTBICTS. 

Below is a list of the election districts In the county, alphabetically ar- 
ranged. They are fifty in number: 



140 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



Albion Borough. 
Amity Townsliip. 
Concord Township. 
Conneaut Township. 
Corrv City — 

First Ward. 

Second Ward. 
East Mill Creek. 
Edinboro Borough. 
Elgin Borough. 
Elk Creek Township. 
Erie City- 
First Ward, First Dist. 

First Ward, Second 
District. 

First Ward,Third Dist. 

Second Ward, First 
District. 

Second Ward, Second 
District. 



Second Ward, Third 

District. 
Third Ward,First Dist. 
Third Ward, Second 

District. 
Third Ward, Third 

District. 
Fourth Ward,F'st Dist. 
Fourth Ward, Second 

District. 
Fourth Ward, Third 

District. 
Fifth Ward. 
Sixth Ward. 
Fairview Township 
Fairview Borough. 
Franklin Township. 
Girard Township. 
Girard Borough. 
Greene Township. 



Greenfield Township. 
Harbor Creek Township. 
Le Bceuf Township. 
Lockport Borough. 
McKean Township. 
Middleboro Borough. 
Mill Village Borough. 
North East Township. 
North East Borough. 
Springfield Township. 
Summit Township. 
Union Township. 
Union City Borough. 
Venango Township. 
Washington Township. 
Waterford Township. 
Waterford Borough. 
Wattsburg Borough. 
Wayne Township. 
West Mill Creek. 



The First, Second, Third and Fourth Wards of Erie were divided into 
three election districts each in 1876, the limits of the several districts being 
as follows: 

FIRST WARD. 

First District — East of Parade, between the bay and lake and Eighth street. 
Second District — From State to Parade, between Fifth and Eighth streets. 
Third District — From State to Parade, between the bay and Fifth street. 

SECOND WARD 

First District — East of Parade, between Eighth and Eighteenth streets. 

Second District — From State to Parade, between Eighth and Twelfth 
streets. 

Third District — From State to Parade, between Twelfth and Eighteenth 
streets. 

THIRD WARD. 

First District — From State to Chestnut, between Twelfth and Eighteenth 
streets. 

Second District — From State to Chestnut, between Eighth and Twelfth 
streets. 

Third District — West of Chestnut, between Eighth and Eighteenth streets. 



FOURTH WARD. 

First District — West of Chestnut, between the bay and Eighth street. 
Second District — From State to Chestnut, between Fifth and Eighth streets. 
Third District — Fi'om State to Chestnut, between the bay and Fifth streets. 
Mill Creek was divided into the East and West Election Districts in 1864. 
They choose the same township officials, but separate election officers. 

WHAT TOWNSHIP TAKEN FROM, ETC. 

The townships from which the cities and boroughs have been taken, and 
of which the unincorporated villages still remain a part, are as follows: 

Cherry Hill Conneaut. 

Corry (city) Wayne and Concord. 

Cranesville ". Elk Creek. 



Albion Depot Conneaut. 

Albion (borough) Conneaut. 

Avonia Fairview. 

Belle Valley Mill Creek. 

Branchville McKean. 

Beaver Dam Wavne- 



Diaketown Washington. 

Edenboro (borougli) AVashington. 

Edenville Le Boeuf. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 141 

East Springfield Springfield. Mill Town Amity. 

Elgin (borough) Concord. Mill Village (borough) LeBceuf. 

Erie (city) Mill Creek. Manchester Fairview. 

Ereeport North East. Northville North East. 

Eairview (borough) Fairview. North East (borough) North East. 

Franklin Centre Franklin. North Springfield Springfield. 

Girard (borough) Girard. Phillipsville Venango. 

Grahamville North East. Pageville Elk Creek. 

Greenfield (xreenfield. Sterrettania McKean. 

Harbor Creek Harbor Creek. Swanville Fairview. 

Hatch Hollow Amity. St. Boniface Greene. 

Kearsage Mill Creek. Union City (borough) Union. 

Keepville Conneaut. West Greene Greene. 

Lockport (borough) Girard. Weigleville Mill Creek. 

Lowville Venango. Wesley ville Harbor Creek. 

Lovell's Station Concord. West Girard Giiard. 

Le Bffiuf Station Le Bceuf. West Springfield Springfield. 

McLallen's Corners Wasliington. Wellsburg Elk Creek. 

Moorheadville Harbor Creek. Wattsburg (borough) Venango. 

McLane Washington. Waterf ord (borough) Waterf ord . 

Middleboro (borough) McKean. Waterford Station Waterford. 

Miles Grove Girard. Warrentown Mill Creek. 

POST OFFICES. 

Below is a list of the post offices in ttie county. The figures annexed to 
some of the names indicate the years when the offices were started: 

Albion, Avonia, Belle Valley, 1856. 

Branchvillet, ^Carter Hillf, Cherry Hill, Corry, 1862. 

*East Greene, 1830. 

E. Springfield, Edinboro, 1836. 

Elk Creek (Cranesville), Erie, Elgin, Fairview, Franklin Corners, Girard, 
Greenfield, *Godard, 1883. 

Harbor Creek, *Hamot (St. Boniface), 1881. 

*Hatch Hollow, Hornby, 1883. 

Kearsage, Keepville, LakePleasant (Mill Town), LeBceuf, Lovell's Station, 
Lowville, 1867. 

Lundy's Lane (Wellsburg), McKean, 1836. 

(Middleboro), McLane, McLallen's Corners, Mill Village, Miles Grove, 
Moorheadville, North East, 1812. 

North Springfield, Northville, Phillipsville, 1829. 

Platea (Lockport), Six. Mile Creek, 1876. 

Sterrettania, Swanville, Tracy, 1883. 

Union City, Waterford, 1801. 

Wattsburg, 1828. 

Wayne (Beaver Dam), Wesleyville, West Greene, *West Mill Creek, West 
Springfield. 

Of the above, all except those marked with a star (*) have been sufficiently 
described. The others are located as follows: Carter Hill in Wayne Town- 
ship; Godard in Summit; East Greene and Hamot in Greene; West Mill 
Creek in Mill Creek; Six Mile Creek in Greene, and Hornby in Greenfield. 

Erie, Corry, North East and Union City are what are known as " Presiden- 
tial offices," their incumbents being appointed by the President and subject 
to confirmation by the Senate. The salaries attached to them are: Erie, 
$2,600; Corry, $2,400; North East, $1,600; Union City, $1,600. The Post- 
master General appoints to all the remaining offices, and his nominations do 
not have to go before the Senate. 

tBranchville and Carter Hill were discontinued in October, 1883. 



142 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



The following are money order offices: Albion, Corry, East Springfield, 
Edinboro, Erie, Fairview, Girard, Lundy's Lane, Mill Village, North East, 
Union City, Waterford, Wattsbui-g, West Springfield. 

Erie is the only letter carrier office. 



CENSUS. 

The first census of the county was taken in 1800, and has been renewed 
every ten years under the auspices of the United States authorities. Up to 
1840, the enumeration was made by one person for the whole county. In the 
latter year the county was cut up into two districts, and since then the num- 
ber of enumerators has been regularly increased at each census. . The county 
contained 1,468 inhabitants in 1800, and 3,758 in 1810. Below is the result 
of the enumerations from 1820 to 1880, inclusive of both years: 



Albion 

Amity 

Conneaut (a). 
Concord (b). . 
Corry. 



Elk Creek (c). 
Elgin . 



Edinboro 

Erie 

Fairview Township (d). . . 

Fairview Borough 

Franklin. 

Girard Township (e) 

Girard Borough 

Greene (/) , 

Greenfield 

Harbor Creek 

Lockport , 

LeBoeuf (#) 

McKean (g) 

Middleboro 

Mill Creek (A) 

Mill Village 

North East Township (i). 

North East Borough 

Springfield (j) 

Summit 

Union Township (k) 

Union City 

Venango (l) 

Wattsburg 

Waterford Township (m). 

Waterford Borough 

Washington (n) 

Wayne (o) 



Total county. 



1820. 



631 
53 



288 



635 
536 



1830. 



385 

1,824 

225 



562 



142 
281 
555 



505 
440 



1,017 
i,068 



896 
266 



290 
579' 
938" 



8,541 



1,389 
1,529 



443 

664 

1,104 



554 



1,783 
1,706' 



1,520 
"235" 



683 
1,006' 



1840. 



560 

1,786 
652 



1,645 



232 
3,412 
1,481 



1850. 



739 

1,942 



1,535 



363 

5,858 
1,760 



2,060 



1,081 

862 

1,843 



1,714 



2,683 



1,793 

339 

2.344 



593 



743 
197 



812 

132 
1,144 

403 
1,551 

738 



1860. 



443 
1,016 
2,118 
1,255 



1870. 



1,587 



474 
9,419 
2,131 



2,443 
400 

1,542 
731 

2,084 



990 
1,921 



3,064 



2,379 

386 

1,916 



1,076 



17,041 :31,344 



1,019 

227 
1,545 

498 
1,706 
1,123 

38,742 



979 
2,453 

616 
1,450 

880 
2,033 



1,483 
1,600 



452 
924 
1,538 
1,112 
6,809 
1,462 



5,070 



1,900 
560 
1,951 
1,038 
1,954 



1,801 
337 

1,950 

900 

1,943 

1,224 

49,432 



801 
19,516 
1.674 

480 

994 
2,018 

704 
1,395 
1,089 
1,974 

405 
1,748 
1,426 

126 
2,745 



2,313 

900 

1,742 

1,047 

1,334 

1,500 

1,370 

286 

1,884 

790 

1,943 

1.295 



1880. 



65,973 



433 
1,033 
1,546 
1,171 
6,277 
1,564 

154 

876 

27,737 

1,483 

425 
1,030 
3,338 

703 
1,531 
1,030 
1,781 

345 
1,430 
1,394 

210 
3,279 

388 
2,153 
1,396 
1,793 
1,047 
1,377 
2,171 
1,445 

389 
1,822 

784 
1,880 
1,306 



74,688 



NOTES TO THE CENSUS TABLE. 

(a) Reduced by adding a portion to Springfield in 1835, and by the incorporation of Albion Borough in 

(6) Wayne set off in 1826. A slice taken off to form Corry Borough in 1863, and another when Corry was 
made a city in 1866. Elgin Borough incorporated in 1876. The township was known as Brokenstraw till 1821. 

(c) A slice taken off to form (iirard Township in 1832, and another to form Franklin in 1844. 

(d) A part of Girard cut off in 1832. Fairview Borough created in 1868. 

(e) Girard Borough incorporated in 1846 and Lockport in 1870. 

(/) Known as Beaver Kam until 1840. A part of Summit taken off in 1854. 

(jn Mill Village incorporated in 1870, after the census was taken. 

(g) A portion of Franklin cut off in 1844 and of Summit in 1854. Middleboro incorporated in 1861. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 143 

ERIE AND CORRY. 

The following was the population of Erie City by wards in 1870 and 1880: 

1870 1S80 

First Ward 3,364 4,629 

Second Ward 5,031 6,583 

Third Ward 3,730 5,378 

Fourth Ward 4,526 5,799 

Fifth Ward 1,497 2, 348 

Sixth Ward 1,498 3, 000 



19,646 27,737 
The population of Corry by wards in the same years was as follows: 

1870 1880 

First Ward 3,559 2, 758 

Second Ward 3,250 2,519 



6,809 5,277 
UNINCORPORATED VILLAGES. 

The following was the population in 1880 of the unincorporated villages 
named. They are included in the census of their respective townships as 
given above: 

Lowville 99 MillTowu 92 

Mt. Hickory Iron Works 127 East Springfield 102 

Miles Grove 448 Swanvdle 98 

Wellsburg 256 West Girard 135 

COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP BOUNDARIES. 

The true boundary line between Erie and Crawford Counties was long a 
subject of dispute. To settle the question, the Legislature passed an act at 
the session of 1849-50, providing for three Commissioners to run a new line, 
who were given full power to act, and whose decision should be final. In 
1850, Humphrey A. Hills, then of Albion, was appointed Commissioner for 
Erie County; Andrew Ryan was appointed for Crawford, and they two named 
H. P. Kinnear, of Warren, as the third member. Wilson King was chosen 
Surveyor on the part of Erie, and Mr. Jagger on that of Crawford, but David 
Wilson, as deputy for Mr. King, did most of the work. The party had some 
difficulty in finding a starting point, but after this was agreed upon, it only 
took about six weeks to complete their task. A perfectly straight line was 
run from east to west, and marked by stones set two miles apart. The Com- 
mission added a long, narrow strip of territory to Erie Cou.nty, which is 
usually outlined upon the county and township maps. A number of persons 
found themselves in Erie who had supposed they were citizens of Crawford, 
and a less number in Crawford who had imagined they belonged to Erie. A 
Mr. Reeder, of Washington Township, had been so anxious to be a resident of 
Erie County, that he left his original house and moved into a new one 
which he supposed to be at a safe distance from the boundary. When the 
final line was run, the second building was found to be in Crawford, and he 
was compelled to erect a third one in order to secure the desired x'esidence. 

(h) South Erie incorporated as a borough in 1866. and added to Erie in 1370, when another slice was taken 
from the township. By the census of 1880, East Mill Creek contained a population of 1,205 and West Mill Creek 
of 2,069. 

(») North East Borough incorporated in 1834. 

(j) A portion of Girard taken off in 1832, and of Conneaut added in 1835. 

(i) Amity taken off in 1826. Union Borough in 1863. 

(/) Wattsburg incorporated in 1834. 

im) Waterford Borough incorporated in 1833. A part of Summit taken off in 1854. 

(n) Known as Conneauttee till 1S34. Edinboro incorporated in 1840. A portion of Franklin cut off in 
1844. 

(o) A slice cut off to form Corry Borough in 1SG3, and another in the creation of Corry City in 1866. 



144 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

EXTRACTS FROM THE UNITED STATES CENSUS OF 1880. 

The population by race in Erie County: 

White— In 1860/49,251; in 1870, 65,584; in 1880, 74,345. 

Colored— In 1860, 181; in 1870, 389; in 1880, 332. Of the number in 
1880, 222 were in Erie City. 

Chinese— In 1880, 2; all in Erie City. 

The population of Erie County by nativity. 

Native— 40,758 in 1860; 52,699 in 1870; 61,543 in 1880. 

Foreign— 8,674 in 1860; 13,274 in 1870; 13,145 in 1880. 

The population of Erie and Corry, by nativity, with number of dwellings 
and families in Erie in 1880: 

Erie— 1870, 12,718 native, 6,298 foreign; 1880, 20,031 native, 1,106- 
foreign; dwellings, 4,903; persons to a dwelling, 5.66; number of families, 
5,294; persons to a family, 5.24. 

Corry— 1870, 5,080 native, 1,729 foreign; 1880, 4,250 native, 1,012 
foreign. 

The places of birth of the inhabitants of Erie County in 1880: 

Native born — Pennsylvania, 47,446; New York, 9,260; New Jersey, 170; 
Maryland, 102; Ohio, 1,645; Virginia, 93. 

Foreign born — British America, 1,436; England and Wales, 1,257; Ire- 
land, 3,403; Scotland, 263; German Empire, 5,831; France, 144; Sweden and 
Norway, 123. 

The sex and age of the inhabitants of Erie County in 1880: 

Males, 37,303; females, 37,295. 

Five to seventeen inclusive — Males, 10,947; females, 10,854. 

Males twenty -one and over — 19,779. 

The farm areas and values in Erie County in 1880: 

Farms, 5,579; improved land, 301,609 acres; value of farms, including 
fences and buildings, $21,613,613; value of farming implements and machin- 
ery, $941,725; value of live stock on farms, $2,209,900; cost of building and 
repairing fences in 1879, $88,398; cost of fertilizers purchased in 1879, 
$52,002; estimated value of all farm products in 1879, $3,028,260. 

The principal vegetable productions of Erie County in 1880: 

Barley, 195,646 bushels; buckwheat, 52,955 bushels; Indian corn, 713,749 
bushels; oats, 657.179 bushels; rye, 4,876 bashels; wheat, 256,224 bushels; 
value of orchard products, $125,550; hay, 100,195 tons; hops, 3,048 pounds; 
common potatoes, 502,400 bushels; sweet potatoes, 954 bushels; tobacco 
2,730 pounds. 

The live stock on farms, and dairy products aud wool products, in Erie County 
in 1880: 

Live stock— horses, 13,160; mules and asses, 124; working oxen, 815; 
milch cows, 25,425; other cattle, 28,497; sheep, exclusive of spring lambs. 
33,411; swine, 18,324. 

Dairy products — Milk, 1,893,631 gallons; butter, 2,201,141 pounds; cheese^ 
72,796 pounds. 

Wool— 158,116 pounds. 

The following are the manufacturing statistics of Erie County in 1880: 

Establishments, 559; capital, $6,424,413; average number of hands em- 
ployed: males above sixteen years, 4,554; females above fifteen years, 257; 
children and youth, 397; amount paid in wages during the year, $1,869,466; 
materials, $6,646,427; products, $10,463,906. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 145 



CHAPTER II. 

Physical Geography. 

THE surface of Erie County is divided into five distinct sections, viz. : The 
Lake Shore plain, the series of dividing ridges, the valleys between the 
ridges, the valleys of French Creek and its tributaries and the high lands 
south of the last-named stream. 

Eour separate ranges of hflls extend aci'oss the county from east to west, 
known respectively as the First, Second, Third and Fourth Ridges. The First 
Ridge rises to a height of 100 to 150 feet above Lake Erie, the Second to 
about 400, and the height of the Third and Fourth Ridges varies from 600 
to 1,200 feet, their most elevated summits being in the eastern portion of Mc- 
Kean, the western portion of Waterford, the northern portion of Venango and 
the southern part of Greenfield. The separation of the ridges becomes more 
clearly defined along a line drawn through Harbor Creek, Mill Creek, Sum- 
mit, Waterford and McKean Townships than further east, but from there 
westward each ridge is as distinct as though it belonged to a system of its 
own. As the Third and Fourth Ridges extend westward they recede from the 
lake, until they run into Crawford County. 

Three continuous valleys cross the county between the ridges, from the 
line above mentioned, broken in places by slight elevations, and known in 
succession as the Mill Creek, the Walnut Creek and the Elk Creek 
Valleys. These streams rise on the high ground of the Third and Fourth 
Ridges, and, after flowing westward for some distance down their respect- 
ive valleys, suddenly turn to the north and break through the First and 
Second Ridges by a series of deep "gulfs" or gullies, which are a striking 
feature of the region. North of the First Ridge and between it and Lake 
Erie is a broad alluvial tract, from two to three miles in width, which extends 
along the whole water front of the county. Its general height above the lake 
is from fifty to sixty feet, but in the eastern part of Harbor Creek Township 
its elevation suddenly rises to nearly 100 feet and so continues almost to the 
New York line. 

South of the dividing ridges are the valleys of French Creek and of the 
streams which empty into it, and still beyond are the hills which form the 
water-shed between that stream and Brokenstraw, Spring and Oil Creeks. 
The water on the north side of the main ridge flows into Lake Erie and on the 
south side to the Allegheny River. The dividing line between the waters is 
some eight miles south of Lake Erie in Greenfield and Greene Townships, 
twelve mile, in Summit, fourteen in Waterford, McKean and Washington, and 
sixteen in Franklin and Elk Creek. Along French, Walnut, Elk, Conneaut, 
Mill, Big Conneauttee, Little CoQueauttee and LeBoeuf Creeks, Hatch Hol- 
low Alder Run, Beaver Dam Run and the outlet of Lake Pleasant are very 
handsome valleys, from a quarter of a mile to more than a mile in width. 
The elevation between the Walnut Creek Valley and that of the West Branch 
of LeBoeuf Creek, both rising in Summit Township, is quite low ; so moderate, 
indeed, that it is barely noticeable. The sides and summits of the ridges are 
much cut up with ravines, though considerable stretches of country are as level 
as the valleys. 



146 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The Pennsylvania State Geological Report gives the following as the 
elevation above tide- water of the points named: Surface of Lake Erie, 573y'^^ 
feet, Philadelphia & Erie Railroad summit between Walnut and LeBoeuf 
Creeks, 1,229; hill-tops on each side of the same summit, 1,355; hill-tops in 
western Waterford and eastern McKean, 1,470; Philadelphia & Erie Rail- 
road station at Union City, 1,270; hill-tops southwest of Union City, 1,301; 
railroad station at Corry, 1,431; hill-tops east of Corry, 1,500; hill-tops south 
of Corry, 1,725; hill-tops along the Little Conneauttee, 1,196; hill-tops south- 
west of Edinboro, 1,400. 

Jutting out from the mainland, in Mill Creek Township, is the penninsula 
of Presque Isle, which forms the bay of Presque Isle, the harbor of the city of 
Erie. It is a low sand bank, washed up by the action of the waves, some sev- 
en miles in length, and varying in width from a few rods to a mile and a 
half. Except at its head and foot, it is covered with trees and shrubs of al- 
most every variety that grows in this latitude. The peninsula is indented 
with several shallow ponds, one or two of which run half way across Long 
Point. A peninsula of similar character, but much longer and wider, juts out 
from the Canada Shore opposite, making the space between the narrowest por- 
tion of Lake Erie. 

THE LAND — ITS CHARACTERISTICS AND VALUE. 

The Lake Shore Plain has in general a sandy soil, while immediately south 
of it, along the First Ridge, is a wide and continuous strip of gravel. The 
valleys between the ridges are a mixture of clay and sand, making a mellow 
soil that is easy to work. On the high lands and slopes of the ridges, the soil 
is mostly of a clayey nature, somewhat damp and cold. That of the valleys of 
the French Creek system is a rich alluvial deposit corresponding in character 
to bottom lands the country over. 

The lands which are generally regarded as the best in the county for farm- 
ing purposes are those bordering upon Lake Erie. This favored section 
produces every kind of grain, fruit, vegetable, etc., common to the temperate 
regions. The lake tempers the climate so that it is less troubled by frosts 
than regions many miles south, and as fine melons, grapes, peaches, strawber- 
ries, etc., are I'aised as in any part of the State. A belt of swamp land about 
half a mile wide originally extended along the Lake Shore Plain, in an east and 
west direction, from Twelve Mile Creek to the Ohio boundary. Most of this 
has been drained, and is now fertile land. East of Mill Creek, on the line of 
the swamp, the rock comes nearer to the surface than west, and the results 
have been less gratifying. 

The valleys of the French Creek system are equally fertile, perhaps, but 
are subject to frosts, which prevent the successful culture of the more delicate 
fruits. On the high lands the frosts are less troublesome, but the nature of 
the soil adapts them best for grazing. Fruits of most kinds do better than in 
the valleys, but wheat, except in detached spots, does nut succeed as well, and 
some of the more elevated townships do not raise enough of that grain to sup- 
ply them with bread. Off of the lake shore the attention of the farmers is 
mainly given to dairying, which may be said to be the leading industry of the 
county. Aside from wheat, every other kind of grain does well in all sections. 
That grain has of late years, however, been grown with considerable success 
in various portions of the county south of the lake shore, and it is possible 
that in time it will be generally cultivated. The apple crop is everywhere 
sure and prolific. Large quantities of this fruit and of potatoes are annually 
shipped to the Southern and Eastern markets. A good deal of hay is baled in 




c/^. M-, jc/^^t^'-OZ^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 149 

the southern townships and shipped by rail. Hundreds of tons of butter are 
sent from the county to the large cities, where the Erie County make ranks 
with the best. Within the last ten years, cheese factories have been started in 
almost every township, which manufacture immense quantities of that product. 
The price of land difiers very much, according to its location. Along the 
lake shore, speaking only of farms that are outside the influence of the 
towns, very little land can be purchased for less than $75 an acre, and its 
value runs from that to $200. On the bottoms of French Creek and its tribu- 
taries, the price is fi'om $50 to $100. The high lands are estimated to be worth 
as low as $25 and as high as $75. In a few choice spots, the value of the latter 
is little less than that of the valley lands, but, as a rule, they bring a lower 
price. The highest priced farming lands are in the vicinity of Erie, Girard, 
North East, Fairview and Water ford, and the lowest priced are in Greenfield, 
Elk Creek, Franklin and Wayne. 

CLIMATE, GEOLOGY AND TIMBER. 

The climate is more moderate than would be thought from the high northern 
latitude. The county lies within the same isothermal lines as Philadelphia 
and Eastern Pennsylvania generally, but, while the average temperature corre- 
sponds with that section, there is less sultry weather in summer and more 
piercing wind in winter and spring. This is due to the proximity of Lake 
Erie, which has a wonderful effect upon the atmosphere. To the same influ- 
ence is due the fact that the seasons are from one to two weeks earlier on the 
lake shore than they are in the southern part of the county, and that peaches, 
melons and grapes grow successfully in the first section, while they are almost 
a total failure in the other. It sometimes happens that good sleighing prevails 
in the southern townships when the ground is bare along the lake. In the 
spring, especially if ice is on Lake Erie, the winds are somewhat tryincr to 
those who are not acclimated, but this brief period of unpleasant weather is 
more than recompensed by the delightful summers, the freedom from foo-s and 
miasma, and the purity of the water. On the south side of the dividing 
ridge frosts are frequent in the late spring and early fall, but nothing of the 
kind is known along Lake Erie, except at the seasonable period of the year. 
The winters and summers are about of equal length, but it is seldom that 
either are extreme or unendurable. For at least six months in the year, the 
county is as delightful a place of residence as the most fastidious could desire. 

A peculiarity of the county is the scarcity of stone, of which barely 
enough is found for ordinary home use. The entire lake front is under- 
laid to a height of four to seven feet above the water's edge with a body 
of soft slate, which is practically valueless for building purposes. The only 
quarries of much account are in Franklin, Le Boeuf, Summit and Waterford 
Townships, and these do not consist of vast masses of rock, but are merely 
thin layers, one above the other, ranging from five to twenty feet in total thick- 
ness. The stone is hard, of good quality and easily worked, but is saturated 
with oil, which causes it to blemish after exposure. Small quarries are found 
. in Fairview, Washington, Amity, Venango, McKean and Union, but are rarely 
^ worked to advantage. There is little surface stone, and the most that is found 
consists of bowlders that have been thrown up by some convulsion of nature. 

When the county was first opened to settlement it was covered with a dense 
forest, consisting mainly of pine, hemlock, chestnut, walnut, cucumber, beech 
and maple. Perhaps two-thirds of the land has been cleared, and but little 
good timber is left. The pine and hemlock of the French Creek Valley were 
largely rafted to Pittsburgh. That of the lake shore was shipped to Cleve- 



150 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

land, Buffalo and the New York markets. The county does not furnish build- 
ing material enough now for home use, and at the rate the forests are disap- 
pearing it will not be long until there will 'be barely sufficient for ordinary 
farm purposes. 

MINERALS, OIL WELLS, ETC. 

No minerals of any kind have ever been found in the county, except small 
deposits of iron, of the grade known as bog ore, in Mill Creek and Elk Creek 
Townships, and a few unimportant beds of marl in Waterford, Wayne and Le 
Bceuf. None of these are extensive enough to be considered worth working 
at present, though the iron ore was used to a slight extent during the early 
history of the stove manufacture. 

Mineral springs, the waters of which are of a medicinal character, have 
been discovered in different localities. One in Elk Creek Township has con- 
siderable reputation and is much visited. Another in Erie, near the corner of 
Eighth and Chestnut streets, was once quite widely known. 

Before the days of canals and railroads, a number of salt wells were put 
down at various points, and the manufacture of salt was carried on to a con- 
siderable extent. The most valuable of these were along the East Branch of 
Conneaut Creek, near Wellsburg. A salt spring still flows in Springfield, and 
salt licks prevailed in almost every township. 

A great many test wells for oil have been bored, nearly every section hav- 
ing had from three to half a dozen experiments of that character. With 
scarcely an exception, a small yield of oil has resulted, but not enough to en- 
courage the belief that it will be found in paying quantities. The most prom- 
ising territory is in Union. Franklin and along Mill Creek, in Erie City. 
The Althof well in Erie produced oil enough for many years to warrant the 
expense of pumping. The oil that has been got in the county is of the heavy 
kind used for lubricating purposes. Natural gas is found almost everywhere 
by boring. The wells put down for oil have invariably yielded gas in a heavy 
volume, and in Erie it has been used in a number of instances for light and 
fuel. In the course of time, the gas diminishes and the wells lose their value. 

Several extensive sink holes have been encountered, the best known of 
which is on the line of the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, near Waterford. 
They undoubtedly mark the beds of small lakes. 

The most interesting natural curiosities are the " gulfs," or gullies, of the 
lake shore creeks, and the " Devil's Backbone" in Girard Township. Winter- 
green Gulf, in Harbor Creek Township, five miles southeast of Erie, and the 
gulf of Six Mile (Jreek, near the Clark settlement, in Harbor Creek Township, 
are the most interesting of the gullies. The first of these has become a pop- 
ular picnic resort. The views from the ridges overlooking Lake Erie are very 
fine at some points, especially about sunset. 

Tamarack Swamp, in the northeast part of Waterford and the eastern part 
of McKean Townships, is about two miles long by 100 rods wide. Its waters 
flow into Le Bceuf Creek. Portions of the swamp have been drained, leaving 
a rich, black mold that is very productive. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 151 



CHAPTER III. 

GEOLOGY. 

THE geological formations are comprised within the Devonian period, and in- 
clude in the nomenclature of the State geological report, in descending order, 
Corry and Cussewago Sandstone, Venango Oil Sand Group, Chemung forma- 
tion, Girard shales and Portage flags. The age of the upper strata has not 
been definitely determined. The Corry and Cussewago beds belong either to 
the Pocono, No. X, or Catskill, No. IX, formation, and the Venango Group is 
by different geologists ascribed to both Catskill and Chemung ages. 

Topography. — The mean level of Lake Erie above the ocean in New York 
Harbor is 573 /^ feet. Facing the lake, a steep terrace of sand and clay, from 
50 to 100 feet high, rises, and through this terrace break three or four fair sized 
streams and numerous smaller ones, descending a slope which extends upward 
from the lake terrace to a line which may be drawn from the northeast corner 
of Greenfield Township, through Greenfield, Greene, Summit, McKean and 
Franklin. The slope is high and short at the New Y''ork line, hence the lake 
streams in the east part of the county are short and rapid. Along the Ohio 
line, the slope is long and low, and the streams here are larger. Walnut 
Creek heads only eight miles from the lake shore, but is fifteen miles in 
length. Elk Creek is thirty miles long, yet its head is only ten miles 
back from the shore. Conneaut Creek runs twenty-six miles in Pennsylvania, 
then crosses into Ohio. The course of all these streams is the same, drst 
down the upper part of the slope toward the lake, then westward in a deep 
gully parallel to the lake, then out through a ravine straight to the lake shore. 

South of the divide, French Creek is the largest stream in Erie County. 
The valleys are flat, one or two miles wide, and are bordered by low and 
gently rounded hill slopes, separated by low, flat table- lands. Swamps occur 
along the South Branch of French Creek, and Tamarack Swamp stretches across 
the water-shed of the divide, on the highest land of the Waterford (McKean) 
Township line; elsewhere in Erie County, swamps are rare. Several lakes are 
found in the low valleys. 

Drift Period. — There is little land in the county that has not been affected 
by the great ice-sheet which in glacial times moved sovitheastward over the 
entire count} , except possibly the hilltops which rise 1,200 feet above the level 
of the lake; in them no erratic bowlders have been observed. While the ice 
was smoothing down the lower flat country of the western townships, it was 
operating through the deep and narrow vales of the eastern ones, leaving the 
high hill-tops comparatively untouched. The character of drift deposits can 
be studied along the shore of Lake Erie toward the Ohio line, where they 
constitute a terrace bluff fifty to eighty feet high, out of which the waves are 
constantly removing the clay and fine sand, leaving the coarse sand, pebbles 
and bowlders to be daily rounded and polished on the beach. The matrix is a 
bluish-white tough clay, imbedding fragments, mostly angular, of all kinds of 
crystalline rocks, with sandstone, shale, black slate and limestone, and occa- 
sionally a large bowlder of granite or gneiss. Quicksand is abitndant in the 
drift deposits of the townships back from the lake. 

Buried Valleys. — Scarcely a stream of any considerable size in Erie 



152 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

County flows over a rock bed except those which cut deep ravines in the lake 
slope. The present water-courses meander along the upper surfaces of drift 
deposits, which fill up the ancient valleys to various heights above the old rock 
beds, even in some places where no living stream now flows. Bed rocks are 
seen along French Creek at Union, Mill Village, Le Boeuf and elsewhere, but 
the flood plain being two miles wide, there is ample space for a buried valley 
between the two wall slopes. 

The most remarkable of these buried valleys are those through which two 
streams now flow in opposite directions from a common divide scarcely more 
elevated than other parts of the flood plain. 

These ancient valleys were excavated, first, either by ancient rivers flowing 
from 100 to 400 feet below the present floors; or, second, by the great south- 
ward moving Canadian ice sheet, which as it retreated tilled them up again 
with debris; or, third, they were first excavated by pre-glacial rivers, then 
deepened and widened by the moving ice and filled with its moraine to the 
present level. J. C. White, who made the geological survey of Erie County, 
ascribes the buried water ways to the plowing power of ice. The State Geol- 
ogist, Prof. J. P. Lesley, takes exceptions to this view, and assigns the val- 
leys to ancient rivers draining Northwestern Pennsylvania toward Lake Erie. 
Recent discoveries confirm this latter opinion. Prof. Spencer, tif King's Col- 
lege, Windsor, Nova Scotia, has shown that a submerged valley bed crosses Lake 
Erie transversely, entering the present lake basin from the north, and by a 
bend northward and extending beneath the present drift tilled water bed of 
Grand River, Upper Canada, then passing eastward into the head of Lake 
Ontario. Into this river channel, before the basin of the lake was tilled, the 
Allegheny, French Creek, Mahoning and other streams doubtless poured their 
waters. Then came the glacial winter, and a thousand feet of snow and ice 
from the Laurentian Mountains moved slowly southward, tilled the channel of 
this ancient river, damming back its waters and converting the forest -covered 
plain into an inland sea, banking itself against the Pennsylvania upland, and 
sending long glaciers across the country. By the melting of these glaciers, 
the valleys were tilled with debris and a new topography formed. Lake Erie 
and the upper lakes were formed; the direction of Pennsylvania and Ohio 
rivers was reversed to the south. The pent-up waters of the inland sea found 
new outlets. The waters were lowered from terrace to terrace, and Niagara 
River was rapidly cut back till the present lake level was reached. 

Terraces. — Along Lake Erie, there are many fragmentary remains of old 
terraces, marking ancient higher levels of the lake surface. From the tojD of 
the bluflf east of the Ohio line the land slopes up regularly and very gently, 
covered with a continuous beach sand and shore shingle to 225 feet above the 
present lake level. This sloping plain east of Erie, near Belle Valley, be- 
comes a continuous flat at an elevation of 425 feet above the lake, covered in 
places with beach sand, etc. On the irregular escarpment of higher land, 
which rises from this flat on the south, no shore deposits were found. In Har- 
bor Creek and western northwest townships, is the nearest approach to a series 
of terraces; three miles back from the lake, at 577 feet elevation, is a wide 
level, destitute of beach deposits; an abrupt descent to about 500 feet eleva- 
tion reaches to the remnant of a terrace, covered with beach sand and shingle; 
then follows a rapid descent, wholly destitute of beach deposits to 300 feet 
elevation, to a broad sloping plain, covered with beach sand, etc. At the 
northern edge of this plain, 220 feet above the lake, is a genuine terrace of 
beach sand forty feet high, from the foot of which a plain one mile wide ex- 
tends to the top of the blutf, 170 feet high, which descends steeply to the 
water's edge. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 153 

Dip of the Rocks. — Everywhere throughout Erie County the strata appear 
to be horizontal, but in reality they possess a slight dip southwaid and west- 
ward. Along the Corry meridian it is twenty-five feet per mile; from Erie to 
the Ohio River, it is twenty feet per mile, and farther west it is slighter. The 
dip westward along the parallel of "Wattsburg is eleven feet per mile, and 
along the southern line of the county seven feet per mile. Two miles south 
of Middleboro, there is a slight northward fall of the rocks. Many[ other 
slight variations and undulations may exist, but if so they have not been 
detected. 

The Shenango Group.— This group probably representing the Pocono form- 
ation, No. X, is the highest geological strata found in Erie County. The She- 
nango Shale deposit generally consists of blue, gray and brown clay-shales and 
in Crawford County varies from thirty-six to sixty feet in thickness; if found 
in Erie County at all, its bottom layers are left on the highest hill-tops. The 
Shenango sandstone, immediately below the shale, is from fifteen to thirty-five 
feet thick in Crawford County, and in Erie County caps two or three isolated 
knobs in Concord Township. 

The Meadville Group, immediately below, and with the Shenango corre- 
sponding to the Cuyahoga Shales of Ohio, in Crawford County, consists of 
Meadville Upper Shales, Meadville Upper Limestone, Meadville Lower Shales, 
Sharpsville Upper Sandstone, Meadville Lower Limestone, Sharpsville Lower 
Sandstone and Orangeville Shales. In Erie County they have scarcely an 
existence. The Sharpsville Upper Sandstone crops out in the east end of the 
county in a few isolated knobs. 

The Oil Lake Group, a part of Pocono Sandstone, No. X, and supposed by- 
Mr. White to be identical with the Berea grit of Ohio, includes the Corry and 
the Cussewago Sandstones and the Cussewago Limestone and Shale. The 
Corry Sandstone is found in a few of the highest hills in the southern parts of 
Concord, Union and LeBoeuf Townships. One mile south of Corry. about 
300 feet above the city, and 1,160 feet above Lake Erie, are two quarries. Only 
eight feet of the sandstone have escaped erosion, and four feet are so shattei-ed 
that the lower four feet only can be used. The Cussewago Limestone is 
exposed in D. Matterson's ravine, near the center of Concord Township, where 
it ib a foot thick. 

Beneath the Cussewago sandstone and down to the Venango group, a dis- 
tance of about eighty feet, occurs a series of very fossiliferous drab, bluish and 
gray sandy shales, sometimes shaly sandstone, called the Riceville Shale. 

The Venango Oil Sand Group includes the most important strata of Erie 
County. It varies in thickness from 250 to 350 feet, and crops out over most 
of the surface south of the great divide. In the counties farther south, it is 
this group buried far beneath the surface that yields petroleum. The First, 
Second and Third Oil Sands there correspond with the Venango Upper, Middle 
and Lower Sandstones. 

Venango Upper Sandstone. — A coarse sandstone is the only reservoir of 
free petroleum, and a loose gravelly sandstone the only kind from which an oil 
producer expects a free flow in large quantities. The Upper and Middle 
Venango sands of Erie County are in the form of compact, fine grained 
muddy flagstones, and consequently contain little or no oil. The Venango 
Upper Sandstone lies high up the hills and the flags are often grayish- white. 
Two miles west of Edinboro, at Anderson's quarry, they are bluish-white 
smelling of petroleum. At Kussell's quarry, just north of Corry, a bluish- 
white sandstone lies at 1,070 feet elevation above the lake, the seams and 
crevices of which hold petroleum. Underlying the Upper sand are pale blue 
shales, 90 to 100 feet thick, containing fossil shells of the Chemung type. 



154 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The Venango Middle Sandstone makes little show in Erie County, being 
merely marked by a greater number of sandy shales or flagstone layers in the 
mass of softer shales. At Hai'ry Comer's quarry, however, in Washington 
Township, are exposed twelve feet of bluish-white sandstone, smelling strongly 
of petroleum. In the Maynard's Run bluffs. Amity Township, the same flags 
crop out 125 feet above the Le Bceuf Conglomerate. (Venango Lower Sand- 
stone.) In the interval of from 100 to 125 feet between the Venango Middle 
and Lower Sandstones lie blue, gray and brown shales, very fossiliferous. 

Venango Lower Sandstone. — ^This famous " Third Sand" of the old oil 
regions outcrops on the great divide, and may also be seen in French and Le- 
Boeuf C'-eek Valleys at the head of Elk Creek and Black Run and along 
Conneaut Creek, four miles above and below Spring Post Office. Its exposures 
always show it charged with petroleum, even where it is a sand and not a 
gravel rock. Its lower layers yield excellent building stone nearly everywhere, 
and it is the principal quarry rock of Ei-io CouQty. There is often a division 
into an upper gravel or pebble rock and a lower sandstone. Petroleum per- 
vades both, but there is more in the gravel rock. Among the quarries where 
it is taken out for building purposes are the Carroll quarries, Le Boeuf Town- 
ship; Doolittle's quarry, Amity Township; Allen's quarry, two and one-half 
miles from Doolittle's; Reynolds' quarry, Summit Township; Howard's quarry, 
Franklin Township, and Goodman's, northeast from Howard's. 

Its frequent exhibitions of petroleum with the numerous oil springs along 
its outcrop through Erie County have been a fruitful source of vain hope to 
explorers. Little supposing that the show came from the outcrop itself, 
and had nothing to do with the under rocks, explorers have drilled in almost 
every township to depths varying from 100 to 1,800 feet. Probably a half 
million dollars have been thus wasted in Erie County, sunk through measures 
underlying the exposed third oil sand, which the drillers were seeking far be- 
low. The whole petroleum deposit in Erie seems now to be practically voided, 
but a residuum of oil, lowered in gravity and partly oxidized, still remains, 
sufficient in places to unfit the stone for building purposes. 

Below the Venango group are found 325 feet of typical Chemung strata, 
alternate groups of shale and sandstone, fossiliferous, with a thin limestone 
layer at the bottom. Some tolerably massive sandstone layers occur in the up- 
per part of the series, but no pebbles, nothing coarser than sand grains, have 
been noticed. It outcrops along the Lake Erie slope, and the top layers are 
exposed also in the valley of French Creek. 

Beneath this is the Girard shale, a transition series between Chemung and 
Portage, a succession of ashen gray and bluish shales, with only an occasional 
sandy stratum. It is without fossils, except fucoids, and has a thickness of 
about 225 feet. It forms the drift-covei-ed rock surface of Western Erie 
County facing the lake, and is finely exposed in every ravine which descends 
northward from the great divide, but especially along Elk Creek, above Gi- 
rard. Seen from a distance, its bluff slopes look remarkably like the bowlder 
clay of the drift and sometimes like vast banks of gray coal ashes. Its base 
or lowest layer is at lake level at Raccoon Creek, near the Ohio line, and 475 
feet above lake level at the New York line. 

The Foliage Flags, the lowest strata of Erie County, consist of alternate 
layers of gray shale and thin layers of hard sandstone with no fossils except 
fucoids. The top layers rise from the water's edge two miles from the Ohio 
line, and slope up along the lake front until at the New York line they reach 
an elevation of 475 feet. Petroleum and gas issue from some of the thin sand 
layers. Collections of condensed gas undoubtedly exist, and in quarries not in- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



155 



frequently cause explosions. The gas 
from 450 to 1,200 feet. 

The following ia a list of barometric 
points throughout the county: 

Feet. 

Corry (depot) 854 

Union City (P. &. E. depot) 728 

North East(L. S. & M. R. R.) 231 

Moorheads (L. S. & M. R. R) 195 

Harbor Creek (L. S. & M. R. R.) 157 

Wesleyville (L. S. & M. R. R.) 134 

Erie(L. S. & M. R. R.) 113 

Swanville (L. S. & M. R. R.)- • • 152 

Fairview (L. S. & M. R. R.) 162 

Girard 'L. S. & M. R. R.) 144 

Springfield (L. S. & M. R. R.) 90 

Concord Station (K Y.,P. & O. R. R.)..788 

Union City (N. Y.,P. «& O. R. R) 738 

Mill Village Station(N. Y.,P. & O. R. R.)643 

Beaver Dam 862 

Eagle Hotel, Waterford 612 



and oil wells of Erie vary in depth 
elevations above Lake Erie of various 

Feet 

Cross Roads at Cranesville 382 

Girard Junction (E. & P. R. R.) 124 

Crosses (E. «& P. R. R.) '. 192 

Albion (E. & P. R. R.) 284 

Belle Valley (Phila. &. E. R. R.) 434 

Langdon's (Phila. & E. R. R.) 562 

Jackson's (Phila. & E. R. R.) 657 

Waterford (Phila. & E. R. R.) 620 

Le Bffiuf (Phila. & E. R. R.) 644 

Lovell's (Phila. & E. R. R.) 791 

Cedar Ridge, Concord Township 1285 

Greenfield P. 852 

Wattsburg 752 

Cross Roads at Middleboro 497 

Franklin P. 667 



OHAPTEE lY. 



Steeams, Lakes, Bays, Bridges and Culveets. 

THOUGH one of the best-watered sections of the State, Erie County has no 
rivers and few streams of importance. A large number of creeks and runs 
have their origin on the dividing ridges, and course through the county in all 
directions, so that almost every farm has its running water, but only three or 
four are of sufficient size to be given a place on the general map of the com- 
monwealth. The dividing ridges separate the water system of the county into 
two distinct divisions, which may be classed for the present purpose into the 
Northern and Southern. All of the streams which form on the north side of 
the main ridge flow into Lake Erie, and thence, through Niagara River, Lake 
Ontario and the St. Lawrence, to the Atlantic Ocean. Those on the south side 
invariably unite with the Allegheny River, which in turn pours its waters into 
the Ohio, the Mississippi, and the Gulf of Mexico. Of the southern streams 
the most important is French Creek, the common receptacle of all the rest, 
with the exception of the Brokenstraw, which flows through a corner of Wayne 
Township, and the head- waters of Spring Creek and Oil Creek, which have 
their sources, the former in Concord and the latter in that and Union Town- 
ship. The principal tributaries of French Creek, within the county, are the 
South Branch, the Outlet of Lake Pleasant and Le Boeuf Creek. The Con- 
neauttee, which rises in Franklin Township, and the Cussewago, the sources 
of which are both in that township and Elk Creek, join the same stream in 
Crawford County. 

Of the lake shore streams, the leading ones are as follows: Conneaut, 
Crooked, Elk, Trout, Walnut, Mill, Four Mile, Six Mile, Twelve Mile, Sixteen 
Mile and Twenty Mile, the five last mentioned being named according to their 
distance from Erie city. The smaller streams which empty directly into Lake 
Erie, are Raccoon and Turkey Runs, in Springfield Township; Fort Run, in 
Fairview Township; Danford Run, the Head Run, and One, Two and Three 



166 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Mile Creeks, in Mill Creek Township; Cascade and Garrison Runs in Erie 
City; Five Mile Creek, Elliott's Run and Scott's Run, in Harbor Creek Town- 
ship; Spring, Spafiord and Averill Runs, in North East Township; and sev- 
eral rivulets, the titles of which are variously given. 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE ABOVE. 

The tributaries of the above streams are as follows, the terminus of each 
being in the township indicated: 

French Creek — In Greenfield Township, a number of creeks and runs; in 
Venango Township, Middlebrook Alder Run and Fritts Run of the West 
Branch, and Spafford Run of the East Branch; in Amity Township (East and 
West Branches unite), the Outlet of Lake Pleasant, ' Jones' Brook, Henry 
Brook, the Hubbell Alder Run, Deerlick Run, the Hatch Hollow Alder Run and 
Duncombe Run; in Waterford Township, Davis Run; in LeBceuf Township, 
the South Branch, LeBceuf Creek, Trout Brook, Colt Run, Mill Run, Mora- 
vian Run, Gill Brook and Mallory Run. 

Le Boetif Creek. — lu Waterford Township, the West Branch, Boyd Run, 
Trout Run and Benson Run. (Boyd and Trout Runs empty into Lake Le- 
Bceuf, which is really no more than an expansion of the creek). 

The South Branch of French Creek. — In Concord Township, Scotch Run, 
Spring Brook, Lilly Run, Beaver Dam Run, Spencer Run, Baskin Run and 
Slaughter Run; in Union Township, Scotchman's, Wilson, Mulvin, Carroll, 
Bine, Tolbert and Benson Runs. 

Conneaut Creek. — In Conneaut Township, the East Branch, the West 
Branch and Marsh Run. The tributaries of the East Branch are Frazier's 
Run in Elk Ci'eek Township, and Crane and Jackson Runs in Conneaut 
Township. 

Elk Creek. — In McKean Township, the South Branch; in Fairview Town- 
ship, Fall Run and Little Elk; in Girard Township, the West Branch, Hall's 
Run, Brandy Run and Spring Run. 

Walnut Creek. — In Mill Creek Township, McNair and Nece Runs; in Fair- 
view Township, Bear and Beaver Dam Runs. 

Mill Creek. — In Mill Creek Township, Bladen's Run. 

Four Mile Creek. — In Harbor Creek Township, McConnell Run. 

Sixteen Mile Creek. — In Northeast Township, the Borough Branch. 

Hare Creek, the only tributary of the Brokenstraw flowing from the county, 
joins that stream in Warren County, below Corry. Its chief inlets are Bear 
Creek and Scioto Run. 

The Conneauttee is joined by the Little Conneauttee a short distance across 
the line, in Crawford County, and by Pratt and Herbert Creeks in Washing- 
ton Township. 

PRINCIPAL SETTLEMENTS, RAILROADS, ETC. 

Most of the cities, towns, villages and important settlements are located 
upon these streams, having originated in numerous cases in consequence of 
the early establishment of mills. Mill Creek, Cascade and Garrison Runs flow 
through the city of Erie, and Hare Creek with two of its branches, through the 
city of Corry. Belle Valley is located along the banks of Mill Creek; Wes- 
leyville on Four Mile Creek; Harbor Creek Village on Elliott's Run; Moor- 
headville on Twelve Mile Creek; North East and Fi'eeport on Sixteen Mile 
Creek; East Springfield on a branch of Crooked Creek; West Springfield on 
Turkey Run; Greenfield Village and Lowville on the West Branch of French 
Creek; Wattsburg at the junction of the East and West Branches of the latter 




'U6 J, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 159 

stream; Mill Town on the outlet of Lake Pleasant; Beaver Dam on the run 
after which it was named; Elgin and Union City on the South Branch of 
French Creek; Mill Village on Mill Run branch of French Creek; Waterford 
on Le Bceuf Creek and Lake; Branchville on the South Branch of Elk Creek; 
Middleboro at the union of the South Branch with the main stream; Edinboro 
on Conneauttee Lake and Big Conneauttee Creek; McLallen's Corners and 
Draketowu on the Little Conneauttee; Albion and Wellsburg on the East 
Branch of the Conneaat, and Keepville on the main stream; Cranesville on 
Crane Run; Sterrettania and West Girard on Elk Creek and Girard Borough 
on the eastern bluff overlooking its valley; Lockport on Hall's Run; Kearsage 
and Manchester on Walnut Creek; and Fairview and Avonia on Trout Run. 

The Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad, after leaving the lake shore, crosses 
Crooked Creek, into the Conneaut Valley, and follows it into Crawford Coun- 
ty; the Philadelphia & Erie rises from the level of Lake Erie to the Walnut 
Creek Valley, pursues the same to the Le Bceuf Valley, continues down the 
latter, crosses French Creek in Le Bceuf Township, and then runs up the South 
Branch to Corry ; the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio follows the route of the 
South Branch to a point near its junction with French Creek, and from there 
keeps close to the banks of the main stream to a point below Meadville; the 
route of the Buffalo, Pittsburgh & Western road is along the head -waters of 
the South Branch in Concord. Township. The abandoned Erie Canal entered 
the Elk Creek Valley in Girard Township, passed over the stream by a lofty 
aqueduct, and then followed Hall's Run and Crane Run to Conneaut Valley, 
which formed its route into Crawford County. 

FEATURES OF THE STREAMS. 

The most striking feature of the lake shore streams is the deep channels 
they have cut in their passage from the high ground where they originate to 
the level of Lake Erie. These ravines or "gulfs" attend them all, to some 
extent, but are deepest and most picturesque along Elk Creek, in Girard and 
Fairview Townships, Walnut Creek in Fairview, Four Mile Creek in Harbor 
Creek, Six Mile Creek in the same township, and Sixteen and Twenty Mile 
Creeks in North East. The " gulfe " of Four and Six Mile Creeks, where they 
have worn a course through the First and Second Ridges, are from 100 to 150 
feet deep, and are well worth a visit by those who enjoy novel scenery. In Girard 
Township, at the union of the AVest Branch with Elk Creek, is the natui-al 
curiosity known as the "Devil's Backbone," which is yearly visited by many 
seekers after the picturesque. Another feature of the lake shore streams 
deserving of mention is the fact that, while those eastward from Erie City flow 
directly to the lake in a general northwesterly course, those in and west of the 
city, run almost exactly westward until within a short distance of the lake, when 
they suddenly turn to the north and soon after unite with the great current 
which pours over Niagara. This is the more noticeable of Mill Creek, which 
rises in Greene and empties into the lake at Erie; Walnut Creek which also 
rises in Greene, flows across Summit, Mill Creek and Fairview Townships, and 
terminates at Manchester; and Elk Creek, which rises in Waterford, crosses 
McKean, Fairview and Girard Townships, and enters the lake below Miles 
Grove. Conneaut Creek is to some extent an exception to the rule, rising as it 
does in Crawford County, flowing nearly due north through Conneaut Township 
to within a short distance of the Girard line, and then bending abruptly west- 
ward, forming the boundary between that and Springfield Townships, finally 
entering Ohio, and, after a devious course, becoming the harbor of Conneaut 
in that State. The peculiarity here noted is due to the successive hills, making 



160 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

up what is known as the Dividing Ridges, each one of which forms a separate 
valley in which it is claimed the water was originally confined until a break 
or gulf was created through which a passage was found to the lake. The 
streams of the northern division have a rapid cuiTent and aboiind in tiny water 
falls, while the flow of those in the southern division is comparatively gentle. 
The latter are usually bordered by narrow strips of flat land, and the scenery, 
though of a pleasing pastoral character, affords little that is novel or inspir- 
ing. French Creek, all three of its branches — the East, West and South — 
and Le Boeuf Creek, were at one period navigable for rafts and flat-boats, and 
before the building of good roads were the chief avenues for bringing goods 
and provisions into the county. There has been no rafting to speak of on the 
branches of French Creek for forty years, while the business on the main stream 
may be said to have suspended about the time of the outbreak of the last war. 
All of the streams in the county were formerly much larger and more re- 
liable. The cutting off of the timber has had an alarming effect in drying 
up the streams, and the seasons of high water which were once of two or three 
weeks' duration now last only a few days. There being no forests to retain the 
rain, the water runs off very rapidly, causing floods that sometimes do consid- 
erable damage in the southern part of the county. All of the streams were at one 
time full of trout and other fish. 

FRENCH CREEK AND ITS PRINCIPAL TRIBUTARIES. 

It is not the purpose of this chapter to describe any of the minor streams, 
an account of which will be given in the township sketches, to which the reader 
who wishes to know more about them is directed. Only those streams will be 
referred to here which possess something of a general interest by reason of 
their relation to two or more townships, or in consequence of their historical 
associations: 

French Creek. — This stream — the most important in the county — was 
variously known to the Indians as the Toranadakin and Innungah, the latter 
word having some reference to ••' a rude and indecent figure carved upon a 
tree," which the Seneca tribe found when they came to this region after having 
conquered the Eriez. The French at first gave it the name of the River Aux 
BcBufs, but changed it to the River Venango, being a corruption of the Indian 
word Innungah. When the Americans occupied the country, they dropped 
both the Indian and French names, and gave the stream the plain appellation 
of French Creek. The main stream is created by the junction of the East 
and West Branches in Amity Township, just south of the borough limits of 
Wattsburg. The East Branch takes its rise in Chautauqua County, N. Y. , 
near the village of Sherman, and the head of tlie West Branch is usually said 
to be in Findley's Lake, about two miles over the New York line, in the same 
county. The former has a length of more than twenty miles, and flows through 
a corner of Venango Township. The length of the latter is about the same, 
crossing in its course the whole width of Greenfield and Venango. Both 
streams were navigable in the beginning of the centmy for canoes and rafts 
as far north as the New York line, but the erection of dams and the drying 
up of the water made Wattsburg in later years the practical head of navigation. 
After the junction of the East and West Branches, the creek traverses Amity, 
Waterford and Le Boeuf Townships, leaving the county to enter Crawford in 
the last named. It passes through the whole width of Crawford County from 
north to south, nearly in the center of the county, and after watering half of 
Venango County unites with the Allegheny at Franklin. Its length from 
Wattsburg to Franklin cannot be less than a hundred miles, or a hundred and 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 161 

twenty or twenty-five, measuring from the mouth to the source of either of the 
branches. By the time French Creek joins the Allegheny, it has become a 
good-sized stream, which deserves the title of river better than many that 
figure more prominently upon the maps. It was along the valley of this creek 
that Washington traveled on his visit to the French at Fort Le Boeuf, and he 
descended the stream in a canoe on his return jom-ney. The last rafting from 
above the mouth of Le Boeuf Creek was done in 1862. 

Outlet of Lake Pleasant. — This stream, as its name indicates, carries off 
the excess of water in Lake Pleasant. It issues from the foot of the lake, in 
Venango Township, and empties into French Creek in Amity, after a course 
of some three miles. 

The South Branch. — The South Branch of French Creek rises in Concord 
Township, Hows through that and Union, and unites with the main stream in 
LeBoeuf, a short distance below the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad bridge. It 
has a course of perhaps twenty miles. The valley of the South Branch forms 
the route in part of no less than three railroads, the Philadelphia & Erie, 
the Buffalo, Pittsburgh & Western, and the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio. 

LeBoeuf Creek was known to the French as the river Aux Bceufs and was at 
first supposed to be the main stream. It was so named from the number of 
cattle discovered by them on the flats near its mouth. The creek is formed 
by two stems, the eastern one of which rises on the Venango Township line, 
and flows across Greene Township, while the western has its source in Summit 
Township, the two coming together on the northern boundary of Waterford 
Townghip. On the edge of Waterford Borough the creek enters Lake LeBoeuf, 
from which it issues somewhat increased in size. It joins French Creek in 
LeBoeuf Township. From the head of the East Branch to the mouth of the 
creek, the distance is about twenty miles. The head of navigation was at 
Waterford Borough, just above the lake. 

THE LAKE SHORE STREAMS. 

Conneaut Creek, the second largest in the county, rises south of Con- 
neautville, Crawford County, flows in a general northerly direction through 
Cunneaut Township, nearly to the Springfield line, then turns abruptly west- 
ward and continues into Ohio. After changing its course it forms the bound-, 
ary line between Conneaut and Springfield. In Ohio it flows nine miles west- 
ward to Kingsville, then makes anothei- sudden bend to the east, and comes 
back eight miles to Conneaut, Avhere it turns again to the north, and, after a 
further course of about a mile, empties into Lake Erie not far from the Penn- 
sylvania line, forming Conneaut Harbor. It is a very crooked stream, the 
length from head to mouth being fully seventy miles, while the distance by an 
air line is not more than twenty-five. More costly bridges cross this creek 
than any other in Erie County. The East Branch of Conneaut Creek rises on 
the northern edge of Crawford County, flows through Elk Creek Township, 
and unites with the main stream a mile or so northeast of Albion. In the 
latter borough it is joined by Jackson Creek, which rises on the Elk Creek and 
Conneaut line, near Crawford County. The East Branch is about ten miles 
long and Jackson Creek some five miles. 

Elk Creek rises in Waterford Township and flows in a general westerly 
course through McKean, Fairview and Girard Townships to Lake Erie, north of 
Miles Grove. The length of Elk Creek is between twenty -five and thirty miles. 
An efi"ort was made to have the mouth of this stream made the terminus of the 
canal, and various projects have been advocated for establishing a harbor 
there. The name of Elk Creek was given from the number of elk found in its 



1 62 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

valley. Falls Run starts in Franklin Township and joins Elk Creek in Fair- 
view. Brandy Run rises in Fairview Township and unites with Elk Creek in 
Girard. The West Branch, which also joins the same stream in ihe latter 
township, rises in Elk Creek Township, They are all small. 

Walnut Creek, so named because its banks were lined with walnut trees, 
rises on the western edge of Greene Township, and flows through Summit, 
Mill Creek and Fairview, entering the lake at Manchester. Its length is 
about fifteen miles. 

Crooked Creek rises in Lockport Borough, and flows through Girard and 
Springfield to Lake Erie, a short distance from North Springfield. It is about 
ten miles long. 

The Head Run is the small stream that enters Presque Isle bay just above 
the Massassauga pleasure ground. 

Cascade Run is historical because a portion of Perry's fleet was built at its 
mouth. It falls into the bay at the Pittsburgh docks, in Erie City. 

Mill Creek is formed by two branches, the one rising in the extreme south- 
eastern section of Mill Creek Township, and the other in the northwestern 
part of Greene. They unite near the southeastern line of the first-named 
township, and the stream enters the bay within the city limits of Erie. Mill 
Creek cannot be less than eight miles long. 

Four Mile Creek rises in Greene, runs through the western edge of Harbor 
Creek, and enters the lake in the northeastern corner of Mill Creek Township, 
after a coui'se of about eight miles. 

Twelve Mile Creek heads on the line of North East and Greenfield Town- 
ships, and joins the lake in Harbor Creek." Its length is about seven miles. 

Twenty Mile Creek rises in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and empties 
into the lake in North East Township, near the State line. It is from sixteen 
to eighteen miles long. 

LAKES AND BAYS. 

Lake Erie. — The whole northern front of the county is bordered by Lake 
Erie and Presque Isle Bay, giving a shore line, with the various indentations, 
of fully forty-five miles. Lake Erie is one of the chain of " Great Lakes," con- 
sisting, besides itself, of Lakes Superior. Huron, Michigan, St. Clair and On- 
tario. No one of these, except St. Clair, is excelled or equaled in size by any 
body of fresh water elsewhere in the world. The name Erie has been " held to 
mean ' cat,' thus giving the title of Cat to the tribe of Fries, and Cat Lake to 
the body of water." This, however, is disputed by one writer, who claims 
that the word '' means raccoon in the original, and that the error as to meaning 
came into vogue by the confounding by the early French explorers of the wild 
cat with the raccoon, both of which animals abounded, but the latter being the 
most numerous." Recent measurements give the following results: 

"The greatest length of Lake Superior is 335 miles; its greatest breadth, 
160 miles; mean depth, 688 feet; elevation above the ocean, 602 feet; area, 
82,000 square miles. 

"The greatest length of Lake Michigan is 300 miles; its greatest breadth, 
108 miles; mean depth, 600 feet; elevation, 581^ feet; area, 23,000 square 
miles. 

'•The greatest length of Lake Huron is 200 miles; its greatest breadth, 
169; mean depth, 600 feet; elevation. 581^ feet; area, 23,000 square miles. 

"The greatest length of Lake Erie is 250 miles; its greatest breadth is 80 
miles; its mean depth is 84 feet; elevation, 573 j^^ feet; area, 6,000 square miles. 

"The greatest length of Lake Ontario is 180 miles; its greatest breadth, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 163 

65 miles; its mean depth is 500 feet; elevation, 246^ feet; area, 6,000 square 
miles. 

" The length of all five is 1,265 miles, covering an area of upward of 135,- 
000 square miles." 

Lake Erie receives the outflow of Lake Huron through the St. Clair 
River, Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River, and empties itself through the 
Niagara River into Lake Ontario. The outlet of the latter is the St. Law- 
rence River, which, after a course of some five hundred miles, falls into the 
Atlantic Ocean within the Dominion of Canada, the volume of water which it 
carries down being greater than that of the Mississippi. By some geographers, 
the lakes are regarded as expansions of the St. Lawrence, which would give 
that river a length, from the source of the St. Louis, the most remote tributary 
of Superior, of about twenty-one hundred miles. Lake Erie is the fifth and 
most southerly of the chain. Its breadth varies from thirty to eighty miles. 
The narrowest part of the lake is between Long Point, Canada, and Presque 
Isle, and the widest is between Ashtabula, Ohio, and Port Stanley, Canada. 
The average depth of Lake Erie is less than that of any other of the chain, 
except St. Clair, which renders its navigation the most dangerous. It has 
few natural harbors, that of Erie being the best, but the mouths of a number 
of the larger streams have been dredged and protected by breakwaters, offering 
good facilities for shipping. 

In commercial importance. Lake Erie excels any other of the chain. The 
Falls of Niagara, twenty miles below its foot, forbid direct navigation between 
Erie and Ontario. This has been remedied by the construction of the Welland 
Ship Canal. Vessels pass through this artificial channel to and from Lake Onta- 
rio, the St. Lawrence River and the Atlantic Ocean.* The lake seldom freezes 
over more than a few miles from shore, but instances have been known of the ice 
being clogged between Long Point and Presque Isle so that teams and wagons 
have crossed. Navigation usually closes about the 1st of December and opens 
early in April, though it has sometimes begun much sooner. Several winters 
are recorded when vessels have sailed every month of the year. The streams 
that flow into Lake Erie are small, scarcely adding as much to its supply 
as it loses by evaporation. The body of water that flows over Niagara Falls 
is estimated not to exceed that received by the lake through the Detroit River. 
The lake abounds in fish, the most common varieties being white fish, pickerel, 
bass, perch, herring, sturgeon and mutton-heads. 

It is subject to fluctuations of several feet in the. height of the water, ac- 
cording to the direction of the wind. The general surface is also higher in 
some seasons than in others, depending on the winter and spring weather 
along the upper lakes. 

Some unaccountable phenomena are reported by old settlers along the 
shores of the lake. Just after sunset on the 30th of May, 1823, several swells 
were observed at the mouths of Otter and Kettle Creeks, Canada, being twen- 
ty miles apart, and the water suddenly dashed to a height of nine feet at the 
former point and of seven at the latter. The weather was fine and the lake 
had previously been calm. A similar incident was witnessed at the mouth of 
Sixteen Mile Creek, in 1820, at that of Cunningham Creek, Ohio, in 1826, and 
again at that of Grand River, Ohio, in 1830. At the second point named, the 
water rose fifteen and at the third eight feet. Water -spouts are of frequent 
occurrence, and as many as three have been seen at one time. A whirlwind 
was experienced at Conneaut, Ohio, in September, 1839, which lifted the 
water of the lake to a height of thirty feet. Three monster waves are reported 

*The Welland Canal was begun hi 1824 and opened in 1829. 



164 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

a8 having dashed upon the dock at Madison, Lake County, Ohio, the first of 
which was fifteen or twenty feet high. " In 1844 or 1845, a wave came into 
Euclid Creek fifteen feet in height, carrying everything before it. On Novem 
ber 18, 1845, the water at Cleveland suddenly fell two and eight-tenths feet 
during a high wind from the southwest. The Toledo Blade records a change 
of ten feet on December 5, 1856." 

A remarkable phenomenon occurred at Cleveland in July, 1881, which is thus 
described by the Signal Service officer at that port: "At 5:30 in the 
morning there was a slight breeze from off land in a southerly direction, and at 
6 o'clock there was almost a calm, while to the northward a dark cloud appeared 
like a curtain, and at the same time was heard a rumbling sound. At 6:20 
there came up a large green colored wave, with no crest, which approached 
from the northwest with great rapidity, and soon after the passage of the wave 
the wind returned to its original quarter. The cloud, wave and wiad seemed 
to travel together. The wave was about nine feet above the present level of 
the lake. The highest barometer in the country occurred in the city yesterday 
morning, viz., 30.15. The recoil of the wave along the line of the shore caused 
two smaller receding waves, parallel to the shore, and from fifty to seventy- 
five feet apart. " 

Similar occurrences are reported as having happened on the other lakes. 
Col. Charles Whittlesey, of Cleveland, has kept a record of some of the most 
prominent of these events, from which we learn that " on Lake Superior, in 
1879, opposite Isle Royal, there was a sudden fall of four feet in the waters. 
When they returned, they did so with a rush, the vibration continuing for 
several hours. In 1834, the waters above the Sault Rapids suddenly receded, 
and in half an hour returned with great velocity. In August, 1845, Dr. 
Foster states that while in an open boat between Copper Harbor and Eagle 
River, an enormous surge, twenty feet in height and crested with foam, rolled 
toward the shore, succeeded by two or three swells. Dr. Foster observed 
repeated flows and reflux of the waters in 1847, 1848 and 1849, which preceded 
or followed storms on the lake. In 1858, D. D. Brockway reported, in a per- 
fect calm, a sadden rise of one foot and three inches, and in another two and 
one-half feet. The Lake Superior News of July 17, 1855, reports extreme 
fluctuations between the hours of nine in the morning and four in the evening. 
Father Andre, in 1670, while on Green Bay, reported a three-feet rise, but 
this was accompanied by a northwester. On April 14, 1858, the Milwaukee 
Sentinel reported a change of level in Lake Michigan of six feet." 

Bay of Presque Isle. — The Bay of Presque Isle, forming the harbor of 
Erie — the only one in the county — is a quiet and beautiful body of water, 
about five miles long, with a breadth ranging from a mile and a quarter to 
nearly two miles. The long and narrow sand bank which divides it from the 
lake is known as the Peninsula, or in French as Presque Isle, meaning " nearly 
an island." Within a hundred years, the bay extended by a narrow channel 
half a mile further westward than it does now, the action of the sands and 
the earth brought down by the two little streams at the head having caused the 
restriction of its limits. The entrance to the bay is at its eastern end, between 
two long piers which create an artificial channel 200 feet wide. Before the 
Government improvements were made, the mouth of the bay was nearly a mile 
in width, and obstructed by a bar which afforded only six to eight feet of 
water. Now the largest vessels upon the lake can enter easily, and when with- 
in the bay are secure against the worst storms. Two noble lighthouses direct 
mariners to the entrance, while the course of the channel is made clear by a 
series of range lights. At the head of the bay, the peninsula is only a few 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 165 

rods in width, and so low that the water sometimes washes over during 
winter gales. Within a few years, this neck has been protected by a barrier 
of piles and heavy timbers, at the cost of the General Government. A channel 
was opened across this portion of the peninsula many years ago, and several 
vessels passed through, bvit the experiment was unsatisfactory, and the passage 
was allowed to close up. The greatest depth of water in the bay is nearly 
opposite the Pittsburgh docks, where the lead touches bottom at twenty-seven 
feet. 

Misery Bay is a small subdivision of the bay proper at its northeastern 
extremity. Its name was suggested by Lieut. Holdup during the war of 1814, 
when the vessels of the Lake Erie squadron were anchored there. The gloomy 
weather that prevailed, and the vincomfortable condition of the crews made the 
title eminently appropriate. Within this little bay were sunk two of the ves- 
sels of Perry's fleet, the Lawrence and Niagara. The former was raised and 
taken to the Centennial Exhibition in 1876; the latter still lies at the bottom 
of the bay on the side next to the lighthouse. Both of the bays freeze over in 
winter, and usually continue closed until about the Ist of April. They 
abound in fish, and are a famous resort for anglers. A number of pleasure 
yachts ply upon the quiet waters of the bays, and sail boats and row boats are 
always to be had at the boat houses along the public pier. (For a further ac 
count of the bay and harbor, see Erie City.) 

THE INTERIOR LAKES. 

In the interior of the county are three small lakes — LeBoeuf, Pleasant and 
Conneauttee — all of which lie on the south side of the dividing ridge, and 
empty into French Creek. 

Lake LeBoeuf.— ^This lake is in Waterford Township, on the southwestern 
edge of AVaterford Borough. It is about two-thirds of a mile long, by half a 
mile wide. The lake is fed by LeBoeuf Creek and Boyd and Trout Runs. Its 
outlet falls into French Creek in LeBoeuf Township. 

Lake Pleasant, in the southwestern corner of Venango Township, is about 
two-thirds of a mile long by a third of a mile wide, with a depth of five to 
fifty feet. It has no tributary stx'eams except two tiny rivulets, and is appar- 
ently fed by springs in the bottom. The outlet joins French Creek in Amity 
Township. 

Lake Conneauttee lies on the northern side of Edinboro, and is partly in 
that borough and partly in Washington Township. Its length is about a mile, 
and its width a little over a half mile. The deepest water is about fifty feet. 
Big Conneauttee Creek enters at its northern extremity, and leaves at the 
southern, continuing on to Crawford County, where it unites with French 
Creek. 

BRIDGES, CULVERTS, ETC. 

Where there are so many streams, it follows as a consequence that there 
must be a great number of bridges. None of these are very extensive or cost- 
ly compared with the immense structures that are found in other parts of the 
Union. The most important public bridges are those which span French 
Creek in Amity, Waterford and LeBoeuf Townships; Conneaut Creek in Con- 
neaut Township, and upon the line between that township and Springfield; 
the South Branch of French Creek in Union City and Township; Elk Creek 
in Fairview and Girard Townships; Walnut Creek in Fairview and Mill 
Creek Townships; the Big Conneauttee at Edinboro; and LeBoeuf Creek in 
Waterford Township. 



166 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The iron bridges of the "Nickle Plate " railroad over Crooked, Elk, Walnut 
and Twenty Mile Creeks, are the longest and costliest in the county. This 
company have made use of iron almost entirely in crossing the numerous 
streams along the lake shore. State street in Erie is spanned by three good 
iron bridges belonging to the railroad companies. The Philadelphia & Erie 
Railroad has a lofty trestle work over Mill Creek, near Belle Valley, and fine 
wooden bridges over LeBoeuf Creek, in Waterford Township; French Creek in 
LeBceuf ; and the South Branch in Union and Concord. 

On the line of the Erie & Pittsburgh road, Crooked Creek is spanned by 
a formidable bridge and trestle work in Girard Townshijo, while other bridges 
of importance cross Conneaut Creek in the townshij) of the same name. The 
townships which are subjected to the most expense on account of bridges are 
LeBoeuf, Conneaut and Springfield. 

The Lake Shore Railroad formerly overcame the gullies of Twenty Mile 
Creek, Sixteen Mile Creek, Walnut Creek, Elk Creek and Crooked Creek by ex- 
tensive trestle works, which have been replaced by substantial culverts and em- 
bankments that cost many thousands of dollars. Most of the streams upon 
the line of this road are now spanned by stone culverts or iron bridges. It is 
not to be doubted that wherever culverts are practicable the example of the 
Lake Shore Company will eventually be imitated by the other railroad cor- 
porations. 

Within the limits of Erie almost all the city bridges over Mill Creek have 
given way to durable stone culverts. An elegant culvert was thrown across the 
East Branch of Conneaut Creek, in Conneaut Township, for the use of the 
canal, which still remains, and is used for a public road. 

The aqueducts of the canal over Walnut Creek, in Fairview Township, and 
Elk Creek in Girard, were at one time looked upon as wonders of engineering 
and mechanical skill. 



CHAPTER Y. 



Pbe- Historic Remains and Natural Curiosities. 

MANY indications have been found in the county proving conclusively that it 
was once peopled by a different race from the Indians who were found here 
when it was first visited by white men. When the link of the Erie & Pitts- 
burgh Railroad from the Lake Shore road to the dock at Erie was in process 
of construction, the laborers dug into a great mass of bones at the crossing of 
the public road which I'uns by the rolling mill. From the promiscuous way 
in which they were thrown together, it is surmised that a terrible battle must 
have taken place in the vicinity at some day so far distant that not even a tra- 
dition of the event has been preserved. The skulls were flattened, and the 
foreheads were seldom more than an inch in width. The bodies were in 
a sitting posture, and there were no traces that garments, weapons or orna- 
ments had been buried with them. On account of the superstitious notions 
that prevailed among the workmen, none of the skeletons were preserved, the 
entire collection as far as it was exposed being thrown into the embankment 
further down the road. At a later date, when the roadway of the Philadel- 
phia & Erie road, where it passes through the Warfel farm, was being 
widened, an(>ther deposit of bones was dug up and summarily disposed of as 
before. Among the skeletons was one of a giant, side by side with a smaller 




SigE^iV J C.BiJttr^'' 




-EBIE.EA. April'. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 169 

one, probably that of his wife. The arm and le^ bones of this native Amer- 
ican Goliath were about one-half longer than those of the tallest man among 
the laborers; the skull was immensely large; the lower jawbone easily slipped 
over the face and whiskers of a full-faced man, and the teeth were in a per- 
fect state of preservation. Another skeleton was dug up in Conneaut Town- 
ship some years ago which was quite as remarkable in its dimensions. As in 
the other instance, a comparison was made with the largest man in the neigh- 
borhood, and the jawbone readily covered his face, while the lower bone of the 
leg was nearly a foot longer than the one with which it was measured, indi- 
cating that the man must have been eight to ten feet in height. The bones of 
a flat head were turned up in the same township some two years ago with a 
skull of unusual size. Relics of a former time have been gathered in that 
section by the pailful, and among other curiosities a brass watch was found 
that was as big as a common saucer. 

An ancient graveyard was discovered in 1820, on the land now known as 
the Drs. Carter and Dickinson places in Erie, which created quite a sensation at 
the time. Dr. Albert Thayer dug up some of the bones, and all indicated a 
race of beings of immense size. 

ANCIENT EMBANKMENTS. 

Equally curious are the pre-historic mounds and circles found in Wayne, 
Harbor Creek, Conneaut, Girard, Springfield, LeBoeuf, Venango and Fair- 
view Townships. The principal one in Wayne Township, which is still in 
a fair state of preservation, is in the valley of the South Branch of 
French Creek, near the road from Corry to Elgin, and but a short dis- 
tance east of the large springs which furnish water for the State fish-hatch- 
ing establishment. It consists of a vast circle of raised earth, surrounded 
by a trench, from which the earth was unquestionably dug, the whole 
enclosing about three acres of unbroken ground. The embankment has been 
much flattened and reduced by the elements, but is still from one to two feet high 
and from three to four feet wide at the base. "When the first settlers discov- 
ered it, the intei'ior of the circle was covered with forest trees, and stumps are 
still to be seen on the embankment, the rings of which represent an age of 
several hundred years. Half a mile west, a little to the north of the road, on 
a slight eminence, was another and smaller circle, which has been plowed 
down, leaving no vestige behind. 

The circles in other portions of the county are or were similar in their 
general features, with one exception, to the above. Those in Harbor Creek 
Township were situated on each side of Four Mile Creek, slightly southeast 
of the big curve of the Philadelphia & Erie road, on points overlooking and 
commanding the deep gulf of that stream. The one on the west side of the 
creek is still in a good state of preservation, but the other has been obliter- 
ated. The two Conneaut circles were near together, while those in Girard and 
Springfield, four in number, extended in a direct line from the western part 
of the former township to the southwestern part of the latter. One of the 
circles partially occupied the site of the cemetery at East Springfield. In 
Fairview Township, there was both a circle and a mound, the first at the mouth 
of Fort Run and the second at Manchester. The latter, at the close of the 
last century, was about six feet high and fifteen feet in diameter. Somebody 
had the curiosity to open it, in the hope of finding treasure, but was rewarded 
with nothing more than a small quantity of decomposed bones. A tree was 
cut on one of the embankments in Conneaut that had attained the age of 500 
years. The circles in LeBceuf and Venango were very much like those above 
described. 10 



170 . HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The position of some of these embankments would seera to favor the idea 
that they were- provided for warlike purposes, while no speculation of that 
character is warranted by the location of others. That they were not the work 
of the Indians, as our fathers knew them, is the only thing of which we can 
be positively cei'tain. The knowledge we possess of the red men assures us 
that they had neither the will nor the skill to provide such inclosures, either 
for defense or as places of worship. Every instinct of the mind impels us to 
the belief that they are the remains of a superior race to the Indians, who dis- 
appeared so completely and mysteriously that no trace of their numbers, their 
habits, their character, their origin, or their destiny exists in history or in 
tradition. 

MOKE STRANGE DISCOVERIES. 

Other evidences of a different population from the red men, as well as of 
an utterly distinct animal kingdom, have been found in the county. In the 
year 1825, while one Francis Carnahan was plowing along the lake shore in 
Harbor Creek Township, he turned up a strange looking bead, which he 
cleaned and carefully preserved. It fell into the hands of L. G. Olmstead, 
LL. D., a traveler and archaeologist of some reputation, formerly a resident of 
Erie City, but later of Fort Edward, N. Y. , who unhesitatingly pronounced it 
to be one of the celebrated " Chorean beads" of ancient Egypt, and kept it 
until his death as a relic of rare interest and value. Similar beads taken from 
tombs near the Nile are in the Egyptian collection in New York City, one 
other is in a like collection in Boston, and altogether, there are some thirty in 
the great museums of antiquity in Europe. They were employed in worship 
and worn as amulets, and were among the most cherished possessions of the 
ancient people of Pharaoh. Presuming the Harbor Creek bead to be genuine, 
of which Mr. Olmstead was thoroughly convinced, how came it there and what 
is its history? To say the least, it adds additional testimony to the proof fur- 
nished us by the mounds and circles that a race of people inhabited this section 
anterior to the red men, who were far in advance of them in progress and in- 
telligence. Who they were, where they came from, and what became of them 
remains an unsolved problem. 

The skeletons of extinct species of animals have frequently been found in 
the county, but perhaps the most extraordinary discovery of that nature was 
made near Girard Borough in the early part of May, 1880. A man in the 
employ of Mr. W. H. Palmer, while plowing, turned up some bones of a 
mammoth, which, upon investigation by scientific persons, were thought to 
indicate an animal fifteen feet long and from twelve to thirteen feet high. 
One of the teeth weighed three and a half pounds, having a grinding surface 
of three and a half by four inches, and pieces of the tusks led to the opinion 
that they must have Ijeen eight or ten feet long. The most curious feature of 
the case is that animals of this class at the present day are natives of the 
tropics and require the equatorial heat and vegetation of the same region to 
enable them to reach maturity. 

An equally puzzling revelation occurred some twenty-five years ago in 
digging a ditch on the Strong place, in Girard Township, near the Springfield 
line. During the work, a basswood stump was removed, and the men employed 
at the task were surprised to find beneath it a black ash pole nearly fourteen 
feet long, sharpened and burned at one end, and smoothed and rounded at the 
other. The pole lay in a [horizontal position, four feet below the surface of 
the ground, where it could not have been possibly placed at a recent d ay with 
out some mark remaininsr of its method of burial. Nothing of the sort was 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. . 171 

visible, the earth being clay, as iirmly compacted as if it had been deposited 
on the spot at the creation of the world. 

NATURAL CURIOSITIES. 

"While the county is bare of objects of striking natural interest, such as 
are usually to be met with in districts of a mountainous character, it still con- 
tains some curiosities that are worthy of notice. Among these are the immense 
" gulf s " or gullies through which the lake shore streams descend from the 
dividing ridges in the south to the level oi the lake. The gulf of Four-Mile 
Creek, which is partially seen from the cars of the Philadelphia & Erie road 
at the sharp curve a little east of Erie City, extends from nearthe crossing of 
the Station road, about half a mile south of Wesleyville, to Ripley's mill, in 
Greene Township, a distance in a direct line of about four miles, a#d by the 
course of the stream of about one-half more. Its depth varies friim fifty to a 
hundred and fifty feet, with sides that are almost perpendicular at some points, 
and its width is from one to two hundred feet. It is very crooked and irreg- 
ular, and so dark and gloomy at certain points that the rays of the sun seldom 
penetrate it, and the grass and leaves are covered with almost perpetual dew. 
The deepest part is at a spot locally known as Wintergreen Gulf, some four 
and a half miles southeast of Erie, which has become a popular resort, and 
richly repays a visit from those who delight in the sublime and curious freaks 
of nature's handiwork. A.s the creek makes its" way down the "gulf" it is varied 
by numberless pools and waterfalls, some of which are as pi-etty as the imao-ina- 
tion can conceive. The "gulf," however, is very dilScnlt to explore, and it 
will only be when some enterprising person or firm establishes more (jonvenient 
means of ingress and exit that its interesting features will become generally 
known. 

The " gulf '" of Six-Mile Creek, which is wholly in Harbor Creek Township, 
is very similar to the other, and equally deserving of a visit. It commences 
about half a mile south of the Buffalo road and terminates a little north of the 
Station road, being about the same length as the gully of Four Mile Creek. 
Its deepest and most picturesque point is at the Clark settlement, where the 
banks are not far from a hundred and fifty feet high. Gulfs of a like nature 
attend every one of the lake shore streams, but are less picturesque, generally 
speaking, than the two above named. The most interesting are those of Twelve 
Mile Creek, near the lake; of Sixteen Mile Creek, on the southern part of North 
Easi Township; of Twenty-Mile Creek, near the New York line; of Walnut 
Creek, where it was crossed by the old aqueduct; of Crooked Creek, in Spring- 
field Township, and of Elk Creek, in the southern part of Fairview Township. 
In the vicinity of Girard Borough, the gulf of Elk Creek broadens out into a 
very respectable little valley, which, with its abrupt banks, sparkling streams, 
richly cultivated farms, and numerous buildings, forms one of the neatest bits 
of scenery in the county. 

On Falls Run, a small stream that flows into Elk Creek fi-om Franklin 
Township, is a cascade, some fifty feet in height, which is said to be quite at- 
tractive at certain seasons. In Girard Township, south of the borough, is the 
"DeviTs Backbone," which owes its novelty, as in the other cases mentioned, 
mainly to the long continued action of water. The West Branch of Elk Creek 
winds around the base of a ridge for about one fourth of a mile until it reaches 
its point. This it suddenly turns, and then runs in the opposite direction 
along the same ridge. The constant washing of the base has reduced the 
ridge to very slender limits, so that it has a width on top, in some parts, of 
barely two feet. The summit being about a hundred feet above the bed of the 



172 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

creek, and the aides of the ridge nearly perpendicular, few persons have the 
courage to risk life and limb by venturing along the narrow footway. 

A. beautiful waterfall formerly existed on the bank of the bay at the mouth of 
Cascade Run, but was destroyed in the building of the Erie & Pittsburgh 
Railroad and dock, to the inexpressible regret of many admiring citizens. 
The mineral spring in Elk Creek Township should not be forgotten in a re- 
cital of the natural objects of interest in the county. It is situated a mile or 
more up Frazier's Run, a tiny stream that empties into the East Branch of Con- 
neaut Creek at Wellsburg, and is reached through a deep, wide and peculiar 
gorge, which is a favorite spot in that section for picnics and camp meetings. 
The water is strongly impregnated with iron, and beneficial in several kinds 
of disease. 

Neither should the glorious sunsets along the lake shore be omitted in this 
connection. A gentleman who has traveled over the most attractive sections of 
Europe informed the writer that he never saw, not even at the most renowned 
places along the Mediterranean, more charming and inspiring sunsets than he 
witnessed from the ridges back of Erie during the summer and autumn. 
The best elevation from which to view the setting of the sun, as well 
as the lake shore country in general, is from the top of Gospel Hill, south of 
Wesieyville. but tine views may also be had from Russell Hill, between Erie 
and Belle Valley, from Nicholson's Hill on the road to Edinboro, and from a 
point on the Ridge road between Fairview and Girard. 



CHAPTER YI. 



Indian History. 

IN the State Library of Pennsylvania at Harrisburg, are two old French 
maps, one printed in 1763 and the other in 1768, in which rude at- 
tempts are made to show the leading geographical features of portions of the 
United States and Canada. Both represent the south shore of Lake Erie as 
havino- been peopled by a tribe or nation of Indians known as the " Eriez. " A 
note on the margin of each reads as follows: " The ancient Eriez were 
exterminated by the Iroquois upwards of 100 years ago, ever since which time 
they have been in possession of Lake Erie." On the earliest of the maps the 
following is printed at a point along the lake between Cleveland and San- 
dusky. " The seat of war, the mart of trade, and chief hunting grounds of the 
Sis Nations on the lakes and the Ohio." 

The information above given in regard to the Eriez is corroborated in a 
French book printed in 1703, describing the voyages of Le Baron de Lahonton, 
an adventurous Frenchman, who spent ten years among the Indians, com- 
mencing in 1683. " The shores of Lake Erie," he says, " are frequented by 
the Iroquois, the Illinois, the Oumanies, etc., who are so savage that it is a 
risk to stop with them. The Errieronens and the Andestiguerons, who formerly 
inhabited the borders of the lake, were exterminated by the Iroquois." Inci- 
dentally it may be added, he refers to the Massassaugues as a tribe living 
somewhere near the western end of the lake. The latter are also alluded to in 
a memoir on the Western Indians, prepared by M. DuChisneau, at Quebec, in 
1681. Their principal village, according to this author, was upon a beauti- 
ful island twelve leagues above Detroit, where they numbered sixty to eighty 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUI^TY. 173 

men. Freqiient reference is also made in the letters and memoirs of French- 
men who visited this section, to the Flatheads, who would seem to have been 
settled somewhere south or west of the lake. All of the authorities agree that 
the date of the extermination of the Eriez was somewhere about 1650. It is 
claimed by most historians, that the word Eriez was the Indian expression for 
wild cat, iDut a recent writer contends that " this is a mistake, that it does not 
mean wild cat, but raccoon. The latter were abundant upon the lake shore, 
while the former were rarely seen." A French memoir, written in 1718, re- 
lates that one island in the upper part of the lake was infested to so great an 
extent by wild cats, that "the Indians killed as many as 900 of them in a very 
short time." It is possible that the French explorers, from whom the sup- 
posed meaning of the word has descended to us, mistook raccoons for wild cats. 
Kecords are in existence which show that the Eriez were visited by French 
missionaries as early as 1626. They were found to be living on terms of 
amity with the surrounding warlike tribes, and hence they were designated by 
the French, "The Neutral Nation." They were governed by a queen, called 
in their own language, Yagowania, and in the Seneca tongue, Gegosasa, who 
was regarded as "the mother of nations," and whose office was that of "keeper 
of the symbolic house of peace." The chief warrior of the tribe was Ragnotha, 
who had his principal location at Tu-shu-way, now Buffalo. 

EXTEEMINATION OF THE ERIEZ. 

The Eriez were able to preserve their neutral character until 1634, when a 
bloody dissension brc>ke out between the several branches of the Iroquois 
family. During its progress two Seneca warriors appeared at Gegosasa's 
lodge and were hospitably received. They were preparing to smoke the pipe 
of peace when a deputation of Massassaugues was announced, who demanded 
vengeance for the murder of their chief's son at the hands of the Seneca tribe. 
This the queen, in her mediatorial capacity, was prompt to grant. She even 
set out with a large body of warriors to enforce her decree, and dispatched 
messengers to Ragnotha to command his assistance. The visiting Senecas 
flew to their friends to notify them of the queen's course, and a body of fight- 
ing men was hastily gathered in ambush on the road which her army was 
obliged to travel. The Eriez had no anticipation of trouble at that point, and 
the first they knew of the presence of the Senecas was when they heard their 
dreadful war-whoop. The contest that ensued was one of desperation. At 
first the queen's forces gained the advantage, but the Senecas rallied and com- 
pelled the Eriez to flee, leaving 600 dead upon the field of battle. No accounts 
have been preserved of any further hostilities at that time, and it is probable 
that peace was effected upon the Queen's agreement not to enforce her plan 
of revenging the grievance of the Massassaugues. 

The war of extermination between the Eriez and the Iroquois occurred 
about 1650, and was one of the most cruel in aboriginal history. From the 
opening it was understood by both sides to mean the utter ruin of one tribe or 
the other. The Eriez organized a powerful body of warriors and sought to 
surprise their enemies in their own country. Their plans were thwarted by a 
faithless woman who secretly gave the Iroquois warning. The latter raised a 
force and marched out to meet the invaders. The engagement resulted in a 
complete victory for the Iroquois. Seven times the Eriez crossed the stream 
dividing the hostile lines and they were as often driven back with terrible loss. 
On another occasion several hundred Iroquois attacked nearly three times 
their number of Eriez, encamped near the mouth of French Creek, dispersed 
them, took many prisoners, and compelled the balance to fly to remote regions. 



174 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

In a battle near the site of the Cattauraugas Indian mission house, on the Al- 
legheny River, the loss of the Eriez was enormoas. Finally a pestilence 
broke out among the Eriez, which "swept away greater numbers even than the 
club and arrow." The Iroquois took advantage of their opportunity to end 
all fear of future trouble from the ill fated Eriez. Those who had been 
taken captive were, with rare exceptions, remorselessly butchered, and their 
wives and children were distributed among the Iroquois villages, never again 
to be restored to their husbands and brothers. The few survivors "fled to dis- 
tant regions in the West and South, and were followed by the undying hatred 
of the Iroquois. * * * Their council hre was put out, and their name and 
language as a tribe lost." Sculptures and embankments on Kelly's Island, in 
the upper end of the lake, lead to the impression that it may have been the 
last stronghold of the Eriez. 

Traces of the tribe were occasionally found by the French Jesuits in their 
wanderings through the western wilderness. A number were living as helots 
among the Onondagas of New York. They appealed to the missionaries to 
aid them in securing their freedom, but abandoned all hope when the request 
was refused. An early French writer, describing the Chi'istian village of La 
Prairie, says a portion of the settlement was made up of fugitive Eriez. 
Students of Indian history are generally of the belief that the tribe was at 
one time considerably ahead of the other aborigines of North America in pro- 
gress and intelligence. 

THE SIX NATIONS. 

After the extermination of the Eriez, the country on the south side of the 
lake was possessed by the Iroquois, as they were called by the French, or the Six 
Nations, as they were known to the Eni^lish. The Six Nations were originally 
a confederacy of five tribes — the Onondagas, Cayugas, Senecas, Oneidas and 
Mohawks — and were then styled the Five Nations. In 1712, the Tuscaroras, 
being expelled from the interior of North Carolina and Virginia, were adopted 
as a sixth tribe. Their territory stretched from Vermont nearly to the upper 
end of Lake Erie, embracing the head-waters of the Allegheny, Susquehanna 
and Delaware Rivers, and the seat of their " great council tire " was in the 
Onondaga Valley. The Senecas, who were the most powerful tribe, occupied 
the western part of the domain, having their headquarters on the Allegheny 
River, near the line between New York and Pennsylvania. The Indians 
in the northwestern part of this State were Senecas, intermixed with stray 
members from each of the other tribes. " The Historical Collections of Penn- 
sylvania," a very reliable and valuable work, published in 1843, contains 
the following: 

" The peculiar location of the Iroquois gave them an immense advantage. On 
the great channels of water commuaication to which their territories were contig- 
uous, they were enabled in all directions to carry war and devastation to the neigh- 
boring or to the more distant nations. Nature had endowed them with height, 
strength and symmetry of person which distinguished them at a glance among 
the individuals of other tribes. They were brave as they were strong; but 
ferocious and cruel when excited in savage warfare; crafty, treacherous and 
overreaching, when these qualities best suited their purposes. The proceed- 
ings of their grand council were marked with great decorum and solemnity. 
In eloquence, in dignity and profound policy, their speakers might well bear 
comparison with the statesmen of civilized assemblies. By an early alliance 
with the Dutch on the Hudson they secured the use of firearms, and were thus 
enabled, not only to repel the encroachments of the French, but also to extermi- 
nate, or reduce to a state of vassalage, many Indian nations. From these 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 175 

they exacted an annual tribute, or acknowledgment of fealty, permitting them 
however, in that condition, to occupy their former hunting grounds. The 
humiliation of tributary nations was, Lowever, tempered with a paternal regard 
for their interests in all negotiations with the whites, and care was taken that 
no trespass should be committed on their rights, and that they should be justly 
dealt with." 

Jean de Lambertville, a French officer in the Indian territory, writing 
under date of January 10, 1684, said: " Presents, conjoined with kindness, are 
arms which the Iroquois scarcely ever resist; on the other hand, threats, or 
even war, would have been equally fatal to the colony. * * The Iroquois is 
daring, well armed, and makes war like a thief." M. Denonville, writing a 
year later, said of the various Indian tribes: " The Iroquois are the most for- 
midable; they daily make prisoners among their neighbors, whose children 
they carry off at an early age and adopt. " 

FRENCH AND ENGLISH INTRIGUES. 

When the French and English began to extend their settlements westward, 
the lake region was under the full dominion of the Iroquois, with the Senecas 
as the immediate possessors of the soil. Both nations appreciated the im- 
portance of having the good will of the Indians, but the adroit French were 
more successful in winning their friendship than their blunt and less politic 
competitors. As far back as 1730, the French Indian agent, Joncaire, pene- 
trated this section, adopted the habits of the natives, became one of their num- 
ber, and " won them over to the French interest." The French built up a con- 
siderable trade with the Indians, which yielded an immense profit. It con- 
sisted largely of beads, knives, trinkets and other articles of small value which 
were exchanged for skins, and the latter sent to Europe. The English viewed 
the projects of the French with mingled jealousy and alarm, sent out numer- 
ous agents, and succeeded in some quarters in estranging the Indians from 
their rivals, but not to any extended degree. Some of their traders were lo- 
cated at LeBoeuf (Waterford) when the advance troops of the French reached 
that point in 1753. 

Friendly as the Six Nations were toward the French in a commercial 
sense, they did not take kindly at first to the occupation of their country by 
armed bodies of the latter. The expedition of Sieur Marin (or Morang), in 
1753, and the erection of forts at Presqae Isle and LeBoeuf, worked them up 
to a spirit of bitter resentment. A delegation of Senecas waited upon that 
officer at LeBoeuf to inquire of him " by a belt" whether he " was marching 
with a banner uplifted or to establish tranquillity." He answered that his pur- 
pose was to support and assist them in their necessities, and to drive away the 
evil spirits that encompassed them and disturbed the earth, meaning the En- 
glish. His manner and conduct appeased them, so that the Allegheny River 
Senecas zealously assisted the French with horses and provisions. Dur- 
ing the fall of the year, the chiefs of the several tribes bordering on the 
lake and the Allegheny River were called together at LeBoeuf, told by the 
French commander that he could advance no further on account of the winter, 
but would be on hand in the spring with a strong force, and threatened with 
vengeance if they took sides with the English. On Washington's visit to 
LeBoeuf, in 1753, he learned that in addition to the Senecas, the Chippeways, 
Delawares, Chaounans, Ottaways and Orandeeks, tribes in the interior, were all 
in league with the i'rench; 600 Indians took part with the latter at Brad- 
dock's defeat. The Indians of Western Pennsylvania were generally favorable 
to the French throughout the war. 



176 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

M, de Vaudreil, in a letter from Montreal, dated August 8, 1756, wrote 
that " the domiciliated Massassaugues of Presque Isle have been out to the 
number of ten against the English. They have taken one prisoner and two 
scalps, and gave them to cover the death of M. de St. Pierre." This was the 
officer who commanded at LeBoeuf when Washington was there, and who was 
killed in battle near Lake George in 1754. A large body of Indians was 
gathered at Presque Isle in the same year. The small-pox breaking out among 
them caused so much alarm that they made haste to return to their homes. 

In 1757, the English seem to have won some of the tribes over to their 
side, for we learn from the Pennsylvania Archives that the French kept " 100 
men in garrison at Presque Isle, being apprehensive that the English and 
the Indians might attack them there," and by 1759 the nation had reached 
the conclusion that they could very well dispense with the presence of both. 
M. de Vaudreil, writing from Montreal, on March ^31 of that year, stated 
that "There is reason to presume that the Indians would wish there were 
neither French nor English at the beautiful river (the Allegheny), and that 
they are heartily tired of the war" — a wish that is not surprising, as they 
were the greatest sufferers. 

PONTIAC'S CONSPIKACY, 

The war closed in 1760, leaving the whole Western country under the do- 
mination of the English. Presquf Isle was the last of the French forts south 
of Lake Erie to be abandoned. The parting between the French and the 
Indians was extremely affecting. The Indians called them their " brethren," 
and invoked the aid of the Great Spirit to give them a speedy returu. Mat- 
ters went along in comparative harmony between the English and the Indians 
for some time, but the latter were never hearty in their friendship. They 
liked the French better than the English, had been told that they would soon 
come back, and awaited the event with unconcealed anxiety. This feeling 
was encouraged by the French agents, and at last led to one of the most wide- 
spread, successful, and diabolical conspiracies on record. The most powerful 
and influential of the Western chiefs was the renowned Pontiac, head of the 
Ottawa tribe. When the English assumed domination of the country he was 
at first distant and sullen toward them, but in time his prejudices seemed to 
be conquered, and he even rendered some service that led them to believe that 
they could rely upon his co-operation. His friendship proved, however, to be 
assumed, and he was quietly at work fomenting a spirit of hostility among 
the several tribes, and organizing them for concerted action. His plan in- 
cluded a union of all the tribes west of the Alleghanies, including the Six 
Nations. The conspiracy was conducted with siTch secrecy and planned with 
so much skill, that almost before the English knew that hostile measures were 
on foot nine of the thirteen western forts had been captured, among the num- 
ber being Presque Isle. LeBceuf and Venango. Niagara, Pittsburgh and the 
two other forts were invested, "but withstood the attacks until relief ar- 
rived from the Eastern settlements." 

CAPTURE OF LE BCEUF AND PBESQUE ISLE. 

Fort Le Boeuf was assaulted on the 17th of June, 1763. It was com- 
manded by Ensign Price, who had a force of thirteen men. Finding it im- 
possible to hold the post, they crept out at night, managed to elude the savage 
enemy, and escaped to Pittsburgh, From Le Bceuf the Indians, consisting of 
about 200 Senecas and Ottawas, marched immediately to Presque Isle, which 
surrendered on the 22d of the same month. This fort stood upon the bank 



\ 






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ry 




-f£yC^n> 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY, 179 

of the bay, on a point of land just west of the mouth of Mill Creek, that has 
been mainly dug away for railroad purposes. The following account of its 
capture is from Parkman's History of the " Conspiracy of Pontiac: " 

" There had been hot fighting before Presqu'ile was taken. Could courage 
have saved it, it never would have fallen. * * At one of its angles was a 
large block -house, a species of structure much used in the petty forest warfare 
of the day. It was two stories in height, and solidly built of massive timber; 
the diameter of the upper story exceeding that of the lower by several feet, 
so that through the openings in the projecting floor of the former the defend- 
ers could shoot down upon the heads of an enemy assailing the outer wall 
below. The roof being covered with shingles mighi easily be set on fire, but 
to guard against this there was an opening through which the garrison, par- 
tially protected by a covering of plank, might pour down the water upon the 
flames. * * And now the defenders could see the Indians throwing up 
earth and stones behind one of the breastworks; their implacable foes were 
laboring to undermine the block-house, a sure and insidious expedient, against 
which there was no defense. There was little leisure to reflect on this new 
peril, for another, more imminent and horrible, soon threatened them. The 
barrels of water always kept in the block-house were nearly emptied in extin- 
guishing the frequent fires, and though there was a well in the parade ground, 
yet to approach it would be cei'tain death. The only recourse was to dig one 
in the block-house itself. The floor was torn up, and while some of the men 
fired their heated muskets from the loopholes to keep the enemy in check, the 
rest labored with desperate energy at this toilsome and cheerless task. Before 
it was half completed, the cry of fire was again raised, and, at the imminent 
risk of life, they tore off the blazing shingles and arrested the danger. By 
this time, it was evening. The little garrison had fought from earliest day- 
light without a minute's rest. Nor did darkness bring relief, for the Indians' 
guns flashed all night long from the intrenchments. They seemed determined 
to wear out the obstinate defenders by fatigue. While some slept, others in 
their turn continued the assault, and morning brought fresh dangers. The 
block-house was fired several times during the day, but they kept up their for- 
lorn and desperate resistance. The house of the commanding officer sank into 
glowing embers. The fire on both sides did not cease till midnight, at which 
hour a voice was heard in French, calling out that further defense was useless, 
since preparations were made to burn above and below at once. Ensign 
Christie, the officer in command, demanded if any one spoke English, upon 
which a man in Indian dress came forward. He had been made a prisoner in 
the French war, and was now fighting against his own coiintrymen. He said 
if they yielded they would be saved alive, if not, they would be burned. 
Christie resolved to hold out as long as a shadow of hope remained, and while 
some of the garrison slept, the rest watched. They told them to wait until 
morning. They assented, and suspended their fire. When morning came, 
they sent out two persons, on pretense of treating, but in reality to learn the 
truth of the preparations to burn the block-house, whose sides were pierced 
with bullets and scorched with fire. In spite of the capitulation, they were 
suiTounded and seized, and, having been detained for some time in the neigh- 
borhood, were sent as prisoners to Detroit, where Ensign Christie soon made 
his escape and gained the fort in safety." 

ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE CAPTUBE OF PRESQUE ISLE, 

A more vivid, shocking, and altogether different account of the affair was 
written upward of forty years ago by Mr. H. L. Harvey, and has appeared in 



180 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

several historical sketches of the county, but, after comparison with the official 
reports of the day, as published in the Pennsylvania Archives, the present writer 
is led to believe that Par km an has stated the facts correctly. The account of 
Mr. Harvey is to the tenor that three Indians appeared at the gate of the fort 
claiming to be on the way to Niagara with furs — that, upon the pretence that 
their canoes were bad, and that they wished to sell him their stuff, they in- 
duced the Ensign in command to visit their camp, a mile east, with his clerk — 
that, after a due season of absence about a hundred and lifty Indians reached 
the fort, bearing what appeared to be packs of furs — that, upon being admitted, 
they drew their tomahawks and rifles, butchered those who resisted, and tor- 
tured to death those who were taken prisoner — and that only two persons of 
all the irmates of the fort escaped, the one a soldier who had gone into the 
woods, and the other a woman who hid in the wash house at the mouth of the 
creek, was discovered the next day, taken prisoner, and ultimately ransomed. 
This story, though blood-curdling enough to please the most distempered 
mind, is hardly consistent with itself, and is not borne out by the official docu- 
ments. It is said that an occurrence somewhat similar to the account of Mr. 
Harvey actually transpired at Venango, and his informant, in some way, prob- 
ably, got the two affairs mised. The history of the event, as given by Park- 
man, agrees with that of Mr. Thatcher in his "Life of Pontiac." 

For some time after the capture of the forts, the sparsely settled western 
country was a "dark and bloody ground" indeed. Hundreds of traders and 
settlers were shot, tomahawked and scalped, and no mercy was shown even to 
the women and children. Many babes had tlieir brains knocked out before the 
eyes of their terror-stricken mothers; many shrieking wives were ravished and 
murdered in the presence of their tortured and helpless husbands. It was one 
of the most terrible episodes in border history, and seemed for the time to have 
ci'ushed out all hope of the advance of civilization into the interior of the 
country. A covenant with the Indians of New York and Western Pennsylvania 
was made in the fall of 1763, but hostilities, though not upon an extended 
scale, were soon renewed. Early in 1764, a British Army of 3,000, under com- 
mand of Gen. Bradstreet, passed up the lake in canoes. They stopped at 
Presque Isle and dragged their canoes across the neck of the peninsula to avoid 
paddling several miles around. After relieving Detroit, Bradstreet returned to 
Presque Isle, where on the 12th of August, 1764, he made a treaty of peace 
with the Delawares and Shawnees, which was scarcely signed till it was broken. 

No authentic record of events in this section can be found from that date 
until 1794. The fort appears to have been abandoned, and it is probable that 
the English made no attempt to exercise more than nominal control over the 
country. A few traders wandered back and forth, but there is no knowledge of 
any permanent settlement. The whole region along the south shore of Lake 
Erie, and for many miles south and west, was known as the Indian country. 
Pittsburgh was the nearest white settlement on the south, and Cherry Valley, 
New York, on the east. 

AMERICAN OCCUPATION. 

The treaty of Peace with Great Britain, which secured the independence 
of the United States, was made in 1783. By its provisions the British Gov- 
ernment abandoned all claim to the western country, and agreed to withdraw 
its troops and yield up possession of the forts, block-houses and other mili- 
tary structures. In October, 1784, a treaty was made with the Six Nations by 
which they x'elinquished to the State of Pennsylvania all of the Northwest to 
a line parallel with the southern boundary of New York. By another treaty, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 181 

made on the 9th of January, 1789, with a part only of the Six Nations, they 
acknowledged "the right of soil and jurisdiction to and over" the Triangle 
"to be vested in the State of Pennsylvania." Some dissatisfaction having 
arisen among the Seneca tribe in consequence of this act, the Legislature em- 
powered the Governor to dj-aw a warrant for $800 in favor of Cornplanter, Half 
Town and Big Tree, in trust for the use of the tribe and in full satisfaction of 
all demands, in consideration of which the said chiefs, on the 8d of February, 
1791, signed a release of all claims against the State for themselves and their 
people forever. On the 3d of March, 1792, the Triangle was purchased from 
the United States by the Commonwealth, and a month later an act of Assembly 
was passed to encourage its settlement by white people. State troops, to fa- 
cilitate this purpose, were first stationed at LeBoeuf early in May, 1794. It 
was the intention to establish a post at Presque Isle forthwith, but events 
that will be related hereafter delayed the enterprise. 

The treaties and deed referred to above were distasteful to a large element 
of the Six Nations, and even some of the Senecas refused to acquiesce in 
them, charging that Cornplanter and the other chiefs had been bribed to give 
the documents their signatures. The Indians regarded the presence of the 
State troops with great disfavor, and determined, if possible, to prevent the 
settlement of the territory. They were incited to this course by English emis- 
saries, who hoped that by a rising of the Indian tribes they might cripple the 
infant government of the Union, and perhaps restore the western territory to 
the British crown. Among the most hostile to the progress of the Americans 
was the notorious Brandt, head of the Mohawk tribe, who still cherished the 
idea, originated by Pontiac, of building up a great Indian confederacy and re- 
stricting the control of the Union to the countrv east of the Allegheny. The 
following letter, written by him on the 19th of July, 1794, to Gov. Simcoe, of 
Upper Canada, shows in a clearer light the aid extended to the hostile Indians 
by the British authorities : 

"In regard to the Presque Isle business, should we not get an answer at 
the time limited, it is our business to push those fellows hard. * * Should 
those fellows (the Americans) not go oft", and O'Bail (Cornplanter) continue in 
the same opinion, an expedition against those Yankees must of consequence 
take place. His excellency has been so good as to furnish us with a cwt. of 
powder, and ball in proportion, which is now at Fort Erie, opposite Buffalo; 
but, in the event of an attack upon LeBoeuf people, I could wish, if consist- 
ent, that his excellency would order a like quantity in addition to be at Fort 
Erie in order to be in readiness; likewise, I would hope for a little assistance 
in provisions." 

It may be stated here that the Six Nations were dissuaded from joining the 
confederacy of Western Indians to oppose the Americans chiefly by the in- 
fluence of Cornplanter. His course cost him the confidence of his people, but 
he was rewarded by the thanks of the United States Government, and received 
liberal donations of land at its hands. 

THREATS or AN INDIAN WAR. 

The above letter from Brandt anticipates our story somewhat, and requires 
an account of some preliminary events in order to be correctly understood. 
Early in 1794, an Indian council was held at Buffalo, where there was a con- 
siderable Seneca village, to protest against the settlement at Presque Isle, on 
the result of which, it was given out, would depend the issue of peace or war. 
To this council Cornplanter, whom Brandt was seeking to win to his side, was 
invited. Meanwhile, an Indian had been killed in a drunken fray by a State 



182 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

soldier at or near Pittsburgh, which gave the hostiles an excuse for their in- 
cendiary conduct. The State oiiticials " settled" the troiible by paying $100 to 
" replace " the dead Indian, and it is quaintly stated in the chronicles of the 
day that " many of his tribe were sorry that it was not their relative, that they 
might have got a share of the money. " Soon after this, two canoes were fired 
into by the Indians as they were floating down the Allegheny, and four men 
were killed and three wounded. The officials of the General Government were 
fearful of an extended war, and urged Gov. Mifflin to suspend operations at 
Presque Isle, while the State authorities, on the contrary, were confident 
that the best way to avert the strife was to garrison the place with a respect- 
able force. After considerable correspondence, including a personal letter from 
President Washington, operations were sulkily suspended by order of Gov. 
Mifflin, who was harshly criticised for it by the leaders of public opinion in 
the West. 

The council at Bu£falo was attended by Gen. Israel Chapin, U. S. Super- 
intendent of the Six Nations, who wrote to the Secretary of War: " I am afraid 
of the consequences of the attempt to settle Presque Isle at present. The In- 
dians do not acknowledge the validity of the Cornplanter sale to Pennsyl- 
vania." By request of the council, he went to LeBoeuf on or about the 26th 
of June, 1794, accompanied by Mr. Johnson, British Indian Agent, and twen- 
ty-five chiefs and warriors, to remonstrate with the State officers at that post 
against the placing of garrisons in the Northwest. The representatives of the 
Six Nations claimed to be anxious to live at peace with the United States, but 
pretended to be much disturbed by the presence of the troops, fearing that it 
would involve them in strife with the hostile Indians, They were assured by 
Ellicott and Denny, the State officei's at LeBceuf, that the soldiers could not 
move from there till ordered, and that they would await the commands of 
their superiors in authority. The council adjourned without accomplishing 
anything of a definite character. During its continuance, it was reported that 
two armed British vessels were lyiug off Presque Isle, evidently for the pur- 
pose of intimidating the State officials. 

Another Indian council was held at LeBoeuf on the 4th of July, 1794, at 
which the chiefs I'eiterated their purpose of preventing a garrison being 
stationed at Presque Isle. 

RAIDS BY THE SAVAGES, 

The savageH continued to be sullen and threatening for some months, and 
many persons looked upon war as imminent. Several raids were made upon 
the southern settlements, among others on Cussewago, near the Crawford 
County line. A Mr. Dickson, living near there, was fired upon by a party of 
Indians on the 10th of September. Twelve soldiers, sent from LeBoeuf for 
the protection of the settlement, were fired upon, and the Indians drove off 
several horses. Matters remained in this alarming condition till October, 
when news reached LeBoeuf of Wayne's victory on the Maumee. This had a 
wonderful effect upon the Indians of our vicinity. A number of warriors of 
the Six Nations had taken part in the fight, and the reports they brought back 
of Wayne's daring had a disheartening effect upon their comrades. The Sen- 
ecas, who had been strongly urged to go into the war, gave the messengers a 
peremptory refusal. Notwithstanding this decision, disturbances broke out on 
several occasions, which continued to delay the establishment at Presque Isle. 
On Saturday, the 29th of May, 1795, four men who were journeying from 
LeBceuf to the latter point, were attacked ' near the present Union depot 
in Erie, by a party of Indians, in retaliation, it is supposed, because some 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 183 

of their friends had been tired upon by whites along the Allegheny. Ralph 
Kutledge, one of the number, was killed and scalped, and his body, be- 
ing afterward found, was interred on a piece of rising ground on the west side 
of State street, near its junction with Turnpike. His son was also shot and 
scalped, but lived to be taken to the fort at LeBoeuf, where he died. This is 
the last Indian difficulty known to have taken place in the county. 

A treaty of peace was effected with the Western tribes by Gen. Wayne at 
Greenville, Ohio, on the 3d of August, 1795, and another was made with the 
Six Nations at Canandaigua, N. Y., on the 9th of November ensuing. At 
this latter, which was described in the annals of the day as " the Great Coun- 
cil," 1,600 Indians were present, including Cornplanter, who was at the head 
of 400 of the Allegheny portion of the Senecas. 

INDIAN VILLAGES AND GRAVEYARDS. 

Singular as it may appear, considering the fertility of Erie County, and 
the splendid facilities it must have furnished for hunting and fishing, there is 
no evidence that any large number of Indians ever made their abode within its 
limits after it became known to the whites. In 1795, there were Indian vil- 
lages on Mill Creek, and at the head of the bay, each numbering from twenty 
to thirty families. Their corn fields were on the flat lands above, about 
half a mile southwest, partially covering the farms of James C. Marshall 
and A. J. Kelso. Other villages were located at Waterford and Cranes ville. 
The latter was there when Mr. (Jolton, the earliest settler of Elk Creek Town- 
ship, made his location in 1797. From all that we can learn through the an- 
cient records, the village at Waterford was and had long been the most im- 
portant in the county. Traces of the settlement existed until about forty 
years ago. The villagers had a burial place, orchard, extensive corn fields and 
vast herds of cattle. 

On the Scouller farm, directly south from the Martin Warfel place, and in 
the southeast corner of the city limits, was an Indian graveyard, where the 
boys of forty years, ago used to irreverently dig into the mounds and gather 
bones as relics. The first field east of the burial ground was cleared in 1821, 
and for some years after it was a frequent thing to find stone hatchets and 
other rude implements of the aborigines. It was the custom for many years 
after the incoming of the whites, for parties of Indians to camp near by and 
indulge in peculiar rites in commemoration of their ancestors. The last Indian 
encampment was in June, 1841, when about a dozen Indians spent a couple of 
days on the site. The mounds have all been plowed down, and no traces exist 
of this once sacred spot to the red men. 

Numerous Indian graves, arrow heads, pieces of pottery, and other curios- 
ities have been found in a grave on the Hunter place, bordering French Creek, 
in LeBoeuf Township. A graveyard' was opened on the Ebersole farm, east of 
Erie City, which contained numerous bones, beads and other Indian remains. 
All of the bodies were in a sitting position. Graves have been found in 
spots all along the Ridge road from Ebersole's woods to State street in Erie. 

As to the number of Indians in this section, the only authority we have is 
a letter from Andrew Ellicott to Gov. Mifflin, written from LeBoeuf, in 1794. 
In this epistle he said: "When I was at Niagara, in 1789, Mr. Street, who 
stored the presents from the British Government for the Six Nations, handed 
me a census of their numbers, which liad just been taken, and on which the 
decision was to be made, and it amounted only to between 3,200 and 3,300 
men, women and children." What became of the Indians, it is dilfi- 
cult to state. Many undoubtedly went westward, while others took up their 



184 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

homes on the reservations along the Allegheny. Early in the century, bodies 
of Indians passed through the county occasionally on friendly visits between 
New York and Western tribes. Maj. G. J. Ball informs us that when a boy he 
saw parties of 100 to 150 red men, women and children, encamped on the 
parks in the city of Erie. 

In an appendix to his published oration at the dedication of the monument to 
Cornplanter, in 1867, Hon. J. R. Snowden gives the following, as the location 
and number of the Seneca Indians at that date: 

"On the Allegheny River, in Pennsylvania, fifteen miles above Warren, at 
Corn planter's town (Jennesadaga), 80; acres of land owned, 300 ; on the 
Allegheny Reservation, in New York, a few miles above the Pennsylvania line, 
900; acres of land owned, 26,600; on Cattaraugus Reservation, in Erie and 
Cattaraugus Counties, N. Y. , about 1,700; acres of land under cultivation, 
5,000; at Tonawanda, in New York, about 700; acres of land owned, 7,000. 

" The Oneidas at the same time numbered 1,050. Some 250 were located 
in Oneida and Madison Counties, N. Y., and the balance of the tribe were in 
Brown County, Wis. The Onondagas and Tuscaroras were each 350 in 
number, the former living about six miles south of Syracuse, N. Y. , and the 
latter about seven miles northeast of Niagara Falls." 

Mr. Snowden adds: " The present condition of these remnants of the Six 
Nations is quite respectable. In most of the reservations they have schools 
and places of public worship. Many of them belong to the Methodist and 
Baptist Churches. The chief of the Six Nations, Stephen S. Smith, who made 
a speech at the inauguration of the Cornplanter Monument, is a minister in 
the Baptist Chiu'ch." 

The reservations occupied by the Senecas include about 40,000 acres. 
" They own the land in common, and are governed by a President and a Board 
of Counselors. Very few white people live among them. They are all civil- 
ized, and all have embraced the Christian religion, except a few who cling to 
the old Indian religion, and are called ' pagans.' " 

CORNPLANTER, THE SENECA CHIEF. 

This chapter would not be complete without a short sketch of Cornplanter, 
the distinguished chief of the Seneca tribe, to whom reference is so frequently 
made above. He was a half-breed, the son of John O'Bail (or A'Beel), a trader 
in the Mohawk Valley, by an Indian mother. His English name was the same 
as his father's, and his Indian name was Gyant-wachia or Cornplanter. At the 
age of twenty, he was with the French at Braddock's defeat, and he partici- 
pated in the various Indian campaigns that occurred during aud after the 
Revolution, always against the Americans. As Cornplanter advanced in years, 
he grew to realize the strength of the Union, and from being its relentless foe, 
became its admirer and fast friend. His influence largely brought about the 
treaties of peace at Forts Stanwix and Harmar, in consequence of which he 
partly lost the confidence of the Senecas, and was supplanted by the more art- 
ful and eloquent Red Jacket, who had long been his rival. In return for his 
services upon these and other occasions, the State of Pennsylvania granted him 
a fine reservation on the Allegheny River above Warren, where he spent the 
balance of his years. Although he participated in the councils at Bufi'alo, to 
take measures for preventing the establishment at Presque Isle, it is claimed 
by his biographer that he was at heart friendly to the Americans and had 
pledged himself that the Senecas should not " take up the hatchet." His 
death occurred on the 18th of February, 1836, after he had passed the one- 
hundredth year of his age. He was a man of more than ordinary eloquence, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 185 

although not equal to his rival, Red Jacket. The following is a brief sample 
of his style: 

' ' I thank the Almighty that I am speaking this good day. I have been 
through all nations in xlmerica, and am sorry to see the folly of many of the 
people. What makes me sony is, they all tell lies, and I never found truth 
amongst them. All the Western nations of Indians, as well as the white 
people, have told mo lies. Even in council I have been deceived, and been 
told things which I have told to my chiefs and young men, which I have 
found not to be so, which makes me tell lies by not being able to make good 
my word; but I hope they will all bee their folly and repent. The Almighty has 
not made us to lie, but to tell the truth, one to another; yet, when two people 
meet together, if they lie, one to the other, these people cannot be at peace; 
and so it is with nations, and that is the cause of so much war.'' 

In 1866, the Legislature of Pennsylvania appropriated $500 to build a 
monument to Cornplanter at Jennesedaga, Cornplanter Town, Warren County, 
the place of his last residence. The monument was erected in 1867, and dedi- 
cated on the 18th of October of the same year. 



OHAPTEE VII. 



The French and English, 



THE French were the first white men who made explorations in tfie lake 
region. As early as 1611-12, Sieur de Champlain ascended the chain of 
lakes as far as Lake Huron. At a period extending from 1620 to 1640, the 
Indians were visited by numerous French Catholic priests, among whom were the 
celebrated Joliet and Marquette, on the double mission of spreading the Gospel 
and promoting the interests of their king and nation. In 1679, La Salle 
launched the schooner Griffin in Niagara River, and sailed with a picked body 
of men to Green Bay, in Lake Michigan, as will be found more fully detailed 
in the chapter on lake navigation. A French post was established at Mackinaw 
in 1684, and a fort and navy on Lake Erie were proposed by M. de Denonville 
in 1685, but the idea was not carried into effect. The dominion of the country 
was not wholly given over to the French until 1753. They did a large trade with 
the Indians by exchanging beads, goods, provisions, guns and ammunition for 
furs, which were shipped across the ocean and sold at an immense profit. 
Although their possession was undisturbed, it must not be inferred that it was 
quietly acquiesced in by the English. The French claimed that their dis- 
covery of the St, Lawrence and the Mississippi entitled them to the ownership 
of the territory bordering upon those streams and their tributaries. The 
English claim was based upon a grant by King James I, in 1606, to " divers 
of his subjects, of all the countries between north latitude 48° and 34°, and 
westward from the Atlantic Ocean to the South Sea," and also upon purchases 
of Western lands made from the Six Nations by Commissioners from Pennsyl- 
vania, Maryland and Virginia, representing the mother country. A long and 
sometimes acrimonious controversy was waged between the foreign departments 
of the two nations over the question, and the leading officers in America, on 
both sides, looked upon it as certain to eventually result in war. 



186 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

THE FIRST SOLDIERS. 

Previous to 1749, the FreDch had done nothing of an official nature look- 
ing to the occupation of the country between Lake Erie and the Ohio. Their 
discoverers had taken possession of it long before in the name of the King, 
and from that time it had been a sort of common tramping ground for advent- 
urous traders of both nations, without being directly subject to the control of 
either. In the year named, Capt. Celeron, with a detachment of 300 men, 
was sent b}' the Captain General of Canada to " renew the French possession " 
of the Ohio and its tributaries. He came up Lake Erie to the mouth of Chau- 
tauqua Creek, from which point he crossed over to the Allegheny, by way of 
Chautauqua Lake and the Conewango. Descending the Allegheny and the 
Ohio as far as the mouth of the Muskingum, he deposited leaden plates at the 
mouths of some of the most important streams, as a " monument of renewal of 
possession," and as a mark for the guidance of those who might follow him. 
One of these plates, buried at the confluence of French Creek with the Alle- 
gheny, was found afterward. The expedition caused much alarm among the 
Indians, who regarded it as the beginning of a scheme to " steal their 
country," and also created much commotion throughout the English colonies, 
whose officials saw in it a pm*pose to maintain by force what the French had 
before contented themselves with claiming in argument. An extensive corre- 
spondence ensued between the Governors of the several colonies, stirring letters 
were forwarded to the home Government, and the movement was universally 
regarded as the precursor of a long and sanguinary war. Among other plans 
proposed on the English side, Gov. Shirley of Massachusetts suggested the 
building of one or two war vessels each on Lakes Erie and Ontario, for the 
purpose of keeping the French in check. 

In 1751, an expedition of French and Indians was organized in Canada to 
proceed to the " Beautiful " or Ohio River, and in May of that year a part of 
the force was reported to have passed Oswego in thirty canoes. For some rea- 
son the venture was abandoned, but warlike threats and preparations continued 
for two years. 

ARMY OF OCCUPATION. 

Finally, in the spring of 1753, the long threatened occupation began. 
Quite a full account of the expedition is given in a letter preserved among 
the Pennsylvania Archives, from M. DuQuesne, General- in-chief at Montreal, 
to the Fi'ench minister at Paris. It was in charge of three young officers — 
Sieur Marin, commander, and Maj. Pean and the Chevalier Mercier, assistants 
— and consisted of 250 men. The little army marched up Lake Erie by land 
and ice to Presque Isle, where it was decided to build a fort and establish a 
base of supplies. The reasons which prompted the selection of Presque Isle 
were the short portage to Lake Le Boeuf and the facility with which canoes 
could be floated down French Creek from the latter to the Allegheny. M. Du- 
Quesne's letter describes the bay of Presque Isle as "a harbor which the larg- 
est vessels can enter loaded, and be in perfect safety. It is," says he, "' the 
finest spot in nature, a bark could safely enter — it would be as it were in a 
box." On the 3d of August the fort at Presque Isle was finished, the portage 
road, six leagues loLg, was "ready for carriages,'' the storehouse, half way across, 
was in a condition to receive stock, and the fort at LeBoeuf was nearly com- 
pleted. No serious trouble was apprehended from the Indians, who were will- 
ingly assisting in the transportation of the stores. 

From the same and other authorities we learn that it was the original pur- 
pose to establish the base of supplies at the mouth of Chautampia Creek, but 





';^^^p>vu^ ^^a4n/^<^'u(^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 189 

that when Marin reached there he did not like the position. He accordingly 
ordered Mercier, who was the engineer of the expedition, to proceed to Presque 
Isle and report upon its merits. The latter was gone three days, and gave 
such a glowing account of the advantages of the location that the army was 
immediately ordered forward. Among the members of the expedition was one 
Stephen Coffin, an Englishman, who had been taken prisoner by the French 
and Indians in 1747, and carried to Canada. When the expedition left Que- 
bec he enlisted in it, and accompanied his command to Presque Isle. After 
a military experience of less than a year he deserted to the English, and on 
the lOth of January, 1754, made a deposition in which he alleges that the 
army reached Presque Isle over 800 strong, a statement that doew not corre- 
spond with the report of DuQuesne. The following is an abstract of his 
story : 

coffin's statement. 
When they arrived at Presque Isle, work was almost immediately com- 
menced on the fort. It was of chestnut logs, squared, and lapped over each 
other to the height of fifteen feet, about 120 feet on the sides, with a log 
house in each corner, and had gates in the north and south sides. When the 
fort was finished, they began cutting a wagon road to LeBoeuf, where they 
commenced getting out boards and timber for another fort. Presque Isle was 
left in command of Capt. Deponteney, while Marin, with the rest of the troops, 
encamped at LeBoeuf. From the latter point a detachment of fifty men was 
sent to the mouth of French Creek, but finding the Indians hostile to the 
erection of a fort, it returned, capturing two English traders on the way, who 
were sent to Canada in irons. A few days later, 100 Indians " called by the 
French Loos," visited LeBoeuf and arranged to carry some stores to the Alle- 
gheny, which they never delivered, greatly to the disappointment of the French. 
This and other causes, including the failure to build the thii'd fort at the 
mouth of French Creek, disheartened Marin, who feared that he might for- 
feit the favor of the Governor General in consequence. He had been sick for 
some time, and had to be moved about in a carriage. Rather than return to 
Canada in disgrace, he begged his officers to seat him in the center of the fort, 
set it on. fire, and let him perish in the flames, which they of course, refused 
to do. Marin, according to the deponent, was of a peevish and disagreeable 
disposition, and extremely unpopular among his brother officers. Late in the 
fall, Chevalier Le Crake arrived at Presque Isle in a birch canoe worked by 
ten men, bearing, among other things, a cross of St. Louis for Marin, which 
the other officers would not allow him to take until the Governor General had 
been acquainted with his conduct. Near the close of October, all but 300 men 
to garrison the forts, were ordered back to Canada. The first detachment went 
down the lake in twenty-two batteaux, each containing twenty men, and were 
followed in a few days hj the balance — 760 in number. A halt was made at the 
month of Chautauqua Creek, where, with 200 men, a road was cut in four days 
to Lake Chautauqua, in the expectation that it might be a more feasible route 
to the Allegheny than the one by LeBoeuf. Reaching Niagara, fifty men were 
left there to build batteaux for the army in the spring, and to erect a building 
for storing provisions. Coffin places the total number of men who reached 
Presque Isle during the year at 1,500, 

Washington's visit. 
Marin died at Le Boeuf soon after the main body of the troops departed, 
leaving the forts at Presque Isle and Le Boeuf respectively in charge of Capt. 
Riparti and Commander St. Pierre. The latter was visited during the winter 

1 1 



190 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

by a gentleman who afterward rose to the first place in American love and 
history. This was no less a personage thaa George Washington, then in his 
twenty-first year, who was accompanied by Christopher Gist, an experienced 
white frontiersman, and one Indian interpreter. They reached Le Boeuf on 
the 11th of December and remained till the 16th, during which time Capt. 
Riparti was called over from Presque Isle to confer with Washington and 
St. Pierre. Washington's treatment, though formal, was courteous and kind, 
and he has left on record in his journal a warm compliment to the gentlemanly 
character of the French officers. The object and result of Washington's mis- 
sion are given in the following letters, the first being the one he was charged 
with delivering to the Commander-in-chief of the French forces by Gov. Din- 
widdle, of Virginia, and the second the reply of St. Pierre: 

October 31, 1753. 
Sir: The lands upon the River Ohio, in the western part of the colony of Virginia, 
are so notoriously known to be the property of the crown of Great Britain that it is a 
matter of equal concern and surprise to me to hear that a body of French forces are erect- 
ing fortresses and making settlements upon that river within His Majesty's dominions. 
The many and repeated complaints I have received of these acts of hostility lay me under 
the necessity of sending in the name of the King, my master, the bearer hereof, George 
Washington, Esq.. one of the Adjutants General of the forces of this dominion, to com- 
plain to you of the encroachments thus made, and of the injuries done to the subjects of 
Great Britain, in violation of the law of nations and the treaties subsisting between the 
two crowns. If these facts are true and you think fit to justify your proceedings, I must 
desire you to acquaint me by whose authority and instructions you have lately marched 
from Canada with an armed force and invaded the King of Great Britain's territory, in 
the manner complained of; that, according to the purport and resolution of your answer, 
I may act agreeably to the commission I am honored with from the King, my master. 
However, sir, in obedience to my mstructions, it becomes my duty to require your peace- 
able departure; and that you would forbear prosecuting a purpose so interruptive of the 
harmony and good understanding which His Majesty is desirous to continue and cultivate 
with the most Christian King, etc. Robert Dinwiddie. 

From the Fort on the River au Bceuf, ) 
December 15, 1753. f 
Sir: As I have the honor of commanding here as chief, Mr. Washington delivered to 
me the letter which you wrote to the commander of the French troops. I should have 
been glad that you had given him orders, or that he had been inclined to proceed to Canada 
to see our General, to whom it better belongs than to me to set forth the evidence and the 
reality of the rights of the King, my master, to the lands situate along the River Ohio, and 
to contest the pretensions of the King of Great Britain thereto. I shall transmit your 
letter to the Marquis Du Quesne. His answer will be a law to me. And if he shall order 
me to communicate it to you, sir, you may be assured I shall not fail to dispatch it forth- 
with to you. As to the summons you send me to retire, I do not think myself obliged to 
obey it. Whatever may be your intentions, I am here by virtue of the orders of my Gen- 
eral, and I entreat you, sir, not to doubt one moment but that I am determined to conform 
myself to them with all the exactness and resolution which can be expected from the best 
officer. I do not know that in the progress of this campaign anything has passed which 
can be reputed an act of hostility, or that is contrary to the treaties which subsist between 
the two crowns; the continuance whereof interests and pleases us as much as it does the 
English. Had you been pleased, sir, to descend to particularize the facts which occa- 
sioned your complaint, I should have had the honor of answering you in the fullest, and, 
I am persuaded, the most satisfactory manner, etc. Legardeur de St. Pierre. 

Washington did not extend his journey to Presque Isle, feeling, perhaps, 
that duty compelled him to report the French answer as speedily as could be 
done. Both sides were busily engaged during the winter in preparing for the 
war which was now inevitable. The French plan was to establish a chain of 
fortifications from Quebec along Lakes Ontario and Erie and the waters of 
French Creek and the Allegheny to the junction of the last-named stream with 
the Monongahela, where Pittsburgh now stands, and from there along the Ohio 
and Mississippi, to the Gulf of Mexico. Of these, we have already described 
the progress at Presque Isle and Le Boeuf. The forts at Niagara, the mouth 
of French Creek and the head of the Ohio were constructed early in 1754. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 191 

The one at the jtiiiction of French Creek and the Allegheny was known as 
Fort Machanlt or Venango, and the one at Pittsburgh as Fort DaQuesne. Pro- 
visions and ammunition were sent from Quebec to Presque Isle, and from there 
distributed to the lower forts. 



" PROGRESS OF THE FRENCH. 

As soon as ihe weather would permit in the spring of 1754, troops Were 
moved by both sides in the direction of the Ohio. The first French detach- 
ment to reach Pittsburgh, then known as the "Forks of the Ohio," was on the 
17th of April. It was commanded by Contreceur, and consisted of hOOO 
French and Indians, with eighteen cannon. Their voyage from Le Bceuf 
down French Creek and the Allegheny was made in sixty batteaux and 300 
canoes. The English had put up a stockade at the Forks, during the winter 
which was unfinished and guarded only by an ensign and forty-one men. 
This small body, seeing the hopelessness of defense, immediately surrendered. 
On the 3d or 4th of July, 500 English capitulated to the French at Fort 
Necessity, in Fayette County, after an engagement of about ten hours. The 
French seem to have been uniformly successful in the campaign of 1754. 
Deserters from their ranks reported that the number of French and Indians in 
the country during the year was about 2,000, of whom five or six hundred had 
become unfit for duty. 

The records of the campaign show that Presque Isle was regarded by 
both the French and English as a post of much importance. DuQuesne in "a 
letter from Quebec of July 6, 1755, says: "The fort at Presque Isle serves as a 
depot for all others on the Ohio. * * The effects arii put on board pirogues 
at Fort Le Boeuf. * * At the latter fort the prairies, which are extensive 
furnish only bad hay, but it is easy to get rid of it. * * At Presque Isle 
the hay is very abundant and good. The quantity of pirogues constructed on 
the Kiver AuBoeuf has exhausted all the large trees in the neighborhood." 
It was on the 9th of July, 1755, that BraddocFs defeat took place near 
Pittsburgh, an event which raised the French hopes to a pitch of the utmost 
exultation, and seemed for the time to destroy all prospect of Eno-lish ascen- 
dency in the West. From 2,000 to 3,000 French and Indians are supposed to 
have passed through Presque Isle during the season. 

FRENCH VILLAGE AT PRESQUE ISLE. 

An ofiicial letter dated at Montreal, August 8, 1756, sa^s: "The domi- 
ciliated Mississaugues of Presque Isle have been out to the number of ten 
against the English. They have taken one prisoDer and two scalps, and gave 
them to cover the loss of M. de St. Pierre." This ofiScer had been ordered 
East in the winter of 1753, and was killed in battle near Lake George the 
ensuing summer. The same letter reports the small-pox as having prevailed 
at Presque Isle. A prisoner who escaped from the Indians during this year 
described Fort Le Boeuf as " garrisoned with 150 men, and a few straggling 
Indians. Presque Isle is built of square logs filled up with earth; the barracks 
are within the fort, and garrisoned with 1 50 men, supported chiefly from a 
French settlement begun near it. The settlement consists of about one hun- 
dred families. The Indian families about the settlement are pretty numerous; 
they have a priest and schoolmaster, and some grist mills and stills in the 
settlement." The village here referred to was on the east bank of Mill Creek, 
a little back from the lake, almost on a line with Parade street. 



192 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

EVENTS IN 1757 AND 1758. 

No events of importance occurred in this section in 1757. The only chron- 
icle we find relates that some of the Indian warriors aiding the French sent their 
families to the neighborhood of Presque Isle for the purpose of planting corn. 
A captured French ensign reported in his examination on the 20th of June 
that 100 men were in garrison at Presque Isle, and that apprehensions were 
felt by them of an attack by the English and Indians. The transportation 
from Canada for the troops was mainly by canoes, which were obliged to keep 
close to the south shore of the lake. Fort LeBoeuf was in charge of an ensign 
of foot. There were from 800 to 900, and sometimes 1,000 men between 
the forts, 150 of whom were regulars and the rest Canadian Indians, who 
worked at the forts and built boats. There were no settlements nor improve- 
ments near the forts, which would indicate that the village at Presque Isle 
had been abandoned. The Fi'ench planted coi'n about them for the Indians, 
whose wives and children came to the forts for it, and were also furnished 
with clothing at the King's expense. Traders resided in the forts who bought 
peltries of them. Several houses were outside the forts, but people did not 
care to occupy them for fear of being scalped. One of the, French batteaux 
usually carried sixty bags of flour and three or four men; when unloaded they 
would carry twelve men. 

A journal written in November, 1758, gives this description of the two 
forts, on the authority of an Indian who had just come in: " Presque Isle has 
been a strong stockaded fort, but is so much out of repair that a strong man 
might pull up any log out of the earth. There are two officers and thirty-five 
men in crarrison there, and not above ten Indians, which they keep constantly 
hunting for the support of the garrison. The fort on LeBoeuf River is in 
much the same condition, with an officer and thirty men, and a few hunting 
Indians, who said they would leave there in a few days. " 

THE ENGLISH GAINING. 

During the year 1758, the English made sufficient progress in the direction 
of the Ohio to compel the French to evacuate Fort DuQuesne on the 22d of 
November, their artillery being sent down the river, and the larger part of the 
garrison retiring up the Allegheny. A letter dated Montreal, March 30, 1759, 
announces that the French troops at Detroit had been ordered to rendezvous 
at Presque Isle, in order to be ready to aid Fort Machault if necessary, the 
commander at the latter being required, if too hard pressed, to fall back on 
Le Boeuf. The Indians, by this time, had lost confidence in the triumph of 
the French, and many were either siding with the English or pretending to be 
neutral. One of them, employed by the English as a spy at the lakes, reached 
Pittsburgh during March, and gave some additional particulars of the fort at 
Pi-esque Isle. "It is," he said, "square, with four bastions. * * The 
wall is only of single logs, with no bank within — a ditch without. * * * 
The magazine is a stone house covered with shingles, and not sunk in the 
ground, standing in the right bastion, next the lake. * * The other houses 
are of square logs." Fort Le Boeuf he described as of "the same plan, but 
very small — the logs mostly rotten. Platforms are erected in the bastions, and 
loopholes properly cut; one gun is mounted in a bastion, and looks down the 
river. It has only one gate, and that faces the side opposite the creek. The 
magazine is on the right of the gate, going in, partly sunk in the ground, and 
above are some casks of powder to serve the Indians. Here are two officers, a 
storekeeper, clerk, priest, and 150 soldiers, who have no employment. * * * 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 193 

The road from Venango to LeBceuf is well trodden; from there to Presque 
Isle is very low and swampy, and bridged most of the way." 

EVACUATION OF THE FRENCH. 

The tide of battle continued to favor the English, and they finally besieged 
Fort Niagara below Buffalo, compelling the French to withdraw 1,200 men 
from Detroit, Presque Isle and Venango for its defense. Its capture by the 
English astonished and terrified the French in this section. A messenger 
reached Presque Isle from Sir AVilliam Johnson, the victorious English com- 
mander, notifying the officer in charge that the other posts must surrender in 
a few days. The French knew that their force was too small to cope with the 
enemy, and began making hasty preparations for departure. Their principal 
stores at Presque Isle were sent up the lake August 13, 1759, and the garri- 
son waited a brief time for their comrades at Le Boeuf and Venango, when the 
entire army left in batteaux for Detroit. An Indian, who arrived at DuQuesne 
soon after, reported that they had burned all of the forts, but this is questioned 
by some of the authorities. Upon taking their departure, they told the abo- 
rigines that they had been driven away by superior numbers, but would return 
in sufficient force to hold the country permanently. 

ENGLISH DOMINION. 

The English did not take formal possession of Forts Presque Isle and Le 
Bceuf until 1760, when Maj. Rogers was sent out for that purpose. Hostilities 
between the two nations continued, but the bloody wave of war did not 
reach Western Pennsylvania. A treaty of peace was signed at Paris in 
1763, by which the French ceded Canada and confirmed the Western country 
to the British Crown. The Indians did not take kindly to the British. They 
were hopeful of the return of the French, and meditated the driving of their 
victorious rivals out of the country. In June, 1763, the great Indian uprising 
known as " Pontiac's Conspiracy " occurred, which resulted in the destruction 
of all but four of the frontier posts. Fort Le Boeuf fell on the 18th and Fort 
Presque Isle on the 22d of that month, as will be found more fully described 
in the chapter devoted to the Indians. Col. Bradstreet, with a small army, 
arrived at Presque Isle on the r2th of August, 1764, and met a band of Shaw 
nees and Delawares, who agreed to articles of peace and friendship. From 
there he marched to Detroit, where another treaty was made \fith. the North- 
western Indians. These proceedings seem to have been entered into by the 
savages merely as a deception, for in a short time they renewed hostilities. 
Another expedition, under Col. Boqnet, was fitted out, and punished the 
troublesome tribes so severely that thev were glad to accept the conditions 
offered them. 

The independence of the United States was acknowledged by Great Brit- 
ain in 1783. By the treaty of peace the mother country abandoned all pre- 
tensions to the western region. Her officers in Canada, however, still retained 
a hope of the ultimate return of the colonies to the protection of the British 
Crown. The English had, by this date, won the confidence of the Indians, 
who were kept hostile to the Americans by representations that Great Britain 
would yet resume possession of the country. As late as 1785, Mr. Adams, our 
minister at London, complained to the English Secretary of State, that 
though two years had elapsed since the definitive treaty, the forts of Presque 
Isle, Niagara, and elsewhere on the Northern frontier were still held by British 
garrisons. The actual American occupation dates from 1795. 



19i HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH FORTS. 

Little remains to be added to the various statements above, descriptive 
of the French forts. Fort Presque Isle stood oa the bluff overlooking the 
mouth of Mill Creek, on the western side, about 350 feet back from the shore 
of the bay. The British put it in repair and occupied it till after our inde- 
pendence was acknowledged, by which time it had almost gone to ruin. Its 
site was easily traceable as late as 1803, by mDunls and depressions on the 
bank of che lake near the mouth of the creek. 

The fort at LeBcEuf stood within the present limits of Waterford Bor- 
ough, on the brow of the hill above LeBoeuf Creek, nearly in line with the 
iron bridge across that stream. A. ravine, which has since been partially filled 
up, extended along its north side, down, which flowed a rivulet, leading 
Washington to describe the fort as standing on "a kind of an island." 
Practically the same site was successively occupied by the English and 
Americans. 

THE FRENCH ROAD. 

The French road commenced at the mouth of Mill Creek, where a ware- 
house stood, extended up that stream a short distance, and then struck off to 
the higher land, nearly following the line of Parade street, on its west side, 
through the city limits of Ei-ie. A branch road led from the south gate of 
the fort, and connected with the main road in the hollow of Mill Creek. From 
the southern end of Parade street the latter ran across Mill Creek Township 
to the present Waterford plank road. The road that begins in Marvintown, 
opposite the old Seib stand, and terminates at the farm of Judge Souther, 
is almost identical with the French thoroughfare. Leaving the Waterford 
plank, the French road took across the hills into Summit Township, which it 
crossed entirely, entering Waterford Township on the Charles Skinner place, 
and terminating at the gate of Fort LeBoeuf, about where Judson's Hotel 
stands. The route known as the French road in Summit is understood to be 
exactly on the line of its historical original. The road was laid out thirty 
feet wide, and was "corduroyed" throughout most of its length. It was easily 
traced when the first American settlers came in, was partially adopted by them, 
3'tid portions of it, as above stated, are in use to this day. 



CHAPTER Till. 



The Triangle. 



IN the charter granted by King Charles II to William Penn, dated the 4:th of 
March, 1681, the limits of Pennsylvania are described as " three degrees of 
latitude in breadth, and five degrees of longitude in length, the eastern bound- 
ary being the Delaware River, the northern the beginning of the three and 
fortieth degree of northern latitude; on the south a circle drawn at twelve 
miles distance from Ni^w Castle ("Delaware) northward and westward unto the 
beginning of the fortieth degree of northern latitude, and then by a straight 
line westward to the limits of longitude above mentioned." 

Distinctly as these lines are stated, the boundaries of the State were long 
a subject of earnest and sometimes bitter controversy. Fifty years before the 
grant to Penn, King James I granted to the Plymouth Company " all the land 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 195 

lying in the same latitude with Connecticut and Massachusetts, as far west as 
the Pacific Ocean, not previously settled by other Christian powers." Under 
the construction placed upon this clause by Connecticut, more than one-third 
of Pennsylvania, including the whole northern part, belonged to that province. 
The dispute was finally settled by the action of Congress, which appointed 
Commissioners in 1782 to investigate the subject, who reported that " Connec- 
ticut has no right to the land in controversy," and that " the jurisdiction and 
pre-emption of all lands within the charter limits of Pennsylvania do of right 
belong to that State." 

THE WESTERN BOUNDARY. 

A contentiou of almost like character took place with Virginia in regard to 
the western boundary of Pennsylvania. The former claimed the entire territory 
embraced in Penn's charter west of a line drawn a little to the east of the 
Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers. This controversy was settled in 1786, 
by agreeing that the western boundary of Pennsylvania should commence at a 
point on Mason and Dixon's line, five degrees west from the Delaware River, 
and extend from there directly northward to Lake Erie. 

The land in the northern and northwestern parts of the State was purouased 
from the Six Nations by Commissioners appointed by the Legislature, who met 
in conference with the Indians at Fort Stanwix (now Rome), N. Y., and con- 
cluded a treaty in October, 1784. The action of the Six Nations was confirmed 
by a treaty made with the Delawares and Wyandots at Fort Mcintosh in Jan- 
uary, 1785. Neither of these purchases covered the territory known as "The 
Triangle." 

THE NEW YORK LINE. 

By mutual agreement between New York and Pennsylvania, Commissioners 
were appointed in J 785 to determine and establish the east and west boundary 
line between the two States, being the Forty-second degree of latitude. David 
Rittenhouse was the Commissioner on the part of Pennsylvania, and Samuel 
Holland on that of New York. These gentlemen merely took measurements 
to locate the point in the Delaware River where the line should begin, when 
cold weather came on and compelled the work to cease. Rittenhouse and Hol- 
land were succeeded in 1787 by Andrew Ellicott on the part of Pennsylvania, 
and James Clinton and Simeon DeWitt on that of New York. They surveyed 
the entire line from the Delaware to Lake Erie, planting a stone every mile, 
with the distance from the river marked upon it, and marking mile trees in the 
same manner. The distance from the point of departure to where the north 
line of Pennsylvania terminated on the shore of Lake Erie in Springfield Town- 
ship, this county, was found to be 259 miles and 88 perches. The report of 
the above Commissioners was confirmed by the Legislatures of both States, and 
has ever since been accepted as the true northern boundary of Pennsylvania. 

THE TRIANGLE. 

The charter of New York defined its western boundary as extending from 
the south shore of Lake Erie to the forty second degree of latitude, on a line 
drawn fi'om the western extremity of Lake Ontario. In determining this line 
it became necessary to agree whether the " western extremity of Lake Onta- 
rio " included Burlington Bay, or was at the peninsula dividing the latter 
from the lake. Andrew Ellicott and Frederick Saxton, the surveyors sent out 
to establish the boundary, decided upon the peninsula as the proper point from 
which to draw the line, and the western boundary of New York was therefore 
fixed at twenty miles east of Presque Isle. This left a triangular tract, which 



196 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

was not included in the charter of either State, and which was variously 
claimed by New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut. 

During or some time after the Revolution, Gen. William Irvine was sent 
to the Northwest by the authorities of Pennsylvania, to examine into the qual- 
ity of its lands and report upon the best manner of putting them into the 
market. While upon this tour be was struck with the fact that the State had 
no harbor upon the lake, and the great desirability of securing the one at 
Presque Isle. On his return to the East he interested a number of intelligent 
and progressive citizens in the project of purchasing the Triangle. After a 
protracted negotiation. New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut released 
their claims to the United States Government, and the latter, in turn, conveyed 
the tract to Pennsylvania. The deed of cession by New York, was made on 
the 1st of March, 1781, and that of Massachusetts on the 19th of April, 1785. 
In the release by Connecticut she reserved 120 miles lying west of Pennsylva- 
nia's western boundary, within the present limits of Ohio, which became 
known as, and retains the title to this day of "The Western Reserve." The 
contract for the sale of the Triangle, made between the Representatives of the 
United States and Pennsylvania was ratified by Congress on the 4th of Sep- 
tember, 1788. On the 18th of April, 1791, the Governor was authorized by 
the Legislature to comj)lete the purchase. March 3, 1792, a patent was 
issued to the State, signed by George Washington as President, and Thomas 
Jefferson as Secretary of State. The consideration was $151,640.25. Below 
is a copy of the bill of sale from the General Government to the commonwealth: 

The commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the pm'chase of the Lake Erie tract in account 
with the United States, Dr. 

July 19, 1792. To general account of sales of the Western lands, the property of the 
United States: 

For the purchase or consideration money of the lemtory and tract of land on 
Lake Erie, of which tract a survey and return hath been made and lodged 
in the office of the Secretary of the Treasurj^ of the United States by An- 
drew Ellicott, pursuant to a resolution of Congress passed in August, 1789, 
by which return the said tract is found to contain 202,187 acres, at three- 
fourths of a dollar per acre, payable in gold or silver, or in certificates of 
the debt of the United States, bearing interest, according to the terms pro- 
posed by William Bingham and James R. Reid, delegates in Congress, to 
the late Board of Treasury, on behalf of the said commonwealth, and 

accepted by the said board on behalf of the United States $151,640 25 

Cr. 

By one certiticate of registered debt, No. 558, dated 28th February, 1792, with 

interest from 16th August, 1779 85,032 08 

By ditto, on interest from '21st August, 1783 4,285 20 

Principal amounting to f 89,317 28 

By interest arising thereon, calculated to 10th June, 1791, being the time Sec- 
retary of the Treasury informed he was ready to settle the account for said 
purchase 62,322 97 

$151,640 25 
Treasury Department, Register's Office, / 
Gth September, 1796. f 

Joseph Nourse, Register. 

release of the INDIAN TITLE. 

Pending the negotiations with the General Government, the State authorities 
proceeded to secure a release of the Triangle tract from the Six Nations, which 
was only effected after a protracted effort. The conference for this purpose 
with the chiefs and warriors of the several tribes was held on the 9th of Jan- 
uary, 1789, and the deed from the Indians appears to have been signed some- 
time during the same month. The following is a copy of the document: 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 199 

Know all men by these presents, that we, the undersigned, chiefs, warriors and 
others, representing the following named tribes of the Six Nations, to wit : The 
Ondawagas or Senecas, Cayugas, Tuscan >rHS, Onondagas and Oneidas, for and m con- 
sideration of the sum of 12,000, to us in hand paid, by Richard Butler and John Gib- 
son, Esquires, Commissioners for and in Ijehalf of the State of Pennsylvania, the 
receipt whereof we df» hereby acknowledge, and we for ourselves, our tribes, our and 
their heirs and successors, are therewith fully paid and satisfied, have granted, bar- 
gained, sold and assigned ovei', and by tliese presents do grant, bargain, sell, remise, 
release, quit claim and assign over unto the said Slate of Pennsylvania, all our right, 
title, claim and interest of, in and to all that tract of country situate, lying and being 
within the territory of the United States, bounded on the south by the north line or 
boundary of Pennsvlvania; on the east by the western boundary of" the State of New 
York, agreeably to "an act of cession of the said State of New York and the State of 
Massachusetts to the United States; and on the north by the southern shore or 
margin of Lake Erie, including Presque Isle and all the btiys and harbors along the 
shore or margin of the said Lake Erie from the west boundary of the said State of 
Pennsylvania to where the west line or boundary of the State of New York may 
cross or intersect the southern shore or margin of the said Lake Erie; to have and 
to hold, etc. 

-In testimony whereof, we, the said chiefs, have hereunto set our hands and 
seals this — day of January, in the year of our Lord 1789 : 

Senecas— fiyantwachia, or the Corn planter; Gyashota, or the Big Cross; Kanas- 
see, or the New Arrow; Achiont, or the Half Town; Anachkont, or the Wasp; 
Chishekoa. or the Wood Bug; Sessewa, or Big Bale of a Kettle; Sciawhowa, or the 
Council Keeper; Tewanias, or the Broken Twig; Souachshowa, or the Full Moon; 
Cachunevasse, or Twenty Canoes 

Tuscarora Chief — Hiclionqiiash, or Tearing Asunder. 

Senecas— Cageahgea, or Dogs about the Fire; Sawedowa, or the Blast; Kionda- 
shovva, or Swimming Fish. 

Onondaga Chief— Oncheye, or the Dancing Feather. 

Cayuga Chiefs— Soahaes, or Falling Mountain; Otachsaka, or Broken Toma- 
hawk. 

Oneida Chief — Tekchiefs, or the I-,ong Tree. 

Seneca Chief— Onesechter, or the Leaded Man. 

Munsey Chiefs — Kiatnlahoh, or the Snake; Aqueia, or Bandy Legs. 

Senecas— Kiandock-Gowa, or Big Tree; Ovvenewah, or Throw into the Water. 

N. B.— The two Munseys signed as being residents of the land, but not owners. 

R. Butler. 
In the presence of A. St. Clair, Joseph Harmar and others. 

Twelve hundred dollars were also paid by the United States Government 
for the extinguishment of the Indian titles. 

The cession of the Triangle gave great offense to a portion of the Indians, 
who claimed that they had not been fairly represented in the council. There 
was a good deal of talk among them of resisting its occupancy by the State, 
and at cme time matters looked really serious, but by wise efforts what might 
have been a long and murderous border war was avoided. On the 3d of Feb- 
ruary, 1791, XJornplanter, Half Town, and Big Tree executed a second instru- 
ment, in which, after reciting the dissatisfaction that existed among the 
Seneca nation, they acknowledged the receipt of $800 as full satisfaction 
of all claims and demands by their nation against the commonwealth, and 
" fully, clearly, and finally remised and forever quit-claimed " their interest in 
the Triangle to Gov. McKean, " from the beginning of the world to the date 
of these presents." It was several years after the signing of this deed, how- 
ever, before the Indians became sufficiently quieted to enable settlements to 
be made with safety, as will be more fully related in another part of these 
annals. 

INTERESTING DETAILS. 

The territory above purchased extends some forty miles in a straight line 
along the lake, and is about eighteen miles in breadth along the New York 
boundary, tapering from there to a point in Springfield Township, between four 
and five miles east of the Ohio line. It embraces 202,187 acres, and the United 



200 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

States received pay for it at the rate of three-fourths of a dollar per acre. The 
townships embraced in the Triangle are North East, Greenfield, Venango, Har- 
bor Creek, Greene, Summit, Mill Creek, a small portion of Springfield, about 
two-fifths of Girard and McKean, and four-fifths of Fairview. The terminus 
of the Triangle on the shore of Lake Erie was marked by a stone on the Jo- 
seph Hewitt farm in Springfield, which has disappeared. 

The old State line forms the southern boundary of Venango, Greene and 
Summit Townships, and the northern of Waterford and Amity. It passes 
through the boroughs of Girard and Middleboro nearly in the center. The 
portion of the county within the original limits of the State is some forty- 
five miles long from east to west, by ten miles in width from north to south, 
being about two-thirds of the whole. The townphips wholly in it are Wayne, 
Concord, Amity, Union, Waterford, LeBoeuf, Washington, Franklin, Elk 
Creek and Conneaut. 

A corps of engineers have recently been at work renewing the mon- 
uments marking the boundary between New York and Pennsylvania, many of 
which had been destroyed or lost sight of. In the execution of their task 
they make use of blocks of Quincy granite, about four feet long and six inches 
square at the top. The stones " are dressed one foot down, that distance be- 
ing left above ground. Heavy creases are cut at right angles across each. 
The letters 'Pa.,' and ' N. Y.,' about two inches long, face Pennsylvania and 
New York respectively. At highways, street and railway crossings, the tops 
of the stones are one foot by six inches in size, and in other particulars like 
the rest. Those of the ordinary size are set just one mile apart." 

CONTINENTAL OERTIFICATES. 

In explanation of the " certificate " mentioned in the bill of sale, it should be 
stated that in the contract for the purchase of the Triangle, it was stipulated that 
the Commonwealth might make payment "in gold or silver or in public securities 
of the United States, bearing interest." "When the time came for closing the 
transaction, the State, with Quaker shrewdness, offered one of the funded 
bonds of the General Government, commonly known as "Continental certifi- 
cates," which were then in decidedly bad credit, and demanded that interest 
should be allowed, according to the terms of, its face. This was rather a sur- 
prise to the Federal authorities, and a long correspondence ensued, in which 
the Commonwealth seems to have had the better of the argument. After con- 
siderable delay, her legal right to pay in the manner proposed was conceded, 
and she turned over the bond and received credit for the accumulated interest, 
as is shown in the bill of sale above printed. It is apparent that the State 
drove a very sharp bargain, but whether the transaction was much to her 
honor, may admit of some debate. 




HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 201 



CHAPTEE IX. 

The American Occupation. 

TT^HE first stop in the actual settlement of Erie County by white people was 
1 taken in 1785, when David Watts and William Miles were sent under the 
auspices of the State to survey the Tenth Donation District, embracing portions 
of Waterford, Wayne and Amity Townships. On the completion of their 
labors, they returned to the East, and gave such a flattering account of the 
country that much interest in it was excited among the adventurous people of 
that region. March 24, 1789, it was resolved by the General Assembly that 
not exceeding 3,000 acres should be surveyed at Presqne Isle, LeBoeuf, and 
two other places for the use of the commonwealth. In 1790, Gov. Mifflin, by 
authority of the Legislature, appointed Timothy Matlack, Samuel McClay and 
John Adlum to examine the western streams of the State for the purpose of 
ascertaining whether " any nearer and more feasible communication could be 
had between the Allegheny River and Lake Erie." They examined French and 
LeBoeuf Creeks up to Waterford, traversed the portage to Presqne Isle, and on 
going back made a report which resulted in £100 being appropriated for the 
improvement of the streams named. This was followed by the settlement law 
of the 3d of April, 1792, which provided for the survey of all the lands north 
and west of the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers and Conewango Creek, and their 
sale upon terms that will be stated in another chapter. 

The Pennsylvania Population Company, formed at Philadelphia March 8, 
1792, purchased a large tract of land in the Triangle with the object of selling 
it at a profit, and inducing settlement. On the 8th of April, of the same year, 
the Legislature passed and Gov. Mifflin approved a bill for laying out a town 
at Presque Isle, which was a part of the general plan for the occupation of the 
Northwest. This act was as follows: 

Section 1. Be it enacted, etc., That the Governor be and is hereby empowered to 
cause to be surveyed the tract reserved at or near Presque Isle by the act entitled, " An act 
for the sale of the vacant lands within this commonwealth," passed the 3d day of April, 
1792; and at the most eligible place within the said tract he shall cause to be laid out and 
surveyed sixteen hundred acres of land in town lots of not more than one-third of an acre 
each; and also three thousand four hundred acres adjoining the same, in outlets, not less 
than five acres nor more than ten acres each. Provided always, That the Governor shall 
reserve out of the lots of the said town so much land as he shall deem necessary for public 
uses; also, so much land wnthin or out of the said town as may, in his opinion, be wanted 
by the United States for the purpose of erecting forts, magazines, arsenals and dock-yards. 

Sec. 2. That the first two hundred persons that shall actually inhabit and reside, on 
or before the 1st day of January next, within the said town, shall each and every of them 
be entitled to one unappropriated town lot, to be ascertained by lottery, for which they 
shall respectively receive a deed, clear of all charges; Provided, That such persons respect- 
ively, or their respective representatives, or assignees, shall inhabit and reside in the said 
town for the term of three years, and also, within the said town build or cause to be built, 
a house at least sixteen feet square, and containing at least one brick or stone chimney, on 
the town lots to be granted in pursuance of this act. 

Sec 3. That the Governor is hereby authorized to sell two hundred of the town lots 
exclusively of those granted by the next preceding section, and the whole of the other out- 
lots, in such manner as he shall think most to the advantage of the State, and make con- 
veyance of the same; excepting, always, such as shall be made upon this condition; that 
the respective purchasers shalland do, within the term of three years, erect and build one 
house, at least sixteen feet square, and containing at least one brick or stone chimney, on 
each and every town lot by them purchased: and no deed of conveyance shall be granted 



202 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

by the Governor to any purchaser, nor, after the expiration of the said term of three years, 
shall the said sale be deemed or construed to vest any title, claim or demand in any pur- 
chaser, unless satisfactory proof be first given that a house has been erected or built on the 
town lots sold as aforesaid; that the streets, lanes and alleys of the said town shall be 
common highways forever; and that, previous to the sale or sales of the said town lots and 
outlots, notice shall be given of the same in at least three of the newspapers of the State at 
least ten weeks previous to such sale or sales. 

PROTECTING THE FRONTIER. 

On the 25th of February, 1794, another act was passed which authorized the 
Governor " to detach from the several companies of artillery and infantry 
raised by the State " for the security of the port of Philadelphia and the 
defense of the Western frontier, ' ' as many men as can be conveniently spared 
from the specific objects of protection and defense for which the companies 
were particularly destined, and to station the detachment so made at such 
place or places at or near Presque Isle, on Lake Erie, as shall in his judgment 
be best calculated to carry into effect the act" just quoted. This measure was 
called forth by the menaces of the Indians, who had learned of the proposed 
settlement at Presque Isle, and knowing that it would cause a break in their 
communications between the East and West, were determined to prevent it if 
possible. In accordance with its provisions, Gov. MiiHin, on the 1st of March, 
1794, issued a circular to the Brigade Inspectors of Washington, Westmore- 
land and Allegheny Counties, requiring them to raise men to serve eight 
months, unless sooner discharged, with a stipulation that, if necessary, they 
should continue in service till the next meeting of the Legislature. Each man 
who took his own rifle was to be allowed |2 for its use, and to have a reasona- 
ble equivalent if it was lost or destroyed in the public service. Four compa- 
nies were to be organized within the district stated, of whom one Captain, one 
Lieutenant, two Ensigns, sis Corporals and six Sergeants and ninety-five privates 
were to be detached for the Prescjue Isle expedition. The command was given 
to Capt. Ebenezer Denny, of Allegheny County, who is presumed to have seen 
service in border warfare. 

Gen. William Irvine and Andrew Ellicott had been appointed Commission- 
ers some time before to lay out a road from Beading to Presque Isle. On the 
same day the above-mentioned cii'cttlar was issued they were notified that 
Albert Gallatin had been associated in their appointment, and that they three 
were to lay out the town contemplated by the act of 1793. The Governor's 
instructions desired them to " promote peace, order and friendship with the 
peaceable Indians or British garrison, should any intercourse * * be pro- 
duced by accident or necessity." Capt. Denny was required " to comply with 
every lawful request of the Commissioners," and was further reminded that 
the objects of his appointment were "strictly those of protection and defense. " 

OCCUPANCY OF FORT LE BCEUF. 

Boats and canoes left Pittsburgh on the 16th of April, by way of the Alle- 
gheny River, the stores and provisions having been sent in advance. By the 
25th of Aprd, three officers and seventy-seven men had reached Franklin, at the 
mouth of French Creek. On the same date, a I'eport reached headquarters at 
Pittsburgh that the Indians, incited by British agents, were " meditating an 
opposition to the designs of the Government respecting Presque Isle," and n 
week later Denny wrote to the Governor his apprehensions that "a council 
holding at the mouth of Buffalo Creek between the chiefs of the Six Nations 
and the British may terminate unfavorably to our establishment." On the Ist 
of May, a Munsee Indian was killed at Franklin in a drunken row by a white 



' HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 203 

man named Kobertson. This added greatly to the feeling among the aborig- 
ines. The affair was settled by the party at Franklin raising a purse of $100 
and paying it to the relatives of the dead man, in satisfaction of their wi'ong, 
according to an old custom among the Indians. 

The troops took possession of "the forks of French Creek, about two miles 
below the old post of LeBoeuf/' on or near the 11th of May, where they built 
a small block-house, pending the cutting out of the logs which obstructed the 
navigation of the stream. From this point. Gen. John Wilkins, of Pittsburgh, 
who accompanied the expedition, wrote on the day of their arrival that "the 
British are determined to oppose the progress of the State troops from LeBoeuf 
to Presque Isle by sending a number of Indians and English to cut them otF. " 
In a few days more the detachment reached LeBoeuf, where they immediately 
erected two small picketed block-houses, which, Wilkins reported, " will make 
them sufficiently strong until the re-enforcement arrives under Capt. Denny." 
The latter event did not occur until the 24th of June. A draft of 1,000 mili- 
tia from the brigades of Westmoreland, Washington, Allegheny and Fayette 
Counties was ordered by the Governor in the latter part of May, to co-operate 
with Denny's detachment under command of Gen. Wilkins. On the day the 
order was issued, the Governor wrote to Wilkins warning him of "the critical 
state of our Presque Isle settlements,'' which, he added, "calls for an exercise 
of judgment, prudence and spirit." 

INTERFERENCE OF THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT. 

While the events here mentioned were in progress, a letter reached Gen. 
Knox, Secretary of War under President Washington, from Gen. Israel 
Chapin, the United States Commissioner to the Six Nations, to the effect that 
the British " feel very much alarmed at the garrisoning of Presque Isle. * * 
If the garrison destined for that place," wrote Chapin, " is not very strong, 
it is doubtful whether it will not be attacked." On the 9th of May, Gen. 
Knox wrote to Wilkins and Denny, cautioning them to "proceed with the 
utmost vigilance and precaution." The next day, he addressed a communica- 
tion to Gen. Mifflin, stating that " affairs are critically circumstanced between 
the United States and the Six Nations," and giving it as the opinion of the 
President, "on mature reflection, that it is advisable to suspend for the pres- 
ent the establishment of Presque Isle." On the very day this epistle was re- 
ceived, the Governor notified the Brigade Inspectors of the four western coun- 
ties that he had been induced to suspend the execution of the act for laying 
out a town at Presque Isle. He therefore rescinded all orders for drafting men. 
directed the Commissioners, who had not yet left Pittsburgh, to postpone further 
proceedings, and commanded Denny's detachment to remain at LeBoeuf, "un- 
less it should be found necessary to retire from the station in order to prevent 
an actual contest with the friendly Indians." The Commissioners were asked 
to remain "in such a situation as will enable them on short notice to resume 
the execution of their mission." 

WAS THE DANGER REAL? 

The correspondence that has been preserved on the subject indicates that 
the fears of an Indian war were well founded and quite universal among those who 
had the best means of information. Gen. Wilkins wrote fi'om LeBoeuf: "The 
Indians contrive to make opposition to the establishment at Presque Isle. The 
Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada and an Indian agent were visiting all 
the Indian towns westward, exciting the Indians to oppose the Americans and 
assuring them of support from the King. * * * Advices from the Gene- 



204 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

see country state that every industry is being made by the British to put the 
Indians on us." The chief men of the Six Nations, he concluded, held a 
couDcil at Buffalo Creek about the middle of INIay. In a letter of June 5, 
from David Reweck to Gov. Mifflin, he says of Presque Isle: "I have not, 
doubted but that the British wish seriously to possess it. * * * j^ jg 
pretty certainly known that for a considerable time past no vessel (British) has 
gone up or down the lake without instructions to put in at Presque Isle and 
see whether we were there or no." About the same time, John Polhemus, com- 
manding at Fort Franklin, reported: " From the best information that I have 
received this day, I have reason to believe the Indians will attempt to make 
themselves mastei's of this post." A week later, he forwarded the tidings that 
three men on their way to Pittsburgh from Franklin were attacked by the savages, 
two of whom were killed. D. Hansom, a trader with the Indians, deposed on 
the nth of June that he "had been told by the Broken Twig that the British 
and Indians were to land at Presque Isle and form a junction with Cornplanter 
on French Creek and were then to clear it by killing all the white people and 
taking all the posts on it." 

It is but fair to the Senecas and their chief to state that in a letter from 
Capt. Denny, dated at Franklin on the lOth of June, he says: "The Corn- 
planter has gone to another council at Buffalo. * * * jJe is extremely 
concerned at the account given of their going to take up the hatchet; says they 
are bad men that report it; that it's a lie." 

In a communication of the 12th of June from Gen. Chapin' to the War 
Department, he declares: "I am afraid of the consequences of the attempt to 
settle Presque Isle at present. The Indians do not acknowledge the validity 
of the Cornplanter's sale to Pennsylvania." 

We have gathered the testimony on this point at more length than may seem 
necessary, because of its relation to other events that will be detailed in a sub- 
sequent chapter. 

A LENGTHY DISCUSSION. 

The people of the western counties were highly indignant at the suspen- 
sion of the proceedings for settlement, and. without knowing the reason that 
prompted Gov. Mifflin, hotly condemned what they called his timidity. The 
Governor, however, soon righted himself by spreading the intelligence abroad 
that he had acted in pursuance of a special request from President Washing- 
ton. He was of the belief, in common with most of the citizens of the State, 
that there was more bluster than sincerity in the threats of the Indians, and 
tliat the best way was to go right on, and, if necessary, whip them into acqui- 
escence. Gen. Irvine wrote from Pittsburgh: "People here are astonished at 
the course of the General Government. I could have taken 500 — some mounted, 
some riflemen, of such as would have efifectually awed the savages and 
British.'' A long correspondence took place between Mifflin and the Federal 
authorities, in which the Governor argued earnestly in favor of the right of 
the State to protect its own territory and endeavored to convince the Cabinet 
of the folly of suspending the operations. 

AN IMPORTANT COUNCIL. 

The council referred to by Denny was held at the mouth of Bufialo Creek 
on the 18th of June. It was attended by Gen. Chapin, as representative of 
the United States, who found the Indians "much agitated with regard to the 
movements made by the State of Pennsylvania." He left Buffalo on the 19th, 
in company with sixteen chiefs and warriors and a British Indian agent, who 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. ' 20 5 

acted as interpreter, for Presqiie Isle, which they reached on the 24:th. Find- 
ing no person there, they proceeded to LeBoeuf that evening, where they met 
Capt. Denny and Mr. Ellicott, one of the State Commissioners, who had re- 
cently come up from Pittsburgh. In the consultation which ensued, the Indians 
objected to the establishment of garrisons in this quarter in the professed be- 
lief that it would involve them in a war with the Western Indians. They 
also claimed that the lands were not legally purchased from them by Pennsyl- 
vania. Ellicott and Denny replied that the purchase was as openly and fairly 
made as any that had ever taken place. The Indians returned to Buffalo, 
where another council was held on the 4th of July, at which it was determined 
to maintain their rights by force. In a communication of July 17, from the 
Secretary of War to the Governor, he reported that Chapiu had sent word that, 
had he not proceeded to LeBoeuf and the surveyors not suspended operations, 
blood would certainly have been shed. 

FORT LE BCEUF AND ITS GARRISON. 

Denny begged of Gren. Gibson on the 27th of June for "a few militia," on 
the ground that a number of his men at Le Boeuf were ill with the flux and 
others had to be detached. To the Governor he reported on the 4th of July: 
" Have been busy erecting a stockade post. Moved the detachment in yester- 
day. Am now beyond the power of any body of hostile Indians. None have 
been around since the party on the 24th. Hear firing almost daily, but whether 
friends or foes is uncertain." Ellicott wrote on the 1st of August: " The In- 
dians consider themselves as our enemies and that we are theirs, From this 
consideration they never come near the garrison except as spies and then es- 
cape as soon as discovered." Denny notified the Governor on the same date 
that they had four block -houses at LeBceuf, on two of which a six-pounder was 
mounted, the others not being calculated for cannon. Over each gate was a 
swivel. The officers occupied their tents in the absence of more agreeable 
quarters. The situation he regarded as excellent, except that there was a hol- 
low way parallel with the rear of the works and within gunshot that would 
' ' cover any number of Indians." This was examined every morning before 
the gates were thrown open. A few days previous, two or three Indians were 
seen "reviewing the plan," who seemed disappointed when a white flag was 
hoisted. The troops at the post numbered one hundred and ten, inclusive of 
officers. Ellicott regarded the garrison as being "in excellent order," and 
that it could, "if supplied with provisions, safely bid defiance to all the In- 
dians between the Genesee and Mississippi Rivers." 

On the 10th of September, a man named Dickson was fired at by a party of 
Indians and wounded in two places, while working in a field within a hundred 
and fifty yards of the settlement at Cussewago, below LeBoeuf. The news of 
the atrocious act spread like wildfire, and excited a universal desire among the 
whites for retaliation. 

Denny complained to the Governor, on the 1st of October, that " the men 
are very naked; few of them have anything but their summer dress, and that 
in rags, and the most of them are barefooted." Again, on the 1st of November, 
he sent word: " For want of clothing, particularly shoes, there are numbers of 
the men who are almost useless. * * The fellows who are barefooted suffer 
with the snow." A letter from Wilkins, of the 10th of October, gave more 
favorable accounts from LeBoeuf and Franklin. The British influence over 
the Six Nations, he stated, had been greatly affected by the defeat which the 
Western Indians sustained from Gen. XVayne's army in August. A number of 
Six Nation Indians were in the battle at Maumee, and on getting back to their 



206 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

homes told the most terrifying stories of Wayne's skill and bravery. Mr. 
Ellicott set out for the older sections of the State on the 23d of October, and 
was in Philadelphia on the 30th of December. An order was issued by the 
Governor to Gen. Wilkins on the 26th of October to raise one hundred and 
thirty men for six months, after the expiration of the service of the detachment 
at LeBceuf, for the maintenance of that post and the completion of the Presque 
Isle enterprise. Each private was to receive 50 shillings a month, besides 
the customary rations. The old detachment was relieved by the new recruits 
in the closing part of December. 

A TREATY OF PEACE. 

By the efforts of Timothy Pickering, representing the United States, a 
treaty of peace was concluded with the Six Nations at Canandaigua, N. Y., on 
the 11th of November, in which they unreservedly acknowledged the title of 
Pennsylvania to the Triangle, and for themselves and their successors released 
all claims upon the lands within its limits. This happy conclusion was much 
hastened by the terror of Anthony Wayne's name and victories. As soon as 
tidings of the treaty reached Washington, word was sent by the President tc 
Gov. Mifflin that the temporary obstacles to the establishment were removed. 
It being too late in the season when the good news arrived at Le Boeuf to do 
any effective work at Presque Isle, the detachment remained at the former 
post until early spring. The force there on the 27th of March, 1795, consisted 
of ninety-nine in all. 

While Ellicott was at Le Boeuf, in the summer of 1791, he laid out the 
town of Waterford, the plan of which was afterward sanctioned by the Legis- 
lature. An act for laying out towns at Presque Isle, Le Boeuf, Venango and 
Conewango (Erie, Waterford, Franklin and Warren) passed that body in April, 
1795, being the second in regard to the first-named place. This law also 
repealed the one of April 8, 1793, quoted in the beginning of this chapter. 

Maj. Craig, of the United States Army, stationed at Pittsburgh, reported tu 
the Secretary of War on the 24th of May, 1795, that ' ' the State troops at Le 
Boeuf are nearly all disbanded. Capt. Buchanan," he says, "who commanded 
at that post (Denny having left), arrived here yesterday with the greater part 
of the men under his command, who are all discharged." In Buchanan's 
communication to the Governor, of June 19, he states, however, that Lieut. 
Mehaffey, with twenty-six men, marched from Pittsburgh with Commissioners 
Irvine and Ellicott toward Le Bceuf. He, Buchanan, expected to start that 
day with the balance of the escort. This would imply that a new set of men 
had been enlisted for the purpose. In Denny's report of his operations, he 
thus describes the location at Presque Isle: "A mile and a half in some 
directions from the old French fort the land appears to have been under culti- 
vation, or at least cleared, but is now grown up thick with young chestnut and 
linn. The fort has been a regular pentagon, but the work was very light. The 
parapet don't exceed five feet, and the ditch not more. The walls of the mag- 
azine, of stone, are standing, and may be repaired. The well may also be 
easily made fit for use." He mentions that "' among the stores sent up by the 
State " was " a complete set of irons for a saw mill." 

BEGINNING OF THE TOWN OF ERIE. 

Some two hundred men from Wayne's army landed at Presque Isle early in 
the spring of 1795, under command of Capt. Russell Bissell. They set to work 
at once, cutting timber for block-houses, of which two were erected on the bluff 







t^y^-x^dL^^-^^ c~^ 




HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 209 

overlooking the entrance to the harbor, just east of the mouth of Mill Creek.* 
They also cleared a good deal of land to raise corn for the use of the garrison. 
In June, EUicott and Irvine. Commissioners, arrived, accompanied by a corps 
of surveyors, and escorted by State troops under command of Capt. John Grubb, 
to lay out the town of Erie as required by the act of Assembly. How long they 
remained it is impossible to ascertain. The troops under Bissell built a saw 
mill the next season at the mouth of Mill Creek, which was the first in Erie 
County, and gave name to the stream. The command would seem to have been 
kept up until about 1806, being successively in charge, after Bissell, who con- 
tinued until 1799, of Capts. Hamtramck, Lyman and McCall, and Gen. Callen- 
der Irvine, a son of Commissioner Irvine. 

THE LAST INDIAN MURDER. 

A bloody incident occurred on the 22d of May, 1795, which was afterward 
the cause of much discussion and litigation, on account of which we will give 
the cotemporary statements in regard to it found in the Pennsylvania Archives. 
Denny wrote to the Governor from Pittsburgh on the 29th of May: ' ' Four men 
were attacked on Saturday last by a pai'ty of Indians lying in wait on the road 
two miles from Presque Isle. One was found scalped; the fate of the other 
three is not known." A letter from the Secretary of War to Gov. Mifflin, 
dated the 5th of June, referring to the occurrence, says: "It is not improbable 
that the attack was in retaliation, because a family of fx'iendly Indians on the 
Allegheny, returning from their winter hunt, had been fired upon in May by a 
party of white men, and two of the Indians badly wounded.'' The man who 
was killed was named Ralph Rutledge, and one of the other three was his son, 
who was found scalped but living, and was carried to the fort at Waterford for 
medical treatment, where he died shortly after. These were the first known 
deaths in the county. The body of the elder Rutledge was found near the site 
of the Union depot in Erie, and was buried on the spot where he died. 



CHAPTER X. 



Anthony Wayne. 



""VTO work upon Erie County would be complete without a sketch of the 
-LN career of Gen. Anthony Wayne, who^e last sickness, death and buiial are 
inseparably associated with its history. He was born in the township of 
Eastown, Chester County, Penn. , on the 1st of January, 1745, being the son 
of Isaac Wayne, who served several terms as a member of the Provincial Leg- 
islature and took part in one or more Indian expeditions. After receiving a 
good education, Anthony embraced the profession of a surveyor, at which he 
was engaged for a brief period in his native county. In 1765-66, he visited 
Nova Scotia as the agent of a Philadelphia land association, and on returning 
home was elected to several county offices. He formed an early friendship 
with Dr. Franklin, and, like him, was one of the first to espouse the cause of 
American independence. A member of the Assembly in 1774, and of the Pro- 
vincial Convention in the same year^ to consider the troubles with Great Brit- 

* The troops merely erected quarters-that year ; the warehouse and stockades were not completed until the next 
year, after the saw mill was placed in operation. The supplies for the command were brought by vessel from Detroit. 

12 



210 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ain, he became one of the Committee of Safety in 1775. Believing war to be 
inevitable, he resigned his civil office in September, and, after some time spent 
in military study and practice, raised a regiment, of which he was commis- 
sioned Colonel. His first service was with Gen. Sullivan in the spring of 1776, 
and he bore a brilliant part in the battle of Three Rivers, Canada. When the 
expedition returned, he was placed in charge of the posts of Ticonderoga and 
Mt. Independence. In February, 1777, he was commissioned a Brigadier 
General, and served with Washington in the New Jersey and Delaware Valley 
campaign. On the 20th of September, 1777, while stationed at Paoli, near his 
Chester County home, with a detachment of 1,500 men, his position was be- 
trayed by some tories to the enemy, who fell upon him during the night and 
killed and wounded one-tenth of his command. By Wayne's coolness and 
bravery, his little army was rallied, and retreated to a place of safety. This 
was the affair generally known as the 

" MASSACRE OF PAOLI. " 

" A court-martial convened by Gen. W^ashington, at Wayne's urgent re- 
quest, decided, after minute investigation, that he did everything that could 
be expected from an active, brave and gallant officer under the orders which he 
then had." He led the attack of the American right wing at Germantown, and 
received the special applause of Washington for his conduct at Monmouth. 
His surprise and capture of Stony Point, one of the strongest British positions 
on the Hudson, was among the most gallant events of the war, and elicited res- 
olutions of thanks from Congress and the Legislature of Pennsylvania. After 
other valuable services in the North, Wayne was transferred to the South, 
where he co-operated with marked skill iu the operations which led to the sur- 
render of Cornwallis. His last sphere of duty during the Revolution was in 
Georgia, from which he succeeded in driving the enemy. He was distinguished 
in all councils of war for supporting the most energetic measures, from which, 
and from his wonderful dash and courage, he won the popular appellation of 
" Mad Anthony." At the close of the war, he retired to bis farm in Chester 
County. He was called in 1789 to serve in the Pennsylvania convention, and in 
that body advocated the adoption of the United States Constitution with all of 
his old-time earnestness and patriotism. 

HIS WESTERN CAMPAIGN. 

In the year 1792, Wayne was commissioned a Major General, and assigned to 
the Northwestern frontier, for the purpose of forcing the Indians into subjec- 
tion. After various minor engagements, he gained a signal victory over the 
savages on the Maumee, in August, 1 794. His skill, promptness and bravery 
made a strong impression among the hostile tribes, and they hastened to sue 
for forgiveness. He was then appointed sole Commissioner to deal with them 
on the part of the United States, and effected a treaty of peace at Greenville, 
Ohio, in 1795, which paved the way for the settlement of Northwestern Penn- 
sylvania and Northern Ohio. 

SICKNESS AND DEATH. 

Gen. Wayne's mission being fulfilled, in the fall of 1796 he embarked in a 
small vessel at Detroit for Presque Isle, now Erie, on his way homeward. 
During the passage down the lake, he was attacked with the gout, which had 
afflicted him for some years, and been much aggravated by his exposure in the 
Western wilds. The vessel being without suitable remedips, he could obtain no 
relief, and on landing at Presque Isle was in a dangerous condition. By his 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 211 

own request, he was taken to one of the block houses on the Garrison tract, the 
attic of which bad been fitted up as a sleeping apartment. Dr. J. C. Wallace, 
who had served with him as a surgeon during his Indian campaign, and who 
was familiar with his disease, was then stationed at Fort Fayette, Pittsburgh. 
The General sent a messenger for the doctor, and the latter started instantly 
for Erie, but on reaching Franklin was astonished to learn the news of his 
death, which occurred on the 15th of December, 1790. During his illness 
every attention was paid to the distinguished invalid that circumstances would 
permit. Two days after his death the body was buried, as he had directed, in 
a plain coffin, with his uniform and boots on, at the foot of the flagstaff of the 
block-house. Among those who helped to lay out and inter the remains was 
Capt. Daniel Dobbins, long one of the best known citizens of Erie. The top 
of the coffin was marked with the initials of his name, "A. W.," his age and 
the year of his decease in round-headed brass tacks, driven into the wood. 

HIS APPEARANCE AND BEARING. 

An account of Gen. Wayne at the age of thirty two describes him as 
"about middle size, with a firm, manly countenance, commanding port and 
eagle eye. His looks corresponded well with his character, indicating a soul 
noble, ardent and daring. In his intercourse with his officers and men. he was 
affable and agreeable, and had the art of communicating to their bosoms the 
gallant and chivalrous spirit which glowed in his own. * * * jjjg (Jress 
was scrupulously neat and elegant, his movements were quick, his manners 
easy and graceful." 

DISINTERMENT OF THE REMAINS. 

In the fall of 1808, Gen. Wayne's daughter, Mrs. Altee, was taken serious- 
ly ill. While upon her sick bed, she was seized with a strong desire to have 
her father's remains moved to the family burying ground. Realizing that it 
was her last sickness and anxious to console her dying moments, Col. Isaac 
Wayne, the General's son, consented to come on to Erie for the purpose of 
complying with her wishes. The journey was made in the sprmg of 1809, 
through what was then a wilderness for much of the distance, with a horse and 
sulky. On arriving in Erie, Col. Wayne put up at Buehler's Hotel, and sent 
for Dr. Wallace, the same one who had been called to minister to the General. 
The Doctor agreed to attend to the disinterment and preparation of the re- 
mains, and Col. Wayne gave him entire charge of the operation, declining to 
witness it on the ground that he preferred to remember his father as he knew 
him when living. Thirteen years having elapsed, it was supposed that the 
corpse would be decomposed, but, on opening the grave, all present were 
amazed to find the body petrified wiih the exception of one foot and leg, which 
were partially gone. The boot on the unsound leg had decayed and most of 
the clothing was missing, Dr. Wallace separated the body into convenient 
parts and placed them in a kettle of boiling w-ater until the flesh could be re- 
moved from the bones. He then carefully scraped the bones, packed them in 
a small box and returned the flesh, with the implements used in the operation, 
to tne coffin, which had been left undisturbed, and it was again covered over 
with earth. The box was secured to Col. Wayne's sulky and carried to East- 
ern Pennsylvania, where the contents were deposited in a second grave among 
those of the General's deceased relatives. In the labor of dissection, which took 
place on the garrison grounds. Dr. Wallace was assisted by Robert Murray, Rob- 
ert Irwin, Richard Clement and perhaps others. Gen. Wayne's sound boot was 
given to James Duncan, who found that it fitted him, had a mate made for it 
and wore the pair until they could no longer be used. 



212 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

APPEARANCE OF THE BODY. 

At the time of the disintermeat, Capt. Dobbins and family were living on 
the Garrison grouads in a large building erected for the use of the command- 
ing officer. Mrs. Dobbins was allowed to look at the body, with some of her 
lady acquaintances, and obtained a lock of the dead hero's hair. She had a vivid 
recollection of the incident when nearly in her one hundredth year. The body, 
she said, was not hard like stone, but was more of the consistency of soft chalk. 
The hairs of the head pulled out readily, and the general appearance of the 
corpse was much like that of a plaster of Paris cast. 

In explanation of Dr. Wallace's course, it is argued that he acted in accord- 
ance with what the circumstances of the case seemed to require. It was 
necessary that the remains should be placed in as small a space a^ possible, to 
accommodate the means of conveyance. Col. Wayne is reported to have said, 
in regard to the affair: "I always regretted it; had I known the state the 
remains were in before separated I think I should certainly have had them 
again deposited there and let them rest, and had a monument erected to his 
memory." 

William H. Holstein, a grandson of Gen. Wayne, in a letter printed in the 
Erie Observer of February 13, 1880, states that "Col. Wayne was not aware 
of the condition of his father's remains until all was completed or he would 
not have consented to the removal.'' 

A SECOND DISINTERMENT. 

Some years ago. Dr. Germer, of Erie, who has a profound veneration for 
vVayne's memory, read a sketch of the burial and removal, and was prompted 
to look up the place of the grave. He first ascertained the site of the block- 
house, which had long before disappeared with the other structures, and dig- 
ging down at the probable foot of the flagstaff readily found the grave and 
coffin. The lid of the coffin, with the initials, etc., before described, upon it, 
was fairly preserved, but the balance had mostly rotted away. Largely through 
the efforts of Dr. Germer and Capt. Welsh, an appropriation was obtained 
from the Legislature, with which a substaatial log block-house in imitation of 
the original was built to mark the site, and the grounds were surrounded by a 
railing with cannon at each of the four corners. The grave has been neatly 
and substantially built up with stone, and the coffin lid, with other relics of the 
early days, is carefully sheltered within the block-house — the whole forming 
as appropriate a monument to the hero as could well be devised. 

HIS EASTERN TOMB. 

The Wayne family burial ground, where the bones of the gallant General 
repose, is in the cemetery attached to St. David's Episcopal Church, at Rad- 
nor, Delaware County, not far from the Chester County line, less than an 
hour's walk from Wayne Station, on the Pennsylvania Railroad, and fourteen 
miles west from Philadelphia. Not far distant is Paoli, the scene of the mas- 
sacre which was so brilliantly avenged at Stony Point. The Pennsylvania 
State Society of the Cincinnati erected a monument over the grave on the 4th 
of July, 1809, which is still in position. In close proximity are the last 
resting places of Gen. Wayne's wife, son and daughter, and of numerous re- 
lations. The house where Wayne was born, near Paoli, is still standing, or 
was in 1876, and his descendants, who occupy it, have collected and j^reserved 
many articles of interest as having been associated with his long and illustri- 
ous career. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 213 



CHAPTER XI. 

Land Matters. 

ON the 3cl of April, 1792, one month after the cession of the Triangle, the 
General Assembly passed an act for the encouragement of emigration to the 
newly acquired territory. This measure, generally known as the "actual set- 
tlement law," was in substance as follows: 

The lands north and west of the Kivers Ohio, Allegheny and Conewango 
are to be* sold to any person who will cultivate, improve and settle the same, 
or cause them to be improved and settled, at £7 10 shillings for every hundred 
acres, with an allowance of six per cent for roads, etc. 

On application to the Secretary of the Land Office, giving a description of 
the lauds applied for, a warrant is to be issued to the applicant for any quan- 
tity not exceeding 400 acres. 

The lands are to be divided into proper districts and one Deputy Surveyor 
is to be appointed for each district. 

No title shall vest in the lands unless the grantee has, prior to the issuance 
of his warrant, made or caused to be made, or shall, within two years next 
after the same, make or cause to be made an actual settlement thereon, by 
clearing, fencing and cultivating at least two acres for every hundred in one 
survey, and erected a house, and resided or caused a family to reside on the 
same for the five years immediately following; and in default thereof new war- 
rants shall be issued to actual settlers; provided, that if any such actual settler 
or grantee "shall, by force of arms of the enemies of the United States, be pre- 
vented from making stich settlement, or be driven therefrom, and shall persist 
in his endeavors to make such actual settlement, then, in either case, he and 
his heirs shall be entitled to have and to hold such lands in the same manner as 
if the actual settlement had been made..'''' 

The lands actually settled and improved are to remain chargeable with the 
purchase money and interest, and if the grantee shall neglect to apply for a 
warrant for ten years after the passage of this act, unless hindered by death or 
the enemies of the United States, the lands may be granted to others by war- 
rants reciting the defaults. The lands settled under this legislation are to be 
free from taxation for ten years. 

PENNSYLVANIA POPULATION COMPANY. 

Soon after Ihe " actual settlement law " was enacted, the Pennsylvania 
Population Company was formed at Philadelphia, the avowed purpose of 
which was to settle the lands of the Triangle. John Nicholson, the famous 
land speculator, was elected President, and Messrs. Cazenove, Lvine, Mead, 
Leet, Hoge and Stewart, managers. The stock of the corporation consisted of 
2,500 shares, each of which represented or was intended to represent 200 acres. 
The title to the lands purchased was to be vested in trustees, to be held in 
common, and the proceeds were to be divided, pro rata, among the stockhold- 
ers. Previous to the organization of the company, Mr. Nicholson had applied 
for 390 warrants in the Triangle, and 250 on the watei-a of Beaver River, to 
be located in his own name. These he transferred to the corporation, which 



214 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. . • 

paid for them and perfected the title. The company also took up about 500 
additional warrants in Erie and Crawford Counties. The lands located by the 
PopulatioQ Company embraced the whole Triangle except the Erie and Garri- 
son State Reserves and Irvine's Reservation. The corporation was dissolved 
in 1811, after the last war with Great Britain, and the remaining lands and 
unsettled contracts for the sale of lands passed into the hands of the individual 
members. 

A GREAT LAND SPECULATOR. 

"John Nicholson," says the author of the Historical Annals of Pennsyl- 
vania, "was Comptroller of the State from 1782 to 1794, during which time 
$27,000,000 of public money passed through his hands under circumstances 
of peculiar complication and ditfieulty, arising from the then state of paper 
money and the Government credit. He became the object of political pe;se- 
cution, and resigned his office. His private transactions were very extensive. 
At this period he was the owner of about 3,700,000 acres of land in Pennsyl- 
vania, besides large possessions, real and personal, elsewhere. To meet his 
various pecuniary engagements for these lands, he formed joint-stock compa- 
nies, to which he conveyed a large portion of them. His affairs became em- 
barrassed; he was committed to prison, and died in confinement and insane 
dvflfing the year 1800. So early as the 17th and 18th of March, 1797, deeds 
had been made to the Pennsylvania Land Company, and individual creditors 
had obtained judgments against him. The commonwealth had an immense 
claim against him for unsettled land warrants, stock accounts, and other items, 
in liquidation of which the vast amount of lands held in his name, throughout 
thirty-nine counties, reverted to the commonwealth, and were taken or pur- 
chased by others. Conflicting claims, besides that of the State, were previ- 
ously existing, and tended greatly to complicate the title of these lands. The 
matter was several times closed and as often re-opened by legislative enact- 
ments, special writs and new lawsuits, and, later, a sweeping claim was made 
by the individual heirs of Nicholson to an immense amount of land through- 
out the State- — attempting to unsettle claims supposed to have been quieted 
many years since." A fuller account of a j^art of the agitation here referred to 
will be found in another place. 

PLAN OF SETTLEMENT. 

The Population Company, on the Sth of March, 1793, issued instructions 
to their agents, offering the following inducements to settlers in Erie County: 

A gift of 150 acres each to the tirst twenty families that shall settle on 
French Creek. 

A similar gift to the first twenty families that shall settle in the Lake Erie 
territory. 

A gift of 100 acres each to the next fifty families (after the first twenty) 
who shall settle on French Creek. 

A similar gift to the next fifty families (after the first ten) who Rhall settle 
in the Lake Erie territory. 

The settlers were privileged to locate on any lands of the company they 
chose, and if they cleared at least ten acres, and erected a comfortable house 
thereon, in which they resided, were to have a deed after two years. In case 
they were driven off by the Indians, no part of the two years was to run 
against them, and no title was to vest in any })erson or his heirs who aban- 
doned the lands before receiving his deed. 

Thirty thousand acres were offered for sale to actual settlers, in tracts not 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 215 

exceeding 300 acres, at $1 per acre, payable at the option of the purchaser, 
in three years, with interest the last two years. The surveys were to be made 
under the direction of the company, at the expense of the grantee or purchaser. 

HOLLAND LAND COMPANY. 

The Holland Land Company was an organization of twelve wealthy gentle- 
men living in Holland, who advanced several millions of dollars to the Gov. 
ernment during the Revolution, through the influence of Robert Morris. This 
debt was liquidated after the establishment of independence, by the Government, 
transferring to the company vast tracts of land in Western New York and 
Northwestern Pennsylvania. The company also took up by warrant numerous 
tracts of land in Erie and Crawford Counties. These were issued to them at 
various times in 1793, 1794 and 1795, and numerous sales were made. Incon- 
sequence of the Indian troubles, the settlers upon some of the tracts were pre- 
vented from making the improvements required by law within the two years 
prescribed, and the titles became involved in litigation, the same as in the case 
of the Population Company. The lands of the Holland Company lay south 
of the triangle line, across the entire width of the county. Maj. Alden, the 
first agent of the company, had his headquarters in Crawford County. He was 
succeeded by William Miles, of Union Mills. In 1815, H. J. Huidekoper, a 
member of the corporation, came on from Holland, took charge of the com- 
pany's affairs, and established his office in Meadville. The lands remaining 
unsold were bought by Mr. Huidekoper in 1833, and helped to create the large 
fortune which he left at his decease. 

TENTH DONATION DISTRICT. 

By an-act of March 12, 1783, the Legislature directed the laying-out of a 
district in the Northwest, to be bounded " by the Allegheny River on the south- 
east as far up as the mouth of the Conewango; thence by a line due north to 
the New York line; thence by the northern and western boundaries of the 
States, and south " by what was known as the Depreciation District, which ex- 
tended up the Beaver to the mouth of the Mahoning. These lands were ap 
propriated to fulfill the prumise of the commonwealth, made on the 7th of 
March, 1780, "to the officers and privates belonging to this State in the Fed- 
eral army, of certain donations and quantities of land, according to their sev- 
eral ranks, to be surveyed and divided off to them, severally, at the end of the 
war. They were surveyed in lots of from 200 to 500 acres each, enough of 
each kind to supply the different ranks. A Major General was entitled to 
draw four tickets, by lottery, for 500 acres each; a Brigadier General, three of 
the same; and so on down to the drummers, lifers, corporals, and ' private 
sentinels,' who drew one ticket of 200 acres each." The Donation District was 
divided into sub districts, each of which was known by its number. The 
Tenth District commenced about a mile east of the borough of Waterford and 
extended eastward across the present townships of Amity and Wayne to the 
Warren County line. It was surveyed on the part of the State in 1785 by 
David Watts and William Miles, who came on from the East for that purpose, 
and returned home on the completion of their labors. In laying out the dis- 
trict they made several provoking errors, among others running their lines 
into Greene and Venango Townships, which did not belong to the State. This 
blunder was corrected, however, upon the purchase of the Triangle, but some 
of the other faults of the survey led to much litigation and hard feeling. Few 
of the soldiers for whose benefit the lands were set aside, moved on to them, 
the patents having generally been disposed of at' a small price to speculators. 



216 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The object of the law was fulfilled without using the entire district specified 
for donation purposes, and the balance of the lands, including all that part of 
Erie County not named above and in the several grants and reservations, re- 
verted to the State. 

HAEEISBDKG AND PEESQUE ISLE COMPANY. 

On the 13th of August, 1796, an association was formed at Harrisburg, 
under the title of the Harrisburg and Presque Isle Company, for the purpose 
of " settling, improving and populating the country near and adjoining to 
Lake Erie." It was limited to ten persons, whose naiiies were Richard Swan, 
Thomas Forster, John Kean, Alexander Berryhill, Samuel Laird, John A. 
Hanna, Robert Harris, Richard Dermond, William Kelso and Samuel Ains- 
worth. The capital of the company consisted of 110,000, of which no member 
was entitled to more than five shares of $200 each. The money paid in was 
to be " common stock," and was to be invested in the purchase of " inlots and 
outlots in the town of Erie and others," and of lands north and west of the 
Ohio and Allegheny Rivers. The company purchased thirty seven Erie in- 
lots and eight outlots at the public sale at Carlisle in August, 1796. They 
also obtained possession of 430 acres at the mouth of Walnut Creek, and of 
some land at Waterford. ]\Tr. Forster came on as agent, in company with 
Mr. Swan, in the spring of 1797, and located on the Walnut Creek property. 
By the fall of that year, they had a saw mill erected, and the next year a grist 
mill was commenced, which was not completed, however, till the fall of 1799. 
They laid out a town at tlie mouth of the creek and called it Fairview. Both 
Forster and Swan took up large tracts in the vicinity on their own account. 
The title to a portion of the company's property was disputed by the Popula- 
tion Company, and, after long litigation, the Walnut Creek site was sold at 
Sheriff's sale. 

THE MOEAVIAN GEANT. 

The "Society of the United Brethren for Propagating the Gospel among the 
Heathen" — commonly known as the Moravians — had long maintained mission- 
aries at its own expense among the Indians, who contributed largely by their 
Christian example and teachings to the peace of the frontier. In recognition 
of their services, the State, on the 17th of April, 1791, voted the association 
two grants of land of 2,500 acres each, with allowance, to be located respect- 
ively on " the River Connought, near the northwestern part of the State," and 
on " the heads of French Creek." The society located 2,875 acres in LeBoeuf 
Township, which they named the "Good Luck" tract, and 2,797 in Springfield 
and Conneaut Townships, to which they gave the title of " Hospitality." 
These lands were leased until 1850, when they were purchased by N. Blickens- 
derf er and James Miles. The first agent for the Moravians was William Miles, of 
Union, who was succeeded by his son James as manager of the " Hospitality," 
and by John W^ood, of Waterford, as manager of the "Good Luck" tract. 

THE EESEEVATIONS. 

The Reservations in the county were four in 'number, viz. : Irvine's 
Reservation, the Erie State Reserve, the W^aterford State Reserve, and the 
Garrison Reserve. 

Irvine's Reservation consisted of 2,000 acres in Harbor Creek Township, 
donated by the commonwealth to Gen. "\Villiam Irvine as a special reward for 
his services during the Revolution. He located the tract while here to lay out 
the town of Erie. It was reserved in the grants to the Population Company. 




■'■^-S"<^'^ 




HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 219 

In the grants to that company, the State also reserved a tract around the 
harbor of Erie, which became known as the Erie State Reserve. It commenced 
at the head of the bay and ran south three miles, then eastward, parallel with 
the lake, eight miles, then back to the lake shore three miles, making altogeth- 
er some twenty-four square miles. An act passed the Legislature in April, 
1797, providing for the sale of these lands. They were first surveyed by 
George Moore in 1795, again by John Cochran in 1796-97, and finally by 
Thomas Rees in 1799. The latter laid them out in three tiers — the one 
furthest from the lake consisting of 150-acre ti'acts, the second mainly of 130- 
acre tracts, and the last, or nearest to the lake, of tracts ranging from 100 to 
50 acres. This, of course, did not include the inlots and outlots of the town 
of Erie. None of the lands were sold until 1801, and but few before 1804. 
Those who bought earliest paid from $3 to $4 per acre, one-fifth in hand, the 
balance in four equal annual payments. One party who owned 411 acres 
deeded the whole of it, in 1804, for a male slave. The final sale of the Reserve 
lands took place on the first Monday of August, 1833, when fifty- acre tracts 
on the bank of the lake west of the city were purchased at from $9 to $22 per 
acre. 

The Reserve at Waterford, like that at Erie, was set apart by the State 
with a view to getting increased pvices from the expected rapid growth of 
that town. It consisted of 1,800 acres in Waterford Townshij^, and 400 in 
LeBoeuf. Pi'ovision for its sale was made in the act of 1799, and most of 
the tract had passed into private hands by 1804. 

The Garrison tract was provided for in the act of 1794, for laying out a 
town at Presque Isle, which directed the Governor to reserve "out of the lots 
of the said town so much land as he shall deem necessary for public uses; also, 
so much land, within or out of the said town, as may, in his opinion, be wanted 
by the United States for the purpose of erecting forts, magazines, arsenals 
and dock-yards." It lies on the bank of the bay on the east side of Erie City, 
and is now in the possession of the United States Government. 

ACADEMY LANDS. 

The act of 1799 provided that in the sales of land 500 acres should be held 
back from each of the Reserve tracts at Erie and Waterford "for the use of 
such schools and academies as may hereafter be established by law " in those 
towns. The lands that fell to the share of Waterford Academy lie in LeBcBuf 
Township, at the mouth of LeBoeuf Creek. They were sold ofP about 1840. 
The Erie Academy grant was in Mill Creek Township, and extend.-d some dis- 
tance along the Waterford Turnpike, commencing near the present southern 
boundary of the city. The land has passed into the hands of private owners. 

SURVEYORS AND, LAND AGENTS. 

As already stated, the first survey in the county was that of the Tenth Do- 
nation District, made by Watts and Miles in 1785. Under the act of 1792, the 
territory north and west of the Ohio. Allegheny and Conewango Rivers, was 
divided into five districts, each of which was assigned to a Deputy Surveyor. 
District No. 1 was thus described: "Beginning on the bank of Lake Erie at 
the northeast corner of the tract purchased by the State of Pennsylvania of 
the United States; from thence extending due south to the northern boundary 
of the State of Pennsylvania, and along the same upon the same due south 
course ten miles; from thence to run a due west course to the western boundary 
of the State; thence by the same north to Lake Erie; thence along the margin 
of said lake to the place of beginning." Thomas Rees was appointed Deputy 



220 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Surveyor on the 16th of May, 1792, with " full power to execute all warrants 
and surveys" to him directed by the Land Department of the State. He 
set out for his mission immediately, but learning that the Indians on Lake 
Erie were hostile, came no further than Northumberland County, where he 
opened an office. During his stay there warrants were filed by the Pennsyl- 
vania Population Company for the whole of the Triangle. He left forPresque 
Isle in the spring of 1793. On reaching Buffalo Creek (now the city of Buf- 
falo), he was met by a delegation of Indians, who refused to let him proceed 
further, threatening that he would be killed if he did. After long delay, a 
number of warrants were surveyed for the Population Company in 1794, but 
the attitude of the Indians was so hostile, and reports of Indian murders so 
frequent, that Mr. Bees abandoned the field and returned to the East. 

MORE LAND LEGISLATION. 

The Legislature passed an act on the 22d of April, 1794, which pro- 
vided that uo further applications should be received by the land office for any 
unimproved land within the Triangle. This was after it had been ascertained 
that the tei-ritory was not suflicient to supply the warrants issued to the Popu- 
lation Company. The same act directed that no warrant should issue after 
the 15th of June of that year, for any land within the Triangle except in favor 
of persons claiming by virtue of some settlement and improvement having been 
made thereon, and that all applications remaining in the land office after that 
date for which the purchase money had not been paid, should be void. It was 
stipulated, however, that applications might be "received and warrants issued 
until the 1st of January, 1795, in favor of any persons to whom a balance 
might be due in the land office on unsatisfied warrants issued before the 29th 
of March, 1792, for such quantities of land as might be sufficient to discharge 
such balances;" provided, that the act should not be "so construed as that 
any warrants, except those wherein the land is particularly described, should 
in any manner affect the title of the claim of any person having made an act- 
ual improvement before such warrant was entered and surveyed in the Deputy 
Surveyor's books." Another act, passed in September of the same year, made 
it unlawful for any application for lands to be received at the land office, after 
its passage, "except for such lands where a settlement has been or hereafter 
shall be made, grain raised and a person or persons residing thereon." 

SETTLED AT LAST. 

The difficulty with the Indians, related in a previous chapter, delayed fur- 
ther operations until the spring of 1795, when Mr. Bees came on again, put 
up a tent at the mouth of Mill Creek, and resumed his duties as a surveyor. 
About this time he was also appointed agent for the Population Company, which 
renewed the instructions of 1793. The Butledge murders happening soon after 
the arrival of Bees, kept emigration from the Triangle for awhile, but by fall 
quite a number of people had come into the county. Mr. Bees employed 
several Surveyors during the season, among whom were George Moore and 
David McNair, and by fall reported the sale for the company of 74,790 acres 
to some 200 different persons. Few or these, however, made an immediate 
settlement upon the land, through fear of Indian depredations. Mr. Bees re- 
signed both as Deputy Surveyor and agent for the Population Company at the 
beginning of 1796, and from that date until the spring of 1802 served the 
State as Commissioner for the sale of lots, etc. He was succeeded in the first 
position by John Cochran, and in the second by Judah Colt. Mr. Bees took 
up a large tract in Harbor Creek Township, about one mile south of the pres- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 221 

ent Buffalo road, to which he cut a highway in 1797. After leaving 
the agency, he cleared up several large farms, on one of which he resided until 
his death in May, 1818. He was the first Justice of the Peace in this county, 
his appointment bearing date March 31, 1796. 

Judah Colt, who had been appointed to succeed Mr. Rees as agent of the 
Population Company, came on in that capacity on the Ist of July, 1796. His 
duties and experience are best told in the memoir he left for the use of his 
family, an abstract of which is here given: 

ABSTRACT OF JUDAH COLT's AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

I was born at Lyme, Conn., July 1, 1761. In August, 1795, in company 
with Augustus Porter, came to Erie to purchase land. At Presque Isle found 
a number of men encamped, United States troops erecting a fort, and Com- 
missioners for the State, Gen. William Irvine and Andrew Ellicott, laying out 
the town of Erie. They had about 100 militia troops in their employ. Thom- 
as Rees was acting as agent for the Pennsylvania Population Company in the 
survey and sale of lands. Porter and I took two certificates of 400 acres each 
at $1 per acre, payable in five annual installments. We made but a brief 
stay. 

On the 3d of March, 1796, went to Philadelphia for the purpose of getting 
the lands purchased of Mr. Rees at Erie confirmed. The principal proprietors 
of the Population Company resided there. Offered to buy 30,000 acres at $1 
per acre, iDut they declined to sell in so large a body. Col. Aaron Burr, who 
was one of the proprietors, informed me that they were in need of a more act- 
ive agent, and offered me the position. A contract was entered into by which 
they agreed to pay me $1,500 a year, besides board, traveling expenses, etc. 
This was raised to 12,500 in 1798. Money was advanced with which to pro- 
cui-e supplies and hire laborers, and in the month of April I started to return 
to my home in the Genesee country, New York. At New York City, 
I laid in provisions, sundry kinds of goods and farming utensils, such 
as were needed in a new country. They were shipped under the care 
of Enoch Marvin, up the river to Albany, across the portage by wag- 
ons to the Mohawk, up the latter by batteaux, then by wagons again to 
Oswego, and from there by lake and wagon to Presque Isle. Mr. Marvin ar- 
rived at the latter place on the 22d of June, 1796, but the boats did not reach 
Presque Isle till the 1st of July. He found a Captain's command stationed 
there in a garrison laid out and built in 1795. His tent or marquee was 
erected near the old French garrison. During the season, he met with consid- 
erable opposition from advance settlers, " a company known as Dunning Mc- 
Nair&Co., from the neighborhood of Pittsburgh." Leaving the agency in 
charge of Elisha and Enoch Marvin, I set out on the 4th of November for 
Philadelphia, returning to the mouth of Sixteen Mile Creek May 31, 1797. 

June 1, rode out to where Elisha Marvin was stationed, who had charge of 
the men employed by the agency, nine miles south of Lake Erie, known after- 
ward as Colt's Station. Made this my headquarters until the 10th of November. 
The season was one of much business. The opposition of advance settlers 
caused me much trouble. I had to keep from fox'ty to one hundred men in 
service to defend settlei^s aod property. More than once mobs of twenty to 
thirty assembled for the purpose of doing mischief. Went to Pittsburgh with 
witnesses and had a number ipdicted by the grand jury of Allegheny County. 
On my return, loaded a boat with stores to lake to the Sixteen Mile Creek, and 
put it in charge of four men. On their w\ay up the lake, a storm upset the 
boat and tliree of the men were drowned. During the season, the building of 



222 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

a vessel of about thirty-five tons was commenced at the mouth of Four Mile 
creek. The Lowrys and others were the indicted parties. Their disturbances 
took place in the months of June and July. 

Went East in the fall, and set out to return to Erie in April, 1798. At New 
York, purchased supplies, which were sent forward in charge of B. Saxton and 
Eliphalet Beebe. Arrived at Presque Isle the 31st of May, and at Greenfield 
on the 3d of June. Brought my wife along for the first time. Resided at 
Colt's Station with my family until the 7th of November. The vessel, begun 
the year before at the mouth of Four Mile Creek, was completed in time to make 
a trip to Fort Erie. It was named the Sloop Washington. t)n the 10th of 
October, I accompanied about sixty-five of the settlers to Erie to attend an elec- 
tion, all of whom voted in favor of a Federal Representative. On the 7th of 
November, with Mrs. Colt, set out for Pittsburgh, on horseback. Our baggage 
was taken down French Creek in boats. Arrived at Pittsburgh the 9th of Jan- 
uary, 1799. Shortly after our arrival, the weather became very warm, the 
frost came out of the gi'ound, and the farmers began their plowing. Did not 
return to Erie County until May, 1801. Daring a part of 1800 and 1801, the 
peace of the county was much disturbed by the adversaries of the company. In 
the summer and fall of 1800, the settlement was visited by a number of clergy- 
men who were sent out by the Ohio and Redstone Presbyteries, who preached 
in a number of places and took much pains to establish churches. Among 
them was Rev. Mr. McCurdy. 

During the year 1801, some progress was made in organizing the militia of 
Greenfield. Elisha Marvin was chosen Captain. He had about eighty men 
in his company. During 1802, considerable progress was made in the county, 
military, civil and religious. In the month of June, 1803, aided by a Deputy 
Marshal of the United States Court, removed sundry intruders against whom 
ejectment had been brought, some of whom were obstinate and gave much 
trouble. During the same month, Mary Marvin arrived in company with her 
brother Elisha. September 24, purchased of James Wilson four lots, on 
which was a small house, in the town of Erie, for the sum of $490. On the 
26th, set out for Pittsburgh by way of the new State road. Returned to Green- 
field February 24, 1804. During the month of April, 1804, was again in Phil- 
adelphia as a witness in the United States Court relating to the lands of the 
Population Company, and in which the company was siiccessful. On the 6th 
of August, 1804, began to improve my Erie property, to which I removed my 
family on the 21st of November. 

The country in 1805 was still far from tranquil. People continiied to take 
unlawful possession of lands claimed under wan-ants, and were encouraged by 
others for political purposes. The company brought sundry ejectments. Dur- 
ing the summer we were called upon by a number of clergymen. In the month 
of December, James and Ezekiel Graham, who had unlawfully settled on the 
tract of the Population Company, purchased 100 acres each at $3 per acre, pay- 
able in installments. 

November 20, 1806. — News came of a decision in the land case in United 
States Court at Philadelphia. Robert Penn, plaintifi"; Adam Arbuckle, de- 
fendant. 

July 1, 1807. — The obstinacy of adverse settlers renders my employment 
in some respects unpleasant. The Erie & Waterfoi'd Turnpike is in process of 
building. 

Mr. Colt made frequent trips to Philadelphia, New York and Pittsburgh on 
the business of the company, being absent from his family much of the time. 
On one occasion he was sone fifteen months. He died in 1832, and left a large 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 223 

estate. His successor for most of the members of the company was Judah C. 
Spencer. A few of the members placed their interests in charge of Thomas H. 

Sill. 

Dunning McNair established an agency for the company on Conneaut Creek 
in 1797, and made contracts with most of the early settlers of rhat region. 

LAND SALES, 

Among those who took up large bodies of land at an early date were David 
Watts and William Miles, the first surveyors, who located 1,400 acres at Watts- 
burg, and 1,200 acres at Lake Pleasant, in 1796. Mr. Miles also purchased 
four tracts on the lake shore from the Population Company, on which he agreed 
to place settlers. Maiiin Strong, who came to the county in 1795, as a surveyor 
for the Holland Land Company, took up a large tract on the Ridge, in Water- 
ford and Summit Townships. David McNair chose 800 acres of the Walnut 
Creek flats, at Kearsarge, besides other extensive tracts. He at one time owned 
some of the most valuable property in the county, including half of what is 
now South Erie. George Fisher, of Dauphin County, secured a vast body of 
land in Waterford and AVashington Townships, and William Wallace, who was 
the first lawyer in the county, became possessor of numerous tracts in various 
townships. The inducement that caused the late Dr. W. A. Wallace to locate 
in Erie was to take charge of his father's estate. Many sales were made by 
the different companies between 1796 and 1799, and by 1800 a good share of 
the county had passed into the hands of actual settlers, or persons who in- 
tended to become such. 

LIST OF PURCHASERS. 

The following is a list of parties who entered into agreements with the 
Population Company for the purchase of lands in 1796-97 and 1798, all be- 
ing for full tracts except the one in the name of George Hurst, which was for 
200 acres: 

James Baird, George Balfour, Russell Bissell, Negro " Boe,'' Richard Cle- 
ment, Isaac Craig, Joshua Fairbanks, Thomas Forster, Thomas Gallagher, 
Thomas Greer, John Grubb, Samuel Holliday, Thomas P. Miller. Francis 
Brawley, Thomas Rees, Jr., Abraham Custard, Beriah Davis, Miles Crane, 
Elihu Crane, Abiathar Crane, Patrick Kennedy, John Sanderson, Morrow 
Lowry, William Lee, Rowland Re^s, Robert Lowry, William M. Grundy, 
John Mill, James O'Harra, Judah Colt, Laton Dick, Charles John Reed, Ben- 
jamin Richardson, Benjamin Russell, David Hays, Anthony Saltsman, Francis 
Scott, James Herman, Joseph McCord, Azariah Davis, George Hurst, Ai-nold 
Custard, William Paul, William Barker, Israel Bodine, Samuel Barker, John 
Kennedy, Israel Miller, George Nicholson, George Lowry, Thomas Dunn, 
James Dunn, Henry Hurst, Ezekiel Dunning, Wiliam Dunn, William Parcell, 
Martin Strong, Hugh Spears, Richard Swan, Elihu Talmadge, J. F. Vollaine, 
Alex. Vance, John McKee, Hugh McLaughlin, John Oliver, Rufus S. Reed, 
Mary Reed, Stephen Oliver, Milhall Condon, Alex. McKee, David Long, 
Stephen Forster, Peter Grasoss, James Greer, Joseph L. Rowley, James Foulke, 
William G. Tysner, John Hay, Freeman Tuttle, Bernard Tracy, Hamilton 
Stone, Zelmar Barker, John Anderson, Daniel Dobbins, John Shaffer, John 
Cummings, Thomas Hughes, John Daggett, David Seely, Samuel Holliday, 
John Morris, Patrick McKee, David McCullough, Henry Strowman, William 
Sturgeon, Jeremiah Sturgeon, Hugh Trimble, James Leland, Robert Brown, 
Peter Prime, John Nichols, John Gordon, Robert Mclntire, George W. Reed, 
Samuel Barker, John Cochran, George Tracy, William Weed, Oliver Dunn, 
William Baird, Oliver Thornton, Thomas Greer, Timothy Tuttle. 



224 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

STATE COMMISSIONERS. 

Below are transcripts from the papers on file in the State department at 
Harrisburg, relative to the land sales in Erie County: 

April 18, 1800— Under consideration of the act of April 11, 1799, Thomas 
Rees, Jr., was appointed Commissioner for the town of Erie to sell the reserved 
lands and the in aad outlots of Erie, David McNair for the town of Waterford, 
and John Kelso for the town of Warren. 

Api-il 25, 1800 — Wilson Smith appointed Deputy Surveyor for the town 
of Erie. 

July 1, 1800 — John Kelso and David McNair resigned as Commissioners 
for the sale of lots, etc. 

April 30, 1802 — Thomas Rees' commission for sale of inlots superseded 
and annulled. 

May 31, 1802 — John Kelso appointed Commissioner, etc., to sell lands in 
room of said Thomas Rees, removed. 

July 20, 1802 — Thomas Rees, Jr., failed to pay over moneys received for 
sale of lands, and refused to deliver books, papers, etc., to his successor, his 
bond was ordered to be prosecuted by the Governor. 

December 23, 1805 — Thomas Forster appointed to sell in and outlots in 
the town of Erie, to supply vacancy occasioned by the removal of John Kelso 
by supersedeas. 

March 29, 1809 — Charles Martin for Waterford, and Conrad Brown for 
Erie, were appointed Commissioners of sales of lands in room of Thomas 
Forster, superseded. 

February 3, 1810 — John Kelso appointed Commissioner of sales in place 
of Conrad Brown, who declined to act. 

April 13, 1811 — Robert Knox and James Boyd, Commissioners of sales. 

« 

LAND LITIGATION. 

Reference is made in Mr. Colt's autobiography to the serious disturbances 
and costly litigation which attended his career as agent of the Population 
Company. These difficulties assumed so threatening a character, that, as 
stated by him, he was obliged at times to keep a force of forty to sixty men in 
his employ to maintain the rights of the corporation. The causes of the troub- 
les, in brief, were as follows: 

It will be remembered that the law of 1792 provided that any actual set- 
tler, or grantee in any original or succeeding warrant, who should be driven 
from the country by the enemies of the United States, and who should persist 
in the endeavor to make a settlement, should be entitled to hold his lands in 
the same manner as if an actual settlement had been made. The Population 
Company and the Holland Company claimed that by their several efforts to 
occupy the lands in 1793, '94 and '95, they had fulfilled all the conditions of 
the law. In the spring of 1795, ii proclamation was issued by the Governor 
declaring that the Indians had been conquered, and stating that the north- 
western section of the State was open to settlement. The effect of this was to 
induce a number of people to emigrate to the county, some of whom purchased 
from the agents, while others set up adverse claims, asserting that the com- 
panies had forfeited the lands. The clause of the law on which the latter de- 
pended was that one which provided that settlements must be made prior to 
the date of the warrants, and requiring two acres to be cultivated, a house to 
be built and a family to be living on the claim five years after the issuing of 
the same. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 225 

The companies alleged that peace was not really secured until 1796, citing 
the Kutledge murder as proof. To this the adverse claimants replied that the 
murder was not really committed by the Indians, but was the deed of white 
men in the pay of the company, to relieve them from their embarrassment. 
This view found a good many supporters, even long after the occurrence. The 
question, "Who killed Kutledge?" was once as much used as the more modern 
phrase "Who struck Billy Pattersoti'?" The adverse claimants were wrought 
up to a high state of feeling and determined to hold their settlements by force 
of arms. The principal seat of the troubles was in Greenfield and North East 
Townships, but they extended in some degree to Conneaut, Harbor Creek and 
other sections. As usual, in American affairs, the difficulty finally entered the 
political field. Those who sustained the compauies were classed as Federalists; 
their antagonists as Democrats. 

It will be understood that the disputes here referred to mainly related to 
the Population Company, whose interest in the lands of the county was ten 
times as extensive as that of the Holland Company. The latter, however, had 
difficulties with various parties who claimed to be actual settlers. Among 
those who became involved in litigation with them was AVilliam Miles, who 
had located and placed settlers upon lands which the company complained 
had been allotted to them. The Miles suits were ultimately settled by ami- 
cable arrangement, and he became the agent of the company. As a rule, the 
Population Company were more lenient in their treatment of the adverse 
claimants than the Holland Company. 

The opponents of the companies appealed to the State authorities for pro- 
tection in their claims, alleging that they had been induced to settle upon the 
lands by the proclamation of the Governor. Their case was frequently con- 
sidered by the State Government, but nothing decisive was done until 1799, when 
Samuel Cochran, brother of John Cochran, the surveyor, was called into Gov. 
McKean's cabinet as chief of the land department. The question was then 
promptly taken up, and the cabinet decided that " the company warrants were 
null and void, and the land open to actual settlers." This decision was spread 
broadcast over the commonwealth, and led to another extensive emigration of 
persons who made settlements adverse to the company. Disputes in regard 
to titles being quite general throughout the country west of the Ohio, the Leg- 
islature, on April 2, 1802, passed an act directing the Supreme Court to de- 
cide the questions involved, which all grew out of the act of 1792. The law 
provided further that the Secretary of the Land Office should not grant any 
new warrants for land which he had reason to believe had been taken up un- 
der former warrants, but whenever applications of that character were pre- 
sented, the original should be filed in the office, and a duplicate furnished 
the applicant. Every such application was to state under oath that the person 
applying was in actual possession of the land applied for, and the time when 
possession was taken, and was to be " entitled to the same force and effect and 
the same priority in granting warrants to actual settlers as though the warrants 
had been granted when the applications were filed. " Under this act hundreds 
of emigants poured into the Northwest, who located lands, had them surveyed, 
and made actual settlements upon them, trusting to the decision of the Su- 
preme Court to establish them in their possessions. 

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania decided against the adverse claimants, 
creating such a feeling of indignation and disappointment throughout the 
Northwest as has never been known since. This settled the business, so far as 
the Population Company were concerned, it being a State corporation, wholly 
composed of citizens of Pennsylvania. The Holland Land Company, being a 



226 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

foreign concern, brought their action in the United States Circuit Court, where 
the decision was precisely like that of the State Supreme Court. It was ap- 
pealed to the Supreme Court of the United States, where the other courts were 
fully sustained in an opinion rendered by Chief Justice Marshall in 1805. In 
each instance, the clause of the act of 1792, providing that warrantees should 
not lose their rights if driven away by the enemies of the United States, was 
cited as the basis of the decision. 

This result settled the dispute for good. There being no further questions 
of title, the county began to fill up rapidly. Some of the adverse settlers left 
in disgust and despair, but the majority entered into arrangements with the 
companies to purchase the land which they had improved. The Population 
Company generally treated its grantees with commendable liberality, and in- 
stances occurred where parties were allowed forty years in which to pay up 
their articles. 

THE SPECULATIO'n OF 1836. 

The most extensive land speculation known in Erie County took place in 
1836, being confined mainly to the borough of Erie and vicinity. It grew out 
of the important internal improvements conceived and set in operation about 
that time, added to a tremendous over-issue of paper money. The canal to 
Beaver had been surveyed, a charter had been granted for the railroad to Sun- 
bury, and considerable work had been done by the United States Government 
in building piers and deepening the harbor. A widespread impression sprung 
up that Erie was speedily destined to become a great city. The charter of the 
United States Bank at Philadelphia expired in 1836. In the spring of that 
year, the State Legislature chartered the United States Bank of Pennsylvania 
with a capital of 135,000,000. This institution established a branch at Erie, 
erecting the present custom house and the Woodruff residence adjoining, for a 
banking office and cashier's residence. The stock of the Erie branch, amount- 
ing to $200,000, was announced as having been taken on the 27th of February, 
1836. 

All of these matters combined gave an extraordinary impulse to real estate 
in the borough of Erie. On the receipt of tidings that the canal and bank bills 
had passed, the price of town lots jumped up 100 per cent. In a single week 
the sales of real estate amounted to over half a million dollars. Prices were 
still rising on the 1st of March, and the total sales during the week were re- 
ported as a million and a half in amount. One lot, purchased in February for 
$10,000, was resold in Buffalo within a month for $50,000. Every sort of 
wild enterprise was devised and found eager promoters. The speculation 
lasted until 1837, when the banks failed throughout the Union, causing a ter- 
rible revolution. As late as June 11 of that year, twelve water lots, of thirty- 
two feet front each, changed hands at $40,000. "The mania for speculation 
attacked all classes, and men bought and sold with almost wanton recklessness, 
finally bringing woe upon those in whose hands the property remained when 
the bubble burst. Some of these unfortunate persons never recovered from 
that catastrophe. Of course many profited by the speculation and got rich. 
On the whole, however, the general prosperity of the country, and of this 
county in particular, was severely retarded." 







■^V -^fyAM.RUcUe 




■-.^^^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 229 



OHAPTEE XII. 

The Pioneers. 

^r^HE first known American citizens who located permanently within the bounds 
X of Erie County were Thomas Rees and John Grubb, who reached Erie 
in the spring of 1795, the one as Deputy Surveyor for the State, and the other 
as a Captain of militia, and remained until their deaths. In June of the same 
year, William Miles and William Cook, with their wives, made a settlement in 
Concord Township, near the Crawford County line, where they were the sole 
residents for some years. A month or so later, Col. Seth Reed, accompanied 
by his wife and sons. Manning and Charles John, came to Erie in a sail boat 
from Buffalo, which was piloted by James Talmadge, who took up lauds during 
the season in McKean Township. These three ladies were the first white persons 
of their sex who were known to liave resided in the county. The other set- 
tlers during 1795 were Rufus S. and George W. Reed, James Baird and 
children, Mrs. Thomas Rees, and Mrs. J. Fairbanks, at Erie; Amos Judson, 
James Naylor, Lieut. Martin, and Martin Strong, at Waterford; John W. 
Russell, George Moore and David McNair, in Mill Creek; Capt Robert King 
and family, William and Thomas Black, and Thomas Ford and wife, in Le- 
Boeuf ; Jonathan Spaulding in Conneaut; Michael Hare and two men named 
Ridue and Call, in Wayne; James and Bailey Donaldson in North East, and 
James Blair in Girard. So far as the records show, these were the only white 
people living in the county that year, though a good many persons were tem- 
porarily here during the season, prospecting for lands. Among the settlers 
dm'ing the interval between 1795 and 1800 were the following: 

1796 — Washington Township, Alexander Hamilton and William Culbert- 
son; Erie, Capt. Daniel Dobbins; Mill Creek, Benjamin Russell, Thomas P. JMil- 
ler, David Dewey, Anthony Saltsman and John McFarland; Greenfield, Judah 
Colt, Elishaand Enoch Marvin, Cyrus Robinson, Charles Allen, Joseph Berry, 
John Wilson, James Moore, Joseph Webster, Philo Barker, Timothy Tuttle, 
Silas and William Smith, Joseph Shattuck, John Daggett, John Andrews and 
_Leverett Bissell; McKean. Thomas and Oliver Dunn; Fairview, Francis Scott, 
Summit; George W. Reed; North East, William Wilson, George and Henry 
Hurst, and Henry and Dyer Loomis; Springfield, Samuel Holliday, John 
Devore, John Mershom, William Mclntyre and Patrick Ager; Venango, Adam 
and James Reed, Bmrill and Zalmon Tracy; Waterford, John Lytle, Robert 
Brotherton, John Lennox and Thomas Skinner. 

1797 — Waterford. John Vincent aud Wilson Smith; Wayne, Joseph Hall 

and Prcsser; Union, Hugh Wilson, Andrew Thompson, Matthew Gray, 

B'rancis B. and Robert Smith; Elk Creek, Eli Colton; Venango, Thomas, John 
and David Phillips; Springfield, Oliver Cross; Fairview, Thomas Forster, 
Jacob Weiss, George Nicholson, John Kelso, Richard Swan, Patrick Vance, 
Patrick and John McKee, Jeremiah and William Sturgeon and William Hag- 
gerty; LeBoeuf, Francis Isherwood, James, Robert and Adam Pollock; Con- 
neaut, Col. Dunning McNair; Mill Creek, John Nicholson, the McKees and 
Boe Bladen; Washington, Job Reeder, Samuel Galloway, Simeon Dunn, John 
and James Campbell, Matthias Sipps, Phineas McLene'than, Matthew Hamil- 
ton, John McWilliams, James, John, Andrew and Samuel Culbertson, and 



230 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Mrs. Jane Campbell (widow) ; North East, Thomas Robinson, Joseph McCord, 
James McMahon, Margaret Lowry (widow), James Duncan, Francis Brawley 
and Abram and Arnold Castard; Harbor Creek, William Saltsman, Amasa 
Prindle and Andrew Elliott. 

1798 — Erie, William Wallace; Wayne, William Smith and David Find- 
ley; Union, Jacob Shephard, John Welsh, John Fagan and John Wilson; 
Elk Creek, George Haybarger and John Dietz; Venango, William Allison and 
wife; Springfield, Nicholas LeBarger; Fairview, John Dempsey; Conneaut, 
Abiathar and Elihu Crane; Washington, Peter Kline; Girard, Abraham and 
William Silverthorn; North East, Thomas Crawford, Lemuel Brown, Henry 
and Matthew Taylor, William Allison, Henry Burgett, John, James and 
Matthew Greer; Waterford, Aaron Himrod. 

1799— Waterford, John, James and David Boyd, Capt. John Tracy, M. 
Himebaugh, John Clemens, the Simpsons, and Lattimores; Erie, John Teel; 
McKean, Lemuel and Russell Stancliff; Summit, Eliakim Cook. 

It is not claimed that the above is a complete list of the settlers up to 
1800, but it is as nearly full as can now be obtained. Emigration was slow 
the first five years in consequence of the land troubles. After 1800, the coun- 
ty commenced to fill up more rapidly, and to attempt to give a roll of the set- 
tlers would exceed the limits of a work like this. 

WHEEE THE PEOPLE CAME FROM. 

The early settlers were mainly New Englanders and New Yorkers, inter- 
spersed with some Irish from the southern counties of Pennsylvania, and a 
few persons of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. The New Yorkers were in gen- 
feral from the interior of the State, and the Pennsylvanians from Dauphin, 
Cumberland, Lancaster and Northumberland Counties. The Irish emigration 
fell off almost entirely in a few years, and the Pennsylvania Dutch took its 
place. The Riblets, Ebersoles, Loops, Zucks, Browns, Stoughs, Zimmermans, 
Kreiders, and others of that class, came in at a period ranging from 1801 to 
1805. From that time, the people who settled in the county were almost uni- 
versally of New England and New York origin until about 1825, when another 
emigration of Pennsylvania Dutch set in, which continued until 1835 or 
thereabouts. Among those who located in the county during this period were 
the Wei gels, Warfels, Mohrs, Metzlers, Bergers, Brennemans, Charleses and 
others whose names are familiar. The later foreign element began to come in 
at a comparatively recent date^the Irish about 1825, and the Germans about 
ten years after. 

The first settlers were a hardy, adventurous race of men, and their wives 
were brave, loving and dutiful women. It was to their superior intelligence 
and determined energy that we owe the fact that the county is so far ahead 
of many others in the State in schools, churches and all that goes to make up 
the comforts and afford the consolations of life. 

MARRIAGES, BIRTHS AND DEATHS. 

The earliest marriage was that of Charles J. Reed, of Walnut Creek 
(Kearsage), to Miss Rachel Miller, which occurred on December 27, 1797. 
The second was that of William Smith to Miss Elizabeth Wilson, in Union 
Township, in 1799; the third, that of Job Reeder to Miss Nancy Campbell, in 
Washington Township, in 1800; and the fourth, that of Thomas King to Sarah 
Wilson, in Union, the same year. 

The earliest recorded births were as follows: 

John R., son of William Black, in Fort LeBceuf, August 29, 1795. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 231 

Mr. Boardman, of Washington Township (recently deceased), claimed to 
have been born in the Conneauttee Valley the same year. 

Jane, daughter of William Culbertson, Edinboro, fall of 1797. 

David M. Dewey, Walnut Creek, December 15, 1797. 

Matilda Reed, Walnut Creek, 1798. 

Elizabeth Holliday, Springfield, May 14, 1798. 

Hannah Talraadge, McKean, 1798. 

William Dunn, Summit, March U, 1798. 

Henry Wood, Conneaut, 1798. 

Elizabeth and Ruth, daughters of the brothers Abiathar and Elihu Crane, 
Conneaut (both in the same house and on the same day), April 20, 1799. 

William E. McNair, Mill Creek, 1799. , 

Robert, son of William Allison, Venango 1799. 

William Bladen, Mill Creek, 1800. 

Edwin J. Kelso, Mill Creek, 1800. 

Sarah, daughter of Amasa Prindle, Harbor Creek, 1799. 

Katharine, daughter of Aaron Himrod, Waterford, 1799. 

Joseph Brindle, Springfield, March 1, 1800. 

Mrs. George A. Elliot, Girard, 1800. 

William Nicholson, Fairview, 1800. 

Martha, daughter of Hugh Wilson, Union, August 18, 1800. 

John W., son of William Smith, Wayne, 1800. 

John A. Culbertson, Washington, 1800. 

The earliest known deaths occurred in the years below: 

Ralph Rutledge, killed by the Indians at Erie, May 29, 1795. His son was 
fatally shot at the same time, and died shortly after, in the fort at LeBoeuf. 

Gen. Anthony Wayne, in the block house at Erie, December 15, 1796. 

Col. Seth Reed, Walnut Creek, March 19, 1797. 

John Wilson, Union, June, 1799. 

Mrs. Thomas Alexander, Conneaut, 1801. 

Mrs. William Culbertson, Washington, 1804. 

Adam Reed, Venango, 1805. 

John Gordon, Fairview, 1806. 

CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE, ETC. 

Most of the people were in moderate cii'cumstances, and were content 
to live in a very cheap way. A majority had to depend mainly on the produce 
of their little clearings, which consisted to a large extent of potatoes and corn. 
Mush, corn bread and potatoes were the principal food. There was no meat 
except game, and often this had to be eaten without salt. Pork, flour, sugar 
and other groceries sold at high prices, and were looked upon as luxuries. In 
1798-99, wheat brought $2.50 per bushel; flour, $18 a barrel; corn, |2; per 
bushel; oats, $1.50; and potatoes, $1.50. Prices were still higher in 18 13-] 4, 
corn being $4 per bushel and oats, $3. The mills were far apart, the roads 
scarcely more than pathways through the woods, and the grists had to be 
carried in small quantities on the backs of men or horses. Few families had 
stoves, and the cooking was done almost entirely over open fires. The beds 
were without springs and were made up in general by laying coarse blankets 
upon boxes or rude frames. All clothing was home made. Every house had a 
spinning wheel, and many were provided with looms. Liquor was in common 
use, and there was seldom a family without its bottle for the comfort of the 
husband and the entertainment of his guests. 

The first buildincrs were low cabins constructed of unhewn locjs laid one 



232 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

upon another with the crevices filled up with mud. These gave way, as the 
condition of the people improved, to more artistic structures of hewn timber 
in which mortar was substituted for mud. Hardly any were plastered. Many 
were without window glass, and wall paper was unknown. As saw mills in- 
creased, frame buildings of a better character were substituted for the log cab- 
ins, and occasionally a brick or stone structure was erected, which was talked 
about in all the country round as a marvel of architecture. The people were 
separated by long distances; for years there were few clearings that joined. 
In every house there was an immense fire-place, in which tremendous amounts 
of wood were consumed. When a new residence or barn was to be erected, the 
neighbors were invariably invited to the raising. On such occasions, liquor or 
cider was expected to be freely dispensed, and it was rarely the case that the 
invitations were declined. These raisings were the merry-making events of 
the day, and generally brought together twenty- five to fifty of the settlers, who 
worked hard, drank freely, and flattered themselves when they were through 
that they bad experienced a jolly good time. A writer in one of the local 
papers says: 

" Eighty years ago not a pound of coal or a cubic foot of illuminating gas 
had been burned in the country. All the cooking and warming, in town as 
well as in the country were done by the aid of a fire kindled on the brick 
hearth or in the brick ovens. Pine knots or tallow candles furnished the light 
for the long winter nights, and sanded floors supplied the place of rugs and 
carpets. The water used for household purposes was drawn from deep wells 
by the creaking sweep. No form of pump was used in this country, so far as 
we can learn, until after the commencement of the present century. There 
were no friction matches in those early days, by the aid of which a fire could 
be easily kindled, and if the fire went out upon the hearth over night, and the 
tinder was damp, so that the spark would not catch, the alternative remained 
of wading through the snow a mile or so to borrow a brand from a neighbor. 
Only one room in any house was warm, unless some member of the family was 
ill; in all the rest the temperature was at zero during many nights in winter. 
The men and women undressed and went to their beds in a temperature colder 
than our barns and woodsheds, and they never complained." 

Churches and schoolhouses were sparsely located, and of the most primi- 
tive character. One pastor served a number of congregations; and salaries 
were so low that the preachers had to take part in working their farms to pro- 
cure support for their families. The people went to religious seiwice on foot or 
horseback, and the children often walked two or three miles through the woods 
to school. There were no fires in the churches for a number of years. When 
they were finally introduced they were at first built in holes cut in the floors, 
and the smoke found its way out through openings in the ^roofs. The seats 
were of unsmoothed slabs, the ends and centers of whif^h were laid upon blocks, 
and the pulpits were little better. Worship was held once or twice a month, 
consisting usually of two services, one in the forenoon and one immediately 
after noon, the people remaining during the interval and spending the time in 
social intercourse. It is much to be feared that if religious worship were at- 
tended with the same discomforts now as it was eighty to ninety years ago, 
the excuses for keeping away from the house of God would be many times mul- 
tiplied. 

GAME, ETC. 

When the county was opened to settlement, it was covered with a dense for- 
est, which abounded with deer, bears, wolves, rabbits, foxes, raccoons, squir- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 233 

rels, opossums, minks and martens. * This was a fortunate circumstance for 
the people, as the flesh of the wild beasts afforded them the only fresh meat 
many could obtain. Every man kept a gun and went into the woods in pur- 
suit of game whenever the supply of food in his household ran short. Deer 
were abundant for \ears. There were numerous deer-licks, where the animals 
resorted to find salt water, at which the hunters lay in wait and shot them 
down without mercy. Bears were quite numerous, and did serious mischief to 
the corn fields. Wolves were also plenty, and committed much havoc. Packs 
of these animals often suiTOunded the cabins and kdpt their inmates awake 
with their howling. A bounty was long paid for their scalps, varying in 
amount from |10 to $12 per head. Accounts are given of sheep being killed 
by wolves as late as 1813. Occasionally a panther or wild cat terrified whole 
neighborhoods by its screaming. The last panther was shot at Lake Pleasant 
by Abram Knapp in 1857. 

Besides the animals, the country was full of pigeons, ducks, geese, part- 
ridges and turkeys, in their season, all of which were more tame than now. 
and fell easy victims to the guns or trap 3 of the pioneers. The lake, of course, 
contained plenty of fish, and most of the small streams abounded in trout. 
The rivulets emptying into French Creek were particularly famous for this 
favorite fish, and the stories told of their size and readiness to leap into the 
sportsman's hands are enough to drive an angler wild with enthusiasm. It 
does not appear that the county was ever much troubled with poisonous 
snakes. There were some massassaugies and copperheads on the peninsula, 
but the interior seems to have been remarkably free fi'om dangerous reptiles. 

Taken altogether, while they had to endure many privations and hardships, 
it is doubtful whether the pioneers of any part of America were more fortu- 
nate in their selection than those of Erie County. Every one of the settlers 
agrees in saying that they had no trouble in accommodating themselves to the 
situation, and were, as a rule, both men and women, healthy, contented and 
happy. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Common Roads, Stage Lines, Mail Routes, Taverns, Etc. 

THOSE who have familiarized themselves with the preceding chapters will re- 
member that the French cut a road from Presque Isle to LeBoeuf in 1753, 
the first year of their occupation, and kept it up as long as they maintained 
posts in Western Pennsylvania. This was the first, and for more than forty 
years the only road in Erie County. The French road began at the mouth of 
Mill Creek, ran south on a line parallel with Parade street, in Erie, to the 
corners in Marvintown, and then across Mill Creek Township, by the farms of 
George Rilling, Judge Vincent, Judge Souther, and others, to the Waterford 
Plank Road near the George Woods pump factory. From the plank road it 
extended across the hills to the Turnpike, and continued partly on the same 
route as the latter to LeBoeuf Creek in Waterford Borough. Although rough 
and hilly, it was perhaps the most practicable line that could have been adopt- 
ed at the time. Wherever necessity required, the road was "corduroyed" — 

* A Fiench memoir, written in 1714, says : " Buffalo are fomd en the south shore of Lake Erie, but not on the 
north shore." 



234 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

that is, trunks of small trees were cut to the proper length and laid crosswise, 
close together— making a dry and solid, but very imeven surface. When the 
first settlers came in, the traveled road was pretty much in the same location 
as the old French route. The latter was still easily traceable, but was much 
grown up with trees. 

An act passed the Legislature of Pennsylvania in 1791 to open a road 
from Presque Isle to French Creek, and another in 1795 for the survey of a 
route from LeBoeuf to the Juniata River in Miflflia County. The Susquehanna 
& Waterford Turnpike was located by Andrew Ellicott in 1796, from Lake Le 
Boeuf to Curwensville,in Clearfield County, by way of Meadville and Franklin. 
Its purpose was to give a continuous road from Erie to Philadelphia. 

The earliest road opened after the American occupation was by Judah 
Colt, as agent of the Population Company, in 1797, from Freeport, on the 
l^ke near North East, to Colt's Station, and from the latter place to the Forks 
of French Creek, or Wattsburg, late in the season of 1798. The Eastern road 
through Greenfield, from North East to Wattsburg. was laid out about 1800; 
the ones from Waterford to Cranesville through Washington Township, and 
from Waterford to Edinboro, about 1802, and the road from North East to 
Waterford, by way of Phillipsville, in 1804. 

The State opened a road through the northern tier of counties, from the 
head-waters of the Delaware River, in almost a direct line, to Ohio, in 1802 or 
1808, which is still known as the State road. 

So far as can be ascertained by the writer, these were the first roads in the 
county, though others may have been opened at a date not much later. The 
burning of the court house in 1823 destroyed all of the original surveys and 
records. An act of Assembly was obtained, legalizing a re- survey of the roads 
in the county. Three parties of surveyors were set to work, headed respect- 
ively by William Miles, Thomas Forster and Elisha Marvin. The first took 
charge of the eastern part of the county, the second of the central, and the 
last of the western. Every one of the roads oi'iginally pi'ovided for in the 
county now follows, in the main, the route marked out by these gentlemen. 

Below is a historical sketch of the principal roads leading into the county 
from the city of Erie: 

BUFFALO EOAD. 

The route from Erie to the New York State line, through East Mill Creek, 
Harbor Creek, and North East, became known from the very start as the Buffalo 
road. It begins at the intersection of Peach and Eighteenth streets in Erie, 
and extends, at an almost uniform distance of about two miles from the lake, 
to the Niagara River at Buffalo. The road was surveyed by James McMahon 
in 1805, and appears to have been ready for travel in the same year. For 
some cause, the road was only opened westward in a direct line to Wesley ville, 
•at which place travel diverged by a cross-road to th^ Lake road, and reached 
Erie, which consisted of a small collection of houses at the mouth of Mill Creek, 
by the latter thoroughfare. On petition of the farmers between Wesleyville 
and Erie, the court, in 1812, ordered the completion of the road to the latter 
place, and it was thrown open to travel some time in that year. The Buffalo 
road generally follows a nearly straight line, but there is an abrupt jog at the 
Saltsman place, on the east side of the city, the reason for which has been a 
puzzle to many. It is said to be due to two causes, first, there was an ugly 
swamp on the straight line, south of the present road; and, second, it was con- 
sidered desirable to enter the city on the line of Eighteenth street. John 
Ryan kept a public house in the old building which still stands on the east 
side of the jog, and it is possible that his influence had something to do with 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 235 

the location. The Buffalo road forms the principal street of the borough of 
North East, and of the villages of Wesleyville, Harbor Creek, IMooreheadville, 
and Northville. The distances from the park in Erie by this route are as fol- 
lows: Buffalo, 90 miles; Northville, 19; North East, 15; Mooreheadville, 10^; 
Harbor Creek, 7^; Wesleyville, 4^. 

THE EIDGE ROAD. 

The Ridge road is practically a continuation of the Buffalo road, and is 
connected with it by the southern part of Peach street in the city of Erie. It 
follows the line of the First Eidge and traverses the western part of Mill 
Creek, and the entire width of Fairview, Girard and Springfield Townships to 
the Ohio line. It was opened in 1805, the same year as the Buffalo road. The 
purpose of making the jog at Peach street is not exactly known, but it is sup- 
posed to have been done to avoid the swamps, which approached the foot of 
the ridge more closely than in the eastern part of the county. These have 
since been effectually drained, but in those days of poverty they seemed an 
insurmountable obstacle to a good road. Whatever the cause, the projectors 
of the route deserve the everlasting gratitude of the people of the county, as 
the hard, gravelly bed over which the road passes makes it the best in the 
county, seldom becoming muddy in winter or dusty in summer. The Ridge 
road passes through and constitutes the principal streets of Girard and Fair- 
view Boroughs and the villages of Weigleville, Swanville, West Girard, East 
Springfield, and West Springfield. It is 100 miles by this route to Cleveland, 
25 to West Springfield, 21 to East Springfield, 16^ to West Girard, 16 to 
Girard, 12 to Fairview, 9 to Swanville, and 2^ to Weigleville, measuring 
from the parks in Erie City. 

THE LAKE ROAD. 

The Lake road crosses the entire county from east to west, at a distance 
from Lake Erie varying from a few rods to half a mile. It enters Erie on 
the east by Sixth street, and leaves on the west by Eighth street. It becomes 
merged into the Ridge road at or near Conneaut, Ohio. It was laid out in 
1806, and opened partly in that year and at intervals of several years after, as 
the county became settled. The only place directly reached by the road is 
the village of Manchester, at the mouth of Walnut Creek, ten miles west of 
Erie. Although passing through a good country, the Lake road is less traveled 
than either the Buffalo or Ridge roads. 

WATERFORD TURNPIKE. 

The Erie & Waterford Turnpike was originated by Col. Thomas Forster 
who seems to have been the foremost man in most of the early improvements., 
Previous to its completion, the travel between Erie and Waterford was wholly 
over the old French road, which had been but slightly repaired and was in a 
horrible condition. The turnpike company was formed in 1805, its avowed 
object being the building of a link in the great contemplated thoroughfare 
from Erie to Philadelphia by way of the French Creek, Juniata and Susque- 
hanna Valleys. The first election for officers was held at Waterford, and 
resulted in the choice of the following: President, Col. Thomas Forster; 
Treasurer, Judah Colt; Managers, Henry Baldwin, John Vincent, Ralph Mar- 
lin, James E. Herron, John C. Wallace, William Miles, James Brotherton and 
Joseph Hackney. Work was commenced in 1806, and the road was completed 
in 1809. It was a herculean undertaking for the time. In laying out the 
road, a circuitous course was taken to accommodate the settlers, many of 



236 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

whom were stockholders in the company. The turnpike was a paying propex-ty 
until ]845, when it ceased to be remunerative to the stockholders. It was 
soon after abandoned by them and accepted as a township road. 

Judge Cochran opposed the building of the " pike " on the ground that it 
was unconstitutional to make the public pay toll. The right of way was taken 
through his farm against his protest, and when the road was finished his hos- 
tility was aroused to such a degree that he felled trees across it. The toll 
question was tested before the County Court, and Judge Moore gave an opin- 
ion sustaining the constitutionality of the act of incorporation. None of the 
other spttlers opposed the right of way, and most of them looked upon the 
enterprise as one that would open up the country and add to their worldly 
wealth. 

The turnpike originally ended at Waterford, but twenty years later the 
Waterford & Susquehanna Turnpike Company was organized, which extend- 
ed the route by Meadville and Franklin to Cnrwensville, Clearfield County, 
where it connected with another turnpike rnnning across the State, making a 
good wagon road from Erie to Harrisburg and Philadelphia. In laying out 
the "pike," fifty feet of land from the center were taken on each side of the 
road. The first toll gate out of Erie was kept by Robert Brown, near Dins- 
more's mill, and the second by Martin Strong, on the summit of the Main Ridge. 

The pike commences on the southern border of the city, at the Cochran 
farm, and from there extends past the coffin factory and over Nicholson's hill 
to Walnut Creek. A little south of the crossing of that stream it ascends the 
Main Ridge, and from there to Strong's there is a continual up grade. Leav- 
ing Strong's, there is a regular descent to Waterford, in the LeBceuf Valley. 
The elevation of the road at Strong's is upward of eight hundred feet above 
Lake Erie. The only village on the route is Keai'sage. The distance from 
Erie to Waterford by the turnpike is fourteen miles. 

EDINBORO PLANK ROAD. 

The Erie & Edinboro Plank Road Company was organized in 1850, with 
Hon. John Galbraith as President. The road was completed in 1852. It fol- 
lowed the course of the Waterford Turnpike to a point a little south of Wal- 
nut Creek, where it branched off" and adopted a route partly new and partly the 
old Edinboro road. The road bed was covered, as the name indicates, with 
heavy planks, and the grade being iu general quite modei!'ate, furnished an 
easy and pleasant thoroughfare. The Edinboro & Meadville Plank Road, 
completed simultaneously, with Hon. Gaylord Church as President of the com- 
pany, formed a smooth, continuous route from the lake to the county seat of 
Crawford County. Though the travel was large, neither roud proved a profit- 
able investment, and both were abandoned as plank roads and became 
township roads in 1868 or 1869. The Edinboro Plank Road passes through 
Middleboro, Branchville and McLane. The distances are eighteen miles to 
Edinboro, fourteen to McLane, twelve to Branchville, ten to Middleboro and 
four to Kearsage. 

The following amusing story in connection with this road was related in 
the Erie Observer of October 20, 1880: 

'' Mr. Reeder, the stage driver between this city and Edinboro, tells a funny 
story about an Irishman who traveled with him last summer, and who, never 
having gone over the road before, did not understand the 'lay of the land.' 
A little south of Kearsage, where the plank road diverges from the pike, the 
sign board reads: '9 miles to Waterford.' 




\\1 





cy&Ua-^^^ foAhcH^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. - 239 

•' Going a few miles farther, they came to the sign board in the valley of 
Elk Creek, which also reads, ' 9 miles to Waterford.' 

" This seemed to strike the son of Erin as something curious, but he gave 
no audible utterance to his sentiments. Reaching Branchville, another sign 
board was seen bearing the familiar legend: ' 9 miles to Waterford.' 

" By this time the passenger's curiosity was strained to the highest pitch. 
He jumped out of the stage while the mail was being changed, and walking 
close to the inscription read over to himself several times, ' 9 miles to Water- 
ford,' as if to make sure that his eyes did not deceive him. The conveyance 
started toward Edinboro and when McLean was reached, once more rose up 
the strange words: ' 9 miles to Waterford.' 

" The Irishman could contain himself no longei\ He rose up in his seat 
in a state of great excitement, and stretching his neck outside of the stage as 
far as it would safely reach, yelled to the driver: 

" 'Be Gorra, what sort of a place is that Waterford, anyhow ? It seems to be 
nine miles from everywhere?' " 

WATERFORD PLANK ROAD. 

The Erie & Waterford Plank Road was commenced in 1850 and completed 
in 1851, one year in advance of the similar improvement to Edinboro. Col. 
Irwin Camp was President of the company, John Marvin had the contract 
for building the road; Wilson King was the chief engineer, and David Wil- 
son was the first assistant. In laying out the road an entirely new route was 
adopted, following the valleys of Mill Creek, Walnut Creek and LeBoeuf Creek, 
and obviating the heavy grades of the old turnpike. The road, for a good 
part of its length, is nearly or seemingly level, and the only grades of conse- 
quence are at the summit hills between the streams, which are overcome by 
comparatively easy approaches. So skillfully was the engineering and grading 
performed, that a horse can trot most of the length of the road. The stranger 
traveling over this easy route would scarcely believe that at the Walnut Creek 
summit he was about 500 and at Graham's summit between 650 and 700 feet 
above the level of Lake Erie. There were three toll gates on the line— one 
a short distance north of Waterford, another at Capt. J. C. Graham's, in Sum- 
mit, and the third near Eliot's mill, a mile or more outside of the then city 
limits. The road never paid a profit, and was abandoned to the townships in 
1868 or 1869. No towns or villages are located along the line of the road, un- 
less the little settlement at the Erie County Mills might be classed as such. 
The distance between Erie and Waterford is slightly more than by the turn- 
pike. 

About the same time that the above plank roads were built, another was 
pushed through from Waterford to Drake's Mills, Crawford County, to prevent 
the diversion of travel that was feared from the opening of the Erie & Edin 
boro and Edinboro & Meadville roads. This enterprise was no more of a 
financial success than the others, and, like them, was given up to the townships. 

THE SHUNPIKE. 

The stage company owning the line between Erie and Waterford had a 
quarrel over tolls with the turnpike company in the winter of 1827-28, which 
resulted in the construction by the former, at considerable expense, through 
Summit, Greene and Waterford Townships, of a new road, to which was given 
the suggestive name of the Shunpike. The route adopted commenced at 
Waterford, where the plank road and turnpike separate, followed the line of 
the former to a run on the Jesse Lindsley place, up that one-half or three- 



240 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

quarters of a mile to the Summit Township boundary, across Summit to the 
L. A. Hull place, and from there by the old French road to Erie. That por- 
tion of the road from Graham's Corners to near Waterford, being the Shun- 
pike proper, is still in use as a township road. Through Summit Township 
the Shunpike is nearly midway between the turnpike and plank road. 

WATTSBtJRG PLANK KOAD. 

A road was opened in 1809 from Erie to Wattsburg, through Phillipsville. 
It was poorly located in spots, and in 1828 a re-survey was made under the 
authority of the State, which appropriated a small sum for the purpose. This 
resulted in some changes in the location. In 1832, the road being in a bad 
condition, the citizens of Erie, Wattsburg and along the line made a subscrip- 
tion for its improvement. The road continued unsatisfactory until 1851, when 
the Erie & Wattsburg Plank Road Company was formed, with J. H. Williams 
as President. The plank road was completed in 1853, a year after the one to 
Edinboro, and two years after the one to Waterford. In the adoption of a 
route the old road was pretty closely pursued to the Diefenthaler place in 
Greene Township, where a diversion was made to the Bailey farm. There it 
struck the original line and afterward either followed or ran parallel with the 
old road to the farm of C. Siegel. From Siegel's an entirely new route was 
adopted through Lowville, leaving the balance of the old road undisturbed. 
The course of the plank road is southeasterly, across Mill Creek, Greene and 
Venango Townships. The highest points are at the H. L. Pinney and Bailey 
places, in Greene Township, the elevation being some five hundred feet at the 
former and six hundred at the latter. Conrad Brown and George W. Barr 
were the constructors of the road and owned most of the stock, which they sold 
in a few years to John H. Walker. 

There were thi'ee regular toll gates — at Lowville, kept by William Black; 
at Diefenthaler's, kept by Mr. Clute, and at Marvintown, kept by F. E. Ger- 
lach. The rates of toll charged were 31 cents for a double team from 
Erie to Wattsburg, and 25 cents for a single team. The farmers having 
found a way of avoiding the toll gate at Lowville, by driving over the 
Blore road; in the winter of 1852-53 a fourth toll gate was put up at Oscar 
Sears', in Venango Township, but the next spring it M'as abandoned. From 
the start the road was a non-paying enterprise, and it was allowed to run down 
though toll was still exacted. In the spring of 1865, public feeling became so 
much excited that a party of farmers was formed who started at Erie and tore 
down every gate on the road. Though they were severely threatened, none of 
the party were tried or punished, and no toll has lieen charged on the road 
since. It is now kept up by the townships through which it extends. Besides 
the village of Lowville, the road passes through Belle Valley and St. Boniface. 
The distances from Erie are: To W^attsburg, twenty miles; to Lowville, eight- 
een miles; to St. Boniface, seven and a half miles; and to Belle Valley four 
miles. It is said to be a mile further by this route to Wattsburg than by- the 
old road. Phillipsville, on the remaining portion of the latter, after it 
branches ofif at Siegel's, is fourteen miles from Erie. 

LAKE PLEASANT ROAD. 

The first road in the direction of Lake Pleasant was opened in 1821-22 
from Erie to a point near the Martin Hayes farm, in Greene Township, about 
a mile beyond the line of Mill Creek Township. In 1826-27, at a heavy ex- 
pense for the period, the county continued the road past Lake Pleasant to 
French Creek, where it meets the thoroughfare between Union and Wattsburg. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 241 

At the era last spoken of, the country south of the Hayes place was almost an 
unbroken forest clear through to Lake Pleasant. The distance from Erie to 
Lake Pleasant is twelve miles, and to French Creek two and a half miles 
further. It is said to be two miles shorter from Erie and Wattsburg by this 
road than by the plank road. The road branches off from the Wattsburg plank 
at the Davidson place, about two miles outside of Erie, and running in a gen- 
eral southwestern course passes through the corner of Mill Creek Township, 
enters Greene, which it cuts through the center from northwest to southeast, 
traverses the southwestern corner of Venango and terminates in the north- 
western corner of Amity. 

THE colt's station ROAD. 

The road from Wesleyville to Colt's Station, through parts of Harbor Creek 
and Greenfield Townships, was once of more consequence, comparatively, than 
now, but is still considerably traveled. It was laid out about 1818, to give a 
route between Erie and Mayville, N. Y. At Colt's Station, an intersection is 
made with the North East & Wattsburg road. 

OLD TAVERNS. 

The first public house on the south shore of Lake Erie, west of Buffalo, 
and the first building erected within the limits of Erie City, was the Presque 
Isle Tavern, built by Col. Seth Reed in July, 1795. It stood near the mouth 
of Mill Creek, and was a one- story log and stone structure. The next year. 
Col. Reed built a two-story log building on the southwest corner of Second and 
Parade streets, which he turned over to his son, Rufus S. Reed, who kept a 
store and tavern in it for many years. 

The third tavern was built in Erie by George Buehler in 1800. Needing 
larger accommodations, he erected another at the northeast corner of Third 
and French streets, which afterward became known as the McConkey House. 
This building was occupied as Perry's headquarters in 1813. It was standing 
till a few years ago. Mr. Buehler moved to Harrisburg in 1811, and estab- 
lished the well-known Buehler House in that city,- the name of which was 
afterward changed to the Bolton House. 

Outside of Erie, the earliest public house was opened in Waterford by 
Lieut. Martin in 1795. Public houses were established by Richard Swan at 
Manchester in 1805; by Henry Burgett at North East in 1806; by Lemuel 
Brown on the site of the Haynes House, in the same place, in 1808 ; by John 
Ryan on the Buffalo road, near East avenue, Erie, in 1809; by George W. Reed 
in Waterford in 1810; and by John and David Phillips at Phillipsville in the 
same year. After Mr. Ryan's death, his widow kept the house till 1820, when 
she married Wareham Taggart, who assumed charge of the property, and gave 
it the name of the Taggart House In 1835, Anthony Saltsman, son in-law of 
Mr. Taggart, became the landlord, and served in that capacity a number of 
years. It was once a noted stand, being the site of the militia trainings for 
Mill Creek Township, and a sort of political center. 

Before the introduction of railroads, the Buffalo and Ridge roads were 
among the busiest thoroughfares in the country, being the great avenues for 
emigration and trade between the Northeastern States and the West. Num- 
erous public houses sprung up and did a good business. The tavern keepers of 
those days were usually men of much force of character, and wielded wide 
political influence. It is said that at one time there was not a mile along the 
roads named without a public house. Many of the buildings are standing, 
but have been converted to other purposes. The completion of the Lake Shore 



242 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Railway caused a diminution of travel almost instantly, and it was not long 
before the emigrant, cattle, and freight business fell off entirely. One by one 
the public houses closed, and by 1860 there were none left in operation except 
in the towns and villages. Among the most noted of the old lake shore taverns 
were the Doty and Keith Houses at East Springfield; the Martin House at 
Girard; the Fairview House at Fairview; Swan's Hotel atSwanville; the Half - 
way House, a little west of the county almshouse; the Weigleville House; the 
Taggart House above referred to; Fuller's Tavern at Wesley ville; and the 
Brawley House at North East. A number of these are yet in operation, and 
will be mentioned in connection with the places where they are located. 

Back from the lake shore the best known of the older hotels were Martin 
Strong's, at the summit of the Waterford Turnpike; the Eagle Hotel at Wa- 
terford; the Robinson House at Edmboro; the Sherman House at Albion; the 
Wattsburg House at Wattsburg; and the Lockport House at Lockport. 

The Erie City hotels, and the more recent ones outside, will be described 
in their proper connections. ^ 

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION. 

Up to 1800, a good share of the travel and transportation was by means of 
small boats on the lake from Buffalo, and by way of French Creek from Pitts- 
burgh. Judah Colt's colony at Greenfield was supplied in this way for sev- 
eral years. The goods that came by lake for the Greenfield colony were landed 
at Freeport, and <'rom there were transported on horseback or by ox teams. 
The boats on French Creek generally went no farther up than Waterford, but 
in times of good water they wei'e poled to Greenfield Village. They were 
either canoes or flat-bottomed vessels, the latter being something like the mud 
scows now seen on Presque Isle Bay, but small and shallow, drawing but a 
trifling amount of water. Those on the lake were originally propelled by 
oars, but it was not long till sails were introduced. The passengers generally 
acted as a crew, and were glad of the privilege. In winter many persons came 
into the country, either on foot or in sledges, by traveling on the ice of the 
lake. There was more of a beach along the whole length of the lake than 
now; and, until roads were opened, this was much used during the summer. 

By 1810, there were I'oads to all points south, east and west, and the op- 
portunities for travel and transportation became greatly improved. The roads 
however, were still rough and muddy, and horseback riding was the favorite 
mode of travel. Many instances are related where emigrants came in with 
their few hotisehold goods loaded on horses' backs, the wife riding one, the 
husband another, and the children, if any, a third animal. Sometimes they 
were too poor to own more than one horse, in which case the wife and small 
children rode, and the husband walked by their side with his gun or ax over his 
shoulder. As the roads became better, the once familiar two-horse wagons 
were introduced. These were covered with cotton cloth stretched over hickory 
ribs, and furnished shelter for the whole family, besides carrying their goods. 
There being few public houses up to 1820, each party brought their provis- 
ions along, stopping at meal times by the springs, and doing their cooking 
over open fires. From the direction of Pittsburgh the French Creek route con- 
tinued to be the one used till some time after the second war with Great Brit- 
ain. The supplies for Perry's fleet, including the cannon, were largely trans- 
ported in flat boats to \\ aterford, and from there by the turnpike to Erie. 
Most of the roads in the county were in poor coudition as late as 1830. 

The introduction of stage coaches was a great step ahead. After that came 
the steamboats, which carried hundreds of passengers on each trip. For a 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 243 

number of years succeeding the opening of the canal, thousands of emigrants, 
bound for the West, reachesd Erie by steamboat, and from there went by canal- 
boats down to the Ohio. The packet boats on the canal, the steamboats and 
the stage coaches all did a good passenger business until the completion of 
the railroads, which speedily put an end to their business. 

THE SALT TEADE. 

One of the leading industries of the early days was the transportation of 
salt for the Southern markets. This trade was commenced by Gen. James 
O'Hara, of Allegheny County, about 1800, and continued until 1819, being at 
its height probably about 1808 to 1812. The salt was purchased atSalina, N. 
Y., hauled from there to Buffalo in wagons, brought in vessels to Erie, un- 
loaded in warehouses at the mouth of Mill Creek, and from there carried by 
ox teams to Waterford, where it was placed in flat-boats and floated down 
French Creek and the Allegheny to Pittsburgh and the country beyond. The 
growth of the trade, as shown by the custom house records, was from 714 bar- 
rels in 1800, to 12,000 in 1809, which amount was increased at a later period. 

The hauling of the salt over the portage between Erie and Waterford and 
the floating of it down French Creek gave employment to many citizens of the 
county. To some farmers the trade was really a Godsend, as their land barely 
furnished food for their families, and, no markets being near for the little 
they had to sell, they were obliged by necessity to spend a part of their time 
at some other employment to raise money for taxes, groceries and clothing. 
This was especially the case just before and immediately after the war. when 
the times were very hard. It is estimated that when the trade was at its best, 
one hundred teams and as many persons were constantly on the road between 
Erie and Waterford. The time for making each trip was calculated at two 
days and the average load for a four ox team was fourteen barrels. The price 
paid at first was $1,50, and then $1 per barrel, which was reduced by the 
close of the business to 50 cents. As may be imagined, the road was 
always bad, and it was not unusual for a wagon load of freight to get 
stuck in the mud, and be four days in crossing the portage. On many 
occasions, a part of the burden had to be abandoned on the way, and a second 
trip made to get it to its destination. A number of warehouses were erected 
on the bank of LeBoeuf Creek at Waterford for storing the salt until the water 
was at a suitable stage for floating it down French Creek. The salt was bought 
at Salina for 60 cents per bushel, and the price at Erie and Waterford 
ranged from $5 to $12 a barrel. It required from two to three months 
to convey it from the place of manufacture to market at Pittsburgh. 
There was a period when salt was almost the only circulating medium in the 
county. Oxen, horses, negro slaves and land were sold to be paid for in so 
much salt. As a sample, Hamlin Russell, father of N. W. Russell, of Belle 
Valley, exchanged a yoke of oxen for eight barrels, and Rufus S. Reed pur- 
chased of Gen. Kelso a colored boy, who was to be held to service under the 
State law until he was twenty-eight years old, for one hundred barrels. The 
price that season was $5 per barrel, making the value of the slave $500. The 
discovery of salt wells on the Kiskiminitas and Kanawha, about 1813, cheap- 
ened the price of the article at Pittsburgh, so that Salina could not compete, 
and the trade by way of Erie steadi ly diminished until it ceased altosether 
in 1819. 

STAGE LINES AND MAIL ROUTES. 

In 1801, a route between Erie and Pittsburgh, via Waterford and Meadville, 
was opened, to carry the mail once a week. By 1803, it had been reduced to 



244 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ODce in t.wo weeks, but was soou changed back to the original plan. The 
mode of transportation was on horseback for some years, and later by a horse 
and common wagon. At what time a regular stage line commenced running 
is not known to the writer, but it was probably about the date of the comple- 
tion of the turnpike. In 1826, stages began running each way three times a 
week, carrying a mail every trip. This was increased to a daily mail, each 
direction, which continued until the day of railroads. 

A route was established between Erie and Buffalo in 1806 to carry the 
mail once a week. Mr. Knox, Postmaster at Erie, stated to a friend that the 
mail was often taken in the driver's breeches pockets. During a good share 
of the time before coaches were introduced, the pouch was carried on the back 
of a single horse; then it was increased in size so that two horses were 
required, one carrying the driver and the other the mail. 

The first line of stages between Erie and Buifalo was established by 
Messrs. Bird & Deming. of Westtield, N. Y., and commenced making weekly 
trips in December, 1820. At the beginning, a stage left Buffalo every Satur- 
day at noon and reached Erie the next Monday at 6 P. M. ; returning, it started 
from Erie at 6 A. M. every Tuesday and arrived at Buffalo on Thursday at 
noon. By January 8, 1824, a stage with mail was making semi-weekly trips 
between Erie and Cleveland. On the 10th of February, 1825, a mail coach 
commenced running daily between Erie and Buffalo. The stage line to Cleve- 
land consisted for a time of a single horse and wagon. 

It was considered a great stride forward when a line of four-horse coaches 
was placed on the road between Buffalo and Cleveland by a company of which 
Rufvis S. Reed and Ira R. Bird were the chief men. This event, which took 
place in 1827, was as much talked about, and, if anything more, as the open- 
ing of a new railroad would be to-day. The new line carried a daily mail 
each direction and was a source of large profit to its owners. Eighteen hours 
were allowed as the time between Buffalo and Erie, but bad roads and acci- 
dents often delayed the coaches much longer. 

The mail route to Jamestown, N. Y., via Wattsburg, was established in 
1828. At the start a man or boy on foot carried the pouch once a week. The 
route to Edinboro was established in the winter of 1835-36, and the pouch was 
carried weekly on a horse's back. A weekly mail was carried over the Station 
road more than forty years ago. Stages still carry the mails to Wattsburg, 
Edinboro, Greenfield, Lake Pleasant, Franklin Corners and intervening post 
offices. 

The arrival of the stages in old times was a much more important event 
than that of the railroad trains to-day. Crowds invariably gathered at the 
public houses where the coaches stopped, to obtain the latest news, and the 
passengers were persons of decided account for the time being. Money was 
so scarce that few persons could afford to patronize the stages, and those who 
did were looked upon a fortunate beings. The trip to Buffalo and Cleveland 
was as formidable an affair as one to Chicago or Washington is now by 
railroad. The stage drivers were men of considerable consequence, especially 
in the villages through which they passed. They were intrusted with many 
delicate missives and vahiable packages, and seldom betrayed the confidence 
reposed in them. They had great skill in handling their horses, and were the 
admiration and envy of the boys. Talk about the modern railroad conductor 
— he is nothing compared with the importance of the stage coach driver of 
forty years ago. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 245 



CHAPTER XIY. 

Religious Organizations, Churches, Graveyards, Etc. 

WHEN the French army penetrated this section in 1 753, they were accompan- 
ied by several Catholic priests, who served in the double capacity of chap- 
lains and missionaries. They erected a small log chapel at Erie, on the right 
side of Mill Creek, near its mouth, and another within the walls of I'ort Le- 
Boeuf, at Waterford, in which the solemn rites of the mother church were 
regularly administered until the departure of the invading forces in 1759. 
So far as any record exists, these were the only religious services held within 
the bounds of Erie County previous to the year 1797. It is not known 
whether the chapels were torn down when the French left the country, were 
destroyed by the Indians, or fell into decay, but no trace of either is mentioned 
by the early American settlers. 

The first Protestant exercises we have any account of took place at Colt's 
Station, in Greenfield 1 ownship, where Judah Colt had established the most 
important settlement then in the county, on Sunday, the 2d oi July, 1797. 
About thirty persons assembled in response to a general invitation. No minis- 
ter was located within the bounds of the county, and the services were led by 
Mr. Colt, who read a sermon from Dr. Blair's collection. 

PRESBYTERIAN MISSIONARIES. 

Most of the colonists were Presbyterians from New England and the valley 
of the Susquehanna, and it was no more than natural that that denomination 
should have been the first to look after the spiritual welfare of the promising 
settlement. In 1799, a tour that is somewhat celebrated in the annals of the 
church was made through this section by Revs. McCurdy and Stockton, two 
missionaries who were sent out by the Ohio and Redstone Presbyteries. They 
visited Erie, Waterford and North East, and preached at each place to the de- 
light of the pious people of the community, many of whom had not been 
afforded 'an opportunity to attend public worship for a number of years. A 
period of two years ensued before the colonists were favored with another min- 
isterial visitation, when Mr. McCurdy was again sent forth, assisted by Revs. 
Satterfield, Tate and Boyd, all of the Presbyteries above named. The first two 
reached Middlebrook, in Venango Township, in August, 1801, and preached 
with great acceptance in a chopping that had been prepared for the purpose on 
the bank of French Creek. They were accompanied by their wives, and trav- 
eled on horseback. No roads had been opened in that part of the county and 
the party had to find their way by marked trees and trails through the woods. 
The efforts of the two. ministers met with such marked favor that it was re- 
solved upon the spot that a meetinghouse should be put up within the ensuing 
week. On the next Thursday, the population for miles around gathered 
at the site that had been chosen, on a knoll near the first place of worship, cut 
down the forest, trees, hewed them into shape, and at night had a rough log 
building under roof, the first house for Protestant worship erected in Erie 
County. This structure was succeeded by another and better one in 1802, 
known to every old settler as the Middlebrook Church, which stood until decay 



246 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

compelled it to be taken down some twenty years ago. From Middlebrook, 
after organizing a congregation of eighteen members, Messrs. McCurdy and 
Satterfield continued their journey to Colt's Station and North East, where 
they were joined by Messrs. Tate and Boyd. At the latter place, these four 
participated in the first sacrament of the Lord's Supper ever administered in 
Erie County, according to Protestant forms. The scene of this eventful cere- 
mony was at the bouse of William Dundas, within the present limits of North 
East Borough, and the date was the 27th of September, 1801. An audience of 
about 300 had assembled, of whom some forty sa^t down to the tables. A con- 
gregation with the title of " The Churches of Upper and Lower Greenfield " 

was organized at the same time. 

I 

THE ERIE PRESBYTERY. 

The whole of Western Pennsylvania this side of the Allegheny River was 
at that time within the jurisdiction of the synod of Virginia. On the 2d of 
October, 1801, in response to the petitions of those who foresaw the coming 
importance of the field, that synod set off the territory between the Ohio and 
Allegheny Rivers and Lake Erie, extending some distance also west of the Ohio 
line, into a Presbytery, to which the name of Erie was given. The new Pres- 
bytery met at Mt. Pleasant, Beaver County, on the 13th of April, 1802, seven 
ministers only being in attendance. Supplications were tiled from Upper and 
Lower Greenfield, Middlebrook and Presque Isle. Revs. McCurdy, Satterfield 
and McPherrin were chosen missionaries, and, it is presumed, visited Erie 
County during the year, but no evidence of the fact is to be found. 

PERMANENT PREACHERS. 

Rev. Robert Patterson, who had accepted a call from " The Churches of 
Upper and Lower Greenfield," was received by the Presbytery on the 30th of 
September, 1802. He returned to North East, and entered upon his pastoral 
work on the 31st of December, bat was not ordained until September 1, 1803. 
The congregation were still without a building, and the ordination exercises 
were held in John McCord's bark house. Mr. Patterson's contract was to 
preach two-thirds of his time for the congregation, and the balance was spent 
by him in riding the county from place to place, holding services in the 
woods, barns, sheds and private houses. During these trips, he had numerous 
startling adventures, and suffered many privations. An effort was made to 
have him devote one-third of his time to Erie, but failed for want of an ade- 
quate subscriptioQ. A log church was built at North East in 1804, on the 
knoll now occupied by the cemetery of that borough. Mr. Patterson preached 
at Springfield during that year, and organized a preaching point there. The 
first church in the latter township was built in 1804 on the site of the ceme- 
tery at East Springfield. Mr. Patterson was unable to stand the fatigues of 
frontier duty, and in April, 1807, applied to the Presbytery for a release from 
his charge, which was granted. 
t 

REV. JOHNSON EATON. 

During the year 1805, Rev. Johnson Eaton came on from the southern 
part of the State, and preached for some time at the mouth of Walnut Creek 
and in Springfield. In the fall of that year, he went back to his home, re- 
turning in 1806 with a bride, and settling permanently in Fairview Township. 
The devotion of the young wife, and the earnestness of the minister can only 
be appreciated when it is remembered that they rode on horseback through 





'^^^O'^a^t^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 249 

tiie woods the whole way from the Ohio River to Lake Erie, with nothing but 
a trail to guide their course, and with scarcely a house on the route at which 
to obtain shelter and refreshments, to take up their abode in what was almost 
an unbroken wilderness. Mr. Eaton immediately entered upon his pastoral 
duties, having the whole county for his field, but giving special atten- 
tion to the people at Fairview and Springfield. In 1807, he succeeded 
Mr. Patterson at North East, and he also held occasional services for 
several years at Colt's Station. Middlebvook, Waterford and Erie. He 
was not ordained, however, till June 30, 1808, the ceremony, for lack of a 
church building, taking place in Williatn Sturgeon's barn, in or near the 
limits of Fairview Borough. A church was built at the mouth of Walnut 
Creek in 1810. During the war with Great Britain, Mr. Eaton gave his serv- 
ices to the Government as a Chaplain, besides ministering to his congregation 
with as much regularity as the unsettled condition of the time would allow. 
By 1816, the population of Erie had increased sufficiently to enable an arrange- 
ment to be made by which he gave one-third of his time to the congregation 
there, which had been organized by him September 15, 1815. He continued 
as pastor of the Erie congregation until 1828, and of the Fairview Church un- 
til his death, on the 17th of June, 1847. The first year of Mr. Eaton's resi- 
dence in the county, his salary was $360 a year, one-half of which was to be 
taken in produce. 

In 1808, supplies were granted b}' the Presbytery to " Upper Greenfield, 
Middlebrook, Waterford and Erietown," and in 1809 it was reported to that 
body that none of these places could, support a pastor. It must have been due 
to the poverty of the people, though, rather than to their want of religious 
principle, for we find that in 1808 one Jared Goodrich, of Greenfield, was 
fined $4 by Justice Marvin, of the same township, for driving his ox team to 
Erie on Sunday. If every offense of a similar nature were punished now, the 
offices of Justice and Constable would be more profitable than that of Sheriff. 

THE EEIE AND OTHER CHURCHES. 

No regular preaching of any kind was had at Erie until Mr. Eaton was 
called to give one-third of his time, as before stated, the people who were 
piously inclined being compelled to attend worship at North East and Fairview. 
A faithful few rode their horses to these places every Sabbath when service 
was held, regardless of the weather, and for a number of years the churches 
were not even warmed in winter. Men, women and children in those prim- 
itive days thought nothing of riding ten to twenty miles over rough forest 
roads in the middle of winter to attend Divine worship, which meant a good 
deal more to them than an opportunity to show off their fine clothes, or a mere 
compliance with the mandates of fashionable society. 

The Presbyterian congregation of Waterford was organized in 1809, and 
that at Union in 1811, being the first in those places. Rev. John Matthews 
was settled as pastor of the Waterford and Gravel Run (Crawford County) 
congregations October 17, 1810. The Union congregation did not put up a 
building till 1831, and that of Waterford till 1834. In 1817, Rev. Mr. Camp 
was employed as a missionary to supply the churches unable to support a pas- 
tor, and served in that capacity for two years. The minutes of the Presbytery 
in 1820 show congregations at Springfield, North East, Waterford, Middle- 
brook, Union, Fairview and Erie. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The Methodists held occasional worship at an early date in various por- 



250 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

tions of the county, but principally in the western and southwestern town- 
ships. The first service of which there is any positive knowledge was led by 
Rev, Joseph Bowen, a local preacher, at the house of Mrs. Mershon, near West 
Springfield, in September, 1800. A class was organized near Lexington, in 
Conneaut Township, in 1801, and the same year a great revival was held at 
Ash's Corners, Washington Township. The first church building was erected 
in 1804, about a mile south of West Springfield, and soon after its dedication 
was the scene of a famous revival, during which Rev. Andrew Hemphill was 
the instrument of converting about 100 souls. The first quarterly meeting 
was held in that church in July, 1810. Meetings of the denomination in Erie 
were held by circuit preachers, at long intervals, commencing in ]801. Wor- 
ship took place in the winter of 1810-11, in a tavern on the west side of 
French street, between Sixth and Seventh. A congregation would seem to 
have been partially established soon after the beginning of the century, but 
was probably unable to support a pastor until 1826, at which period the First 
Church of Erie City dates its organization. The earliest of the other congre- 
gations in the county were those at Mill Village, organized in 1810; North 
East, in 1812; Fair Haven, Girard Township, 1815; Girard Borough, 1815; 
Waterford Borough. 1816; Union City and Fairview, 1817; Middleboro, 1819; 
Northville, 1820; Wattsburg, 1827; Wesleyville, 1828. 

The following interesting incidents relative to the history of the Methodist 
Church in Erie County were contributed by Mr. Frank Henry to the Erie Ga- 
zette : 

At the annual session of the Pittsburgh Conference of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Chm"ch,held at Uniontown, Fayette County, Fenn. , in the month of Au- 
gust, 1830, the following resolution was passed, viz. : 

Resolved, that a new circuit be formed, and called Erie Circuit. That It shall com- 
prise that part of North East Circuit lying west of North East, Greenfield and Venango 
Townships, and that part of Meadvllle Circuit lying north of Waterford and east of Spring- 
field Townships, in Erie County. 

I have the original minutes of the new circuit up to the time when it was 
again subdivided and Wesleyville Circuit was formed. Also, the complete 
minutes of Wesleyville Circuit to the present time. 

Nearly all the preachers who met in conference in Uniontown in 1830 went 
there on horseback over mountains and through the wildnerness, fording or 
swimming over creeks and rivers, and often camping out at night. Some were 
too poor to own a horse, and went to conference on foot. They were indeed 
heroes and those were "'the heroic days of Methodism." What a wonderful 
change has been wrought in the half century that has passed away. There 
are only a few — perhaps half a dozen members of the conference in 1830 — 
\yho are now living. Nearly all the persons whose names are recorded in the 
minutes have passed "from labor to reward," but their names are written in 
the Book of Life. Many readers of the Gazette well remember these old 
pioneers, and will be interested to have the work of the fathers recalled to 
memory, and will doubtlesss be pleased to read a few extracts from the old 
"logbook:" 

First quarterly Conference for Erie Circuit held at Harbor Creek, September 13, 1830. 
Present, William B. Mack, Presiding Elder, Joseph A. Barrass and A. Young, circuit 
preachers. Roll call, present: Local preachers, N.W. Curtis, Barney Bort, William Staf- 
ford ; exhorters, Luther Stone, D. D. Daniels, Y. Wllklns, Joseph S. Buck, Justus Os- 
burn ; class leaders, David Burton. A. Bowers, William Allen, William Campbell, Edmund 
Brace ; circuit stewards, James Flowers, Sturkely Stafford, John Wheaton. James Mc- 
Conkey, Recording Steward. Voted unanimously, that the members of this Quarterly 
Conference will do all they can to establish weekly class collections on this circuit. 
Signed : " W. B. Mack, P. E. 

A. Young, Sec' y." 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 251 

During this conference year, Rev. Mr. Barrass, preacher in charge, received 
his salary in full, viz., $167. The salary now paid the pastor of one of the 
charges — in the city of Erie — would have endowed a college professorship in 
those primitive times. This meeting was held in warm weather and the doors 
and windows were open. An enterprising and devout cat persisted in annoy- 
ing those having charge of the communion basket, causing merriment among 
some of the young people present, and disturbing the meeting. Finally, 
]>rother Barrass took the cat outside and beat its brains out against the corner 
of the house. It is said that that cat was none of the nine-lived species. This 
act filled the hearts of some of the "beam in their own eye" ones with holy 
indignation and horror. The storm eventually subsided and the good brother 
was not ''cast out of the synagogue." 

On the 26th of December, 1830, at the close of a meeting in the court 
house, where the Methodists then worshiped, a subscription paper was circu- 
lated to raise money to pay the preacher. We notice the names of George 
Moore, Captain Wright. Albert Kelso, J. Lantz, Pressly Arbuckle, William 
Himrod and Thomas Moorhead, Jr., on the paper. At the next meeting $4 
were raised to pay for wood and candles. 

The second quarterly meeting was held in West Mill Creek in December 
1830. Josiah Flower was one of the exhorters present. John Brace, of Beaver 
Dam; Timothy Clark, of North East, and Thomas Stephens, of Erie, were 
added to the Board of Stewards. 

The third quarterly meeting was held in Harbor Creek, February 19, 1831. 
Stephen Stuutz, A. C. Barnes, Watts B. Lloyd and Josiah Flower were among 
the exhorters present at this meeting, and James McConkey was Secretary. 

The fourth quarterly meeting was held in connection with a camp meeting 
in a grove on the farm of Judge Sterrett, in Harbor Creek, near Wesleyville, 
June 25, 1831. James Flower, a Steward, resigned, and John Shadduck was 
appointed. The following local preachers were present: Barney Bort, William 
Stafford, John Keese Hallock, N. AV. Curtis, Philip Osborn, William Burton, 
Titus Cook. Josiah Flower joined the Annual Conference. Exhorters present: 
Justus Osburn, Luther Stone, D. D. Daniels, Nehemiah Beers, Stephen Stuntz, 
David Burton, John McClune, Joseph S. Buck, Watts B. Lloj^d, Freeman 
Palmer and Franklin Vandoozer. 

The first annual meeting of the Erie District Bible, Tract and Sunday 
School Society was held at the brick meeting house, Harbor Creek, July 4, 1836, 
Kev. W. B. Mack, Chairman; James McConkey, Secretary; and John Shad- 
duck, Treasurer. Managers, Stephens Stuntz, John Wheaton, Stukely Staf- 
ford, J. S. Buck, Thomas Adams, Timothy Clark, David D. Daniels, George 
Walker, James Flower, E. N. Hulburt, John Bichards and David Sterrett. The 
meeting adjourned to meet at Wheaton's meeting house in MillCi^eek July 4, 
1832. Almond Fuller and Stewart Chambers were among the subscribers to 
the funds of the society. All the members of this society are now dead except 
Stewart Chambers, of Wesleyville, Penn., and George W. Walker, of Marquette 
County, Wis. 

The first quarterly conference of Erie Circuit ever held in the borough of 
Erie, met November 19, 1831, W. B. Mack, Presiding Elder; John P. Kent 
and A. Plimpton were circuit preachers. Peter Haldeman acted as Secretary, 
pro tempore. James i'lower, Peter Haldeman, John Magee, A. Bowers, James 
Boyle, and — Sweetland were the class leaders present. Watts B. Lloyd was 
by verbal consent allowed to preach for the time being. Stephen H. Wilcox 
was licensed to preach. 

The next meeting was held in Wesleyville, and Ezekiel Chambers was 



252 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

licensed to preach. The fourth quarterly conference was held at Peter Hime- 
buugh's, in Beaver Dam, July 28, 1832. David Voi'se, Asa White and Ed- 
mund Brace were among the eshorters, and William Chambers, James Bail, 
William B. Weed, Luther Lewis and B. Deighton, class leaders. A com- 
mittee to build a meeting house in McKean was appointed, viz. : John K. 
Hallock, Ezra White and James Bail. The following local preachers' licenses 
were renewed: Barney Bort, William Stafford, Philip Osborn, Josiah Flower, 
Nehemiah Beers, David Vorse and Peter Haldeman. At this meeting Watts 
B. Lloyd was licensed to preach, and Capt. Thomas W^ilkins was licensed to 
exhort. At their own request, the papers of Stephen Stuntz and Justus Osborn 
were not renewed. 

Second quarterly conference was held in Wesleyville, February 9, 1833, J. 
S. Barrass, Presiding Elder; John Chandler and E. P. Stidman, circuit preach- 
ers. Luther Stone was silenced and expelled from the church. Edmund Brace 
and- F. Vandoozer returned their licenses to exhort. A committee was ap- 
pointed to estimate the expense of building a meeting house in Erie, viz. : J. 
McConkey, T. Stephens and E. N. Hulburt; Trustees for same, E. N. Hulburt, 
J. McConkey. T. Stephens, David Burton and John Richards. 

The third quarterly meeting was held in Erie April 18, 1833. W. 
Kogers, J. Hay and J. McCoy were made an estimating committee to build a 
meeting house in Fairview. 

The fourth quarterly meeting was held on the camp ground in Fairview 
June 22, 1833. F. Vandoozer was expelled from the church, after trial by a 
committee, viz. : W. S. Chambers, N. Beers, William May, Solomon Riblet, 
George W. Walker, P. Cauffmaa, Robert Ferguson and Alva Phelps. An 
appeal of Barney Deighton was laid over. 

"At a regular meeting of the Stewards of Erie Circuit, held in Erie Sep- 
tember 21, 1833, to take into consideration the proper amount of money to be 
collected from each class for the support of the preachers, the following ap- 
portionment was made, viz. : 

"Wesleyville, $10; Erie, $55; Haybarger's,$8; Burton's, $10; Brown's, $10; 
McKean, $12; Bean's (3), $12; Lake' Pleasant, $10; Adam's, $10; Wheaton's 
$30; Fairview, $30; Bradish, $6; H. Clark's, $6; Backus's$l2; T. Clark's, $8; 
Haldeman's, $8; Rees Hill, $18; Gospel Hill, $18." 

Rev. J. Chandler and Samuel Gregg were the "circuit riders," and the 
amount estimated for the support of the two men and their families for an en- 
tire year was $343. During the conference year, beginning September, 1879, 
and ending September, 1880, the combined salaries of the Methodist Episcopal 
preachers within the limits of this same territory, including house rent, was 
$8,054. 

The second quarterly conference for the year 1833 met at the Wheaton 
Meeting House (now Asbuiy) in West Mill Creek. Rev. Hiram Kinsley was 
Presiding Elder. The minutes are in the peculiarly illegible handwriting of 
Rev. Samuel Gregg, author of " History of Methodism Within the Bounds of 
Erie Conference." James McConkey tendered his resignation as Steward, and 
George W. Walker was elected Recording Steward. 

The following trustees were "appointed to secui'e a proper location and 
build a meeting house in Fairview Township," viz. : James McClelland, or 
Miller, Henr}' Rogers, John McKee (?), Stephen Stuntz, James Morton. 

The fourth quarterly meeting met in W^esleyville July 7. 1834, Rev. Hiram 
Kinsley, Presiding Elder, in the chair. The name of Audley McGill appears on 
the minutes as class leader. Also the name of Christian Bort. I^ocal preach- 
ers, Capt. Thomas Wilkins and Philip Osborn, were also present. E. N. Hul- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 253 

bert was appointed a Steward for Erie, and Henry Kodgers Steward for Fair- 
view. Tlie decision of the committee in the chbg of John Dillon was sustained. 
A committee was aj^pointed to bnild a parsonage for the use of the circuit, viz. : 
George W. Walker, Thomas Rees and "William Chambers. This committee was 
authorized to apportion to each class the amount expected from them to pay 
for the same. The parsonage was built in Wesleyville, and has been used for 
that purpose ever since. Eev. Noble W. Jones and family are its present 
occupants. 

The preachers were paid in full. The account reads as follows: "Preach- 
ers— John Chandler, $100; wife, $100; child, $16; total, $216. Paid. Sam- 
uel Gregg, $100. Paid." The Recording Steward veiy properly classed Mrs. 
Chandler and child as preachers, and paid them accordingly. There is no 
class of women on earth more earnestly devoted and self-sacrificing than the 
wives of Methodist preachers. Many successful men owe more to their wives 
than to their own unaided exertions, but are not magnanimoiis enough to ad 
mit the fact. 

The next qiiarterly meeting was held in Fairview, Rev. Alfred Brunson, 
Presiding Elder; P. D. Horton, circuit preacher; Harry Rogers, Christian 
Bort, F. Dixon, M. Haybarger, E. Weeks and J. Bradish were the class lead- 
ers present. 

The second quarterly meeting was held in Wesleyville December 6, 1834. 
George W. AValker was released from the Parsonage Building Committee, and 
Rev. P. D. Horton appointed to fill the vacancy. 

The third quarterly conference met at Wheaton's meeting house February 
28, 1835. David Chambers appealed from the decision of the committee at 
Wesleyville, and the committee were not sustained G. Hawly was chosen 
Recording Steward, in place of George W. Walker, resigned. 

The fourth quarterly meeting was held in M-cKean May 23, 1835. U. 
Gittings. D. Ray. George Deighton, S. Brace, William Kinnear, Philip Osborn 
and William Staflford were the local preachers present. 

At the session of Pittsburgh Conference, held in the summer of 1834, anew 
circuit called Wesleyville Circuit was set off, and the rest of the old Erie Cir- 
cuit left to take care of themselves. The minute book was left for use of the 
Wesleyville Circuit, and the last record is in the hand writing of William P. 
Trimble, Recording Stewai'd, and bearing the date of January 25, 1862. I 
believe, however, that Wesleyville Circuit contained for a long time ail the ter- 
ritory of the old Erie Circuit outside the borough of Erie. 

A quarterly conference for Wesleyville Circuit was held at Backus School- 
house, in. South Harbor Creek, March 12, 1836; Isaac Winans, Presiding Elder; 
Thomas Graham and P. D. Horton. circuit preachers. 

A new committee, Stutely Staffoi'd, Ezra White and James Bayle, was ap- 
pointed to build a new meeting house at or near McKean Corners. 

The next quarterly conference was held in Wesleyville June 25, 1836. 
Philip Osborn and Barney Bort were recommended to the annual conference 
for admission to the "traveling conexion." The preachers were paid in full 
— $124 each for a year's hard work. Some of the membership charged the 
preacher's family with extravagance in using up so large a salary' ! It was not 
considered advisable to pay the preachers much mone}^ in those days. It had 
a tendency to make them "stuck up and worldly-minded.' Any unmarketa- 
ble produce, such as rancid butter or lard, moldy hay, or wilted potatoes, etc., 
was often taken to the parsonage as "quarterage." and the preacher and his 
wife were expected to receive these tokens of brotherly thoughtfulness with 
becoming humility and thankfulness. I called at the parsonage in Wesley- 



254 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

vill9 many years ago, and while there a good brother brought in a cheese. He 
did not inquire whether the preacher wanted it or not but laid it on the table, 
with a sanctimonious grin on his weazened face. At that time good cheese 
could be bought for 8 cents per pound. "'Brother, how much shall I credit 
you for this?" inquired the preacher. '"I took it on a debt, and will not be 
hard with you. Call it 10 cents per pound," was the prompt reply. The 
preacher's son, a promising lad of twelve summers, inspected the cheese very 
closely. In a few minutes he came in with a piece of his mother's new clothes' 
line in his hand. "Why, my son! what in the world are you going to do?" 
his mother inquired. " Going to tie up pa's cheese to keep it from crawling 
away," was the laconic reply. The cheese was a living, loathsome mass of 
maggots, and the old rascal knew it before going to the parsonage. The good 
layman sneaked oflf, and was that preacher's enemy ever after. If such fellows 
succeed in dodging into heaven, then the doctrine of universal salvation will 
be "the correct thing. " 

In 1886, J. Chandler, L. D. Mix and Albina Hall were the circuit preachers. 

At the meeting held in Wesleyville January 21, 1837, David W. Vorse, of 
McKean, was licensed to preach. At a meeting held in McKean July 4, 1837, 
he was recommended to the annual conference for admission to the itineracy. 
David Chambers was made an agent of the circuit to build the pai'souage. 
This enterprise seemed to move along slowly. A resolution to sustain him 
unanimously passed. 

The next meeting was held at Hoag's Schoolhouse, in South Harbor Creek, 
September 30, 1837. A committee on temporal interests was appointed, viz. : 
William Campbell, Greorge W. AValker and David Chambers. This committee 
was directed to notify subscribers to the parsonage fund that they must pay 
up or be dealt with according to discipline. D. Preston and D. Pritchard were 
the preachers. March 3, 1838, at a meeting held in Fairview, Peter Haldeman 
was licensed to preach. 

At the meeting held in McKean Jun^ 2, 1838. Philip Osborn was recom- 
mended to the annual conference for deacon's orders. All that part of Wes- 
leyville circuit west of the AVaterford Turnpike, was formed into a new circuit, 
to be called McKean Circuit. The following is the first official board of Mc- 
Kean Circuit: Joel Stafford. Recording Steward; Joseph S. Buck, Lewis 
Calder, John L. B. , Philip Osborn, George Dei gh to a and John Palmiter, 

At a meeting held in Wesleyville June 15, 1839, Mathias Himebaugh was 
licensed to preach. David Preston and Theodore D. Blinn were the circuit 
preachers. The former received a salary of $169.58, and Mr. Blinn received 
$93.65. 

UNITED PRESBYTERIANS. LUTHERANS, EPISCOPALIANS, ETC. 

Rev. Robert Reid, a minister of the' Associate Reformed Presbyterian 
Church, gathered a congregation in Erie in 1811. which was the first regularly 
organized religious body in the city. Services were held in a schoolhouse 
until 1816, when a church building was erected, eight years in advance of that 
of the First Presbyterian congregation. These two were the sole religious 
organizations in the city in 1820. A second society was organized by Mr. 
Reid at Waterford in 1812, three years after the Pi-esbyterian body oP the same 
place. The denomination became known as the United Presbyterian Church 
in 1858, as will be explained below. 

In the year 1815, Rev. Charles Colson, a Lutheran minister from Germany, 
came to the Northwest and organized four congregations of that church, one 
each at Meadville, French Creek, Conneaut and Erie. The Erie society died 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. ■ 255 

out very soon, and does not appear to have been revived until many years later. 
The earliest Lutheran Church in Erie City was built in 1835. 

The first knowledge we have of the Episcopalians is through a paper, a 
copy of which has been preserved, drawn up in 1803, and signed by fourteen 
citizens, agreeing to contribute the sum of $88 annually "to pay one third of 
Eev. Mr. Patterson's time in Erie, until a Church of England clergyman can 
be pla^'ed." Mr. Patterson, it will be recollected, was the Presbyterian minis- 
ter in charge at North East. Among the signatures are the familiar names of 
Eeed, Rees and Wallace. No organization of the denomination was effected 
till March 17, 1827, when a number of persons withdrew from the Presbyterian 
Church and became united as St. Paul's Episcopal congregation. About the 
same time, Rev. Charles Smith came on from Philadelphia and assumed charge 
as rector. Services were held in the court house till a building was completed 
in November, 1832. The Waterford society, the second in the county, was 
organized the same year as the one at Erie. 

The first building of the Christian denomination was erected at East 
Springfield in 1826, and the second in Fairview Township in 1835. 

CATHOLICS AND OTHER DENOMINATIONS. 

The Roman Catholics had no organization in the county until 1833, when 
a church was erected in the northern part of McKean Township, and occupied 
until the new one was put up in Middleboro. St. Mary's and St. Patrick's 
congregations in Erie date from 1833 and 1837 respectively. The Catholics 
now number more communicants than any single denomination in the county. 

The Lake Erie Universalist Association was organized in Wellsburg in 
1839, where a church had been established the preceding year. The Erie 
church was not organized until 1844. 

The earliest Baptist congregation was in Harbor Creek Township in 1822. 
This was followed bv societies at Erie in 1831, and in North East and Water- 
ford Townships in 1832. 

The United Brethren, the Adventists and the other denominations are com- 
paratively new to this section. 

Some of the churches are large, handsome and expensive structures, while 
about one-third are plain wooden buildings that cost less and are less impos- 
ing than many of the barns in the county. The most elaborate churches are 
in Erie, Corry, North East, Union, Girard, Faix'view, Miles Grove, Harbor 
Creek, Waterford and Mill Village. The Cathedral church of the Roman 
Catholics, at the corner of Tenth and Sassafras streets, in Erie, which has been 
building for several years, will, when completed, be the most extensive, costly 
and handsome religious edifice in this part of Pennsylvania. 

LIST or CHUKCHES. 

Below is a list of the various congregations in the county in 1880, with the 
year each one is supposed to have been organized. Any additions that have 
been made since that year will be mentioned in the township sketches: 

Presbyterian (19). — Belle Valley, 1841; Beaver Dam. Wayne Township, 
about 1820; Central Church, Erie, 1871; Chestnut street, Erie, 1870; Corry, 
1864; East Springfield, 1804; Edinboro, 1829; Fairview Borough, 1845; First 
Church, Erie, 1815; Girard Borough, 1835; Harbor Creek, 1832: Mill Village, 
1870; North East Borough, 1801; Park Church. Erie, 1855; Union City. 1811, 
Waterford Borough, 1809; Wattsburg, 1826; Westminster, Mill Creek Town- 
ship, 1806-1851; Whales, Greene Township, 1849. 

The Presbyterian Churches of Erie County are within the bounds of the 



256 • HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Synod of Pennsylvania and of the Presbytery of Erie. The Synod was con- 
stituted in 1881, and embraces the four old Synods oE Philadelphia, Harris- 
burg, Erie and Pittsburgh. The Presbytery embraces Erie, Crawfoi-d, War- 
reQ, Venango and Mercer Counties, and contains sixty-two churches and about 
fifty ministers. 

United Presbyterian (6).- — Beaver Dam, AVayne Township, 1859: First 
Church, Erie, 1811; Five Points, Summit Township, 1842; Mission CLui'ch, 
Erie, 1874; "Waterford Borough, 1812; Whiteford's Corners, Summit Town- 
ship, 1876. 

The name of this denomination in Erie County was originally the Asso- 
ciate Reformed Presbyterian Church. On the 26th of May, 1858, the Associ- 
ated Presbyterian and the Associated Reformed Presbyterian societies of the 
Northern States consolidated under the name of the United Presbyterian 
Church. The churches of this county are attached to the First Synod of the 
West and to the Lake Presbytery. The Synod embraces all of the chur^jhes in 
Pennsylvania west of the Allegheny and portions of Ohio and Michigan. The 
Presbytery covers Erie and Crawford Counties, a portion of Mercer and a 
small part of Trumbull County, Ohio. 

EjnscojKil (8). — Emanuel. Corry, 1864; Cross and Crown, Erie, 1867; 
Miles Grove, 1862; Mission of the Holy Cross, North East, 1872; St. Paul's, 
Erie, 1827: St. John's, Erie, 1867; Union City, 1875; St. Peter's, Waterford 
Borough, 1827. 

The churches of Erie County are embraced in the Diocese of Pittsburgh 
and in the Erie Deanery. The Diocese includes ail of Pennsylvania west of 
the Eastern lines of Somerset, Cambria, Clearfield, Elk, Cameron and McKean 
Counties; the Deanery comprises Erie, Crawford, Venango, Lawrence and 
Mercer Counties. The Pittsburgh Diocese was organized November 15, 1865, 
on which date Rev. John B. Kerfoot was elected Bishop. His consecration 
took place on the ensuing 26th of January. He was succeeded by Rev. Dr. 
Cortland Whitehead, who was consecrated on January 25, 1882. The Erie 
Deanery was erected on the 12th of June, 1874. The Deans have been as fol- 
lows: ist, Rev. J. F. Spaulding, Erie; 2d, Rev. W. H. Mills, Erie; 3d, Rev. 
Henry Purdon, Titusville. 

United Brethren (13). — Branchville, McKean Township, about 1866; 
Corry, 1864 ; Clark settlement. Harbor Creek. Township, 1856 ; Erie, 
1878; Elk Creek and Girard line, 1870; Elk Creek Township, 1853; Fairview 
Township, about 1857; Greene and Venango line, 1871; Macedonia, Venango 

Township, ; New Ireland, LeBoeuf Township, 1876; Shattuck's Corners, 

Greenfield Township, about 1874; Union City, 1872; Wayne Valley, Wayne 
Township, 1870. 

Roman Catholic (16).— Albion, prior to 1850; St. Marv's, Erie, 1833; St, 
Patrick's. Erie, 1837; St. Joseph's, Erie, about 1853; St. "John's, Erie, 1869; 
St. Andrew's, Erie, 1871: St. Thomas, Corrv, I860; St. Elizabeth, Corry, 
1875; St. John's, Girard, 1853; St. Boniface, Greene Township, 1857; St. 
Peter's, Greene Township, 1870; St. Matthew's, Summit Township, 1867; St, 
Francis Xavier, Middleboro, 1833; St, Gregory's. North East, 1854; St. Tere- 
sa's, Union City, 1857: St. Cyprian's, W^aterford Station, 1878. 

The Erie Diocese comprises the counties of Erie, Crawford, Mercer, 
Venango. Forest, Clarion, Jefferson, Clearfield, Cameron, Elk, McKean, Potter 
and Warren. It was established in 1853, Rt. Rev. Michael O'Conner being 
the first Bishop. He was transferred from Pittsburgh in 1853, and re-trans- 
ferred in 1854. His successor, Rt. Rev. J. M. Young, was consecrated April 
23, 1854, and died September 18, 1866. Rt. Rev. T. Mullen, present Bishop, 
was consecrated Aumist 2, 1868. 




/>^^^^^ 



^.^^.JK^ 



^^/^'/^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 259 

Methodist Episcopal (55). — Albion, prioi- to 1850; Ash's Corners, Wash- 
ington Township, 1867; Asbury, Mill Creek Township, 1846; Asburv, Union 
Township, 1840; Beaver Dajn', 1838; Carter Hill, about 1835; Coriy, 1862; 
Cherry Hill, 1858; Concord Township, 1879; Cranosville, about 1830; Crane 
road, " Franklin Township, 1867; East Springfield, 1825; Edinboro, 1829; 
Edenville, LeBceuf Township, 1839; Elgin, 1854; Eureka, 1867; First 
Church, Erie, 1826; Fair Haven, Girard Township, 1815; Fairplain, Girard 
Township, 1840; Fairview Borough, 1817; Franklin Corners, 1866; Gospel 
Hill, Harbor Creek Township, 1816; Greenfield, 1836; Girard Borough, 1815; 
Harbor Creek, 1834: Hatch Hollow, Amity Township, prior to 1835; Hamlin, 
Summit Township, 1837; Keepville, about 1867; Lowville, 1875; Lockport, 
1843; Miles Grove, 1867; McLane, Washington Township, 1863; Mill Vil- 
lage, prior to 1810: ISEiddleboro, 1819; Macedonia, Venango Township, ; 

North Corry, 1870; North East Borough, 1812; Northville, about 1820; Phil- 
lipsville, prior to 1848; South Harbor Creek, Harbor Creek Township, prior 
to 1830; Simpson Church, Erie, 1858; Sterrettania, 1842; South Hill, McKean 
Township, about 1860; Sharp's Corners, Waterford Township, 1838; Sherrod 

Hill, ; Tower Schoolhouse, Venango Township, ; Tenth Street, Erie, 

1867; Union City, 1817; Waterford Borough, 1814; Wellsburg, 1833; Watts- 
burg, 182/; West Springfield, 1801; Wales, Greene Township, about 1850; 
West Greene, 1827: Wesley ville, 1828. 

The Methodist Episcopal Churches in Erie County are attached to the Erie 
Conference, organized in 1836, the bounds of which extend on the west to the 
Ohio State line, on the east to a line running slightly beyond Jamestown, N. 
Y., and Ridgway, Penn. , and on the south to a line running east and west be- 
low New Castle, Penn. The Conference is subdivided into six Presiding 
Elders' districts, viz. : Erie, Clarion, Franklin, Jamestown, Meadville and 
New Castle. The Erie District includes the churches of Erie, Mill Creek, 
Fairview, Girard, Greene, Greenfield, Harbor Creek, McKean, North East, 
Summit, Springfield, Wesleyville and Waterford; the Meadville District those 
of Albion. Edinboro, Lockport, Mill Village, Union and Wattsburg; the 
Jamestown District those of Corry. The Presiding Elders of these districts 
have been as follows: 

Erie District— G. Fillmore, 1821-24; W. Swayze. 1825-27; W. B. Mack, 
1828-31: J. S. Barris, 1832; H. Kinsley, 1833: J. Chandler, 1836-38; J. C. 
Ayers, 1839-42; T. Goodwin, 1843-44; J. Robinson, 1845-48; B. O. Plimp- 
ton, 1849; E. J. L. Baker, 1850-53 and 1865-68; J. Leslie, 1854-57; J. 
Flower, 1858-61; J. H. Whallon, 1862-64; D. M. Stever, 1869-72; R. M. 
Warren. 1873-75; W. F. Wilson, 1876-78; R. W. Scott. 1879-80. 

Meadville District— Z. H. Coston, 1832; A, Brunson, 1833-34; I.Winans, 
1835; J. S. Ban-is, 1836-37: H. Kinsley, 1838-39, 1843-45 and 1855-58; J. 
Bain, 1840-42; B. O. Plimpton, 1846-48; W. Patterson, 1849-52; E. J. 
Kenney. 1853-54; N. Norton, 1859-62; J. W.Lowe. 1863-66; G. W. Maltby, 
1867-70; W. P. Bignell, 1871-74; J. Peate, 1875-78; F. H. Beck, 1879-80. 

Jamestown District — H. Kinsley, 1834-36; R. A. Aylworth, 1837-38; D. 
Preston, 1839-41; J. J. Steadman, 1842-43; D. Smith, 1844-47; ^^\ H. 
Hunter, 1848-51; J. H Whallon, 1852-55: B. S. Hill, 1856-58; J. W. Lowe, 
1859-62; G. W. Maltby, 1863-66: J. Leslie, 1867-70; A. Burgess, 1871-72; 
N. Norton, 1873-75; O' G. McEntire, 1876-79. 

Universalist (5). — Corry, 1877; Erie, 1844; Girard, about 1850; Wellsburg, 
1838; West Springfield, 1848. 

Evangelical Association (6). — Emanuel, Summit Township, about 1838; 
Salem, Fairview and Mill Creek line, 1833; Salem, Erie, 1833; Mt. Nabo, Fairview 
Borough, 1833; North East Borough, 1870; congregation at Sterrettania. 



260 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Lutheran (11). — St. John's Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed, Erie, 1835; 
St. Paul's German Evangelical, Erie, 1850; German Evangelical Lutheran 
Trinity, Erie, 1881; First English Evangelical Lutheran, Erie, 1861; Evan- 
gelical Lutheran, GirardBoroiigh, 1866; Evangelical Lutheran, Fairview, 1856; 
St. Paul's German Lutheran, Mill Creek Township, about 1836; St. Paul's 
German Evangelical, North East, 1864; St. Jacob's Evangelical United, Fair- 
view Township, 1852; Franklin Township Church, 1871; German (Lutheran), 
Corry, about 1874. 

Baiitist (16).— Corry, 1863; Edinboro, 1838; Franklin and Elk Creek 
line, 1866; First Church, Erie, 1831; German Church, Erie, 1861; Lowrey 
settlement, Harbor Creek Township, 1822; McLane, Washington Township, 
1838; North East, 1832; Newman's Bridge, Waterford Township, 1832 or 
1833; Pageville, 1839; Second Greenfield Union Free-Will Baptist, Greenfield, 
Township, 1881; Union City, 1859; Waterford and Amity line, about 1835; 
W^est Springfield, 1826; Wattsburg, 1850; Wellsburg, 1839. 

Christian {^).—Govxy, 1864; Draketown, 1877; East Springfield, 1826; 
Fairview Township, 1835; Girard and Franklin line, 1872; Hare Creek, 
Wayne Township, 1877; McLallen's Corners, 1828: Oak Hill, Waterford 
Township, 1854. " 

Disciple (2).— Albion, 1880; Lockport, 1877. 

Congregational. — Corry, 1874. 

Hebrew.— 'Erie, 1858; Corry, about 1873. 

Advent. — Edinboro, 1863. 

Wesleyan Methodist (3). — Concord Township, 1840; Erie. 1847; Keep- 
ville, 1854. 

African Methodist Eiyiscopal. — Erie, re-organized, 1877. 

Union. — Manross Church, LeBoeuf Township, erected 1869. 

Recapitulation. — Presbyterian, 19; United Presbyterian, 6; Episcopalian, 
8; United Brethren, 13; Roman Catholic, 16; Methodist Episcopal, 55; Con- 
gregational, 1; Advent, 1; African Methodist Episcopal, 1; Universalist 5; 
Lutheran, 11; Evangelical Association, 6; Baptist, 16; Christian, 8; Disciple, 
2; Hebrew, 2; Wesleyan Methodist, 3; Union, 1; total, 174. 

SUNDAY SCHOOLS, 

The first Sunday school in the county was founded by Rev. Mr. Morton 
and Col. James Moorhead at Moorheadville, in 1817. In 1818, Mrs. Judah 
Colt returned to Erie after a visit to New England, where schools for the 
religious instruction of children on the Sabbath had recently been introduced, 
and by the aid of Mrs. R. S Reed and Mrs. Carr established a class for girls, 
which met alternately at the houses of the two ladies last named. After a 
time the brothers of the girls asked to be admitted, but fears were entertained 
that they woald be hard to control, and it was only after much debate and 
hesitation that they were allowed to enjoy the benefits of the class. Col. 
Thomas Forster became interested in the enterprise, and in 1820 tendered 
the ladies a room, which was gladly accepted. A public meeting was held in 
the courthouse on the 25th of March, 1821, to consider the project of regularly 
organizing " a Sunday School and Moral Society. " Resolutions in favor of 
the same were drafted and introduced by R. S. Reed, Thomas H. Sill and 
George A. Eliot^ — one capitalist and two lawyers — and solemnly adopted by the 
audience. A paper for contributions was passed around, and the munificent 
sum of $28.50 subscribed to procure suitable books. This subscription paper 
is now hanging up in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church of Erie. 
The school commenced in Mav with an attendance of sixtv-four, big and little, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 261 

who had increased to eighty-one at the end of six months, of whom twenty-one, 
or nearly one-fourth, were colored. Horace Greeley, then an employe in the 
office of the Erie Gazette, was one of the scholars in the winter of 1830-31. 
A second school was started in September, 1830, by the ladies of St. Paul's 
Episcopal congregation, and held its sessions in the court house until their 
church building was completed. The first schools had to encounter some 
opposition, even from zealous Christian citizens. A Sabbath school is now 
connected with almost every church in the county. 

BIBLE SOCIETY AND Y, M. C. ASSOCIATION. 

The Erie County Bible Society was established in 1824, and has been in 
continuous operation ever since. Its mission is to distribute the Holy Book 
free of cost to those who aie too poor to buy, and at a moderate price to persons 
in better circumstances. The first officers wero Rev. Johnston Eaton, Presi- 
dent; Rev. Robert Reid, Vice President; George Selden, Secretary; and E. 
D. Gunnison, Treasurer. Its annual meetings are held on the first Wednesday 
after the second Tuesday in May. 

The only Young Men's Christian Association in the county is in Erie, 
and was organized in September, 1860. The society owns a fine build- 
ing at the corner of Tenth and Peach streets, which is conveniently fitted 
up for its purpose. Its library of nearly six thousand volumes is free to all 
who visit the reading rooms, and, for a moderate sum per annum, the holders 
of tickets are allowed to take books to their homes. Aside from its religious 
influence, the association has done a good work among the young men and 
women of the city by increasing their literary taste, and giving them the op- 
portunity to read good books instead of the trashy stuff that floods the land. 
It also maintains a Railway Employes' Reading Room in the building on 
Peach street, opposite the northern entrance to the Union depot. 

GRAVEYARDS AND CEMETERIES. 

As death and religion are always associated to a certain extent, this seems 
to be the proper place to give a brief sketch of some of the old graveyards in 
the county, which, thanks to an improved taste, are fast giving way to neat 
and ornamental cemeteries. The first burial place of which thei-e is a record, 
was established at Colt's Station in Greenfield Township on the 6th of July, 
1801. A party of fifteen met and cleared off an acre for the interment of the 
dead, which has remained as a graveyard to this day, though in a sadly neg- 
lected condition. Their example led the people at Middlebrook to follow suit, 
and a burial place was begun there in the following month. Most of the bodies 
in the latter have been removed within the last thirty years, and the spot is 
now used for farming purposes. A graveyard was established at Erie nearly at 
the same time, on the bank of the lake, east of Parade street, but was aban- 
doned about 1805. Others were located at an early day at Waterford, North 
East, Fairview, Springfield and elsewhere. In 1805, three lots were set aside 
for a graveyard at the southeast corner of French and Eighth streets, Erie, 
which was used by all denorbinations until 1827, when it became the property 
of the United Presbyterian Church, whose building adjoined the premises on the 
east. The property was sold in 1862, the bodies were removed to the cemetery, 
and the site is now covered with dwellings. The Presbyterians purchased four 
lots at the southeast corner of Seventh and Myrtle streets, in Erie, in 1826, 
and used them fcr burial purposes for upward of twenty yeax*s, when the 
bodies were carefully removed to the cemetery and the land was sold to pri- 
vate purchasers. 



262 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The Episcopal Graveyard was also on Seventh street, nearly opposite the 
gas house. Besides the above, there was a graveyard on Third street, east of 
the Catholic school, on the north side, which was used for burial purposes as 
late as 1837. The Catholic burial grounds on Twenty-fourth, between Sassa- 
fras and Chestnut streets, still contain numerous bodies, which will probably 
be removed some day to the cemetery west of the city. An unused graveyard 
is also attached to St. John's Church in South Erie. The various cemeteries 
in present use will be described in connection with the city. 

As the county increased in population, graveyards were located in every 
section, some of which continue, while the sites of others have almost or en- 
tirely been forgotten. Many families chose burial places on their fai"ms, 
and some of these still exist. The old-style graveyards were, and those 
that remain are, generally speaking, dismal and forbidding places, the tomb- 
stones dingy and often tottering, the fence sides grown up to brambles, the 
gi-aves and walks in a horrible state of neglect, and the whole aspect well cal- 
culated to encoufage the belief in ghosts, goblins and demons, which was quite 
universal forty years ago. 

The establishment of the cemetery at Erie, which was dedicated in May, 
1851, and speedily became one of the tastiest in the Union, has had a gratify- 
ing effect upon the whole county. People of retinement from the neighboring 
towns, comparing it with the neglected graveyards at their homes, became 
ashamed of the contrast, and efforts, some successful and others futile, have 
been made to secure creditable places of burial in almost all sections. Corry, 
Union City, North East, Waterford, Girard, Fairview, Springfield, Sterret- 
tania and Lowville have cemeteries that speak well for the taste of their citi- 
zens, and at Erie the new Catholic cemetery near the Head is fast assuming a 
first rank. The writer hopes to be spared long enough to see every vestige of 
the old-style graveyard removed from the face of the earth, and each town and 
township in possession of a cemetery that will be an honor to the living and 
afford a proper resting-place for the dead. 



OHAPTEE XV. 



Mills and Factories. 



THE first mill in Erie County of which there is any record was btiilt at the mouth 
of Mill Creek in 1795-96, under the direction of Capt. Russell Bissell, 
of the United States Army, to supply timber for barracks, dwellings, etc., for 
the use of the troops who had been sent forward as a protection to the settlers. 
It gave name to the stream, and stood until 1820, when it burned down. An- 
other saw mill was buil upon its site in 1831. by George W. Reed and Will- 
iam Himrod, the frame of which stood till some time after 1861. The second 
saw mill within the city limits was erected on the same stream, at or near 
where the Hopedale Mill stands, by Robert Brotherton, in 1806, and the third 
at the Eighth street crossing in 1807 or 1808, by William Wallace and 
Thomas Forster. About 1810, the Wallace & Forster mill privilege was 
bought by R. S. Reed, who added a grist mill. The property fell into the 
hands of George Moore in ] 822, and a carding machine and fulling mill were 
added. They were purchased by P. & O. E. Crouch in 1859, who improved 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 263 

the grist mill from time to time and continued to operate it. In 1815, two more 
grist mills rose iipon Mill Creek, the one built by K. S. Reed at the Parade 
street crossing, and the other by Mr. Large near the corner of French and Elev- 
enth streets. Mr. Eeed put up adistillery near his mill, and both concerns were 
run by him until his death. The mill building, an unusually large one, stood 
until about ten years ago. The mill erected by Mr. Large was allowed to go down, 
and its site was adopted by Vincent, Himrod & Co., for the establishment since 
known as the Erie City Iron Works. The fourth grist mill in the city was put 
up by the McNairs in 1827, on State street, south of the Lake Shore Railroad 
track, using the water of Ichabod Run for power. It went down, and in 1849 
the Erie City Mill was bviilt by McSparren & Dumars, to use the water of 
the same stream. The building was sold, moved further south, and is still 
standing. The liopedale Mill was built by Henry Gingrich, on the site of 
the Brotherton Saw Mill, about 1850, and was operated for a time by Oliver & 
Bacon. These gentlemen in 1865 secured the Canal Mill, built by William 
Kelly, under the supervision of Jehiel Towner, on Myrtle street, near Sixth, 
to use the surplus water of the canal, and have managed it ever since. 

At one period there were no less than half a dozen distilleries within the 
city limits, and perhaps as many saw mills, the latter all driven by the 
water of Mill Creek, which was quite a strong, steady stream. Mr. Russell, 
in one of his valuable contributions to the Gazette, says: "When there was 
not one-tifth of the population, a distillery was to be found in almost every 
neighborhood. Most families were as particular in laying in their barrel of 
whisky as their barrel of pork, and would rather be without the latter than 
the former." 

Of mills in the vicinity of the city, the earliest were erected by John Coch- 
ran, who put up a saw mill in 1800, and a grist mill in 1801 on the site of the 
present Densraore Mill. Three miles south of the city, on what is now the 
W^aterford Plank Road, Robert McCullough, in 1802 or 1804, put up a saw and 
grist mill, which are still in operation under the title of the Erie County Mills. 
All of these used the water of Mill Creek. In 1814, a small grist mill was 
built by Thomas Miller, on the little stream which empties into the bay at the 
Head, to which he soon after added a mill for making linseed oil. The ruius 
remained until quite recently. 

OUTSIDE OF ERIE CITY. 

The second and third saw mills in the county were put up in 1797 — one by 
Thomas Forster at the mouth of Walnut Creek, and the other by Robert Broth- 
erton, on LeBoeuf Creek, near the Waterford Station of the P. & E. road. 
The latter added a grist mill in 1802. In 1798, a fourth saw mill was built 
near the mouth of Four Mile Creek by Thomas Rees, for the Population Com- 
pany. The fifth was built by Leverett Bissell, on French Creek, in Greenfield 
Township, in 1799. 

During the year 1798 the first grist mill in the county was built at the 
mouth of Walnut Creek under the superintendence of Thomas Forster. The 
other mills established outside of Erie City before the last war with Great 
Britain were as follows: 

One on Spring Run, Girard Township, by Mr. Silverthorn, in 1799. 

A grist and saw mill by William Miles, at Union, in 1800, now known as 
Church's mill. In the same year, a small grist mill, by James Foulk, at the 
mouth of Sis Mile Creek. 

A saw mill by William Culbertson, in 1801, and a grist mill in 1802, at 
Edinboro, now known as Taylor &.Reeder's mills. 



264 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

A saw mill bv Capt. Holliday, in 1801, and a grist mill in 1803, at the 
mouth of Crooked Creek, in Springfield TowDship, both of which have gone 
down. 

A saw mill in 1802 or 1803. by John Riblet, Sr., on Four Mile Creek, 
half a mile south of Wesley ville. No vestige of this remains. 

Lattimore's and Boyd's saw mills, in Waterford Township, about 1802. 
Grist mills were added to each at a later date, and allowed to go down some 
forty years ago. 

A grist and saw mill, in 1803, by Capt. Daniel Dobbins and James Foulk, 
near the mouth of Twelve Mile Creek, since known as Neely's mill. 

A grist mill on Sixteen Mile Creek, in North East Township, by Col. Tut- 
tle, in 1807, now known as Scouller's. 

The following shows when the m\lls mentioned were erected, and will be 
found convenient for comparison: 

1814- -The West Girard Grist and Saw Mill, on Elk Creek, by Peter Wool- 
verton. A saw mill where Lines' mills stand, on Crooked Creek, in Spring- 
field, by Amos Remington and Oliver Cross. 

1815 — A saw mill by William Saltsman, at the foot of the gulley of Four 
Mile Creek, in Harbor Creek Township. 

1816 — A saw mill by James Love, on Walnut Creek, in Mill Creek Town- 
ship. A saw mill on Mill Creek, by Foote & Parker. 

About 1820 — The Strong Grist Mill, on Crooked Creek, in Springfield, by 
Andrew Cochran. 

1822— The Lowville Mills, by Samuel Low. The Wattsbiu-g Mills, by Will- 
iam Miles. 

1823 — The Nason Mill, on Bear Eun, in Fairview, by Daniel Bear. The 
Porter Mill, on Conneaut Creek, in Springfield, by Comfort Hay. Two mills in 
Amity Township, near Milltown, one by Capt. James Donaldson. The grist 
mill at Wesleyville, by John Shattuck. 

1824 — A saw mill in the south part of Greenfield, by John Whiteside. 

1825 — Shattuck's saw mill at Wesleyville. The mills at Wellsburg, by 
Samuel Wells. 

1826 — The old Cooper Mill, on Four Mile Creek, by William Saltsman. 

The Burger Grist Mill, on French Creek, in Le Boeuf Township, was built by 
George Burger about 1830; the Line Grist Mill, in Springfield, by Mr. Case, 
about 1832; the Sterrettania Mills, on Elk Creek, by David S. Sterrett, in 
1839; the Moore Saw Mill, in Le Boeuf, about 1840; and the Branchville Mill, 
about 1850. 

OTHER EARLY MILLS AND FACTORIES. 

Among the earliest mills were Weigle's, at the crossing of Walnut Creek 
by the Ridge road, in Fairview Township, built by S. F. Gudtner; the Elgin 
Mills, on Beaver Dam Run, by Joseph Hall; the grist mill on LeBoeuf Creek, 
in Greene, by Jacob Brown; and the Backus Mill, on Six Mile Creek, in 
Harbor Creek. All of these were established in the beginning of the century, 
but the writer has been unable to obtain the exact dates. A saw mill was built 
at an early period by Michael Jackson, and a grist mill by Amos King, at Al- 
bion. In 1810, there was a carding and woolen mill on the site of the Cass 
factory in Harbor Creek. 

Soon after the war of 1812-14, a perfect mania arose for building saw mills, 
and every stream that could be turned to use was employed to drive from one 
to a dozen vv heels. The county was still largely covered with forest trees, and 
all of the streams contained more water than now. The cutting of the timber 
was followed by the drying up of the streams. Most of the mills have gone 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 265 

down, and those that remain generally use steam. With few exceptions, 
the grist mills remain on the sites originally adopted. Hubbard B. Burrows 
was a noted millwright and constructed a good share of the early mills. 

The first concern in the county for the manufacture of iron goods was a 
foundry at Freeport, North East Township, built in 1824, by Philetus Glass. 
The next of any consequence was the establishment of Vincent, Himrod & Co., 
in Erie, who engaged in the manufacture of stoves, using the site of Large's 
grist mill, and the water-power of Mill Creek, The concern began operations 
in the winter of 1840-41, and has continued ever since under several changes 
of name and management. The Erie City Iron Works cover a portion of the 
site of the old mill, and the Chicago & Erie Stove Company and Erie City 
Boiler Works are o£fshoots from the original establishment, 

LIST OF MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS. 

Below is as nearly as could be ascertained in 1880 a list of the mills and 
factories in the county outside of Erie and Corry. Any omissions or changes 
that are discovered before this book is published will be noted in the township 
and borough sketches: 

Creameries— Am.it J Creamery, near Wattsburg. 

Cheese Factories — West Springfield, Springfield Township; Phillipsville, 
Venango Township; Wellsburg, Elk Creek Township; Steadman's, Franklin 
Township; West Union, Union Township; Waterford; Concord, Concord Town- 
ship; Beaver Dam, Wayne Township; Carter Hill, Wayne Township; Kennedy, 
Wayne Township; Calbertson's, Union City; Jones', Union City; Bean's, 
Summit Township; Excelsior, Summit Township; Grahamville, North East 
Township; Keed's, McKean Township; Bean's, near Middleboro; Little Hope, 
Greenfield Township; Lockport, Lockport Borough; Wellman's Washington 
Township; McLallen's Corners, Washington Township; Phelp's, Edinboro; 
West Greene, Greene Township; Newman's Bridge, Waterford Township; 
Brown's, Conneaut Township; Keepville, Conneaut Township; Wheeler's, 
LeBceuf Township; Mill Village; Excelsior, Cherry Hill. 

Grist Mills — Richard's, Amity Township; Nason's, Fairview Township; 
Weigle's, Fairview Township; Oriental, Fairview Township; Lohrer's, Fair- 
view Township; Porter, Springfield Township; Lines', Springfield Town- 
ship; Strong's, Springfield Township; Lowville, Venango Township; Watts- 
burg; Long, Wells & Co.'s, Wellsburg; The Old Spires, Wellsburg; Steen- 
rod's. Union Township; Anchor, Union City; Church's, Union City; Judson 
& Hippie's, Waterford Township; Williams & Dewey's, W^aterford Borough; 
Elgin; Densmore's, Mill Creek Township; Erie County, Mill Creek Township; 
Kocher's, Mill Creek Township; William H. Cooper's, Wesleyville; the Old 
Cooper, Harbor Creek; Neely, Harbor Creek; Sterrett & Barron's, Sterrettania; 
-Hilliker's, Branchville; Guy & Beatty's, North East Township; Jones', North 
East Township; Scouller's, North East Township; Little Hope, Greenfield 
Township; Strickland & Nason's, Girard Township: WestGirard, Gii-ard Town- 
ship; Reeder & Taylor's, Edinboro; Thornton's, Albion; Burger Mill, LeBceuf 
Township; Irving's, Union City, 

Tanneries — Vetner's, Fairview Township; Wells & Sons', Wellsburg; 
Smith & Shoppart's, Waterford Borough; Bolard & Hayes', Waterford Bor- 
ough; Sterrettania; Chisholm's, McKean Township; Rappold's, near Ster- 
rettania; Roher's, McKean Township; Scouller & Tyler's, North East Town- 
ship; Nason's, North East; St. John's, Washington Township; Rossiter's, 
Girard Township; Aldrich's, Lockport; McWilliam's, Edinboro; Terrill's, 
Union City. 



266 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Saw, Shingle, Lath and Heading Mills — Shove's, Amity Township; Wheel- 
er's, Amity Township; Doolittle & Chaftee's, Amity Township; Donaldson's 
(saw and shingle), Amity Township; Richard's. Amity Township; Cox's, Am- 
ity Township; Ester & Kelsey's (shingle), Amity Township; Ruhl's, Fairview 
Township; Kreider's, Fairview Borough; Comer's, McKean Township; Pro- 
peek's, McKean Township; Porter's, Springfield Township; Lines', Springfield 
Township; Strong's, Springfield Township; Reed's, Springfield Township; 
Lowville (saw, shingle and heading); Phillipsville (saw and shingle mill); 
Wattsburg (saw mill); Bowman's, Wellsburg; Pageville, Elk Creek Township; 
Mohawk, Franklin Township; Sweet & Alden's, Franklin Township; Mish- 
ler's, Franklin Township; Gimber's, Franklin Township; Fenno's, Union 
Township; Bentley's (saw and shingle). Union Township; Karnerer's, Union 
Tov/nship; Vermilyea's, Union Township; Miller's, Union Township; Har- 
rison's, Union Township; one on the South Branch, Union Township; 
Brunsteter's, Union City; Carroll's (saw and shingle), Union City; 
Clough's (shingle), Union City; Kimball & Harrison's (shingle) Union City; 
Church's, Union City; Clark & Son's, Union City, Pratt & Son's, Union City; 
Davis', Waterford Township; Benson's, Waterford Township; Lattimore's, 
Waterford Township; Brotherton's, Waterford Township; Judson & Hippie's, 
W^aterford Township; Himrod's, Waterford Township; Boyd's, Waterford 
Township; Hull's, Waterford Township; Marsh's, Waterford Township; Dew- 
ey's (saw and lath), Waterford Borough; Young's, Concord Township; 
Crowell's, Concord Township; Ormsby's, Concord Township; Lovell's Station, 
Concord Township; Elgin (saw-mill); saw-mill on the Brokenstraw, Wayne 
Township; two shingle-mills on the Brokenstraw, Wayne Township; two saw- 
mills on Hare Creek, Wayne Township; shingle-mill on Slaughter Run, Wayne 
Township; saw-mill near the New York line, Wayne Township; Erie County 
Mill, Mill Creek Township; Russell's, Mill Creek Township; Nece's. Mill 
Creek Township; Geist's, Mill Creek Township; Stroller's, Mill Creek Town- 
ship; Thomas's (saw, shingle and feed), Mill Creek Township; Balkey's, 
(shingle and feed). Mill Creek Township; William H. Cooper's, Wesleyville; 
the old Cooper, Harbor Creek Township; Dodge's (saw and shingle), Harbor 
Creek Township; Neeiy, Harbor Creek Township; another mill. Harbor Creek 
Township; Jackson's, Summit Township; Sterrett & Barron's, Sterrettania; 
Wood's, McKean Township; Osborn's, McKean Township: Decker's, McKean 
Township; Leland's, McKean Township; Lampson's (saw and shingle), Mid- 
dleboro; Guy & Beatty's (saw and shingle), North East Township; Freeport, 
North East Township; Applebee& Butts's, North East Township; mill near New 
Y'^ork line (saw and heading), North East Township; three portable mills, Green- 
field Township; Raymond's, Greenfield Township; Little Hope, Greenfield 
Township; West Girard, Girard Township; Gudgeonville, Girard Township; 
Pettis', Girard Township; Herriek's, Girard Township; Shipman's, Girard 
Township; Godfrey's, Girard Township; one saw-mill at Lockport; Wait & 
Ensign's (saw and lath), Washington Township; Wellman's (saw, shingle and 
lath), Washington Township; Reeder's, Washington Township; Davis & 
Rider's, Washington Township; Black's, Washington Township; Gardner's, 
Washington Township; Wade's (saw, shingle and lath), Washington Town- 
ship; Sherwood's, Edinboro; Reeder's, Edinboro; Brown's (saw and lath), 
Greene Township; Kane's, Greene Township; Rijdey's, Greene Town- 
ship; two mills on Six Mile Creek, Greene Township; Spalding's, Conneaut 
Township; one portable mill, Conneaut Township; Albion Saw Mill; Moore's, 
Le Boeuf Township; Manross', Le B(3euf Township; AVheeler's, Le Boeuf 
Township; Fogle's, Le Boeuf Township; Dunlap's. Le Boeuf Township; 





' ' '■"^Z^., 



io^l.4^LCcS 



/l^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 269 

Waterhouse's, Le Bceuf Township; Robinson's Corners. Yenango Township; 
Henderson's (shingle), Venango Township; Bennett's, Venango Township; the 
Gillett Mill, Mill Village; George Burger's (saw and shingle), Mill Village. 

Cider, Jell and Vinegar Factories — Glazier's, Fairview Borough ; 
Galyard's, Fairview Borough; Lowville Cider Mill; Bennett's, Venango Town- 
ship; Wager's, "Union Township; Carroll's, Union City; Rice's, Waterford 
TownshipT Hare's, Waterford Township; Belle Valley; Tompkins', Mill 
Creek Township; Balkey's, Mill Creek Township; Thomas', Mill Creek Town- 
ship; Cooper's, Wesleyville; Troop's, Harbor Creek Township; Hauck's, Ster- 
rettania; Leland's, McKean Township; Smith's, McKean Township; Wiswell's, 
McKean Township; Wagner's, McKean Township; Rhode's, cider and vinegar. 
North East Township; Green & Chase's, cider and vinegar, North East Town- 
ship; Brown's, Girard Township; Moseman's, Greenfield; West Girard, 
cider and plaster, Girard Township; Lockport; Waterhouse's, LeBoeuf Town- 
ship; McLellan's Corners, Washington Township; Anderson's, Washington 
Township; Mitchell's, Mill Village. 

Planing Mills, Sash, Door and Blind Factories — Kreider's, Fairview 
Borough; one at Lowville; two planing mills at Wattsburg; one sash factory 
at Wattsburg; Mills', Franklin Township; Cooper's, Union City; Clark & 
Son's, Union City; Jenkin's, Union City; Hunter's, Union City; Dewey's, 
Waterford Borough; one at Middleboro; Green's, North East Township; West 
Girard, Girard Township; one at Lockport; one at Girard Borough; Wade's, 
Washington Township; Taylor & Reeder's, Edinboro; Mickel's Planing and 
Spoke Mill, Mill Village; Beardsley's Stave Mill, Mill Village. 

Woolen, Carding and Fulling MZZs- -Thornton's, Albion; Lewis', Wash- 
ington Township; Thornton's, Girard Township; Grimshaw's, North East 
Township; Irving's, Union Towmship; Cass', Harbor Creek; one in Wayne 
Township. 

Paper il/z'ZZs— Franklin, North East Township; Watson & Morgan's, Fair- 
view Township. 

Brick and Tile Works— Seigel's, Fairview Township; Thomas', West 
Springfield; Kilpatrick's, North East Township; Kane's, North East Township; 
Dyer Loomis', North East Township; West Girard, Girard Township; Barton 
& Kelly's, W^aterford Borough; Kennedy's, Conneaat Township. 

Wooden Articles —Tease's Tub and Firkin Factory, North East Borough; 
Jones' Barrel Factory, North East Township; New Era Organ Factory, North 
East Township; Grape Basket, Fruit and Cigar Box Factory, North East 
Township; Stetson's Handle Factory, North East Township; Freeport 
Table Factory, North East Township; Freeport Turning Works, North 
East Township; Coffman's Pump Factory, North East Township; Brown's 
Hand Rake Factory, Girard Township;' Lockport Oar Factory; Girard 
Furniture Factory; White's Factory, W'ashington Township; Taylor & Reed- 
er's Pump Factory, Edinboro; Wells & Andrews' Oar Factory, Albion; VanRi- 
er's Horse Rake, Wheelbarrow and Shovel Factory, Albion; Dodge's Handle 
Factory. Harbor Creek; Troop's Basket Factory, Harbor Creek; Elgin Barrel 
Factory; Coffin Factory, Mill Creek Township; Gunnison's Pump Factory, 
Mill Creek Township; Blanchard & Hanson's Furniture Factory, Union City; 
Wescott's Dowel Pin Factory, Union City; Clark & Son's Stave and Handle 
Mill, Union City; Hunter's Pump Factory, Union City; Hatch's Broom Fac- 
tory, Union City; Jones' Cheese Box Factory, Union City; Manross' Stave 
Works, Union City; Thompson's Water Wheel Works, Union City; Woods & 
Johnson's barrel factories, Union City; Chair and Furniture Factory, Union 
City; Westcott's Broom Handle Factory, Union City; Wheeler's Chair 



270 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Factory, Union City; Woods' Stave Factory, Union City; Sulky Hay Rake 
Factory, Waterford Township; Hasting's Tub and Firkin Factory, Waterford 
Township; Wattsburg Handle Factory; Wattsburg Furniture Factory; Wells- 
burg Furniture and Coffin Factory; Zeigler's Broom Factory, Wellsburg; 
Keeler's Furniture Factory, Wellsburg. 

Beer Breweries — Wager's, Union City; Mill Creek Brewery: Bannister's, 
North East Township. 

Carriage and Wagon Works — Griffith's, North East Borough; Fromeyer's, 
North East Borough; Mattison's, LeBceuf Township; Sterrettania Wagon 
Shop; two wagon shops at Middleboro; Lamphier & Brower's, Union City; 
Morton's, Union City; two wagon shops at Beaver Dam; Howe & Son's. Water- 
ford Borough; Taylor's, Waterford Borough; Emanuel Ziegler's, Wellsburg; 
Fai'go's, Fairview Borough; Wurntz's, Fairview Borough; Williams', Amity 
Township. 

Miscellaneous — Glass's Foundry. North East Borough; North East Canning 
Factory; Girard Wrench Factory; Miles Grove Iron Foundry; Denio's Agri- 
cultural Tool Works, Miles Grove; Pettibone's Limekiln, Girard Township; 
Mount Hickory Iron Works, Mill Creek Township; Dunmyer's Iron Works, 
Union City; Union City Iron Works; Johnson's Boot and Shoe Factory, 
Waterford Borough; Wattsburg Feed Mill; Purcell's Spring Bed Factory, 
Wellsburg. 

Becapitulation — Creamery, 1; cheese factories, 28; grist mills, 36; tan- 
neries, 14; saw, shingle, lath and heading mills, 117; cidei*, jell and vinegar 
factories, 27; planing mills and sash, door and blind factories, 17; woolen, 
carding and fulling mills, 6; paper mills, 2; brick and tile works, 8; manu- 
factories of wooden articles, 39; beer bi'eweries, 3; carriage and wagon shops, 
11; miscellaneous, 12; total, 316. 

As the list stands above, with Erie and Corry added, there are fully 450 
concerns in the county that can properly be classed as mills and factories. 
Their number, extent and variety will be as much of a surprise to the reader 
as they were to the writer in making uj) this chapter. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Lake Navigation. 

THE first vessel to sail the waters of Lake Erie was built by Robert Cava- 
lier de la Salle, an adventurous Frenchman, on the Niagara River, six 
miles above the Falls, in the year 1677. She was named the Griffin, and was 
of sixty tons burthen. La Salle navigated Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan, 
to Green Bay, in the present State of Wisconsin, where, with a picked num- 
ber of men, he left the vessel and marched overland to the Mississippi. The 
remainder of the crew attempted to return to the Niagara, and are supposed 
to have been lost in a storm, as neither vessel nor men were heard from after- 
ward. Nearly a hundred years later the French built another sailing vessel 
with which they undertook to navigate the lake. This second venture was as 
unsuccessful as the first, the vessel having foundered and forty-nine of her 
crew having been drowned. 

No record is to be found of any other sailing vessel on the lake until 1766, 
when the British, who had secured possession of both shores, built and 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 271 

launched four. They were of light burthen, and were chiefly used for carry - 
ino- trooi:)s and army supplies. All transportation of a commercial character, 
and all of the very limited passenger business was carried on by batteaux until 
after the close of the Bevolutionary war. They kept close to the shore, were 
mainly propelled by paddles or oars, and if a sail was used it was simply a 
blanket fastened to a pole, to take advantage of favorable winds. The earliest 
American sailing vessel on the lake was a small boat, owned and run by Capt. 
William Lee, in which he carried passengers and light ai^ticles of freight be 
tween Buffalo and Erie. She was constructed to use oars in going against the 
wind, and had no crew, the passengers being obliged to work for their passage. 

The first sailing vessel built on the south shore of Lake Erie was the sloop 
"Washin ton, of thirty tons, under the superintendence of Eliphalet Beebe. at 
the mouth of Four Mile Creek, for the Pennsylvania Population Company, 
owners of the bulk of the land in the Triangle. She was launched in Sep- 
tember, 1798, was employed for some twelve years in the service of the com- 
pany, and was removed on rollers across the Niagai'a Peninsula, to Lake 
Ontario in 1810, where she was lost. The first vessel launched at Erie was 
built at the mouth of Mill Creek, in 1799, Capt. Lee and Bufus S. Beed being 
her principal owners. She was named the Good Intent and sunk at Point Abino 
in 1806, with all on board. The Harlequin, built at Erie in 1800. by Mr. 
Beebe, was also lost the first season, with her entire crew. About 1801, the 
Wilkinson, of sixty-five tons, was owned at Erie. She was commanded by 
Capt. Daniel Dobbins, in 1805. Another early Erie vessel was the schooner 
Mary, of 100 tons, built by Thomas Wilson, in 1805. 

The British kept a fleet of armed vessels on the lakes from 1792 until 
Perry's victory in 1813, and in 1810 had as many as seven of this class in 
commission. They were called the "provincial marine service," and wei'e 
manned mostly by Canadians. To counteract their movements, the United 
States Government, at various times up to 1809, had placed four vessels of 
war upon the lake, the most formidable of which was the Detroit, the one that 
brought Gen. Wayne to Erie on returning from his Western expedition. She 
was wrecked off Presque Isle the next fall. Of this class of vessels the only 
one that was in service on Lake Erie at the outbreak of the last war with 
Great Britain was the Adams, of 150 tons, which was captured by the British 
in 1812. The brigs Lawrence and Niagara, and the schooner Ariel, of Perry's 
fleet, were constructed at the mouth of Cascade Creek (the site of the Erie and 
Pittsburgh docks), and three gunboats at the mouth of the old canal, in 1813. 

In 1794, two British armed vessels lay outside the harbor of Erie for some 
time, as a menace against the occupation of the lake shore region by the 
Americans. 

THE MERCHANT SERVICE. 

Previous to the war of 1812-14, a dozen or more vessels comprised the 
whole merchant fleet of the lake, averaging about sixty tons each.* The chief 
article of freight w^as salt from Salina, N. Y., which was brought to Erie, 
landed on the beach below the mouth of Mill Creek, hauled in wagons to 
Waterford, and from there floated down French Creek and the Allegheny 
Biver to Pittsburgh. As the trade progressed, three large buildings were 
erected on the beach for storing the salt. In 1800, 6.000 barrels were regis- 
tered at the Erie custom house, and the amount increased to 18,000 barrels at a 
later period. Commerce was suspended on the lake during the war, but it 
revived immediately after, and has steadily grown year by year.f The dis- 

*Tlie Buffalo Express of October 10, 1811, contained the following: " The schooner Salina, Daniel Dobbins, 
master, arrived at this port on the 31st ult., having on board a cargo of fur, estimated at 8150,000." 

tCol. Foster, collector of Presque Isle, writing under date of July 28, 1815, said: "Lake Erie is crowded 
with small craft, generally of five to twenty tons." 



272 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

covery of salt in the vicinity of Pittsburgh put an end to that branch of the lake 
traffic about 1819. ' 

Among the pioneer lake captains were Daniel Dobbins, William Lee, 
Thomas Wilkius, Seth Barney. C. Blake, James Rough, John F. Wight. Levi 
Allen, John Richards, George Miles and Charles Hayt. Capt. Richards quit 
sailing and went to ship-building with considerable success. Capt. Wilkins 
commenced with the Reeds in 1822, and was long one of their most popular 
commanders. Rufus S. Reed owned vessels at an early day, and continued in 
the business during the balance of his life. In 1809, he and Capt. Dobbins 
purchased the schooner Charlotte, of ninety tons, from a Canadian. She was 
long sailed by Capt. Dobbins. The Charlotte was at Mackinaw when that 
place surrendered to the British in 1812, and Capt. Dobbins, Rufus S. Reed, 
W. W. Reed and the crew became prisoners of war. She was sent by the 
enemy to Detroit, where Gen. Hull included her in the general surrender, 

THE ERA OP STEAMBOATS. 

The first steamboat to navigate Lake Erie was the Walk in-the-Water, of 
342 tons, built on the Niagara River, between Black Rock and Tonawanda, 
and launched on the 28th of May, 1818. On her first trip it took from 7.30 
P. M. , on Monday, to 11 A. M. on Tuesday, to reach Cleveland fi'om Erie, 
and the entire voyage from Buffalo to Detroit required forty-one hours and ten 
minutes, the wind being ahead all the way up. She carried quite a number 
of passengers, and having pleasant accommodations, they enjoyed the trip 
mio-litily. As the boat neared the head of the lake, the Indians ran down to 
the water's edge, and gave utterance to their amazement by repeated signs and 
shouts. The Walk-in-the- Water made regular trips each season between 
Buffalo and Detroit, on each of which she stopped at Erie. She was stranded 
in Buffalo Bay in 1822, and her engines \s'ere removed and put into the Supe- 
rior, which was her immediate successor. 

The first steamboat launched at Erie was the William Penn, of 200 tons, 
in May or June, of 1826. She was the sixth on the lake, and was built by the 
Erie & Chautauqua Steamboat Company, the original managers of which were 
Walter Smith, E. L. Tinker and Charles Townsend, of New York, and R. S. 
Reed. P. S. V. Hamot, Josiah Kellogg, John F. Wight, Daniel Dobbins and 
Peter Christie, of Erie. The association was organized in 1825 and contin- 
ued until some time after 1832. The William Penn Avas commanded b}' Capt. 
Thomas Wilkins in 1827. 

Gen. C. M. Reed's first steamboat was the Pennsylvania, Capt. John Flee- 
harty, master. She was launched near the foot of Sassafras street, in July, 
1832, and towed to Black Rock, where her engines were put in. The General 
built the Thomas Jefferson in 1834 and the James Madison in 1837, both at 
Erie, in about the same locality as the Pennsylvania, Capt. Wilkins being 
placed in command of the former and Capt. R. C. Bristol of the latter. A 
writer in the Erie Gazette makes this statement: "On the 25th of May, 1837, 
Gen. Reed's steamboat James Madison came into this port from Buffalo with 
upward of one thousand passengers and a heavy cargo of freight. The Madi- 
son cleared $20,000 on this single trip. She was 700 tons burthen. Those 
early steamboat days, before the time of railroads and palace cars, were the 
most prosperous times ever known on the lakes. Very often a steamboat would 
more than pay for herself in one season. " 

In 1837, the ill-fated Erie was built at the foot of French street, by the 
Erie Steamboat Company — Thomas G. Colt and Smith I. Jackson being the 
chief men — and the Missouri followed, built by Gen. Reed in 1840. The 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 273 

Erie was subsequently purchased by Gen. Reed, who owned the vessel until 
her destruction by tire. All of these were large, elegant, rapid and popular 
boats. 

In 1826, three steamboats entered and cleared from Erie Harbor every week, 
and from two to ten schooners. The opening of the canal between Erie and 
the Ohio River, in the spring of 1845, gave an immense impetus to the lake 
trade at this port. Tens of thousands of emigrants were brought from Buffalo 
each year, taking the canal route to the Ohio Valley, and the harbor of Erie 
was one of the liveliest on the lake. The tide of travel by way of the lake 
continued until the completion of the Lake Shore Railroad to Toledo in 1853, 
when the emigrant business dropped off and the steamboats were compelled to 
depend mainly upon the freight business, to and from the upper lakes. In one 
of Mr. Frank Henry's valuable series of reminiscences, printed in the Erie Ga- 
zette, he says: 

" As late as the year 1850, there were no railroads in this region of country. 
The only public means of conveyance between the East and West was by stage 
coaches on land, and steamboats on the lakes during the months of navigation. 
There were many competing lines of steamers, strongly built and fitted up 
and furnished in princely style, regardless of expense, and commanded by the 
most capable and experienced men that could be found. The arrival of one of 
these 'floating palaces' in port was an event of more importance and interest 
than a circus would be in these days. Scores of sight-seers would crowd the 
decks and cabins, closely inspecting every nook and coi'ner. * * These 
steamboats all used wood for fuel, and were propelled by steam, the exhaust of 
which could be heard far over the hills on the mainland, striking terror to the 
hearts of timid people who never heard such sounds before. The highest am- 
bition of many a country boy was to find employment in any capacity on one 
of these boats. Many of these lake captains were very popular with the trav- 
eling public, and were better known, either personally or by reputation, than 
many a United States Senator of the present day. The boats of these favorites 
were generally crowded to their utmost capacity." 

PROPELLERS AND SHIPS. 

The first propeller on Lake Erie was the Vandalia, of 150 tons, built at 
Oswego and brought through the Welland Canal in 1842. Two others appeared 
the same season. The propellers have entirely taken the places of the old style 
steamboats, being found more safe, economical and reliable. 

The first full-rigged ship on the lake was the Julia Palmer, of 300 tons, 
launched at Buff'alo in 183G. The ship Milwaukee was built in the same year 
at Grand Island, in the Niagara River. 

THE OLD TIMES AND THE NEW. 

In an address delivered by Mr. Martin, of Buffalo, at Niagara Falls on the 
llth of August, 1881, he made these striking statements: 

" In 1855, the average wheat-carrving capacity of a sail vessel was from 
16,000to 18,000 bushels; in 1865, 25,000 to 30,000 bushels; in 1875, 40,000 to 
50.000 bushels; and now 50,000 to 70,000 bushels. The largest sail vessel now 
on the lakes carries 2,300 tons of freight; in 1855, the average wheat carrying 
capacity of a propeller was 18,000 bushels; in 1865, 25,000 to 30,000 bushels; 
in 1875. 40,000 to 50,000 bushels, and now, from 70,000 to 80,000 bushels. 

" Iron ship building was commenced in 1862. * * The propeller and 
consort system was first established in 1870, and has become a great factor in 
solving the question of cheap transportation." 



274 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

In connection with the above, the following from the Erie Gazette of May 
22, 1881, will be of interest: 

" The five-masted schooner David Dows, Capt. Skeldon, master, was in port, 
takin": in a cargro of coal, during the week. She is the largest sailing vessel 
ever built on the lakes. She is 28 < feet over all in length. The Dows car- 
ries 7,484 yards of canvas. Her tallest spar is 170 feet high from the deck, 
Her largest anchor weighs 4,320 pounds. One chain is one and a half inch 
links and 450 feet in length. The Dows was built in Toledo, and this is her 
first trip. She will carry 3,000 tons or 180 car loads. She can carry three 
kinds of grain at once. The Dows can carry 180,000 bushels of wheat." 

VALUABLE STATISTICS. 

The following statistics of the vessels on Lake Erie at various periods show 
the progress that was made in sixty years: 

In 1810, eight or nine sailing vessels, averaging 60 tons. 

In 1820, one small steamboat and thirty sailing vessels, averaging 50 tons. 

In 1831, eleven steamboats aggregating 2,260 tons, and one hundred sail- 
ing vessels, averaging 70 tons. 

In 1845, forty-five steamboats, aggregating 30,000 tons, and two hundred 
and seventeen other vessels aggregating 20,000 tons. 

In 1847, sixty-seven steamers, twenty-six propellers, three barks, sixty -four 
brigs and three hundred and forty schooners. 

In 1860 (including Lake Ontario), one hundred and thirty- eight steamers, 
one hundred and ninety-seven propellers, fifty- eight barks, ninety brisks and 
nine hundred and seventv-four sloops and schooners. Total tonnage, 536,000; 
valuation, $30,000,000. " 

i The Government statistics of 1870 showed that the marine commerce of 
the lakes in 1869 exceeded the whole American coasting trade on the Atlantic 
and Pacific oceans. 

GOVERNMENT VESSELS. 

The United States Steamer Michigan, the only vessel of war now on the chain 
of lakes, was launched at Erie on the 9th of November, 1843, and accepted 
and commissioned by the Government on the 15th of August, 1844. She is of 
538 tons burthen, is wholly built of iron excepting the spar deck, and is pierced 
for twelve guns, but only carries eight. The Michigan is a side-wheeler, with 
a length over all of 107 feet, an extreme beam of 47 feet, a depth of hold of 
14 feet, a registered tonnage of 450 tons and a disjDlacement of 685 tons. She 
was built at Pittsburgh, transported in pieces to Cleveland, brought from that city 
to Erie in a steamer, and put together at this harbor, being the first iron hull 
ever set afloat on the lakes. The crew of the Michigan averages ninety-eight 
persons, including eleven officers. Her tonnage, armament and crew are regu 
lated by treaty with Great Britain, which is also authorized to place a vessel 
of the same character on the lakes. Erie has always been the headquarters for 
the Michigan. The successive commanders of the vessel have been as follows: 

William Inman, Stephen Champlin, Oscar BuUus, Biglow, McBlair, 

Nicholas, Joseph Lanman, John C. Carter, Francis A. Roe, A. Breyson, 

James E. Jouett, Brown, ■ Gillis, ■ Wright, Cushman, G. 

W. Hay ward and Albert Kautz. Several of these officers have risen to the rank 
of Commodore, and one of them, Joseph Lanman, to that of Rear Admiral. 

Erie has been the station for the United States Revenue Cutters ever since 
that branch of the Government service was established on Lake Erie. The first 
cutter was the Benjamin Rush, of thirty tons, built at this port by Capt. John 
Richards, about 1827, and first commanded by Capt. Gilbert Knapp, who was 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 275 

succeeded by Capt. Daniel Dobbins. The second was the Erie, of sixty-two 
tons, launched at Reed's dock, in March, 1833, and placed in chai-ge of Capt. 
Dobbins, with the present Capt. Ottinger as his Second Lieutenant. The lat- 
ter made his first cruise upon the lake in the Benjamin Rush, with Capt. Dob- 
bins as his chief officer, in 1832. The Erie was succeeded in 1846 by the iron 
steamer Dallas, of which Michael Conner was Captain, and Douglas Ottinger 
First Lieutenant, This vessel was removed to the Atlantic coast, by way of 
the Canadian canals and the St. Lawrence River, in 1848. The Jeremiah S. 
Black was one of six steam cutters built by the Government, being one for each 
lake, in 1857, and was placed under the command of Capt. Ottinger, who had 
been promoted. At the outbreak of the civil war, these vessels were moved to 
the Atlantic coast under the direction of Capt. Ottinger, by way of the St. Law- 
rence River. In 1864, Capt. Ottinger superintended the construction of the 
steam cutter Perry, which is still in service and of which he was the command- 
er, with the exception of two years, until 1881, when he was placed on the re- 
tired list. This vessel, which was built on the Niagara River, on her trial 
trip, for more than two hours moved at a speed of upward of nineteen miles 
an hour, and has made headway, in a winter gale, on the open lake against 
wind blowing tifty-tive miles per hour. The Perry carries two rifled Parrott 
twenty-pounders, and two brass howitzers, twenty-pounders, and is manned by 
one Captain, three Lieutenants, three Engineers and thirty shipped men. She 
is 170 feet long, 24 wide, 10|^ deep, and draws H feet. Her capacity is 404 
tons, old measurement. The revenue service is a branch of the United States 
Treasury Department, and has no connection with the navy. The duty of the 
cutters is to enforce the laws for the collection of the revenue, and to afford 
relief to vessels in distress during the storms of autumn. They have rendered 
valuable service in this way, saving many lives and a vast amount of property. 

DISASTEES ON THE BAY AND LAKE. 

Some of the most appalling marine disasters on record have taken place on 
Lake Erie, causing sorrow to hundreds of homes and involving the loss or ruin 
of many brave and enterprising citizens. The early disasters have already 
been recited, and it is unnecessary to repeat them. The following are some 
of the most terrible incidents that have happened in later years on the bay and 
lake: 

The schooner Franklin, owned by P. S. V. Hamot, loaded at Buffalo for an 
upper port, left Erie on the 16th of October, 1820, and was never seen after- 
ward. Capt. Hayt and three men, all residents of Erie or vicinity, were lost. 

In April, 1823, four men — Hutchinson, Zuck, Fox and Granger — started 
to cross the bay in a boat. The water was rough, the boat capsized, and all 
but Granger were drowned. 

The steamboat Washington burned off Silver Creek in 1838, and sixty per- 
sons lost their lives. 

Eleven men left the wharf at Erie in a small boat on the 14th of May. 
1834, to go to the steamboat New York, lying at the outer pier. A blinding 
snow storm prevailed and the boat was upset. Nine of the party were drowned, 
among them Thomas rilcConkey. Deputy Collector of the port. 

One of the most dreadful calamities in the history of lake navigation oc- 
curred on the 9th of August, 1841, and is still remembered with horror by our 
older citizens. The steamboat Erie, of Erie, owned by Gen. Reed, com- 
manded by Capt. Titus, and bearing a large party of emigrants, was coming up 
the lake from Buffalo, and when off Silver Creek was discovered to be ablaze. 
The fire is supposed to have been caused by the bm-sting of some demijohns of 



276 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

turpentine on board, which ignited by coming in contact with the coals of the 
furnace. The Erie having been newly painted and the wind being high, the 
flames spread with amazing velocity, and in an inconceivably brief period of 
time the boat was burned to the water's edge. Two hundred and forty-nine 
persons were lost, of whom twenty-six were residents of Erie. Between 120 
and 130 bodies rose to the surface and were recovered. An act of heroism oc- 
curred in connection with the disaster which deserves to be handed down to 
the farthest generation. The wheelsman, Augustus Fuller, of Harbor Creek, 
on the discovery of the tire, immediately headed the boat for the shore, and 
stood at his post till surrounded by flames, when he fell dead from suffocation. 
The Erie was valued at $75,000.. Her cargo was worth about $20,000, and the 
emigrants, it is calculated, had with them $180,000 in gold and silver. 

Another calamity of an equally horrible nature took place in 1850. The 
steamboat G. P. Griffith burned near Chagrin, Ohio, and 250 souls were lost. 

The propeller Henry Clay foundered in 1851, and nothing was ever heard 
of any one on board. Nineteen lives were lost by the foundering of the 
propeller Oneida in 1852, 

In the summer of 1852 the steamboat Atlantic collided with another vessel, 
and sunk off Long Point, opposite Erie. One hundred and fifty lives were lost. 

The propeller Charter Oak foundered in 1855. Eleven persons were 
missing. 

Fifty sis persons met with an untimely end in 1856 by the burning of the 
Northern Indiana. 

The sloop Washington Irving, of Erie, Capt. Vannatta, left this port for 
Buffalo on the 7th of July, I860, and was never heard from again. She is 
supposed to have foundered. All on board — seven persons — were drowned. 

The steamer Morning Star was sunk by a collision with the bark Cortland 
in 1868, and thirty-two persons were lost. 

The loss of life on all of the lakes in 1860 was 578, and of property over 
$1,000,000. 

Coming down to the season of 1882, the notable disasters were the found- 
ei'ing of the Canadian steamer Asia, in Georgian Bay. on the 10th of Septem- 
ber; the wreck of the schooner Henry Folger, on Salmon Point, on the night 
of December 3; the burning of the steamer Manitoulin, in Georgian Bay, on 
May 18; and the burning of the steam barge Peters, on Lake Michigan, in 
December. The loss of life was as follows: In connection with the Peters, 13; 
the Manitoulin, between 30 and 40; the Asia, upward of 100, and the Folger, 9. 

One of the severest gales ever known occurred in November, 1883, lasting 
from the 11th for several days, and extending over the whole chain of lakes. 
Nothing like it had been seen for many years. From fifty to sixty vessels were 
lost, and the damage was scarcely less than a million dollars. 

DISTANCES BY LAKE. 

The following are the distances by water in miles from the harbor of Erie: 

Alpena, Lake Huron 5"!^ 

Bay City, Lake Hvnon 4074 

Bavfieki, Lake Superior 376 

Buffalo, Lake Erie 79 

rhicatiX). Lake Micliigan 827 

Cleveiand, Lake Erie 100 

Coburs- via Welland Canal 172 

Copper Harl)or, Lake Superior 727 

Detroit, Detroit River 188 

DuhUli, Lake Superior 933 

East Saginaw, Lake Huron 421 



X^'-' .». 





^^5^^ 



(deceased.) 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



279 



Hamilton, Lake Ontario 130 

Marquette, Lake Superior 694 

Milwaukee, Lake Michigan 762 

Port 8arnia, Lake Huron 253i 

Sanduskv, Lake Erie 150 

Sault ste . Marie, Lake Superior 5H4i 

Superior Citv, Lake Superior 938 

Toledo, Lake Erie 197 

Toronto, via Welland Canal 126 

OPENING or NAVIGATION. 

The season of 1834 was unusually backward. Navigation opened the 24th 
of March, but was much retarded by ice and storms. On the 14th of May, snow 
fell along the south shore of the lake to the depth of six inches. 

The lake was open and navigation was in full operation between Erie and 
Detroit in April, 1S35, but Buffalo Creek was closed till the 8th of May. 

The Revenue Cutter Erie sailed from the port of Erie to Bufifalo about the 
last of December, 1837, without interruption. In February, 1838, the steamer 
Dewitt Clinton came into Erie from Buffalo and went from Erie to Detroit 
without obstruction. 

In the winter of 1844-45, the steamer United States made a trip every 
month between Buffalo and Detroit. 

On the 13th of December, 1852, a steamboat passed up the lake and another 
on the 10th of January, 1853. Generally speaking, the port of Erie is open 
about two weeks before that of Buffalo, as is shown by the following table: 

OPENING OF THE HARBORS OF ERIE AND BUFFALO. 



Tear. 



Month. 



Day. 



1826 April 

1827 April 

1828 March 

1829 .January 

18:^0 April 

1881 April 

1832 April 

183; April 

1884 March 

1885 April 

1836 April 

1837 April 

1838 March 

1839 April 

1840 March 

1841 April 

1842 March 

1848 April 

18-14 April 

1845 March 

1846 March 

1847 April 

1848 March 

1849 March 

18'iO j .\lftvch 

18r5l April 



1852. 
1858. 
1854. 



April 

May 

April 



2d 

24th 

5th 

29th 

18th 

14th 

21st 

12th 

24th 

11th 

25th 

17th 

29th 

9th 

27th 

lOih 

12th 

lHh 

1st 

29th 

23d 

7th 

20th 

25th 

11th 

1st 

1st 

^th 

8th 



May 

May 

April 

May 

April 

May 

April 

April 

April 

May 

April 

May 

March 

April 

April 

April 

March 

May 

March 

April 

April 

April 

April 

April 

March 

April 

April 

April 

April 



Day. 



2d 
nth 

1st 
21. St 

6th 

8th 
27th 
28(h 

8th 

8th 
27th 
16th 
3 1st 
11th 
27th 
14th 

7th 

6t^ 
14th 

8d 
11th 
23d 

9th 
11th 
29th 

2d 
20th 
14th 
29th 



|180D. 

Il8-J6. 
!l8o7. 
'1858. 
il8o9. 
il8G0. 
18G1. 
1862. 
Il863. 
11864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 



May 

May 

April 

April 

April 

April 

April 

March 

F'ebruary 

April 

April 

April 

April 

April 

April 

April 



1871 March 

1872 April 

1878 April 

1874 March 

1875 April 

1876 April 

1877 April 

1878 i March 

1879 1 April 

1880 March 

1881 1 April 

1882 j March 

1883 1 April 



Day. 



Ulth 

6th 

27th 

3d 

8ih 

21st 

15th 

Slst 

27th 

1st 

lOih 

14th 

5th 

9th 

3d 

15th 

25th 

12th 

17th 

28th 

iSth 

7th 

23d 

16th 

26th 

16th 

27th 

6th 

13th 



BUFFALO. 



Month. Day. 



April 
^lay 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
May 
April 
April 
°May 
'April 
April 
May 
May 
April 
March 
Api-il 
Mflrch 
May 
M arch 



21st 

2d 
27th 
15th 

7th 
17th 
13th 

t.th 

7th 
14th 
27th 
22d 
19tli 
nth 

1st 
16th 
"It^t 

6th 
28th 
18th 
12th 

6th 
17th 
16th 
25th 
17th 

3d 
lOth 



Navigation on Lake Erie usually closes about the 1st of December, but is 
sometimes extended to the middle of the month. Ice, as a rule, forms first in 



280 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the shoal water of the western part of the lake. Vessel insurance begins 
generally on the Ist of May and always closes on the 30th of November. 

COLLECTORS AT ERIE. 

The collection district of Presque Isle embraces the whole coast line of 
Pennsylvania on Lake Erie. Below is a list of the collectors, with the dates 
of their commissions: 

Thomas Forster, March 26, 3799; Edwin J. Kelso, July 1, 1836; Charles 
W. Kelso, July 10, 1841; Murray Whallon, June 19, 1845; William M. Gal- 
lagher, April 29, 1849; James Lytle, April 22, 1853; John Brawley, October 
15, 1857; Murray Whallon, March IJ, 1859; Charles M. Tibbals, November 1, 
1859; Thomas Wilkins, June 22, 1861: Eichard F. Gaggin, May 7, 1869; 
James R. Willard, February 19. 1874; Hiram L. Brown, March 22, 1878; 
Matthew R. Barr, December 1, 1880; H. C. Stafford, July 17, 1883. 

DEPUTY COLLECTORS. 

Under Col. Forster, Thomas McConkey, James Maurice; under E. J. Kelso, 
Murray Whallon; under C. W. Kelso, A. C. Hilton: under M. W^hallon, lirst 
term, A. P. Dui'lin; under W. M. Gallagher, William S. Brown; under Messrs. 
Lytle, Brawley, Whallon (second term) and Tibbals, W. W. Loomis; under 
Thomas Wilkins, R. F. Gaggin; under R. F. Gaggin, Thomas Wilkins; under 
J. R. Willard, William F. Luetje; under Messrs. Brown and Barr, R. F. Gaggin; 
under Mr. Barr, from March, 1883, Andrew H. Caughey; under Mr. Stafford, 
E. H. Wilcox and Alfred King. 

The Collectors are appointed by the President for a term of foar years, 
unless sooner removed. Messrs. Forster, Edwin J. Kelso, Whallon, Lytle, 
Brawley and Tibbals wf>re appointed as Democrats; the others as Whigs or 
Republicans. The emoluments of the office are as follows: Collector, $1,000 
salary, and fees not to exceed $1,500 (averaging $1,800 in alJ); Deputy Col- 
lector, $1,600; Inspectors, $3 a day during the season of navigation. 

Collector Forster's salary for the year 1817 was as follows: Regular pay, 
$250; fees, $267.95; emoluments, $8.01. 

VESSELS OWNED IN ERIE. 

The following lists of vessels owned in Erie at the opening of navigation 
in 1860 and 1880 are given for the purpose of comparison: 

1860. 

Brigs. — ^Paragon, 212 tons, Andrew Scott and William Christian. 

Barques. — American Republic, 459 tons, Charles M. Reed. 

Schooners. — W. M. Arbuckle, 170 tons, C. M. Tibbals and John M. Gray; 
West Chester, 208 tons, E. L. Nason; Armada, 235 tons, John Dunlap and 
G, J. Morton; W. A. Adair, 82 tons, E. Longley; Post Boy, 95 tons, Andrew 
Scott and Mary Day; Huntress, 351 tons, W. A. Brown & Co. ; E. C. Williams, 
157 tons, J. Hearn and W. L. Scott; Pacific, 186 tons, George J. Morton; 
Washington Irving, 111 tons, A. Scott and James Marshall; St. James, 286 
tons, Charles M. Reed; Columbia, 166 tons, J. Hearn and W. L. Scott; St. 
Paul, 304 tons, Charles M. Reed; Mary Morton, 246 tons, George J. Morton; 
Arrow, 281 tons, J. Hearn and W. L. Scott; N. G., 61 tons, A. R. Reynolds & 
Brother; Mary M. Scott, 361 tons, J. Hearn and W. L Scott; Susquehanna, 
271 tons, Charles M. Reed; Milton Courtright, 389 tons, J. Hearn and W. L. 
Scott; L. D. Coman, 178 tons, J. Hearn and W. L. Scott; Citizen, 150 tons, 
Charles M. Reed; St. Andrew, 444 tons, Charles M. Reed ; Illinois, 110 tons, E. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 281 

L. Nason and T. W. Roberts; Storm Spirit, 214 tons, A. Scott and J. H. Ran- 
kin; Geneva, 197 tons, J. Hearn and W. L. Scott. Total, 5,924 tons; valua- 
tion about $300,000. 

1880. 

Propp.llers. — Alaska, 1,288 tons, Anchor Line; Annie Young, 1,007 tons 
Anchor Line; Arizona, 924 tons. Anchor Line; China, 1.239 tons, Anchor 
Line; Coneinaugh, 1,610 tons, Anchor Line; Conestoga, 1,726 tons. Anchor 
Line; Delaware, 1,732 tons, Anchor Line; Gordon Campbell, 996 tons. Anchor 
Line; India, 1,239 tons, Anchor Line; Japan, 1,239 tons, Anchor Line; Juni- 
ata, 1,709 tons, Anchor Line; Lehigh, 1,705 tons, Anchor Line; Lycoming, 
1,610 tons, Anchor Line; Philadelphia, 1,464 tons. Anchor Line; R. Prinda- 
ville, 246 tons. Anchor Line; Winslow, 1,049 tons, Anchor Line; Wissa- 
hickon, 1,620 tons, Anchor Line; City of New York, 417 tons, A. E. Shepard. 

The China, India, Japan and Winslow are elegant passenger boats. 

Tug Propeller. — Erie, 58 tons. Anchor Line. 

Tugs. — Hercules, 8 tons, R. O'Brien; Thomas Thompson, 19 tons, J. & T. 
Mahoney. 

Steamer. — Mary Jarecki, 646 tons, A. E. Shepard. 

Sloop. — Rambler, 11 tons, A. Steinmetz. 

Schooners. — Allegheny, 664 tons, Anchor Line; Annie Sherwood, 622 tons. 
Anchor Line; Charles H. Weeks, 325 tons, Anchor Line; Keepsake, 287 tons, 
Anchor Line; Schuykill, 472 tons, Anchor Line; Thomas A. Scott, 741 tons. 
Anchor Line; Charles H. Burton, 515 tons, Thomas White; John Sherman, 
822 tons, James McBrier; Frank W. Gifford, 452 tons, J. C. Van Scoter and 
Levi Davis; J. S. Richards, 311 tons, J. C. Van Scoter and George Berriman; 
Harvest Queen, 299 tons, Margaret Christie; Julia Willard, 214 tons, H. "W. 
Spooner and Samuel Rea, Jr.; ^V^anderer, 11 tons, E. D. Ziegler; James F. 
Joy, 583 tons, R. O'Brien and M. Christie. 

Steam Pleasure Yachts. — Emma V. Sutton, 23 tons, J. D. Paasch; J. H. 
Welsh, 14 tons, John and William Stanton; Mystic, 75 tons, "W. L. Scott; S. 
H. Hunter, 27 tons, James Hunter. 

Total — Propellers, 18; tug propellers, 1; tugs, 2; steamer, 1; sloop, 1; 
schooners, 14; steam yachts, 4; in all 41; enrolled tonnage, 28,690; cash 
valuation, $1,675,000. 

BUSINESS OF THE PORT. 

The entrances at the port of Erie during I860 were 655, and the clearances 
678, with a total tonnage of about 300,000. The following persons and firms were 
in the lake business in that year: Coal and shipping, Walker & Gilson, John 
Hearn & Co., Charles M. Reed, Josiah Kellogg, Starr & Payne, George J. 
Morton, Scott & Rankin; coal and iron, Curtis & Boyce; grocery and ship 
chandlery, Andrew Hofsies. Besides these there were about half a dozen 
saloons in operation on the docks, and a grocery at the mouth of the canal. 

During the season of 1880, the entrances were 1,025, and the clearances 
999, with a total tonnage of 1,565,183. The revenue collected for three years 
was, from July 1, 1878, to June 30, 1879, $9,163; from July 1, 1879, to June 
30, 1880, $4,910; from July 1, 1880, to December 31, 1880, $19,448. The 
largely increased receipts of the last year were owing to heavy importations 
of barley from Canada. With the exception of the lumber business, the whole 
trade of the port is now done by the Anchor Line and William L. Scott & Co. 
The former do all the grain and miscellaneous business, and the latter iirm 
control the entire coal and iron ore trade. 



282 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

LIGHT-HOUSES AND THEIR KEEPERS 

The first light-boxise npou the chain of lakes was erected at Erie in 1818, 
CD the bhiflf overlooking the entrance to the harbor, a tract of land for the pur- 
pose having been ceded to the United States Government by Gen. John Kelso. 
A new structure was built of Milwaukee brick in 1858, but proved to be defect- 
ive, and it was replaced by a third building of stone in 1866, at a cost of $20,- 
000. For some unexplained reason, and against the protests of all the lake 
men at Erie, the officer in charge of light-houses upon the lakes concluded to 
abandon it; the buildings and grounds were sold at j^ublic auction on the Ist 
of March, 1881, and the light-house was demolished. 

About the year 1830, the Government added a beacon light on the north 
pier at the entrance to the harbor of Erie. It consisted of a tall wooden tower, 
resting upon a heavy bed of masonry. This structure was carried awav by 
a sailing vessel in the summer or fall of 1857, and was replaced by the pres- 
ent wrought iron tower in the summer of 1858. The light-house was modeled 
and forged into form in France, reaching Erie with nothing to be done except 
to bolt the pieces into their proper positions. A neat frame dwelling for the 
keeper, the same that still exists, was erected while the tower was being put 
together, John Constable and Ed. Bell being: the contractors. Five different 
lights are maintained at this station, all fixed, white, sixth order lenses, and 
used as ranges. In addition to these and for the further protection of navi- 
gators, there is a 1,200-pound Meneely fog bell, which is operated by clock 
work, and tolls three times each minute in snowy and foggy weather. 

A third light-house station was established on the north shore of the penin- 
sula, and a handsome brick tower erected for the purpose, from which the first 
light was exhibited on the night of July 12, 1873. It is known as the Flash 
Light, and cost the Government $15,000. The keeper's family are provided 
with a snug residence, but the isolated situation renders their life anything 
but a cheerful one. 

No regular journal seems to have been kept by any of the keepers until 
1872, when Mr. Frank Henry comraenced a daily record, which, it is to be 
hoped, will always be continued as a part of the duties of the position. By 
the kindness of various gentlemen, we have been able to make up the following 
partial list of keepers. 

LAND LIGHT. 

1818-1833— Capt. Jolin Bone, of Erie. 

1833 — Robert Kincaide, of Erie. 

1841— Griffith Hinton, of Harbor Creek. 

1845— Eli Webster, of McKean. 

1849 — James W. Miles, of West Mill Creek. He died in the summer of 
1853, and the duties were performed by his wife, Isabel Miles, till the ensuing 
spring. 

April 1, 1854 — John Graham, of Erie. 

April 1, 1858 — Gen. James Fleming, of Erie. 

October 27, 1858— A. C. Landon, of Erie. 

July 15, 1861 — John Goalding, of Erie. 

April 1, 1864 — George Demond, of Erie. 

August 1, 1871 — A. J. Fargo, of Fairview. 

Mr. Fargo retained the position, with his wife as assistant, until the light- 
house was abandoned. The pay was $560 per year to the principal and 
to the assistant. 

BEACON LIGHT. . 

W^illiam T. Downs, Erie, years unknown. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. ' 283 

Benjamin Fleming, Erie, years unknown. 

John Hess, Erie, years unknown. 

Leonard Vaughn, Summit, years unknown. 

George AV. Bone, Erie, appointed July 19, 1861. 

Eichard P. Burke, Erie, March 1, 1863. 

Frank Henry, Harbor Creek, May 1, 1869. 

In June, 1873, upon the addition of another light, James Johnson, of 
Erie, was appointed assistant keeper. He was succeeded in September of the 
same year by C. E. McDannell, of East Mill Creek, who still holds the position. 
The pay is $520 per year to the keeper and $400 to the assistant. 

FLASH LIGHT. 

July 12, 1873— Charles T. Waldo, of Fairview. 

Spring of 1880 — George E. Irvin; A. J. Harrison. 

Fall of 1880— O. J. McAllister, of Wattsburg. 

Fall of 1880— George E. Town, of North East. 

Spring of 1883— Clark Cole, of Erie. 

Messrs. Waldo, McAllister and Town all resigned, finding the lonely life 
incident to the position more than they could stand. The pay of the keeper 
is $520 per year. 



CHAPTER XYII. 

County Buildings. • 

THE first court in the county was held in the " big room " of Buehler's 
Hotel, at the corner of French and Third streets, Erie, which was then and 
for many years afterward the centi al portion of the town. From there the place 
of holding the court was changed to the log jail on Second street, and the 
quarters in that modest structure being found too small, another removal was 
made to apartments in Conrad Brown's building, on the opposite corner of 
Third and French streets from Buehler's. These premises were occupied 
until the completion of the first court house in 1808. The latter was a small 
brick building that stood in the West Park, at Erie, a little north of the soldiers' 
and sailors' montiment. The county was too poor to afford the total expense, and 
the State generously granted $2,000 toward the erection of the building. On 
Sunday morning, March 23, 1823, between the hours of 12 and 3 o'clock, this 
court house was destroyed by fire, with all the books, papers and records, 
inflicting a loss to the county which cannot be measured in dollars and cents, 
and the eflfects of which were felt for fully a generation after the event. The. 
fire was caused by taking ashes out of a stove on Saturday, throwing them into 
a nail keg and neglecting to move them out of doox's. When the flames 
were discovered, they had advanced too far to permit the saving of any of the 
contents of the building. The ensuing May term of coiu-t was held in the 
Erie Academy, and that edifice was rented for county purposes and occupied 
by the various county officials for two vears. 

On the 2d of April, 1823, P. S. V.'Hamot, Rufus S. Reed, Thomas Laird, 
Robert Brown, James M. Sterrett, John Morris and Thomas H. Sill entered 
into an agreement to advance $2,000 for one year, without interest, to the 
county for the purp se of rebuilding the court house. This proposition was 
accepted by the Commissioners, who advertised at once for proposals. The 



284 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

job of tilling the cellar of the old building, and packing it with clay, was let 
to Abiather Crane on the 21st of April ensuing. On the 24th of May, a con- 
tract for rebuilding the walls on the old foundation was let to Thomas Me - 
haffey and Joseph Henderson for $1,950. The carpenter work and furnishing 
was awarded on the 14th of January, 1824, to William Benson and William 
Himrod, of Waterford, for $2,000. September 7, 1824. the Commissioners 
contracted With Thomas Mehaffey to lath and plaster the building, and on the 
same day with John Dunlap to finish the carpenter work, the consideration 
being $434 in the first instance, and 1100 in the second. 

The new building was completed and occupied in the spring of 1825. It 
stood nearly on the site of its predecessor, and was a two- story brick structure, 
surmountecl by a wooden cupola. The entrance fronted the south, and 
opened into a vestibule, from which three other doors gave access respectively 
to the court room proper and to the galleries. The interior consisted of one 
room, with galleries around three sides. For nearly thirty years, this was the 
principal hall of the town, being used miscellaneously for religious worship, 
political meetings, entertainments, and in fact for almost every public purpose. 
The building was long the most elegant court house in Northwestern Pennsyl- 
vania, and its erection was a heavy burden upon the county. The County 
Commissioners'hesitated for some time about levying a tax to meet the expendi- 
ture, the credit of the county fell to a low figure, and no improvement took 
place until a member of the board was elected who was not afraid to do his 
duty. In the cupola of the court house hung a bell which bad quite an in- 
teresting history. It belonged originally to the British ship Detroit, captured 
by Perry in the battle of Lake Erie. From that vessel, it was transferred to 
the United States brig Niagara, one of the lake fleet, where it was in use till 
1823, when it was placed in the navy yard at Erie. On the abandonment of 
the navy yard in 1825, when most of the material was sold at auction, the old 
bell was bought by R. S. Eeed, who disposed of it to the County Commission- 
ers, by whom it was hung in the cupola of the court house. In 1854, after 
the arrival of the bell for the present court house, the old bell was stolen, but 
was recovered in the course of a few months, and finally purchased by the city 
of Erie for the sum of $105. 

A little to the west of the coiirt house was a two-story building containing 
the county offices. 

The corner- stone of the third and present court house was laid on Tuesday, 
August 17, 1852, at 2 P. M., an address being delivered on the occasion by 
Hon. John Galbraith, President Judge. The building required nearly three 
years to complete, the first court held therein being on the 7th of May, 1855. 
It was modeled upon the court house at Carlisle, Penn., after plans by Thomas 
H. Walter, an architect of considerable celebrity. The Commissioners under- 
took to do the work without contract, and to that end employed John Hill to 
superintend the carpenter work and William Hoskinson the mason work, both 
at $3 per day. Daniel Young, of Erie, furnished the brick; William Judson 
& Co., of Waterford, the timber and lumber; Levi Howard, of Franklin Town- 
ship, the stone; and Cadwell & Bennett, of Erie, did the rooting. On May 1, 
1854, after about $30,000 had been expended, a contract was made with Hos- 
kinson & Hill to tinish the building, put up the fence, grade the grounds, and 
do all work pertaining to the completion of the editice, for $61,000, deducting 
what had already been expended. Afterward, there was an allowance of 
$2,392 to these parties for extras, making the cost of the building when ac- 
cepted by the Commissioners over $63,000. Subsequent repairs, additions 
and improvements have increased this sum to about $100,000. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 285 

The court house is 61 feet by 132 in size, and contains all the county offi- 
ces, each in a separate tire- proof room. The first story, apart from the en- 
trance hall, is equally divided by a vestibule running the full length, which is 
crossed by another in the center. At each end of the two vestibules is a door, 
making four in all, opening into the building. On the right hand, entering 
from the front, are the Prothonotary's and Recorder's offices, and on the left, 
those of the Sheriff, Treasurer, County Commissioners and Clerk of the Courts. 
The court room, a large apartment capable of holding nearly a thousand per- 
sons, with high, plainly frescoed walls and ceilings, is in the second story, be- 
ing reached by two flights of stairs beginning in the hall on the first floor and 
terminating in another on the upper. The part of the room assigned to the 
bench and bar, which is at the north end, opposite the entrance, is railed off 
from the balance and neatly carpeted. The seats for spectators rise gradually 
from the bar to the door, and are more comfortable and convenient than usual 
in buildings of this sort. 

Portraits of some of the former Judges and older members of the bar 
adorn the walls. The room is an excellent one for the purpose, aside from a 
defect in its acoustic properties, to remedy which several attempts have been 
made without avail. In the rear of the court room are the grand jury room — 
which is also the receptacle of the law library — two other jary rooms, a ladies' 
room, wash room, etc. A narrow stairway back of the court room is used by 
the officers and attorneys and for bringing in prisoners. The building is heat- 
ed by steam, lighted with gas, and supplied with water by thecity water system. 
Taken altogether, with several serious defects, it is one of the handsomest and 
most convenient court houses in the State, a credit to the county and an orna- 
ment to the city of Erie. 

A tasty brick building for the janitor was erected during the year 1880, 
between the court house and jail" at a cost of about $800. The lot on which 
the court house stands was purchased for the County Commissioners in 1804 
by Judge John Vincent, who was present at the dedication of the building in 
1852. It was upon this lot within the old jail ground that Henry Francisco, 
the only person ever executed in the county, was hung by Sheriff Andrew Scott, 
in 1838. 

THE COUNTY JAIL. 

The first jail was a small log building, erected soon after the organization 
of the county, on the southwest corner of Holland and Second streets. It was 
in this modest structure that court was once held, as before stated. A sec- 
ond jail, of brick, was put up on the sit»^ of the present court house in 1830. 
The third and existing jail was erected in 1850, and remodeled in 1869 at an 
expense of $39,071, under the superintendence of R. C. Chapman. It con- 
sists of a Sherifi's residence and jail combined, both three stories high, front- 
ing on Fifth street, in the rear of the court house. In a wing on the west 
side is the office of the warden, through which all persons have to pass on en- 
tering or leaving the jail. A high stone wall completely incloses the jail 
proper, leaving a small yard, where the prisoners are allowed to exercise. The 
interior of the jail is divided into six rows of cells, two rows to each story, 
and each cell is closed with a heavily grated door. In front of i the cells, on 
the first and second floors, at a distance of about three feet from the lino of 
doors, runs an iron grating, which answers the double purpose of keeping the 
prisoners more secure and giving them a narrow pathway in which to stretch 
their limbs. The cells on the third story do not have this extra grating, and 
are used for women and the milder class of criminals. Every cell is alike in 
its contents, being provided with two iron frames attached to the walls for 



286 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

bedsteads, a mattress and blankets, a water closet, and a supply of city water. 
The floors and stairways are of iron, the walls are of stone, and no wood is 
seen in the building aside from the tables and seats. On the third floor of the 
Sheriff's house is the hospital, in which is a bath tub and other conveniences 
for the sick. 

The regular bill of fare for the prisoners is as follows: Breakfast — a loaf 
of bread and cup of coffee; dinner — meat, potatoes, and sometimes other vege- 
tables; supper — a cup of tea and the balance of the bread left from breakfast 
and dinner. The meals are handed in to the prisoners through a narrow open- 
ing in the wall between the jail and the Sherifi''s kitchen. To the above is 
frequently added some palatable dish, through the kindness of the Sheriff's 
family, and on holidays the prisoners are usually treated to roast turkey. The 
average of inmates is about twenty. This number is generally doubled two 
or three weeks before the Court of Quarter Sessions, and correspondingly re- 
duced after they adjourn. Prisoners of the worst class are sentenced to the 
Western Penitentiary at Allegheny City; young men who are convicted of the 
first offense, to the Allegheny County Work House; and boys and girls to the 
State Reform School at Morganza. Washington County. 

The tirst jailer was Robert Irvin, who was succeeded by John Gray, James 
Gray, William Judd, Robert Kincaid and Cornelius Foy. John Gray held 
the position, off and on, for many years. The tirst Sheriff who acted in the 
capacity of jailer was Albert Thayei', who was elected in 1825. For some 
years past the Sheriff's duties have been too onerous to allow of his taking im- 
mediate charge of the jail, and the institution has been in care of a warden, 
acting under and responsible to that officer. No employment is given to the 
prisoners, and they spend the day time in reading, chatting, mending their 
clothing and concocting mischief. 

THE ALMSHOUSE. 

In the year 1832, while John H. Walker was a member of the Assembly, 
he procured an act ceding the third section of two thousand acres of State land 
in Mill Creek Township, west of Erie, to the borough, the proceeds to be used 
in constructing a canal basin in the harbor. It was stipulated in the act that 
one hundred acres should be reserved to Erie County on which to erect an alms- 
house, the land to be selected by three commissioners appointed by the County 
Commissioners. The latter officers, on May 7, 1833, named William Miles, 
George Moore and David McNair, who chose the piece of ground on the Ridge 
road, three miles west of Erie, which has ever since been known as the " poor 
house farm." The original tract was increased to about one hundred and thir- 
teen acres including the allowance by the purchase of a small piece from Mr. 
War fel in 1878. 

Soon after the selection of the farm, an agitation began for the erection of a 
county almshouse on the property. A proposition to that effect was submitted 
to the people in 1839, and, after a hard light, was voted down by a majority 
of 154. The friends of the measure claimed that the question had not been 
fairly treated, and it was again brought befoi'e the people at the spring elec- 
tion of 1840, when it was carried by the close vote of 1,599 in favor to 1,594 
in opposition. Three Directors of the Poor were elected the same year. Con 
tracts were soon after let for the construction of a building, and by the fall of 
1841 it was ready for the reception of the paupers. Before that, each borough 
and township took care of its own poor, under the supervision of two overseers 
elected by their citizens. The original building was of brick, and for the 
time, was one of considerable magnitude. 



"♦l ^^ 




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't^JJ.J 



yhuj:/^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 289 

The present large and imposing edifice was commenced in 1870 and sub- 
stantially completed in 1871, though the finishing and furnishing continued 
until 1873. Its cost, as shown by the I'equisitions upon the County Commis- 
sioners from 1869 to 1873, was $118,000. A further sum of §10,000 was voted 
in 1874, of which, perhaps one half was applied to the improvement of the 
building and grounds. About f 3,000 of the balance are understood to have 
been used in building the barn, and nearly $2,000 in putting down gas wells 
upon the farm. The building for insane male persons was added in 1875, at 
a cost of about $2,000. 

The almshouse stands on a rise of ground between the Ridge road and 
Lake Shore Railroad, facing the former, with which it communicates by a wide 
avenue lined on both sides with young trees. The main building is of brick, 
four stories high, 188 feet long by 44 to 46 wide, with a cupola in the center 
and another at each end. Extending from the center on the north side is a 
three-story brick wing, 86x30 feet, and a short distance to the w^est is the small 
two-story brick building above referred to, for the care and safe-keeping of 
insane males. On the first floor of the main building are the Steward's office 
and family apartments, the men's sitting room, store room, bath room, etc. 
The three other floors are divided into sleeping rooms, except that a large space 
at the west end of the second story is used as the female hospital. The north 
wing contains the paupers' dining room and kitchen on the first, the women's 
insane department on the second, and the men's hospital on the third floor. 
The capacity of the building is for about four hundred inmates. All the cook- 
ing for the paupers is done by steam. The heating is effected mainly by steam 
generators, in part by natural gas from wells on the farm, which also supply the 
light. The water is pumped from a spring to a tank on the fourth story, from 
which it is distributed over the entire building. Attached to the building is a 
medical depository and a small library, the latter the contribution of Hon. 
Henry Souther. 

The food supplied to the inmates is clean and abundant, though plain. 
Breakfast is made up of beef soup, meat, potatoes, bread and tea or cofifee, as 
the parties choose. For dinner, they are furnished coflE'ee with sugar and milk, 
one kind of meat, potatoes or beans, wheat bread, and frequently soup, turnips, 
beets and other vegetables. To this bill of fare is added on Sundays ginger 
cake and some kind of pie. Supper usually consists of bread, coffee and cold 
meat, with occasionally a bowl of rice. Each pauper is given a pint of cofifee 
and helps him or herself to the other articles on the table unless incapable by 
weakness or deformity. The hours for meals are: Breakfast at 7:15, dinner at 
12:30, and supper at 5:30 or 6. Every inmate is obliged to be in bed by 
9 o'clock P. M., and to rise by half past six in the morning. Those who are 
over thirty-five years of age are allowed a certain quantity of tobacco each 
week. Few of the paupers are able to work and those who are have to make 
themselves useful, the men by helping in the garden or on the farm, and the 
women by sewing or doing household service. 

The sleeping apartments are plain, but comfortable. Each inmate is pro- 
vided with a cheap bedstead, straw tick, two sheets, either a feather or straw pil- 
low, and in winter with tw-o comforters. They generally sleep a dozen or two 
in one large room. Great care is taken to keep the bedding clean, in order to 
prevent the spread of disease. 

The poor house farm is one of the best iu the county, and has generally 
been kept under tine cultivation. A few rods north of the buildings is a large 
spring, which will furnish an ample supply of water for all the needs of the 
institution to the end of time. The barn is of the modern style, with base- 

16 1 



290 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ment stable. A little to the east, inclosed by a neat fence, is the new pauper 
burial ground, which akeady contains the bodies of about 100 unfortunates. 
Each grave is marked by a stone and a number corresponding with the one in 
the death book. 

The charity system of the county is in charge of three Directors of the 
Poor, one of whom is elected annually. They employ a Steward of the alms- 
house, a Secretary and Treasurer, an Attorney, a Physician for the almshouse 
(who also attends to the Erie poor), and one physician each at Corry, North 
East, Union. Waterford, Albion, Harbor Creek, Edinboro, Mill Village, Gi- 
rard, Wattsburg, Middleboro, Springfield and Fairview. The subordinate em- 
ployes at the almshouse are one engineer, two farmers, one keeper and one 
nurse for the insane men, one keeper of the hospital, one janitor at the ofi&ce, 
two keepers for the insane women, and four female servants. Only those who 
are thought to be incurably insane are kept at the institution. Those for whom 
there is still hope are sent to the State hospital at Warren. 

The number of paupers in the almshouse on the 1st of January, 1881, 
were— white male adults, 136; colored male adults, 1; white female adults, 
77; colored female adults, 1; white children, 5; colored children, 1; total, 
221; of whom 81 were natives and 140 foreigners. Of the above there were — 
insane males, 20; insane females, 21; total, 41; natives, 26; foreigners, 15; 
2 males and 3 females were blind, and 2 males were idiotic. 

During the quarter ending on the 31st of December, 1880, the Directors 
gave outdoor relief to 214 familips, located as follows: Erie, 157; Corry, 20; 
Union, 10: North East, 3; Wattsburg, 5; Edinboro, 1; Lockport, 2; Girard, 
5; Conneaut, 4; Elk Creek, 4; Le Boeuf, 1; Washington, 1; and Waterford, 
1. From the 1st of January to April 1, 1881, the number of tramps kept 
over night was 149. They were given supper, lodging and breakfast, and 
then obliged to "move on." Their lodging room is in the basement. The 
Directors of the Poor furnish the coal for the tramp rooms in the police sta- 
tions at Erie and Corry, as well as the crackers and cheese which are given' 
the tramps to eat. 

The keeper of the City Hospital at Erie is paid by the Directors of the 
Poor, who also furnish the coal for the building. The regular pay of the 
keeper is $22.50 a month. In case he has a small-pox patient this is increased 
to $3 a day. 

Bv way of showing how pauperism has increased since the war for the 
Union, some figures for 1860 and 1880 are taken from the official reports: 

^860 — Population of Erie County, 49,432. Inmates of the almshouse at 
the beginning of the year, 107. Total expense for the support of the poor of 
the entire county, including some old debts on building, $7,629. 

1880 — Population, 74,573. Paupers in the almshouse, 221. Total expense 
for the whole county, $28,659. Increase of indoor paupers, double; of ex- 
pense, nearly four times. 

AN EXTRAORDINARY CASE. 

The following statement from the Erie Dispatch of October 20, 1882, de- 
serves a place in this connection : 

" Yesterday there died at the almshouse one of the most notable cases on 
record, a case which has caused a vast amount of discussion among the differ- 
ent physicians under whose observation it has fallen from time to time. The 
deceased's name is Clara McArthur, who was born in Tionesta, Venango 
County, fifty-six years ago. When a girl, she was very bright and active until 
twelve years of age, when she lifted her sick mother from the bed, then imme 
diately picked up a large kettle (.f hot water which she placed by the bedside. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 291 

While in the act of raising the latter weight some chord, in her own words? 
appeared to give way, and in consequence of the strain, which affected the 
heart, she was unable to take a dozen steps or sit up more than a few minutes 
at a time until her twenty- seventh year. During these fifteen years the heart 
almost ceased to throb, and any effort to walk or take a sitting posture brought 
on an attack of fainting. 

'"While in her twenty-eighth year, she recovered sufificiently to be taken to 
church, and while sitting in the pew met a friend she had not seen for many 
years, who carried a child in her arms. Miss McArthur, forgetting her con 
dition of weakness, lifted the child into her own lap and fell to the floor un- 
conscious, the exertion having proved too much for her strength. Since that 
unfortunate moment, the poor woman was unable to sit up longer than an hour 
at a time for more than six years, after which time, the malady growing worse 
this change of position had to be discontinued. Lying helpless from that time 
on she was admitted to the almshouse sixteen years ago, and has not occupied 
any position other than reclining on the back to the hour of her death. The 
pulse could scarcely be detected by the most delicate touch, and in consequence 
of the heart's feeble action she was so keenly sensitive to the slightest breath 
of chilliness that artificial means for keeping any degree of warmth in the body 
were continually employed. For months at a time she was unable to speak. 
Dr. Lovett, the county physician, believed she would have died in a very short 
time if compelled to assume a sitting or standing attitude. 

"Miss McArthur was very intelligent and passed the hours in perusing relig- 
ious tracts, periodicals and the Bible. A Christian more devout never lived, 
and an unwavering trust in the Creator enabled her to bear her affliction with 
resigned patience, an expression of cheerfulness never being absent from her 
face. Amiable in disposition, she never had a complaint to make, and was a 
favorite Avith every inmate of the building, while those to whom she was in- 
trusted took pleasure in administering to the wants of the helpless woman." 

REQUISITIONS OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE POOR, FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE POOR, 
EXCLUSIVE OF BUILDING FUND, ETC. 

Year. Year. 

1845 i$ 5,000 1870 $20,000 

1850 1,.TO0 1873 88,000 

1855 4,500 1875 45,i>00 

1860 8.000 1878 35,000 

1863 8.500 1880 20,000 

1865 11.000 1883 85,000 

1867 30,000 

The following are extracts from the report of the Board of Public Charities 
of Pennsylvania, of January 1, 1883: 

CRIMINAL BUSINESS OF THE COURTS OF ERIE COUNTY FOR THE YEAR 1882. 

Persons charged with crime 295 

Bills laid before the grand jurv 144 

True bills T 102 

Ignored 22 

Presentments made 98 

Bills tried 56 

Acquitted 30 

Convictions 49 

Nolle proseques 62 

Plead guilty 19 

In prison, September 30, 1882 12 

Recognizances forfeited 11 

Amount of recognizances 



292 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Nature of offenses for which convictions were had: Aggravated assault, 2; 
arson, 2; assault, 1; assault and battery, 3; assault to kill, 2; burglary, etc., 
4; disorderly breach of the peace, 2; false pretense, 2; fornication, etc., 2; 
larceny, 13; misdemeanors, 2; robbery, 2; vagrancy, 6; violation of the 
liquor law, 6. 

STATISTICS OP THE ERIE COUNTY PRISON FOR THE YEAR 1882. 

Maintenance §^3,318 00 

Salaries, wages, etc 400 00 

Fuel and light 432 00 

Clothing, etc 160 00 

Repairs 98 00 

Transportation 1.000 00 

Other expenses 169 00 

Total expenses 5,578 00 

Average number of inmates 38 

Annual cost of provisions and clothing per capita 125 00 

Weekly cost per capita 3 41 

ERIE COUNTY CONVICTS IN WESTERN PENITENTIARY DURING 1881. 

Whole number 40 

Average number 34 

Received during the year (all white) 7 

Could read and write 6 

Days supported 8,751 

Value of convict labor 32,177 

Charged to county, being deficiency of support by labor .$788 

COMMITMENTS FROM ERIE COUNTY TO THE REFORM SCHOOL AT MORGANZA. 

Boys, 8, girls, 8 H 

Illiterate 4 

Read imperfectly 3 

Read and write imperfectly 2 

Read and write well 1 

Read, write and cipher 1 

Number of inmates from county at the end of the vear (bovs, 16, 
girls, 4) 30 

WORK HOUSE. 

The number f i-om Erie County in the Allegheny County Work House, for the 
last quarter of 1880, was thirteen. This is not a State institution, and the pris- 
oners from Erie are kept under a special contract between the Commissioners 
of the two counties. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Indigent iusane from Erie County at Dixmont, Sept 30, 1882.. 2 

Indigent insane in the State Hospital at Warren (males, 39, 

females, 30) 69 

Inmates of the Training School for Feeble Minded Cliildren 

from Erie County (boys, 3, girls, 2) 5 

STATISTICS OF EXPENSES FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE POOR OF ERIE COUNTY FOR THE 
YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1881. 

Whole number in almshouse 182 

Sane (men, 81, women, 57, children ,2) 140 

Insane and idiotic (men, 21, women, 19, children, 2) 42 

Blind (men, 2, women, 1) 3 

Natives '^O 

Foreiarners 113 

Hospital cases (men, 17, women, 8) 25 

Expenses for 1882 (total in-door) $29,925 

Expenses for 1882 (total out-door) 7,1.59 

Expenses for 1882, provisions 8,092 



HISTORV OF ERIE COUNTY. 293 

Expenses for 1882, salaries, wages and fees fi,973 

Expenses for 1882. fuel and light 2.200 

Expenses for 1882, clothing and bedding 727 

Expenses for 1882, insane m hospitals 4,471 

Expenses for 1882, repairs 1,453 

Expenses for 1882, extraordinarv 4,568 

Expenses for 1882, all other .... 1 1.618 

Receipts 2,744 

Net cost of almshonse and out-door relief 34,140 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Perry's Victory and the War of 1812-14. 

AFTER submitting to a galling train of annoyances and indignities for a 
period of twenty-nine years, war was declared for the second time by the 
United States against Great Britain on the ISth of June, 1812. 

At that time the Canadian territory bordering the lakes and the St. Law- 
rence was far in advance of the opposite side of the United States in popula- 
tion, commerce and agriculture. The British were also much better prepared 
for war, having kept up a series of military posts from Niagara to Sault Ste. 
Marie, which were well supplied with men, arms and provisions, and being 
provided with a "Provincial Navy," which gave them the mastery of 
the lakes. They were on the best of terms with the Indians on both 
sides of the water, whose co- operation they artfully managed to retain du.r- 
ing the progress of the war, and whose reputation for cruelty kept the Amer- 
ican frontier in a constant state of terror whenever their warlike bands were 
known or supposed to be in the vicinity. On the Amei'ican side, the popula- 
tion was sparse, the settlements were small and widely scattered, and the mili- 
tary posts were few, weak, and either insufficiently defended or left without 
prott>ction of any kind. There was no navy or regular army. The military of 
the several States were poorly organized and without suitable equipments, and, 
to make a bad condition worse, the Indians were everywhere hostile, treacher- 
ous, and ready at the expected signal to combine for the purpose of driving 
the white men out of the country. 

Erie's defenseless condition. 

Erie, then a mere handful of rude buildings, from its position near the 
center of the lake and the excellence of its harbor, was regarded as one of the 
most important of the Western military posts. On the east, there was no village 
of any size nearer than Buffalo, and the country between scarcely contained 
ten families to the square mile. Westward the greater portion of the region 
remained an unbroken forest, the only settlements along the lakes worthy of a 
name being those which surrounded the military posts at Cleveland, Sandusky, 
Toledo and Detroit. The latter Avas then the chief town of the " far West," 
the center of barter, (Commerce and political influence, and was naturally looked 
upon as the principal strategic point of the frontier. So utterly defenseless 
was Erie at the outbreak of the war, that it could and probably would have 
been easily captured by the British had they known its actual situation. The 
only semblance to a fortification was an old, almost ruined block-house on the 
eastern part of the peninsula, built in 1795, which was without a soldier, a 



294 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

gun, or a pound of ammunition. Ttie most formidable instrument of war in 
the town was a small iron boat howitzer, owned by Gen. Kelso, which was used 
in firing salutes on the Fourth of July, and other patriotic and momentous 
occasions. 

FIRST STAGES OF THE WAR. 

Although war had been dreaded for several years, when hostilities did act- 
ually commence, they were so little expected on the frontier that Capt. Daniel 
Dobbins, Rufus Seth Reed and W. W. Reed sailed in a trading vessel for 
Mackinaw soon after the openiny of navigation, confident that they could make 
the venture in safety. The first knowledge they and the people of Mackinaw 
had that peace was at an end, was the landing of a body of British and Indians 
upon the island, who demanded the surrender of the post and of the vessels in the 
harbor. The Erie party thus found themselves, much against their will, pris- 
oners of war. Their vessel, the Salina, with the others captured by the ene- 
my, was made a cartel to convey the prisoners and non-combatants to Cleve- 
land, but on reaching Detroit was taken possession of by Gen. Hull, and fell 
again into the hands of the British, upon the disgraceful surrender of that 
officer. Through the influence of a British military man with whom Capt. 
Dobbins was acquainted, they were allowed to depart, and reached Cleveland 
in open boats by crossing from island to island. At Cleveland, they fell in 
with a small sloop bound dowQ the lakes, which Capt. Dobbins navigated to 
Erie. 

Previous to the war, a small military company had been organized at Erie, 
under the command of Capt. Thomas Forster. The members immediately ten- 
dered their services to the President and were accepted for the time being. 
In anticipation of the conflict. Gov. Snyder, who was a warm friend of the ad- 
ministration, had organized the militia of the State into two grand divisions 
— one for the east and one for the west. The western division was under the 
command of Maj. Gen. Adamson Tannehill, of Pittsburgh; the brigade of which 
the Erie County militia formed a part, was commanded by Brig. Gen. John 
Kelso, and the Erie County regiment was under the command of Dr. John C. 
Wallace. Among the officers of the regiment were Capts. Andrew Cochran, Ze- 
lotus Lee, James Barr, William Dickson, Robert Davison, Warren Foote, John 
Morris, — Smith and — Donaldson. Capt. Barr and his men volunteered for 
the campaign, were ordered to Sandusky, spent the winter of 1812-18 there, 
and returned in the spring. Robert Moorhead was a Sergeant in the company 
and accompained them through the campaign. The estimation in which these 
and the other Pennsylvania troops, in what was then the "far West," were 
held by their commanders, is shown by an extract from a letter sent by Gen. 
Harrison to Gov. Snyder: "I can assure you," he writes, "there is no corps 
on which I rely with more confidence, not oaly for the fidelity of undaunted 
valor in the field, but for those virtues which are more rarely found amongst 
the militia — patience and fortitude under great hardships and deprivations — 
and cheerful obedience to all commands of their officers." Capt. Cochran's 
Springfield company kept guard along the lake for some months, and was fre- 
quently called out at later stages of the war. The company commanded by 
Capt. Foote, was assigned, in the beginning, to " keep sentry at the head of 
the peninsula, three by rotation to stand a tour of twenty-four hours." In 
giving special mention to these parties and others that may be named 
hereafter, no discrimination is intended against others who rendered as much 
or greater service. The writer can only relate such matters as he knows to be 
authentic, and the records are very meager and uncertain. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 295 

ASSEMBLING THE MILITIA. 

Before the close of June, Gen. Kelso ordered out his brigade for the de- 
fense of Erie. This was quickly followed by a general call for the Sixteenth 
Division, the State having by this time been apportioned into more numerous 
military districts. The brigade rendezvous was on the farm of John Lytle, upon 
the flats near Waterford. Great excitement was caused by a rumor after Hull's 
surrender that the enemy were coming down the lake to take all the important 
places, as also by the news that a large British and Indian force was being 
organized on the opposite side of Lake Erie, whose special object was a de- 
scent upon Presque Isle. The whole Northwest was aroused, and very soon 
upward of two thousand men were collected from Erie, Crawford, Mercer and 
the adjoining counties. 

On the 23d of July, notice was sent to William Clark, of Meadville, Bri- 
gade Inspector, that 505 muskets had that day been forwarded from Harris- 
burg, with a supply of flints, lead and powder. August 13, a detachment of 
2,500 of the Northwestern militia — increased in September by 2,000 more — 
were ordered to march to Buffalo, which was menaced by the enemy. Their 
places of rendezvous were fixed at Meadville and Pittsburgh, and they were re- 
quired to be at the scene of hostilities by the 25th of September. The division 
elected Gen. Tannehill Commander-in-chief, who I'emained in charge during 
the campaign. They continued at Buffalo the winter through, and it is re- 
lated to the credit of Erie County, that while many others deserted not one 
man of Col. AVallace's command shirked his duty. When 4,000 New York 
militia refused to cross into Canada to attack the foe, the gallant Pennsylva- 
nians under Tannehill promptly obeyed the order, although not obliged to by 
the terms of their enlistment. Among those who were called out for the 
emergency, were Capt. Thomas Foster's company of the " detached volunteer 
corps." The following in relation to intermediate events is from official 
sources : 

" August 25 — Expresses were sent over the country saying a number of the 
enemy's vessels had been seen, and that a descent would be made on Erie. 

" September 4 — The Governor directed that the State field pieces be sent to 
Erie. 

" September 15 — The Secretary of War was notified by the Governor that 
Gen. John Kelso had transmitted him a communication, signed by gentlemen 
of the first respectability at Erie, requesting that some efficient measures for 
the protection of the frontier may be speedily taken. 

" September 16 — Gen. Kelso was notified that one brass field-piece, and 
four four-pounders were on the way to Erie. 

" September 18 — Wilson Smith, of Waterford, was appointed Quarter- 
master General of the State. 

" October 21 — Gen. Snyder ordered Gen. Kelso to employ volunteers, if 
practicable, for the defense of Erie, not exceeding a Major's command." 

The summer's campaign along the lake was a series of disasters to the 
Americans. The sui-render of Detroit by Hull, the defeat of Van Rensselaer 
at Niagara in October, and the capture of the Adams, the only armed vessel 
that had been left to us, gave the British full control upon the lake, and it be 
came apparent to those who looked at the situation intelligently that without 
a fleet to cooperate with our Western and New York armies, the cause of oiu- 
country in this direction was hopeless. 

A FLEET ARRANGED FOR. 

When Capt. Dobbins reached Erie from his unfortunate trip to Mackinaw, 



296 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

he found Gen. David Mead, of Meadville, in immediate command of the post. 
After spending a few days with his family, he was sent by that officer to 
Washington City as a bearer of dispatches, and was the first person who gave 
the Government reliable information of the loss of Mackinaw and Detroit. 
At a meeting of the Cabinet called immediately after his arrival, the Captain 
was asked to give his view of the requirements on Lake Erie. He earnestly 
advocated the establishment of a naval station and the building of a fleet pow- 
erful enough to cope with the British upon the lake. These suggestions were 
adopted. A Sailing Master's commission in the navy was tendered to him and 
accepted, and he was ordered to proceed to Erie, begin the construction of 
gunboats, and report to Commodore Chauncey, at Sackett's Harbor, for further 
instructions. He retiu'ned home, and late in October commenced work on two 
giinboats.* 

Soon after Dobbins' arrival at Erie, he received a communication from 
Lieut. J. D. Elliott, through whom his correspondence with Commodore 
Chauncey had to pass, dated at Black Rock, deprecating the adoption of Erie 
as the place for building the fleet, alleging that there was not a sufficient depth 
of water on the bar to get the vessels out of the harbor into the lake, and 
claiming that should there be water the town was "at all times open to the 
attacks of the enemy." To this Dobbins replied that there was "a sufficiency 
of water on the bar to let the vessels in the lake, but not a sufficiency to let 
heavy armed vessels of the enemy into the bay to destroy them," a conclusion 
in which he was signally sustained by later occurrences. Nothing further be- 
ing heard from Elliott, Dobbins went to Black Rock, intending to employ 
skillful ship carpenters, but only succeeded in finding one, with whom he 
came back to Erie, determined to do the best he could with house carpenters 
and laborers. The winter was severe and retarded his operations to a provok- 
ing extent. 

Commodore Chauncey visited Erie officially about the 1st of January, 1813, 
accompaaied by a United States naval constructor, and, after approving what 
Dobbins had done, ordered him to prepare for the building of two sloops of 
war in addition to the gunboats. The keels of these vessels were ready to lay 
and much of the timber on hand about the 10th of March, when a gang of 
twenty-live carpenters, in charge of Noah Brown, a master ship builder from 
New York, reached Erie. In a letter to the Navy Department, under date of 
March 14, Dobbins stated that " the gunboats are ready for calking, and every- 
thing looks encouraging in that respect," but the absence of a sufficient guard 
led him to fear that his labor might be destroyed by " the secret incendiary." 
To obviate this danger as nearly as he could, a temporary guard was impi'o- 
vised, consisting of Capt. Forster's voluntary military company, who had got 
back from Buffalo, and the workmen at the station. This small force was, for 
some weeks, the sole protection for the fleet and the town. 

PEKRY REACHES ERIE. 

The Government had in the meantime assigned the command on Lake Erie 
to Lieut. Oliver Hazard Perry, who arrived at Erie on the 27th of March, ac- 
companied by his brother, a lad of thirteen, making the trip from Buffalo in a 
sledge on the ice.y Perry had served as a midshipman in the war with Trip- 

*Capt. Daniel DoWiins was born in ^lifflin County, Penn., .Tuly 5, 1776. He came to Erie with a party of sur- 
veyors in 1796. After Perry's victory, he rendered efficient service in the expedition against Mackinaw. He re- 
signed from the navy in ISliG. In 1.S29, he was appointed by President .Tacksou to thecommand of the United 
States revenue cutter Rush, on Lake Erie. He left active service in 1S49, and died in Erie February 29, 1856. 
His marriage took place at Canonsburg, Penn., in ISOO. Mrs. Dobbins was the mother of ten children. She 
died in her one hundredth year, on the 24th of January, 1879. 

t Perry's headquarters were established at Duncan's Rotel, <it the corner of Third and French streets, Erie 




'"^^yFu.h Co. PhUcuiilp'^ 




HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 299 

oli, and had recently been in charge of a flotilla at Newport, R. I. He was 
but twenty- seven years of age, and was full to the brim with energy, enthusi- 
asm and patriotism. His first step was to provide for the defense of the posi- 
tion. To that end he sent immediately for Gen. Mead. Their consultation 
resulted in a thousand militia being ordered to rendezvous at Erie on or be- 
fore the 20th of April. Among the number that responded was an artillery 
company from Luzerne County, who were authorized to take charge of the 
four brass field-pieces belonging to the State, which had been stored at Water- 
ford. Reese Hill, of Greene County, was constituted Colonel by the Governor, 
and given command of the regiment. The old American block-house of 1795, 
which had nearly gone to ruins, was hurriedly restored, as was also the one 
on the point of the peninsula. 

With the facilities of the present day, it is scarcely possible to conceive of 
the embarrassment that attended Dobbins and Perry in their work. Of practi- 
cal ship-builders there were very few in the country, and their pjaces had to 
be taken by house carpenters and blacksmiths gathered from every part 
of the lower lake region. The timber for the vessels had to be cut in the for- 
ests near by and used while yet green. Iron was scarce, and had to be picked 
up wherever it could b*^ found — in stores, warehouses, shops, farm buildings 
and elsewhere. A considerable stock was brought from Pittsburgh by flat-boats 
up French Creek, and some from Buifalo by small boats creeping along the 
south shore of the lake. Perry wrote to Washington that more mechanics 
were needed, and Dobbins was dispatched to Black Rock for seamen, arms 
and ordnance. The transportation of the latter was extremely slow, owing to 
the miserable roads. Some of the cannon were brought up in sail boats, mov- 
ing at night only, to avoid the enemy's cruisers. 

Fortunately for the Americans, the Allegheny River and French Creek 
continued at a good boating stage until August, an occurrence so unusual that 
it would seem to imply that Providence was on their side. Had these streams 
become low at the ordinary time, the fleet could not have been rigged in 
season to meet the enemy under advantageous circumstances. 

Sailing Master \V. V. Taylor having arrived on the 30th of March with 
twenty seamen, he was left in command in the absence of Dobbins, while Perry 
proceeded to Pittsburgh to arrange for supplies, and hurry forward a gang of 
carpenters who had been promised him from Philadelphia. While there, he 
purchased canvas, cables, anchors, and other necessaries, procured four small 
field-pieces and some muskets, and employed an ordnance ofiicer to oversee the 
casting of shot and carronades. Returning to Erie about the middle of April, by 
the aid of the land forces he threw up redoubts on Garrison Hill, and on the 
bank of the lake, where the land light-house stands, built a block house on the 
bluff overlooking the place where the sloops of war were building, and con- 
structed another redoubt above the yard where the gunboats lay upon their 
stocks. The Lawrence and Niagara, sloops of war, and the pilot boat Ariel, 
schooner-rigged, were built on the beach at the mouth of Cascade run, now 
occupied by the Erie & Pittsburgh docks, and the Porcupine and Tigress, gun- 
boats, on a fceach that jutted out from the mouth of Lee's Run, afterward the 
terminus of the canal. On the light-house redoubt, two twelve-pounders were 
placed that had been forwarded by Dobbins from Black Rock, and the four 
field-pieces which Perry had brought on from Pittsburgh were mounted upon 
the one on Garrison Hill. The main body of the troops was encamped at the 
mouth of Cascade Run. Carpenters, blacksmiths, sail makers, riggers, and 
other workmen soon came on from New York and Philadelphia, infusing new 
energy into the operation.s, and from this time forward matters were more en- 



300 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

couraging. It would appear that the call for the militia to report was not 
obeyed with alacrity, for we learn fronj official suurces that on the 18th of INtay 
complaint was made to the Governor by Gen. Mead that some of the men had 
refused obedience to his orders. 

THE FIRST STEP TO VICTORY. 

Perry departed in a four-oared boat, on the evening of the 23d of May, to 
participate in the contemplated attack on the Canadian Fort George, at the 
foot of the Niagara River, in which he was to lead the seamen and marines. 
He took Dobbins with him as far as Fort Schlosser, at the head of the Niagara 
Rapids, on the American side, where a detachment of officers and men arrived 
on the 28th, fresh from the capture of the first-named fortification on the pre- 
vious day. Perry, who had borne a gallant part in the fight, proceeded thence 
to Black Rock, while Dobbins escorted the detachment to the same place. 
Their defeat at Fort George compelled the British to abandon the Niagara 
frontier, and afforded an opportunity to get the vessels up to Erie that had 
been purchased and prepared for war by the Government, and which had been 
blockaded in Gonjaquades Creek by the batteries of the enemy on the opposite 
shore. These consisted of the brig Caledonia, the sloop Tri])pe, and the 
schooners Ohio, Amelia and Somers, five in all. They were drawn up the 
rapids by ox teams, assisted by some two hundred men, including the detach- 
ment of Dobbins and a detail for the purpose from Gen. Dearborn's army, an 
operation that required six days of hard work. The soldiers, by Peny's re- 
quest, were allowed to remain on board to assist in navigation and defense on 
the way to Erie. The British fleet, consisting of five vessels much superior to 
the American squadron, were cruising the lake, and the utmost vigilance was 
necessary to elude them. By good fortune. Perry reached Erie on the morn- 
ing of June 17, having sailed from Buffalo on the 13th, and being detained on 
the way by head-winds, without having been seen by the British. How nar- 
row an escape the Americans made will be understood when it is stated that 
while they lay in the offing at Dunkirk, a man came on board who notified 
Perry that the British had been at anchor off Twenty mile Creek the night 
before, and that from a neck of land which jutted into the lake he had both 
fleets in sight at the same time. The British rendezvous at the lower end of 
the lake was usually in Mohawk Bay, on the Canada side, where they could 
readily watch the movements of the Americans. They felt Bure of nabbing 
Perry's squadron on its upward voyage, and when they learned that they had 
been given the slip, were extremely surprised and mortified.* 

SAFELY CONCENTRATED. 

The entire fleet with which Perry was expected to humble British pride on 
the lake was now concentrated in the harbor of Erie. It consisted of the Law- 
rence and Niagara, both sloops of war, built after the same model, being 100 
feet straight rabbit, 100 feet between perpendiculars, 30 feet beam, 9 feet 
hold, flush deck, and pierced for 20 guns, with two stern ports; the schooners 
Ariel and Scorpion, each of 63 tons; the Porcupine and Tigress of about 50 
tons; the British brig Caledonia, which had been taken by Lieut. Elliott 
from under the guns of Fort Erie, of 85 tons; the sloop Trippe, of 63 tons, 
and the schooners Amelia, Somers and Ohio, of 72, 65 and 62 tons respect- 
ively. Considering the national importance of the victory gained, the size 
of these vessels, compared with the war vessels of this day, seems absurdly 
small. The Lawrence and Niagara, however, were immense vessels for the 

*The British hove in sight as the last of Perry's fleet crossed the bar of Erie Harbor. Their cruising 
squadron consisted of five vessels. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 301 

time. They had been given a shallow depth of hold by Mr. Brown, the master 
builder, so as to secure a light draught of water and avoid showing a high 
side to the enemy's marksmen. 

" The frames of all the vessels built at Erie were of white and black oak 
and chestnut, the outside planking was of oak and the decks were of pine." 

Though stoutly put together, there was no attempt at ornament, Mr. Brown 
having prophetically remarked: "Plain work is all that is required; they 
will only be wanted for one battle. If we win, that is all that will be wanted 
of them; if we lose, they are good enough to be captured." The Lawrence 
was named after the heroic Capt. James Lawrence, who was killed in the en- 
counter between the Chesapeake and Shannon, and whose last words, "Don't 
give up the ship," were inscribed by Perry on his fighting flag. One of the 
schooners brought up from Black Rock, the Amelia, was condemned as worth- 
less and sunk in the harb<)r. The Porcupine and Tigress, which had been 
launched about the 15th of June, were now equipped, and, with the other 
boats, sailed to the vicinity of Cascade Run to defend the sloops of war, 
which still remained on the stocks, in case of an attack. The Lawrence was 
launched on or about the 25th of June, and the Niagara on the 4th of July. 

The essential business now was to man the vessels. Up to the 25th of 
June something like a 150 men and officers had arrived for service on the fleet 
of whom many were on the sick list. * To make the situation more perplex- 
ing, the 200 soldiers of Dearborn's command who had come from Black Rock, 
and whom Perry desired to retain as marines, were ordered to return, and act- 
ually did leave in small boats, with the exception of Capt. Brevoort, who had 
seen service upon the lake in command of the United States brig Adams. 
"While thus embarrassed, the Navy Department was constantly urging Perry to 
expedite matters in order that he might act with Gen. Harrison, who led the 
Western army in a combined move by land and water against the enemy. 
After many urgent appeals for men, the welcome tidings came, about the 
middle of July, that a draft had been forwarded. Mr. Dobbins, who pos- 
sessed the whole confidence of Perry, was again dispatched to Buffalo to bring 
them on. They reached Erie in boats collected in Buffalo Creek, on or about 
the 25th of July. About this date, Perry received word fi'om Gen. Harrison 
that the British would launch their new ship, the Detroit, in a few days. 
This added to his anxiety, as the Detroit would be more than equal to any sin- 
gle vessel of his fleet, and he redoubled his energies in the hope of getting out 
and meeting the enemy before they could have her powerful aid. 

The Government made a grave mistake in not giving Perry an independent 
command, instead of obliging him to act under the instructions of Commodore 
Chauncey, who was hundreds of miles away, and in not investing him with full 
power, and granting him ample means to prosecute his piuposes to the utmost 
of his skill and energy. Had this been done, the fleet would have been ready 
to sail two months before it did, the risk of fighting a superior vessel like the 
Detroit would have been avoided. Perry and Harrison could have co-operated at 
an earlier date, the British would have been compelled to abandon the frontier, 
and the war in the W^est would have ended long before it did, at a great savmg 
of life and money. It is not generally known that at one period Perry's pa- 
thetic calls for re enforcements drew from Commodore Chauncey a sarcastic 
letter, which led the former to ask to be " detached from the command on Lake 
Erie," for the reason that it was unpleasant to serve under a superior who had 
so little regard for his feelings. This brought back an appeal to his pati'iot- 

* There were three hospitals — in the court house, on the point of Misery Bay and near the site of Wayne's 
block-house. 



302 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ism from the department, and the matter was eventually arranged so that 
kindly relations were restored between Chauncey and Perry. 

MENACES OF THE ENEMY. 

It must not be supposed that the construction and equipment of Perry's 
fleet was allowed to progress in Erie Harbor without an endeavor to check them 
by ihi) enemy. The latter anchored in the roadstead several times, and would 
have entered the bay but for the shallow water on the bar, thus confirming 
Capt. Dobbins' argument to Lieut. Elliott. Sometimes the Queen Charlotte, 
the British flagship, would appear alone, and at others the whole squadron. 
On the 15th of May, the wildest alarm was created by a false report that 600 or 
700 British and Indians had landed on the peninsula under cover of a thick 
fog, and got off again without being seen by the American forces. July 19, 
six of the enemy's vessels were in sight outside the harbor, where they lay be- 
calmed for two days. Perry went with three gunboats to attack them, and a 
few shots were exchanged at a mile's distance. A breeze springing up, the 
enemy sailed away, evidently desiring to avoid a tight. All this time the 
meager land force at Erie was kept busy parading the bank of the lake, to give 
the impression to the enemy of a much larger army than was really the case. 
Perry does not seem to have had an apprehension at any time of danger from 
the British while his fleet lay in the harbor. He knew that the enemy's vessels 
could not cross the bar with their heavy armament, and he informed the de- 
partment that even if a force should land and capture the village, he could 
easily defend the fleet from its anchorage in the bay. 

The troubles experienced by Perry were shared, to some extent, by the offi. 
cers of the land forces. The State Archives contain a letter sent by Gov- 
Snyder to Col. John Phillips, paymaster of Col. Hill's regiment, in which he 
regrets that no provision had been made for paying the Pennsylvania militia 
then in service at Erie, and that it could not be remedied by any constituted 
State authority. On the 2d of August, the Governor's Secretary wrote that 
some men in Mead's division had at first refused to obey orders, but subse- 
quently marched to the defense of Erie. The diliiculty about the pay of the 
troops seems to have been at least partially arranged, for, on the 16th of Au- 
gust, we find that Wilson Smith was appointed paymaster of the militia called 
into service by Gen. Mead for the defense of Erie, before the arrival of Col. 
Hill's command, and that a warrant for $2,500 had been forwarded to him. 
This gentleman had previously been Quartermaster General of the State. On 
the 27th of August, Brigade Inspector Clark reported that upward of sixteen 
hundred men had rendezvoused at Erie in pursuance of the more recent orders 
of Gen. Mead. So little has been preserved in regard to the land operations 
of the day, that any account of them must necessarily be brief and disconnected. 

GETTING OVER THE BAR. 

Meanwhile Perry had received one hundred landsmen from the militia, and 
enlisted some forty marines, making a total force of about three hundred. On 
Sunday, the 1st of August, the vessels were moved to the mouth of the bay, 
then free from piers, and preparations were made for getting them over the 
bar and for defending them in case of an attack while the operation was in 
progress Gen. Mead and stafi* visited Perry in the afternoon of the same day, 
and the latter took occasion to thank the commander of the land forces for the 
valuable assistance he had rendered him. The guns, ballast and other heavy 
material Avere removed from the Lawrence to the sand beach, being so adjusted 
as to be readily replaced, and the ship was lifted over the bar by the aid of 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 303 

" camels" invented by Mr. Brown. One "camel " was floated on each side of 
the Lawrence and sunk to the level of the port holes. Timbers were thrust 
through, on which the vessel rested, the plugs were re-inserted in the bottoms 
of the '' camels," and the water was pumped out of them, raising the Lawrence 
as it was discharged. This proceeding was considerably delayed by an un- 
favorable wind, and it was not until the morning of the 4th, after two nights 
and days of wearisome labor, that the Lawrence was floated to her anchorao-e 
in the roadstead. The Niagara was lifted over by the same process a few days 
after, the smaller vessels crossing without serious trouble. 

Before the work of moving the Niagara over the bar was completed, the 
enemy appeared early one morning, and hove to about eight miles out for the 
purpose of reconnoitering. Fearing they might attack him while in this posi- 
tion, Perry made hasty arrangements for defense, purposing, if necessary, to 
run the Lawrence ashore under the guns of the redoubts on the light-house 
grounds and Garrison Hill. For some reason, after looking over the°situation 
for an hour or so, the British bore up and stood across the lake. The efforts 
to get the Niagara across the bar were redoubled, and the Ariel and Scorpion 
were sent to follow the course of the enemy, her commander reportino- on his 
return that they had gone to Long Point. From there, after landing a cou- 
rier to notify the commander of the British land forces of what had been dis- 
covered, they bore up the lake for Detroit River. The Niagara was got afloat 
in the open lake the day after the enemy left. It is a part of the tradition of 
the time that when the British squadron was at Port Dover, a complimentary 
dinner was given to her officers, at which Commodore Barclay, in response to 
a toast, said: "I expect to find the Yankee brigs hard and fast aground on the 
bar at Erie, in which predicament it will be but a short job to destroy them." 
The enemy were at this time endeavoring to concentrate an army at Port 
Dover, to act in conjunction with the fleet in a move upon Erie, but failed be- 
cause the troops could not be got up in season, 

THE FIRST CRUISE. 

Smarting under the frequent complaints of delay from official quarters, 
Perry resolved to make a cruise rather than wait for re- enforcements, in the 
hope that he might encounter the foe before the Detroit could be made ready 
for service. He set sail at 4 o'clock on the morning of the 6th of August, 
with all the vessels of the fleet except the Ohio and Trippe, which were left 
behind for want of crews. A cruise was made to Long Point and the main- 
land near by, and nothing being seen of the British, the fleet returned to 
Erie on the 6th. On the 9th, to the joy of all, the little band of volunteers 
was joined by Lieut. Elliott * with soine officers and ninety men, most of 
whom were experienced sailors. The squadron, though still lacking a ,prop(}r 
equipment, was now thought to be ready for active service, aud, on the morn- 
ing of the 12th of August sailed up the lake in search of the enemy. A din- 
ner was given to Perry, just before his departure, by the citizens of Erie, at 
which he expressed a desire to return a victor or in his shroud. The fleet 
consisted of nine vessels, officered and armed as follows: Flagship Lawrence, 
Master, Commander Perry, eighteen 32 pounder carronades and two long 12- 

* Jesse n. Elliott was born in Maryland iu 1785. He entered the United States Navy as a Midshipman in 
1806, and was promoted to a Lieutenancy iu 1810. On the 7th of October, 1812, he won great honor by leading 
an expedition which captured the British vessels Adams and Caledonia from under the guns of Fort Erie. For 
this he was awarded a sword, and the thanks of Congress. July 13, 181o, he was appointed to be a master com- 
mandant over the heads of thirty other lieutenants. In 1814, he was transferred to Lake Ontario. He did 
good service in the Mediterranean in 1815. In 1818, he was promoted to be a Captain, and subsequently had 
command of squadrons on several stations. He was tried for misconduct in 1840, and sentenced to four years' 
suspension from the navy. President Jackson, in 184.!, remitted the balance of his sentence Ue died on the 
18th of December, 1845. 



304 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

pounders; Niagara, Master, Commander Elliott, the same armament; Caledo- 
nia, Purser Magrath, three long 12-pounders; Ariel, Lieut. John Packett,* 
four long ]2-pounders; Trippe, Lieut. Smith, one long 32pounder; Tigress, 
Lieut. Conklin, one long 82-pounder; Somers, Sailing Master Almy, one long 
24 and one long 12-pounder; Scorp)on,f Sailing Master Champlin, same 
armament; Ohio, Sailing Master Dobbins, one long 24-pounder; and Porcu- 
pine, Midshipman Senat, one long 32-pounder. In explanation of the change 
of Perry's and Elliott's titles, it should be stated that commissions had been 
received shortly before their departure granting both of them promotions. 
Most of the olficers were young men — the average ages of the commissioned 
ones being less than twenty- three, and of the warrant officers less than twenty 
years. With very few exceptions, they had no acquaintance with the naviga- 
tion of the lakes. 

CHALLENGING TO FIGHT. 

On the 17th, the squadron anchored off Sandusky, where Perry notified 
Gen. Harrison of their presence, and was invited on board the Lawrence the 
next day by that officer, attended by his staff and accompanied by some twenty 
Indian chiefs, who wei'e taken on board that they might report the wonders they 
had seen and be deterred from joining the enemy. The astonishment and 
alarm of the red men when the salute was tired in honor of Gen. Harrison is 
said to have been indescribably comical. 

Eight days later the fleet sailed to the head of the lake and discovered the 
British at anchor in the mouth of Detroit River; but failing to draw them out, 
returned to Pu'c-in -Bay. On the 31st a re- enforcement of fifty volunteers was 
received, making a total muster roll of 470. Most of the new men were Kon- 
tuckians who had experience as watermen on the western and southern rivers, 
and they proved to be a valuable acquisition. About this juncture, however, 
there was much biliousness and dysentery m the squadron, principally among 
those from the seaboard, caused by the change from salt to fresh water. Among 
the number who were taken down was Perry himself, who was unable to per- 
form active service for a week. As soon as he could take the deck again, he 
sailed for the second time to the mouth of the river, where it was learned that 
the new British ship was ready for duty. Failing to draw the enemy from his 
anchorage, Perry returned to Sandusky and renewed his communication with 
Gen. Harrison. Here the command of the Trippe was transferred to Lieut. 
Holdup X and that of the Caledonia to Lieut. Turner, while Mr. Dobbins was 
ordered to Erie with the Ohio " for the purpose of taking on board provisions 
and other articles." The latter hastened back to find that the pork and beef 
left on board the fleet had become putrid on account of the carelessness of the 
contractors, and was immediately ordered to Erie again for a fresh stock. The 
battle took place while the Ohio was at anchor in the harbor of Erie, much to 
the regret of Mr. Dobbins and his gallant crew, who had to submit to some un- 
just criticism for what was no fault of their own. They distinctly heard the 
tiring on the 10th of September. 

*Lieut. Packett resided at Erie after the battle, and died there. 

tStephen Champlin returned to Erie, in 1845, as Commander of the United States steamer Michigan. He 
remained in that position about four and one-half years, when he was placed on the reserve list with full pay. 
He lived at Buffalo, afterward, and was the last survivor of the commanders in the battle. 

JLieut. Holdup was the father of the distinguished Com. Thomas H. Stevens. He served in the navy many 
years afterward, and was promoted to post Captain: He died suddenly, in 1836, while in command of the Wash- 
ington Navy Yard. He was an orplian and became a protege of Gen. Stevens, of Charleston, S.C., who obtained 
a midshipman's warrant for him in 1809 In 1815, by an act of the Legislature of South Carolina, he assumed the 
name of his benefactor, and was ever after known as Thomas Holdup Stevens. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 305 

PREPARING FOR BATTLE. 

Ou the 6th of September, the entire American fleet, with the exception of 
the Ohio, was anchored in Put- in-Bay. Believing that the crisis was near at 
hand, Perry, on the evening of the 7 th, summoned his officers on board the 
Lawrence, announced his plan of battle, produced his lighting flag — 
containing the words, " Don't give up the ship "—arranged a code of 
signals, and issued his final instructions. On the 10th, at the rising of 
the sun, the lookout shouted the thrilling words, " Sail, ho!" and the men of 
the squadron, who were almost instantly astir, soon saw the British vessels, 
six in number, rise above the horizon. Still feeble from sickness as he was, 
Perry gave the signal immediately to get under way, adding that he was "de- 
termined to fight the enemy that day." Approaching the British vessels near 
enough to arrange his line, he brought forth his battle flag, and, mounting a 
gun-slide, said to his men as he pointed to the inscription: "Those were the 
last words of the gallant Lawrence, after whom this vessel was named." Then, 
pausing a moment, he exclaimed, "Shall I hoist it?" The response was a 
unanimous "Aye, aye, sir;" and as the folds were spread to the breeze six 
hearty cheers were given by the crew, which were taken up on board the other 
vessels until one continuous cheer was heard along the line.* Grog and lunch 
were then served, the decks were sprinkled with sand, and preparations were 
made for taking care of the dead and wounded. Perry visited every part of 
the Lawrence, inspecting the guns and cheering the men by pleasant words. 
The lake was quite smooth and it was an hour and a half from the time the 
line of battle was formed until the first shot was fired. This period of terri- 
ble suspense was spent in friendly interchange among the officers and men, in 
farewell handshakes and the promise of kindly acts in case of death. At a 
quarter before 12 o'clock, when the Detroit and Lawrence were still more 
than a mile apart, the sound of a bugle was heard on the British flagship, 
followed by cheers along their line, the band struck up "Rule Britannia," 
and, in a moment after the music ceased, a shot was thrown at the Lawrence 
which fell short. In a few minutes a second shot was fired from the Detroit, 
which struck the Lawrence, seeing which Perry's vessel became the target for 
all the long guns of the enemy. The first gun on the American side, by order 
of Perry, was fii-ed from. the Scorpion and the second from the Ariel. f 

BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE VICTORY. 

The purpose of this sketch being to deal with the subject mainly in its 
local bearings, no attempt will be made to give a minute account of the action, 
which has been graphically described by several of the most eminent writers 
of the country, and in an especially eloquent manner by J. Fennimore Cooper, 
the novelist. It is enough to say that, through some cause, the real nature of 
which has been hotly discussed, the Niagara did not engage the enemy at close 
quarters, and the battle, for a time, was maintained "by the Lawrence, Cale- 
donia, Scorpion and Ariel, against the whole British squadron, assisted only 
by the long twelves of the Niagara, and the distant, rambling shots from the 
headmost gunboats." The Lawrence for two hours sustained the fire of the 
two heaviest British vessels, as well as some stray shots from the others, "un- 

*In Henry T. Tuckerman's poem, "The Hero of Lake Erie," he refers to this flag as follows: 
"Behold the chieftan's glad prophetic smile, 
As a new banner he unrolls the while; 
Hear the gay shout ol his elated crew. 
When the dear watchword hovers to their view. 
And Lawrence, silent in the arms of death. 
Bequeaths defiance with his latest breath." 
fThe battle took place about ten miles in a northwardly direction from Put-in-Bay. The action began on 
the part of the Americans at five minutes before 12 o'clock. 



306 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

til every gun was dismounted, two-thirds of her crew killed or wounded, and 
the ship so badly cut up aloft as to be unmanageable." In this critical situa- 
tion, Ferry took his fighting flag under his arm and passed in a row boat, ac- 
companied by his brother and four men, to the Niagara, which was making an 
effort to gain the head of the enemy's line. The British felt sure that the day 
was their 's and sent up a cheer. On boarding the Niagara, Perry, who had 
stood erect in the boat the whole way, was met cordially by Elliott, who offered 
and was ordered to bring the gunboats into close action, while the former as- 
sumed command of the vessel. The gunboats being well up, and the Caledo- 
nia in good position, the signal to break through the British line was shown 
from the Niagara at 2 :45 in the afternoon. The fire of the Niagara was re- 
served until she got abreast of the Detroit, when she poured her starboard at 
pistol shot into that vessel and the Queen Charlotte, while with the port broad- 
side she sent a storm of ball into the Lady Provost and Chippewa. The 
Caledonia and the gunboats followed close behind, dealing death on both 
sides, and, the Detroit having fouled with the Queen Charlotte, neither vessel 
was able to reply. After passing through the Bri tish line, the Niagara rounded 
to under their lee, and sent one broadside after another into the entangled ves- 
sels, causing such fearful damage that in fifteen minutes from the time 
she bore up a white handkerchief was waved from the Queen Charlotte as a 
symbol of submission, shortly succeeded by one from the Detroit. The tiring 
ceased almost instantly, after a struggle of almost three hours' duration. Two 
of the smaller British vessels undertook to escape, but were brought back by 
the Scorpion and Trippe. When the smoke of battle cleared away, the two 
squadrons were found to be intermingled, with the exception of the shattered 
Lawrence, which was drifting with the wind some distance to the eastward. 
As the shout of victory went up, her flag, which had been struck after Perry 
left, was again hoisted to the masthead by the remaining few of her ci'ew who 
were able to witness the triumph of their comrades. Perry sat down as soon 
as the tiring had ceased and wrote on the back of an old letter this modest 
and memorable epistle to Gen. Harrison: 

United States Steamship Niagara, September 10, 4 P. M. 
Dear General: We have met the enemy and they are ours; two ships, two brigs, 
one schooner, and one sloop. Yom-s with great re.spect and esteem, 

O. H. Perry. 

To the Secretary of the navy he messaged: " It has pleased the Almighty 
to give to the United States a signal victory on this lake," detailing the num- 
ber of captured vessels. These brief dispatches were forwarded by schooner 
to Gen. Harrison, then at the mouth of Portage River, distant some twelve 
miles. 

Taking all the circumstances into consideration, the victory of Perry was 
one of the proudest in naval annals. The Americans had the most vessels, 
but the British had the superiority in guns, their number being sixty-three to 
our fifty- four. The men engaged were about equal in number, but the British 
marines were veterans while ours were chiefly raw volunteers. The difference 
in favor of the British was still more striking when we compare the experience 
of the officers, their commander having served with Nelson at Trafalgar, and 
most of his subordinates having been trained to warlike duties, while Perry 
had never seen an engagement and his associates, except two or three, knew 
very little of real service. When to the above it is added that quite one-fifth 
of the Americans were on the sick list — the roll of the Lawrence showing 
thirty-one and of the Niagara twenty-eight unfit for action on the morning of 
the battle — while the British were generally in good health, the triumph of the 
Americans is still more surprising. 




^'p^tA (:;^l^x>7^^, 





HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 309 

AFTER THE BATTLE. 

About 4 P, M., Perry returned to the Lawrence in order that the remnant 
of her crew might witness the formal surrender. He was met at the gangway 
by those who were able to be about, but there were no cheers, no outbursts of 
delight — "not a word could find utterance." The young commander cow 
threw off the round jacket he had worn during the fight and resumed his un- 
dress uniform in order to meet the officers of the captured vessels, who came 
on board and presented their swords, but were allowed to retain their side 
arms. When Lieut. O'Keefe handed him the sword of Capt. Barclay, the 
British commander, who was too severely wounded to appear in person. Perry 
inquired kindly about him and the rest of the enemy's wounded, tendering in 
a manly spirit every assistance within his reach. During the evening, he 
visited Capt. Barclay on board the Detroit, and re iterated his sympathy. Re- 
ferring to his own escape, he said to Purser Hamilton, " The prayers of my 
wife have prevailed in saving me." 

The captured squadron consisted of the Detroit, Qu.een Charlotte, Lady 
Provost, Chippewa, Hunter and Little Belt, the tirst two being badly cut up 
in their hulls, the third having her rudder shot away, and the others being but 
slightly damaged. The killed were forty-one and the wounded ninety-four, 
being more than one in four of the men engaged. Among the killed were 
Capt. Finnis and Lieut. Gordon, of the Queen Charlotte, and among the se- 
verely wounded, besides Capt. Barclay, were First Lieut. Garland and Purser 
Hoffmeister on the Detroit. A number of Indians were on board the Detroit 
as sharp-shooters, and upon inquiry being made for "them by an American 
officer, a search was started and they were found in hiding below. Being 
brought on deck, they were asked how they liked the sport, and one replied: 
" No more come with one armed Captain (Barclay) in big canoe — shoot big 
gun too much. American much big tight.'' 

The casualties on the American side were as follows: Lawrence, killed, 21; 
wounded, 61; Niagara, killed, 2; wounded, 25; Caledonia, wounded, 8; Somers, 
wounded, 2; Ariel, killed, 1, wounded, 3; Trippe, wounded, 2; Scorpion, killed, 
1, wounded, 1 — a total of 27 killed and 9(5 wounded. On board the Porcupine 
and Tigress not a soul was injured. The most prominent Americans killed 
were: Lieat. Brooks, commanding the marines of the Lawrence; and of the 
wounded, First Lieut. Yarnall, Second Lieut. Forest, Sailing Master Taylor 
and Purser Hamilton on the Lawrence, and First Lieut. Edward and Acting 
Master Webster of the Niagara. After the battle. Perry inquired with some 
anxiety about his little brother Alexander. He was found sound asleep in his 
berth, exhausted with the fatigues and excitement of the day. 

At nightfall, the dead marines and seamen of Perry's squadron were lashed 
up in their hammocks, with a thirty-two pound shot attached in each case to 
anchor them, and consigned to the bottom of the lake, all the surviving officers 
and men who were able to be on deck acting as witnesses to the burial, which 
was conducted by the chaplain according to the impressive form of the Episco- 
pal Church. On the larger British vessels, the killed in action had been 
thrown overboard as soon as life was extinct, but those on the smaller ones 
were deposited in the water in the same manner as the Americans. The Law- 
rence being a complete wreck, Perry adopted the Ariel as his flagship, and on 
the morning of the 11th the two squadrons sailed for Put-in-Bay, where they 
arrived about noon, and anchored. On the morning of the 12th, the dead 
officers of both crews were interred on shore, the funeral procession marching 
in twos, alternately British and American, to the music of the bands of both 
squadrons. The Ohio, Dobbins' vessel, reached Put-in-Bay on the 13th, with 



310 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

a welcome supply of provisions, and soon after a boat each from Cleveland and 
Sandusky came with fresh meat and vegetables, which added much to the com- 
fort of the wounded. Those of the prisoners who were able to travel were 
turned over to Gen. Harrison, who forwarded them to Chillicothe, Ohio, while 
the badly wounded were put on board the Lawrence, which had been sufB- 
ciently repaired for the purpose, and brought to Erie, reaching here on the 
23d, thirteen days after the battle. The citizens of Erie vied with each other 
in showing them every attention, no discrimination being made between friend 
and foe. The court house was used as a hospital, Dr. Usher Parsons, Surgeon 
of the Lawrence, and Dr. JohQ C. Wallace being the physicians in charge. A 
few who coiald not be suitably cared for were sent to Waterford, then almost 
as large a place as Erie. Only three of the wounded died after the action. 

VICTORIES ON LAND. 

The Americans being now in absolute control of the lake, Perry and Harri- 
son commenced instant preparations to retrieve the disasters to our cause on 
the frontier. Harrison's army, which had received large accessions of volun- 
teers, was mainly transported on the serviceable vessels of the two fleets to the 
Canadian shore near the head of the lake. The British abandoned Maiden, 
retreating up the Detroit River, followed by our army and squadron. At Sand- 
wich, finding he could be of no direct service on the water, Perry volunteered 
as an Aide to Harrison. The battle of the Thames, the defeat of Proctor and 
the death of Tecumseh followed, wiping out all armed resistance in that 
quarter and leaving the .western part of Canada in the quiet possession of the 
Americans. The Indian allies o! the British were humbled, and unbroken 
peace prevailed in all the country west of Pennsylvania. Some of the vessels 
of the squadron were used to transport such portions of the army as had not 
been disbanded, to the Niagara frontier, while others remained in charge of 
Gen. Cass, Governor of Michigan, to be used in carrying supplies for the 
western posts. 

perry's return to ERIE. 

At Detroit, Perry received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy promot- 
ing him to the rank of Post Captain, dating from the 10th of September, 
gi-anting him leave of absence to visit his family, and assigning him to com- 
mand at Newport until a suitable ship should be provided for him. Taking 
Harrison and his staff, who had been ordered to Fort George, on board the 
Ariel, he sailed for Erie, where the Niagara was ordered to meet him. At 
Put- in-Bay, he stopped to meet Barclay, whom he found much improved, and 
to whom he communicated the good news that he had secured a parole for him 
to go home to England. The British commander and his attending Surgeon 
were invited to join the party, and willingly accepted. The Ariel, with her 
distinguished passengers, arrived at Erie on the morning of the 22d of October, 
where Perry was destined to be disappointed in his expressed hope that he 
might be able to land without any demonstration. As the vessel appeared off 
the point of the peninsula, two field pieces greeted her with a national salute. 
A large delegation of citizens met Perry at the foot of French street, escorted 
him and his party to Duncan's Hotel at the corner of Third and French streets, 
and almost smothered him with congratulations. In the evening, the town 
was illuminated and a torch -light procession paraded the streets. Ever 
thoughtful and magnanimous. Perry had requested that no noise or display 
should be made near the hotel to annoy the wounded Commodore, a desire 
that was courteously complied with.* The Niagara arrived at Erie the 

*The Norwich (Conn.) Courier of March 4, 1814, states that "a public dinner and ball were given to Capt. 
Barclay at Terrebonne, Canada, on the 20th of February. Among the voluntary toasts, this gallant but un- 
fortunate officer gave the following : ' Commodore Perry, the gallant and generous enemy.' " 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 311 

afternoon of the same day as the Ariel. The forenoon of the 23d Perry em- 
ployed in a visit to the Lawrence, which lay at Anchor in Misery Bay, and in 
the afternoon he sailed for Buffalo, accompanied by Harrison and Barclay. 
Reaching that place on the 24th, he turned over the command on the Upper 
Lakes to Elliott, and journeyed eastward by land " amid a blaze of rejoicing" 
to his Rhode Island home. 

The battle of Lake Erie raised Perry from obscurity to world-wide renown. 
Congress passed a vote of thanks to him and his oflScers and men, and be- 
stowed gold medals upon both Perry and Elliott. President Madison, in his 
message some time after, referred 'to the victory as one "never surpassed in 
luster." The thanks of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania were voted to 
Periy and Elliott, gold medals were ordered for both, and silver medals for 
those citizens of the State who served on board the squadron. In addition to 
these honors, the General Government granted silver medals and swords to 
the other living officers, a medal and sword to the nearest male relative of each 
of the dead commissioned officers, and three months' pay to all the petty offi- 
cers, seamen, marines and infantry w^ho fought on board the fleet. The British 
vessels were prized at $255,000, of which $12,750 went to Commodore Chaun- 
cey, $7,140 apiece to both Perry and Elliott, $2,295 to each Commander of a 
gunboat, Lieutenant, Sailing Master, and Captain of Marines, $811 to each 
midshipman, $447 to each petty officer, and $209 to each marine and sailor. 
Congress made a special grant of $5,000 to Perry to make up for a defect in 
the law which excluded him from a portion of the prize money for his special 
command, making a total of $12,000, which was quite a fortune for those days. 

Perry never returned to the scenes of his youthful trials and triumphs. 
After a suitable period of rest, " he was placed in command of the Java, a 
first-class frigate, and sailed to the Mediterranean. Returning, he was sent 
with a small squadron to the West Indies. While there, he was attacked by 
yellow fever, and died on the anniversary of his birthday (August 23), at the 
early age of thirty-four. His remains were buried at Port Spain, Trinidad, 
where they rested until 1820, when they were moved in a sloop-of-war to 
Newport, R, I., and re-interred with great cei-emony. The State of Rhode 
Island erected a granite iTionument to his memory." 

THE WINTER OF 1813-14. 

The season being well advanced, Elliott ordered the vessels into winter 
quarters— the Ariel and Chippewa going to Buffalo, where they were driven 
ashore and went to pieces; the Trippe and Little Belt to Black Rock, where 
they were burned by the British when they crossed over to Buffalo, and the 
balance of the squadron to Erie. Those in our harbor were moored in Mis- 
ery Bay, where preparations were made for their defense, a rumor being cur- 
rent that the British, in revenge for their defeats, were planning an expedition 
to cross the ice and destroy the shipping and village. Among the fortifications 
provided at this time were two block-houses — one on Garrison Hill, and the 
other on the tongue of land between Misery Bay and the bay proper. The 
first of these was burned in 1832, and the second in October, 1853, the fires in 
both cases being charged to incendiaries. 

To return to the la^d forces: We find in the State Archives, under date of 
September 20, 3813, mention made by the Governor's Secretary of the men 
who had been called out by Col. Wallace, stating that the call was not author^ 
ized by law, and the expenses incurred could only be paid by special act of the 
Legislature. This has reference, probably, to the militia who came for the 
protection of the fleet just before it sailed up the lake. On the 30th of Decern- 



312 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ber, word reached Erie that an army of British and Indians had landed at 
Black Rock, forced our army to retreat, burned the villages of Black Rock and 
Buffalo, captured and destroyed the Government vessels, and, flushed with 
triumph were advancing up the lake for the purpose of capturing Erie. The 
most terrifying rumors were put in circulation, and the excitement ran so high 
that many citizens removed their families and effects to the interior. The 
troops at Erie only numbered 2,000 men, while the hostile force was reported 
at 3,000. The first brigade of Gen. Mead's command was ordered into serv- 
ice, and came together hurriedly, increasing the defensive force to about 
4,000. Happily, the alarm proved to be false, but one delusive report came 
after another so fast that a considerable body of troops was kept at Erie dur- 
ing most of the wintei*. Many of these men were substitutes, and all were 
poorly furnished with arms and equipments. The principal camp was just 
north of the First Presbyterian Church, where the ground was covered with 
low log barracks, most of which burned down soon after they were abandoned. 
The records show that the Erie County militia were ordered out on the 3d of 
January, 1814, and discharged on the ensuing 7th of February- On the 10th 
of January, the Governor notified the Secretary of War that a portion of 
Mead's command had been ordered out, and suggested that as they had ren- 
dered almost unremitting service during the past eighteen months, it would be 
nothing more than just to relieve them by " militia drawn from sections that 
had hitherto been excused by reason of their remoteness from the seat of war. " 
A letter was received by the Governor on the 18th of January from Gen. Mead, 
reciting that when Perry was ready to sail he was deficient in men; that he 
requested him to induce some of his troops to volunteer for service on the 
vessels, which one hundred did. and that he promised they should receive pay 
as militiamen upon their return. To fulfill his pledge, the General borrowed 
$500, which he asked to have refunded. On the 18th of January, 1,000 militia 
from Cumberland and adjoining counties were ordered to rendezvous at Erie 
by the 8th of March, N. B. Boileau being appointed their Colonel command- 
ant. February 1, Gen. Mead was directed to retain his detachment in 
service until the arrival of the above troops. A letter from the Governor's 
Secretary, of the date of February 17, refers to Gen. Mead's complaints 
that the troops of his command had not been paid on the 3d of March. Gov. 
Snyder wrote to Gen. Mead in reference to a requisition upon him by Maj, 
Martin, of the regular array, for 2,000 men to defend Erie and the fleet, ar- 
guing that it was unnecessary, and refusing to give his assent. 

A FATAL DUEL. 

The winter was one of intense excitement in consequence of the frequent 
false alarms and the presence of so large a number of idle men. The prize 
money distributed among the fleet led to much dissipation. The main topic of 
discussion, when matters were sufficiently quiet to allow of controver.sy, re- 
lated to the respective merits of Perry and Elliott, many freely charging the 
latter with poltroonery during the battle of September 10, while others, and 
especially the officers and crew of the Niagara, defended him as a brave man, 
who had been the victim of adverse circumstances. 

A duel growing out of one of these disputes took place near the cor- 
ner of Third and Sassafras streets, between Midshipman Senat, who command- 
ed the Porcupin« during the fight, and Acting Master McDonald, resultino- in 
the death of the former. Of this encounter, Capt. N. W. Russell wrote as fol- 
lows to the Erie Dispatch: 

" William Hoskinson, then a good sized boy, witnessed it. It occurred on 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 313 

or near the situation of a dwelling belonging to Gideon J. Ball, in which he 
formerly lived, corner of Third and Sassafras streets. Encircled by trees, 
without human habitation in the immediate vicinity, it was a fitting spot for 
such a meeting and such a scene. The principals were navy officers, named 
Senat and McDonald, who had quarreled while engaged in card-playing, and 
who agreed to settle the difficulty in the manner indicated. Pistols wore the 
chosen weapons, and Lieutenant Montgomery and Dr. John C. Wallace the 
seconds, the former representing Senat, and the latter McDonald. Quietly 
conducted, only a small number of invited friends assembled on the occasion, 
William Hoskinson having accidentally seen the gathering and gone to the 
place under the influence of a spirit of juvenile curiosity. Senat fell mortal- 
ly wounded by the first fire. McDonald at once fled, thereby escaping arrest 
and punishment. It was said of him that he had fought several duels, with a 
result each time similar to that realized in this case. Senat' s engagement to 
an Erie lady added to the interest and painfulness of the tragedy." 

The following correspondence passed between Elliott and Perry in conse- 
quence of the damaging reports against the former officer: 

United States Bkig Niagara, Put in Bay, September 17, 1813. 

Sir— I am informed a report has been circulated by some malicious person, prejudicial 
to my vessel when engaged with the enemy's fleet. I will thank you if you will with 
candor state to me the conduct of myself, ofhcers and crew. 

Kespectfullv your obedient servant, 

Capt. Perry. ' Jesse D. Elliott. 

United States Schooner Ariel, Put in Bay, September 18, 1813. 

My Dear Sir— I received your note last evening after I had turned in, or I should have 
answered it immediately. I am indignant that any report should be circulated as preju- 
dicial to your character as respects the action of the lUth. It affords me great pleasure to 
assure you that the conduct of yourself, officers and crew was such as to meet my warm- 
est approbation; and I consider the circumstances of your volunteering and bringing the 
small vessels into close action, as contributing largely to the victory. I shall ever believe 
it a premeditated plan to destrov our commanding vessel. I have no doubt had not the 
Queen Charlotte have run from the Niagara, from the superior order I observed her in, you 
would have taken her in twenty minutes. 

With sentiments of esteem, I am. dear sir, your friend and obedient servant, 
Capt. Elliott. O. H. Perry. 

the campaign of 1814. 

As soon as the ice was out of the lake, Elliott sent Dobbins on a cruise 
between Erie and Long Point, to obtain information of the enemy's move- 
ments and intercept any supplies that might be going by water.* 

In April, the Lake Erie scpiadron was made a separate command, Elliott, at 
his own request, being ordered to Lake Ontario, and being succeeded by Capt. 
Arthur Sinclair. An expedition against Mackinaw was planned. The Law- 
rence and Niagara were rendered seaworthy, the Detroit and Queen Charlotte 
were brought from Pnt-in-Bay to Erie, and the squadron sailed for the upper 
lakes on the 25th of June, taking on 600 troops at Detroit and 500 at Fort 

*Below are extracts from the Norwich (Conu.) Courier, of June S, 15 and 22, 1814: 

[Junes.] ^, ,T o, 

^ Canandaigua, May 24. 

We are informed bv a Mr. Broushtou. who has just reached here from Erie, that the force which lately 
sailed from that place on a secret expedition, landed at Long Point, t'anada, where they set hre to the nouses, 
in what is called Long Point settlement, bv which about one hundred dwelling houses and all the other build- 
ings for a distance of eight miles into the interior were destroyed, besides a number of grist mills on 1 atter- 
Bon's Creek. 

[June 15.] 

Of the attack on Long Point no official account has been published. The Pittsburgh Mercury a ministe- 
rial paper, states that our troops paid no respect to either public or private property, but burnt and plundered 
all they came across, and then returned to Erie in safetv. The Mercury speaks ot these e.vcesses in terms of 
the highest indignation, and we hope none of our frontier towns may be laid in ruins on account of them. 

[June 22 ] 
An article from Erie mentions that the British and Indians are numerous about Long Point, and that they 
had set fire to all the houses that were standing in the neighborhood when our troops left, as it appears they 
belonged to persons friendly to the United States. 



314 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Gratiot. Reaching Mackinaw, and finding it well defended by the British, a 
force was landed on the east side of the island. Their attack was repulsed, one 
general officer on the American side being killed, and the expedition x-eturned 
to Erie with the exception of the Scorpion and Tigress. These vessels 
were surprised and captured at the lower end of Lake Huron, by a body of 
British and Indians, who boarded them in boats at night. Sinclair left the 
Lawrence, which was in bad condition, at Erie, and with the balance of the 
squadron conveyed a portion of the troops to Buffalo. Remaining there a few 
days, he suddenly came back to Erie, leaving the Somers and Ohio, from which 
Dobbins had been detached, at the lower end of the lake. Shortly afterward, 
these vessels, while lying at anchor at Fort Erie, were boarded at night, and 
captured by a British party, making six that were destroyed by the enemy 
after the battle. 

Here close the features of the war that are of special interest to the people 
of Erie County. The militia seem to have been dismissed in the spring, 
though there must have been an attempt to keep them ready for service, as we 
learn that two or three hundred men attended a battalion drill, May 18, at 
Martin Strong's. The fears for the safety of Erie do not appear to have sub- 
sided, for reference is made to the subject in a letter from the Governor, of 
Augusfj 3, to Com. Kennedy, who succeeded Sinclair in command of the 
squadron. There is nothing to show that the fleet rendered any service of 
consequence afterward. A treaty of peace was concluded at Ghent on the 24th 
of December, 1814, ratified by the Senate on the 17th of February succeeding, 
and joyfully welcomed by the people of both nations. 

INCIDENTS OF THE WAK. 

There were few able-bodied male residents of the county who were not 
obliged to serve in the militia at some time during the war. The alarms were 
sent over the country by runners, who went from house to house stirring up the 
inhabitants. It happened more than once that whole townships were nearly 
depopulated by their male citizens. One Sunday the news that Erie was in 
danger of attack reached Mercer while Rev. Mr. Tait was pi-eaching in the 
court house. The sermon was stopped, the thrilling tidings announced from 
the pulpit, the congregation dismissed, and preparations begun for marching 
to the lake. Many jokes were perpetrated at the expense of the timid. On a 
certain night while the fleet was building, some wags removed the swivel be- 
longing to Gen. Kelso to the foot of French street, loaded it with powder, 
affixed a trail to the touch -hole, and set it off when they had got away to a safe 
distance. The explosion aroused every person in the town, the word was 
quickly passed that the dreaded foe had come at last, the women, children and 
valuables were sent into the back country, and for awhile there was the wildest 
state of agitation. On another occasion, three bombs were fired off as a joke 
near the same place, with almost similar results. At a later period, a party re- 
tui-ned from the peninsula, reporting that they had seen thi'ee British spies. 
A detachment of militia was sent to reconnoiter and found three red oxen 
browsing away in utter innocence of the trouble they had provoked. 

DISPOSAL OF THE VESSELS. 

The naval station* at Erie was kept up until 1825, passing successively 

* The navy yard is thus described by Capt. Russell, iu the commuuicatiou before referred to : " The location 
of the new gas works was occupied for the purpose. Surrounding it were pickets about fifteen feet high. In a 
neighboring ravine were two fish ponds, somewhat elevated, water pouring over one next to the bay, forming a 
beautiful landscape. Shaded by forest trees, it was quite an attractive summer resort. On the bank above, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 315 

under the command of Capt. Daniel S. Dexter, Lieut. George Pierce, Capt. 
David Deacon and Capt. George Budd. In 1815, orders were issued to dis- 
pose of the vessels to the best advantage. The Lawrence, Detroit and Queen 
Charlotte were sunk for preservation in Misery Bay; the Caledonia and Lady 
Prevost were sold and converted into merchant vessels; the Porcupine was 
transferred to the revenue service, and the Niagara was kept afloat as a receiv- 
ing ship for some years, when she was beached on the northeast side of Misery 
Bay. At the auction of Government property, upon the breaking up of the 
naval station in 1825, the Lawrence, Detroit, Niagara and Queen Charlotte 
were purchased by a Mr. Brown, of Rochester, who re- sold them in 1836 to 
Capt. George Miles and others. They raised some of the vessels, intending to 
lit them up for the merchant service. The Detroit and Queen Charlotte were 
found in tolerable condition, but the Lawrence, being so badly riddled that she 
was not worth repairing, was again allowed to sink in the waters of the bay. 
After some years of duty, the Detroit was dismantled and sent adrift to go 
over Niagara Falls as a spectacle, certainly an inglorious end for such a famous 
ship. Capt. Miles transferred his interest in the Lawrence and Niagara to 
Leander Dobbins in 1857, who in turn disposed of the Lawrence in 1875 to 
John Dunlap and Thomas J. Viers. In the spring of 1876, the latter had her 
raised, cut in two and transported on cars to Philadelphia for exhibition at the 
Centennial, anticipating a small fortune by the enterprise. The people, how- 
ever, would not believe that a vessel no larger than a modern canal boat was 
the famous Lawrence. The show proved a disastrous financial failure, and the 
old hulk was finally purchased by a firm who expected to realize something by 
converting her into relics. The Niagara was never removed from the place 
where she was beached, and some of her timbers are still to be seen. Associa- 
tions fur the erection of a monument to Perry were formed both in 1835 and 
in 1850, but were allowed to die out. A petition was sent to Congress in 1850 
asking an appropriation of $20,000, provided the State would give as much 
more. 

AMERICAN ARMY OFFICERS. 

The following is a partial list of army officers from this and other counties 
of the Northwest, who participated in the war, most of whom made Erie their 
headquarters : 

Quartermaster General, Wilson bmith, 1812-14. Commissary General, 
Callendar Irvine. Major Generals, Sixteenth Division — David Mead, 1812-14; 
John Phillips, 1814. Brigadier Generals, First Brigade, Sixteenth Division — 
Jolin Kelso, 1812-14; Henry Hurst, 1814. Second Brigade — Thomas Gra- 
ham, 1812, Brigade Inspector, First Brigade, Sixteenth Division — William 
Clark; Second Brigade, Samuel Powers. Paymaster, John Phillips, 1812-13. 
Major and Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. John C. Wallace. Commissaries, Rufus 
S. Reed, Stephen Wolverton. Sergeant Major, Henry Colt. 

The members of Capt. Thomas Forster's company of " Erie Light Infantry," 
who spent the winter of 1812 at Buffalo, were as follows: First Lieutenant, 
Thomas Rees; Ensign, Thomas Stewart; First Sergeant, Thomas Wilkins; 
Second Sergeant, John Hay; Drummer, Ira Glazier; Fifer, Rufus Clough; 
Privates — Archibald McSparren, George Kelley, John Sloan, William Mui'ray, 
Jonab Duncan, John Clough, John Woodside, William Duncan, John Eakens, 

directly south of the present blast furnace, was a clearing of several acres cultivated for garden uses and kept in 
excellent condition by the navy yard sailors and marines. 

" The great guns used by I'erry and those captured by him from the British reniained in the Erie Xavy 
Yard until the fall of 1S25, when they were transferred to the one at Brooklyn, N. Y. On the completion of the 
Erie Canal, they were placed at intervals of ten miles along that improvement. When the first fleet of boats left 
Buffalo, they were fired in rapid succession. By this means the people of New York City were notified of the 
departure of the boats in one hour and twenty minutes." 



316 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

George S. Russell, John E. Lapsley, Peter Grawosz, Jacob Carmack, William 
Henderson, Robert Irwin, Ebenezer Dwinnell, Samuel Hays, Thomas Laird, 
John W. Bell, Robert McDonald, Tliomas Huo-hes, Robert Brown, John Mor- 
ris, George Buehler, William Lattimore, James E. Herron, Simeon Dunn, 
Adam Arbuckle, Stephen Wolverton, Francis Scott, Thomas Vance. 

Rufus S. Reed and Stephen Wolverton had large contracts during the war, 
the latter for boarding the ship-builders, the former Lo supply the upper lake 
forts with flour, beef, pork and whisky. Among those who came to Erie as 
ship-builders and became permanent residents of the town were John Justice, 
John Richards and Jeremiah Osborne. 

The close of the war found the people of Erie County, with rare exceptions, 
very poor. Of money there was scarcely any, and ihe constant alarms, com- 
pelling them to neglect their crops, left them with nothing to sell. To add to 
their misfortunes, the crops of 1815-16 were nearly a failure, making their con- 
dition actually deplorable. 

Three of the men who fought with Perry were living in the county in 1861, 
viz.: Benjamin Fleming* and Daniel Metzenburgh, of Erie, and J. Murray, 
of Girard. The last survivor of the battle was John Rice, whose death 
occurred in Shelby County, Ohio, on the 8th of February, 1880, in the nineti- 
eth year of his age. 

THE STORY OF JAMES BIRD. 

It has been stated that among the militia who came on for the defense of 
Erie was a company from Luzerne County. They were known as the " Kings- 
ton Volunteers." One of their number was James Bird, a young man from 
Centre County. While the fleet was building. Bird was the Sergeant in charge 
of a guard who were placed over the storehouse. The party, led by Bird, 
became disorderly, appropriated goods to their own use, refused admission to 
the proper officers, and were only brought into submission after a six-pounder 
had been loaded and placed into position so as to blow them to pieces. Diffi- 
culty being found in procuring marines, the offense of these men was con- 
doned, on condition that they should volunteer to serve on board the fleet. 
This they did, and Bird fought gallantly on the Lawrence, receiving a severe 
wound. In the spring of 1814, another warehouse having been fitted up at 
the mouth of Mill Creek, Bird was one of the guard assigned for its protec- 
tion. He and Joha Rankin, another marine, took advantage of the opportu 
nity to desert. They were recognized shortly after at a country tavern in Mer- 
cer County by Charles M. Reed, then a boy, traveling on horseback to school 
in Washington County. A few miles further on, young Reed met the party 
who were in pursuit of the deserters, whom he notified of their whereabouts. 
They were taken back to Erie, tried by court martial, and condemned to death. 

A sailor named John Davis, who had deserted several times, was tried and 
sentenced with them. Much discussion ensued on the part of the citizens and 
militia, who sympathized to a large extent with Bird and his comrades. Strong 
efforts were made to have the sentence of Bird commuted to imprisonment, on 
account of his braverj^ on the 10th of September, but President Madison de- 
clined to interfere, on the ground that he "must suffer as an example toothers." 
Their execution took place in October, 1814, on board the Niagara, lying at 
anchor in Misery Bay, Bird and Rankin being shot, and Davis hung at the 
yard arm. The bodies were interred on the sand beach, east of the mouth of 
Mill Creek. The most absurd stories were circulated in connection with the 

*BeD.jaiiiin Fleming was born in Lewiston Del., July 20, 1782. He came to Erie with a detachment for 
Perry's fleet, and lived in Erie until his death. He died in Erie, in May, 1870, and was buried in the cemetery 
with naval and military honors. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 319 

affair, and a string of rhyme, written by some local " poet," elevating Bird into 
a hero, and surrounding him with a halo of romance, was sung and quoted by 
the populace for many years after the event. 

OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE BRITISH COMMANDER: 

The following is the report of the battle on Lake Erie, forwarded by Capt. 
Barclay to the British Naval Department: 

His Majesty's late ship Detroit, ) 
Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie, September 12. ) 
Sir — The last letter I had the honor of writini^ to you, dated the 6th inst., informed 
you that unless certain intimation was received of more seamen being on their way to 
Amherstburg, I should be obliged to sail with the squadron deplorably manned as it was, 
to tight the enemy (who blockaded the port) to enable us to get supplies of provisions and 
stores of every description; so perfectly destitute of provisions was tlie port that there was 
not a day's flour in store, and the crews of the squadron under my command were on half 
allowance of many things, and when that was done there was no more. Such were the mo- 
tives which induced Maj. Gen. Proctor (whom by your instructions I was directed to con- 
sult, and whose wishes I was enjoined to execute, so far as related to the good of the coun- 
try) to concur in the necessity of a battle being risked, under the many disadvantages 
which I labored; and it now remains for me, tlie most melancholy task, to relate to you 
the unfortunate issue of tliat battle, as well as the many untoward circumstances that led 
to that event. 

No intelligence of seamen having arrived, I sailed on the 9th inst., fully expecting to 
meet the enemy next morning, as they had been seen among tlie islands; nor was I mis- 
taken; soon after daylight they were seen in motion in Put-in-Bay, the wind then at 
southwest and light, giving us the weather gauge; I bore up with them in hopes of bring- 
ing them to action among the islands, but that intention was soon frustrated by the wind 
suddenly shifting to the southeast, which brought the enemy directly to windward. The 
line was formed according to a given plan, so that each ship might be supported against 
the superior force of the two brigs opposed to them. About 10 the enemy had cleared the 
islands and immediately bore up, under easy sail in a line abreast, each brig being also sup- 
ported by the small vessels. At a quarter before 13 I commenced the action by a few long 
guns; about a quarter past the American Commodore, also supported by two schooners, 
one carrying four long twelve-pounders, the other a long thirty-two and twenty-four 
pounder, came to close action with the Detroit; the other brig of the enemy apparently 
destined to engage the Queen Charlotte, supported in like manner by two schooners, kept 
so far to windward as to render the Queen Charlotte's twenty-pound carronades useless, 
while she was with the Lady Prevost, exposed to the heavy and destructive fire of the Cal- 
edonia and four other schooners, armed with long and heavy guns, like those I have al- 
ready described. Too soon, alas, was I deprived of the services of the noble and intrepid 
Capt. Finnis, who soon after the commencement of the action fell, and with him fell my 
greatest support; soon after Lieut. Stokes of the Queen Charlotte was struck senseless by 
a splinter, which deprived the country of his services at this critical period. 

The action continued with great fury until half past two, when I perceived my oppo- 
nent drop astern, and a boat i^assing from him to the Niagara (which vessel was at this time 
perfectly fresh); the American Commodore seeing that as yet the day was against him 
(his vessel having struck as soon as he left her), and also the very defenseless state of the 
Detroit, which ship was now a perfect wreck, principally from the raking fire of the gun- 
boats, and also that the Queen Charlotte was in such a situation that I could receive very 
little assistance from her, and the Lady Prevost being at this time too far to leeward from 
her rudder being injured, made a noble and, alas! too successful an effort to regain it, for 
he bore up, and supported by his small vessels, passed within pistol shot, and took a rak- 
ing position on our bow; nor could I prevent it, as the unfortunate situation of tlie Queen 
Charlotte prevented us from wearing; in attempting it we fell on board her; my gallant 
First Lieutenant, Garland, was now mortally wountled, and myself so severely that I was 
obliged to quit the deck. Manned as the squadron was, with not more than fifty British 
seamen, the rest, a mixed crew of Canadians and soldiers, and who were totally unac- 
quainted with such service, rendered the loss of officers more severely felt, and never in any 
action was the loss more severe; every officer commanding vessels and their seconds was 
either killed or wounded so severely as to be unable to keep the deck. (Here follows a 
eulogistic account of the services of various officers, and of the men in general. No men- 
tion of the surrender is made in the report, but a letter from Lieut. Inglis, who took com- 
mand of the Detroit after Barclay was wounded, which accompanies the document, states 
that he " was under the painful necessity of answering the enemy to say we had struck, 
the Queen Charlotte having previously done so)." The weather-gauge gave the enemy a 



320 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

prodigious advantage, as it enabled them not only to choose their position, but their dis- 
tance also, which they did in such a manner as to prevent the carronades of the Queen 
Charlotte and Lady Prevost from having much effect; while their long guns did great exe 
cution, particularly against the Queen Charlotte. (Japt. Perry has behaved in a most 
humane and attentive manner, not only to myself and officers, but to all the wounded. 
I trust that although unsuccessful, you will approve of the motives that induced me to sail 
under so many disadvantages, and that it may be hereafter proved that under such circum- 
stances the honor of His Majesty's flag has not been tarnished. I inclose the list of killed 
and wounded. 

I have the honor to be, etc., 

R. H. Barclay, Commander and late senior officer. 



CHAPTEE XIX. 



Bench and Bar. 



UP to the year 1800, Erie County constituted a part of Allegheny, and all 
judicial proceedings took place at Pittsburgh, the county seat. The act 
creating Erie a separate county is dated the 12th of March, 1800. The county 
was too sparsely settled to maintain a distinct organization, and by the act of 
April 9, 1801, Erie, Crawford, Mercer Venango and Warren were thrown tem- 
porarily together for election and governmental purposes. Meadville was 
designated as the place where the coiinty business should be transacted. This 
arrangement continued for two years. 

The lirst court in Erie was held by Hon. Jesse Moore, in April, 1803. 
The hours for convening were announced by the Crier by the blowing of a 
horn. This horn continued to be used for the purpose until 1828. The Su- 
preme Judges at that time were obliged to hold Circuit Courts in the several 
counties of the State, and in the course of their duties Judge Yates visited 
Erie on the 15th of October, 1800, and Judge Brackenridge in 1807 and 1811. 
Judge Brackenridge was one of the ablest and most eminent men of his period, 
but extremely eccentric in his manners. He was the author of "Modern 
Chivalry," a work of rare wit and finely written. He sat in court when here 
in 1807, with his dressing gown on, kicked off his shoes and coolly elevated his 
bare feet upon a table. When the news was received that he was approaching 
Erie, he was met in the English style, by the Sheriff, attended by quite a party 
of gentlemen on horseback. A session of the Supreme Court was held in the 
city in 1854, at which Judges Lewis, Woodward, Lowrie and Knox were present. 

The County Courts were held by the President Ju.dge, aided by two Asso- 
ciate Judges — usually farmers of good standing — until May, 1839, when a 
District Court was created to dispose of the accumulated business in Erie, 
Crawford, Yenango and Mercer Counties. Hon. James Thompson, of Venango, 
was appointed to the District Judgeship, and filled the position until May, 
1845. The term originally was for five years, but was extended one year by 
request of the bar. Previous to 1851, both the President Judges and Associate 
Judges were appointed by the Governor. The tirsh election by the people was 
in October, 1851, when Hon. John Galbraith was chosen President Judge, and 
Hon. Joseph M. Sterrett and Hon. James Miles, Associates. The office of 
Additional Law Judge was created in 1856, Hon. David Derrickson, of Craw- 
ford County, being its first incumbent, and expired by the operation of the 
constitution on the 17th of April, 1874. The Associate Judges were abolished 
on November 17. 1876, and since that date the entii-e duties of the court have 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 321 

been performed by the Presidenh Judge. All Law Judges in the State are 
elected for ten years. 

The constitution of 1873, or the "new constitution," as it is usually called, 
allowed the President Judge of each district, where there was an Additional 
Law Judge, to elect to which of the districts into which his original jurisdic- 
tion had been divided he inight be assigned. Under this provision, Judge 
Wetmore selected the Thirty-seventh District, consisting of Warren and Elk 
Counties, and Judge Vincent, Additional Law Judge for the district, became 
President Judge of Erie County, which had been created a district by itself. 

The following is a list of the President, Special and Additional Law 
Judges, with the dates of their commissions: 

President Judges. — Alexander Addison, Pittsburgh, Au.gust 17, 1791. 

David Clark, Allegheny County, March 3, 1800. 

Jesse Moore, Crawford County, April 5, 1803. 

Henry Shippen, Huntingdon County, January 24, 1825. 

Nathaniel B. Eldred, Wayne County, March 23, 1839. 

Gaylord Church, Crawford County, April 3, 1843. 

John Galbraith, Erie County, November 6, 1851. 

Rasselas Brown, Warren County, June 29, 1860. 

Samuel P. Johnson, Warren County, December 3, 1860. 

Lansing D. Wetmore, Warren County, first Monday in Januai'v, 1870. 

John P.Vincent, Erie County, April 17, 1874. 

William A. Galbraith, Erie County, first Monday in January, 1877. 

Additional Law Judges — David Derrickson, Crawford County, first Monday 
in December, 1856. 

John P. Vincent, Erie County, first Monday in December, 1866. 

District Judge^^Javaes Thompson, Venango County, May 18, 1839. 

Three President Judges have died in office, viz.: Hon. Jesse Moore, at 
Meadville, on the 21st of December, 1824, Hon, Henry Shippen at Meadville 
in 1839, and Hon. John Galbraith at Erie, on the 15th of June, 1860. The 
law at the time of Judge Galbraith' s decease provided that the Governor should 
supply the vacancy till the ensuing election, and Hon. Rasselas Brown, of 
Warren, was accordingly appointed to succeed him, and served till December 
of the same year. One Judge for the district — Hon. Alexander Addison — was 
impeached and removed from his office. 

One President Judge — Nathaniel B. Eldred — resigned in 1843 to take Ibe 
place of Naval Appraiser at Philadelphia. He was afterward appointed Judge 
of the Dauphin District. 

Two of the Judges wore promoted to seats on the Supreme Bench of the 
State. James Thompson was elected one of the Justices of the Supreme Court 
in 1856, and held the position until 1872, the full term cf fifteen years, the 
last five of which he presided as Chief Justice. Gaylord Church was ap- 
pointed a Supreme Judge in 1858, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation 
of one of the members of the court. He retained the place for a brief period 
only. 

The residences of the Judges have been as follows: Judges Addison and 
CJark at Pittsburgh; Judges Moore, Shippen, Church and Derrickson at Mead- 
ville; Judges Eldred, Brown, Johnson and Wetmore at Warren: Judges John 
Galbraith, William A. Galbraith and Vincent at Erie. Judge Thompson came 
from Franklin in 1842, and made Erie his home until a short time after his 
election as Supreme Judge, when he removed to Philadelphia. 

The following are living: Judges Brown, Derrickson, Johnson, Wetmore, 
Vincent and William A. Galbraith. 



322 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Judges Addison. Clark, Moore, Shippen, Eldred, Thompson, Church and 
John Galbraith were Democrats, as are also Judges Rasselas Brown and 
William A. Galbraith. Judges Derrickson, Johnson, Wetmore and Vincent 
are Republicans. Hon. William A. Galbraith, our present Judge, is the only 
son of Hon. John Galbraith, the first President Judge elected by the people. 
Judge Gaylord Church was the father of Hon. Pearson Church, now President 
Judge of Crawford County, who was elected at the same time as Judge Will- 
iam A. Galbraith. The following shows the competing candidates for Presi- 
dent and Additional Law Judges since the offices have been elective: 

1851 — President Judge, John Galbraith, Democrat; Elijah Babbitt, Whig. 

1856 — Additional Law Judge. David Derrickson, Republican; Rasselas 
Brown, Democrat. 

1860 — President Judge, Samuel P. Johnson, Republican; Rasselas Brown, 
Democrat. 

1866 — Additional Law Judge, John P. Vincent, Republican; Benjamin 
Grant, Democrat. 

1870 — President Judge, Lansing D. Wetmore, Republican; Samuel E. 
Woodruff, Independent Republican; Rasselas Brown, Democrat. 

1876 — President Judge — William A. Galbraith, Independent Democrat; 
William Benson, Republican. 

The judicial districts since the organization of the county have been as 
follows: 

1800- All of the State west of the Allegheny River. 

1803 — Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Warren and Beaver, 

1825 — Erie, Crawford, Mercer and Venango. 

1851 — Erie, Crawford and Warren. 

1860 — Erie, Crawford, Warren and Elk. 

1870— Erie, Warren and Elk. 

1874 — Erie alone. 

It is worthy of note that the district has been designated the Sixth almost 
or entirely from the day the county was organized. 

The regular terms of the courts wei'e fixed May 31, 1882, as follows: 

Quarter Sessions — First Monday in Febi'uary, first Monday in May, first 
Monday in September, second Monday in November. 

Civil List — Second and third Mondays in January, third Monday in Feb- 
ruary, second and third Mondays in March, second and third Mondays in 
April, third Monday in May, first and second Mondays in October, third Mon- 
day in January. 

Argument List — Last Mondays in June and September, third Monday in 
November, second Monday'in February and fourth Monday in April. 
% ; To the above are added each year special civil lists of from sis to eight 
weeks, extending usually through the months of March, April, May and June. 

Judge Galbraith's salary is !|;4,000 a year, which is a little more than one-half 
of what the Judges are paid in Philadelphia, who do scarcely two-thirds as 
much work. 

Erie County is attached to the Eastern District of the Supreme Court, 
which holds its sessions at Philadelphia. The hearing of cases from Erie 
County commences on the first Monday of February in each year. 

The most celebrated trials that have been held in the county were the suits 
of John Grubb vs. Hamlin Russell, in 1827, occupying some six days; the 
Girard suit for 10,000 acres of land, which took up about a week in June, 
1854: the Hunter will case, fromLeBoeuf Township, which lasted nearly eight 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 323 

days on the first trial in January 1880, and was compromised on the third day 
of the second trial in April, 1880; and the case of McFarland vs. Lovett for 
malpractice, which commenced Monday, March 21, 1881, and ended Saturday 
April 2, being the longest ever tried in the county. 

Although a number of persons have been tried for murder in the county 
the death penalty has only been enforced against a single individual Henry 
Francisco was sentenced by Judge Shippen on November 11 1837 and hunJ 
by Sheriff Andrew Scott on March 9, 1838, within the vard of the 'jail which 
then occupied the site of the present court house. ' ^ 

UNITED STATES COURTS. 

By an act of Congress passed in 1866, Erie was named as one of the 
places for the sittings of the United States District and Circuit Courts for the 
Western District of Penusylvania. Previous to 1870, the Circuit Courts were 
held by a Judge of the United States Supreme Court or by the District Judtre 
or by both sitting together The duties of holding the Circuit Courts having 
become too onerous for the Supreme Judges, an act was passed in 1869 to re 
lieve them by providing Circuit Judges. Cases are appealed from the District 
to the Circuit Court, and from the latter to the Supreme Court of the United 
btates The District Judge can hold a Circuit Court, but a Circuit Jud^e 
cannot hold the District Court. The Supreme Judges may, if they choose, 
sit with the Circuit Judge or hold court alone. The only time one of the 
Supreme Judges of the United States has been present in Erie was when Jud^e 
Strong was here in July, 1875. ^ 

iQA^^^^.^'l^f'^''^' the District Court was held in this city in January, 
1867, and of the Circuit Court in July, 1868, Judge Wilson McCandless pre- 
siding. Both courts were regularly held by him until Hon. William McKen- 
f ^^' °^ )^^ashington County, was sworn in as Circuit Judge at the January 
term ot lb /U. Judge McCandless continued to serve until July 24 1876 when 
he was honorably retired on account of advanced years, and was succeeded as 
District Judge by Hon. Winthrop W. Ketchum, Luzerne County. Judo-es 
McKennan and Ketchum were both sworn in and began their official duties'' at 
Erie.^ The latter died early in 1880, and Hon. M. W. Acheson, of Washing- 
ton County, was appointed his successor. Judge Acheson was present for the 
bur hTn 1880'''^ ""^ ^^^ '^''^^ ^""''"^ ""^ ^^^^' '^'''^^^ McCandless died at Pitts- 
The regular terms of both courts at Erie commence on the second Monday 
of January, and the third Monday of July. The January term was held at 
±.rie every year until 1875, since when, for some reason, it has been omitted 
Ihe county receives $150 from the United States for the use of the court house 
at the July term. 

The other officers of the court since their sessions began in Erie have been 
as follows. The terms show when they first appeared in their official capaci- 
ties m this city: ^ 

Marshals.~Jn\y term, 1867— Samuel McKelvey, Allegheny County 
January term, 1868— Thomas A. Rowley, Allegheny County. 
July term, 1869— Alexander Murdoch, Washington County. 
January term, 1873— John Hall, Washington County. 
July term, 1882— J. S. Rutan, Beaver County. 

Col. Hall had been Deputy Marshal for several years before his appointment 
as Marshal. 

District Attorneys.— July ievm, 1867— R. B. Carnah an. Allegheny County 
July term, 1870— H. Bucher Swoope, Clearfield County. 



324 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

July term, 1874 — David Reed, Allegheny County. 

July term, 1875 — H. H. McCormick, Allegheny County. 

July term, 1880 — William A. Stone, Allegheny County. 

Clerks — District Coit?-^.— Whole term — S. C. McCandless, Allegheny 
County. 

Circuit Court. — July term, 1868 — Hemy Sproul, Allegheny County. 

July term, 1870 — H. D. Gamble, Allegheny County. 

Deputy Clerks at Erie — District Court. — July term, 1867 — George W. Gun- 
nison, Erie. 

July term, 1869 — George A. Allen, Erie. 

July term, 1873— F. W. Grant, Erie. 

Circuit Court. — July term, 1868 — George W. Gunnison, Erie. 

July term, 1869 — George A. Allen, Erie. 

July term, 1871 — A. B. Force, Erie. 

July term, 1876— F. W. Grant, Erie. 

Of the above officials. Judge McCandless. Clerk McCandless, and Deputy 
Clerks Gunnison, xAllen and Grant, Democrats; all the rest are Republicans. 
The Judges, Marshals and District Attorneys are appointed by the President; 
the Clerks by their respective courts. 

Under the old system, the selection of jurors for the United States Courts 
was wholly in the hands of the Marshal, who summoned any person he pleased. 
In 1879, Congress passed an act taking the naming of the jurors away from the 
iMarshal, making the Clerk of each court a Jury Commissioner for his ovm 
court, and requiring him to appoint another Jury Commissioner of opposite 
politics, thus securing representation on the juries from both of the leading 
parties. Hon. William McClelland is the Democratic Commissioner appointed 
by Clerk Gamble. The Commissioners make up lists of names from all parts 
of the district, which are deposited iu a wheel and drawn out the same as by 
the State system. 

THE BAR. 

The first lawyer to locate in Erie was William Wallace, who came on from 
Eastern Pennsylvania in 1800, as attorney for the Pennsylvania Population 
Company. He remained until 1811, when he retiu-ned to Harrisburg. The 
second was William N. Irvine, who settled here in 1804, but also returned to 
Harrisburg in a few years, eventually becoming President Judge of the 
Adams District. Among the law^^ers who located in Erie at an early day, and 
who became permanent residents were Anselen Potter, George A. Eliot, 
Thomas H. Sill, Philo E. Judd and William Kellv. Mr. Potter was 
admitted in 1808, Mr. Sill in 1813, Mr. Eliot in 1816, Mr. Judd in 1821 
and Mr. Kelly in 1822. Dudley Marvin, who afterward rose to great distinc- 
tion at the New York bar, came to Erie in 1811 with the intention of making 
it his home, was admitted to the bar and stayed some time, but concluded to 
return to Canandaigua, where he spent many of the active years of his life. 

In those days, the practice of the law was a very dififerent business from 
what it is to-day. The country was thinly settled, the people were miserably 
poor, litigation was upon a limited scale, and fees were correspondingly small. 
The lawyers were obliged to practice in a dozen counties in order to make 
a livelihood, and some of them were away from their homes and offices more 
than half of the time. They traveled from one county seat to the other on 
horseback, with their legal papers and a few books in a sack across the saddle. 
Among the most prominent of those from abroad who attended the Erie 
County Courts were Henry Baldwin, Patrick Farrelly, J. Stewart Riddell, 
Ralph Marlin and John B. Wallace, of Meadville, and Samuel B. Foster and 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 325 

John Banks, of Mercer. Mr. Farrelly, in particular, was present at almost 
every term of court, and it is said that his practice at the Erie bar was larger 
than that of any or all of the lawyers residing here. Several of the gentle- 
men named rose to high official distinction. Mr. Baldwin, who moved from 
Meadville to Pittsburgh, after serving three terms in Congress, was made a 
Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States in 1830. Mr. Farrelly was 
three times elected to Congress; and Mr. Banks was appointed .Judge of the 
Berks County Court, and was the Whig nominee for Governor in 1841. 

The following is a list of those who have been admitted to the bar since 
the destruction of the court house in 1823, with the dates of their admission : 

Allen, George A., June 16, 1868; James W. Allison, June 1, 1875; F. H. 
Abell, June 16, 1877. 

Babbitt, Elijah, February 1, 1826; Don Carlos Barrett, July 1, 1826; Peter 

A. E. Brace, May 3, 1843; William Benson, August 7, 1846; J. W. Brigden, 
October 23, 1849; Rush S. Battles, December 11, 1855; Charles Burnham, 
November 30, 1865; Gurdon S. Berry, Decejnber 21, 3865; Charles O. Bow- 
man, November 30, 1865; W. M. Biddle, April 30, 1866; R. B. Brawley, 
August 9, 1866; Henry Butterfield, April 2, 1867; S. J. Butterfield, April 2, 
1867; Hiram A. Baker, October 1, 1867; Julius Byles, August 15, 1868; Sam- 
uel B. Brooks, September 29, 1868; Charles P. Biddle, October 15, 1868; G. 
D. Buckley, November 27, 1868; W. W. Brown, August 31, 1869; Samuel 
M. Brainerd, December 22, 1869; Cassius L. Baker, Mav 8, 1872; H. W. 
Blakeslee, November 22, 1872; Ulric Blickensderfer, December 12, 1873; A. 
F. Bole, February 27, 1874; Isaac B. Brown, May 6, 1875; Judge William 
Benson, December 4, 1876; M. H. Byles, February 12, 1879; John C. Brady, 
September 30, 1879; Charles H. Burton, May 31, 1881. 

(\irtis. C. B., 1834; George H. Cutler, November 7, 1840; Justin B. Cha- 
pin, May 4, 1848; Andrew H. Caughey, November 26, 1851; Marcus N. Cutler, 
January 31, 1857; Junius B. Clark, May 10, 1860; Edward Camphausen, 
March 15. 1865; Edward Clark, March 14, 1867; IManly Crosby, September 
30, 1868; A. W. Covell, May 25, 1870; C. L. Covell, May 27, 1873; W. 

B. Chapman, March 28, 1873; George A. Cutler, October 7, 1873; C. C. Con- 
verse, March 11, 1874; D. R. Cushman, June 23, 1874; Herman J. Curtze, 
January 4, 1875; Allen A. Craig, December 18, 1875; A. G. Covell, Septem- 
ber 7, 1880. 

Douglass, John W., May 8,1850; Samuel A. Davenport, May 7, 1854; John 
F. Duncombe, August 8, 1854; George ^Y. DeCamp, August 7, 1857; J. F. 
Downing, 1859; Myron E. Dunlap, December 12, 1873; James D. Dunlap, 
October, 1837. 

Edwards, T. D., June 29, 1853; Clark Ewing, December, 24, 1863; Joseph 
D. Ebersole, May 7, 1851. 

Fisk, James B., June 10, 1845; A. J. Foster, March 15, 1865; A. B. Force, 
August 22, 1871; J. M. Force, November 28, 1879. 

Graham, Carson, December 19, 1837; John Galbraith, 1837; C. S. Gzowski, 
August 5, 1839; St. John Goodrich, August 2, 1841; Michael Gallagher (Dis- 
trict Cuurt),.May 1, 1843; William A. Galbraith, May 9, 1844, Benjamin Grant, 
October 27, 1845; John L. Gallatew, December 3, 1846; Jonas Gunnison, No- 
vember 9, 1849; George P. Griffith, August 4, 1864; George W. Gunnison, 
March 15, 1865; Frank Gunnison, February 5, 1870; Frank W. Grant, March 
12, 1874; Paul H. Gaither, November 19, 1874; William Griffith, January 27, 
1875; Edward P. Gould, May 31, 1875; Edward Graser, May 6, 1876; Samuel 
L. GUlson, September 4, 1878. 

Hawes, Horace M., November 7, 1840; William M. Heister, May 3, 1841; 



326 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

D. W. Hutchinson, May 11, 1855; Calvin J. Hinds, May 11, I860; Charles 
Horton, January 29, 1866; John K. Hallock, March 21, 1868; John L. Hyner, 
April 4, 1870; David S. Herron, September 8, 1875; Thomas C. Himebaugh, 
May 20, 1880. 

Johnson, Quincy A., August 6, 1839; John B. Johnson, April 5, 1842; 
George N. Johnson, May 9, 1855; M. W. Jacobs, October 29, 1872; A. M. 
Judson, May 9, 1851. 

Kelso, Charles W.,1835; William C. Kelso (District Court), May 10, 1839; 
Louis F. Keller, November 8. 1869; D. H. Kline, November 14, 1874; Joseph 
K. Kelso. June 27, 1876. 

Law, Samuel A. (District Court). April 5, 1841; William S. Lane, July 
22, 1844; Wilson Laird, February 8, 1849; A. McDonald Lyon, March 20, 1857; 
George A. Lyon, Jr., March 12,^1861; Charles M. Lynch, February 6, 1866; 
H. B. Loomis, August 6, 1866; Samuel P. Longstreet, January 25, 1869; 
James H. Lewis, January 28, 1869; William E. Lathy, March 7, 1871; Theo. 
A. Lamb, August 22, 1871; Francis P. Longstreet. August 22, 1871; George 
W. Lathy, December 18, 1871; Charles E. Lovett, October 10, 1874. 

McLane, Moses, November 2, 1825; Oilman Merrill, November 9, 1826; 
George Morton, June 7, 1827; James C. Marshall, August 4, 1829; George 
H. Myers, May 10, 1849; David B. McCreary, August 8, 1851; Francis F. 
Marshall, October 28, 1857; Selden Marvin, December 14, 1859; William E. 
Marsh, Mav 7, 1879; Frank M. McClintock, May 11, 1878. 

Norton, L. S., October 12, 1868. 

Olmstead, C. G., September 7, 1875; Clark Olds, April 26. 1876; Edward 
J. O'Conner, December 5, 1878. 

Phelps, Mortimer, September 12, 1850; James G. Payne, February 1, 1861; 
T. S. Parker, December 19, 1865; James O. Parmelee, October 7, 1871; John 
Proudfit, April 26, 1876; C. L. Pierce, October 23, 1877; William R. Per- 
kins, June 25, 1878; Rodman F. Pugh. September 4, 18/8; Frank L. Perley, 
September 30, 1879. 

Riddle, John S., August 9, 1826; Albert C. Ramsey, May 7, 1833; John 
J.Randall, May 8, 1839; S. W. Randall, May 10, 1839; James C. Reid, 
August 10, 1848; John W. Riddell, December '26, 1854; David W. Rambo, 
November 2, 1864; Henry M. Riblet, October 3, 1867; B. J. Reid, January 
22, 1872: Louis Rosenzweig, April 6, 1872; Craig J. Reid, September 11, 
1876. 

Smith, Silas T., June 4, 1827; George W. Smith, November 7, 1831; 
Stephen Strong (District Court), April 8. 1841; Reid T. Stewart. August 5, 
1845; S. Merwin Smith, May 5, 1846; James Sill, October 29, 1852; Samuel 
S. Spencer, February 12, 1853; William R. Scott, February 2, 1858; B. J. 
Sterrett, May 7, 1861; C. B. Sleeper, August 9, 1365; J. C. Sturgeon, Feb- 
ruary 28, 1867; C. R. Saunders, May 24, 1869; Henry Souther, October 30, 
1872; James W. Sproul, April 13, 1874; Earl N. Sackett, December 28, 1875; 
Henry A. Strong, September 17, 1881; A. E. Sisson, November 19, 1881; David 
A. Sawdey, December 1, 1881. 

Virgil, Almon, May 8, 1839; John P. Viocent, February 2, 1841; E. B. 
Van Tassel, December 16, 1858; Strong Vincent, December, 12, 1860. 

Walker, John H., July 27, 1824; John H. Waugh. May 25, 1825; David 
Walker, February 7, 1827; W. M. Watts, July 17, 1839; Murray Whallon, 
October 19, 1839; Irvin M. Wallace, May 28, 1843; Edwin C. Wilson, August 
3, 1846; S. E. Woodruff, October, 28, 1846; George Williamson, January 24, 
1850; Hy. J. Walters, April 27, 1857, A. D. Woods, September 3, 1863; 
George W. Walker, August 1, 1864; D. M. R. Wilson, December 19, 1865; 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 329 

Calvin D. Whitney, M_ay 10, 186G; C. S. Wilson, October 6, 1870; Thomas S. 
Woodruff, May 25, 18/1; Jerome W. Wetmore, November 9, 1849; John W. 
Walker, November — , 1854; Thomas J. Wells, August 4, 1864; E. L. Whit- 
telsey. May 15, 1877; Emory A. Walling, September 4, 1878. 

Yard, H. C, November 28, 1879. 

The public careers of some of the above-named gentlemen include almost 
the whole political history of the county. We have room for only a few brief 
references. John H. Walker reached Erie when quite a young man, walkino- 
from Pittsburgh to Meadville, where he was obliged to borrow money to enable 
him to reach his destination. Elijah Babbitt built his office and house in 1828, 
and has stuck to the same spot ever since. Messrs. Walker, Babbitt and Thomas 
H. Sill have filled numerous public positions, among them some of the most 
conspicious in the gift of the people. James C. Marshall moved to Girard in 
1830, engaged in business, and did not return to the practice of law in Erie 
until 1844. Don Carlos Barrett's name was stricken from the roll of the bar in 
1834, and he soon after left the county, never to return. John Galbraith came 
to Erie from Franklin in 1837. He represented the district in Congress three 
terms. Carson Gi-aham and John F. Duncombe went West and became 
prominent in public life, the one as a Judge and the other as a legislator and 
popular orator. James D. Dunlap was the author of Dunlap's Book of Forms, 
and Benjamin Grant of several volumes of the State Reports. Horace M. 
, Hawes emigrated to California and became worth several millions. William 
M. Heister returned to Reading, served a term or two in the State Senate, and was 
Secretary of State during Gov. Packer's administration. George H. Cutler 
came to Erie County in 1835 from Cortland County, N. Y., where he had i-ead 
law. After a time spent in other pursuits, he took a second course of reading 
with Hon. John Galbraith, to comply with the rule. Selden Marvin came here 
from Chautauqua County, N. Y. , where he served a term as County Judge with 
credit and general acceptability. Henry Souther, before moving to Erie, had 
been a State Senator by election, and Survej^or General and Judge of 
Schuylkill County by appointment of the Governor. Edwin C. Wilson and D. 
B. McCreary served three years each as Adjutant General of the State, the 
first under Gov. Packer and the second iinder Gov. Geary. Gen. Curtis went 
to Warren immediately after his admission, and lived there until 1866, when 
he came back to Erie. He represented the district in Congress two terms, and 
served as an officer in the war for the Union. S. E. W^oodruff lived in Girard 
until 1872, when he moved to Erie. He was Register in Bankruptcy for twelve 
years. Strung Vincent served gallantly in the war for the Union, rose to be a 
Brigadier General, won an enviable reputation as a brave soldiei', and was 
killed at Gettysburg. Murray Whallon moved to California, where he has been 
elected several times to the Legislature. Samuel A. Law went to New York, 
and was promoted to prominent legislative positions. John W. Douglass is 
now a resident of Washington City, after long service as Deputy Commissioner 
and Commissioner of Internal Revenue. S. M. Brainerd and W. W. Brown 
were both elected to Congress in 1882, the first from the Erie and the second 
from the McKean district. 

In looking over the list of attorneys, it is curious to see how few have ac- 
quired fortunes by their practice. A number have become possessed of large 
means, but in every instance the writer recalls to mind, their financial pros- 
perity has been due to real estate investments or to some other piece of good 
luck outside of the regular course of their profession. The law — in Erie 
County, at least — may be the pathway to reputation, but it is very far from 
being the easy road to affluence. 

18 



330 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

DEATHS, REMOVALS, ETC. 

The following attorneys are known to be dead: Charles Burnham, Peter 
A. R. Brace, Gurdon S. Berry, AY. M. Biddle, Justin B. Chapin, C. B. Curtis, 
James D. Dunlap, Clark Ewing, George A. Eliot, Carson Graham, John Gal- 
braith, Benjamin Grant, Jonas Gunnison, William Griffith, George W. Gun- 
nison, Horace M. Hawes, William M. Heister, Charles HortoD, John L. Hyner, 
John B. Johnson, George N. Johnston, Charles W. Kelso, William Kelley, A. 
M. Donald Lyon, Samuel A. Law, F. P. Longstreet, S. P. Longstreet, Moses 
McLane, C. L. Pierce, John S. Riddell, James C. Reid, Silas T. Smith, S. Mer- 
win Smith, Thomas H. Sill, Reid T. Stewart, Matthew Taylor, William Taylor, 
James Thompson, Oliver E. Taylor, Strong Vincent, John H. Walker, Edwin 
C. Wilson, W. M. Watts, S. E. Woodruff and George W. Walker. Mr. Brace 
died at Prairie du Chien, Iowa, Mr. Berry in Titusville, Mr. Chapin in Ridg- 
way, Mr. Graham in Iowa, Mr. G. W. Gunnison in Massachusetts, Mr. Hawes 
in California, Mr. Heister in Reading, Mr. Kelly in the West, Mr. S. M. Smith 
in Vermont, Judge Thompson in Philadelphia, Gen. Vincent at Gettysburg, 
and Gen. AVilson m Baltimore. Mr. Stewart married an Erie lady and died 
on his wedding trip. Judge Thompson dropped doad in February, 1877, while 
arguing a case before the Supreme Court in Philadelphia. 

The following attorneys are in practice elsewhere: Julius Byles, Titus- 
ville; G. D. Buckley, California; W. W. Brown, Bradford; H. W. Blakeslee, 
Oil Region; M. H. Byles, Titusville; W. B. Chapman, Bradford; John 
W. Douglass, Washington, D. C. ; John F. Duncombe, Iowa; George W. De- 
Camp, Kansas; A. B. Force, Pit sburgh; Paul H. Gaither, Eastern Pennsyl- 
vania; D. S. Herron, Oil Region; M. W. Jacobs, Harrisburg; William S. 
Lane, Philadelphia; William E. Lathy, Kansas; Charles E. Lovett, Dakota: 
James G. Payne, Washington, D. C; T. S. Parker, Pittsburgh; James O. 
Parmlee, Warren; John W. Riddell. Pittsburgh; B. J. Reid, Clarion; William 
R. Scott, Meadville; C. B. Sleeper, West; C. R. Saunders, Cleveland; Samuel 
J. Thompson, Philadelphia; E. B. VanTassel, Conneautville; Murray Whal Ion, 
California; George Williamson, West; A. D. Woods, Warren; Thomas J. 
Wells, Chicago. 

The following left the county, but their locations, business, etc., are not 
known to the writer: R. B. Brawley, Charles P. Biddle, Marcus N. Cutler, 
Junius B. Clark, Edward Clark, C. S. Gzowski, St. John Goodrich, Michael 
Gallagher, John L. Gallatew, Thomas C. Himebaugh, Louis F. Keller, D. H. 
Kline, James H. Lewis, George H. Myers, R. F. Pugh, F. L. Perley, John J. 
and S. W. Randall, D. W. Rambo, George W. Smith, Stephen Sti'ong, B. J. 
Sterrett, Almon Virgil. 

The following have abandoned the profession, and are engaged in other 
pursuits : 

F. H. Abell, J. W. Brigden, Rush S. Battles, A. H. Caughey, C. C, Con- 
verse, E. Graser, John K. Hallock, A. M. Judson, George A. Lyon, E. J. 
O'Conner, M. Phelps, William R. Perkins, Irvin M. Wallace, J. F. Downing, 
John W. Walker. 

Associate Judges. — Two Associate Judges assisted the President Judge from 
the organization of the county until the 17th of November, 1876, when the 
office was abolished by the new constitution, the terms of Judges Benson and 
Craig having expired. The Associate Judges were appointed by the Governor 
until 1851, at which time the office was made elective. The incumbents of 
the position were not required to be learned in the law, and in every instance 
were either substantial farmers or intelligent business men. One Associate 
Judge, William Bell, died in office, and Samuel Smith resigned to take a seat 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 331 

in Congress. Before the constitution of 1S38, all Judges were commissioned 
for life or good behavior, but that instrument limited the terms of President 
Judges to ten years, and of Associate Judges to five years. The foUowino- is 
a list of the Associate Judges from the time the county was separated from 
Allegheny, with the dates of their commissions: 

Appointed. — David Mead, Crawford County, March 13, 1800. District 

All of the State west of the Allegheny River, excepting Allegheny County. 

John Kelso, Erie County, March 14, 1800. Same district. 

William Bell, Erie County, December 20, 1800; in place of David Mead, 
resigned. Same district. 

All below were for Erie County alone, the terms of Judges Kelso and Bell 
having expired by limitation. 

John Kelso, Erie, July 4, 1803; resigned December 21, 1804. 

Samuel Smith, Mill Creek, July G, 1803; resigned in 1805. 

William Bell, Erie, May 9, 1805. In place of John Kelso, resigned. 

John Vincent, Waterford, December 23, 1805. In place of Samuel Smith, 
elected to Congress. 

Wilson Smith, Waterford, March 15, 1814. In place of William Bell, 
who died in office. 

John Grubb, Mill Creek, January 8, 1820. In place of Wilson Smith, 
elected to the Legislature. 

John Brawley, North East, March 26, 1840. Id place of John Vincent, 
whose term expired according to the constitution of 1838. Re commissioned 
March 8, 1845. 

Myron Hutchinson, Girard, March 13, 1841. In place of John Grubb, 
whose term expired, as above stated. Re- commissioned March 13, 1846. 

Joseph M. Sterrett, Erie, June 4, 1850. In place of John Bravvley. Re 
commissioned January 23, 1851. 

James Miles, Girard, April 1, 1851. In place of M. Hutchinson. 

Elected — Joseph M. Sterrett, Erie, November 10, 1851. 

James Miles, Girard, November 10, 1851. 

Samuel Hutchins, Waterford, November 12, 1856. 

John Greer, North East, November 12, 1856. Re elected in 1861. 

William Cross, Springfield, November 23, 1861, in place of Samuel Hutchins. 

William Benson, Waterford, November 8, 1866. Re-elected in 1871. 

Hollis King, Corry, November 8, 1866. 

Allen A. Craig, Erie, November 17, 1871, in place of Hollis King. 

Commencing with Judge Sterrett, the Associate Judges were either Whigs 
or Republicans. All previous to that time were appointed as Anti- Federalists 
or Democrats. 

District Attorneys. — From 1804 to 1850, the present office of District At- 
torney was known by the title of Deputy Attorney General, and its incumbents 
were appointed by and retained in office during the pleasure of the Attorney 
General of the State. The name was changed to District Attorney in 1850, 
the office was made elective, and the term fixed at three years. Below is a list 
of the persons who have filled the position: 

1804— William N. Irvine, Erie. 

William AVallace, Erie. 

1809— Patrick Farrelly, Crawford County. 

Ralph Marlin, Crawford County. 

1819— George A. Eliot, Erie. 

1824— William Kelly, Erie. 

1833 -Don Carlos Barrett, Erie. 



332 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

1835— Galen Foster, Erie. 

1836 -Elijah Babbitt, Erie. 

1837— William M. Watts, Erie. 

1839 — Carson Graham, Erie. 

1845 — Horace M. Hawes, Erie. 

1846— AVilliam A. Galbraith, Erie. . 

Of the above, all but Messrs. Kelly, Foster, Babbitt and Watts were ap- 
pointed as anti-Federalists or Democrats. The District Attorneys elected by 
the people have invariably been Whigs or Republicans. They are as follows: 

1850— Matthew Taylor, Erie. 

1853— Samuel E. Woodruff, Girard. 

1856 — G. Nelson Johnson, Erie. Died shortly after the election and 
Charles W. Kelso appointed by the Governor to serve until the October elec- 
tion in 1857. 

1857— James Sill, Erie. 

1860 — Samuel A. Davenport, Erie. 

1863— J. F. Downing, Erie. 

1866~Charles M. Lynch, Erie. 

1869 — John C. Sturgeon. Erie. 

1872— Samuel M. Brainerd, North East. 

1875— A. B. Force, Erie. 

1878- Charles E. Lovett, Erie. 

1881— E. A. Walling, North East. 

COURT CRIERS AND OTHER MATTERS. 

The following have been the Court Criers: David Langley, Basil Hoskin- 
son, Robert Kincaide, Joshua Randall, Remras Baldwin, P. D. Bryant, Ed- 
ward B. Lytle, A. E. White (since 1851). 

The law library of the county consists of 800 to 1,000 volumes, which are 
kept upon shelves in the grand jury room. It was purchased largely from the 
proceeds of tines in certain criminal cases. This law has been repealed, and 
the only revenue for library purposes now is a tine of $1 in certain cases. The 
selection of books is made by a library committee consisting of tive members 
of the bar. 

A society under the name of the Erie Bar Association has been in opera- 
tion about eight years, the object being to advance the general interest of the 
profession. 

The requisites for admission to the bar are as follows: Before any person 
can be registered as a law student, he must be examined by a committee, who 
must certify that he has a good English education, is versed in the rudiments 
of Latin, and is otherwise well qualified to commence the study of law. He 
must then read two years in the otfice of an attorney. He must finally appear 
before au examining committee, and receive a certificate signed by all the 
members present, that he is compe-ent to enter upon the practice of the law. 
After this, he is admitted, on motion of one of the members of the Ex- 
amining Committee. The rule applies as well to attorneys from other States 
and couDties as to those desiring to enter the profession originally, but is 
generally suspended in the case of lawyers of long pi-actice and established 
reputation. J. P. Vincent, J. Ross Thompson, C. B. Curtis, George A. Allen 
and Theo. A. Lamb have been the examining committee since 1878. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 333 



CHAPTER XX. 

Notable Events. 

AS will bo seen by the preceding chapters, few sections of Pennsylvania are 
as rich in historical episodes as Erie County. In addition to those 
already mentioned, the county has been the scene of numerous events of 
more than common interest. 

THE KING OF FRANCE. 

One of these was the visit of Louis Phillippe, future King of France, accom- 
panied by his brother and a servant. They spent a day or two at Erie, in 
1795, with Thomas Kees, sleeping and eating in his tent on the bank of the 
lake, near the mouth of Mill Creek. 

LAFAYETTE. 

In 1825, the county was honored by a visit from Lafayette, who was mak- 
ing a tour of the country whose independence he had periled his life and for- 
tune to establish. He was accompanied by his son, a companion and a servant, 
on their way from New Orleans to New Yoi^k. They reached Waterford, where 
they were hospitably received, on the evening of the 2d of June, and stayed 
there over night. A committee from Erie met them at Waterford, and the 
party left the latter place early on the morning of the 3d. by way of the turn- 
pike. At Federal Hill, they were met by a body of military, who escorted the 
distinguished guest to the foot of State street, where they were greeted with a 
national salute and formally presented to the United States naval officers and 
other prominent citizens. From there a procession marched to the house of 
Capt. Daniel Dobbins, where Burgess Wallace welcomed Lafayette in the name 
of the borough. He was then taken to the residence of Judah Colt, who was 
chairman of the reception committee, and introduced to the ladies. Meanwhile, 
a public dinner had been in course of preparation, under the supervision of 
John Dickson, which was the grandest affair of the kind known up to that day 
in the incipient city. The tables, which had been erected on a bridge over 
the ravine on Second street, between State and French, were 170 feet long, 
elegantly adorned and covered with an awning made of the sails of the British 
vessels captured by Perry. After the dinner, toasts were offered, among them 
the following by the hero of the occasion: 

"Erie— A name which has a great share in American glory; may this town 
ever enjoy a proportionate share in American prosperity and happiness." 

Lafayette and his party left at 3 o'clock in the afternoon of the 3d, and 
were accompanied by numerous citizens to Portland, at the mouth of Chautau- 
qua Creek, N. Y., where he took the steamer Superior for Buffalo. Benj. 
Wallace was Chief Marshal of the procession which escorted the great 
Frenchman from Waterford, and Joseph M. Sterrett commanded the Erie 
Guards, who met him at Federal Hill. 

HORACE GREELEY. 

Another incident of special interest was tbe brief residence of Horace 
Greeley in Erie, as an employe in the office of the Gazette. His parents set- 
tled in Wayne Township in 1826, and in the spring of 1830 Horace, who had 



334 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

remained in New England to finish his apprenticeship, came on foot to visit 
them, secured employment as above, and stopped in Erie until the summer of 
1831. During most or all of the period of his stay, he boarded at the house 
of Judge Sterrett, then proprietor of the Gazette. He was tall, ungainly and 
unprepossessing, poorly and outlandishly dressed, careless of his appearance, 
and tlie boys and girls with whom he associated were disposed to make a good 
deal of a butt of him. In society matters, they undoubtedly had the advan- 
tage of the homely young printer; but when it came to literary and political 
discussions, he was superior to the best of them. He was very fond of talk- 
ing politics, and was regarded as an oracle on subjects of that nature. He 
left Erie for New York in August, 1831, reaching there with only $10 in his 
purse. His father and mother died in Wayne Township, and some of his 
family are still residents of the county. 

PRESIDENTIAL VISITORS. 

Erie has been visited by no less than nine of the I'residents of the United 
States, viz.: Harrison, in 1813: Buchanan, in 1840; John Quincy Adams, in 
1843; Taylor and Fillmore, in 1849; Lincoln, in 1861; Johnson and Grant, in 
1866; and Garfield at various periods between 1860 and 1880; besides, two 
Presidential nominees, viz., Douglas, in 1860, and Greeley, in 1872. Har- 
rison visited the place as General of the AVestern army, iu company with 
Perry, after the battle of Lake Erie. They proceeded together to Buffalo. 

The purpose of Buchanan's visit will be explained further on. 

Ex-President John Quincy Adams reached Erie by steamer, and remained 
from 7 to 9 u'clock in the evening. He was welcomed by Hon. Thomas H. Sill, 
on behalf of the citizens, and the Wayne Grays and the three fire companies 
paraded in his honor. 

President Taylor was on a journey up the lakes for recreation from the 
cares of office. He came by way of Waterford, where he was taken sick. On 
reaching Erie, he was too ill to proceed any further. He remained in the city 
some ten days, stopping with Dr. W. M. Woods, of the United States Navy, 
in a dwelling on the site of the rear portion of the German bank. Vice Pres- 
ident Fillmore came up from Buffalo and met the President, remaining with 
him until the next day. On departing, the United States steamer Michigan 
undertook to fire a Vice President's salute, when the gun exploded, killiog two 
men. Finding that his condition unfitted him for proceeding further, the 
President returned to Washington, where he died in less than a year. He was 
accompanied on the trip by Gov. Johnston, of Pennsylvania, Surgeon AVard and 
Col. Bliss of the United States Army. Gen. Reed tendered the President the 
use of the steamer Niagara, the finest ou the lake, to convey him to Bufialo, 
but he declined, and was carried on the Diamond, an ordinary small steamer. 
During his stay in Erie, all of the President's telegrams and messages passed 
through the hands of William S. Brown. Esq., who was Deputy Collector of 
the port. President Taylor is described as a plain, modest man, «who avoided 
all ceremony and show. 

Stephen A. Douglas stopped in Erie to speak in behalf of his own elec- 
tion. He delivered a speech in the West Park. 

Lincoln passed through Erie on his way to Washington to be inaugurated. 
He made a few remarks from the balcony of the old depot. His remains were 
taken over the Lake Shore road in 1865. 

Erie was one of the points favored with a speech by President Johnson in 
his famous " swing around the circle. " He was attended by Gen. Grant and 
William H. Seward, the latter of whom also spoke. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 335 

Greeley made quite a lengthy address to his former townsmen, from an 
east window of the Union Depot, during the campaign of 1872. 

Garlield, being a near neighbor, made frequent trips to Erie, both political 
and social. He spoke in the court house during the canvass of 3878, and 
spent a few minutes at the depot on his way to New York in 1880. 

Of less famous visitors, the number is without limit. Every candidate for 
Governor since 1830 has thought it necessary to make a trip to the city, and 
many of the eminent jDolitical speakers of the country have favored its people 
with addresses. The most famous lecturers, actors and musicians in America 
since 1850 have nearly all appeared before Erie audiences. 

AN EXCITING CAMPAIGN. 

Of the twenty-five Presidential campaigns in this country since the adop- 
tion of the constitution, that of 1840, when Harrison and Van Buren were the 
opposing candidates, was probably the most bitter and exciting. The feeling be- 
tween the two parties was intense, and the meetings everywhere were character- 
ized by a retaliatory spirit that has seldom if ever been exhibited in politics. At a 
conclave of the magnates of one pax'ty,it was agi-eed to hold a mass meeting in 
Erie on the lOth of September, the anniversary of Perry's victory. The other 
party, determined not to be excelled, and fearful that the prestige of the day 
raiglit give their enemies an advantage, resolved to hold a convention of their 
side at the same time. This decision created the wildest indignation among 
their antagonists. The excitement ran up to fever heat. Both elements made 
the utmost exertion to get out their adherents. Runners and bills were sent 
all over the western counties of the State, as far down as Mercer County, as 
well as through Eastern Ohio and Western New York. For several days be- 
fore the lOth, the roads leading to Erie were crowded with men, women and 
children, on foot, in wagons and on horseback, many carrying banners and all 
shouting themselves hoarse for their favorite candidates. On the eventful day, 
the town was crowxled as it never had been before and probably never has been 
since. It was feared that collisions might occur between the embittered par- 
tisans, but the danger was fortunately averted by holding the conventions in 
diiferent sections of the town. The AVhig gathering assembled on a vacant lot 
on Second street between Holland and Mill Creek, and the Democratic in the 
West Park, about facing the Austin Block. James Buchanan, afterward Presi- 
dent of the United States, was the chief speaker for the Democrats, and Fran- 
cis Granger, of New York, subsequently appointed Postmaster General, presid- 
ed over and was the leading figure of the Whig convention. Old citizens who 
were present — and few people in the county remained away — recall this 
assemblage as the most wonderful within their kno^^^ledge. 

THE ONLY EXECUTION. 

Although numerous persons have been tried for murder, it is worthy of note 
that but one execution for that offense has ever taken place in the county. 
The history of the crime and the manner in which it was punished were de- 
scribed in the Erie Dispatch of June 15, 1882, extracts from which are given 
below: 

" The transcript of Justice E. D. Gunnison revealed the fact that on the 
23d of December, 183(3, Henry Francisco was arrested for poisoning his wife 
Maria, to whom he had been married but three weeks, and the indictment, a 
peculiar instrument, sets forth that the grand jurors, upon their oath, say that 
on the night of the 22d of December, in the year of om- Lord 1836, Henry 
Francisco, not having the fear of God before his eyes, and being moved and 



336 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

seduced by the devil, did advise and cause Maria Fi-ancisco to take driuk and 
swallow down her body four ounces of laudanum, etc. The indictment was 
returned at the February sessions, 1837, and on November the 7th, of the 
same year, Francisco was put upon his trial for willful murder. 

" The jury which tried him was composed of the following well-known 
citizens of this county: Richard Stillwell, David Matthews, Cyrus Sherwood, 
John S. Barnes, George W. Walker, Benjamin Avery, Jr., John B. Jones, Dr. 
G. Webber, Matthew Lytle, James Stewart, James Dickson. 

" The evidence was in the main circumstantial, but after a patient trial the 
jury agreed upon a verdict at 1 o'clock during the night, and on the 11th of 
November, 1837, Judge Shippen sent for Francisco and pronounced the dread 
sentence of the law, viz., that he be taken from that court room to the jail, 
and from thence to the place of execution and there be hanged by the neck 
until he be dead, and God, in His infinite goodness, have mercy on his soul, etc. 

" The closing scene in the criminal's life was an awful one compared with 
modern executions when the victim is jerked into eternity with the utmost dis- 
patch immediately after his arrival upon the scafifold. Sheriff Andrew Scott 
pinioned Francisco's arms in his cell, and a procession made up as follows 
started with solem:i tread for the fatal spot in the jail yard. First came the 
Deputy Attorney General from Harrisburg, with Dr. Johns, the jail physician, 
then Sheriff Scott and three deputies, followed by the jury that convicted the 
culprit. Next came the prisoner, supported by the Kev. Mr. Lyon, of the 
First Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Mr. Glover, of the Episcopal Church. 
Three guards brought up the rear. The above were the only witnesses to the 
execution, but a large crowd was ou.t on the street waiting for a chance to see 
the corpse after being cut down. 

"Upon reaching the gallows, Francisco was placed beneath the beam and over 
the drop, and Mr. Scott proceeded to strap his legs. The condemned con- 
ducted himself with great firmness, betraying no sign of fear for his fate, and 
when the preliminaries were adjusted a final leave-taking scene occurred. The 
prisoner shook hands with his jailers and spiritual advisers, and with the jury. 
To his waiting executioner, he was profuse in expressions of gratitude for kind 
and humane treatment, and it is stated that while pouring out his thanks he 
said he should never forget the Sheriff's kindness as long as he lived. The fare- 
wells being over, he closed his lips forever to mortal man, and henceforth ad- 
dressed his Maker only. The Sheriff slipped the noose over his head and pulled 
down the cap that was to spare the witnesses the horrible sight of his distorted 
features while undergoing strangulation. All was silent as the grave as the 
neighboring clock chimed quarter after two. The drop was to fall at 2:30. 
Rev. Mr. Lyon knelt down and offered a most impressive prayer, and when he 
arose Sheriff Scott, according to the usage of those days, told the poor wretch 
how many minutes he had to live, and adjured him to make good use of them 
in petitioning for mercy at the Throne of Grace. Francisco bowed his bag- 
covered head and from beneath che cap came muffled words of prayer. He 
stopped occasionally as though to think of what else to ask of God, and 
at each halt in his prayers the Sheriff's voice solemnly informed him of the 
number of minutes left. To the witnesses, the suspense was awful, and a shud- 
der ran through them when Francisco's time had dwindled into seconds. Then 
it was that the wretched man's tongue was loosened. With the diminution of 
his lease of life came an increased flow of passionate words to the Giver of 
mercy. He seemed to be terribly anxious to say all he had to say in the given 
time and as the seconds flew on his volubility was such that he could not be 
understood. In the middle of his passionate prayer the bolt was drawn, the 




Q-p-'^^y-y-i <^5>^?-7 



^^^<5 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 339 

drop fell and Francisco's body plunged down the trap, and after three minutes 
of violent contortions it hung motionless at the end of the rope. So ended the 
only execution in this county. It occurred on the 9th of March, 1838. 

"In tiiirtyfive minutes, the body was cut down and inclosed in a neat coffin, 
which was screwed down in jail, but such was the great curiosity to see the body 
that those charged with the burial had to unscrew the coffin twice. The body 
was interred at the corner of Seventh and Myrtle streets, on the property now 
owned b} Superintendent H. S. Jones. " 

INDICTMENTS FOR MURDER. 

The Erie Dispatch of July 21, 1883, gave the following list of persons 
who have been indicted in the county for the crime of murder during the 
period between 1820 and 1883: 

1821 — The first trial for murder that was ever held in Erie County took 
place in the year 1821. On that occasion, James McKee was put upon trial for 
the murder of John Sivers, in what is now Summit Township. The trial 
took placH in the old court house, and the prisoner being convicted, was sen- 
tenced to seven years in the penitentiary, where he died. 

1824 — The second trial for a capital offense was that of Benjamin Laws 
for the murder of Fuller, at North East, in 1824. The trial took place in the 
academy, the court being held there until the new court house was rebuilt. 
Laws was convicted and sentenced to a long term of imprisonment in the 
penitentiary. 

1828 — Polly Keuby, charged with the murder of her illegitimate child, was 
brought to trial in the court house that stood on the park, and was acquitted 
after a protracted trial. A man named Griffin was tried at the same court, 
charged with the murder of William Crosby. He was also acquitted. 

1835 — At the November sessions of this year, an indictment for murder 
was found against Hugh Young for the cruel and bloody murder at Waterford 
of John DeCamp. The murdered man was beaten to death with a bludgeon. 
His assassins fled, and were never heard of afterward. In this year, also, 
Ransom Eastwood, of Venango, was shot dead, and John Eastwood, of the 
same township, was charged with his murder. The accused had a long trial, 
and was acquitted. 

1836— For the savage murder of Griffin Johnson, in Mill Creek Township, 
Ebenezer Eldridge was arraigned on the capital charge, and was convicted as 
indicted. He escaped the gallows, and was sentenced to ten years in the 
penitentiary. 

1837 — The Francisco murder trial was held this year. 

1850 — Thirteen years elapsed before another Erie citizen was put upon 
trial for his life. John B. Large and Erastus Johnson were charged with the 
murder of a young boy. They were convicted and sentenced to five years in 
the penitentiary. In the same year, Thomas Porter was acquitted of the mur- 
der of Asphad Porter, killed with a stone. 

1852 — Two years afterward, Samuel Stone, of Fairview, was indicted for 
the murder of Rachael Hamm.ond. Stone was sentenced to two years and eight 
days in the penitentiary. 

1854 — William W. Warner was arraigned for killing an illegitimate child. 
He was acquitted on the grounds of insanity, and was sent to an asylum. 

1855 — Ezra Starr and Charles B. Cooper were arraigned for murder, but 
the case was nol prossed and they were discharged. 

1856— The Hayt murder, well remembered, was the judicial sensatioQ of 
this year. Walter Hayt was convicted of murdering his niece, and was sen- 
tenced to ten years in the penitentiary. 



340 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

1857 — John Masters and Joe McBride were indicted for the murder of 
Dennis Sullivan. Masters was acquitted and McBride was never found. 

1858 — In Mill Creek Township, Joseph Botonelli, keeper of a little hotel 
above the almshouse, was shot dead by George H. Rerdell, who, being con- 
victed, was sentenced to six years in the penitentiary. 

In this same year, Jacob Faust was tried for the murder of Capt. Matthew 
Densmore down at the dock. Faust was convicted and sentenced to eleven 
years and nine months in the penitentiary. 

1859 — Charles Fisk, of Waterford, was arraigned for shooting John Fen- 
no through the heart. He got two years and five days in the penitentiary. 

1860 — Mallisa Sprague was indicted for the murder of her child, but the 
jury found her not guilty. 

1862 — Daniel Cummings was tried for the murder of Johanna Cummings, 
and was sent to the penitentiary for eleven yeai's and three months. 

1863- -There were three murder trials in this year. Nathaniel Cotterell, 
of Waterford, was charged with the killing of William Burt, and was ac- 
quitted. Mary Quinn was tried and acquitted of the murder of Patrick Cut- 
ler, killed with a brick, and Peter Carrier, for the murder of William Thomp- 
son, was sent to the penitentiary for ten years. 

1865 — Erastus Stafford was stabbed to death, and Jacob A. Tanner was tried 
for the murder. He got four years. In the same year, W^illiam Greer was 
shot dead in front of a North East drug store. An indictment for murder was 
found against one Dr. Lucius Motfc, but he was never found. 

1866 — Mary Mulholland was charged with the murder of her illegitimate 
child, and Michael Corcoran with the murder of Dennis Twohy. The grand 
jury threw out both bills. 

1872 — The murder of Hugh Donnelly by James Nevills, resulted in a ver- 
dict of not guilty on the grounds of insanity. 

1874 — Fred Cooper and Jane R. Cooper were tried for the murder of Car- 
oline Cook. Both were honorably acquitted. In the following Quarter Ses- 
sions, Charles J. Cowden was tried for the murder of Jane Cowden, and was 
acquitted. 

1876 — George C. Adams was indicted for the killing of William H. Clem- 
ens. The case was woZprossed. 

1880 — Philip Schwingle was charged with the murder of his brother 
Charles, and was sentenced to two years in the penitentiary. 

1883— Mary Jane and Samuel Young were accused of the murder of their 
brother. They were held for trial, but the grand jury ignored the bill. 



CHAPTEE XXI. 

PoLiTiuAL History— Annual Record. 

1788 TO 1800. 
N 1788 and 1792, Allegheny County, which embraced Erie County, gave a 
unanimous vote for George Washington for President, who was elected 
without opposition. John Adams was chosen Vice President. 

In 1796, the Jefferson Electors received 392 votes, and the Adams Elect- 
ors 77 in Allegheny County. The State cast 1 electoral vote for Adams, 14 



I 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. ' 341 

for Jefferson, 2 for Thomas Pickering and 13 for Aaron Burr. Adams was 
elected President and Jefferson Vice President. 

The vote of the commonwealth within the above period was for Governor: 
1790— Thomas Mifflin, Democrat, 27.725; Arthur St. Clair, Federal, 2,802. 
1793 — Thomas Mifflin, Democrat, 18,590; F. A. Muhlenberg, Federal,' 10,- 
706. 1796— Thomas Mifflin, Democrat, 80,020; F. A. Muhlenberg, Federal; 
1,011. 1799— Thomas McKean, Democrat, 38,036; James Ross, Federal 
32,641. 

Allegheny County voted each time for the successful candidate. 

The tirst election of which there is a record in Erie County occurred in 
1798. Judah Colt, agent for the Population Company, says in his journal 
that he accompanied about sixty-five of his people from Colt's Station to Erie 
to take part in an election. This was in October. "All," says Mr. Colt, 
" voted in favor of a Federal Representative. " 

April 8, 1799, six election districts were created in the township of Erie — 
one to hold elections in the town of Erie; one at the house of Timothy Tuttle, 
in North East; one at the house of John McGonigle, at or near Edinboro; one 
at the house of Thomas Hamilton, in Lexington, Conneaut Township; one at 
the house of Daniel Henderson, in Waterford; one at the house of William 
Miles, in Concord Township. 

1800. 

The State cast 8 electoral votes for Jefferson, 8 for Burr, 7 for Adams, and 
7 for C. C. Pinckney. Jefferson was chosen President, and Burr Vice Pres- 
ident. This section of the State gave a majority for Jefferson and Burr. 

Albert Gallatin was elected to Congress from the Western District of the 
State, embracing Erie County. He received 1,937 votes to 944 for Perry 
Neville. Erie and Crawford gave Gallatin 214 votes. Gallatin was appointed 
Secretary of the Ti-easury by President Jefferson in 1801, and resigned bis 
seat in Congress. 

The candidates for other positions received the following votes: 

State Senator — John Hamilton, W^ashington County, 2,002; John Hoge, 
Washington, 847. The district comprised the whole of Western Pennsylvania 
north of Virginia and west of the Allegheny. 

Assembly — Samuel Ewalt, 2,137; Thomas Morton, 2,002; James Sample, 
1,049; Dunning McNair, Erie County, 1,027. The district comprised Erie, 
Crawford, Mercer, Venango and Warren Counties, electing one member. This 
arrangement continued until 1807. 

1801. 

William Hoge, Washington Township, was elected to fill the vacancy in 
Congress caused by the resignation of Albert Gallatin. 

William McArthur, of Meadville, was elected to represent Erie, Mercer, 
Crawford, Venango and Warren Counties in the Senate. This Senatorial 
District continued until 1836. 

The vote of the district for Assembly was as follows: Alexander Buchanan, 
Crawford County, 416; John Lytle, 75; John Lytle, Jr., Erie County, 353; 
John Findley, Mercer County, 208. Three of the Judges signed a return de- 
claring John Lytle, Jr. and Sr., to be father and son, and three othei's refused 
to sign the return in the belief that the same person was intended. Alexan- 
der Buchanan got the certificate. 

1802. 

For Governor, Erie, Crawford, Mercer. Venango and Warren Counties still 
voting together, cast 1,835 votes for Thomas McKean, the Democratic, and 187 



342 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

for James Ross, the Federal candidate. The vote of the State was as follows: 
Thomas McKean, Democrat, 38,036; James Ross, Federal, 32,641. 

William Hogl, Washington County, was elected to Congress by about 750 
majority. 

For Assembly, the following was the vote: Alexander Buchanan, 520; John 
Finley, 197; John Lytle, Jr., 570; James Harrington, Mercer County, 238; 
John Lytle, 13. John Lytle, Jr., was declared elected. 

1803. 

This year, Erie County voted separately for county officers for the first 
time. The following was the result: Sheriff — Wilson Smith, Waterford, 267; 
Martin Strong, Waterford, 201. Coroner— Abraham Smith, Erie, 288; John 
C. Wallace, Erie, 184. 

The Commissioners elected were John Vincent, of Waterford; James 
Weston, of LeBoeuf ; and Abiather Crane, of Mill Creok. 

John Lytle, Jr., was elected to the Assembly. 

John Hoge, of Washington County, was elected to Congress. 

1804. 

The county cast 112 ballots for President, all for the Jefferson electors. 
The State gave its electoral votes to Jefferson and Burr, who were elected. 

John B. C. Lucas was elected to Congress. 

Wilson Smith, of Waterford, was elected to the Assembly. 

William Clark, of Erie. James Lowry, of North East, and John Phillips, 
of Venango, were elected County Commissioners. 

1805. 

The candidates for Governor were Thomas McKean and Simon Snyder, 
both Democrats. Erie County gave McKean 254, and Snyder 377 votes. The 
vote of the State was as follows: Thomas McKean, 43,644; Simon Snyder, 
38,433; Samuel Snyder, 395. 

For Sheriff, John Milroy, of Erie, received 296, and Jacob Carmack, of 

Erie, 295 votes. By law the two highest candidates were returned to the Gov- 

. ernor, who made a choice between them. Carmack received the appointment. 

William McArthur was re-elected to the Senate and Wilson Smith to the 
Assembly. John Hay, of Erie, was chosen County Commissioner. 

John B. C. Lucas having resigned from Congress November 7, Samuel 
Smith, of Mill Creek, Erie County, was chosen in his place. 

Copies of papers printed in Meadville from 1805 to 1820, and of the Erie 
Gazette in 1820 and afterward, show that the opposing parties were distin- 
guished as Democratic-Republican and Federal Republican. This continued 
to be the case until 1829, when the anti-Masonic excitement came up. Erie 
County was strongly Democratic-Republican, and all of the candidates elected 
up to 1830 were nominated by that party, except an occasional independent. 
The Democratic Republicans held a convention in the county every year from 
1805 to 1830. The name Democratic — without the annex — is first found in 
the Erie Observer in 1831. 

1806. 

Samuel Smith was re-elected to Congress by a majority of 715. 

Wilson Smith was elected Assemblyman, and John McCreary, of Mill 
Creek, County Commissioner. 

The vote for Coroner was — John Milroy, 187; George Hurst, of North East, 
142 -.Martin Strong. 142. 



No. 


1. 


No. 


1. 


No. 


3. 


No. 


4. 


No. 


5. 


No. 


6. 


No. 


7. 


No. 


8. 


No. 


9. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 343 

1807. 
Wilson Smith was re-elected to the Assembly, 

April 11, 1807, the following election districts were constituted, and their 
voting places designated : 

Erie and Mill Creek, at the court house. 
"Coniaute" and McKean, at house of James McGuines. 
Fairview, at house of William Sturgeon. 
Springfield, at house of William Portei'. 
"Conniat" and Elk Creek, at town of Lexington. 
"LeBoeuflf" and Waterford, at house of Jonas Clark. 
Beaver Dam and Harbor Creek, at house of Thomas Morton. 
North East, at house of Andrew Lowry. 
Greenfield and Venango, at house of Philo Parker. 
No. 10. Brokenstraw and Union, at house of John Taylor. 
In 1808, Venango was made District No. 11. The election place was fixed 
at the house of John Yost. 

For Coroner, John Gray, of Erie, received 230 votes, and George Lowry, 
of North East, 220. 

John Boyd, of Waterford, was elected County Commissioner. 

1808. 

Erie County cast 200 votes for the Madison electors, and 86 against them. 
The State gave her vote for James Madison for President and George Clinton 
for Vice President, who were elected. 

The vote for Governor was 345 for Simon Snyder, Democrat, and 244 for 
James Ross, Federal. That of the State was as follows: Simon Snyder, Dem- 
ocrat, 67,975; James Ross, Federal, 39,575; John Spayd, Independent Demo- 
crat, 4,006. 

Samuel Smith was re-elected to Congress. 

John Phillips, of Erie County, and James Harrington, of Mercer, were 
elected to the Assembly. 

The vote on other ofiicers was as follows : Sheriff — Jacob Spang, of Erie, 
318; Robert Irvin, of Erie, 287; John Salsbury, of Conneaut, 307. Coroner — 
Thomas Rees, of Harbor Creek, 274; Thomas Wilson, of Erie, 41. 

Francis Brawley, of North East, was elected County Commissioner. 

The Democratic-Republicans had a meeting at Cochran's mill this year, at 
which every prominent member of the party was present. Gen. John Phillips 
presided and Judge Cochran was the moving spirit. The following was 
among the toasts on the occasion: 

"Though Erie lies far in the wood, 
Yet it contains some Democrats good." 

1809. 
Wilson Smith was elected to the State Senate. 

John Phillips, of Erie County, and James Hai-rington, of Mercer County, 
were chosen to the Assembly. 

For Coroner, John C. Wallace, received 245, and John Salsbury 226 votes. 
Thomas Forster, of Erie, was elected County Commissioner. 

1810. 
John Phillips, of Erie County, and Roger Alden, of Crawford County, 
were elected to the Assembly. 

Abner Lacock, of Beaver County, was elected to Congress. 



344 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

For Sheriff, James E. Herron, of Erie, received 278, and James Weston, 
of LeBceuf, 278 votes. Weston obtained the appointment from the Governor. 
John Salsbury, of Conneaut, was elected County Commissioner. 

1811. 

The county gave Simon Snyder, Democratic candidate for Governor, 343 
votes, he having no regular opposition. The vote of the State was as follows: 
Simon Snyder, Democrat, 52,319; William Tilghman, Independent, 3,609. 

Phillips and Alden were re-elected to the Assembly. 

Thomas Wilson, of Erie, was elected County Commissioner. 

1812. 

The vote of Erie County was 152 for the Madison, and 129 for the oppo- 
sition electors. The State cast its electoral vote for James Madison for Presi- 
dent, and Elbridge Gerry for Vice President, who were elected. 

John Phillips, Erie County, and Patrick Farrelly, Crawford County, wei-e 
el ected to the Assembly. 

Abner Lacock, Beaver County, was re-elected to Congress. 

For Coroner, John Milroy received 107, and Abiather Crane 72 votes. 

Henry Taylor, North East, was elected County Commissioner. 

1813. 

The Legislature having chosen Abner Lacock United States Senator, he re- 
signed, and Thomas Wilson, of Erie, was elected to Congress in his stead. 

Joseph Shannon, of Beaver County, was elected to the Senate, and James 
Weston, of Erie County, and James Burchlield, of Crawford County, to the 
Assembly. 

For Sheriff, David Wallace, of Erie, received 187, and John Tracy, of 
Waterford, 127 votes. 

Thomas Forsterwas re-elected County Commissioner; John Grubb, of Mill 
Creek, was elected to the same office to fill the vacancy caused by the resigna- 
tion of Thomas Wilson. 

1814. 

The vote of the county was 308 for Simon Snyder, Democrat; 55 for Isaac 
Wayne, Federal, and 77 for George Lattimore, Independent Democrat. The 
State voted as follows: 

Simon Snyder, 51,099; Isaac Wayne, 29,566; George Lattimore, 910. 

Thomas Wilson was re-elected to Congress, and Weston and Burchtield to 
the Assembly. 

Henry Taylor, of North East, was re-elected County Commissioner. 

1815. 

Jacob Harrington, of Mercer, James Weston, of LeBceuf, and Ealph Mar- 
lin, of Meadville, were elected to the Assembly. The district had been changed 
to Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Warren and Venango, electing three members. 

John Morris, of Erie, received 182, and James Boyd, of Waterford, 180 
votes for Coroner. 

Robert McClelland, of Mill Creek, was elected County Commissioner. 

1816. 
James Moni'oe was elected President, and Elbridge Gerry, Vice President. 
The county gave the Monroe ticket 130, and the opposition 84 votes In the 
State, Monroe had 25,609 votes, and the opposition ticket 17,537. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 345 

Henry Hurst, of Crawford County, formerly of North East, was elected 
State Senator in place of Joseph Shannon, resigned. 

Robert Moore, of Beaver, was elected to Congress; James Hai'rington, 
Ralph Marlin and Samuel Hays, of Venango County, to the Assembly, and 
Thomas Forster, of Erie, County Commissioner. 

The vote for Sheriff was as follows: Stephen Wolverton, of Erie, 290; 
James Hall, of Springfield, 242. 

1817. 

The candidates for Governor were William Findley, Democrat, and Joseph 
Hiester, Federal. Erie County gave Findley 385 votes, and Hiester 261. The 
vote of the State was: 

William Findley, 66,331; Joseph Hiester, 59,292. 

Henry Hurst was re-elected to the Senate, the district comprising Erie, 
Crawford, Mercer, Venango and Warren Counties. 

Samuel Hays, of Venango County, Thomas Wilson, of Erie County, and 
Ralph Marlin, of Crawford County, were elected to the Assembly, and Robert 
Brown, of Erie, was elected County Commissioner. 

1818. 

Robert Moore, of Beaver County, was re-elected to Congress over Thomas 
Wilson, of Erie. 

Jacob Harrington, Mercer, James Cochran, Crawford, and Joseph Hack- 
ney, Venango, were elected Assemblymen, and George Moore, of Erie, County 
Commissioner. 

For Coroner, the vote stood: Samuel Hays, Erie, 262. Thomas Laird, Erie. 
255. 

1819. 

Wilson Smith, of Erie County, James Cochran, of Crawford, and William 
Connelly, of Venango, were elected to the Assembly. 

The vote for county officers was as follows: 
Sheriff— Thomas Laird, Erie, 349; David Wallace, Erie, 330; Amos P. 
Woodford, Waterford, 157. 

Commissioner — Stephen VTolverton, Erie, 427; James Hall, Springfield, 
255; Abiather Crane, Mill Creek, 49; Jonah Cowgill, Erie, 3. 

1820. 
The Presidential election was held in the fall of this year, James Monroe 
being unanimously supported for re-election. Patrick Farrelly was the elector 
for this district. For Governor, the Democrats supported William Findley, of 
Franklin, and the Federalists Gen. Joseph Hiester, of Berks. Hiester was 
elected. The following was the vote of the county: 

Findley. Hiester. 

Brie and Mill Creek 95 130 

McKean 20 21 

Fairview 41 37 

Springfield 62 16 

Conneaut and Elk Creek 32 37 

Waterford, LeBceuf and Beaver Dam 60 65 

Harbor Creek 44 22 

North East 78 42 

Greenfield 1*^ 8 

Union nnd Brokenstraw 15 16 

Venango 32 4 

Conneauttee 27 20 

Total 519 415 



346 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The candidates for Congress were Robert Moore, Beaver; Patrick Farrelly, 
Crawford, and Beavan Pearson, Mercer, all Democrats. Patrick Farrelly re- 
ceived a majority of 407 votes in the county, and was elected by a plurality of 
1,104 in the district. The candidates for Assembly were Wilson Smith, Erie 
Count}*; George Moore, Erie; Jacob Heri'ington, Mercer; William Connelly, 
Venango; James Cochran, Crawford; William Moore, Venango, and Walter 
Oliver, Mercer. All of the above candidates claimed to be Democrats. Messrs. 
Smith, Connelly and Harrington were elected. George Nicholson, Fairview, 
was chosen Commissioner by 75 majority over Henry Colt, of Waterford. 
Thomas H. Sill, Erie; Thomas Dunn, McKean; E. D. Gunnison, Erie; Abi- 
ather Crane, Mill Creek, and Clark Putnam, North East, were candidates for 
Auditor. Sill and Dunn were elected. 

Alexander McNair, formerly of Mill Creek, was this year elected first Gov 
ernor of Missouri. 

1821. 

The following were the candidates: State Senate — Samuel Lord, Meadville; 
Gen. Henry Hurst, Meadville; Jacob Harrington, Mercer. Harrington was 
elected. Assembly — George Moore, Erie; Wilson Smith, Waterford; Rev. 
Robert C. Hatton, Erie; Thomas King, Waterford; James Cochran, Robert L. 
Potter, Crawford; A.rthur Chenowith. John Leech, C. S. Sample, W^alter Oliver, 
Mercer; Andrew Bowman, Robert Mitchell, William Moore, Venango, and 
David Brown, Warren. Brown. Cochran and George Moore were elected. 
Thomas Forster, Erie, was elected Commissioner by 23 majority over Henry 
Colt. Thomas Rees, Harbor Creek, was elected Auditor by 211 majority over 
P. S. V. Hamot. Benjamin Russell, Mill Creek, was chosen Coroner. 

1822. 

The candidates for Congress were Patrick Farrelly, Crawford, and Samuel 
Williamson. Mercer, both Democrats. Farrelly received 992 votes and Will- 
iamson 136 in the county. Farrelly was elected by a majority of about 2,000 
in the district. 

The Assembly District was changed this year, Erie and Warren being 
placed together, and allowed one member. George Moore, Erie Borough, 
and James Weston, LeBoeuf, were the candidates for that office, the latter 
being elected by a majority of only 17 votes. Stephen Wolverton, Erie, 
David Wallace, Mill Creek, and Simeon Dunn, Erie, were candidates 
for Sheriff. Wolverton's majority was 306 over both of his competitors. Henry 
Colt, Waterford; Alexander McClosky, North East, and Thomas Rees, Harbor 
Creek, were candidates for Commissioner. Colt was elected by a majority of 
62 votes over both the others. Thomas Dunn, McKean, was chosen Auditor 
over Conrad Brown, Mill Creek, and James Love, of the same township. 

1823. 
This being the year to select a Governor, each party had candidates in the 
Held. The Democrats supported John Andrew Shulze, Lebanon; the Feder- 
alists, Andrew Gregg, Centre. The vote of the county was: Shulze, 754; 
Gregg, 604 — Democratic majority, 150. The vote of the State was: John 
Andrew Schulze, Democrat, 89,928; Andrew Gregg, Federal, 64,211. For 
Assembly, George Moore, Erie, and Thomas H. Sill, Erie, were the candidates. 
Sill was beaten 199 votes in Erie County, but received so strong a support in 
Warren as to overbalance these figures and elect him by a majority of 149 in 
the district. Alexander McClosky was chosen Commissioner over John Coch- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 349 

ran, Mill Creek, and E. D. Gunnison, Erie. Daniel Sayre, Fairview, was 
elected Auditor over Hamlin Russell and Abiather Crane, both of Mill Creek, 
Owing to a misunderstanding, no election was held in Union and Concord, 
which is claimed to have operated to the disadvantage of Messrs. Gregg and 
Sill. 

1824. 

A convention met March 4, of this year, at Harrisburg, and nominated 
Andrew Jackson for President, and John C. Calhoun for Vice President. 
Henry Clay, who at that time acted with the Democratic party, received 10 
votes for the latter position. Another convention was held in HaxTisburg, 
August 9, which nominated William H. Crawford, of Georgia, for President, and 
Albert Gallatin, of Pennsylvania, for Vice President Henry Clay and John 
Quincy Adams were also candidates before the people for President, but we 
have no record giving the manner of their nomination. The candidates for 
elector were as follows: For Jackson, John Boyd, Waterford; for Adams, Jesse 
Moore, Meadville; for Crawford, James Montgomery; for Clay, Charles H. 
Israel. 

The vote of the county was: For Jackson, 302; Adams, 55; Crawford, 10; 
Clay, 3 — not half the ballots being cast. 

The vote in the State was: Jackson, 35,894; Adams, 3,405; Crawford, 
4,386; Clay, 1,701; Jackson's majority over all, 24,601. 

None of the candidates received a majority of the electoral votes in the 
Union, and the election was thrown into the House, where Adams was chosen 
President. 

For Congress, Patrick Farrelly and Samuel Williamson were again oppos- 
ing candidates, the former receiving in Erie County 1,030 votes to 68 for the 
latter. Farrelly's majority in the district was 3,138, in a total vote of 5,100. 
The district consisted of Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango and Warren. 

John Phillips, of Venango Township, was elected to the Assembly over 
George Moore. John Morris, Erie, was chosen Commissioner over John Sals- 
bury, Conneaut, and E. D. Gunnison, Erie. Rufus Seth Reed, Erie, defeated 
John Dickson, Erie, for Coroner. Thomas Rees, Harbor Creek, was elected 
Auditor over Amos Wilmot, Waterford. 

1825. 

For State Senate, Wilson Smith, Waterford; George Moore, Erie; Thomas 
Atkinson, Crawford; James Herriott, Mercer; and John JLeech, Mercer, were 
opposing candidates. Moore had one majority over all in this county, but 
Leech received a majority in the district. Stephen Wolverton was chosen to 
the Assembly over John JPhillips and Abiather Crane, Erie County, and Archi- 
bald Tanner and J. W. Irvine, Warren. The candidates for Sheriff were: 
Henry Colt, Waterford; Thomas Forster, Erie; Thomas Laird, Erie; A. W. 
Brewster, Erie; Albert Thayer, Mill Creek, and David McCreary, Mill Creek. 
Mr. Thayer was elected. The candidates for Commissioner were: John Sals- 
bury, Conneaut; William Benson, Waterford; John Gray, Erie; Thomas Dunn, 
Mckean, and Giles Hulbert, AVaterford. Mr. Salsbury was elected. The can- 
didates for Auditor were Amos Wilmot, Waterford; Hamlin Russell, Mill 
Creek; John J. Swan, Erie, and Col. James McKay, Waterford, the latter 
being successful. William E. McNair, Mill Creek, was chosen Auditor for 
one year, over William Hurley, Erie, in place of Daniel Sayre, who moved out 
of the county. 

In this year, a proposition to form a new State Constitution was brought 

19 



350 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

before the people and voted down, the majority against it in Erie County 
being 1,062. 

1826. 

Patrick Farrelly, Congressman from this district, died at Pittsburgh, on 
his way to Washington. February 12, 1826, and a special election was held 
March 14 following for his successor. The candidates were Thomas H. Sill, 
Erie; Samuel Hays, Venango; Jacob Herrington, Mercer; and Stephen Barlow, 
Crawford. Sill was elected. At the regular October election, Sill, Barlow 
and John Findley, Mei'cer, were candidates for Congress. Barlow was elected. 

At the October election of this year, Gov. Shulze had no opposition in Erie 
County. The vote of the State was: John Andrew Shulze, Democrat, 64,211; 
John Sergeant, Philadelphia, Federal, 1,474. 

The candidates for Assembly were Stephen Wolverton, Ales. McCIoskey, 
George Moore and George Stuntz, Erie County; and John Andrews, Warren. 
Wolverton was re-elected. William Benson, Waterford; Thomas Forster, 
Erie, and James M. Moorehead, Harbor Creek, were candidates for Commis- 
sioner. Benson was elected. Martin Strong, McKean, was chosen Auditor 
over David H. Chapman, Fairview. 

1827. 

Stephen Wolverton was re-elected to the Assembly over Alex. McCIoskey, 
North East, his only opponent. The candidates for Coroner were William 
Flemming, Erie; Samuel Brown, Erie; Jesse Tarbell, Mill Creek; Benjamin 
Russell, Mill Creek; and James Graham, Beaver Dam. Flemming was elected. 
James M. Moorhead was chosen Commissioner over Thomas Forster. David 
H. Chapman, Fairview; Thomas Dunn, McKean; Robert Cochran, Mill Creek, 
and Charles Lay, Erie, were candidates for AMitor. Chapman was elected. 

1828. 

The Jackson State Convention was held in Harrisburg January 8. An- 
drew Jackson was nominated for President, and John C. Calhoun for Vice 
President. James Duncan, Mercer County, was the electoral candidate for 
this Congressional District. 

The Adams Convention met about the 4th of March, and nominated John 
Quincy Adams for President, and Richard Rush, Pennsylvania, for Vice Pres- 
ident. John Leech, Mercer County, was the electoral candidate for this Con- 
gressional district. 

The State election was held October 14. The candidates in this district and 
county were as follows: Congress — Thomas H. Sill, Erie County; and Stephen 
Barlow, Crawford. The vote in the county was 1,406 for Sill and 366 for Barlow. 
Sill received a majority of about 600 in the district. Assembly — George Moore, 
Stephen Wolverton and Wilson Smith, all of Erie County; Moore was elected. 
Sheriff — Alex. W. Brewster, Erie; Thomas Mellen, North East; Daniel Saw- 
tell. Springfield; Smith Jackson, Erie; Richard Arbuckle and John G. Cald- 
well, Mill Creek. Brewster was elected. Commissioner (three years) — Albert 
Thayer, Erie; George Nicholson, Fairview. Thayer was elected by a nearly 
unanimous vote. Commissioner (one year) — in place of William Benson, 
Waterford, resigned — Myron Hutchinson, Springfield; James Pollock, LeBoeuf; 
and John Boyd, Waterford. Hutchinson was elected. Robert Cochran, Mill 
Creek, was elected Auditor over Thomas Dunn, McKean, and Jamey Benson, 
Waterford. No political issue seems to have been made in this election. 

The Presidential election was held on Friday, October 31, and resulted as 
follows: 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 361 

Adams. Jackson. 

Erie and Mill Creek 133 188 

McKeau 52 27 

Fairview 95 56 

Springfield 118 31 

Conneaiit 76 19 

Waterford and LeBoeuf 115 120 

Harbor Creek 56 54 

North East 85 116 

Greenfield 24 13 

Union 25 9 

Venango 23 46 

Conneauttoe (now Washington). 58 27 

Elk Creek 27 28 

Beaver Dam (now Greene) 8 20 

Concord 16 10 

Amity 22 7 

Wayne 12 2 

Total 945 7T3 

The vote of the State was: Jackson, 101,652; Adams, 50,848; Jackson's 
majority, 50,804. Jackson and Calhoun had a large majority of the electoral 
votes of the Union. 

1829. 

The Anti-Masonic excitement had by this year risen into a political issue, 
and a separate party organization was formed, embracing a large portion of 
the supporters of Mr. Adams. The Democratic State Convention met at Har- 
risburg on the 4th of March and nominated George Wolf, Northampton 
County, for Governor. The Anti-Masonic State Convention met at the same 
place on the same day, and nominated Joseph Ritner, Washington County. 
The vote of Erie County was: Ritner. 1,545; Wolf, 497. . The vote of the 
State was: George Wolf, Democrat, 77,988; Joseph Ritner, Anti Mason, 
51,724; Wolf's majority, 26,264. 

The Anti-Masonic issue does not appear to have entered into the election 
of district and county officers, and the candidates ran upon their merits, as 
heretofore, most of them having boen previously identified with the Demo- 
cratic organization. For State Senate, Thomas S. Cunningham, Mercer 
County, defeated Wilson Smith, Erie County, by over 2,700 majority in the 
district. George Moore was elected to the Assembly over Stephen Wolverton. 
Joseph M. Sterrett, Erie, Myron Hutchinson, Springfield, and William Gray, . 
Wayne, were candidates for Commissioner. Sterrett was elected by a major- 
ity of 26 over Hutchinson, the next highest candidate. Eli Webster, McKeau, 
was elected Auditor over Thomas E. Reed, Venango, by a nearly unanimous 
vote. 

1830. 

This was the first year in which Anti-Masonry entered directly into the 
choice of district and county officers. The Anti -Masonic candidate for Con- 
gress was John Banks, of Mercer County. The Democratic candidate was 
Thomas S. Cunningham, Mercer County. Banks had a majority of 316 in 
Erie County, and 1,135 in the district. The candidates for county officers 
were as follows: 

Anti-Masonic — Assembly, John Riddle, Erie; Commissioner, James Pol- 
lock, LeBoeuf; Coroner, David Wallace, Erie; Auditor, John J. Swan, Fair- 
view 

Democratic -Republican — Assembly, P. S. V. Hamot, Erie; Commissioner, 
John Saulsbury, Fairview; Coroner, Charles Lay, Erie; Auditor, Thomas 
Laird, of Erie. 



352 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The Anti-Masonic ticket was successful by an average majority of 250. 

1831. 

The candidates were as follows: 

Anti-Masonic — Assembly, John Riddle; Sheriff, William Fleming, Erie; 
Commissioner. Thomas K. Miller, Springfield; Auditor, James Smedley, 
North East. 

*Democratic — Assembly, George Moore, Erie; Shei-iff, Albert Thayer, Erie; 
Commissioner, Thomas Mellen, North East; Auditor, John G. Caldwell, Mill 
Creek. 

Independent Candidates — Assembly, William Dickson, North East; Sher- 
iff, David Zimmerman and James McConkey. Erie. 

The Anti-Masonic candidates were successful by average majorities of 
about 400. None of the independent candidates had much of a support. 

1832. 

The candidates for Governor were George Wolf, Democrat, ' and Joseph 
Ritner,. Anti-Masonic. 

The Democrats of Pennsylvania supported Andrew Jackson for President, 
and William Wilkins, this State, for Vice President. Martin Van Buren, New 
York, was also a Democratic candidate for Vice President, ani^ was elected, 
though Pennsylvania cast her vote for Wilkins. Henry Clay ran as an Anti- 
Jackson Democratic candidate for President, with John Seargeant, Pennsylvania, 
for Vice President. The Anti-Masons supported William Wirt, Maryland, for 
President, and Amos Ellmaker. Pennsylvania, for Vice President. Wilson 
Smith was the Jackson candidate for Elector in this district; David Dick, 
Crawford, the Clay candidate; and Robert Falconer, Warren, the Anti-Masonic. 
The Jackson and Clay men went by the designation of Democratic Republic- 
ans; the supporters of Wirt by that of Republican Anti-Masons. The vote 
of the county was as follows: 

Wirt. .Tackson. 

Erie aud Mill Creek 284 163 

McKean 94 16 

Fail-view 89 12 

Springfield 82 69 

Conneaut 118 74 

Waterford 92 65 

Harbor Creek 80 76 

North East 110 42 

Greenfield 37 52 

Union 138 1 

Venango 72 42 

Conneauttee 36 26 

Concord 16 33 

Beaver Dam 64 31 

Elk Creek 33 32 

Amity 30 39 

Wayne 23 17 

LeBoeuf 37 61 

Girard 109 88 

Total 1,494 1,049 

Only three ballots were cast for Clay, all in North East Township. 

The vote for Governor was larger than that for President, Ritner receiving 
1,792, and Wolf 1.170. In the State the result was as follows: George Wolf, 
Democrat, 91,235; Joseph Ritner, Anti-Mason, 88,186; Wolf's majority, 3,049. 

*1831. — This year the uame Democratic-Republican was dropped in Erie County, and the supporters of 
Jackson called themselves Democrats. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 353 

The vote of the State for President was: Jackson, 90,983; "Wirt, 66,716; ma- 
jority for Jackson, 24,267. 

Mr. Clay's vote was too light to be considered worthy of record by the 
papers of the day. 

The candidates for district and county offices were as follows: 

Anti -Masonic— Congress. Thomas H. Sill, of Erie; Assembly, John H. 
Walker, Erie; Commissioner, John McCord, North East; Auditor, Samuel 
Low, Venango Township. 

Democratic — Congress, John Galbraith, Veuango County; Assembly, Rufus 
Seth Reed, Erie; Commissioner, Thomas Mellen, North East; Auditor, John 
Phillips, Venango. 

All of the Anti-Masonic candidates were elected except Sill. John Gal- 
braith was defeated by 833 votes in Erie County, but received a majority of 
778 in the district. 

1833. 

Anti-Masonic Candidates — State Senate, Charles M. Reed, Erie County; 
Assembly, John H. Walker, Erie; Commissioner, James Love, Mill Creek; 
Coroner, David McNair, of Mill Creek; Auditor, Mark Baldwin, Greenfield. 

Democratic Candidates— State Senate, Thomas S. Cunningham, Mercer 
County; Assembly, Dr. Tabor Beebe, Erie; Commissioner, John Gingrich, 
Mill Creek; Coroner, Wareham Taggart, Springfield; Auditor, John Sauls- 
bury, Conneaut. 

All of the Anti-Masonic candidates were elected except Reed, who received 
a majority in the county, but was defeated in the district. 

1834. 

Anti-Masonic Candidates — Congress, Thomas H. Sill, Erie County: As- 
sembly, John H. Walker, Erie; Sheriff, Thomas Mehaflfey, Erie; Commis- 
sioner, Stephen Skinner, McKean; Auditor, Russell Stancliff, Washington. 

Democratic — Congress, John Galbraith, Venango Covinty; Assembly, 
James M. Moorhead, Harbor Creek; Sheriff, Albert Thayer, Erie; Commis- 
sioner, Daniel Gillespie, Erie; Auditor, John R. Rouse, Venango. 

Independent Candidate for Sheriff- Chaiincey Rogers, Girard. 

The Anti-Masonic candidates were elected with the exception of Sill, who 
received 353 majority in the county, but was defeated by 1,622 in the district. 

1835. 

The Democratic party of Pennsylvania was divided this year over a can- 
didate for Governor, one portion supporting George Wolf, and another Henry 
A. Muhlenbui'g. Berks. The Anti -Masons again chose Joseph Ritner as a 
candidate, showing a pertinacity in their devotion to him which has few par- 
allels in political annals. 

The vote of Erie County was: For Ritner, 1,743; Wolf, 164; Muhlenburg, 
1,281. In the State the vote was as follows: Joseph Ritner, Anti-Mason, 
94,023; George Wolf, Democrat, 65,804; Henrv A. Muhlenburg, Democrat, 
40,586. 

Anti-Masonic County Ticket — Assembly, John H. Walker, Erie; Commis- 
sioner, James Miles, Girard; Auditor, William Benson, Waterford. 

Democratic County Ticket — Assembly, P. S. V. Hamot, Erie; Commission- 
er, John Gingrich. Mill Creek; Auditor, David Webber, Concord. 

All of the Anti-Masonic candidates were elected by an average majority of 
400. 



354 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY, 

A proposition to bold a convention for revising the State Constitution was 
carried by 10,404 majority. Erie County cast 3,023 votes for the convention 
and 21 against it. 

The following bit of political historv appeared in the Erie Dispatch in 
1882 : 

"When the Democratic party was rent in twain in 1835, by one of the most 
serious of discordant elements, two State Conventions were held. One pre- 
sided over by the late Chief Justice Thompson nominated George Wolf for 
Governor for a third term. The anti-Wolf delegates, being a minority of the 
convention, protested against the nomination and at once met and, under the 
presidency of the same gentleman, nominated Henry A. Muhlenberg. The 
Democratic party with their two candidaLes in the field battled bravely, not so 
much with hopes of success as to test the relative strength of the hostile fac- 
tions. Gov. Wolf's vote was 65,804. Mr. Muhlenberg's 40,586. The 
result proved disastrous to the Democratic party and resulted in the election 
of Joseph Kitner by a plurality vote of 8,196. At once commenced plans of 
reconstruction and conciliation, though the elements of discord were deep- 
seated and the contest was of the most embittered character. Both wings of 
the party had to be recognized as Democratic, and no ostracism by the national 
administration against either wing of the party was to be tolerated. Van 
Buren, as President, was appealed to by leading men of both parties. He at 
once determined to xise the best means in his power to suppress antagonism, 
and if possible unite the party. He appointed Muhlenberg as Minister to 
Vienna and Wolf Collector of the Port of Philadelphia. This recognition 
went far to restore confidence, allay bad feeling and unite the party. The 
union was so far perfected that at the time of the next Gubernatorial election 
in 1838, the Democratic party was united and elected by a large majority 
David R. Porter over Joseph Eitner, and ever after has continued a united 
party. ' ' 

1836. 

The Democratic candidate for Congress was Arnold Plumer, Venango 
County; the Anti-Masonic was David Dick, Crawford County. The vote of 
the county was: For Dick, 1,773; for Plumer, 1,214. In the district, Dick had 
3,628, Plumer, 4,323, the latter being elected. 

The county tickets, with the vote for each candidate, were as follows : The 
apportionment bill of 1835 gave Erie County two Assemblymen. 

Anti-Masonic — Assembly, Thomas R. Miller, Springfield, 1,948; Elijah 
Babbitt, Erie, 1,716; Commissioner. Samuel Low, Harbor Creek, 1,719; Cor- 
oner, Samuel W. Keefer, Erie, 1,696; Auditor, William H. Crawford, North 
East, 1,689— all being elected. 

Democratic — Assembly, James C. Marshall. Girard, 1,281; Frederick W. 
Miller, Waterford, 1,032; Commissioner, William Doty, Springfield, 1,244; 
Coroner, Anthony Saltsman, Mill Creek, 1,158; Auditor, James Wilson. 
Greenfield, 1,176. 

The Presidential election was held October 31. The Anti-Masonic candi- 
dates were: For President, Gen. William H. Harrison, Ohio; for Vice Presi- 
dent, Francis Granger, New York. The elector for this district was James 
Cochran, Crawford County. The Democratic candidates were: For President, 
Martin Van Buren, New York; for Vice President, Richard M. Johnson, Ken- 
tucky. The (4ector was John P. Davis, Crawford County. Below is the vote: 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 355 

HairisoD. Van BureD. 

Erie 217 113 

McKean 147 20 

Fairview 125 18 

Spriuglield 182 67 

Conneaut 86 91 

Waterford 122 92 

Harbor Creek 154 75 

North East 137 197 

Greenfield 48 • 37 

Union 59 25 

Venango 86 44 

Washington 133 58 

Beaver Dam 81 37 

Elk Creek 79 82 

Concord 15 47 

Amity 26 43 

Wayne 42 22 

LeBoeuf 35 55 

Girard 155 94 

Mill Creek 205 95 

Total 2,134 1,312 

The vote of the State was as follows: 

Van Buren, 91,475; Harrison, 87,111; Van Buren's majority, 4,364. 

Van Buren and Johnson were elected by a large majority of the electoral 
votes of the Union. 

An election for delegates to the convention for framing a new Constitu- 
tion was held on the same day. The candidates, with their votes, were as 
follows : 

Senatorial delegate — Anti-Masonic, Daniel Sager, Crawford County, 2,064 
in Erie County, and 3,249 in the district. Democratic, Henry Colt, Water- 
ford, 1,330 in Erie County, 3,016 in the district — Sager being elected. 

Representative delegates — Anti -Masonic, Thomas H. Sill, Erie, 2,079; 
James Pollock, Le Boeuf, 2,063. Democratic,. Wilson Smith, Waterford, 
1,314; Henry L. Harvey, Erie, 1,315 — Sill and Pollard being elected. 

1837. 

The candidates for State Senator (Erie and Crawford constituting the dis- 
trict) were: Anti-Masonic, Joseph M. Sterrett, Erie; Democratic, Edward A. 
Reynolds, Crawford. The vote for Sterrett in Erie County was 1,840; for 
Reynolds, 1,065. Sterrett was elected by about 400 majority in the district, 
Crawford being at that time Democratic. 

The county tickets, with the vote, were as follows: 

Anti Masonic — Assembly, Charles M. Reed, Erie, 2,087; David Sawdy, 
Conneaut. 1,773; Sheriff, Andrew Scott, Erie, 1,715; Commissioner, Thomas 
Sterrett, McKean, 1,757; Auditor, Thomas Nicholson, Mill Creek, 1,876 

Democratic--Assembly, Martin Strong, Sr., Beaver Dam, 962; David H. 
Chapman, Fairview, 630; Sheriff, Albert Thayer, Mill Creek, 1,204; Com- 
missioner, Eli Webster, Beaver Dam, 944. 

1838. 
The Anti-Masons again nominated Joseph Ritner for Governor; the Demo- 
crats placed in nomination David R. Porter, of Huntingdon County. The 
vote of the county was: For Ritner, 2,747; for Porter, 1,565 — Ritner's major- 
ity, 1,182. In the State the result was as follows: David R. Porter, Demo- 
crat, 127,821; Joseph Ritner, Anti -Mason, 122,325— majority for Porter, 5,496. 



356 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The organization of the Legislature, in December following this election, 
caused those troubles which have been named in derision the " Buckshot war." 
Their historj' may be briefly given as follows: When the Return Judges of 
Philadelphia County met in convention, a motion was made to throw out the 
votes of the Northern Liberties, on account of alleged frauds. By accepting 
the votes, the Anti-Masooic candidates for Congress, State Senator and Assem- 
bly were elected; their rejection gave the seats to the Democratic candidates. 
The Democrats had a majority of the Judges, and the returns were not ac- 
cepted. The Anti-Masonic Judges bolted and made out other returns, includ- 
ing the vote of the Northern Liberties, which were sent to Thomas H. Bur- 
rowes, Anti-Masonic Secretary of State, at Harrisburg. When the Legislature 
assembled, each set"of candidates appeared for admission, and in the House the 
two parties were so nearly balanced that the acceptance or rejection of the 
Philadelphians involved the control of the body. Meantime, much excitement 
prevailed throvighout the State, and serious disturbances were threatened. On 
the day of meeting, Harrisburg was full of angry men, but if we can rely on 
the Anti-Masonic papers of the time, the Democrats were largely in the ascend- 
ent. The vote for Speaker was taken, when the Democrats supported William 
Hopkins, and the Anti-Masons Thomas S. Cunningham, each party having 
separate tellers. Both claimed to be elected, and for some time occupied seats 
on the platform, side by side. Of course, under such circumstances, no busi- 
ness could be transacted, and affairs were brought to a dead- lock. The Senate, 
which contained a majority of Anti-Masons, recognized the Cunningham House. 
Excitement increased throughout the State, and the Democrats, resolved not to 
be defeated in their programme, threatened to maintain Mr. Hopkins' right to 
the Speakership by force. The Governor, in his fright, called out the militia 
of the adjoining counties, but when they reached Harrisburg it was found that 
the Democrats were in the majority among the troops, so that the Anti-Masons 
could not depend upon their support. He then wrote to President Van Buren 
for aid, who plumply refused.* After an agitation of several weeks, four 
Anti-Masonic Senators receded from their original position, voted to recognize 
the Hopkins House, and terminated all trouble in the Legislature. The Anti- 
Masons throughout the State were fierce in their denunciations of the recreant 
Senators, but soon subsided into acquiescence, and thus ended one of the mcjst 
memorable, as it was also one of the most disgraceful, incidents in Pennsylvania 
history. Amid all the excitement, no blood was spilled. From this date, the 
Anti -Masonry party of Pennsylvania rapidly declined, and in a few years sunk 
out of existence. 

The Anti- Masons again nominated David Dick for Congress. John Gal- 
braith, of Venango, was the Democratic candidate. In the county, Dick re- 
ceived 2,614 votes, and Galbraith, 1,610. Dick's vote in the district was 
5,918; Galbraith's, 6,198, the latter's majority being 280. The district com- 
prised Erie, Crawford, Venango and Warren Counties, the three latter giving 
Democratic majorities. 

The county tickets, with the vote for each candidate, were as follows. 

Anti-Masonic — Assembly, Samuel Hutching, Water ford, 2,581; William M. 
Watts, Erie, 2,368; Commissioner, William E. McNair, Mill Creek, 2,591; 
Auditor, Alexander W. Brewster, Erie, 2,601. 

Democratic — Assembly, Ebenezer D. Gunnison, Erie, 1.646; Myron Hutch- 
inson, Girard, 1,580; Commissioner, J. P. Grant, Wayne, 1,522; Auditor, 
Samuel T. Axtell, Union, 1,524. 

*The United States Storekeeper at Frankfort turned over a liberal supply of ammunition to the State au- 
thorities, much of which consisted of buckshot cartridges. Hence the name of " Buckshot war." 








j/a/^ (yjj^^r^ 



6/ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 359 

A vote was taken on the adoption of the new Constitution, with the follow- 
ing result in th« State: For the Constitution, 113,981; against, 112,759. Erie 
County went against the instrument by a majority of 1,721. 

Previous to this, negroes had voted in the State. The new Constitution 
excluded them from suffrage. In the Convention, our delegates were divided, 
Mr. Sill voting for negi'o suffrage, and Mr. Pol lock against. The Anti -Masons 
had a slight majority in the body. 

The new Constitution provided for the election of Prothonotary and Regis- 
ter and Recorder, instead of their appointment by the Governor as before. 
The same instrument also changed the manner of selecting Justices of the 
Peace from appointment to election by the people. The choice of the latter 
officers was not made until the spring election in 1840, the old incumbents re- 
taining their position until the first Monday of May in that year. 

1839. 

The county tickets, with the vote for each candidate, were as follows: 

Anti -Masonic — Assembly, Samuel Hutchins, Water ford, 1,927; William 
M. Watts, Erie, 3,713; Prothonotary, William Kelly, Erie, 1,791; Reg- 
ister and Recorder, Thomas Moorhead, Erie, 1,997; Commissioner for three 
years, Lyman Robinsor^, Wattsburg, 1,845; Commissioner for one year (to 
supply the vacancy occasioned by the death of Thomas Sterrett), Samuel Low, 
Harbor Creek, 1,886; Coroner, John K. Caldwell, Mill Creek. 1,817; Auditor, 
Gideon J. Ball, Erie, 1,791. 

Democratic — Assembly, William Townsend, Springfield, 1,522; Prothono- 
tary, James C. Marshall, Girard, 1,155; Register and Recorder, E. D. Gunni- 
son, 1,396; Commissioner, three years, James Duncan, North East, 1,420; 
Commissioner, one year, Horace Powers, Washington, 1,374; Coroner, P. P. 
Glazier, Erie, 1,391; Auditor, Martin Strong. Beaver Dam, 1,403. 

Rev. J. H. Whallon, Erie, was nominated by the Democrats for Assembly, 
but declined. Dr. W^illiam Johns, Erie, who had previovsly sought the Anti- 
Masonic nomination for the office, announced himself as an independent can- 
didate, and was supported by a portion of the Democrats. He received 1,137 
votes in the county. 

A proposition to build a county poor house was submitted to the people, 
and defeated by a majority of 154 votes. 

1840. 

Before this year, each township took care of its own poor. A proposition 
to build a county poor house met with much opposition, but on being sub- 
mitted to a vote of the people at the spring elections, was carried by a vote of 
1,599 in favor to 1,515 against. At this election, Justices of the Peace were 
chosen by popular vote for the first time, their selection having been previous- 
ly vested in the Governor. 

The Anti-Masonic party had by this time given up the ghost, and the 
Whig party was organized upon its remains. The Whig candidate for Con- 
gress was William A. Irvine, of Warren County; the Democratic, Arnold 
Plumer, of Venango, the latter being elected. The following is the vote in 
the district: 

Irvine. Plumer. 

Erie 3,301 2,005 

Crawford 2,175 2,640 

Venango 679 1,007 

Warren 835 925 

Clarion 610 1,329 

Total 7,600 7,906 



360 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The county tickets, with the vote for each candidate, were as follows: 

Whig — Assembly, Stephen Skinner, McKean, 3,289; James D. Dunlap, 
Erie, 3,281; Sheriff, E. W. M. Blaine, North East, 3,296; Commissioner, 
Eussell Stancliff, Washington, 3,284; Auditor, James Miles, Girard Town- 
ship, 3,247. 

Democratic — Assembly, William Townsend, Springfield, 2,033; Anthony 
Saltsman, Mill Creek, 2,030; Sheriff, Benjamin F. Norris, Greene, 2,012; 
Commissioner, James Duncan, North East, 2,004; Auditor, G. J. Stranahan, 
Concord, 2,002. 

At this election. Directors of the Poor were chosen for the first time, each 
tuwnship having before elected its own Overseers. The candidates on the 
Whig ticket were Thomas R. Miller, Springfield; James Benson, Waterford 
Township; and George W. Walker, Harbor Creek, all of whom were elected. 
The Democi-atic candidates were William W. Warner, Fairview; Sherburn 
Smith. Erie; and William Wyatt, Harbor Creek. 

At the general election following, the Whig candidates were: For Presi- 
dent, Gen. William H. Harrison, of Ohio; for Vice President, John Tyler, of 
Virginia. John Dick, of Crawford County, was the Whig elector for this dis- 
trict. The Democrats again supported Van Buron and Johnson. Stephen 
Barlow, of Crawford County, was the electoral candidate. The following is 
the vote of the county: 

Harrison. Van Bureu. 

Erie, West Ward 175 96 

Erie, Eastward 203 83 

McKean 208 71 

Fairview 247 53 

Springfield 285 87 

Conneaut 197 125 

Waterford Township 172 67 

Harbor Creek 227 106 

North East Township 158 174 

Greenfield 91 55 

Union 81 36" 

Venango and Wattsburg 122 69 

Washington and Edinboro 244 71 

Greene 112 66 

Elk Creek 163 137 

Concord 38 81 

Amity 46 61 

Wayne 85 51 

LeBoeuf 71 93 

Girard 301 229 

Mill Creek 319 182 

North East Borough 43 38 

Waterford Borough 46 30 

Total 3,636 2,061 

In the State — Harrison, 144,021; Van Buren, 143,672. Harrison's ma- 
jority, 349. 

Harrison & Tyler were elected. The former served only one month, when 
he died in office, and was succeeded by John Tyler, who soon became unpopular 
with the party that elected him. 

The Whigs and Democrats both held conventions in Erie this year, 
on the 10th of September. The assemblage was the largest ever known in 
the Northwest up to that time.— [>See Notable Events,^ 

1841. 
The Whig candidate for Governor was John Banks, of Berks County; the 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 361 

Democrats again supported David K. Porter, of Huntingdon. The county gave 
Banks 2,956 votes, and Porter 1,855. In the State the vote was as follows: 

David R. Porter, Democrat, 136,504; John Banks, AVhig, 118,473. Ma- 
jority for the Democrats, 23,031. 

The Abolitionists held their tirst convention in Pennsylvania this year, and 
nominated Dr. Francis J. LeMoyne, of Washington County, for Governor, who 
received 736 votes in all. Of these, forty were cast in Erie County, as fol- 
lows: 

Elk Creek 2 

East Ward of Erie .' o 

West Ward of Erie 4 

■ Fairview 1 

Harbor Creek 12 

LeBojuf 1 

NorthEast Township 9 

North East Borough 5 

Venango 4 

Wattsburg 6 

Waterford Borough 1 

The Democrats made no nomination for the State Senate and supported 
John W. Farrelly, of Crawford, who ran as an independent Whig candidate. 
John Dick, of Crawford, was the regular Whig candidate. The vote of the 
district was as follows: 

Dick. Farrellv. 

Erie 2,663 1,955' 

Crawford 1,887 2,774 

Total ' 4,550 4,729 

The county tickets, with the votes, were as follows: 

Whig— Assembly, James D. Dunlap, Erie, 2,683; Stephen C. Lee, Greene, 
2,640; Commissioner, David Sawdy, Conneaut, 2,489; Treasurer, James Will- 
iams, Erie, 2,589; Auditor, Moses Barnett, Fairview, 2,571; Director of the 
Poor, Conrad Brown, of Mill Creek (no opposition). 

The Democrats made no nominations, but supported Independent candidates, 
as follows: • 

Assembly, Robert S. Hunter, Erie, 1,696; William Miner, Harbor Creek, 
1,667; Commissioner, Ira Parker, Mill Creek, 1,465; Treasm-er, John 
Hughes, Erie, 1,366; Auditor, Joseph Y. Moorhead, Harbor Creek, 1,327. 

Mr. Williams was the first County Treasurer chosen by popular vote. 

1842. 

The Whig county ticket, with the vote for each candidate, was as follows: 
Assembly, Stephen Skinner, McKean, 1,880; Lyman Robinson, Wattsburg, 
1,864; Prothonotary, Wilson King. Erie, 1,928; Register, Thomas Moor- 
head, Jr., Erie, 2,430; Commissioner, Joseph Henderson, Mill Creek, 2,075; 
Coroner, Hezekiah Bates, Erie, 1,971; Auditor, Benjamin Gunnison. Greene, 
2,027; Director of the Poor, John Evans, Sr., Mill Creek, 1,982. 

The Democrats made no regular nominations, but supported Independent 
candidates for the various offices. The Abolitionists had a regular ticket in 
the field for every office except Director of the Poor. Below is a list of all the 
candidates, with their votes. 

Assembly, Dr. William Johns, Erie (Independent Whig), 989; Sylvester 
W. Randall (Democrat), Erie, 1,358; Joseph Neely (Working Men's), Har- 
bor Creek, 117; David H. Chapman (Abolitionist), Fairview, 216; James M. 
Moorhead (Abolitionist), Harbor Creek, 238; Prothonotary, James C. Mar- 
shall (Democrat), Girard, 1,627; George Kellogg (Abolitionist), Erie, 179; 



362 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Register, William Gray (Abolitionist), Wavne, 134; Commissioner, Matthew 
Greer (Democrat), North East, 781; William Himrod (Abolitionist), Erie, 
166; Coroner, Alex Mehaifey (Abolitionist), Erie, 301; Auditor, William 
Vincent (Abolitionist), Waterford, 162; Director of the Poor, John Gingrich 
(Democrat), Mill Greet, 717. 

1843. 

The first Canal Commissioners elected by popular vote were chosen this 
year. The Whig candidates were William Tweed, Benjamin Weaver and 
Simeon Gullifoi'd; the Democratic, James Clark, Jesse Miller and William B. 
Foster, Jr. The average Whig majority in the county was about 1,150. The 
Democrats carried the State by an average majority of 14,500. Hugh Mehaf- 
fey, Hugh D. King and James Moorhead ran as Independent Anti-Masons, 
and received about 270 votes in the State. 

The Whig candidate for Congress was Charles M. Reed, of Erie; the 
Democratic, Dr. Galbraith A. Irvine, of Warren. The vote of the district 
was as follows: 

Reed. Irvine. 

Erie 2,867 1, 560 

Warren 630 860 

McKean 259 343 

Potter 135 405 

Jefferson 449 536 

Clarion 743 1,330 

Total 5,073 5,033 

The apportionment bill of 1842 made a Senatorial district of Erie County 
alone. Elijah Babbitt was the Whig candidate, and James C. Marshall the 
Democratic. The vote was for Babbitt 2,646, for Marshall, 1,554— Babbitt's 
majority, 1,092. Galen Forster, Abolition candidate, received 73 votes. 

The following was the vote for other candidates: 

Whig — Assembly, James D. Dunlap, Erie, 2,536; David A. Gould, Spring- 
field, 1,573; Sheriff!! William E. McNair, Mill Creek, 2,465; Commissioner, 
Robert Gray, Union, 2,648; Treasurer, Gideon J. Ball. Erie, 2,595; Auditor, 
William M. Arbuckle, Erie, 2,574; Director of the Poor, James Anderson, 
Waterford Township, 2,544. 

Democratic — Assembly, Martin Strong, Greene, 1,657; George H. Cutler, 
Elk Creek, 1,639; Sheriff, James Lytle, Erie, 1,729; Commissioner, G. J. 
Stranahan, Concord, 1,504; Treasurer, Stephen C. Walker, Erie, 1,481; Au- 
ditor, Eli Webster, Greene, 1,561; Director of the Poor, Joseph E. Lee, North 
East, 1,512. 

Abolition — Assembly, William Gray, Wayne, 79; James M. Moorhead, 
Harbor Creek, 87; Sheriff, Alex McClellan, Slill Creek, 86: Commissioner, 
John B. Flake, Erie, 73; Treasurer, Clinton George, Erie, 85; Auditor, Am- 
brose Shelly, Harbor Creek, 90; Director of the Poor, Samuel Brecht, Fair- 
view, 96. 

1844. 

For Governor, the Democrats nominated Francis 11. Shunk, Allegheny 
County; the Whigs, Gen. Joseph Markle, Westmoreland; the Abolitionists, 
F. J. LeMoyne, Washington. Erie County gave Markle 3,501 votes, Shunk, 
2,207, and LeMoyne, 69. 

The vote of the State was as follows: 

Shunk, 160,403; Markle, 156,120; LeMoyne, 2,675. Shunk" s majority 
over Markle, 4,283. 

The candidates for Canal Commmissioner were Simon Guilford, Whig; 
Joshua Hartshorn, Democrat; William Larimer, Jr., Abolition. The vote was 
about the same as that for Governor. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 363 

Gen. Reed was re-nominated by the Whigs for Congress. James Thomp- 
son Erie, was the Democratic, and John Mann, Potter, the Abolition candidate, 
ihe vote ot the district was as follows: 

Erie 1%%^: '^'T/cf^""- 

Warren ^'<gf ?'180 

Potter ....•.■.■.■.:•.■.:;■. 1^1 ^is 

'"^^"^^ V99 1,868 

^^^^^ 6,364 6^3 

Mr. Mann received but 90 votes in all, of which 45 were cast in Erie 
County. Hamhn Russell, Abolition, also received 14 votes in this countv for 
the same office. 

The county tickets, with the vote for each candidate, were as follows- 
Whig-Assembly, Mark Baldwin, North East, 3,442; James D. Dunlap 
Erie, 3,44o; Commissioner, Isaac Webster, Fairview, 3,343; Auditor, Thomas 
Pierce, LeBoeuf, 3,380; Director of Poor, David Kennedy, Erie, 3,332-all be- 
ing elected. 

Democratic-Assembly, George H. Cutler, Girard, 2,147; David Allison, 
North East, 2,135; Commissioner, James Wilson, Greenfield, 2,210; Auditor 
Michael Jackson, Conneaut, 2,148; Director of Poor, James M. Reed. Mill 
Creek, 2,156. 

Abolition— Assembly, David H. Chapman, Fairview; Aaron Kellogg, Erie- 
Commissioner, Nathaniel Wilson, Union; Auditor, Alexander McClellan, Mill 
Creek; Director of Poor, Silas Walker, Harbor Creek. This ticket received an 
average of about 70 votes. 

A vote was taken to decide whether the main line of the State public works 
should be sold or not. The proposition received a majoritv of 447 in Erie 
County, but was defeated in the general vote of the State" by a majority of 

m. "^'T ^^i'^, P""'"^^ nominated Henry Clay, of Kentuckv. for President, and 
Iheodore Frelmghuysen. of New Jersey, for Vice President. William A. Ir- 
vine was the electoral candidate for this district. The Democratic nominees 
were James K. Polk, of Tennessee, for President, and George M. Dallas of 
Pennsylvania, for Vice President. Christian Myers, of Clarion Countv, was 
the candidate for elector. The Abolitionists ran James G. Birnev, of Michi- 
gan, tor President, who received 74 votes in the county and 3,138"'in the State. 

r^u ; ,-^oorhead, of Harbor Creek, was the candidate for elector. 

Ihe tollowmg was the Whig and Democratic vote in the county: 

. ., Clay. Polk. 

Amity 07 «« 

Concord i! ! ! i! ! ! ! ! . ! ^ ! ! S II 

Conneaut "■ 'on-t 11 n 

Edinboro ~'oo ,, 

Elk Creek ■.■.::■.■.:::.:■. m iJ? 

Erie, West Ward 15? Jrl 

Erie, East Ward no 1)9 

Franklin gt % 

^\!;^j'\ ■ ::':::;::::;::344 i66 

Greenfield ^^t ^l 

Harbor Creek 90-^ 107 

LeBoeuf ^^^ jr] 

Mill Creek .■.■.■.■.■.:.■.■.■ •' ■: : 3^0 Im 

McKean ^o^ ?9 



364 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

N"orth East Township I^S 192 

North East Borough 48 34 

Sprin-field : 269 103 

Union J^ ^3 

Veiianso 1^^ ^^ 

W;ittshurg 20 13 

Wasliinston 21o 79 

Waterford Borough 34 25 

Waterford To\vnship 1'78 78 

Wayne 55 68 

Total 3,630 2.226 

The vote of the State was as follows: 
Clay, 161,863; Polk, 167,245. Polk's naajority, 6,382. 
Polk and Dallas were elected by a" large majority of the electoral votes of 
the Union. 

1845. 
The Democratic candidate for Canal Commissioner was James Burns, Mif- 
flin County; the Whig candidate was Samuel D. Karns, Dauphin; the Abolition, 
William Larimer, Allegheny. In Erie County, Burns received 1,103 votes, 
Karns 1,861, Larimer 82. In the State, Burns had 119,510, Karns 89,118 and 
Larimer 2,857. The Native American party placed a ticket in the tield for the 
first time this year, and George Morton, their candidate, received 22,934 votes, 
most of them being cast in Philadelphia and the neighboring counties. 

Elijah Babbitt, elected State Senator in 1843, resigned his seat at the close 
of his second session, and candidates were nominated to supply the vacancy. 
The Whigs supported James D. Dunlap, the Democrats Carson Graham, and 
the Abolitionists David H. Chapman. The vote was 1,794 for Dunlap, 1,192 
for Graham, and 89 for Chapman. 

The Democrats made no county nominations, and appear to have allowed 
the election of local officers to go by default. The following are the candi- 
dates voted for: 

Whig — xissembly, J. B. Johnson, Erie, 1,755; Lyman Robinson, Wattsburg, 
1,785; Prothonotary, Wilson King, Erie, 1,888; Register, Thomas Moorhead, 
Jr., Erie, 1,810; Commissioner, William E. Marvin, Greenfield, 1,768; Auditor, 
three years, James H. Campbell, Edinboro, 1,699; Auditor, to supply vacancy, 
Simeon Hunt, Waterford, 1,694; Coroner, Thomas Dillon, Erie, i,703; Director 
of Poor, Curtis Heidler, Fail view, 1,693. 

Abolition— Assembly, Samuel Kingsbury, North East, 191; Nathan Gould, 
Springfield, 190; Prothonotary. N. Wilson, Union, 160; Register, John B. 
Fluke, Erie, 163; Commissioner, William Robinson, North East, 154; Auditor, 
A. N. Wood. Venango, 156; David Nellis, Harbor Creek, 153; Coroner, Alex. 
McClellan, Mill Creek, 168; Director of Poor, Richard Barnett, Fairview, l69. 

1846. 

The Democratic candidate for Canal Commissioner was William B. Foster; 
the Whig, James M. Power; the Abolitionist, William Elder, and the Native 
American, George Morton. Owing to a prejudice against Mr. Foster's re-elec- 
tion, the State went heavily in favor of the Whig party. In Erie County, 
Power had 1,801 votes, Foster 895. and Elder, 74. The State gave Power 
97,913, Foster 89,084, Morton 15,438, Elder 2.09/. 

James Thompson was re-nominated by the Democrats for Congress, and 
again elected. The Whig candidate was James Campbell, of Clarion, and the 
Abolition, John Mann, of Potter. The vote of the district was as follows: 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 365 

Campbell. Thompson. Mann. 

Erie 1,792 942 77 

Clnrion , 617 1,199 — 

Warren 486 684 19 

Jefferson 278 333 - 

McKean 168 256 — 

Potter 99 237 54 

Elk 113 128 — 

Total 3,553 3,779 150 

The Democratic candidate for State Senate was Smith Jackson. Erie; the 
Whig, J. B. Johnson, Erie, and the Abolition, Nathan Goald, of Springfield. 
Johnson received 1,708 votes, Jackson 873, and Gould 86. 

The county tickets and their votes were as follows. The Democrats made 
no nomination for Sheriff: 

Whig — Assembly, William Sanborn, Amity, 1,719; David A. Gould, Spring- 
field, 1,668; Sheriff, Miles W. Caughey, Fairview, 1,723; Commissioner, Will- 
iam Campbell, Washington, 1,710; Treasui-er, John S. Brown, Erie, 1,709; 
Auditor, James Chambers, Harbor Creek, 1,703; Director of Poor, William 
Bracken, Le Bceuf, 1,680. 

Democratic — Assembly, E. Duncombe, Amity, 876; Newton Lounsbury, 
North East, 857; Commissioner, James Wilson, Greenfield, 781; Treasurer, 
John S. Carter, Erie, 846; Auditor, Martin Strong, Jr., Waterford, 796; 
Director of Poor, Isaac R. Taylor, Washington, 806. 

Abolitionist — Assembly, William Gray, Wayne, 84; R. Barnett, Fairview, 
84; Sheriff, Aaron Kellogg, North East, 182; Commissioner, Thomas McClellan, 
Mill Creek, 80; Treasurer, Alexander Mehaffey, Erie, 83; Auditor, Abner H. 
Gould, Springfield, 79; Director of Poor, Alvah Francis, Franklin, 85. 

1847. 

A vote was taken at the spring election whether or not licenses to sell 
liquor should be granted in the county. The vote was 2,416 in favor of 
license, and 2,183 against. 

The Whigs nominated for Governor James Irvin, of Centre County; the 
Democrats supported Francis R. Shunk: the Abolitionists, F. J. LeMoyne; 
and the Native Americans, E. C. Reigart, Lancaster. Erie County gave Irvin 
2,586 votes; Shunk, 1,728; LeMoyne, 130. 

The vote of the State was as follows: Shunk, 146,084; Irvin, 128,148^ 
Reigart, 11,247; LeMoyne, 1,861; Shunk' s majority over Irvin, 18,936. 

For Canal Commissioner, Joseph W. Patton, Cumberland, was the Whig 
candidate; Morris Longstreth, Montgomery, the Democratic; ^\'illiam B. 
Thomas, Philadelphia, the Abolition; and George Morton, Dauphin, the Na- 
tive American, Longstreth being elected by about the same vote as Shunk. 

The Pennsylvania soldiers in the Mexican war voted for State officers, and 
gave a large majority for the Democratic candidates. 

The Democrats made no nominations for county officers, leaving the field 
clear for the Whigs and Abolitionists. The following were the candidates' 
with the vote for each: 

Whig— Assembly, Gideon J. Ball, Erie, 2,545; William Sanborn, Amity, 
2,478; Commissioner H. A. Hills, Conneaut, 2,359; Auditor, John Wood, 
LeBoeuf, 2,421; Director of Poor, David Sterrett, McKean, no opposition. 

Abolition — Assembly, Nathaniel Wilson, Union, 158; Orange Selkrigg, 
North East, 158; Commissioner B. Beebe, Wayne, 152; Auditor, E. N. Wood, 
Venango, 148. 



366 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

1848. 

The Democratic State candidates were for Governor, Morris Longstreth, 
Montgomery; for Canal Commissioner, Israel Painter, Westmoreland. The 
Whig candidates were William F. Johnson, Armstrong, for Governor, and Ner 
Middleswarth, Union, for Canal Commissioner. Gov. Shunk had died before 
the expiration of his term, and Mr. Johnson, who was Speaker of the Senate, 
became Governor. The gubernatorial vote was the closest that ever occurred 
in Pennsylvania, Johnson having succeeded by only 302 majority. Mr. 
Longstreth's defeat was occasioned by the fact of his having been Canal Com- 
missioner, which enabled his political enemies to create a considerable degree 
of prejudice against him. The Democratic nominee for Canal Commissioner 
was elected by 2,958 majority. Erie County gave Johnson 3,500 votes, Long- 
streth, 2,087; Middleswarth, 3,305, and Painter, 2,096. The Abolitionists and 
Native Americans had no State ticket in the field. 

The candidates for Congress were the same as in 1846, and James Thoii^p- 
son was again elected by 483 majority over Mr. Campbell. 

The county tickets were as follows: 

Whig — Assembly, G. J. Ball, Erie, 3,169; Theodore Ryman. Girard, 3,165; 
Prothonotary, James Skinner, Erie, 3,162; Register, R. J. Sibley, Y/aterford, 
3,077; Commissioner, George W. Brecht, Mill Creek, 3,067; Auditor, John 
Eagley, Springfield, 3,059; Treasurer, John Hughes, Erie, 3,101; Director of 
Poor, David Kennedy, Erie, 3,025; Coroner, Samuel L. Foster, Erie, 3,030. 

Democratic — Assembly, Smith Jackson, Erie, 1,623; John S. Barnes, Gi- 
rard, 1,628; Commissioner, James Wilson, Greenfield, 1,631; Auditoi', D. W. 
Howard, Amity, 1,585; Director of Poor, Henry Colt, Waterford, 1,555. There 
were no candidates for Prothonotary, Register, Treasurer or Coroner. 

Abolition-^Assembly, William Beatty, Erie, 371; Job Stafford, McKean, 
367; Prothonotary, Aaron Kellogg, North East, 1,303; Register, Ira Sherwin, 
Harbor Creek, 487; Commissioner, James M. Moorhead, Harbor Creek, 382; 
Auditor, B. Beebe, Concord, 325; Treasurer, Henry Cadwell, Erie, 377; Di- 
rector of Poor, Eli Perkins, Wayne, 357; Coroner, John B. Fluke, Erie, 470. 

The National tickets were as follows: Whig — for President, Zachary Tay- 
lor, Louisiana; Vice President, Millard Fillmore, New York. Democratic — 
for President, Lewis Cass, Michigan; for Vice President, William O. Butler, 
Kentu.cky. Free-Soil — for President, Martin Van Buren, New York; for Vice 
President, Charles Francis Adams, Massachusetts. The Whig candidate for 
Elector in our district was Thomas H. Sill, Erie; the Democratic, Timothy 
Ives, Potter; the Free Soil, William F. Clark, Crawford. Below is the vote 
of the county: 

Taylor. Cass. Van Buren. 

Erie, East Ward 209 151 13 

Erie, West Ward 260 152 4 

MillCreek 317 159 3 

Fairview 249 40 6 

Girard Borough 46 29 2 

Girard Township 2G3 154 16 

Springfield ; 234 87 31 

Conneaut 202 87 5 

ElkCreek 122 125 4 

Franklin 45 4 20 

Washington 196 63 — 

Edinboro 40 14 — 

McKean 182 58 30 

Greene 109 116 — 

Waterford Borough 62 42 1 

Waterford Township 161 49 — 

LeBceuf 63 72 — 






64 



'■^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 369 

Union 73 48 23 

Concord 32 35 48 

Wayne 7 37 39 

Wattsburg 24 15 3 

Venango 62 48 34 

Greenfield 60 28 20 

North East Borough 44 37 7 

North East Township 133 178 27 

Harbor Creek 184 113 26 

Total 3,418 2,022 356 

The vote of the State was as follows: Taylor, 185,514; Cass, 171,998; 
Van Buren, 11,263. 

Taylor and Fillmore were elected. The former died after being in office 
about a year and a half, and Mr. Fillmore served out the balance of the term. 

1849. 

The Whig candidate for Canal Commissioner was Henry M. Fuller, of 
Luzerne; the Democratic, John A. Gamble, of Lycoming. The vote of the 
county was 2,503 for Fuller and 1,369 for Gamble. Mr. Gamble was elected, 
receiving 135,840 votes to 133,111 for Fuller. Kimber Cleaver, of Schuylkill , 
the Native American candidate, received 3,259 votes in the State, but none in 
Erie County, 

The candidates for State Senate were John H. Walker, Whig, and Murra y 
W^hallon, Democrat. Mr. Walker was elected by a vote of 2,417; 1.399 for 
Whallon. 

The county tickets were as follows: 

Whig — Assembly, James C. Eeid, Erie, 2,487; Leffert Hart, Girard, 2,302 ; 
Sheriff, P. E. Burton, Erie, 2,474; Commissioner, Simeon Stewart, Concord, 
2,467; Auditor, John L. Way, Greene, 2,474; Director of Poor, George Fritts, 
Waterford, 2,457. 

Democratic — Assembly, David Olin, Girard, 1,349; William Griffeth, 
North East, 1,350; Sheriff, E. W. Gerrish, Edinboro, 1,370; Commissioner, 
Truman Stewart, Concord, 1,355; Auditor, Henry Teller, Girard, 1,357; Direc- 
tor of Poor; Henry Gingrich, Mill Creek, 1,363; 

1850. 

The first election for Auditor and Surveyor General was held this year. 
The Democratic State ticket consisted of William T. Morrison, of Montgomery, 
for Canal Commissioner; Ephraim Banks, of Mifflin, for Auditor General; and 
James Porter Brawley, of Crawford, for Surveyor General. The Whig ticket con 
sisted of Joshua Duncan, of Bucks, for Canal Commissioner; Henry W. Sny- 
der, of Union, for Auditor General; and Joseph Henderson, of Washington, for 
Surveyor General. The Whigs carried the county by an average majority of 
1,460, but were defeated in the State. Mr. Brawley ran some three thousand 
votes behind his ticket. 

An amendment to the Constitution making Judges elective was submitted 
to the people, and 144,578 votes were cast in its favor to 71.092 votes in op- 
position. Erie County gave 3,908 votes for the amendment, and only 369 
against it. 

The Whig candidate for Congress was John H. Walker, of Erie County ; 
the Democratic, Carlton B. Curtis, of Warren. The following was the vote in 
the district: 

20 



370 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Walker. Curtis. 

Erie 3,226 1,636 

Clarion 1,193 1,697 

Jefferson 519 780 

Warren 717 1,117 

Potter 360 541 

Elk 109 277 

McKean 297 454 

Total 6,416 6,532 

The oiounty tickets, with the vote for each candidate, were as follows: 

Whig — Assembly, James C. Reid, of Erie, 3,159; Alexander W. Blaine, 
North East, 3,163; Commissioner, Thomas Dunn, McKean, 3,149; Treasurer, 
Alfred King, Erie, 3,175; Auditor, Flavel Boyd, Waterford, 3,158; Director 
of Poor; Melvin M. Kelso, Fairview, 3,097. 

Democratic— Assembly, George H. Cutler, Girard, 1,699; C. M. Tibbals, 
Erie, 1,681; Commissioner, Henry Allison, North East, 1,615; Treasurer, 
Henry Cadwell, Erie, 1,694; Auditor, Henry Gingrich, Mill Creek, 1,704; Di- 
rector of Poor, A. Mallory, Springfield, 1,716. 

At this election, the District Attorney and County Surveyor were chosen 
by popular vote for the first time. The following were the candidates, with 
their vote: 

Whig — District Attorney, Matthew Taylor, Erie, 3,164; Surveyor, David 
Wilson, Union, 3,152. 

Democratic — District Attorney, Benjamin Grant, Erie, 1,641; Surveyor, Ir- 
vin Camp, Erie, 1,698. 

1851. 

The Democratic State ticket consisted of William Bigler, Clearfield, for 
Governor, and Seth Clover, Clarion, for Canal Commissioner. The Whigs re- 
nominated Gov. Johnston, and John Strohm, Lancaster, was their candidate 
for Canal Commissioner. Erie County gave 3,610 votes for Johnston and 
2,106 for Bigler. 

The vote of the State was as follows: 

Bigler, 186,507; Johnston, 178,070. 

The Democratic candidate for Canal Commissioner was elected by about 
the same vote. The Native American candidate for Governor was Kimber 
Cleaver, Schuylkill, who received 1,713 votes; for Canal Commissioner, David 
McDonald, Philadelphia, who received 1,875 — no votes for either being cast 
in Erie Coimty. 

The first election of Judges by popular vote took place this year. The 
Democratic candidates for the Supreme Court were Jeremiah S. Black, Somer- 
set; James Campbell, Philadelphia; Ellis Lewis, Lancaster; John B. Gibson, 
Cumberland; and Walter H. Lowrie, Allegheny. The Whig candidates were 
Richard Coulter, Westmoreland; William M. Meredith, Philadelphia; George 
Chambers, Franklin; Joshua W. Comly, Montour; and William Jessup, Sus- 
quehanna. All of the Democratic candidates were elected by considerable 
majorities except Mr. Campbell, who was defeated because he was a member 
of the Catholic Church. The Native Americans united their force upon Rich- 
ard Coulter, who had a majority of 3,199 

In this district, the Democratic candidate for Presiding Judge was John 
Galbraith, Erie; the Whig, Elijah Babbitt, Erie. Mr. Galbraith's extraor- 
dinary popularity, added to the dissatisfaction over their party nomination 
among a portion of the Whigs, enabled him to carry the district. 

The vote was as follows: 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 371 

Galbraith. Babbitt. 

Erie 2,573 2,943 

Ciawfoid 3,337 2,661 

Warren 1,316 1.022 

Total 7,226 6.625 

The Democrats made no nominations for county officers, but supported in- 
dependent candidates. The following were the candidates, with their vote: 

Associate Judge, Joseph M. Sterrett, Erie (Reg. Whig), 3,062; John Wood, 
Waterford (Reg. Whig), 2,426; James Miles, Girard (Ind. Whig), 3.090; As- 
sembly, Alex W. Blaine, North East (Reg. Whig), 3,531; Charles W. Kelso 
(Reg. Whig), 3,460; Prothonotary, James Skinner, Erie (Reg. Whig), 2,540; 
Samuel Perley (Ind. Whig), 2,752; Register, David McAllister, Erie CReg. 
Whig), 3,472; Commissioner, Rodney Cole, Greene (Reg. Whig), 3,414; Cor- 
oner, Simeon Dunn, Erie (Reg. Whig), 3,426; Director of Poor, William E. 
McNair, Mill Creek (Reg. Whig), 3,432; Auditor, Samuel Reeder, Washing- 
ton (Reg. Whig), 3,310. Messrs. Sterrett and Miles were elected Associate 
Judges, and Mr. Perley, Prothonotary. All of the balance of the regular 
Whig ticket was successful. 

1852. 

The Democratic candidates were: For Canal Commissioner, William Hop- 
kins, Washington; for Supreme Judge, in place of R. Coulter, who died, 
George W. Woodward, Lvizerne. The Whig candidates were: For Canal Com- 
missioner, Jacob Hoffman, Berks; for Supreme Judge, Joseph Buffington, 
Armstrong. The Abolitionists and Native Americans also had candidates in 
the field. Erie County gave 2,180 votes for Hopkins, 3,257 for Hoffman, 2,165 
for Woodward, 3,247 for Buffington, and 212 for the Abolition ticket. The 
vote of the State was as follows: Hopkins, 171,548; Hoffman, 151,600; Wood- 
ward, 172,610; Buffington, 153,681 — Hopkins and Woodward being elected. 
The Abolition ticket received 3,061 votes, and the Native American 8,099 in 
the State. 

For Congress, the Whigs nominated Gen. John Dick, of Crawford; the 
Democrats, George H. Cutler, of Erie; and the Abolitionists, David A. Gould, 
of Erie. The district had been changed since the last election, and comprised 
only Erie and Crawford Counties. The following was the vote: 

I>ick. Cutler. Gould. 

ErieCounty 3,253 3,152 321 

Crawford County 2.741 1.905 619 

Total 5,994 4,057 940 

The Senatorial district was also changed, and consisted of the same coun- 
ties as the Congressional. For the ten years preceding, it will be remembered, 
Erie was a Senatorial district by herself. The Whigs nominated James Skin- 
ner, of Erie, and the Abolitionists, Charles A. Hammond, of Crawford. The 
Democrats made no nomination, and supported David Derrickson, of Craw- 
ford, who ran as an Independent Whig candidate. Below is the vote: 

Skinner. Derrickson. Hammond. 

ErieCountv 3,271 2,073 271 

Crawford County 2.056 3,687 523 

Total 5,327 4,759 794 

The Democrats had no nominees for county officers, and supported Inde- 
pendent Whig candidates. Below is a list of the candidates with their vote: 
Regular Whig— Assembly, Charles W. Kelso, Erie, 3,140; Humphrey A. 
Hills, Conneaut, 2,932; Sheriff, Thomas B. Vincent, Waterford, 3,054; Com- 



372 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

missioner, Richard R. Robinson, Springfield, 3.137; Treasurer, James Cham- 
bers, Harbor Creek, 3,164; Auditor, Orin Reed, McKean, 3,079; Director of 
Poor, Joseph B. Moorhead, Harbor Creek, 3,117. 

Independent Whig — Assembly, James Hoskinson. Erie, 2,254; John McKee, 
Springfield, 2,393; Sheriff, James H. Campbell, Edinboro, 2,489; Joseph R. 
Ferguson, Erie. 63; Commissioner, Gilbert Hurd, Springfield. 1,806; Treas- 
urer, James IM. Reed, Mill Creek, 1,931; Auditor, D. W. Vorce, McKean, 
2,002; Director of Poor, John Parmeter. McKean, 1,952. 

Abolition — Assembly, Job Stafford and Nathaniel Wilson; Commissioner, 
Samuel Kingsbury; Treasurer, Alex Mehaffey; Sheriff, J. A. French; Auditor, 
Aaron Kellogg; Director of Poor, Benjamin Grant, McKean. These candi- 
dates received an average of about 150 votes. 

The Whig candidate for President was Gen. Winfield Scott, of New Jer- 
sey; for Vice President, William A. Graham, of North Carolina. The elector 
for this district was Christian Myers, of Clarion. The Democratic candidate 
for President was Franklin Pierce, of New Hampshire; for Vice President, 
William R. King, of Alabama. J. S. McCalmont, of Venango, was the can- 
didate for Elector. The Free-Soil party ran John P. Hale, of New Hampshire, 
for President, and G. W. Julian, of Indiana, for Vice President. Below is the 
vote of the county: 

Scott. Pierce. Hale. 

Amity 67 69 5 

Concord 43 65 61 

Conneaut 190 109 56 

Edinboro 33 18 6 

Elk Creek 131 145 55 

Erie, East Ward 208 240 5 

Erie, West AVard 262 206 9 

Fairview 276 70 14 

Fr:uiklin 50 26 84 

Greenfield 84 35 32 

Greene 135 141 — 

Harbor Creek 236 122 45' 

Girard Borougli 60 41 1 

Girard Towusliip 306 166 41 

McKean 223 91 28 

Mill Creek 307 234 13 

LeBu^uf 108 111 — 

Nortli East Borousch 57 43 4 

North East Township 191 171 21 

Springfield 267 79 41 

Union 114 82 27 

Venango 131 71 10 

Wattsburg 25 27 3 

Washington • 181 95 53 

Waterford Borough 71 62 4 

Watert'ord Township 204 102 — 

Wayne 55 96 53 

Total 4,015 2,748 611 

The State gave Scott 179,743 votes, Pierce 198,534, and Hale 8,860. 
Pierce and King were elected by a large majority of the electoral votes of the 
Union. Jacob Broom, the Native American candidate for President, received 
11,048 votes in the State, but none in Erie County. 

1853. 
The Democratic ticket for State officers was as follows: Supreme Judge, 
John C. Knox, Tioga; Canal Commissioner, Thomas H. Forsyth, Philadelphia; 
Auditor General, Ephraim Banks, Mifflin; Surveyor General, J. Porter Braw- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 373 

ley, of Crawford. The Whig candidates were: Supreme Judge, Thomas A. 
Budd, Philadelphia; Canal Commissioner, Moses Pownal, Lancaster; Auditor 
General, Alexander K. McClure, Franklin; Surveyor General, Christian Myers, 
Clarion. The Democrats were successful by average majorities of 35,000, ex- 
cept in the case of Mr. Brawley, who ran some 10,000 votes behind his ticket. 
In Erie County, the vote for Supreme Judge was 1,434 for the Democrats, and 
2,017 for the Whigs, this being about the average for all the candidates ex- 
cept Brawley. 

The county tickets and their votes were as follows: 

Whig — Assembly, Gideon J. Ball, Erie, 2,073; H. A. Hills, Conneaut, 
2,341; Commissioner, William Parker, Greentield, 1,978; Surveyor, William 
Benson, Waterford, 1,899; District Attorney, S. E. Woodruff, Girard, 1,831; 
Auditor, Eobert Gray, Union, 1,931; Director of Poor, John Hay, Girard, 
1,901 — all being elected. 

Democratic — Assembly, Wilson Laird, Erie, 1,164; E. W. Gerrish, Edin- 
boro, 1,353; Commissioner, Myron Hutchinson, Girard, 1,281; District Attor- 
ney, Carson Graham, Erie, 1,560; Director of Poor, J. P. Grant, Wayne, 1,257. 

Free-Soil — Assembly, N. Wilson and N. Gould; Commissioner, J. J. Comp- 
ton; Surveyor, P. C. Compton; District Attorney, Andrew H. Caughey; Au- 
ditor, William Gray; Director of Poor, John B. Fluke. This ticket received 
an average vote of about 250. 

1854. 

The Know-Nothing party had risen into sudden importance, and swallowed 
up a large portion of the Whig organization, together with some Democrats. 
The Whigs and Know-Nothings nominated James Pollock, of Northumber- 
land, for Governor. The Democrats le-nominated William Bigler for Gov- 
ernor, and Henry S. Mott, of Pike, -for Canal Commissioner. The Whig can- 
didate for the latter office was George Darsie, of Allegheny, the Know-Noth- 
ings making no nomination. The Democratic candidate for Supreme Judge 
was Jeremiah S. Black; the Whig, Daniel M. Smyser, of Montgomery ; the 
Know-Nothing, Thomas H. Baird, of Washington. Erie Countv gave Pollock 
3,637 votes; Bigler, 2,526; Darsie, 1,885; Mott, 3,364; Black, 2,389; Smyser, 
1,494; Baird, 1,694. 

The vote of the State was as follows: Pollock, 204,008; Bigler, 167,001; 
Darsie, 83.331; Mott, 274,074; Black, 167,010; Smvser, 83,571; Baird, 120,- 
516. 

Mr. Darsie, the Whig candidate for Canal Commissioner, was of foreign 
birth, and the Know-Nothings threw their votes for Mr. Mott, who is supposed 
by some to have been a member of the order, but he always denied the charge. 
He received the largest majority ever given in the State. The original Native 
Americans had separate candidates in the field for Governor and Canal Com- 
missioner, but they received only a trifling support. 

A ballot was taken at this election to decide whether or not the Maine 
Liquor Law should be adopted in this State, and resulted in 158,342 votes for 
to 163,510 against. Erie County cast 2,767 for the law, and 1,501 against it. 

Gen. John Dick was re-elected to Congress without opposition. 

The memorable " railroad war " in our county was in full vigor this year, 
and weakened party obligations to a considerable extent. The following are 
the tickets with their votes: 

Whig— Assembly. G. J. Ball, Erie, 2,889; AVareham Warner, Venango, 
2,766; Prothonotary, Alfred King, Erie, 3,391; Register, David McAllister, 
Erie, 2,525;, Treasurer, M. Phelps, Edinboro, 3,043; Commissioner, Flavel 
Boyd, Waterford, 1,619; Coroner, David Burton, Erie, 1,583: Auditor, George 



374 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

W. Brecht, Mill Greek, 1,643; Dii-ecLor of Poor. Thomas McKee, Mill Creek, 
1,432. 

Democratic^Assembly, James Thompson, Erie, 2,881; Prothonotary, Rob- 
ert S. Huater, Erie, 2,169; Commissioner, John S. Barnes, Girard, 1,329. 

Know-Nothing —Register, Thomas Moorheud, Erie, 2,386; Commissioner, 
Samuel L. Foster, Erie, 1,301. 

Free-Soil — Assembly, N. Wilson, Union, 1,612; Audley Magill, Harbor 
Creek, 353: Prothonotary, S. Mervin Smith, Erie, 151; Register, Azro Goff, 
Erie, 551; Treasurer, Ira Sherwin, Harbor Creek, 1,246; Commissioner, John 
Pickney, Erie, 1,024. 

This was one of the most curious elections ever held in the county, the 
returns being " mixed " in a puzzling manner. All of the Whig candidates 
were elected except Warner, who was defeated by Judge Thompson. 

1855. 

This year was remarkable for the number of State tickets in the field, there 
being no less than six. A re-aciion had set in against the Know- Nothings, but 
desperate efforts were made on their part to retain the ascendency. A portion 
of the Whigs and Know-Nothings nominated Thomas Nicholson, of Beaver, for 
Canal Commissioner. The Democratic candidate for the same office was Arnold 
Plumer, of Franklin. The Republicans, by which name the old Abolitionists 
and Free-Soilers had christened themselves, nominated Passmore Williamson, 
of Philadelphia, whose resistance to the Fugitive Slave Law had got him into 
prison, and caused him to be looked upon as a martyr. The original Natives 
supported Kimber Cleaver. The dissatisfied Know-Nothings nominated Peter 
Martin, of Lancaster, and the old-fashioned Whigs supported Joseph Hender- 
son, of Washington. Erie County gave Plumer 1,698 votes; Nicholson, 2,113; 
Williamson, 471; and Cleaver, 15. The vote of the State was as follows: 
Plumer, 161,280; Nicholson, 150,359; Williamson, 7,063; Cleaver, 4,041; Mar- 
tin, 571; Henderson, 2,270 — Plumer, the Democratic candidate, being elected. 

The "railroad war" continued to excite the people of this county and dis- 
trict, and party lines were not drawn in the choice of local officers. The can- 
didates were voted for with reference to that issue entirely. For State Senate, 
Darwin A. Finney and Charles B. Power, both Crawford County Whigs, were 
the candidates. The vote was as follows: 

Finney. Power. 

Erie County 1,886 3,034 

Cravvturd County 4,112 871 

Total 5,998 3,905 

The candidates for other offices were as follows: Assembly, G. J. Ball, Erie, 
2,716; Murray Whallon, Erie, 2,575; Theodore Ryman, Girard, 2,114; Rob- 
ert Dunn, Summit, 2,136; Sheriff, John Evans, Girard, 1,151; Allen A. Craig, 
Erie, 1,834; John Killpatrick, Harbor Creek, 2,083; Commissioner, W. W. 
Eaton, Fairvicw, 1,571; Myron Hutchinson, Girard, 1,051; J. J. Compton, 
Washington, 2,005; Director of the Poor, S. W. Keefer, Erie, 2,319; Samuel 
Kingsbury, North East, 458; Isaac R. Taylor, Washington, 1,259; Auditor, 
N. W. Russell, Mill Creek, 1,250; Jehiel Towner, Erie, 383; S. B. Benson, 
Waterford, 1,219; Z. E. Peck, Harbor Creek, 1,160. The successful parties 
were Messrs. Ball (Whig), Whallon (Democrat), Killpatrick (Democrat), Comp- 
ton (Free-Soil), Keefer (Whig), and Russell (Whig). 

1856. 
The opposition to the Democracy nominated a Fusion State ticket, which 
was defeated, as shown below: 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 375 

Canal Commissioner, George Scott, Columbia County (Democrat), 212,921; 
Thomas E. Cochran, Lancaster County (Fusion), 210,172; Auditor General, 
Jacob Fry, Montgomery County (Democrat), 212,468; Darwin Phelps, Arm- 
strong County (Fusion), 209,261. Surveyor General, John Rowe, Franklin 
County (Democrat), 212,623; Bartholomew Laporte, Bradford County (Fusion), 
208,888. The vote of Erie County was: Scott, 1,980; Cochran, 4,083; Fry, 
1,985; Phelps, 4,021; Rowe, 1,967; Laporte, 4,008. 

For Congress, in the district composed of Erie and Crawford, the Dem- 
ocratic candidate was James A. McFadden, of Crawford, and the Fusion 
candidate, John Dick, of the same county. The latter was elected be the fol- 
lowing vote: 

Dick. McFadden 

Erie County 4.235 1,582 

Crawford County 4,709 2,633 

Total 8,944 4,215 

The Fusion candidate for Additional Law Judge (being the first election 
held for that office) was David Derrickson, of Crawford; the Democratic, Ras- 
selas Brown, of Warren. Below is the vote: 

Derrickson. Brown. 

Erie County 3,970 2114 

Crawford County 4,354 2,974 

Warren County 1,472 1,440 

Total 9,796 6,538 

The county tickets, with the vote for each candidate, were as follows: 
Fusion — Assembly, G. J. Ball, 4,003; Wareham Warner, Venango, 3,922. 
Associate Judges — Samuel Hutchins, Waterford, 3,538; John Greer, North 
East, 3,790. Commissioner— William W. Eaton, Fairview, 4,273. Treas- 
urer, Jeremiah Davis, Lockport, 3,833. District Attorney — G. Nelson John- 
son, Erie, 3,923. Surveyor — William Benson, Waterford, 3,377. Auditor — 
John W\ Campbell, Washington, 3,589. Director of the Poor — John Spauld- 
ing, Springfield, 3,786. Mr. Johnson died immediately after election, and 
Charles W. Kelso was appointed by the Governor. Mr. Spaulding refused to 
serve, and John Hay, of Girard, was appointed by the court. 

Democratic — Assembly, Murray Whallon, Erie, 1,971; Wilson Laird, Erie, 
1,246; Associate Judges, Anthony Saltsman, Mill Creek, 1,885; Henry Gin- 
grich, Mill Creek, 1,809; Commissioner, Joseph Neeley, Harbor Creek, 1,818; 
District Attorney, John W. Douglas, Erie, 2,141; Director of the Poor, Eli 
Duncombe, Amity, 1,869; Auditor, C. C. Boyd, Waterford, 1,471. 

Independent — Associate Judge, James Miles, Girard, 1,178; Treasurer, 
Joseph S. M. Young, Erie, 1,366; Surveyor, Samuel Low, Harbor Creek, 1,142; 
Auditor, Samuel Drown, Greene, 588. 

The Democratic National candidates were James Buchanan, Pennsylvania, 
for President, and John C. Breckenridge, of Kentucky, for Vice President. Vin- 
cent Phelps, Crawford, was the elector of this district. The Republican party, 
which by this time had swallowed up a majority of the opposition to the 
Democracy, ran John C. Fremont, of California, for President, and William L. 
Dayton, of New Jersey, for Vice President. The American party suj^ported Mil- 
lard Fillmore, of New York, for President, and A. J. Donelson,of Tennessee, for 
Vice President. A fusion of the two latter elements was formed, and an elec- 
toral ticket nominated, with the understanding that the votes for each candi- 
date for President and Vice President should be counted separately. James 
Skinner, of Erie, was the district nominee for elector. A portion of Mr. Fill- 
more's friends would not unite, and ran a separate electoral ticket, with James 
Webster, of Fairview, as the candidate for this district. 



376 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The vote of the State was as follows: Buchanan, 230,500; Fusion (Fre- 
mont), 147,447; Fusion (Fillmore), 55,891; Straight Fillmore, 26,338. 
Below is the vote of the county: 

Fusion. Buchanan. Str. Fillmore. 

Erie, East Ward 245 256 20 

Erie, AVest Ward 333 245 29' 

Mill Creek 321 268 1 

Lockport 180 6 3 

Conneaut 283 70 4 

Elk Creek 170 92 1 

Girard Borough 36 45 35 

Giiard Township 176 65 37 

Waterford Borough 79 42 13 

AVaterford Township 243 95 2 

Greene 126 83 3 

(Jreentield 128 41 1 

Harbor Creek 242 111 10 

Concord 160 74 2 

Wavne 185 62 — 

Washington 315 89 — 

McKean 241 46 3 

Summit 78 80 1 

Franklin 127 32 2 

Fairview 197 93 52 

Union 202 85 7 

LeBoeuf 136 133 4 

Amity 94 65 1 

North East Borough 75 40 1 

North East Township 195 141 2 

Ediiiboro 62 23 4 

Springfield 342 38 12 

Venango 190 55 2 

Wattsburg 30 19 — 

Total .5,156 2,584 252 

Of the Fusion votes, only 37 were for Fillmore, all the rest being in favor 
of Fremont. Buchanan and Breckenridge were elected. 

1857. 

Three tickets were in the field for State officers — Democratic, Fusion and 
American. The vote of the State, for Governor, was as follows: 

William F. Packer, Lycoming (Dem.), 188,890; David Wilmot, Bradford 
(Fusion), 146,147; Isaac Hazlehui'st, Philadelphia (American), 28,160. 

Supreme Judge, James Thompson, Erie (Democrat), 187,023; William 
Strong, Berks (Democrat), 186,823; Joseph J. Lewis, Chester (Fusion), 141,- 
377; James Veech, Fayette (Fusion), 141,467; Jacob Broom, Philadelphia 
(American), 27,244; Jasper E. Brady, Cumberland (American), 26,954; 
Canal Commissioner, Nimrod Strickland, Chester (Democrat), 186,578; Will- 
iam Millward, Philadelphia (Fusion), 142,479; John F. Linderman, Berks 
(American), 25,730. 

The vote of Erie Countv was, for Packer, 2,105; Wilmot, 3,306; Hazlehurst, 
143; Thompson, 2,598; Strong, 2,027; Lewis, 2,767; Veech, 2,673; Broom, 
101; Brady, 94. 

The Democrats made no nominations for county officers, and supported 
Independent candidates. Below is a list of those who ran, with their votes: 

Fusion — Assembly, Wareham Warner, Venango, 3,299; John K. Cochran, 
Erie, 2,235; Prothonotary, James Skinner, Erie, 3,778; Kegister, William P. 
Trimbell, Harbor Creek, 3,075; Commissioner, Amos Gould, North East, 
2,995; District Attorney, James Sill, Erie, 3,163; Auditor, Elias Brecht, Mc- 




Ih 7^/^2v6^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 379 

Kean, 2,869; Coroner, Thomas Dillon, Erie, 2,948; Director of the Poor (three 
years), Alex Nicholson, Fairview, 2,938; William Bracken (two years), Le- 
Boeuf, 2,919. 

Independent — Assembly, David Himrod, Waterford, 2,724; Register, John 
Rice, Harbor Creek, 1,321; District Attorney, * William J. Herring, Erie, 102; 
Coroner, Samuel L. Forster, Erie, 435. 

American — Assembly, James McClelland, Girard, 245; Prothonotary, 
Isaac Webster, Fairview, 654; Register, Silas E. Teel, Erie, 88; Commission- 
er, Andrew Oliver, Waterford, 115; Auditor, Charles Sterrett, McKean, 100; 
Director of the Poor (three years), James P. Paul, Conneaut, 134. 

Mr. Himrod, Independent, was elected to the Assembly, over John R. Coch- 
ran, Fusion. All the rest of the Fusion candidates were successful. 

A series of amendments to the State constitution were submitted to the 
people, and carried by a large majority — in the county as well as in the State. 

1858. 

All elements of opposition to the Democrats rallied under the Republican 
banner, and won a sweeping victory. The State candidates with their votes, 
were as follows: 

Supreme Judge, John M. Reed, Philadelphia (Rep.), 398,116; William A. 
Porter, Philadelphia (Dem.), 171,130. Canal Commissioner, William E. 
Frazier, Fayette (Rep.), 196,626; Wesley Frost, Fayette (Dem.), 170,336. 

From this date the Republicans have carried the State regularly, with the 
exception of the years 1862, 1867, 1874 and 1877. 

The vote of Erie County was, for Reed, 3,233; Porter, 1,921; Frazier, 3,187; 
Frost, 1,519. 

For Congress, Elijah Babbitt, of Erie, ran as the Republican candidate, 
and James C. Marshall, of Erie, as the Democratic. The vote of the district 
was as follows: 

Babbitt. Marshall. 

Erie Countv 3,220 2,080 

Crawford County 3,140 2,033 

Total 6,:^60 4,113 

The Republican candidate for State Senate was Darwin A. Finney, of Craw- 
ford; the Democratic, Benjamin Grant, of Erie— Finney being successful, al- 
though Mr. Grant had a majority in the county. The vote of the district was 
as follows: 

Finney. Grant. 

Erie Countv 2,419 2,443 

Crawford County 3,230 1,932 

Total 5,649 4,375 

The vote for County officers was greatly mixed, and hinged wholly upon 
the railroad issue, the Democrats making no regular nominations, and sup- 
porting Independent candidates of both parties. Below is the vote. Assem- 
bly, (Reg. Rep.) John W. Campbell, Washington, 2,937; Henry Teller, 
Girard, 2,401; (Ind. Rep.) David Himrod, 1,966; (Ind, Dem.) Wilson Laird, 
Erie, 2,656; Sheriff, (Reg. Rep.) John W. McLane, Harbor Creek, 3,029; 
(Ind. Rep.) Elias Brecht, McKean, 156; (Ind. Dem.) D. D. Walker, Erie, 
2,279; (Ind. Dem.) James Lytle, Erie, 117; Treasurer, (Reg. Rep.) Thomas J. 
Devore, Springfield, 2,794; (Ind. Rep.) Mortimer Phelps, Edinboro, 2,220; 
Commissioner, (Reg. Rep.) William" Putnam, Union, 3,043; Director of the 
Poor, (Reg. Rep.) Thomas Stewart. Erie, 2,523; Auditors (three'years), David 
Nash, Concord, 2,473; (two years) H. H. Bassler, Fairview, 2,431. Wilson 
Laird (Dem.) was elected to the Assembly over Henry Teller. 



380 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

1859. 

The State candidates, with the votes for each, were as follows: 
Auditor General, Thomas E. Cochran, York (Rep.,) 181,835; Richardson L. 
Wright, Philadelphia (Dem.), 164,544. Surveyor General, William H. Kain, 
Berks (Rep)., 182,282; John Rowe, Franklin (Dem.), 163,970. 

The public works of the State having been sold, the office of Canal Com- 
missioner was abolished. 

Erie County's vote was, for Cochran, 2,325; Wright, 1,119; Kain, 2,299; 
Eowe, 1,144. 

The Democrats made no county nominations, and the only Democratic candi- 
date in the field was Wilson Laird, for Assembly, who received 1,632 votes, 
and was defeated. The following were the Republican candidates: Assem- 
bly, Jonas Gunnison, Erie, and Henry Teller, Girard; Commissioner, Hiram 
Brockway, Springfield; Director of the Poor, William Bracken, Le Boeuf ; Sur- 
veyor, William Benson, Waterford; Auditor (three years), John L. Way, Sum- 
mit; (two years), H. H. Bassler, Fairview. Joseph Henderson, Mill Creek, 
was an Independent candidate for Commissioner, and was elected by 265 ma- 
jority over Mr. Brockwav. 

1860. 

The Republican candidate for Governor was Andrew G. Curtin, of Centre 
County; the Democratic, Henry D. i'oster, of Westmoreland. The vote of 
the State was 262,349 for Curtin, and 230,257 for Foster — Curtin's majority, 
32,092. Erie County gave Curtin 5,613 votes, and Foster 2,469. 

Elijah Babbitt was the Republican candidate for re-election to Congress. 
The Democratic candidate was Edwin C. Wilson, of Erie County. Below is 
the vote: 

Babbitt. Wilson. 

Erie County 5,440 2,432 

Crawford County S.SfiS 3,119 

Total 10,705 5,551 

John Galbraith, Presiding Judge, died in the spring of this year, and 
Rasselas Brown, of Warren, was appointed to serve until the election. The 
Democrats nominated the latter gentleman; the Republican candidate was 
Samuel P. Johnson, of the same county. The vote of the district was as 
follows : 

Johnson. Brown. 

Erie County 5,545 2,602 

Cniwfurd Cbuntv 5,172 3,200 

Warren County 1,594 1,590 

Total 12,111 7,392 

The county tickets, with their vote, were as follows: 

Republican — Assembly, Henry Teller, 5,546; G. J. Ball, 5,509; Prothono- 
tary, James Skinner, 5,652; Register, Samuel Rea, Jr., Springfield, 5,294; 
Treasurer, William O. Black, Union, 5,384; Commissioner, Jacob Fritts, Ve- 
nango, 5,446; Coroner, Richard Gaggin, Erie, 5,336; District Attorney, S. A. 
Davenport, Erie, 5,596; Auditors, William H. Belknap, Concord, 5,298; Philip 
Osborn, Girard, 5,280; Director of the Poor, Thomas Willis, Mill Creek, 5,486. 

Democratic — Assembly, James Stranahan, Le Boeuf, 2,307; E. Camp- 
hausen, Erie, 2,260; Prothonotary, Henry Ball, Girard, 1,810; Register, S. 
E.^Teel, Erie, 2,370; Treasurer, G. D. Wagner, Mill Creek, 2,311; Commis- 
sioner, I. M. White, Waterford, 2,679; Coroner, Daniel Wood, Elk Creek, 
1,895; Auditor, D. M. Merrill, North East, 1,673; J. J. Lintz, Erie, 223. No 
nominations were made for District Attorney and Director of the Poor. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



381 



The Democratic party was divided upon national candidates, one branch 
supporting Stephen A. Douglas for President, and Herscliell V. Johnson for 
Vice President; the other branch, John C. Breckenridge for President, and 
Joseph Lane for Vice President. A Fusion of the two elements was formed 
in Pennsylvania, which nominated an electoral ticket, comprising seventeen 
Douglas men and ten Breckenridge men, which was suj^ported by the mass of 
the party. A small portion of Mr. Douglas' friends, under Col. Forney's 
lead, refused to harmonize, and ran an electoral ticket embracing the Doug- 
las men on the Fusion ticket, with others substituted for the Breckenridge 
electors. The Republican candidates were Abraham Lincoln for President, and 
Hannibal Hamlin for Vice President. The American party supported John 
Bell for President, and Edward Everett for Vice President. The candidates 
for elector were: Republican, John Greer, North East; Democratic (on all the 
tickets), Gaylord Church, .Crawford County; American, Isaac Webster, Fair- 
view. 

The vote of the State was as follows: 



Lincoln 

Democratic Fusion. . 
Straight-out Douglas. 

Bell 

Lincoln over all. . 



.268,030 

.178,871 
. 16,677 
. 12,809 
. 59,673 



The vote of the county was as follows : 

Lincoln. Fusion. 

Erie, First District 177 103 

Erie, Second District 203 144 

Erie, Third District 316 92 

Erie, Fourth District 223 122 

Mill Creek 419 388 

Harbor Creek 261 96 

Fairview 265 88 

Girard Township 358 63 

Girard Borough 48 55 

North East Township 335 134 

North East Borough 117 31 

Greenfield 138 30 

Venango 196 61 

Watcsburg 51 31 

Amity 107 74 

Wayne 191 77 

Concord 189 78 

Union 254 128 

Le Bo3uf 166 100 

Waterford Borough 166 41 

Waterford Township 293 76 

Greene 133 100 

Summit 66 78 

McKean 280 26 

Washington 336 75 

Edinboro 75 38 

Franklin 145 31 

Elk Creek 183 96 

Conneaut 231 55 

Albion 69 32 

Springfield 265 31 

Lockport 177 87 

l\;tal 6,160 2,531 



Str. D. Bell. 
6 7 

1 

9 

10 9 

1 

4 

30 

9 

11 



7 
1 

90 



Lincoln and Hamlin were elected by a large majority of the electoral votes, 
carrying every Northern State. 



382 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

1861. 

No Stato ticket was elected this year. The outbreak of the rebellion 
weakened party ties, and there was a strong disposition to cast aside old polit- 
ical prejudices. The Republican party nominated a ticket headed by Morrow 
B. Lowry for State Senate. Soon after, a call was issued for a Union Con- 
vention, irrespective of party, which met on the 19th of September in Farrar 
Hall, Erie, every district being represented. The delegates were about evenly 
divided between Democrats and Kepublicans. William A. Galbraith and 
Judge Miles were named as candidates for the Senate. The nomination fell 
upon the former. In Crawford County, the two parties voted for Galbraith 
and Lowry, respectively, with little deviation. Below is the vote of the district: 

Lowry. Galbraith. 

Erie Countv 3,621 3,521 

Crawford County 3,753 2,238 

Total 7,374 5,759 

The Eighty- third Regiment, under command of Col. John W. McLane, 
held an election at Hall's Hill, Va., the result of which is included in the 
above and following returns. The Erie County soldiers gave Galbraith 
thirty majority; the Crawford County soldiers gave a majority of eighty -five 
for Lowry. 

The following were the county tickets, with their vote: 

Republican — Assembly, John P. Vincent, Erie, 3,995; E. W. Twichell, 
Edinboro, 3,450; Sheriff, Allen A. Craig, Erie, 4,079; Associate Judges, John 
Greer, North East, 3,794; William Cross, Springfield (on both tickets), 4,897; 
Commissioner, Seymour Washburne, McKean, 3,643; Director of the Poor, 
Thomas Stewart, Erie, 3,241; Auditor, Joseph W. Swalley, Eairview, 3,426. 

Union — Assembly, George H. Cutler (Dem. ), Girard, 2,928; Matthew R. 
Barr(Rep.), Erie, 2,548; Sheriff, Joseph L. Cook (Rep.), Waterford, 1,962; 
Associate Judge, James Chambers (Rep.), Hai'bor Creek, 2,708; Commissioner, 
Isaac Webster (Dem.), Fairview, 2,597; Director of the Poor, Henry Gin- 
grich (Dem.), Mill Creek, 2,266; Auditor, Stutelv Stafford (Rep.), McKean, 
2,201. 

Robert S. Hunter, of Erie, ran as an Independent Democratic candidate 
for Sheriff, and received 663 votes. David Kennedy, Independent Republican 
candidate for Director of the Poor, received 220 votes. 

1862. 

The Republican State ticket consisted of Thomas E. Cochran, of York, for 
Auditor General, and William S. Ross, of Luzerne, for Surveyor General. The 
Democratic candidates were Isaac Slenker, of Columbia, for Auditor General, 
and James P. Barr, of Allegheny, for Surveyor General. The State gave a Dem- 
ocratic majurity of about 3,450. Erie County cast 4,255 votes for Cochran 
and 2,713 for Slenker. 

The Republican Conference at Ridgway nominated Glenni W. Scotield, 
of Warren, for Congress. A large portion of the party in this county were dis- 
satisfied with the nomination, and some of its leading members united with a 
number of Democrats in a letter to Milton Courtright, of Erie, asking him to 
be a Union candidate. He accepted the honor, and was indorsed by the Dem- 
ocratic Conference at Ridgway. Below is the vote of the district: 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 383 

Scofleld. Courtright. 

Erie 4,112 3,143 

Warren : 1,890 1,245 

McKeaii 671 564 

Cameron 195 143 

Forest 82 59 

Jefferson 1,424 1,503 

Elk 276 007 

Clearfield 1,304 2,198 

Total 9,954 9,462 

The following were the county tickets, with the vote for each candidate: 
Eepublican— Assembly, John P. Vincent, 4,218; E. W. Twichell, 4,239; 

Commissioner, Garner Palmer, Albion, 4,238; Treasurer, Lieut. Egbert D. 

Halbert, Erie, 6,975; Director of the Poor, Archibald Duncan, North East, 

6,819; Auditor, Henry Gingrich, Mill Creek, 6,714. 

Democratic — Assembly, Selden Marvin, Erie, 2,812; Isaac M. White, 

Water ford, 2,801; Commissioner, Ralph Bowman, Conneaut, 2,623. 
Messrs. Hulbert, Duncan and Gingrich were upon both tickets. 

1863. 

Andrew G. Curtin was re-nominated by the Republicans for Governor. 
George W. Woodward, Luzerne, was the Democratic candidate. For Supreme 
Judge, the Democratic candidate was Walter H. Lowrie, Allegheny; the Ke- 
publican, Daniel Agnew, Beaver. Curtin and Agnew were elected by majori- 
ties respectively of 15,325 and 12,308. Erie County cast 6,259 votes for Cur- 
tin, and 3,260 for Woodward. 

The county tickets, with the vote for each candidate, were as follows: 

Republican — Assembly, John R. Cochran, Erie, 6,167; Byron S. Hill, 
Wattsburg, 6,161; Prothonotary, George W. Colton, Erie, 6,107; District 
Attorney, J. F. Downing, Erie, 6,088; Register, Samuel Rea, Erie, 6,129; 
Clerk of Courts, Capt. John C. Hilton, Erie, 6,156; Commissioner, C. C. 
Boyd, Waterford, 6,129; Director of the Poor, Thomas Willis, Mill Creek, 
6,025; Surveyor, R. P. Holliday, Springfield, 6,002; Coroner, Thomas Dillon, 
Erie, 505; Auditor, Grin Reed, McKean, 6,373! 

Democratic — Assembly, Watts B. Lloyd, Waterford, 3,233; Irvin Camp, 
Erie, 3,234; Prothonotary, Col. William O. Colt, Waterford, 3,197; Register, 
Calvin L. Randall (declined), 538; Commissioner, R. J. Osborne, Wayne, 
3,137; Clerk of the Courts, no nomination; Director of the Poor, John TJhr, 
Mill Creek, 3,112; Surveyor, Isaac R. Taylor, Washington, 3,110. 

1864. 

A special elecf ion was held August 2, to decide upon the proposed three 
amendments to the State Constitution, allowing soldiers to vote away from 
their places of residence, providing that the Legislature 'should pass no bill 
containing more than one subject, and prohibiting the same body fi'om pass- 
ing any bill allowing counties, cities or boroughs to loan their credit to cor- 
porations. They were all adopted by large majorities. 

The following was the vote of the district for Congress, Glenni W. Scofield, 

Warren, being the Republican, and ex-Governor William Bigler, Clearfield, 

the Democratic nominee: 

Scofield. Bigler. 

Erie 5,575 3,054 

Warren 2,009 1,281 

Cameron 277 193 

Clearfield 1,302 2,476 



384 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Elk 261 656 

Forest 71 53 

McKean 643 580 

Jeft'eison 1,514 1,631 

Total 11,652 9,914 

For State Senate, the Republicans re -nominated Morrow B. Lowry, and 
the Democrats took up Dan Rice, of Girard. 
Below is the vote of the district: 

Lowry. Rice. 

Erie 5,311 3,031 

Crawford 4,768 3,638 

Total 10,079 6,669 

The county tickets, with their votes, were as follows: 

Republican — John R. Cochran, 5,390; Byron S. Hill, 5,390; Sheriff, Col. 
H. L. Brown, Erie, 5,407,; Clerk of the Courts (in place of Mr. Hilton, 
resigned), Henry Butterfield, Erie, 5,358; Treasurer, Lieut. E. D. Hulbert, 
Erie, 5,348; Commissioner, James Chambers, Harbor Creek, 5,373; Auditor, 
Philip Osborn, Girard, 5,2(31; Director of the Poor, Thomas Stewart, 5,303. 

Democratic — Assembly, H. D. Francis, Corry, 3,039; L. W. Savage, 
Springfield, 3,039; Sheriff, Col. William O. Colt, Waterford, 3,013; Clerk of 
the Courts, F. W. Koehler, South Erie, 2,979; Commissioner, Monroe Hutch- 
inson. Girard, 2,979; Treasurer, P. A. Becker, Erie, 3,018; Director of the 
Poor, Ralph Bowman. Conneaut, 2,973; Auditor, Uras Schhu'aff, JNtill Creek, 
3,000. 

The Republican National Convention nominated Abraham Lincoln for 
President, and Andrew Johnson for Vice President. John Patton, Clearfield, 
was the elector for this district. The Democrats nominated George B. Mc- 
Clellan for President, and George H. Pendleton for Vice President. Rasselas 
Brown, Warren, was the candidate for elector. The vote of the county was 
as follows: 

Lincoln. McCIellan. 

Erie, First District 183 131 

Erie, Second District .- 124 248 

Erie, Third District 271 122 

Eri<^. Fourth District * . . 290 183 

West Mill Treek 198 137 

East Mill Creek 220 333 

Harbor Creek 237 149 

Greentield 131 38 

North East Township 242 180 

North East Borousjh 119 31 

Waterford Borou2:h 135 31 

Waterford Township 263 88 

Wattsburg 43 19 

Venango 193 86 

Edinboro 81 50 

Wasliington 812 110 

Franklin 142 39 

Concord 174 102 

Corry 199 70 

Amity 94 94 

McKean 230 42 

Middleboro 32 — 

Greene 116 156 

Snmmit 73 107 

Elk Creek 153 127 

Conneaut 212 65 

Springfield 392 41 

Fairview 249 156 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 385 

Girard Township 236 70 

Ginu-d Borougli. 72 68 

Albion 61 27 

LeBa?uf 179 140 

Union Township 194 103 

Union Borougli 95 92 

Wayne 188 87 

Lockport 164 97 

Total 6,387 8,619 

The soldiers from Erie County gave Lincoln 524 votes, and McClellan 103, 
which are not included in the above. 

The vote of the State was as follows: Lincoln, 296,389; McClellan, 
276,308. 

1865. 

Auditor General. — Gen. John F. Hartranft. Montgomery County, Repub- 
lican, 238,400; Gen. W. W. H. Davis, Bucks County, Democrat, 215,714. 

Surveyor General. — J. M. Campbell, Cambria County, Rep., 237,969; Col. 
John P. Linton, Cambria County, Dem., 215,981. 

The vote of the county was as follows: Hartranft, 3,845; Davis, 2,051; 
Campbell, 3,842; Linton, 2,041. 

County Candidates. — Republican — Assembly, Col.O. S. Woodward, AVater- 
ford, 3,875; Gen. D. B. McCreary, Erie, 3,845; County Commissioner, L. M. 
Childs, Wayne, 3,808; Director of the Poor, Andrew Thompson, Union, 3,781; 
Surveyor, G. W. F. Sherwin, Harbor Creek, 3,720; Auditor, O. H. P. Fergu- 
son, Fairview, 3,744. 

Democratic— Assembly, Maj. T. J. Hoskinson. Erie, 2,016; Col. W. O. Colt, 
Waterford, 2,027; County Commissioner, Edwin Hall, Girard, 2,061; Director 
of the Poor, William C. Keeler, Erie, 2,040; Surveyor, Capt. John H. Miller, 
Mill Creek, 2,053; Auditor, George W. Arbuckle, Girard, 2,029. 

1866. 

This was the year of President Johnson's " swing 'round the circle," and 
intense party spirit prevailed. 

Governor. — Gen. John W. Geary. Westmoreland County, Rep., 307,274; 
Hiester Clymer, Berks County, Dem., 290,096. 

The vote of the county was as follows: Geary, 7,237; Clymer, 3,957. 

John P. Vincent, of Erie, was nominated as the Republican, and Lieut. Col. 
Benjamin Grant, of Erie, as the Democratic candidate for Additional Law 
Judge. The vote of the district was as follows: 

Vincent. Grant. 

Erie 7,193 3.956 

Crawford 6,707 4,969 

Warren 2,656 1,579 

Total 16,556 11,504 

For Congress, Glenni W. Scofield was re- nominated by the Republicans, 
and William L. Scott, of Erie, was the candidate of the Democrats. The vote 
of the district was as follows: 

• Scofield. Scott. 

Cameron 372 305 

Clearfield 1.646 2.791 

Elk 359 636 

Erie 7,128 4,094 

Forest 99 77 

Jefferson 1.986 1,944 

McKean 854 739 

Warren 2,663 1,595 

Total 15,107 12,481 



386 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

County Candidates. — Eepublican — Assembly, Gen. D. B. McCreary, Erie, 
7,147; Col. O. S. Woodward, Waterford, 7,149; Associate Judges, Hollis 
King, Corry, 7,190; William Benson, Waterford, 7,156; Prothonotary, Col. 
Chauncey P. Rogers, Edinboro. 7,197; District Attorney, Col. Charles M. 
Lynch, Erie, 7,158; Register and Recorder, Capt. H. Gr. Harvey, Springfield, 
7,209; Treasurer, Lieut. C. W. Keller, Union, 7,205; Commissioner, Stephen 
J. Godfrey, Elk Creek, 7,158; Auditor, M. Hartleb, Erie, 7,192; Director of 
the Poor, ^Thomas Willis, Mill Creek, 7,207; Coroner, William J. Sterrett, 
Erie, 6,721. 

Democratic— Assembly, William Henry, South Erie, 4,036; F. F. Marshall, 
Erie, 4,007; Associate Judges, Henry r! Porter, North East, 3;940; P. P. 
Judson, Waterford, 3,955; Prothonotary, Col. W. O. Colt, Waterford, 3,971; 
District Attorney, Charles B. Sleeper, Corry, 3,996; Register and Recorder, 
Frank Schlaudecker, Erie, 3,971; Treasurer, P. A. Becker, Erie, 3,997; 
Commissioner, Charles Right, Franklin, 3.989; Auditor, Amos Stone, Fair- 
view, 3,991: Director of the Poor. Uras, Schluraff, Mill Creek, 4,070; Coroner, 
James A. Shearer, LeBoeuf, 3,775. 

1867. 

Supreme Judge. — Henry W. Williams, Allegheny County, Rep., 266,- 
824; George Sharswood, Philadelphia, Dem., 267,746. 

The vote of Erie County was as follows: Williams, 5,504; Sharswood, 
3,428. 

The candidates for State Senate were Morrow B. Lowry, Erie County, 
Republican, and George W. Hecker, Crawford County, Democrat. Below is 
the vote of the district: 

Lowry. Hecker. 

Erie 4,615 3,56^ 

Crawford 5,248 4,071 

Total 9.863 7,633 

County Candidates. — This was the first year Jury Commissioners were 
elected. 

Republican — Assembly, George P. Rea, Girard, 5,182; John D. Stranahan, 
LeBoeuf, 5,588; Sheriff, Maj. Andrew F. Swan, Fairview, 5,451; Clerk of the 
Courts, (^apt. Charles L. Pierce, Venango, 5,511; Jury Commissioner, D. W. 
Patterson, Wattsburg, 5,490; Commissioner, William B. Reed, Greene, 5.502; 
Director of the Poor, Jacob Hanson, Erie, 5,499; Auditor, Francis F. Stow, 
Amity, 5,479. 

Democratic — Assembly, Isaac R. Taylor, Washington, 3,339; F. P. Liebel, 
Erie, 3,434; Sheriff, Wilson Moore, Waterford, 3,409; Clerk of the Courts, 
R. H. Arbuckle, Mill Creek, 3,365; Jury Commissioner, P. G. Stranahan, 
Union, 3,364; County Commissioner, J. C. Cauffman, Lockport, 3,368; Di- 
rector of the Poor, James Lytle, Erie, 3,371; Auditor, Alden Pomeroy, Con- 
neaut, 3,345. 

1868. 

Auditor General. — Gen. John F. Hartranft, Montgomery County, Repub- 
lican, 331,408; Charles E. Boyle, Fayette County, Democrat, 321,731. 

Surveyor General. — James M. Campbell, Cambria County, Republican, 
331,126; Col. Wellington H. Ent, Columbia County, Democrat, 321,947. 

The vote of Erie County was 7,702 for Hartranft, 4,531 for Bovle, 7,699 
for Campbell, and 4,532 for Ent. 

The candidates for Congress were Glenni W. Scofield, Republican, and 
Rasselas Brown, of Warren, Dem. Below is the vote of the district: 




"•^^ „^v»«^^4 




^?^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 389 

Scofield. Brown. 

Erie 7,675 4.572 

Warren 2,935 1,934 

McKeau 964 825 

Elk 501 1,061 

Cameron 537 440 

Jefferson 2,067 2,107 

Clearfield, 1,890 3,066 

Forest 334 350 



Total 16,903 14,355 

County Ca?icZ«daies.- -Republican. — Assembly, •John D. Stranahan, LeBoeuf, 
7,679; George P. Rea, Girard, 7,632; Treasurer, Lieut. C. W. Keller, Union, 
7,736; Commissioner, L. M. Childs, Wayne, 7,649; Director of the Poor, An- 
drew Thomps Union, 7,671; Auditor, Thomas Evans, Erie, 7,717; Surveyor, 
R. P. Holliday, Fairview, 7,717. 

Democratic — Assembly, P. A. Becker, Erie, 4,602; James Lewis, Corry, 
4,556; Treasurer, Henfy Ball, Girard, 4,548; Commissioner, Wilson Moore, 
'Waterford, 4,567; Director of the Poor, James D. Phillips, Amity, 4,554; Au- 
ditor. W. W. Dobbins, Erie, 4,559; Surveyor H. L. Pinney, Greene, 4,557. 

Presidential Vote. — The State vote for President at the November election 
was as follows: Ulysses S. Grant, of Illinois, Republican, 342,280; Horatio Sey- 
mour, of New York, Democratic, 313,382. 

Schuyler Colfax, of Indiana, was the Republican, and Gen. Frank P. Blair, 
of Missouri, the Democratic nominee for Vice President. 

Grant and Colfax were elected. The county vote was as follows: 

Grant. Seymour. 

Amitv 115 104 

Albion 80 35 

Concord 184 126 

Conneaut 244 136 

Corry, N. W 223 178 

Corry, S. W 836 204 

Edinboro 110 48 

Elk Creek 180 136 

Erie, First Ward 294 145 

Eiie, Second Ward 297 319 

Erie, Third Ward 386 198 

Erie, Fourth Ward 584 235 

Fairview Township 221 132 

Fairview Borough 74 44 

Franklin ". 194 54 

Girard Township 275 89 

Girard Borough 85 76 

Greene 150 160 

Greenfield 163 44 

Harbor Creek 246 125 

LeBoeuf 230 146 

Lockport 161 105 

McKean 259 38 

Middleboro 31 2 

Mill Creek (East) 198 285 

Mill Creek (East) 239 151 

Nortli East Township 262 216 

North East Borough 182 44 

Springfield 397 33 

Summit 89 138 

South Erie 114 155 

Union Township 226 120 

Union Borough 117 121 

Venango 210 93 

21 



390 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Wattsburij 49 21 

Washirmton 350 140 

Waterford Township 297 93 

Waterford Borough 135 48 

Wayne 221 81 

Total 8,007 4,555 

James Sill, of Erie, was the Republican, and William A. Galbraith, of 
Erie, the Democratic candidate for elector. 

1869. 

Governor. — Gen. John W. Geary, Cumberland County, Republican, 290,552; 
Asa Packer, Carbon County, Democrat, 285,956. 

Supreme Judge. — H. W. Williams, Allegheny County, Republican, 291,- 
278; Cyrus L. Pershing, Cambria County, Democrat, 282,575. 

Erie County gave 6,990 votes for Geary, 4,338 for Packer, 6,426 for 
Williams, and 4,250 for Pershing. 

County Candidates. — Republican — Assembly, Charles O. Bowman, Corry, 
6,490; Gen. D. B. McCreary, Erie, 6,411. Prothonotary, Capt. E. L. Whit- 
tlesey, Waterford, 6,520; Register and Recorder, Capt. H. G. Harvey, Spring- 
field, 6,614; District Attorney, J. C. Sturgeon, Erie, 6,540; Commissioner, 
Garner Panner, Albion, 5,974; Director of the Poor, S. A. Beavis, Corry, 6, - 
429; Auditors, Thomas Woods, Union (three years), 6,610; George W. Griffin, 
North East (one year), 6,534; Coroner, Thomas Dillon, Erie, no opposition. 

Democratic^Assembly, Frank Schlaudecker, Erie, 4,226: Isaac R. Taylor, 
Edinboro, 4,001; Prothonotary, Col. W. O. Colt, W^aterford, 4,234; Register 
and Recorder, Charles Horton, North East, 4,191; District Attorney, George 
A. Allen, Erie, 4,260; Commissioner, George C, Gallowhur, Girard, 4,737; 
Director of the Poor, John Burton, East Mill Creek, 4,353; Auditors, James 
M. Finn, Greenfield (three years), 4,205; Ephraim Boyer, Fairview (one year), 
4,202. 

1870. 

The Republican candidate for President Judge was Lansing D. Wetmore, 
W^arren, and the Democratic, Rasselas Brown, same county. S. E. Woodruff, 
Erie, was an Independent Republican candidate. The vote of the district was 
as follows: 

Woodruff'. Wetmore. Brown. 

Erie 1,591 4,102 3,926 

Warren 167 3,121 1,548 

Elk 7 324 798 



Total 1,765 6,548 6,252 

The candidates for Congress were Glenai W, Scofield, Republican, Warren, 
and Selden Marvin, Democrat, Erie. Below was the vote of the district: 

Scofield. Marvin. 

Erie 5,595 4,089 

Warren 2.250 1,657 

Clearfleld 1,371 2,608 

Elk 342 787 

Forest 366 276 

Cameron 437 390 

McKean 882 700 

Jefferson 1,812 1,914 

Total 13,055 12,451 

For the State Senate, George B. Delamater, of Crawford County, was the 
Republican, and J. Ross Thompson, of Erie County, the Democratic candidate. 
The vote of the district was as follows: 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 391 

Delamater. Thonipsou. 

Erie 5,691 3,921 

Cniwford 5,109 4,602 

Total 10.800 8.523 

County Candidates. — Republican — Assembly, George W. Starr, Erie, 5, - 
940; I. Newton Miller, Sprino-field, 5.887; Sheriff, Gen. Thomas M. Walker, 
Erie, 5,600; Treasurer, Logan J. Dyke, Erie, 5,929; Clerk of the Courts, 
Capt. C. L. Pierce, Venango, 6,019; Commissioner, Myron H. Silverthorn, 
Fairview Township, 5,869; Jury Commissioner, William W\ Love, West Mill 
Creek, 5.954; Directors of the Poor, Stephen A. Beavis, Corry, 5,891, W. W. 
Eaton, Fairview Borough, 5,894, L. W. Olds, Erie, 5,886; Auditor, Jesse 
Ebersole, Harbor Creek, 5,921. 

Democratic — Assembly, Eli Duncombe, Amity, 3,750. Spencer H. Ellis, 
Washington, 3,797; Sheriff, Wilson Moore, Water ford Township, 3,462; Treas- 
urer, Amos Heath, Corry, 3,765; Clerk of the Courts, A. J. Proudfit, Edin- 
boro, 3,765; Commissioner, John Burton, East Mill Creek, 3,770; Jury Com- 
missioner, H. L. Pinney, Greene, 3,742; Directors of the Poor, Henry Wolf, 
North East Township, 3,722. Jacob Bootz, Erie, 3,709, Josiah Shreve, Union 
Township, 3.722; Auditor, S. C. Sturgeon, Fairview Borough, 3,747. 

Independent Democrat — Sheriff, Levi Jackson, Girard Borough, 362. 

The election of three Directors of the Poor was due to the following cir- 
cumstances: For some time, he back townships had urged the sale of the poor 
house farm and the purchase of a cheaper property. A bill to that effect 
passed the Legislature, and a sale was made, which the court refused to con- 
tirm. The question was taken to the Supreme Court, which decided the act 
unconstitutional. The Legislature thereupon repealed the act, and another 
one was adopted, requiring the election of a new board, who should serve one. 
two and three years respectively. 

1871. 

Auditor' General. — David B. Stanton, Beaver County, Republican, 284,097; 
Gen. William McCandless, Philadelphia, Democrat, 269,522; Barr Spangler, 
Lancaster County, Prohibition, 3,132. 

Surveyor General. — Col. Robert B. Beath, Schuylkill County, Republican, 
287,045; Maj. James H. Cooper, Lawrence County, Democrat, 266,335; Ed- 
ward A. Wheeler, Mercer County, Prohibition, 2,969. 

Erie County cast 4,282 votes for Stanton, 2,966 for McCandless, 62 for 
Spangler, 4,285 for Beath, 2.964 for CooiJer, and 62 for Wheeler. 

County Candidates. — Republican — Associate Judges, William Benson, 
Waterford Borough, 4,495, Allen A. Craig, Erie, 3,820; Assembly, George W. 
Starr, Erie, 3,957; Col. Chauncey P. Rogers, Edinboro, 4,343; Commissioner, 
Clark Bliss, North East Township, 4,371: Director of the Poor, Michael Henry, 
Erie, 4,018; Auditor, Col. C. W. Lytle, Erie, 4,285. 

Democratic — Associate Judge, Isaac R. Taylor, Edinboro, 3,467; Assem- 
bly, Charles Horton, North East Borough, 3,406; Commissioner, R. H. Palmer, 
Corry, 2,982; Director of the Poor, Amos Heath, Corry, 3,039; Auditor, W. J. 
Brock\yay, Conneaut, 3,007. 

A vote was taken this year to decide whether a Constitutional Convention 
should be held. Erie Coiinty cast 6,490 for a Convention, and 204 against. 
The vote of the State was 352,439 in favor of and 72,081 in opposition to the 
Convention. 

1872. 

Governor. — Gen. John F. Hartranft, of Montgomery County, Republican, 



392 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

353,387; Charles R. Buokalew, Columbia County, Democrat, 317,760; Simeon 
B. Chase, Susquehanna County, Prohibition, 1,252. 

Auditor General. — Gen. Harrison Allen, Warren County, Republican, 352,- 
767; William Hartley, Bedford County, Democrat. 315,851; Barr Spangler, 
Lancaster County, Prohibition, 1,260. 

Congressmen at La^^f/e.— Lemuel Todd, Cumberland County, Republican, 
357,743; a W. Scofield, Warren County, Republican, 359.043; Charles Al- 
bright, Carbon County, Republican, 360,546; Richard Vaux, Philadelphia, 
Democrat, 311,036; Hendrick B. Wright, Luzerne County, Democrat, 314,014; 
James H. Hopkins, Allegheny County, Democi'at, 313,334. 

George F. McFarland, Dauphin County, Andrew J. Clark, Luzerne, and 
B. Rush Bi-adford, Beaver, the Prohibition candidates, received an average of 
1,250 votes. 

Supreme Judges. — Ulysses Mercer, Bradford County, Republican, 354,319; 
James Thompson, Philadelphia, Democrat, 313,876; Joseph Henderson, Wash- 
ington, Prohibition, 977. 

Erie County gave an average vote of 7,500 for the Republican, and 5,200 
for the Democratic State ticket. 

By the act of the Assembly providing for a Constitutional Convention, 
fourteen delegates at large were allotted to each of the two leading parties, 
and three delegates to each Senatorial district, in the latter case no voter being 
entitled to vote for more than two, so as to secure minority representation. 
John H. Walker, of Erie, was one of the Republican delegates at large. The 
Senatorial delegates elected were C. O. Bowman, of Corry, and Thomas Struth- 
ers, of AVarren, Republicans, and Rasselas Brown, of Warren, Democrat, John 
Miller, Sr. , of Erie, was one of the Prohibition nominees for district delegates. 

An amendment to the Constitution was adopted this year, making the 
office of State Treasurer elective. Erie County gave 11,509 votes for the 
amendment and only 2 against it. 

The Rapublican candidate for Congress was Gen. Carlton B. Curtis, of 
Erie County. Gen. Thomas L. Kane, of McKean County, was supported by 
the Liberal Republicans and Democrats. The vote of the district was as fol- 
lows: 

Curtis. Kane. 

Erie 7,506 5,111 

Warren 3,221 2,332 

McKeaii 956 1,000 

Jefferson • 2,375 2,318 

Clearfield 2,052 3,506 

Elk 626 1.181 

Cameron 590 531 

Forest 416 356 

Total 17,742 16,235 

David Wilson, of Union, Prohibition candidate, received 14 votes in Erie 
County and none outside. 

The candidates for the State Senate were George H. Cutler, of Girard, 
Republican, and J. F. Downing, of Erie, Liberal. The following was the vote 
of the district: 

Cutler. Downing. 

Erie 7.507 5,139 

Warren 3,256 2,298 

Total 10,363 7,427 

Jehiel Towner, of Erie City, Prohibition candidate for State Senate, re- 
ceived 10 votes in this county and none in Warren, 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 393 

County Candidates. — Republican — Assembly, W. W. Brown, Corry, 7,446; 
Emmett H. Wilcox, Washington, 7,413; District Attorney, S. M. Brainerd, 
North East, 7,435; Prothonotary, Capt. E. L. Whittlesey, Waterford, 7,564 
(no opposition); Register and Recorder, Daniel Long, Fairview, 7,558; Treas- 
urer, Jacob Yeagla, Fairview, 7,300; Commissioner, William T. Brown, Corry, 
7,539; Auditor, D. W. Titus, Yenango, 7,555; Surveyor, George Piatt, Girard, 
7,555 (no opposition); Coroner, M. S. Vincent, Erie, 7,237. 

Democratic and Liberal— Assembly, Thomas McClure, Girard Borough, 
Liberal, 5,124; S. B. Brooks, Corry, Liberal, 5,113; District Attorney, George 
P. Griffith, Erie, Democrat, 5,217; Register and Recorder, Harry Ellen, Dem- 
ocrat, North East Borough, 5,116, Treasurer, Eugene Metz, Democrat, Erie, 
5,192; Commissioner, Isaac R. Taylor, Democrat, Edinboro, 5,141; Auditor, W. 
J. Brockway, Democrat, 5,127. 

Prohibition. — Assembly, James Lytle, Erie, 17; David Carroll, Union, 21; 
Prothonotary, John Miller, Erie, 16; Treasurer, Dr. C. N. Moore, Springfield, 
16; Commissioner, Myron H. Cole, Elk Creek, 16. 

Independent Rejmblican. — Coroner, Thomas Dillon, Erie, 5,350. 

The authorities at Harrisburg decided that this was not the proper year to 
elect a Surveyor, and refused Mr. Piatt a commission. He was then appointed 
by the court until the next election. 

Presidential Vote. — The Republicans nominated Ulysses S. Grant, of Illi- 
nois, for President, and Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts, for Vice President. 
The dissatisfied element of the party called another convention, adopted the title 
of Liberal Republicans, and nominated Horace Greeley, of New York, for Presi- 
dent, and B. Gratz Brown, of Missouri, for Vice President. This ticket was subse- 
quently adopted by the Democrats. The Prohibition ticket was James Black, 
of Pennsylvania, for President, and Rev. John Russell, of Michigan, for Vice- 
President. 

Selden Marvin, of Erie, was one of the Democratic nominees for Elector at 
Large, and George W. Arbuckle, of Girard, one of the Prohibition nominees. 
The district candidates for Elector were: Charles C. Boyd, Waterford, Repub- 
lican; William A. Galbraith, Erie, Democrat; John J. Taylor, Clearfield, Pro- 
hibition. 

The vote of the State was as follows: Grant, 349,689; Greeley, 211,961; 
Black, 4,630. 

Grant and Wilson were elected. Below is the vote of the county: 

(Jrant. Greeley. Black. 

Erie, First Ward 291 288 8 

Erie, Second Ward 368 296 2 

Erie, Third Ward 421 124 1 

Erie. Fourth Ward 440 216 2 

Erie, Fifth Ward 105 99 

Erie, Sixtli Ward 120 70 13 

Total 1,745 1,093 25 

East Mill Creek 93 63 

West Mill Creek 160 61 

Harbor Creek 208 53 

' North East Township 215 116 

North East Boronsh 183 51 

Greenfield 1-^3 16 

Venango 196 58 1 

Wattsburg 44 27 1 

Amity 74 70 

Wavne 211 80 

Concord 182 83 

Corrv. First Ward 313 198 



394 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Corry, Second Ward 281 211 

Union Towiisliip 1^'' '^^ 12 

Union Boroutih 239 195 4 

Leitouf ^. 159 99 2 

Mill Village 50 26 1 

Waterford Township 291 98 

Waterfoid Boroimli 147 54 2 

Greene '. HI 120 

Summit 86 94 1 

Mc-Kean 218 20 

Middleboro 29 5 

Wasiiini^lon 285 116 

Edinboro 74 53 .. - 

Franklin 152 4B 

Elk Creek 180 133 1 

ConneHUt 232 57 2 

Albion 50 29 13 

Sprin.ofleld 352 60 5 

(lirard Township 288 182 

Giranl Borouo-h 79 59 

Uockport . . . r. 46 48 

Fairview Township 171 89 

Fairview Borough 61 34 

Total 7.504 3,587 58 

A large portion of the Democrats were dissatisfied with Mr. Greeley's nomi- 
nation, he having always been a bitter enemy of their party, and refused to 
vote at the November election. To show the falling off in the Anti-Repub- 
lican vote, the following recapitulation is given: 

October. November. 

Opposition vote in State 317,760 211,961 

Opjjosition vote in county 5,200 3,587 

1873. 

A law known as the Local Option Act was passed by the Legislature which 
submitted the question to a vote of the people on the 16th of March whether 
licenses for the sale of liquor should or should not be granted for the three 
years ensuing. Each city and county decided the matter for itself, apart from 
what the result might be in either. The vote of Erie was 2,017 for license 
and 696 against; of Corry, 556 for license and 319 against; and of the county, 
outside of those cities, 1,760 for license and 2,620 against. In accordance 
with this result, no licenses wore granted in the county, with the exception of 
Erie and Corry, for about a year, when the Legislature repealed the act. The 
complete vote of the -State, apart from the cities, was 165,427 for license and 
164,505 against; of the cities alone, 79.908 for license and 50,929 against. 

The following was the vote for State officers at the October election: Su- 
preme Judge, Isaac G. Gordon, Jefferson County, Republican, 240,335; James 
R. Ludlow, Philadelphia, Democrat, 225,941. 

State Treasurer. — (First election by the people) Robert W. Mackey, Alle- 
gheny County, Republican, 243,823; Frank M. Hutchison, Allegheny County, 
Democratic, 219,471. 

The vote of the county was 3,887 for Gordon, 2,709 for Ludlow, 3,652 for 
Mackey, and 2,899 for Hutchison. 

County Candidates. — Republican— Assembly, Henry Butterfield, Erie, 4,568; 
Emmett H. Wilcox, Edinboro, 4,077; Sheriff, John L. Hyner, Waterford Bor- 
ough, 3,457; Clerk of the Courts, Capt. C. L. Pierce, 7,249 (on the Democratic 
ticket also); Commissioner, M. H. Silverthorn, Fairview, 5,484 (Democrats 
made no nomination); Director of the Poor, James Dann, McKean, 4,423; 



HISTORV OF ERIE COUNTY. 395 

Auditor, W. W. Thomas, Erie, 4,374; Jury Commissioner, William Grant, 
McKean, 4,474. 

Democratic and Liberal — Assembly, Wilson Laird, Erie, 3,096; Isaac R. 
Taylor, Edinboro, 2,756; Sheriff, Wilson Moore, Waterford Township, 3,450; 
Director of the Poor, Mortimer Phelps, Edinboro, Liberal, 2,687; Auditor, 
Thomas McCIure, Girard, Liberty, 2,682; Jury Commissioner, Robert Leslie, 
Wattsburg, 2,797. 

Prohibition — Assembly, David Wilson, Union Township, 138; Sheriff, A. 
L. Haskell, Amity, 134; Clerk of the Courts, John Miller, Jr., Erie, 144; 
Commissioner, Clark Rice, Union, 179; Director of the Poor, Hugh Cushing, 
131; Auditor, Lyman G. Hall, North East, 168; Jury Commissioner, James 
Lytle, Erie, 155. 

Independent Democrat — Sheriff, Robert S. Hunter, Erie, 203; Levi Jack- 
son, Girard, 80. 

Independent Republican — County Commissioner, M. Hartleb, Erie, 1,767. 

The first returns for Sheriff gave Wilson Moore 4 majority, and he was 
declared elected. Just as the convention of Return Judges was about to ad- 
journ, an error was reported in Middleboro which gave J. L. Hyner a majority 
of 7. He was given the commission, and served out the term. 

Special Election. — A special election was held on the 16th of December, to 
decide upon the adoption or rejection of the new constitution. The vote of 
Erie County was 6,624 for the constitution, and 742 against; the vote of the 
State, 252,744 for, and 108,594 against. 

1874. 

Supreme Judge. — Edward M. Paxson, Philadelphia, Republican, 270,230; 
W. J. Woodward, Berks County, Democrat. 277,454; James Black, Lancaster, 
Prohibition, 5,069. 

Lieutenant Governor. — A. H. Olmstead, Potter County, Republican,' 272,- 
516; John Latta, Westmoreland County, Democrat, 277,195; B. R. Bradford, 
Beaver, Prohibition, 4,647. 

Auditor (?e?ieraZ.— Gen. Harrison Allen, Warren County, Republican, 272,- 
571; J. F. Temple, Greene County, Democrat, 276,605; Calvin Parsons, Lu- 
zerne County, Prohibition, 4,767. 

Secretary of Internal Affairs. — Col. R. B. Beath, Schuylkill County, Re- 
publican, 272,310; Gen. William McCandless, Philadelphia, Democrat, 276,- 
935; W. P. Culbertson, Montgomery County, Prohibition, 4,604. 

The average vote in the county was 5,000 for the Republican, 4,600 for the 
Democratic, and 30 for the Prohibition State ticket. 

For Congress, the Republican candidate was Carlton B. Curtis, of Erie, 
and the Democratic, Albert G. Egbert, of Venango. The latter was elected 
by a majority of 11, as follows: 

Curtis. Egbert. 

Erie 4,999 4,873 

Venango 3,097 3,480 

Warren 2,278 ^,032 

Total 10,374 10,385 

City Candidates. — Assembly, Henry Butterfield, Republican, 1,125; Will- 
iam Henry, Democrat, 1,585; John H. Welsh, Independent Republican, 153. 

County Candidates — Republican — Assemby, W. W. Brown, Coi-ry, 3,637; 
Orlando Logan, Albion, 3,775, Dr. S. F. Chapin, Wattsburg, 3,851; Treas- 
urer, Carl H. Walbridge, Erie, 4,692; Commissioner, Clark 131iss, North East 
Township, 5.221; Director of the Poor, Michael Henry, Erie, 5,254; Auditor, 
William E. Hayes, Greene, 5,324. 



396 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Democratic — Assembly, F. Stanford, Corry, 3,371 ; Treasurer, N. T. Hume, 
Wattsburg, 5,161; Commissioner, John M. Knhn, Erie, 4,693; Director of 
the Poor, Charles Sherman, Elk Creek, 4,643; Auditor, D. W. Howard, Wayne, 
4,666. 

Independent candidate for Assembly, Asa Battles, Girard, 1,943. 

Prohibition— Assembly, A. L. Haskell, Amity, 29; Treasurer, P. E. Nor- 
cross, Yenango, 36; Director of the Poor, W. R. Wade, Union, 21; xiuditor, 
James Chambers, Harbor Creek, 19. 

This is known as the "Tidal Wave" year, the Democi'ats sweeping almost 
every State and gaining the House of Representatives at Washington by a 
large majority, the first time they had control of that body in many years. 
Besides electing State officers, they carried a majority of the Lower House at 
Harrisburg, which enabled them to send W^illiam A. Wallace to the United 
States Senate for six years from the 4th of March, 1875. 

1875. 

The Democratic State Convention met in Erie this year, being the only 
State assemblage of either party ever held in our city. The vote on State 
candidates was as follows: 

Governor. — Gen. John F. Hartranft, Montgomery County, Republican, 
304,175; Cyrus L. Pershing, Cambria County, Democrat, 292,145; Rev. R. 

A. Brown, Lawrence County, Prohibition, 13,249. 

State Treasurer. — Henry Rawle, Erie County, Republican, 302,875; Victor 
E. Piollet, Bradford County, Democrat, 293,150; E. L. Pennypacker, Chester 
Count}-, Prohibition, 12,468. 

The county gave 6,699 votes for Hartranft, 4,744 for Pershing, 120 for 
Brown, 6,809 for Rawle, 4,641 for Piollet, and 94 for Pennypacker. 

County Candidates. — Republican — State Senate, Henry Butterfield, Erie, 
6,360; Prothonotary, Giles D. Price, Venango, 6,937; Register and Recorder, 
Capt. D. Long, Fairview, 6,820; District Attorney, A. B. Force, Erie, 6,315; 
Coroner, Dr. J. E. Silliman, Erie, 6,581; Director of the Poor, John G. Kin- 
caide, Wayne, 6,694. 

Democratic — State Senate, David Olin, Girard, 5,083; Prothonotary, S. 

B. Gail, Corry, 4,559; Register and Recorder, A. L. Tilden, LeBceuf, 4,682; 
District Attorney, A. F. Bole, Union City, 5,119; Coroner, Dr. J. T. Clarke, 
Erie, 4,588; Director of the Poor, Josiah Shreve, Union Township, 4,794. 

Independent candidate for Coroner, A. M. Tarbell, Erie, 289. 

This year, entire Boards of County Commissioners and County Auditors 
were elected for the first time, under the operation of the new constitution. 
Three of both classes of officers were chosen for tliree years in each case, no 
voter having a right to cast a ballot for more than two, thus securing minority 
representation. The nominees of the Republican and Democratic parties were 
as follows, all being elected: 

County Commissioners — A. B. Gunnison, Erie, D. W. Titus, Venango, Re- 
publicans, and R. H. Arbuckle, East Mill Creek, Democrat. 

County Auditors— E. L. Range, LeBceuf, William B. Hayes, Greene, Re- 
publicans, and W. J. Brockway, Conneaut, Democrat, 

G. H. Lyon, of North East, was elected County Surveyor, receiving a few 
hundred votes, but the court decided that there was no vacancy, and he did 
not receive a commission. 

1876. 

The October Election was dispensed with, and district and county officers 
were chosen in November, on the same day as the Presidential electors. 





Qy(Dc^-L^\ 



j^.d^cA.-t^t.-^^vj cnji^t^^^'i-^^^^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



399 



This year was the first in which the Greenback party appeared in national 
politics. It proposed to abolish the National Banks, and substitute United 
States Treasury Notes, usually known as Greenbacks, for their notes of issue. 

The nominees for President and Vice Presi<lent were as follows: 

President —Rutherford B. Hayes, of Ohio, Republican; Samuel J. Tilden, 
New York, Democrat; Peter Cooper, New York, Greenback; Green Clay Smith, 
Kentucky, Prohibition; James B. Walker, Illinois, Anti-Secret Society. 

Vice President — William A. Wheeler, New York, Republican; Thomas A. 
Hendricks, Indiana, Democrat; Samuel F. Cary, Ohio, Greenback; Gideon T. 
Stewart, Prohibition; Donald Kilpatrick, New York, Anti-Secret Society. 

The nominees for elector in this Congressional District were W. W. Wilbur, 
Warren, Republican; B. F. Morris, Warren, Democrat; David Wilson, Union, 
Greenback; John T. Taylor, Venango, Prohibition; D. W. Elderkin, Venango, 
Anti-Secret Society. 

The vote of the State was as follows: 

Hayes, 384,184; Tilden, 366,204; Cooper, 7,204; Smith, 1,318; W^alker, 85. 

Following is the vote of the county: 

Hayes. Tilden. Cooper. Smith. 

Erie, First Ward, First District 73 108 

Erie, First Ward, Second District 167 96 

Erie, First Ward, Tliird District 81 271 1 — 

321 475 1 

Erie, Second Ward, First District 134 288 

Erie, Second Ward, Second District 171 165 

Erie, Second Ward, Third District 119 131 

424 584 

Erie, Third Ward. First District 188 161 

Erie, Third Ward, Second District 188 78 

Erie, Tliird Ward, Third District 119 -135 



495 

Erie, Fourtli Ward, First District 205 

Erie, Fourtli AVard, Second District. . . 144 
Erie, Fourth Ward, Third District 169 



Erie, Fiftli Ward. 
Erie, Sixth Ward. 



518 
141 
226 



374 

192 

61 

157 

410 
219 
190 



2,125 2,242 

East Mill Creek 108 137 

West Mill Creek 211 168 

Harbor Creek 273 165 

North East Township 286 189 

North East Borough 233 86 

Greenfield 168 56 

Venango 212 131 

Wattsburg 57 32 

Amity 124 104 

Wayne 198 83 

Concord 136 114 

Elgin 30 9 

Corry, First Ward 263 212 

Corry, Second AVard. 270 258 

Union Township 199 111 

UnioaBorough 235 257 

LeB«uf 196 147 

Mill Village 61 36 

AVaterford Township 315 113 



4 
15 



10 

11 

2 



400 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY, 



Waterford Borough 172 

Greene 142 

Summit 89 

McKean 252 

Muldleboro 31 

AVasliington 342 

Edinboro 88 

Franklin 188 

Elk Creek 211 

Conneaut 274 

Albion 72 

Springfield 419 

Girard Township 351 

Girard Borough 79 

Lockport 46 

Fairview Township 202 

Fairview Borough 67 

Total 8,724 



62 




196 




130 




61 


5 


4 




122 


7 


60 




5o 




146 


2 


109 




44 


2 


67 




166 




82 




45 




135 




37 





6.179 



50 



34 



Walker received one vote in Elgin. 

A long and exciting dispute occurred over the electoral votes of Louisiana, 
Florida and South Carolina, which were claimed by both of the leading parties. 
In Oregon, the Governor gave a certificate to one Democratic elector, on the 
ground that one of the Republican electors was ineligible. After a prolonged 
agitation, the matter was submitted to an Electoral Commission, consisting of 
five or the United States Supreme Judges, and ten members of Congress, who 
decided by 8 to 7 in each case that the entire electoral vote of the States named 
should go to the Republicans. This decision gave Hayes and Wheeler the 
offices of President and Vice President by a majority of one elector. Politically, 
the Commission stood 8 Republicans to 7 Democrats. 

The Republican nominee for Congress was Lewis F. Watson, of Warren; 
the Democratic, William L. Scott, of Erie; the Greenback, C. C. Camp, of 
Venango; and the Prohibition, Samuel Axtell, of Venango. Below is the 
vote of the district: 

Watson. Scott. 

Erie 8,557 6.369 

Warren 3,321 2.2o2 

Venango 3,762 3^22 



Camp. 

26 

11 
212 



Axtell. 

15 

80 
247 



Total 15,640 



12,093 



249 



342 



The vote for President Judge was as follows: 

William A. Galbraith, Erie, Independent Democrat, 7,331; William Ben- 
son, Erie, Republican, 7,187; Judge Galbraith had 1,200 majority in the 
city of Erie. 

City Candidates. — Assembly. Gustav Jarecki, Republican, 2,167; William 
Henry. Democrat, 2,17/. 

County Candidates. — Republican — State Senate, Henrv Butterfield, Erie, 
8,692; Assembly (countv only), Dr. S. F. Chapin, Wattsburg, 6,613; Charles 
A. Hitchcock, North East Borough, 6,596; S. E. Kincaide, Wayne, 6,571; 
Sherifif, E. E. Stuerznickel, Erie, 8,667; Clerk of the Courts, Maj. Frank H. 
Couse, Erie, 8,909; Director of the Poor, Seymour Washburn, McKean, 8,676; 
Jury Commissioner, George A. Evans, West Mill Creek, 8,797. 

Democratic— State Senate. John W. Walker, Erie, 6,193; Assembly, W. 
T. Everson, Amity, 3,916; L. W. Savage, Springfield, 3,911; D. C. Thomas, 
Fairview Borough, 3,920; Sheriff, F. Stanford, Corry, 6,168; Clerk of the 
Coui-ts, James Bell, Concord, 5,990; Director of the Poor, Archibald Duncan, 
North East, 6,345; Jury Commissioner, Joseph I. Tanner, Erie, 6,112. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 401 

1877. 

Supreme Judge. — James P. Sterrett, Allegheny County, Republican, 244,- 
480; John Trunkey, Venango County, Democrat, 251,000; B. S. Bentley, Ly- 
coming County, Greenback, 51,582; A. H. Winton, Luzerne County, Prohibi- 
tion, 2,899. 

State Treasurer. — William B. Hart, Montgomery County, Republican, 
241,116; A. C. Noyes, Clinton County, Democrat, 251,717: James L. Wright, 
Philadelphia, Greenback, 52,854; Samuel Cornett, Chester County, Prohibi- 
tion, 2,827. 

Auditor General. — J. A. M. Passmore, Schuylkill County, Republican, 
242,288; William P. Schell, Bedford County, Democrat, 251,256; James E. 
Emerson, Beaver County, Greenback, 52,688; A. A. Barker, Cambria County, 
Prohibition, 2,097; 

The average vote of Erie County was 4,870 for the Republican, 3,670 for 
the Democratic, 190 for the Greenback, and 44 for the Prohibition State can- 
didates. 

County Candidates. — Republican — Treasurer, William C. Hay, Fairview, 
4,970;Director of thePoor, George W. Riblet, Erie, 4,869; County SiU'veyor, 
George M. Robinson, Springfield, 5,044. 

Democratic — Treasurer, William A. Bean, Summit, 3,876; County Sur- 
veyor, Irwin Camp, Erie, 3,772. 

Independent Republican — Director of the Poor, Michael Henry, Summit, 
3,762. 

1878. 

Governor. — Gen. Henry M. Hoyt, Luzerne County, Republican, 319,567; 
Andrew H. Dill, Union County, Democrat, 279,000; Samuel R. Mason, Mer- 
cer County, Greenback, 81,758; Franklin H. Lane, Huntingdon County, Pro- 
hibition, 3,759. 

Lieutenant Governor. — Charles . W. Stone, Warren County, Republican, 
319,008; John Fertig, Crawford County, Democrat, 295,753; Michael Steck, 
Lycoming County, Greenback, 74,082; John Shallcross, Philadelphia, Prohi- 
bition, 3,613. 

Supreme Judge. — James P. Sterrett, Allegheny County, Republican, 311,- 
042; Henry P. Ross, Montgomery County, Democrat, 287,221; Daniel Agnew, 
Beaver County, Gi'eenback and Prohibition, 99,316. 

Secretary of Internal Affairs. — Aaron K. Dunkel, Philadelphia, Repub 
lican, 313,193; J. Simpson Africa, Huntingdon County, Democrat, 301,034; 
James L. Wright, Philadelphia, Greenback, 81,733; Calvin Parsons, Luzerne 
County, Prohibition, 3,657. 

The average vote of Erie County was 6,000 for the Republican, 4,200 for 
the Democratic, 1,650 for the Greenback, and 2 for the Prohibition candidates. 

The Republican candidate for Congress was John H. Osmer, Venango; the 
Democratic, George A. Allen, Erie; the Greenback, Cyrus C. Camp, Venango, 
and the Prohibition, Samuel B. Axtell, Venango. Following is the vote of 
the district: 

Osmer. Allen. Camp. Axtell. 

Erie 5,576 4,796 1.631 

Warren 2,300 1,821 2,047 

Venango 3,409 2.934 1.440 301 

Total 11,205 8,551 5,127 301 

City Candidates. — Assembly, Gustav Jarecki, Republican, 1894; John M. 
Kuhn, Democrat, 1,402; James Hoskinson, Greenback, 171; Asa H. Faulkner, 
Independent, 19. 



402 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

County Candidates. — Republican — Assembly, Samuel E. Kincaide, Wayne, 
4,270; Myron H. Silverfchoi-n, Fairview Township, 4,304; Isaac B. Brown, 
Corry, 3,984; Prothonotary, Giles D. Price, Venango, 6,269: Register and 
Recorder, Capt. John C. Hilton, Erie, 6,437; District Attorney, Charles E. 
Lovett, Erie, 6,026; Commissioners, Albert B. Gunnison, Erie, 6,159; D. W. 
Titus, Venango, 6,137; Director of the Poor, Jeflferson Triscuit, Union, 6,148; 
Coroner, Dr. J. E. Silliman, Erie, 6,207; Auditors, AVilliam E. Hayes, Greene, 
6,163; W. \V. Love, West Mill Creek, 6,132. 

The Democrats and Greenbackers formed a fusion upon Assemblymen and 
Register and Recorder, which led to the election of Alfred Short to the Assem- 
bly, over Isaac B. Brown. The following were the candidates on the several 
tickets : 

On both tickets — Assembly, Alfred Short, North East, 4,402; Uras Schlu- 
raff, West Mill Creek, 3,986; David Wilson, Union, 4,056; Register and Re- 
corder, Robert S. Hunter, Erie, 5,433. 

On Democratic ticket alone — Prothonotary, C. E. Duncombe, Amity, 4,021; 
District Attorney, Frank W. Grant, Erie. 4,373; Commissioner, A. L. Tilden, 
LeBoeuf, 4,171; Director of the Poor, Hartley Lampson, Middleboro, 4,156; 
Coroner, John Walsh, Erie, 4,096; Auditor, C. R. Gray, Venango, 4,122. 

On Greenback ticket alone — Prothonotary, A. T. Marsh, Erie, 1,722; Dis- 
trict Attorney, M. Phelps, Edinboro, 1,609; Commissioners, Ephraim Boyer, 
Fairview Township, I860; H. L. Wyman, Corry, 1,624; Director of the Poor, 
George W. Barr, West Mill Creek, 1,684; Coroner, Daniel Landon, Erie, 
1,687'; Auditors, Theo H. Marsh, Waterford, 1,751, Elijah Crow, Washing- 
ton, 1,686. 

Messrs. Tilden and Gray were elected as the Minority Commissioner and 
Auditor. 

1879. 

State. Treasurer. — Samuel Batler, Chester County, Republican, 280.153; 
Daniel O. Barr, Allegheny County, Democrat, 221,715; Peter Sutton, Indiana 
Countv, Greenback, 27,207; J. L. Richardson, Philadelphia, Prohibition, 
3,219."^ 

Erie County gave Butler 5,281, Barr 3,244, Sutton 738, and Richardson 
1 vote. 

County Candidates. — Republican — Sheriff, Henry C. Stafford, Jr., Water- 
ford Township, 5,707; Clerk of the Comts, Maj. Frank H. Couse, Erie, 5,295; 
Director of the Poor, John C. Zuck, West Mill Creek, 5,297; Jury Commis-. 
sioner, D. L. Bracken, Corrv, 5,493. 

Democratic— Sheriff, R. H. Arbuckle, West Mill Creek, 2,882; Clerk of 
the Courts, David A. Sawdy, Conneaut, 3,223; Director of the Poor, Ephraim 
Boyer, Fairview Township, 3,990 (on Greenback ticket also); Jury Commis- 
sionor, William Riggers, Girard Township, 3,125. 

Greenback — Sheriff, Frank S. Heath, Concord, 733; Clerk of the Courts, 
Mortimor Phelps, Edinboro, 749; Jury Commissioner, A. M. Howard, Corry, 773. 

1880. 
The nominees for Px'esident and Vice President were as follows : 
President — James A. Garfield, of Ohio, Republican; WintieM S. Hancock, 
of Pennsylvania, Democrat; James B. Weaver, Iowa, Greenback; Neal Dow, 
Maine, Prohibition; John D. Phelps, Vermont, Anti-Masonic. 

Vice President — Chester A. Arthur, of New York, Republican; William H. 
English, Indiana, Democrat; Benjamin I. Chambers, Texas, Greenback; Henry 
A. Thompson, Ohio, Prohibition; S. C. Pomeroy, Kansas, Anti-Masonic. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



403 



The nominees for electors in this Congressional District were C. W. 

Gilfillan, of Venango, Republican; J. Ross Thompson, of Erie, Democrat; S. 
P. McCalmont, Venango, Prohibition; James B. White, of Venango, Green- 
back; John S. Aunden, of Venango, Anti Masonic. 

Garlield and Arthur were elected. 

The vote of the State was as follows: Garfield, 444,704; Hancock, 407,428; 
Weaver, 20,668; Dow, 1,939; Phelps, 44. 

Below was the vote of £he county: 

Garfield. Hancock. Weaver. Dow. Phelps 

Erie, First Ward, First District m 

Erie, First Ward, Second District 172 

Erie, First Ward, Third District 97 

Erie, Second Ward, First District 133 

Erie, Second Ward, Second District. . . 182 

Erie, Second Ward, Third District 142 

Erie, Third Ward, First District 209 

Erie, Tliird Ward, Second District 215 

Erie, Third Ward, Third District 179 

Erie, Fourth Ward, First District. ... 261 

Erie, Fourth Ward, Second District. .. 146 

Erie, Fourtli Ward, Third District. . .. 185 

Erie, Fifth Ward 235 

Erie, Sixth Ward 222 

Cony, First Ward 242 

Corry, Second Ward 235 

Albion 49 

Amity 118 

Concord 112 

Conneaut 215 

East Mill Creek 120 

West Mill Creek 223 

Edinboro 96 

Elgin 29 

Elk Creek 219 

Fairvie w Borough 67 

Fairview Township 222 

Franklin 172 

Girard Township 364 

Girard Borough 86 

Greene 125 

Greenfield 166 

Harbor Creek 268 

Le Boeuf 180 

Loekport 51 

McKean 228 

Middleboro 28 

Mill Village 60 

North East Township 305 

North East Borough 233 

Springfield 390 

Summit 97 

Union Township 168 

Union Borough 235 

Venango 226 

Washington 309 

Waterford Township 292 

Waterford Borough 133 

Wattsburg 64 

Wayne 149 



Hancock. 


Weaver 


141 


2 


99 


1 


329 




349 


2 


180 


1 


173 


1 


178 


4 


89 


1 


165 


4 


258 




72 


2 


165 


6 


285 


2 


119 


3 


199 


70 


194 


60 


43 


7 


108 


8 


84 


59 


88 


78 


124 




144 


12 


57 


14 


4 


7 


155 


12 


32 


1 


119 




61 


17 


192 


1 


57 




206 


4 


57 


6 


157 




162 


12 


44 


1 


57 


22 


18 


1 


42 


2 


216 


4 


103 


2 


65 


2 


127 


11 


121 


19 


241 


8 


126 


11 


129 


26 


103 


24 


57 


4 


34 


2 


48 


100 



641 



12 



Total 8,752 6,741 

The State candidates received the following vote: 

Supreme Judge. — Henry Greene, Northampton County, Republican, 444,- 
934; George A. Jenks, Jefferson County, Democrat, 406,904; Samuel Calvin, 
Blair^County, Greenback, 12,653. 



404 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Auditor General. — John A. Lemon, Blair County, Republican, 442,335; 
Robert P. Decherfc, Philadelphia, Democrat, 405,730; A. L. Robei'ts, Crawford 
County, Greenback, 19,226; George F. Turner, Prohibition, 1,898. 

Congress. — The Republican candidate for Congress was Lewis F. Watson, 
Warren County, and the Democratic and Greenback, Alfred Short, Erie. Below 
was the vote: 

Watson. Short. 

Erie 8,4G9 7.46:^ 

Warren 3,173 :.',852 

Venango 4,158 4,183 

Total 15,740 14.438 

City Candidates. — Assembly, Gustav Jarecki, Republican, 2,547; Orange 
Noble, Democrat, 2,657. 

County Candidates. — Republican — State Senate, James Sill, Erie, 8,771; 
Assembly, Myron EI. Silverthon, Fairview Township, 6,578; Isaac B. Brown, 
Corry, 6,363, A. W. Haves, Wattsburg, 6,302; Treasurer, James P. Crawford, 
Erie, 8,800; Director of "the Poor, Joseph Henderson, Erie, 8,840. 

Democratic — State Senate, John W. Walker. Erie, 6.408: Assembly, Isaac 
R. Taylor, Edinboro, 3.823: Thomas H. Mohr, West Mill Creek, 3,608; Frank 
S. Heath (also Greenback) Corry, 4,088; Treasurer, A. J. Proudiit, Edinboro 
(also Greenback), 7,020; Director of the Poor, A. Duncan, North East, 6,463; 

Greenback — State Senate, Jeduthan Wells, 641. 

1881. 

State Treasurer — Orange Noble, Erie County, Democrat. 258,387; Silas M. 
Bailey, Fayette County, Republican, 265,293; Charles S. Wolfe, Union 
County, Independent Republican, 49,969; Reno W. Jackson, Mercer County, 
Greenback, 14.948; J. M. Wilson, Prohibition, 4,512. 

This year is memorable in Pennsylvania politics as being the one in which 
the first open revolt was made against the Cameron power in the Republican 
party. Charles S. Wolfe, the leader of the anti-Cameron Republicans in the 
Legislature, announced himself as an Independent Republican candidate for 
State Treasurer, and received the large vote shown above. There was also a 
dissension in the ranks of the Democratic party, led by William L. Scott, of 
Erie City, and vigorously promoted by the Erie Herald. 

The vote of Erie County was 4,656 for Bailey, 4,130 for Noble, 292 for 
Wolfe, 437 for Jackson, and 195 for Wilson. 

County Candidates. — Republican — Prothonotary, Samuel V. Holliday, 
Springfield, 5,298; District Attorney, Emory A. Walling, North East, 5,311; 
Register and Recorder, John C. Hilton, Erie, 5,296; Director of the Poor, 
Jefferson Trtscuit, Union Township, 5,290; Coroner, Dr. Alvin Z. Randall, 
Erie, 4,932; County Commissioners, Richard Powell, Elk Creek, 5,152; B. B. 
Whitley, East Mill Creek, 5,092; Auditors, William P. Edwards. Harbor 
Creek, 5.262; William L. Arbuckle, 5.225. 

Democratic — Prothonotary, M. V. Blore, Venango, 3,734; District Attorney, 
C. L. Baker, Corry, 3.879; Register and Recorder, Wesley Bingham, North 
East, 3,616; Director of the Poor, William O. Colt, Waterford Borough, 3,746; 
Coroner, A. B. Heard, North East, 4,014; County Commissioner, A. L. Til- 
den, LeBceuf, 4,016; Auditor, George Manton, Elk Creek, 3,804. 

Greenback— Prothonotary. J. T. Brown, West Mill Creek, 489; District 
Attorney, A. W. Covell, Erie, 420; Register and Recorder, John Marsh, 
Waterford Township, 479; Director of the Poor, G. W. Spaulding, Conneaut, 
484; Coroner, A. J. Louch, Erie, 479; County Commissioner, H. L. Wyman, 
Corry, 757. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 405 

Prohibition — Prothonotary, W. R. Davenport, Erie, 228; Register and 
Recorder, N. R. Luce, Union, 313; Director of the Poor, H. E. Ladd, 220; 
County Commissioner, Isaac R. Taylor, Edinboro, 211; James D. Smith, 
Wayne, 219; Coroner, L. G. Hall, North East, 282. 

Greenback and Prohibition — Auditors, J. G. Perry, Venango, 479; W. T. 
Everson, Wattsburg, 699. 

1882. 

State Candidates. — This year there was a formidable revolt in the Repub- 
lican party of the State against the control of Senator Cameron and his asso- 
ciates. It was led by United States Senator Mitchell, Charles S. Wolfe, and a 
number of the most prominent men in the party. The following were the re- 
spective candidates for the several State offices. The figures show the vote 
received by each candidate: 

Governor. — Robert E. Pattison, Philadelphia, Democrat, 355,791; James 
A. Beaver, Center County, Regular Republican, 315,589; John Stewart, Frank- 
lin County, Independent Republican, 43,743; A. C. Pettet, Lawrence County, 
Prohibition 5,196; Thomas A. Armstrong, Allegheny City, Greenback-Labor, 
23,484. 

Lieutenant Governor. — Chauncey F. Black, York County, Democrat, 353,- 
642; William T. Davies, Bradford County, Regular Republican, 317,614; Levi 
K. Dulf, Allegheny County, Independent Republican, 43,577; Alvin Williams, 
Chester County, Prohibition, 4.662; William Howard, Greenback Labor, 
19,475. 

Supreme Judge. — Silas M. Clark, Indiana County, Democrat, 355,935; 
William H. Rawle, Philadelphia, Regular Republican, 315,163; George Jun- 
kin, Philadelphia, Independent Republican, 41,990; J. A. Cake, Northumber- 
land County, Greenback-Labor, 19,285; S. B. Chase, Susquehanna County, 
Prohibition, 4,457. 

Secretary of Internal Affairs. — J. Simpson Africa, Huntingdon County, 
Democrat, 353,752; John M. Grier, Butler County, Regular Republican, 317,- 
408; George W. Merrick, Tioga County, Independent Republican, 43,096; 
J. L. Dewoody, Venango County, Greenback Labor, 19,941; Ezra Crossman, 
McKean County, Prohibition, 5,497. 

Congressmen at Large. — Mortimer F. Elliott, Tioga County, Democrat, 
351,043; Marriott Brosius, Lancaster County, Regular Republican, 323,255; 
William McMichael, Philadelphia, Independent Republican, 40,995; Robert 
K. Tomlinson, Bucks County, Greenback- Labor, 20,400; I. Newton Pierce, 
Philadelphia, Prohibition, 4,642. 

The vote of Erie County for Governor was as follows: Pattison, 5,727; 
Beaver, 5,218; Stewart, 575; Armstrong, 772; Pettet, 265. 

City Candidates. — John W. Walker, Democrat, 2,723; David T. Jones, 
Republican, 1,328; J. J. Sepple, Greenback- Labor, 244. 

County Candidates. — Re])ublican — Assembly, H. A. Traut, Girard, 4,290; 
Isaac B. Brown, Corry, 4,471; A. W. Haves, Wattsburg, 4,379; Sheriff, Frank 
E Staples. Union City, 6,081; Clerk of the Courts, Robert S. Moorhead, Erie, 
6,604; Director of the Poor, O. J. McAllister, Wattsburg, 5,879; Jury Com- 
missioners, George J. Russell, East Mill Creek, 5,934. J. W. Hays, D. P. En- 
sign and M. Griswold were elected Trustees of Erie Academy; William Jud- 
son and A. D. Johnson were elected Trustees of Waterford Academy. 

Democratic — I. N. Taylor, Girard Borough, 2,945; F. E. McLean, Union 
City, 3,077; A. B. Heard, North East Borough, 3,267; Sheriff, Frank J. 
Moore, LeBcBuf, 5,819; Clerk of the Courts, A. C. Miller, 5,297; Director of 



406 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the Poor, L. W. Savage, Springfield, 5,463; Jviry Commissioner, James D. 
Phillips, Union City, 5,709. 

Prohibition — Assembly, H. P. Malick, Girard, 216; A. L. Haskell, Amity, 
196; L. G. Hall, North East, 215; Sheriff, James Shreve, Union, 187; Clerk 
of the Courts, C. S. Carr, Erie, 231; Director of the Poor, H. E. Ladd, Amity, 
262; Jury Commissioner, Eaton Gross, Amity, 265. 

Greenback-Labor — Assembly, B. Mason, 546; George W. Barr, 501; S. L. 
Kennedy, 354; Sheriff, W. E, Hubbell, Erie, 480; Director of the Poor, 
Charles Drake, Washington, 733; Jury Commissioner, William Davis, Water- 
ford Township, 598. 

This is known as the second tidal-wave year. The Democrats carried a 
majority of the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, and the Governors 
and State Legislatures of some sixteen States. 

The candidates for Congress were S. M. Brainerd, of Erie County, Eepub- 
lican; Henry C. Plumer, of Venango County, Democrat, and W. T. Everson, 
of Erie County, Greenback- Labor and Prohibition. The vote of the disti'ict 
was as follows: 

Brainerd. Plumer. Everson. 

Erie County 6,201 5,448 855 

Venango County 2.604 2,960 975 

Warren County". 2,365 1,839 1,162 

Total 11,170 10,247 2,992 

Brainerd's plurality 923 

1883. 

Auditor General, Jerome B. Miles, Tioga County (Rep.), 319,106; Robert 
Taggart, Warren Countv (Dem.), 302,031; J. B. Fordham, Lackawanna 
County (Pro.), 6,602; T.'p. Rynder, County (Gr.), 4,452. 

State Tx'easurer, William Livsey, Allegheny County (Rep.), 321,050; 

Joseph Powell, Bradford County (Dem.), 300,989; I. E. Howard, 

County (Pro.), 6,687; A. T. Marsh, Erie County (Gr.),4,431. 

County Candidates. — Republican — County Treasurer, John L. Wells, Erie, 
5,881; Director of the Poor, Joseph Henderson, Erie, 5,876. 

Democratic — County Treasurer, J. M. Dewitt, North East, 4,418; Director 
of the Poor, Uras Schluraff, West Mill Creek, 4,374. 

Prohibition — County Treasurer, H. E. Ladd, Amity, 350; Director of the 
Poor, Amos Burch, North East, 370. 

The Greenback party made no county nominations. 

LIST OF PUBLIC OFFICERS. 

[Democrats in Italics ; Opposition in Roman type]. 

UNITED STATES OFFICERS. 

Congress — 1800 — Albert Gallatin, Washington County. District — Wash- 
ington, Allegheny, Greene and Crawford. Resigned to become Secretary of 
the Treasury. 

1801 — William Hoge, Washington County. Elected to serve out the term 
of Albert Gallatin. 

1803 — John Hoge, Washington County. 

1804 — John B. C. Lucas, Beaver County. District — Erie, Warren, Craw- 
ford, Mercer, Venango, Beaver and Butler. Resigned. 

1805 — Samuel Smith, Erie County. Elected to serve out the term of Mr. 
Lucas; re-elected in 1806 and 1808. Allegheny added to the district. 



^^^ ^l?»- 




HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 409 

1810 — Abner Lacock, Beaver County. Elected United States Senator and 
resigned his seat in the House. 

1813 — Thomas Wilson, Erie. Elected to serve out the term of Abner La- 
cock. 

1814 — Thomas Wilson, re-elected. District changed by leaving off Butler 
and Allegheny. 

181Q— Robert Moore, Beaver County. Ee-elected in 1818. 

1820 — Patrick Farrelly, Crawford County. District changed by leaving 
off Beaver. Twice re-elected. Died in Pittsburgh, February 12, 1826, on his 
way to Washington. 

1826 — Thomas H. Sill, Erie County. Special election held March 14, to 
fill the vacancy caused by the death of Patrick Farrelly. 

1826 — Stephen Barlow, Crawford County. 

1828— Thomas H. Sill, Erie County. 

1830 — John Banks, Mercer County. 

1832 — John Galbraith, Venango County. Ke- elected. Removed to Erie 
in 1837. 

1836 — Arnold Plumer, Venango County. District — Erie, Crawford, Ve- 
nango and Warren. 

1838 — John Galbraith, Erie County. 

1840 — Arnold Plumer, Venango County. 

1842 — No election on account of a failure to pass the Apportionment bill. 

1843 — Charles M. Reed, Erie County. District — Erie, Warren, Venango, 
Crawford and Clarion. 

1844 — James Thompson, Erie County. Served six years, 

1850 — Carlton B. Curtis, Warren County. Elk County added to the dis- 
trict. 

1852 — John Dick, Crawford County. Served six years. District — Erie 
and Crawford. 

1858 — Elijah Babbitt, Erie County. Served four years. 

1862 — Glenni W. Scofield, Warren County. Served ten years. District — 
Erie, Warren, McKean, Elk, Cameron, Forest, Jefferson and Clearfield. 

1872— Carlton B. Curtis, Erie County. 

1874 — Albert C. Egbert, Venango County. District — Erie, Warren and 
Venango. 

1876 — Lewis F. Watson, Warren County. 

1878 — John H. Osmor, Venango County. 

1880 — Lewis F. Watson, Warren County. 

1882 — Samuel M. Brainard, Erie County. 

Postmasters of Erie. — James Wilson, commissioned January 1, 1801; John 
Hay, July 1, 1804; John Gray, January 1, 1809; Robert Knox, October 14, 
1811; James Hughes, May 21, 1828; Robert Cochran, February 26, 1833; 
Smith Jackson, June 20, 1840; Andrew Scott, September 13, 1841; Robert 
Cochran, July 23, 1845; Thomas H. Sill, April 17, 1849; Benjamin F. Sloan, 
May 13, 1853; Joseph M. Sterrett, March 27, 1861; Isaac B. Gara, April 8, 
1869; Thomas M. Walker, July 10, 1876; *Isaac Moorhead, September 15, 
1879; E. W. Reed, July 1, 1881; Assistant Postmaster, S. M. Kellogg, May 
13, 1853, to date. 

Collectors of Customs — Port of Erie. — Thomas Forster, commissioned March 
26, 1799; Edivin J. Kelso, July 1, 1836; Charles W. Kelso, July 10, 1841; 
Murray Whallon, June 19, 1845; William M. Gallagher, April 29, 1849; 
James Lytle, April 22, 1853; John Brawley, October 15, 1857; Murray 

*Died in office June 4, 1881. 

22 



410 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Whallon, March 11, 1859; Charles M. Tibbals, November 1, 1859; Thomas 
Wilkins, June 22, 1861; Richard F. Gaggin, May 7, 1869; James R. Willard, 
February 19, 1874; Hiram L. Brown, March 22, 1878; Matthew R. Barr, De- 
cember 11, 1880; H. C. Stafford, July 17, 1883. 

Collectors of Internal Revenue. — John W. Douglas, commissioned Septem- 
ber 16, 1862; Deputy, H. C. Rogers; Henry C. Rogers, April 1, 1869; Dep- 
uty, G-. P. Davis; William S. Brown, April 4, 1871; Deputy, G. P. Davis; 
Greanleaf P. Davis, March 14, 1872; Deputy, O. P. Gunnison; O. P. Gunni- 
son (acting Collector, Davis having died), October 8, 1875; Charles M. Lynch, 
November 9, 1875; Deputies, J. P. Covert, B. F. Butterlield, John Gilson; J. 
F. Walther, June 25, 1883; Deputies, B. F. Butterfield, John F. Gilson, E. 
Cowan, I. D. Beecher, Robert Colbert, J. H. Culbertson, W. C. Alexander. 

Assistant Assessors of Internal Revenue. — William C. Kelso, Erie; O. P. 
Gunnison, Erie; T. C. Wheeler, Girard; Joseph Sill, Union; Thomas Sill, 
Erie; W. W. Lyon, Erie; Joseph A. Pain, Corry. 

United States Comrtiissioners. — Benjamin Grant, appointed November 17, 
1853; F. F. Marshall, April 9, 1861; A. B. Force, July 20, 1871; Frank W. 
Grant, November 23, 1875. 

Deputy Clerks of the United States Courts. — Circuit Court — George W. Gun- 
nison, appointed July 6, 1868; George A. Allen, July 5, 1869; A. B. Force, 
July 31, 1870; Frank W. Grant, November 19, 1875. District Court -George 
W. Gunnison, appointed July 1, 1867; George A. Allen, January 3, 1870; A. 
B. Force, July 31, 1870; Frank W. Grant, January 15, 1873. 

Register in Bankruptcy. — Samuel E. Woodruff, 1867 to 1879. 

AT WASHINGTON. 

Commissioner of Internal Revenue. — John W. Douglas, commissioned Au- 
gust 9, 1871; served to May 14, 1875. 

First Deputy Commissioners of Internal Revenue. — John W. Douglas, 
commissioned April 1, 1869; Henry C. Rogers (still in office). February 1, 
1874. 

Second Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue. — Henry C. Rogers, 
commissioned December 1, 1871; served till February 1, 1874. 

Chief Clerk to the Sixth Auditor of the Treasury. — Gideon J. Ball, 1851-53. 

STATE OFFICERS FROM ERIE COUNTY. 

Members Constitutional Convention, 1837-38. — Senatorial — David Saeger, 
Crawford County. Representatives — Thomas H. Sill, Erie City; James Pol- 
lock, LeBoeuf Township. 

President Constitutional Convention, 1873. — John H. W^alker, Erie. 

Members Constitutional Convention, 1873. — Delegate at Large — John H. 
Walker, Erie. District Delegates — C. O. Bowman, Corry; Rasselas Brown, 
Warren; Thomas Struthers, Warren. 

Secretary of the Land Office. — John Cochran, Mill Creek, April 4, 1809, to 
May 11, 1818. 

Surveyor General. — Henry Souther, appointed from Elk County by Gov. 
Curtin to fill a vacancy. Served from December 27, 1861, to the first Tues- 
day in May, 1863. Removed to Erie in the fall of 1872. Judge Souther also 
served a term in the State Senate from 1856 to 1858 from the Elk District, 
and filled a vacancy as Additional Law Judge of Schuylkill County by ap- 
pointment of the Governor from January, 1871, to December, 1871. 

Quartermaster General. — Wilson Smith, Waterford, 1812-14. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 411 

Canal Commissioners. — John Phillips, Venango Township, 1826 to 1829; 
P. S. V. Hamot, Erie, 1829 to 1832. 

State Treasurers. — Gideon J. Ball, Erie, 1849; Henry Rawle, Erie, 1876 to 
1878. 

Adjutant Generals. — Edxvin C. Wilson, Erie, 1858 to 1861, appointed 
from Venango County and removed to Erie during his term of office; David 
B. McCreary, Erie, 1867 to 1870. 

Judge of the Supreme Court. — James Thompson, Erie, 1857 to 1872; 
Chief Justice from November 25, 1867, for live years. 

Speakers of the State Senate. — John H. Walker, Erie, 1852; George H. 
Cutler, Girard, 1874-75. 

Speaker of the House of Representatives. — James Thompson, Erie, 1835; 
lived in Venango County at the time. 

Deputy Secretary of the Cominonwealth. — Isaac B. Gara, Erie, 1867 to 
1870. 

President State Agricultural Society. — John W. Hammond, Erie, 1877-78; 
James Miles, Girard, 1882-83-84. 

Keeper of Marine Hospital at Erie. — Philip Osborn, Girard, 1879; Thomas 
H. Quigley, Erie, 1883. 

Presidential Electors. — For the Congressional District to which Erie 
County has been attached since 1816: 

1816 — James Alexander, Beaver County. 

1820 — James Alexander, Beaver County. 

1824 — John Boyd, Erie County. 

1828 — James Duncan, Mercer County. 

1^2— Wilson Smith, Erie County. 

1836 — John P. Davis, Crawford County. 

1840— John Dick, Crawford County. 

1844 — Christian Meyers, Clarion County. 

1848— Thomas H. Sill, Erie County. 

1852 — John S. McCalmont, Venango County. 

1856 — Vincent Phelps, Crawford County. 

1860 — John Greer, Erie County. 

1864 — John Patton, Clearfield County. 

1868 — James Sill, Erie County. 

1872— Charles C. Boyd, Erie County. 

1876 — William P. Wilbur, Warren County. 

1880- C. W. Gilfillan, Venango County. 

STATE SENATORS. 

1800 — John Hamilton, Washington County. District — Allegheny, Wash- 
ington and Greene; Erie then formed a part of Allegheny. 

1801 — W^illiam Mc Arthur, Crawford County. District — Erie, Crawford, 
Venango, Mercer and Warren. 

1809 — Wilson Smith, Erie County. Same district. 

18l2 — Joseph Shannon. Same district. Resigned March 9, 1816. 

1816 — Henry Hurst, Crawford County (formerly of North East), elected to 
fill vacancy, and served till 1821, 

1821 — Jacob Harrington, Mercer County. Same district. 

1825 — John Leech, Mercer County. District — Erie, Crawford and Mercer. 

1829 — Thomas S. Cunningham, Mercer County. Same district. 

1837 — Joseph M. Sterrett, Erie County. District —Erie and Crawford. 



412 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

]841 — John W. Farrelly, Crawford County. Same district. Elected as an 
Independent Whig. 

1843 — Elijah Babbitt, Erie County. District — Erie County; resigned. 

1845 — James D. Dunlap, Erie County. Same district. Elected to fill the 
place of Mr. Babbitt. 

1846 — John B. Johnson, Erie County. Same district. 

1849 — John H. Walker, Erie County. District — Erie and Crawford. 

1852 — James Skinner, Erie County. Same district. 

1855 — Darwin A. Finney, Crawford County. Same district. 

1861 — Morrow B. Lowry, Erie County. Same district. 

1870 — George B. Delemater, Crawford County; same district. 

1872 — George H. Cutler, Erie County; district originally Erie and Warren 
Counties, balance of the time Erie County alone. Served three years. 

1875 — Henry Butterheld, Erie County; district — Erie County; elected 
for one year. Re-elected for four years in 1876. 

1880 — James Sill, Erie County; district — Erie County. 

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

1800 — Samuel Ewalt, Pittsburgh; district — The entire Northwest. 

1801 — Alexander Buchanan, Meadville; district — Erie, Crawford, Mercer, 
Warren and Venango Counties. 

1802 — John Lytle, Jr., Waterford; same district; re-elected in 1803. 

1804 — Wilson Smith, Waterford; same district; re-elected in 1805-6-7. 

1808 — John Phillips, Venango Township, Erie County; same district. 
James Harrington, Mercer County; same district. 

1809 — Phillips and Harrington re-elected; same district. 

1810 — John Phillips, Venango Township, Erie County; same district. 
Eager Alden, Crawford County ; same district. 

1811 — John Phillips, Erie County; same district. Patrick Farrelly, Craw- 
ford County; same district. 

1812 — John Phillips, Erie County; same district. Patrick Farrelly, Craw- 
ford County; same district. 

1813 — James Burchfield, Crawford County; same district. James Weston, 
LeBoeuf, Erie County; same district. 

1814 — Burchfield and Weston, re-elected; same district. 

1815 — Jacob Harrington, Mercer County; same district. James Weston, 
LeBoeuf, Erie County; same district. Ralph Marlin, Crawford County; 
same district. 

1816 — -Samuel Hays, Venango County; same district. Ralph Marlin, 
Crawford County; same district. James Harrington, Mercer County; same 
district. 

1817 — Thomas Wilson, Erie, Erie County; same district. Ralph Marlin, 
Crawford County; same district. Samuel Hays, Venango County; same dis- 
trict. 

1818 — Jacob Harrington, Mercer County; same district. James Cochran, 
Crawford County; same district. Joseph Hackney, Venango County; same 
district. 

1819 — Wilson Smith, Waterford, Erie County; same district. James 
Cochran, Crawford County; same district. William Connelly, Venango Coun- 
ty; same district. 

1820 — Jacob Harrington, Mercer County; same district. Wilson Smith, 
Waterford, Erie County; same district. William Connelly, Venango County; 
same district. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 413 

1821 — David Brown, Warren County; same district. James Cochran, 
Crawford County; same district. George Moore, Erie County; same district. 

1822* — James Weston, LeBcBuf, Erie County. 

1823— Thomas H. Sill, Erie. 

1824 — John PhillijJS, Venango. 

182b— Stephen Woolverton, Mill Creek; re- elected in 1826-27. 

1828 — George Moore, Erie; re-elected in 1829. 

1830 -John Riddle, Erie; re-elected in 1831. 

1832— John H. Walker, Erie; re-elected in 1833-34-35. 

1836— Thomas H. Miller, Springfield. Elijah Babbitt, Erie. 

1837 — Charles M. Reed, Erie. David Sawdey, Conneaut. 

1838— Samuel Hutchins, Waterford. William M. Watts, Erie. 

1839 — Hutchins and Watts, re-elected. 

1840 — Stephen Skinner, McKean. James D. Dunlap, Erie. 

1841 — Stephen C. Lee, Greene. James D. Dunlap, Erie. 

1842 — Stephen Skinner, McKean. Lyman Robinson, Wattsburg. 

1843 — James D. Dunlap, Erie. David A. Gould, Springfield. 

1844 — Mark Baldwin, North East. James D. Dunlap, Erie. 

1845 — John B. Johnson, Erie. Lyman Robinson, Wattsburg. 

1846 — William Sanborn, Amity. David A. Gould, Springfield. 

1847 — Gideon J. Ball, Erie. William Sanborn, Amity. 

1848 — Theodore Ryman, Girard. Gideon J. Ball, Erie. 

1849— James C. Reid, Erie. Lefifert Hart, Girard. 

1850 — James C. Reid, Erie. Alexander W. Blaine, North East. 

1851 — Charles W. Kelso, Erie; Alexander W. Blaine, North East. 

1852 — Charles W. Kelso, Erie; Humphrey A. Hills, Conneaut. 

1853 — Gideon J. Ball, Erie; Humphrey A. Hills, Conneaut. 

1854 — Gideon J. Ball, Erie; James lliompson, Erie. 

1855 — Gideon J. Ball, Erie; Murray Whallon, Erie. 

1856 — Gideon J. Ball, Erie; Wareham Warner, Venango. 

1857 — David Himrod, Waterford; Wareham Warner, Venango. 

1858 — John W. Campbell, Washington; Wilson Laird, Erie. 

1859 — Jonas Gunnison, Erie; Henry Teller, Girard. 

1860 -Gideon J. Ball, Erie; Henry Teller, Girard. 

1861 — John P. Vincent, Erie; Edwin W\ Twichell, Edinboro. 

1862 — Vincent and Twichell re-elected. 

1863 — John R. Cochran, Erie; Byron S. Hill, Wattsburg. 

1864 — Cochran and Hill re-elected. 

1865— Orson S. Woodward, Waterford; David B. McCreary, Erie. 

1866 — McCreary and Woodward re-elected. 

1867 — George P. Rea, Girard Borough; John D. Stranahan, LeBoeuf. 

1868 — Stranahan and Rea re-elected. 

1869 — Charles O. Bowman, Corry; David B. McCreary, Erie. 

1870 — George W\ Starr, Erie; L Newton Miller, Springfield. 

1871 — George W\ Starr, Erie; Chauncey P. Rogers, Erie. 

1872— Wiliiam W. Brown, Corry; Emmett H. Wilcox, Edinboro. ' 

1873— Henry Butterfield, Erie; Emmett H. Wilcox, Edinboro. 

fl874-TFt7Z?am Henry, Erie; William W. Brown, Corry; Orlando Logan, 
Albion; Samuel F. Chapin, Wattsburg. 

1876 — William Henry, Erie; Samuel F. Chapin, Wattsburg; Charles A. 
Hitchcock, North East Borough; Samuel E. Kincaid, Wayne. 

*Erie County has been a Representative District bj' itself since 1822. 

tUnder the new Constitution, members of the Assembly in 1874 and since have been elected for two yean. 



414 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

1878 — Gustav Jarecki, Erie; Alfred Short, North East Borough; Myron H. 
Silverthorn, Fairview Township; Samuel E. Kincaid, Wayne. 

1880 — Orange Noble, Erie City; M. H. Silverthorn, Fairview Township; 
A. W. Hayes, Wattsburg; Isaac B. Brown, Corry. 

1882— Jo/iw W. Walker, Erie City; Isaac B. Brown, Corry; A. W. Hayes, 
Wattsburg; H, A. Traut, Girard Borough. 

COUNTY OFFICERS. 

President Judges— (Appointed by the Governor until 1851) — * Alexander 
Addison, Pittsburgh, August 17, 1791. Fifth District— All the State west of 
the Allegheny and north of Virginia. 

David Clark, Allegheny County, March 13, 1800. Same district. 

Jesse Moore, Crawford County, April 5, 1803. Sixth District— Erie, Craw- 
ford, Mercer, Venango, Warren, Beaver. Died at Meadville December 21, 
1824. 

Henry Shippen, Huntingdon County, January 21, 1825. District — Erie, 
Crawford, Mercer and Venango. 

Nathaniel B. Eldred, Wayne County, March 23, 1839. Same district. 

Gaylord Church, Crawford County, April 3, 1813. Same district. 

Elected — John Galbraith, Erie County, November G, 1851. Sixth Dis- 
triut^Erie, Crawford, and Warren. Died in office, June 15, 1860. 

Appointed — Rasselas Brown, Warren County; appointed by the Governor 
June 29, 1860, to till the vacancy caused by the death of John Galbraith. Same 
district. 

Elected— Samuel P. Johnson, W^arren County, December 3, 1860. Sixth 
District — Erie, Crawford, Warren and Elk. 

fLansing D, Wetmore, Warren County, first Monday in January, 1870. 
District— Erie, Warren and E]k. 

John P. Vincent, Erie County, April 17, 1874. Sixth District— Erie 
County. 

XWilliajn A. Galbraith, Erie County, first Monday in January, 1877. Sixth 
District, Erie County. 

District Judge— (For Erie, Crawford, Venango and Mercer Counties)— Ja»ies 
Thompson, Venango County, appointed Special Law Judge May 18, 1839, by 
Gov. Porter, and served until May, 1845. Removed to Erie in 1842. 

Additional Law Judge — ^Elected — David Derrickson, Crawford County, 
first Monday in December, 1856. Sixth District — Erie, Crawford, Warren 
and Elk. 

John P. Vincent, Erie County, first Monday in December, 1866. Same 
district. Became- President Judge of Erie County by the operation of the 
new constitution, April 17, 1874. 

Associate Judges — (Appointed by the Governor until 1851) — David Mead, 
Crawfoi'd County, March 13, 1800. District, all of Pennsylvania west of the 
Allegheny River excepting Allegheny County. 

John Kelso, Erie County, March 14, 1800. Same district. , 

William Bell, Erie County (in place of Judge Mead, resigned), December 
20, 1800. Same district. 

All followirg for Erie County alone: 

♦Impeached and removed. 

fThe new constitution allowed the President Judge of each district where there was an Additional Law 
Judge, to elect which of the districts into which his original jurisdiction had been divided he might be assigned. 
Under this provision, Judge Wetmore chose the Thirty-seventh Histrict, consisting of Warren and Elk, and 
Judge Vincent, chosen in 1860 as Additional Law Judge, became President Judge of Erie County, which had 
been constituted a district by itself. 

lElected as a People's candidate. j 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 415 

John Kelso, Erie, July 4, 1803. Resigned December 21, 1804. 

Samuel Smith, Mill Creek, July 6, 1803. Resigned in 1805. 
William Bell, Erie,- May 9, 1805. In place of John Kelso, resigned. 

John Vincent, Waterford, December 23, 1805. In place of Samael Smith, 
elected to Congress. 

Wilson Smith, Waterford, March 15, 1814. In place of William Bell, 
who died. 

John Ghnibb, Mill Creek, January 8, 1820, in place of Wilson Smith, re- 
signed. 

John Braivley, North East, March 26, 1840. In place of John Vincent, 
term expired according to the terms of the constitution of 1838. Re-commis- 
sioned March 8, 1845. 

Myron Hutchinson, Girard, March 13, 1841. In place of John Grubb, 
term expired as above. Re-commissioned March 13, 1846. 

Joseph M. Sterrett, Erie, June 4, 1850. In place of John Brawley. Re- 
commissioned January 23, 1851. 

James Miles, Girard, April 1, 1851. In place of M. Hutchinson. 

Elected— Joseph M. Sterrett, Erie, November 10, 1851. 

James Miles, Girard, November 10, 1851. 

Samuel Hutchins, Waterford, November 12, 1856. 

John Greer, North East, November 12, 1856. Re-commissioned November 
23, 1861. 

William Cross, Springfield, November 23, 1861. 

William Benson, Waterford, November 8, 1866. Re-commissioned No- 
vember 17, 1871. 

Hollis King, Corry, November 8, 1866. 

Allen A. Craig, Erie, November 17, 1871. 

Office abolished by the Constitution of 1873. 

Deputy Attorney Generals. — [From 1800 to 1850, the present ofiice of Dis- 
trict Attorney was known by the title of Deputy Attorney General, and the 
incumbents were appointed by the Attorney General of the State. The office 
was made elective in 1850, and the name changed to District Attorney.] 

1804 — William N. Irvine, Erie. 

— ^ William Wallace, Erie. 

1809 — Patrick Farrelly, Crawford County. 

Ralph Marlin, Crawford County. 

1819— George A. Eliot, Erie. 

1824— William Kelly, Erie. 

1833 — Don Carlos Barrett, Erie. 

1835— Galen Foster, Erie. 

1836— Elijah Babbitt, Erie. . . 

1838— William M. Watts, Erie. 

1839 — Carson Graham, Erie. 

1845 — Horace Haives, Erie. 

1846 — William A. Galbraith, Erie. 

District Attorneys — (Elected by the people.) — 1850 — Matthew Taylor, Erie. 

1853— Samuel E. Woodruff, Girard. 

1856 — G. Nelson Johnston, Erie. Died shortly after the election. 

Appointed — 1856 — Charles W. Kelso, Erie. Appointed till the October 
election in 1857. 

Elected— 1857— James Sill, Erie. 

1860 — Samuel A. Davenport, Erie. 

1863— J. F. Downing, Erie. 



416 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

1866— Charles M. Lynch, Erie. 

1869 — John C. Sturgeon, Erie. 

1872— Samuel M. Brainerd, North East. 

1875— A. B. Force, Erie. 

1878— Charles E. Lovett, Erie. 

1881— E. A. Walling, North East. 

Sheriffs — (Appointed by the Governor) — Alexander Stewart, Crawford 
County, December 20, 1800. For district composed of the Northwestern 
counties. All the rest for Erie County alone. 

Elected.— T^^i7sow Smith, Waterford, October 26, 1803. 

Jacob Carmack, Erie, November 7, 1805. 

Jacob Spang, Erie, November 10, 1808. Resigned June 19, 1810, and 
succeeded by John C. Wallace, of Erie, Coroner-elect, in accordance with the 
law in such cases provided, until the ensuing election. 

James Weston, LeBoeuf, October 27, 1810. 

David Wallace, Mill Creek, November 15, 1813. 

Stephen Wolverton, Erie, October 28, 1816. Re-commissioned October 22, 
1822. 

Thomas Laird, Erie, December 1, 1819. 

Albert Thayer, Mill Creek, October 21, 1825. 

Alexander W. Brewster, Erie, October 28, 1828. 

William Fleming, Erie, October 25, 1831. 

Thomas Mehaflfey, Erie, October 27, 1834. 

Andrew Scott, Erie, November 7, 1837. 

Ephraim W. M. Blaine, North East, October 30, 1840. 

William E. McNair, Mill Creek, December 4, 1843. 

Miles W. Caughey, Fairview, November 12, 1846. 

Peter E. Burton, Erie, November 5, 1849. 

Thomas B. Vincent, Waterford, November 2, 1852. 

John Kilpatrick, Harbor Creek, October 28, 1855. 

John W. McLane, Harbor Creek, October 21, 1858. 

Allen A. Craig, Erie, November 16, 1861. Resigned December 31, 1864. 

Appointed — Joseph W. Swalley, Erie (appointed to fill vacancy), March 
81, 1864. 

Elected — Hiram L. Brown, Erie, December 6, 1864. Joseph AV. Swalley, 
Fairview, Deputy Sheriff. 

Andrew F. Swan, Fairview, November 29, 1867. William Hoskinson, Erie, 
Deputy Sheriff. 

Thomas M. Walker, Erie, November 4, 1870. E. E. Sturznickel, Erie, 
Deputy Sheriff. 

John L. Hyner, Waterford, October 24, 1873. E. E. Sturznickel, Erie; H. 
C. Stafford, Waterford, Deputy Sheriffs. 

Edward E. Sturznickel, Erie, January 1, 1877. H. C. Stafford, Water- 
ford, Deputy Sheriff. 

Henry C. Stafford, Waterford, January 1, 1880. F. E. Staples, Union 
City, Deputy Sheriff. 

F. E. Staples, Union City, January 2, 1883. H. C. Stafford, Waterford, 
William O. Mehl, Erie, Deputy Sheriffs. 

Warden — J. H. Rathburn. 

Prothonotaries. — Appointed by the Governor. — Thomas P. Kennedy, March 
13, 1800. 

Callender Irvine, Erie, July 4, 1803. 

John Kelso, Erie, December 1, 1804. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 419 

James E. Herron, Erie, December 20, 1805. 

John Kelso, Erie, January 18, 1809. 

Thomas Wilson, Erie, March 15, 1819. Re- commissioned February 8, 
1821, and January 3, 1824. 

Edivin F. Kelso, Erie, October 21, 1824, in place of Thomas Wilson, who 
died. Re-commissioned December 21, 1826, February 22, 1830, and January 
21, 1833. 

William Kelly, Erie, January 8, 1836. Re-commissioned January 1, 1839. 

James C. Marshall, Girard, January 19, 1839. 

Elected— William Kelly, Erie, November 16, 1839. 

Wilson King, Erie, November 12, 1842. Re-elected and re-commissioned 
November 17, 1845. 

James Skinner, Erie, December 1, 1848. 

Samuel Perley, Erie, November- 13, 1851. 

Alfred King, Erie, November 10, 1854. 

James Skinner, Erie, November 10, 1857. Re-elected and re-commissioned 
November 10, 1860. 

George W. Colton, Erie, November 19, 1863. 

Chauncey P. Rogers, Edinboro, November 16, 1866. 

Edward L. Whittlesey, Waterford, November 22, 1869. Re-elected and 
re-commissioned November 19, 1872. 

Giles D. Price, Venango, December 28, 1875. Re-elected and re commis- 
sioned December 31, 1878. 

S. V. Holliday, Springfield, January 2, 1882. 

Registers and Recorders and Clerks of the Courts. — [Previous to 1839, the 
Prothonotary performed all the duties of the Register and Recorder and Clerk 
of the Courts. The three latter were constituted a separate office that year. 
In 1863, the office of Clerk of the Courts was separated from that of Register 
and Recorder.] — Appointed by the Governor — Ebenezer D. Gunnison, Erie, 
January 19, 1839. 

Elected — Thomas Moorhead, Jr., Erie, November 14, 1839, Re-elected 
and re-commissioned November 14, 1842, and November 17, 1845. 

Reuben J. Sibley, Waterford, November 25, 1848. 

David McAllister, Erie, November 22, 1851. Re-elected and re-commis- 
sioned November 13, 1854. 

William P. Trimble, Harbor Creek, November 10, 1857. 

Samuel Rea, Jr., Springfield, November 19, 1860. 

Registers and Recorders. — Elected — Samuel Rea, Jr., Springfield, Novem- 
ber 17, 1863. 

Henry G. Harvey, Springfield, November 16, 1866. Re-elected and re- 
commissioned November 10, 1869. 

Daniel Long, Fairview, November 19, 1872. Re-elected and re-commis- 
sioned November 20, 1875. 

John C. Hilton, Erie, January 1, 1879. Re-elected. Deputy, Henry C. 
Rea, Erie. 

Clerks of the Cottr^s.— Elected — John C. Hilton, Erie, November 17, 1863. 
Resigned. 

Appointed — Henry Butterfield, Erie, appointed March 1, 1864, to fill the 
vacancy. 

Elected — Henry Butterfield, Erie, November, 1864. 

Charles L. Pierce, Venango, November 20, 1867. Re-elected and re-com- 
missioned November 26, 1870, and November 14, 1873. 



420 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

*Frank H. Couse, Erie, November 30, 1876. Ee- elected and re-commis- 
sioned January 1, 1880. 

Robert S. Moorhead, Erie, January 1, 1883. 

Treasurers. — Appointed by the County Commissioners — John Hay, Erie, 
1804. 

Joseph M. Kratz, Erie, 1805. 

John Kelso, Erie, 1806. 

James E Herron, Erie, 1807. 

Thomas Wilson, Erie, 1809. 

John Warren, Erie, 1812. 

Rufus Seth Reed, Erie 1816. 

John Warren, Erie, 1817. 

Thomas Laird, Erie, 1818 

Thomas Steivart, Erie, 1819. 

Thomas Eorster, Jr., Erie, 1822. 

Thomas Laird, Erie, January 28, 1 826. 

Thomas Moorhead Erie, January 4, 1829. 

George Moore, Erie, January 2, 1832. 

John A. Tracy, Erie, January 7, 1835. 

Archibald Mifler, Erie, January 3, 1838. 

Julius W. Hitchcock, Erie, January 5, 1841. 

Elected — James Williams, Erie. January 3, 1842. 

Gideon J. Ball, Erie, January 5, 1845. 

John S. Brown, Erie, January 3, 1847. 

John Hughes, Erie, January 4, 1849. 

Alfred King, Erie, January 6, 1851. 

James Chambers, Harbor Creek, January 4, 1853. 

Mortimer Phelps, Edinboi'o, January 6, 1855. 

Jeremiah Davis, Lockport, December 31, 1856. 

Thomas J. Devoi'e, Springfield, December 23, 1858. 

William O. Black, Union Borough, December 20, 1800. 

Egbert D. Hulbert, Erie, December 23, 1862. Re-elected and re-commis 
sioned December 30, 1864. 

Cyrus W. Keller, Union Borough, December 26, 1866. Re-elected and re- 
commissioned Janu.ary 16, 1S68. Resigned. 

Appointed — Joseph W. Swalley, of Erie, appointed March 10, 1870, to rill 
out the term of C. W. Keller. 

Elected— Logan J. Dyke, Erie, December 23, 1870. 

Jacob Yeagla, Jr., Fairview Borougb, December 27, 1872. 

Newton T. Hume, Wattsburg, December 17, 1874. 

William C. Hays, Fairview, January 7, 1878. 

James P. Crawford, Erie, January 1, 1881. 

Coroners — Elected — Abraham Smith, Erie, October 26, 1803. 

John Milroy, Erie, November 21, 1806. Resigned. 

Appointed — John Gray, Erie, appointed October 29, 1807. 

Elected— JoAw C. Wallace, Erie, October, 1809. Acted as Sheriff from 
June 19. to October 2, 1810, in accordance with the law providing for vacan- 
cies in that office. 

John McCord, North East. December 21, 1812. 

John Morris, Erie, April 23, 1815. y 

Samuel Hays, Erie, November 5, 1818. 

*The duties of the office during the second term were performed by Robert S. Moorhead, under an arrange- 
ment -nith Mr. C'ouse's bondsmen. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 421 

Benjamin Russell, Mill Creek, January 8, 1822. 

Rufus Seth Reed, Erie, February 8, 1825. 

William Fleming, Erie, December 6, 1827. 

David Wallace, Mill Creek, December 24, 1830. 

David McNair, Mill Creek, December 4, 1833. 

Samuel W. Keefer, Erie, February 21, 1837. 

John K. Caldwell, Mill Creek, December 30, 1839. 

Hezekiah Bates, Erie, December 21, 1842. 

Thomas Dillon, Erie, November 15, 1845. Re-elected and re-commis- 
sioned November 7, 1857, November 16, 1803. and December 7, 1869. 

Samuel L. Forster, Erie, January 11, 1849. 

Simeon Dunn, Erie, November 11, 1851. 

David Burton, Erie, February 10, 1855. 

Richard Gaggin, Erie, December 21, 1860. 

W^illiam J. Sterrett, Erie, November 16, 1866. 

M. S. Vincent, Erie, November 19, 1872. 

James E. Silliman, Erie, December 20, 1875. Re-elected and re-commis 
sioned December 31, 1878. 

A. Z. Randall, Erie, January 1, 1881. 

County Commissioners — Elected — 1803 to 1804 — John Vincent, Waterford. 

1803 to 1804 — Abiather Crane, Conneaut. 

1803 to 1804— James Weston, LeBoeuf ; 

1804 to \80b— William Clark, Erie. 
1804 to 1806— James Loivry, North East. 

1804 to 1807— Jo/m Phillips, Venango. 

1805 to 1808— John Hay, of Erie. 

1806 to 1809— John McCreary, Mill Creek. 

1807 to 1810— John Boyd, Waterford. 

1808 to 1811- -Fra7icis Braivley, North East. 

1809 to 1812— Thomas Forster, Erie. 

1810 to 1813 — Joh7i Salsbury, Conneaut. 

1811 to 1814— r/iomas Wilson, Erie. 

1812 to 181b— Henry Taylor, North East. 

1813 to 1816— r/iomas Forster, Erie. 

1813 to 181b— John Grubb, Mill Creek. Elected to fill the vacancy caused 
caused by the resignation of Thomas Wilson. 

1814 *to 1817— Henry Ta?/ Zor, -North East. 

1815 to 1818— Robert McClelland, Mill Creek. 

1816 to 1819— r/iomas Forster, Erie. 

1817 to V820— Robert Brown, Erie. 

1818 to 1821— George Moore, Erie. 

1819 to 1822— Stexjhen Wolverton, Erie. 

1820 to 182S— George Nicholson, Fairview. 

1821 to 1824— r/tomas Forster, Erie. 

1822 to 182b— Henry Colt, Waterford. 

1823 to 182Q— Alexander McCloskey, North East. 

1824 to 1821— John Morris, Erie. 

1825 to 1828— John Salsbury, Conneaut. 

1826 to 1828— William Benson, Waterford. Resigned April 25, 1828. 

1827 to 1830— James M. Moorhead, Harbor Creek. 

Appointed — 1828 — George Nicholson, Fairview. Appointed by the court 
August 6th, in place of William Benson, resigned. Served till election in Oc- 
tober ensuing. 



422 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Elected. — 1828 to 1829 — Myron Hutchinson, Girard. Elected to serve out 
the balance of the original term of William Benson. 

1828 to Ib'Sl— Albert Thayer, Erie. 

1829 to 1831— Joseph M. Sterrett, Erie, 

1830 to 1883— James Pollock, LeBoeuf. 

1831 to 1834— Thomas R. Miller, Springfield. 

1832 to 1835— John McCord, North East. 

1833 to 1836— James Love, Mill Creek. 

1834 to 1837 — Stephen Skinner, McKean. 

1835 to 1838— James Miles, Girard. 

1836 to 1839 — Samuel Low, Harbor Creek. 

1837 to 1839— Thomas Sterrett, McKean. Died in the spring of 1839. 

1838 to 1841— William E. McNair, Mill Creek, 

1839 to 1840 — Samuel Low, Harbor Creek. Elected to fill the vacancy 
caused by the death of Thomas Sterrett. 

1839 "to 1842— Lyman Robinson. Wattsburg. 

1840 to 1843— Russell Stancliff, Washington. 

1841 to 1844— David Sawdy, Conneaut. 

1842 to 1845 — Joseph Henderson, Mill Creek. 

1843 to 1846— Robert Gray, Union Township. 

1844 to 1847 — Isaac Webster, Fairview. 

1845 to 1848— William E. Marvin, Greenfield. 

1846 to 1849— William Campbell, Washington. 

1847 to 1850 — Humphrey A. Hills, Conneaut. 

1848 to 1851— George W, Brecht, Mill Creek, 

1849 to 1852— Simeon Stewart, Concord. 

1850 to 1853— Thomas Dunn, McKean. 

1851 to 1854 — Rodney Cole, Greene. 

1852 to 1855 — Richard R. Robinson, Springfield. 

1853 to 1856— William Parker, Greenfield. 

1854 to 1857 — Flavel Boyd, Waterford Borough. 

1855 to 1858 — Josiah J. Compton, Washington. 

1856 to 1859— William W. Eaton, Fairview. 

1857 to 1860— Amos Gould, North East. 

1858 to 1861 — William Putnam, Union Township. 

1859 to 1862— Joseph Henderson, Mill Creek. 

1860 to 1863— Jacob Fritts, Venango. 

1861 to 1864 — Seymour Washburne, McKean. 

1862 to 1865— Garner Parmer, Albion, 

1863 to 1866— Charles C, Boyd, Waterford Borough, 

1864 to 1867— James Chambers, Harbor Creek, 

1865 to 1868— Lemuel M, Childs, Wayne. 

1866 to 1869— Stephen J. Godfrey, Elk Creek. 

1867 to 1870— William B. Weed, Greene. 

1868 to 1871— Lemuel M. Childs, Wayne. 

1869 to 1872— Garner Parmer, Albion. 

1870 to 1873 — Myron H, Silverthorn, Fairview Township. 

1871 to 1874— Clark Bliss, North East Township. 

1872 to 1876— William T. Brown, Corry. 

1873 to 1876— Mvron H. Silverthorn, Fairview Township, 

1874 to 1876— Cfark Bliss, North East, 

The Constitution of 1873 provided that Commissioners in office and elected 
in the meantime should serve till January 1, 1876. A full Board were to be 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 423 

elected in 1875 and every three years thereafter. No voter is allowed to cast 
a ballot for more than two candidates, thus insuring a representation of the 
board to the minority party. 

1876 to 1879— Albert B. Gunnison, Erie. 

1876 to 1879— Daniel W. Titus, Venango. 
' 1876 to 1819— Richard H. Arbuckle, East Mill Creek. 

1879 to 1882— Albert B. Gunnison, Erie. 

1879 to 1882— Daniel W. Titus, Venango. 

1879 to 1882— Adelbert L. Tilden, LeBoeuf. 

1882 to I88f>— Adelbert L. Tilden, LeBoeuf. 

1882 to 1885— B. B. Whitley, East Mill Creek. 

1882 to 1885— Richard Powell, Elk Creek. 

Clerks to the County Commissioners. — Appointed by the Commissioners — 
Thomas Wilkins was appointed when the county was organized in 1803, and 
became unfitted by sickness to perform the duties of the office in 1829. He 
died in May, 1830. 

- ^Robert Cochran became Clerk pro tern. November 2, 1829, filling the place 
during Mr. Wilkins' sickness, almost to the day of the latter's death. 

Jacob Snavely, appointed February 1, 1830. Died of consumption in 1834. 

Archibald Miller, appointed January 1, 1835. 

James Skinner, January 9, 1837. 

David McAllister, January 1, 1849. 

George W. Colton, January 1, 1852. 

A. J. Sterrett, January 1, 1863. Died in office, February 15, 1881. 

Ora P. Gunnison, March 1, 1881. 

Giles D. Price, January 1, 1883. 

Directors of the Poor. — Elected — Previous to 1840, each township took 
charge of its own poor, under the supervison of two Overseers elected by the 
people. 

1840 to 1841 — James Benson, Waterford Township. 

1840 to 1842— Thomas R. Miller, Springfield. 

1840 to 1843— George W. Walker, Harbor Creek. 

1841 to 1844— Conrad Brown, Mill Creek. 

1842 to 1845 -John Evans, Mill Creek. 

1843 to 1846 — James Anderson, W^aterford Township. 

1844 to 1847— David Kennedy, Erie. 

1845 to 1848— Curtis Heidler, Fairview. 

1846 to 1849— William Bracken, LeBoeuf. 

1847 to 1850— David Sterrett, McKean. 

1848 to 1851— David Kennedy, Erie. 

1849 to 1852— George Fritts, Waterford Township. 

1850 to 1853— Melville M. Kelso, Fairview Township. 

1851 to 1854— William E. McNair, Mill Creek. 

1852 to 1855— John Parmeter, McKean. 

1853 to 1856 — John Hay, Girard. 

1854 to 1857 -George W. Brecht, Mill Creek. 

1855 to 1858— Samuel W. Keefer, Erie. 

1856 to 1859 — John Spalding, Springfield. Refused to serve. 
Appointed — 1856 to 1857 — John Hay, Girard. Appointed by the court to 

fill vacancy as above until the ensuing election. 

Elected — 1857 to 1860 — Alexander Nicholson, Fairview. 
' ' 1857 to 1859 — William Bracken, LeBoeuf. Elected to serve out the term 
for which Mr. Spalding was chosen. 



424 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

1858 to 1861— Thomas Stewart, Erie. 

1859 to 1862— William Bracken, LeBceuf. 

1860 to 1863— Thomas Willis, Mill Creek. 

1861 to 1861— Thomas Stewart, Erie. 

1862 to iSQb—Archibald Duncan, North East. 

1863 to 1866— Thomas Willis, Mill Creek. 

1864 to 1867— Thomas Stewart, Erie. 

1865 to 1868 — Andrew Thompson, Union Township. 

1866 to 1869— Thomas Willis, Mill Creek. 

1867 to 1870— Jacob Hanson, Erie. 

1868 to 1870 — Andrew Thompson, Union Township. 

1869 to 1870— Stephen A. Beavis, Corry. 

Under an act of Assembly, all of the old Directors went out in 1870, and 
a full board was elected in the fall of that vear. 

1870 to 1871— Louis W. Olds, Erie. 
1870 to 1872— Stephen A. Beavis, Corry. 

1870 to 1873 — William W. Eaton, Fairview Borough. 

1872 to 1875— Michael Henry, Erie. 

1873 to 1876— Merrick B. Chamberlain, Union Borough. 

1874 to 1S77— James Dunn, McKean. 

1875 to 1878— Michael Henry, Erie. 

1876 to 1879- John G. Kincaid, Wayne. 

1877 to 1880 — Seymour Washburne, McKean. 

1878 to 1881— George W. Riblet, Erie. 

1879 to 1882— Jefferson Triscuit, Union Township. 

1880 to 1883— John C. Zuck. West Mill Creek. 

1881 to 1884 — Joseph Henderson, Erie. 

1882 to 1885— Jefferson Triscuit, Union City. 

1883 to 1886—0. S. McAllister, Wattsburg. 

Steivards of the Almshouse — (Appointed by the Directors of the Poor) — 
1840 — Freeman Patterson, Mill Creek. 

1847— Samuel Fickinger, Mill Creek. 

1852— S. P. B. Zuck, Mill Creek. 

1857— Thomas Love, Mill Creek. 

1858 — Thomas Dunn, McKean. 

1863— Calvin Pool, North East. 

1872— George W. Griffin, North East. 

1880— William W. Brown, West Mill Creek. 

Clerks and Treasurers to the Directors of the Poor.— (Appointed by the 
board) — 1840 — Thomas Evans, Erie. 

1849 — Thomas Moorhead, Erie. Died in office, August 7, 1859. 

1859— Pressley Arbuckle, Erie. 

18Q1— William M. Arbuckle, Erie. Died in office December 27, 1874. 

1875— Robert H. Henry, Erie. Died in office in May, 1879. 

1879 — Daniel W. Nason, Fairview. 

County Superintendents of Public Schools. — (Elected by the School Directors 
in County Convention) — William H. Armstrong, Wattsburg, 1854 to 1860. 

L. W. Savage, Springfield, 1860 to 1863. 

D. P. Ensign, Erie, served six months in 1863 and resigned. 

Julius Degmier, Erie. Served six months by appointment, and then elected 
for two years, to 1866. 

L. T. Fisk, Girard, 1866 to 1869. 

C. C. Taylor, Elk Creek, 1869 to 1878. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 425 

Charles Twining, Union, 1878 to 1884 (salary §1,500 per anaum). 

County Detectives. — Appointed by the Court — Daniel Mitchell, Erie, Jan- 
uary 1, 1876. 

Charles Justice, Erie, January 1, 1879. 

John P. Sullivan, September 16, 1883. 

County Surveyors. — The title of this office was Deputy Surveyor, and the 
incumbents were appointed by the Govei'nor until 1851, when the office was 
made elective and the name changed to County Surveyor. 

Appointed — W^ilson Smith, Waterford, April 25, 1800, 

John Cochran, Mill Creek, July 9, 1801. 

Thomas Smith, Erie, March 28, 1806. 

Thomas Wikon, Erie, May 11, 1812. 

Jonah Coicgill, Erie, Mav 11, 1815. 

Wilson King, Waterf ord," May 21, 1827. 

Hiram Bumj)hrey, McKean, March 4, 1833. 

Sylveras E. Webster, Erie, July 30. 1833. 

Stephen Skinner, McKean, July 18, 1836. 

James Graham, Erie, July 9, 1839. 

Sylveras E. Webster, Erie, May 30, 1842. 

John H. Millar, Erie, May 2, 'l844. 

Electied — David "Wilson, Union, bond filed January 15, 1852. 

William Benson, Waterford, January 17, 1854. 

Eobert P. Holliday. Springfield. November 5, 1863. 

G. W. F. Sherwin, Harbor Creek, November 12, 1866. 

Piobert P. Holliday, Fairview, February 22, 1869. 

George Piatt, Girard. [The officers at Harrisburg decided that he was 
not elected in the right year, and refused to send him a commission. Holli- 
day continued till the court appointed Piatt November 11, 1872, who con- 
tinued till October, 1878 j. v 

George M. Kobinson, Springfield, October 22, 1878. Resigned May, 1879, 
and George Piatt appointed May 24 of the same year. 

County Auditors. — Three elected annually until 1813, after which time 
and until 1875 one was elected each year to serve for three years. There is 
no record of the Auditors previous to 1809, nor for 1811, 1812 or 1815. 

1809 — Thomas Robinson, North East; George Nicholson, Fairview; Will- 
iam Wallace, Mill Crerek. 

1810 — Charles Martin, Waterford; John Grubb, Mill Creek; John McCreary, 
Erie. 

1811 — Robert Knox, Erie; Rufus Seth Reed, Erie; Charles Martin, Water- 
ford. 

1812 — EHsha Marvin, Greenfield; Johji Lytic, LeBoeuf; Charles Martin^ 
Waterford. 

1813 — John Lytic, Waterford; Robert McClelland, Mill Creek; Robert 
Toivnley, Erie. 

1814 — Amos Judson, Waterford. 

1816 — George Nicholson, Fairview. 

1817 — John Morris, Erie. 

1818 — Thomas Dunn, McKean. 

1819- -T/iomas H. Sill. Erie 

1820— T/tomas H. Sill, Erie. 

1821 — Thomas Rees, Harbor Creek. 

1822 — Thomas Dunn, McKean. 

1823 — Daniel Sayre, Fairview. 



426 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

1824 — Thomas Rees, Harbor Creek. 

1825— James M. McKay, Waterford Borough; William E. McNair, Mill 
Creek (one vear). 

1826— Martin Strong, Waterford. 

1827 — David H. Chapman, Fairview. 

182S— Robert Cochran, Mill Creek. 

1829— Eli Webster, McKean. 

1830 — John J. Swan, Fairview. 

1831 — James Smedley, North East. 

1832 — Samuel Low, Venango. 

1833 — Mark Baldwin, Greenfield. 

1834 — Russell Staucliff, Washington. 

1835 — William Benson, Waterford. 

1836— William H. Crawford, North East. 

1837— Thomas Nicholson, Mill Creek. 

1838— Alex W. Brewster, Erie. 

1839- Gideon J. Ball, Erie. 

1840 — James Miles, Girard. 

1841 — Moses Barnett, Fairview. 

1842 — Benjamin Gunnison, Greene. 

1843— W^illiam M. Arbuckle, Erie. 

1844 — Thomas Pierce, Le Boeuf. 

1845 — James H. Campbell, Edinboro. 

1845 — Simeon Hunt, Waterford (one year, to serve out the term of Mr. Ar- 
buckle, who had moved from the county). 

1846 — James Chambers, Harbor Creek. 

1847— John Wood, Le Boeuf. 

1848 — John Eagly, Springfield. 

1849 — John L. Way, Greene (afterward Summit). 

1850— Flavel Boyd, Waterford Township. 

1851 — Samuel Reeder, Washington. 

1852— Oren Reed, McKean. 

1853 — Robert Gray, Union Township. 

1854— George W. Brecht, Mill Creek. 

1855— N. W. Russell, Mill Creek. 

1856 — John W. Campbell, Washington. 

1857 — Elias Brecht, McKean. 

1858 — David Nash, Concord. 

1858 — H. H. Bassler, Fairview. To serve out the term of Mr. Campbell, 
elected to the Legislature. 

1859 — John L. Way, Summit; H. H, Bassler, Fairview (three years.) 

1860 — William H. Belknap, Concord. 

1861 — Joseph W. Swalley, Fairview. 

1862— Henry Gingrich, Mill Creek. 

1863— Oren Reed, McKean. 

1864 — Philip Osborn, Girard Township. 

1865 — Oliver H. P. Ferguson, Fairview. 

1866— Mathias Hartleb, Erie. 

1867 — Francis F. Stowe, Amity. 

1868 — Thomas Evans, Erie. 

1869 — Thomas Wools, Union Borough; George W. Griffin, North East (one 
year, in place of Mr. Stowe, resigned). 

l870^Jesse Ebersole, Harbor Creek 



,<^^^^. 




'.-•<•, v^^i 



'^L^'L^ ^C<^'>^r^^^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 429 

1871— Clayton W. Lytle, Erie. 

1872— Daniel W. Titus, Venango. 

1873— William W. Thomas, Erie. 

The new Constitution provided for the election of three Auditors every 
third year, each voter to have the right of voting for two only, in order to 
insure minority representation. 

1874 —Elijah K. Eange, LeBoeuf ; William E. Hayes, Greene; William 
F. Brockway, Conneaut. 

1877— William E. Hayes, Greene; William W. Love, West Mill Creek; 
C. R. Gray, Venango. 

1880— William L. Arbuckle, Erie; William P. Edwards, Harbor Creek; 
George Manton, Elk Creek. 

Jury Commissioners. — Office created in 1867, and made elective, two 
persons being chosen every three years. Each voter is entitled to cast a 
ballot for one candidate only, thus insuring representation to both of the 
leading parties. 

1867 — -David N. Patterson, Wattsburg; Perry G. Stranahaii, Union 
Borough. 

1870 — William W. Love, West Mill Creek; Horace L. Pinney, Greene. 

1873 — William Grant, McKean; Robert Leslie, Wattsburg. 

1876 — George A Evans, West Mill Creek; Joseph I. Tanner, Erie, 

1879 — D. L. Bracken, Corry; William Biggers, Girard Township. 

1882 — George J. Russell,EaBt Mill Creek; James D. Phillips, TJnion City. 

Court Criers. — Appointed by the Court — David Langley, Erie; Basil 
Hoskinson, Erie; Robert Kincaide, Erie; Joshua Randall, Erie; Remras 
Baldwin, Erie; P. D. Bryant, Erie; Edward B. Lytle, Erie; A. E. White 
(since 1851), Erie. 

Mercantile Appraisers. — Appointed by the County Commissioners: 

1852 — Simon B. Benson, Waterford Borough. 

1853— Samuel W. Keefer, Erie. 

1854— E. C. Hedden, Springfield. 

1855— N. W. Russell, Mill Creek. 

1856 — James T. Ensworth, Wattsburg. 

1857 — James P. Vincent, Waterford. 

1858 — Samuel Rea, Jr., Springfield. 

1859 — Johnston Eaton, Fairview. 

1860— John B. Mills, North East. 

1861 — Simon B. Benson, Waterford Borough. 

1862 — Perry Devore, Springfield. 

1863 — C. W. S. Anderson, Waterford Borough. 

1864— James W. Crawford, North East. 

1865 — Liberty Salisbury, Conneaut. 

1866— H. R. Whittelsey, Waterford. 

1867— James C. Russell, Mill Creek. 

1868— D. N. Patterson, Wattsburg. 

1869— James R. Taylor, Waterford. 

1870— Myron E. Dunlap, Erie. 

1871— Stephen J. Godfrey, Elk Creek. 

1872 — Liberty Salisbury, Conneaut. 

1873— Myron E. Dunlap, Erie. 

1874— R. L. Pierce, North East. 

1875— L. E. Guignon, Corry. 

1876 — James McCreary, Fairview. 

23 



430 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

1877 — D. W. Hutchinson, Girard Borough. 
1878— D. N. Patterson, Wattsburg. 
1879— Ora P. Gunnison, Mill Creek. 
1880— William T. Brown, Corry. 
1881— i^. H. Arbuckle, East Mill Creek. 
1882—0. S. McAllister, Wattsburg. 
1883— /f. L. Minium, Mill Village. 

Sealer of Weights and Measures. — 1877 to 1880 — Joseph Keischscheidt> 
Erie. 

1880 to 1883— W. J. Robinson, Mill Village. 
1883— W. P. Butterlield, Edinboro. 
[Office abolished April, 1883]. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



The Canal and Railroads. 

A SUGGESTION was made as early as 1762 to unite the waters of Lake 
Erie with the Delaware River at Philadelphia, by way of the Schuyl- 
kill, Swatara, Susquehanna, Juniata and Allegheny. The country was too 
poor to undertake the enterprise then, but it was not lost sight of by the far- 
seeing citizens of the State. A company was formed in 1791 to construct a 
canal from the Schuylkill to the Susquehanna, and another in 1792 to build 
one down the Schuylkill to Philadelphia. These corporations were consoli- 
dated in 1811, under the name of the Union Canal Company, and author- 
ized to extend their improvement to Lake Erie should it be deemed expedi- 
ent. The canal and slackwater along the Schuylkill were not opened until 
1818. The Union Canal, connecting with the latter at Reading, was com- 
pleted to Middletown, on the Susquehanna, in 1827. It does not appear 
that the corporation made an effort to extend their work any further west- 
ward. 

The Legislature of 1823 passed an act for the appointment of Commis- 
sioners to explore a route for connecting Lake Erie with B'rench Creek by 
canal and slackwater, a project that seems decidedly absurd in the light of 
our present information. The Commissioners were duly appointed. Col. 
Thomas Forster of this city being one of the number, and a survey was 
made in 1825, by Maj. Douglass, of the United States Army. A convention 
of delegates from forty-six counties, Giles Sanford representing Erie, met at 
Harrisburg in August, 1825, and passed resolutions in favor of a canal from 
the Susquehanna to the Allegheny, and from the Allegheny to Lake Erie. The 
State embarked in the enterprise soon after, going heavily in debt for the pur- 
pose, and by 'October, 1834, the first boat from the East arrived at Pittsburgh. 
This was almost nine years later than the opening of the Erie Canal in New 
York, which was completed in November, 1825. The main line of the Pennsyl- 
vania Canal extended from Columbia, Lancaster County, a few miles below 
the intersection of the Union Canal, and extended up the Susquehanna and 
Juniata to the Alleghany Mountains. These were crossed by a railway, con- 
sisting of a series of inclined planes, over which boats, built in sections, 
were moved by stationary engines. After overcoming the mountains the 
route was down the Conemaugh, the Kiskeminetas and the Allegheny 
Rivers to Pittsburgh. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 431 

THE LAKE TEKMINUS. 

In the meantime, a furious agitation sprung up in the Northwest over the 
question whether the extension of the canal from Pittsburgh to Lake Erie 
should be by way of the Allegheny River and French Creek, or down the Ohio 
and up the Beaver and Shenango Rivers. The first was known as the "East- 
ern " and the latter as the "Western'' route. Stephen Wolverton was elected 
to the Legislature from Erie County in 1827 as a French Creek or "Eastern 
route" man. The next year the friends of the "Western route" rallied, and 
elected George Moore as the Representative of the county. The Western route 
having been adopted by the advice of the engineers in charge, another contro- 
versy arose in the county over the lake terminus of the canal, some wanting 
it to be at Erie, and others at the mouth of Elk Creek. William and James 
Miles, who owned a large body of land in that vicinity, were the chief pro- 
moters of the Elk Creek scheme, and at one time nearly succeeded. It is a 
part of the tradition of the day that Erie owes its selection largely to the la- 
bors of Elijah Babbitt in the Legislature, who rose from a sick bed to speak 
and work in its favor. In 1832, through the efforts of Hon. John H. Walker, 
the State ceded the third section of 2,000 acres of laud west of Erie to the 
borough, for the purpose of building a canal basin at the harbor, reserving 
100 acres for a county almshouse. 

The principal difficulty encountered in the construction of the canal was in 
overcoming the dividing ridge in Crawford County, and obtaining water from 
there to Erie, a distance of thirty-eight miles, with a continuous descent to 
the lake. To meet this difficulty, Conneaut Lake, nearly on the summit of 
the ridge, and about 500 feet above Lake Erie, was raised to a sufficient level 
to turn the water in a northerly direction, and converted into a reservoir. A. 
feeder was built from Bemus' Mills, three miles above Meadville, which carried 
a portion of French Creek into Conneaut Lake, keeping up a regular supply of 
water. All of the water used in ihe canal from the summit to Erie was drawu 
from the reservoir of Conneaut Lake. Work on the enterprise progressed at 
irregular spots and intervals until 1842, when the State refused to appropriate 
any more money. 

At Erie, ground was broken for the canal on the 4th of July, 1838, amid 
great festivities, Capt. D. Dobbins leading the procession, Capt. M. Strong 
lifting the first spadeful of earth, and Hon. John H. Walker delivering the 
oration. 

The Governor's message in 1843 showed that ninety- seven and three-quarter 
miles were finished from Rochester, on the Ohio, the southern terminus, to the 
mouth of the French Creek feeder, and forty-nine and one-quarter miles more, 
including the feeder and an extension to Franklin, leaVing in pi'ogress and 
nearly completed the thirty-eight and one-half miles from the point where the 
other work ended in Erie. Up to that date the State had expended more than 
$4,000,000, and it was calculated that but $211,000 more were needed to make 
the canal ready for the boats. 

COMPLETION OF THE CANAL. 

^ At the session of 1842-43, the Legislature passed an act incorporating the 
Erie Canal Company, and ceding to it all the work that had been done at such 
immense cost, on condition that the corporation would finish and operate the 
improvement. This company was organized with Rafus S. Reed as President; 
C. M. Reed, Treasm-er; William Kelly, Secretary, and the two Reeds, Kelly, 
T. G. Colt, William M. Watts, B. B. Vincent and John A. Tracy, of Erie, M. 
B. Lowry, of Crawford County, and James M. Power, of Mercer County, as 



432 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Managers. Contracts for the incompleted work were let in September, 1843, 
payment to be made in the bonds of the company. The first boats to reach 
Erie were the Queen of the West, a packet boat, crowded with passengers, and 
the R. S. Reed, loaded with Mercer County coal, both coming in on the same 
day, the 5th of December. 1844. They were received with huzzas by the 
thousands gathered on the banks of the canal at Erie to witness the great event, 
and greeted with a cannon salute when they reached the bay. The Wayne 
Grays paraded during the day, and a ball was given at the Reed House in the 
evening. A few other boats came in the same winter, but navigation did not 
regularly open until the spring of 1845. The principal engineers of the work 
were W. Milnor Roberts and Milton Courtright. 

The canal entered the city limits of Erie near the present car works, and 
followed the ravine of Lee's Run to the bay, which it joined at the foot of 
Sassafras street. A commodious basin for the protection of the boats was 
built in the bay, at the outlet, which still remains, being the inclosed part of 
the harbor on both sides of the public dock. Between the almshouse and the 
bay there is a descent of over a hundred feet, rendering necessary fifteen locks, 
with an average lift of seven feet. At Lockport, in the western part of the 
county, where the canal descended to the level of the lake shore, there were 
twenty-eight locks within a distance of two miles, having an average lift of 
six and a half feet. The canal was of moderate capacity, compared with the 
great Erie Canal of New York, and as a consequence the boats were of small 
size, averaging sixty-five tons. 

ITS ABANDONMENT. 

A good business was done for thirty years after its completion, mainly in 
coal, iron ore and merchandise. Up to 1853, when the Lake Shore Railroad 
was opened to Toledo, the canal also carried large numbers of emigrants, who 
came to Erie by steamer from Buffalo, and took this route to the Ohio Valley. 
A number of packet boats for conveying passengers ran on the canal, and it 
was the grand avenue of trade and travel for the western counties. In 1860, 
the receipts were $105,311, and the expenses $70,379, of which $17,034 were 
for a new aqueduct over Walnut Creek. In those days, the canal and basin 
at Erie presented a busy sight; scores of boats were loaded and unloaded 
daily at the docks; the locks were in almost constant use; thousands of people 
derived their maintenance from boating, and large sums of money were invested 
in various ways along the line of the improvement. W. W. Reed was Superin- 
tendent in 1860, and continued in that capacity until the canal was abandoned. 

The canal continued to flourish until the completion of the Erie & Pitts- 
burgh Railroad, which soon proved to be a formidable competitor. Had its 
capacity been for large-sized boats, this rivalry might not have been serious. 
An enlargement was proposed but never undertaken. The water of Lake Erie 
■could not be made to flow up hill, and opinions differed whether French Creek 
and Conneaut Lake would furnish enough water to float the increased size of 
boats necessary to compete with the railroad. A company was formed, how 
ever, who had faith in the experiment. They offered Gen. Reed, who con- 
trolled most of the stock, a handsome sum for the canal, but, in the midst of 
their negotiations, were notified that he had disposed of it to the railroad 
management. The latter operated it in an unsatisfactory manner to the boat- 
men until 1871, when the fall of the Elk Creek Aqueduct gave them an excuse 
for abandoning the work, which was undoubtedly their original purpose. 
Since then the locks and bridges have been taken to pieces, the boats sold or 
broken up, the channel filled almost everywhere in the county, and few traces 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 433 

of this once important avenue remain. The abandonment of the canal ruined 
many boatmen and small storekeepers, and caused much injury to the towns 
along its route which were so unfortunate as to be off of the line of the rail- 
road. 

RAILROADS. 

The Lake Shore Railroad. — The earliest public movement in regard to the 
construction of a railroad along the lake shore was through a convention held 
in Fredonia, N. Y. , in 1831. Its object was to arrange for building a road from 
Buffalo to the State line, with the understanding that it was to connect with 
one in Pennsylvania. The delegates from Erie were C. M. Eeed, P. S. V. 
Hamot and Thomas H. Sill. 

The Erie & North East Railroad Company, the first railroad organization in 
the county, was incorporated April 12, 1842, with a capital of $5,000,000. 
This was reduced in 1846 to $600,000, and books for subscriptions were 
opened on the 19th of October in the same year, most of the stock being taken 
in Erie. The active men in forwarding the project were Charles M. Reed, 
John A. Tracy and John H. Walker. The first election of ofiicers was held on 
the 22d of January, 1847, resulting in the election of C. M. Reed as President, 
Giles Sanford as Treasurer, and William Kelly, Henry Cadwell, Smith Jack- 
son, A. W. Brewster, M. Courtright and James Williams as Directors. The 
surveys of the road were completed in the spring of 1849, under the direction 
of Mr. Courtright. Contracts for the construction of the road were let on the 
26th of July of the same year, and the grading was commenced soon after. 

• ERIE TO BUFFALO. 

Previous to this, a company had been formed to build a railroad from Dun- 
kirk to the State line, under the auspices of the New York & Erie Railway 
Company. A second road was prc^jected by the New York Central Company 
from Buffalo, by way of Fredonia, to the State line. Both routes were sur- 
veyed, the right of way obtained, and some work done. A contract was en- 
tered into by the Erie & North East Company for a connection with the Dunkirk 
& State Line road, which would have given a uniform six feet gauge, and made 
Erie the practical terminus of the New York & Erie road upon the lake. 
Shortly afterward, another arrangement was made with the Buffalo, Fredonia 
& State line road for the laying of an additional track of the New York guage 
of four feet eight and one-half inches. In course of time, a compromise was 
effected between the two New York corporations, by which they violated their 
contract with the Erie & North East Company, and agreed to build but one 
road between Buffalo and the State line of the Ohio guage of four feet ten 
inches. The object of this was to force the Erie & North East Company to 
adopt the same guage, and compel the break, which had to occur at some 
point, to be made within the limits of New York. This did not have the effect 
they anticipated, and the Erie & North East road was completed with a six 
feet track. Work on the road went on slowly, and the first passenger train did 
not come into Erie until the 19th of January, 1852, John Moore being con- 
ductor, and Nathan Norton, engineer. 

ERIE TO CLEVELAND. 

The Franklin Canal Company was incorporated on the 27th of April, 1844, 
to repair the Franklin division of the canal. On the 9th of April, 1849, a* 
supplement to the charter was secured authorizing the company to build a rail- 
road on the route of the canal between Meadville and Franklin, and to extend 



434 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

it northward to Lake Erie, and southward to Pittsburgh. This charter was so 
construed as to permit the building of a railroad from Erie to the Ohio State 
line, and one was accordingly constructed, largely through the efforts of Judge 
John Galbraith and Alfred Kelley. At the State line it connected with a road 
that had been completed to Cleveland, under the laws of the State of Ohio. 
The first train ran from Erie to Ashtabula on the morning of the 23d of No- 
Tembei-, 1852. ten months later than the opening of the Erie & North East 
road. It returned in the afternoon, when the event was celebrated by a sup- 
per at Brown's Hotel, of which 300 people partook, and at which speeches were 
made by Judge Galbraith, Alfred Kelley, A. B. Lowry and William S. Lane. 
As the Pennsylvania law stood at that time, all roads entering Erie from the 
east were to be six feet or four feet eight and one half gauge, and all from the 
west four feet ten. The gauge of the Franklin Canal Company's road was 
therefore different from that of the Erie & North East road, nece.ssitating a 
break at Erie. 

CONSOLIDATION EFFKCTED. 

The change of gauge at Erie and at the State line proved to be a serious 
inconvenience to the railroad companies, and on the 17th of November, 1853, a 
contract was entered into between the Buffalo & State Line and the Erie & 
North East Companies, by which the latter were to alter their track to four 
feet ten inches, making a uniform gauge from Buffalo to Cleveland. By this 
time, two-thirds of the stock of the E. & N. E. road had passed into the hands 
of Buffalo & State Line parties, who had entered into a contract to run the 
improvement as one road. The change of gauge was commenced on the 7th 
of December, 1853, but was not completed till February 1, 1854, when the 
first train under the new arrangement arrived at Erie from the East. 

THE RAILROAD WAR. 

The announcement of the contemplated change of gauge created the ut- 
most indignation among the people of tbis county, who saw in it the defeat 
of their hope of having Erie made the lake terminus of the New York & Erie 
Railway, and a pui'pose to make the city nothing more than a way station. At 10 
o'clock in the forenoon of the 7th day of December, 1853, an immense assem- 
blage of the citizens of Erie gathered at the depot and tore down the bridges 
over State and French streets, and took up the track across every street east of 
Sassafras. Near Harbor Creek Station, on the same day, the track was torn 
up in three places. In the latter township, on the 28th of December, while 
the railroad men were re-laying the track a fracas took place, in which a pistol 
was tired by a train conductor, and two citizens of the township slightly wound- 
ed. The excitement that ensued was the most intense ever known in the county. 
Only a few citizens of Erie sided with the railroad companies, and they were 
treated by the rest as common enemies. The railroad question obliterated 
party lines to a great extent, and in each of the years 1854, 1855, 1858. for 
the hrst time in a long period, one of the two legislative Representatives 
elected from the countv was a Democrat. The asritation amonof the peojile 
was followed by an appeal to the courts, and the interposition of both the State 
and United States officials was required on several occasions. The occurrences 
here detailed spread over a period of about two years. During the two months 
in which the populace prevented the track from being changed, passengers and 
freight were transf en-ed between Harbor Creek and Erie by stages and wagons, 
causing a delay that subjected our city, county and people to innumerable 
curses from the eastern and western patrons of the railroad. A second series of 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 435 

outbreaks occurred in Erie and Harbor Creek in 1855, when the bridges were 
again destroyed and the track torn up, but it was quieted by the intervention 
of the Supreme Court. 

FURTHER CONSOLIDATION. 

The Supreme Court decided that the road built by the Franklin Canal Com- 
pany was not a legal building under the charter, and the charter itself was re- 
pealed in 1854. Meanwhile, the stock had been mostly purchased by the 
Cleveland, Painesville & Ashtabu.'a Company, owners of the connecting road 
from the Ohio State line westward. A new charter was granted by the Legis- 
lature in 1855 or 1856, on condition that the company should subscribe $500,- 
000 to the Philadelphia & Erie road, extend its track to the harbor of Erie, 
and retain three citizens of Pennsylvania perpetually in its Board of Directors. 

The first of these provisions was complied with; the other two remain in 
force to this day. The new company took control of the entire line from Erie 
to Cleveland. 

The charter of the Erie and North East Company was repealed in 1855, 
but restored in April, 1856, conditioned upon the expenditure of $400,000 
toward the building of a road from Pittsburgh to Erie. This was subsequently 
done. A few years afterward, the Erie & North East and the Buffalo & State 
Line roads were consolidated under the title of the Buffalo & Erie. 

About fifteen years ago, the consolidation of the Cleveland, Painesville & 
Ashtabula road was effected with the Cleveland & Toledo, and at a still later 
date this organization was consolidated with the Michigan Southern, making 
one management from Erie to Chicago, which became known as the Lake Shore 
& Michigan Southern Company. Into this organization the Buffalo & Erie 
was merged in 1869. 

William H. Vanderbilt is President of the organization, and controls a 
naajority of the stock. 

LOCAL FEATURES. 

The track of the road is ostensibly four feet ten inches, but has been grad- 
ually narrowed to four feet nine inches, which is the universal gauge of the 
United States, with few exceptions. The road is almost level through Erie 
County, the heaviest grade being at Mooreheadville, where, for about a mile a id 
a half, it is fifteen feet to the mile. In building the road, the greatest difl&- 
culties experienced were at the gullies of the lake shore streams. These were 
originally crossed by wooden viaducts, which have been replaced by arches or 
iron bridges. The viaduct across the gully of Twenty Mile Creek was 102 feet 
high and 400 long; of Sixteen Mile Creek, 40 feet high and 800 long; of Wal- 
nut Creek, 106 feet high and 800 long; of Elk Creek, 115 feet high and 1,400 
long; and of Crooked Creek, 45 feet high and 500 long. In all of these cases 
arches and embankments have been substituted for the slender and dangerous 
looking viaducts. The work of filling the gullies and preparing for the arches 
was commenced shortly after the road was completed, but went along slowly, it 
not being practicable to push it rapidly. The iron bridges in Erie County are 
over Four and Six Mile Creeks, in Habor Creek Township, and French and 
State streets in Erie City. 

The first depot at Erie was a clumsy looking brick structure, built in 1851. 
It was replaced by the Union depot in 1864, the expense of constructing which 
was born equally* by the two Lake Shore organizations then existing. The 
Philadelphia & Erie Company pays interest for its use on one-third of its 
cost and one-third of the current expense of keeping it up, less a small rental 
from the Erie & Pittsburgh Company. Ira W. Hart was the first ticket agent, 



■136 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

commencing with the opening of the Erie & North East road in 1852, and 
continuing until November 1, 1872, when he was succeeded by John T. Fors- 
ter, who had been his assistant. 

The first regular freight agent at Erie was William S. Bx'own, who was ap- 
pointed in 1853. He continued until 1865, when he was elected Treasurer and 
Director, being succeeded as agent by a Mr. Northrup, who remained but a few 
months. His place was taken by James C. Hart, who continues in the service. 

The western round-house was built in 1862, and the eastern in 1863, the 
first having a capacity for fifteen, and the second for twenty-one engines. 

DISTANCES. 

The following are the distances by this route from Erie to the places 
named: 

Eastward — Miles. Westward— Miles. 

Wesley ville 4 Swanville 9 

Harbor Creek 8 Fairview 11 

Moorehead's 11 Miles Grove 16 

North East 15 Springfield 20 

State Line 20 Ohio Line 26 

RipleV 23 Conneaut 28 

Westfield 30 Ashtabula 41 

Brocton 39 Painesville 67 

Dunkirk 48 Cleveland 95 

Buffalo 88 Sandusliy 153 

Rochester 156 Toledo 208 

Svracuse 237 Chicago 452 

Albanv 386 

New York 511 

PHILADELPHIA & ERIE RAILROAD. 

As long ago as 1830, a railroad was projected from Erie eastward through 
the counties of Warren, Elk and Lycoming, upon nearly the same route sub- 
sequently adopted, but nothing was done in the direction of actual work. A 
railroad was commenced at Sunbury in 1833 by Stephen Girard and others, 
intended to connect Erie with Philadelphia by way of Pottsville. A few miles 
of it were built eastward, and then the work stopped on account of the financial 
depression. When the Pennsylvania Railroad Company was incorporated in 
1846, it was given authority to build a branch to Erie, but never availed itself 
of the provision. 

In 1837, a bill passed the Legislature incorporating the Sunbury & Erie 
Railroad Company. An organization was regularly effected, the stock to secure 
the charter being taken by the United States Bank, and engineers were 
employed to survey a route in 1838 and 1839. Nothing further was done 
for some years. In 1854, the project was simultaneously revived in Phila- 
delphia, in Erie and in the Legislature. The city of Philadelphia sub- 
scribed $1,000,000 toward the construction of the road, the county of 
Erie $200,000, and the city of Erie $300,000, in addition to 150 water lots 
for dock accommodations. This was an extremely liberal subscription for Erie 
City and County, as the former only contained about 6,000 people and the 
latter but 40,000. The same year, the Cleveland & Erie Company were required 
to subscribe $500,000 to the road, as a condition of securing a new charter. 
About this time the State exchanged a portion of her canals for $3,500,000 of 
Sunbury & Erie bonds, thus placing the company upon a substantial footing. 
By December, 1854, the road was in running order from Sunbury to Williams- 
port, where a connection was made with the Northern Central road to Elmira. 
The occasion was celebrated by an excursion of 500 citizens of Philadelphia to 





.^^HyTt^l/fy 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 439 

Erie, who returned to the East full of zeal for the completion of the enterprise. 
The division of the road from Erie to Warren was begun in August, 1856, 
and completed in December, 1859. In the spring of 1861, the name of the 
corporation was changed to the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad Company. The 
war coming on in that year alarmed the stockholders, and fearful that they 
would be unable to complete the enterprise, the road was leased, in 1862, to the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company for a term of 999 years. Work was vigor- 
ously prosecuted by the lessees, and in October, 1864, the first passenger train 
came through from Philadelphia with a large party of excursionists. A mag- 
niticient entertainment was given them by the city of Erie, which cost $3,000. 
The bill for wines alone was $1,500, and for spiced oysters $300. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

The road is 287 6-10 miles in length, operated in three divisions, as fol- 
lows: Eastern — Sunbury to Renovo, 92 4-10 miles; Middle — Renovo to Kane, 
100 7-10 miles; Western — Kane to Erie, 94 5-10. At Sunbury, connection is 
made with the southern division of the Northern Central road, under the same 
management, which gives a direct route to Harrisburg, Baltimore, Washing- 
ton, Philadelphia and New York. The distance from Erie to Harrisburg is 
347 miles; to Baltimore, 425; to Washington, 468; to Philadelphia, 453, and 
to New York, 543. Below are the distances along the road itself, measuring 
from the foot of State street in Erie: 

Outer Depot 2 Tiona 76 

Wagner's 5 Sheffield 79 

Belle Valley 7 Rovstone 82 

Langdon's 9 Ludlow 86 

Jackson's 13 Wetmore 90 

Waterford 19 Kane 95 

Le Bceuf 23 Wilcox 104 

Union City 27 Ridgway 119 

Elgin 32 St. Mary's 129 

Lovell's 34 Emporium 149 

Corry 37 Cameron 155 

Columbus 39 Driftwood 168 

Spring Creek 44 Renovo 196 

Garland 50 Lock Haven 224 

Pittsfield 54 Jersey Shore 236 

Youngsville 58 Williamsport 248 

Irvineton 60 Muncy 260 

Warren 66 Milton 275 

Stoneham 71 Northumberland 285.6 

Clarendon 73 Sunbury 287.6 

OTHER MATTERS. 

In surveying the road, considerable difficulty was experienced in finding a 
suitable route to reach the level of the lake from the high lands on the south. 
The course finally adopted was by way of Four Mile Creek, necessitating a 
long curve to round the second ridge, which compels over seven miles of rail- 
road to make the distance of four and a half miles by common road from Erie 
to Belle Valley. At Jackson's Station, thirteen miles south of Erie, the sum- 
mit of the road between the lake region and the Le Bceuf Valley is attained at 
a height of 656 feet above the lake. The grade between Jackson's and Erie is 
at one place eighty-three feet to the mile. 

The following figures give the height of the road above tide- water at the 
various points named: 



440 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

STATIONS. FEET. STATIONS. FEET. 

Erie, foot of State street 573 Sheffield 1,337 

Summit, at Jackson's 1,229 Kane 2, 130 

Union City 1,270 Wilcox 1,527 

Corry 1,431 Ridgway 1,393 

Garland 1,309 St. Mary's Summit 1,696 

Warren 1,200 Emporium 1,021 

The first General Superintendent of the road was Joseph i). Potts, who 
took charge at its opening in 1864. His successors are as follows: Albert L. 
Tyler, October 1, 1865; William A. Baldwin, May 1, 1870; Robert Neilson, 
August 1, 1881. The Superintendents of the Western , Division have been: 
Samuel A. Black, appointed in July, 1859; William A. Baldwin, February 7, 
1862; John W. Reynolds, May 1, 1868. The general offices were at Erie 
until 1874, when they were removed to Williamsport. 

The company occupied the frame building at the foot of State street, in 
Erie, as a passenger and freight depot, until the completion of the Union 
depot, to which the passenger traffic was at once transferred. The freight 
business continued at that point until the erection of the new freight building 
on Parade street in 1880. 

The shops of the road are at Erie, Kane, Renovo and Sunbury. 

ERIE & PITTSBURGH RAIDROAD. 

A railroad company, under the name of the Pittsburgh & Erie, was chartered 
many years ago, and got some right of way, but did nothing further. A. new 
charter, incorporating the Erie & Pittsburgh Company, was obtained in the 
year 1856, by parties interested in the Erie & North East Company. It did 
not specify the exact route to be taken, and a sharp rivalry for the road sprung 
up between Meadville and Conneautville. Subscriptions were secured along 
both routes, but the Conneautville one was approved by the engineers, and 
adopted. The new charter of the Erie & North East Company provided that 
it should invest 400,000 in the construction of a road in the direction of Pitts- 
burgh. With this sum and the money of the stockholders, the Erie & Pitts- 
burgh road was graded from near Miles G-rove to Jamestown, Mercer County, 
and the track laid to Albion. The Buffalo & Erie Company advanced the 
means to lay the rails to Jamestown in 1859. In 1864, with the proceeds of 
a mortgage and bonds, added to a few subscriptions, the road was continued 
to New Castle, where the Erie & Pittsburgh road proper terminates. At that 
place connection is made with tbe New Castle & Beaver Valley Road, which 
connects in turn with the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago at Home wood, 
giving a direct route to the Smoky City. The company own extensive docks 
at Erie for the handling of coal and iron ore, built in 1863. The I'ound house 
in Erie was erected in 1865, and the shops bought of McCarter & Scoville in 
1866. 

The distances by this route are as follows: ' 

MILES. MILES. 

Erie to a little west of Miles Grove Greenville 63 

(Lake Shore road) 16.5 Sharpsville 75 

Cross' 21 Sharon 78 

Albion 27 Middlesex 84 

Spring 32 , New Castle 99 

Conneautville 35 Homewood 113.9 

Jamestown 57 Pittsburgh 148.9 

The Superintendents of the road have been R. N. Brown, J. L. Grant, 
W. S. Brown, J. J. Lawi-ence, F. N. Finney and John M. Kimball. W. L. 
Scott, of Erie, has been President of the corporation some fifteen years. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 441 

The road was operated as a feeder to the Lake Shore until the 24th of 
March, 1870, when it was leased to the Pennsylvania Railroad CompHny for a 
term of 999 years. The terms of the lease are that the lessees shall maintain 
the road, keep up the interest on its debt, and pay 7 per cent annually on 
the capital stock of $2,000,000. On the first of March, 1871, the management 
was transferred to the Pennsylvania Company, a separate corporation from the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, organized to operate the Western lines leased 
by the latter. It has a capital of $12,000,000. 

From Erie to a short distance west of Miles Grove, the E. & P. uses the 
Lake^Shore track, with the exception of two and one-half miles between the city 
and the dock junction. The company own the connecting road along the bay 
front of Erie, from the Pittsburgh docks to the Philadelphia & Erie road, at 
the foot of State street. It was built about 1870. 

The headquarters of the road were in Erie until 1881, when they were 
removed to Youngstown, Ohio. 

The following figures show the elevation in feet above tide-water of various 
points on the road: Summit, near Conneautville, 1,141, Greenville, 984; 
Sharon, 853; New Castle, 802. In crossing the dividing ridge south of Con- 
neautville, the summit is approached from the north for two or three miles by 
a gi'ade of fifty- two feet to the mile. 

BUFFALO, CORRY & PITTSBURGH RAILROAD. 

The Oil Creek Railroad was completed between Corry and Miller Farm in 
1862, principally through the efforts of Thomas Struthers and William S. 
Streator. In 1865, a majority of its capital stock was purchased in the city 
of Erie by Dean Richmond, representing the Lake Shore and New York Central 
Companies, and by Thomas A. Scott, representing the Pennsylvania Company, 
and placed in the hands of Samuel J. Tilden, of New York, as Trustee for the 
three corporations. It was extended to Petroleum Centre in 1866, where it con- 
nected with the Farmers' road to Oil City. Not long afterward, the Allegheny 
Valley road was completed to Oil City, making a continuous line to Pittsburgh. 
The failure of the wells on Oil Creek robbed the road of prosperity, and it 
was sold out upon a mortgage, and purchased by the Allegheny Valley man- 
agement. 

The Cross-Cut road was built from Corry to Brocton in 1867, by Thomas 
Struthers, William S. Streator, and the American Express Company, to secure 
a lake outlet for the Oil Creek road, and a connection with the Lake Shore 
road, independent of the Philadelphia & Erie. 

All of the above roads have been consolidated as the Buffalo, Corry & 
Pittsburgh, and are under one management. The distance by this route from 
Brocton to Corry is 42.2 miles; Corry to Oil City, 45.6; Oil City to Pittsburgh, 
132; total, 219 miles. . 

NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA & OHIO RAILROAD. 

The Atlantic & Great Western road was completed to Corry in June, 1861, 
and extended westward through the southern portion of the county in 1862. 
It was intended and is still operated as the western extension of the Erie Rail- 
way (now the New York, Lake Erie & Western), with which it connects at 
Salamanca, N. Y. The track was originally six feet wide, but a third rail has 
recently been laid, with the purpose of altering the gauge to the general 
standard of the country. The name was changed as above about two yeai's 
ago. In March, 1883, the road was leased to the New York, Lake Erie & 
Western Company for ninety- nine years. 



442 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



UNION & TITUSVILLE RAILROAD. 



This road extends from Titusville to Union City, where it connects with the 
Philadelphia & Erie road. It was oriprinated in 1865 by James Sill and P. 
G. Stranahan. The road was completed in February, 1871. It is operated 
by the Pennsylvania Kailroad Company. Its length is 25.2 miles. 

NEW YORK, CHICAGO & ST. LOUIS RAILROAD (tHE NICKEL PLATe). 

The New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railway Company was organized in 
1880 to build a railroad from Buffalo to Chicago by way of Dunkirk. Erie, 
Cleveland, Fostoria and Fort Wayne. The first survey was begun in the last 
week of February, 1881, and the grading of the road commenced in the early 
]>art of June in the same year. The first through passenger train reached Erie 
from the West in the afternoon of August 31, 1882, having left Chicago at 7 
o'clock on the morning of the 30th. It consisted of an engine and two coaches, 
containing some of the leading officials of the company and a number of rep- 
resentatives of the press. The train returned from Buffalo on the 1st of Sep- 
tember. Regular passenger trains commenced running on Mondav, October 
23, 1882. 

The road was built by a syndicate, comprising George I. Seney, C. R. 
Cummings, Watson H. Brown, John T. Martin, A. A. Low & Brother, Gen. 
Samuel Thomas, C. S. Brice, the Standard Oil Company, Brown, Howard & 
Co. and A. M. White. T^ese parties originally subscribed $15,000,000, 
which was increased, before the completion of the work, to $22,000,000. This 
amount of money was raised and expended before the company issued any 
securities or created any bonded indebtedness. The company ultimately issued 
$28,000,000 of common and $22,000,000 of preferred stock and $15,000,000 
of first moi'tgage bonds. The actual cost of the road, including equipment — 
the greater portion of which was built by the Pullman Car Company of Chicaga 
—is stated to have been between $25,000,000 and $28,000,000. The con- 
tract for constructing and equipping the road was left to Brown, Howard & Co., 
of Chicago. 

In the winter of 1882-83, a majority of the stock of the road was purchased 
in Erie by William H. Vanderbilt and others in the interest of the Lake Shore 
road, and it has since been run in harmony with that line, although a sepa- 
rate organization is kept up. 

The principal stations, aside from Chicago and Buffalo, are Valparaiso, Fort 
Wayne, Fostoria, Bellevue, Cleveland, Ashtabula, Erie and Dunkirk. Leaving 
Chicago, or rather Grand Crossing, near that city, the line runs from one ta 
eight miles south of and generally parallel with the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & 
Chicago road through Valparaiso to Fort Wayne, and thence to New Haven, 
Ind., six miles, parallel with the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific. Between New 
Haven and Arcadia, Ohio, is the longest tangent on the road — 85 miles. From 
Arcadia, the line runs to the northeast through Fostoria, Green Spi'ings and 
Bellevue to Cleveland. Between Cleveland and Buffalo, the road is south of 
and parallel with the Lake Shore road, the tracks being in places almost side 
by side. Passenger trains run into the depot of the Lake Shore road in 
Chicago, and into the one in Buffalo occupied by the New York, Buffalo & 
Western and the Lehigh Valley. The principal office of the company is at 
Cleveland. The main shops are at Chicago. Division shops are located at 
Fort Wayne, Ind., and Bellevue and Conneaut, Ohio. The divisions for 
engine service are: Buffalo to Conneaut; Conneaut lo Bellevue; Bellevue ta 
Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne to Chicago. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 443 

Instead of the culverts used by the L. S. & M. S. road, this route crosses 
the gullies of the lake shore streams by iron viaducts, some of which are of 
unusual height and length. The one at Cleveland is double track, 3,000 feet 
long, and 60 to 70 feet high, including a draw span of 225 feet. Below is a 
list of the other most important viaducts, with their height and length in feet, 
and cost: 

Lenght. Height. Cost. 

Eighteen Mile Creek, N. Y 690 98 |17 000 

Westfield, N. Y 502 62 13,000 

State Line of New York & Pennsylvania 712 98.6 27,236 

Swanville, Penn 870 79 30 067 

Girard, Penn ; 1,470 84.8 53,341 

Springfield, Penn 690 68.4 21,021 

Conneaut, Ohio 1,320 53 40,492 

Ashtabula, Ohio 822 92.8 36,163 

Painesville, Ohio 1,310 87.5 60,637 

Rocky River, Ohio 670 80 16,500 

The distances by this road are as follows: Bufifalo to Erie, 87.48 miles; 
to Conneaut, 115.5i miles; to Cleveland, 183.79 miles; to Bellevue, 247.86 
miles; to Fort Wayne, 370.63 miles; to Chicago, 524.74 miles. 

The railroad crosses the entire county from east to west, and has stations 
at all the principal points on the lake shore. From the western border of Erie 
City to French street the road occupies the center of Nineteenth street; east 
of that it diverges slightly to the south. The right to use Nineteenth street 
was granted by the city authorities upon condition that the road should be 
limited to a single track; that it should be laid at grade with the street; that 
the company should, within two years, expend $100,000 in improvements 
within the city, other than tracks; that the city should be indemnified from 
damages; and that the track might be removed at the cost of the company if 
the conditions are not complied with. The P. & E. R. R. officials would not 
allow the new road to cross their tracks at grade, and a costly trestlework had 
to be constructed for that purpose near the east line of the city. 

PROJECTED EAILEOADS. 

Books were opened in 1836 for subscriptions to build a railroad, twenty- 
three miles long, from Erie to the State line, three miles east of Wattsburg, 
where it was designed to connect with a branch of the Erie Railway. The 
scheme was to make Erie the terminus of the latter thoroughfare, and it seems 
to have had some encouragement from the management of that corporation. 
"When the Erie & North East road was built, the project was abandoned. 

The Erie City Railroad Company was chartered, in 1853, to build a road 
from Erie to some point on the State line in North East, Greenfield or Venan- 
go Townships, as a connection of the Erie Railway. Its organization was 
maintained until the Atlantic & Great Western road was completed, when the 
projectors concluded that further effort to induce the Erie Railway to come to 
the harbor of Erie would be useless. 

The Erie Southern was designed to give Erie a connection with the N. Y., 
P. & O. road at Cambridge, and the Oil Creek road at Titusville, opening 
up a new route, by way of McKean and Edinboro, for the coal and oil traffic. 
The project was much talked of about 1873, considerable subscriptions were 
obtained, and the city voted the corporation a block of water-lots, besides 
the right of way on Liberty street. A small amount of digging and grading 
was done in the southwestern part of the city, when the enterprise was given 
up. The cost of building the road (exclusive of equipment) was estimated at 
$444,404. It is twenty- six and four- tenths miles by this route from Erie to 
Cambridge. 



444 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The latest railroad projected is one from Erie to Mill Village via Waterf ord, 
the purpose being also to secure a connection with the New York, Pennsylva- 
nia & Ohio. Surveys made by Col. Irvin Camp, in 1882-83, developed the 
fact that the length of the proposed road would be but nineteen miles from the 
depot at Erie to the one at Mill Village. The route surveyed is as follows: 
Commencing at the mouth of Little Cascade Creek in Erie; thence by the line 
of Liberty street to near the base of Nicholson's Hill; thence curving east- 
wardly along the west bluflf of Mill Creek to the Shunpike; thence by the Wal- 
nut Creek, LeBceuf Creek and French Creek Valleys to the terminus. It is 
claimed for this route that the grades are lighter than by that proposed by the 
Erie Southern. The cost for grading the road bed and laying rails is estimated 
at $330,825. 



•OHAPTEK XXIII. 



Physicians and Dentists. 

DR. JOHN C. WALLACE, the first and for a num>)er of years the only 
resident physician in the county, settled at Erie about 1802, after a serv- 
ice of some nine years as a Surgeon in the United States Army. He was Colonel 
of the Erie regiment of militia during the war with Great Britain, and 
assisted in caring for the wounded in the hospital at Erie, after Perry's victory. 
He continued in the practice of medicine nearly to the day of his death, which 
occurred on the 8th of December, 1827. Dr. W. A. Wallace succeeded to a 
large share of his practice. 

Dr. Plara Thayer located in Erie about 1811, and was joined in a short 
time by his brother, Dr. Albert Thayer. They resided on Federal Hill and 
their practice extended over a good part of the county. The latter was the 
father and preceptor of the present Dr. Thayer, of South Erie. 

Dr. Asa Coltrin settled in Erie about 1815, and continued in practice there 
until his death in November, 1824. The next physician in Erie was Dr. Peter 
Christie, who was a Surgeon in the United States Navy. He had an extensive 
general practice when not engaged in his official duties. 

The list of Erie physicians was increased by the arrival of Dr. William 
Johns in 1822, and by Drs. Taber and Elijah Beebe in 1825. All of these re- 
mained until their decease. 

Dr. Peter Faulkner located in South Erie in 1825, and soon entered upon 
an extensive practice. After a time he changed to Crawford County, but 
returned to Erie in 1848. His sons, Drs. William and Robert Faulkner, are 
both in practice in the city. 

Dr. Jacob Vosburg reached Erie the same year as Dr. Faulkner, and Dr. 
Sanford Dickinson, who had practiced in Wattsburg a short time, removed to 
Erie in 1840. 

Outside of Erie, the earliest physician of whom we can learn was Dr. 
James Smedley, who located in North East at an early day. Dr. Ira Sherwin 
made his home in Harbor Creek in 1825, and Dr. W. T. Bradley in Westley- 
ville about 1840. Dr. Rufus Hills practiced in Girard from an early date un- 
til 1830, when he changed to Erie. He was obliged to abandon the practice, 
and removed to Pittsburgh, where he died. Dr. M. C. Kellogg practiced in 
connection with Dr. Vosburg at Erie until 1831, when he changed to Girard. 
He died in Albion, to which place he had removed in 1855. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 445 

LIST OF REGISTERED PHYSICIANS. 

The law of Pennsylvania provides that every person engaged in the regular 
practice of medicine or surgery shall be a graduate of a legally chartered 
medical college or university, and have his diploma registered in the Prb- 
thonotary's office of the county where he resides. In case the diploma has 
been lost, a certified copy of the same may be presented, or, if not obtainable, 
the party may make affidavit to the fact, with the names of the professors 
whose lectures he attended. Exception is made in the case of physicians 
who have been in continuous practice within this commonwealth since 
1871. These are allowed to continue in practice, but must appear before the 
Prothonotary and make affidavit to that effect. The punishment for failure to 
register, or for presenting a fraudulent diploma, or making a false statenoent, 
of practicing in violation of the act, is $100 for each offense, or imprisonment 
in the county jail for a term not exceeding one year, at the option of the court. 
Below is a list of the physicians who registered in the Prothonotary's office of 
this county between June, 1881, and September 17, 1883, with the years when 
they graduated: 

ERIE. 

Charles Aichner, University of Basil, Switzerland, 1857. 

P. Barkey, University of Medicine and Surgery, Philadelphia, Penn., 1871. 

J. Q. H. Bassett, practiced a number of years. Diploma destroyed in 
Chicago fire. 

Charles Brandes, practice since 1845. 

Mrs. E. S. Burnham, practice for twenty years. 

Linnie Burnham, Electropathic Institute of Binghampton, N. Y., 1879. 

E. P. Banning, Sr., College of Medicine at Evansville, Ind. 

Jeannette Caldwell, Homoeopathic College, New York City, 1876. 

J. S. Carter, practice since 1840. 

J. T. Clark, National Medical College, Washington, D. C, 1870. 

W. K. Cleveland, University of the City of New York, 1860; New York 
Ophthalmic Hospital, 1860; Bellevue Hospital, 1862, and Homoeopathic Med- 
ical Board of Canada, 1869. 

Edward Cranch, University of Georgetown, D. C, 1873. 

J. C. M. Drake, Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, 1880. 

Michael C. Dunnigan, Bellevue Medical College, New York City, 1875. 

Martin Ernst, attended lectures upon surgery by Prof. Buntz, at Delbruge, 
Germany; diploma lost 

W. C. Evans, Western Reserve College, Cleveland, Ohio, 1854. 

Robert Faulkner, Homoeopathic Medical College, New York City, 1867. 

William Faulkner, Geneva Medical College, Geneva, N. Y,, 1842. • 

Eugene B. Fletcher, Cleveland Medical College, 1879. 

John F. Flint, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1881. 

A. A. Freeman, University of Buffalo, 1876. 

Charles A. French, Western Reserve College, Cleveland, 1876. 

Henry F. Garey, Washington University, Baltimore, 1876. 

George A. Garries, Western Reserve Medical College, Cleveland, 1881. 

E. D. Gates, University Victoria College, Medical Department, 1859. 

E. W. Germer, Medical College of Vienna, also certificate from Freiburg 
University. 

Thomas H. Gray, University of Michigan, 1871. 

Amos S. Gregory, Union College of Medicine and Surgery, Philadelphia, 
Penn., 1872. 



446 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Peter Hall, practice since 1844. 

John M. Lewis, Bellevue Medical College, New York City, 1880. 

A. S. Lovett, Ann Arbor, Michigan, University of Michigan. 

^usanna Meyer, practice for fifteen years. 

William Nick, practice since 1859. 

H. C. Nick, practice since 1867. 

A. Z. Randall, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1864. 
David P. Bobbins, University of Michigan. 

Nelson Seymoui", practice for thirty- five years. 
James E. Silliman, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 1874. 
Byron A. Smith, practice since 1866. 
Mrs. Jane A. Smith, practice since 1865. 

H. A. Spencer, Western Reserve College, Cleveland, Ohio, 1851. 
J. L. Stewart, University of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, Penn. , 1848. 
Chester W. Stranahan, Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, 1867. 
, D. H. Strickland, University of Pennsylvania, 1863. 
Jones J. Seward, Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, 1883. 
Alvin Thayer, practice since 1845. 

Robert D. Tipple, Homoeopathic College of Cleveland, 1878. 
G. S. Tubbs, practice since 1870. 

George Ulrich, German Medical College, Germany, 1860. 
Richard H. Walker, Medical Department of Wooster University of Cleve- 
land, Ohio, 1879. 

Mrs. A. B. Woods, Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania, 1876. 
Arthur A. Woods, Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, 1876. 
Mary A. B. Woods, Western Homoeopathic College, Cleveland, Ohio, 1864. 
Anna Presley, Eioctropathic Institute of Binghamton, N. Y,, Aug. 7, 1882. 

COERY. 

Almon S. Bonsteel, Bellevue Hospial College, New Yoi'k City, 1872. 

S. R. Breed, continuous practice since 1856. 

Reuben Brinker, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 1851. 

Charles Adams Bush, practice since 1871. 

John B. Chace, American Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio. 

D. E. DeRoss, Eclectic College of Cincinnati, 1875. 

G. A. Elston, Medical Department of University of New York, 1880. 

H. G. Fay, Medical Society of Steuben Co., N. Y., certificate dated 1875. 

Daniel D. Franklin, Eclectic Institute of Cincinnati, 1850. 

Flora Hay ward Stanford, Boston University. 

Emma L. Jordan,Eclectic Medical College, Philadelphia, 1879. 

0. B. Kibler, University of Buffalo, 1870. 

H. O. Mackres, University of Buffalo, 1867. 

B. H. Phelps, Cleveland Medical College, 1871. 
Manhattan Pickett, Medical College of Buffalo, 1869. 

Joseph R. Phillips, Homoeopathic Hospital College at Cleveland. ^ 

D. C. Storer, practiced medicine and surgery since 1862. 
Henry S. Tanner. Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, 1859. 
J. E. Weeks, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 



P. P. Fisher, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, 1881. 

D. R. Waggoner, Medical College of Ohio, 1872. 

John W. Jarvis, Middleboro, University at Ann Arbor, Mich., 1869. 



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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 449 

WATT8BUEG. 

D. T. Bennett, Eclectic Medical Association of Pennsylvaaia, at Franklin, 
1876. 

Samuel F. Chapin, Yale Medical College, 1859. 

G. Thickstun, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, 1864. 

William C. Tracy, Harvard Medical College, Boston, Mass., March 7, 1866. 

FAIRVrEW. 

M. D. Satterlee, University of New York City, 1879. 
M. A. Millard, University of Buffalo, 1873. 



A. a Ely, Geneva Medical College, Geneva, N. Y., 1840. 
T. J. Kellogg, practice since 1836 

A. R. Smith, Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, 1853. 
I. N. Taylor, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1866. 
Helen M. Weeks, Homoeopathic College, Cleveland, Ohio. 

UNION CITY. 

O. L. Abbey, University of Buffalo, 1863. 
Stephen R. Davis, practice since 1872. 
Mrs. S. R. Davis, practice since 1872. 

Curtis N. Goucher, Medical Department of the Western Reserve College of 
Hudson, Ohio, 1870: 

James F. Read, practice since 1838. 

L. D. Rockwell, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1874. 

Alfred C. Sherwood, University of Pennsylvania, 1873. 

Ernest B. Smith, Cleveland Homoeopathic Hospital College, 1882. 

NORTH EAST. 

John K. Grififin, University of Buffalo, 1865. 
L. G. Hall, Medical University of Buffalo, 1850. 
A. B. Heard, Detroit Medical College, 1872. 
D. D. Loop, University of Buffalo, 1865. 
Burton H. Putnam, University of Buffalo. 
A. J. Sears, University of Wooster, Cleveland, 1878. 

George B. Stillman, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, 1880. 
Mullin A. Wilson, New York Homoeopathic Medical College, New York 
City. 

ALBION. 

P. D, Flower, Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery, 1869. 
O. Loo-an, practice for twenty-five years. Medical University of Buffalo, 
1882. 

James S. Skeels, Western Reserve Medical College, at Hudson, Ohio, 1848. 

WATEKFORD. 

T. W. Barton, Buffalo Medical College, 1862. 

John W. Bowman, Cleveland Medical College, 1859. 

Frank L. Clemens, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 1881. 

SPRINGFIELD. 

George Ellis, East Springj&eld, Hudson Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio, 
1869. 

24 



450 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Charles N. Moore, East Springfield, Hygia Therapeutic College, N. Y., 
1864. 

Lamarr V. Knapp, West Springfield, Buffalo Medical College, 1873. 

Joseph R. Hewett, Springfield Township, practice since 1865. 

John Ross, West Springfield, practice since 1860. 

O. O. Blakeslee, West Springfield, College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
Baltimore, 1882. 

Ranson C. Sloan, East Springfield, Buffalo Medical College, 1869. 

EDINBORO. 

George M. Cole, Eclectic College of Cincinnati, 1881. 
Willard Greenfield, practice for twenty-eight years. 

Truman Hawkins, Medical Department of Western Reserve University, 
1850. 

S. B. Hotchkiss, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, 1871. 
Henry R. Terry. Jefferson Medical College Philadelphia, 1863. 
Joseph C. Wilson, Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, 1851. 
Frank G. Greenfield, Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, March 1882 

MILL VILLAGE. 

William P. Biles, Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, 1879. 

John H. Kirk, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1875. 

G. W. Wilson, practice since 1860. 

John J. Sharp, University of the City of New York, March 3, 1883. 

OTHER LOCALITIES. 

H. R. Hayes, Amity Township, practice since 1861. 

J. L. Bennett, East Greene, practice for twenty one years. 

Johnson Wright, Franklin Township, Homoeopathic Hospital College, 
Cleveland, 1873. 

Barker A. Skinner, Elgin, University of Wooster, 1878. 

George Wright, Lockport, Homoeopathic Hospital College, Cleveland, 1871. 

W. V. Blakeslee, Concord Township, practice since 1846. 

M. B. Cook, Harbor Creek, Cleveland Medical College, 1877. 

James G. Leffingwell, Miles Grove, Michigan University, Ann Arbor, 1873. 

M. M. Moore, Wesleyville, practice since 1852. 

Martin V. B. Johnson, Wellsburg, Medical College of Ohio, Cincinnati, 
1865. 

W. L. Shawk, Harbor Creek, Western Reserve University of Ohio, Febru- 
ary, 1883. 

Mary Steward, Wellsburg, University of Medicine and Surgery, Philadel- 
phia, 1878. 

Charles G. Miller, Harbor Creek, practice "since before 1871." 

OTHER^ MATTERS. 

The first Erie County Medical Society was organized in 1829, with the 
following officers: President, William Johns; Vice President, A. Thayer; 
Secretary. F. W. Miller; Treasurer, A. Beebe; Censors, J. Smedley, Jacob 
Vosburg, A. N. Molton. 

The present Medical Society of Erie County was established in 1841, and 
has the same organization as the old society. Its regular meetings are held 
on the third Tuesdays of January, April, July and October. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 451 



The earliest dentist of whom we can learn was a traveling man who stopped 
in Erie for a short time in 1826. He made a set of false teeth for the wife of 
Rev. Dr. Whallon, who was the first woman in the county to enjoy that sort 
of a luxury. A dentist by the name of O. N. Sage practiced in Erie several 
years. The first permanent dentist was Dr. O. N. Elliott, who settled in Erie 
about 1840. The next was Dr. W. E. Magill. Both of these gentleman are 
still in practice in the city. 

The dentists of the county who have registered under the Act of the Gen- 
eral Assembly, passed April 17, 1876, and amended May 17, 1883, are given in 
the following list: 

F. H. Abell, practiced in Erie (except for eight months in 1878) for the 
past sixteen years. 

Henry B. Blair, Corry, practiced twenty- six years. 

F. H. Lawrence, Union City, practiced nine years. 
W. E. Magill, Erie, practiced twenty years. 

J. H. Devore, diploma of the Philadelphia Dental College. 

Andrew McPherson, Erie, practiced eight years. 

T. J. Elliott, Erie, practiced eight years. 

L. Essick, Erie, practiced twenty years. 

George B. McDonald, diploma from the Philadelphia Dental College. 

G. F. McDonald, Girai'd, practiced nine years. 
O. L. Elliott, Erie, practiced thirty-six years. 

Perry A. Gibson, diploma from the State University of Iowa. 

V. D. Gibson, Edinboro, practiced twelve years. 

J. H. Gifi'ord, East Springfield, practiced ten years. 

Lamer Battles, diploma from the University of Pennsylvania. 

G. J. Mead, Erie, practiced fifteen years. 

E. R. Allen, Girard, practiced nineteen years. 

J. H. Nelson. North East, practiced fourteen years. 

M. C. Burgess, Erie, practiced eleven years. 

C. H. Harvey, Erie, practiced fifteen years. 

S. R. Bryant, Waterford, practiced fifteen years. 

Frank C. Callaghan, diploma from the Indiana Dental College. 

T. D. Ingersoll, Erie, practiced ten years. 

Edward E. Gifford, Corry, practiced nineteen years. 



CHAPTER XX I Y. 



Schools, Academies, Etc. 

IN founding the colony of Pennsylvania, William Penn declared that wis- 
dom and virtue "must be carefully propagated by a virtuous education of 
youth." To make this precept more emphatic, he provided in his frame of 
Government for the infant commonwealth that the Governor and Council 
should " erect and order public schools." The wise examj^le of the founder 
was followed by the heroes of the Revolution, in framing the Constitution of 
1776, with a requirement that " a school or schools shall be established in 
each county." The Constitution of 1790 went still further by declaring that 
the Legislature might provide for the establishment of schools throughout the 



■ 452 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

State "in such manner that the poor may be taught gratis." Notwithstand- 
ing these noble declarations, little progress toward the schooling of the masses 
was effected until a comparatively recent period. Generous endowments were 
made by the State to colleges and academies, but the idea of "common schools," 
open alike to rich and poor, and supported at the public expense by a system 
of equal taxation, was slow in winning the approval of property owners. " Pay 
schools." in which the children were trained for a moderate compensation, 
were common, however, almost every district having one or more, according to 
its population. The primary schools in Erie County, up to 1834, were all of 
this character. 

As early as 1821, Gov. Heister, in his message to the Legislature, declared 
it to be " an imperative duty to introduce and support a liberal system of edu- 
cation, connected with some general religious instruction." Gov. Shultze's 
message to the Legislature of 1827 contained this passage: "Among the 
injunctions of the Constitution, there is none more interesting than that which 
enjoins it as a duty on the Legislature to provide for the education of the poor 
throughout the commonwealth. " In 1828, the same executive stated in his 
annual message that he could not forbear from " again calling attention to the 
subject of public education. To devise means for the establishment of a fund 
and the adoption of a plan by which the blessings of the more necessary 
branches of education should be conferred on every family within our borders 
would be every way worthy the Legislature of Pennsylvania." 

The first practical step in the direction of a common school system for 
Pennsylvania was taken when George Wolf, of Northampton County, was 
elected Governor in 1829. The question of public schools entered largely into 
the canvass preceding his election, and the Democratic leaders were generally 
pledged to some sort of a measure for the purpose. In a speech delivered 
during the campaign, James Buchanan said: "If ever the passion of envy 
could be excused in a man ambitious of true glory, he might almost be justified 
in envying the fame of that favored individual, whoever he may be, whom 
Providence intends to make the instrument in establishing common schools 
throughout the commonwealth." Gov. Wolf's inaugural address took strong 
ground in favor of the education of the masses, and. the Legislature of 1830, 
in accordance with his recommendation, set apart a sum of money to be placed 
at interest and used at some future period in establishing a common school 
system. This did not satisfy the Governor, who was one of the most progi'es- 
sive men of his day, and he continued to urge the free school idea until the 
passage of the act of 1834-35. The original law made it optional with each 
township, ward and borough to adopt the system. 

Strange as it may seem, there was violent opposition to the measure in 
some parts of the State. The persons interested in colleges, academies and 
pay schools objected to it through fear of a loss to their revenues; the wealthy 
and the snobbish disliked it because they did not want their children to mix 
with the "vulgar herd;" the penurious dreaded an increase of taxation; and a 
hundred objections were urged chat seem too absurd now for any reasonable 
person ever to have believed. At the ensuing session, a motion for the repeal 
of the law was offered by John Strohm, of Lancaster County, and eloquently 
opposed by Thaddeus Stevens, then a Representative from Adams. Mr. 
Stevens closed his remarks with this thrilling sentence: " If the opponent of 
education were my most intimate personal and political friend, and the free school 
candidate my most obnoxious enemy, I should deem it my duty as a patriot, at 
this moment of our intellectual crisis, to forget all other considerations, and I 
should place myself unhesitatingly and cordially in the ranks of him whose 



HIST0R7 OF ERIE COUNTY. 453 

banner streams in light. '' Col. Forney used to relate that after this speech, 
Mr. Stevens visited the Executive Chamber by invitation of Gov. Wolf, when 
the latter " threw his arms about his neck, and, with tearful eyes and broken 
voice, thanked him for the great service he had rendered to our common 
humanity." The bill was saved, but was improved and made more acceptable 
during the administration of Gov. Eitner, who succeeded Gov. Wolf. Proba- 
bly no one man did more effective service in building up the system than 
Thomas H. Burrowes, who was Gov. Ritner's Secretary of State, and, as such, 
official head of the School Department. During Ritner's administration the 
annual State appropriation was increased from 175,000 to $400,000, and the 
number of schools to 5,000. 

The act passed in 1849 made the adoption of the system obligatory through- 
out the State. The law of 1854, providing for County Superintendents, 
teachers' examinations, and other important measures, was prepared by Hon. 
H. L. Dieffenbach, of Clinton County, acting head of the School Department, 
with the assistance of Gov. Bigler and Secretary of State Charles A. Black, 
After that came the normal school act of 1857, making a complete system, and 
giving to Pennsylvania the proud and conceded pre-eminence of having the 
best school laws in the Union. 

THE COUNTY SCHOOLS. 

For several years after the county was established, the population was too 
small and sparse to sustain more than a few schools. These were wholly pri- 
vate, parents paying the teachers a stated sum for each of their children who 
attended. The first school of which a I'ecord can be found was established in 
Waterford about 1800; at Manchester in Fairview Township in 1804; at Erie 
in 1806; at Union m 1820, and at Phillipsville in 1828. Others were opened 
at an early date, on Federal Hill, within the present limits of Erie; on the 
Joseph Eagley place in Springfield; and, through the agency of Charles J. 
Reed, in Mill Creek Township. The earliest school buildings in Waterford and 
Erie were erected in 1800 and 1806 respectively, being built by the free con- 
tributions of the citizens. By 1812, almost every village and township had 
one or more " pay " schools. These were increased by degrees so that when 
the law of 1834 went into force it found every district fairly well supplied 
with educational facilities. The school buildings were generally put up by 
calling together the citizens interested, on a certain day, with their teams and 
wagons, to raise and cover the structure. They were built of logs in almost 
every instance, and were usually very poorly arranged and ventilated. The 
" schoolmasters, " as they were called, were plain men, who made no preten- 
sion to a knowledge of more than the rudimentary branches. They believed 
in the use of the rod, and applied it with vigor for every small offense. A 
ready knowledge of "the three R's" — Readin', 'Ritin and 'Rithmetic— was all 
that was supposed to be necessary for the average boy and girl. 

SCHOOL BOOKS, ETC. 

The school books most universally used in the beginning were Webster's 
and Byerly's Spelling Books, the English Reader and Daboll's Arithmetic. 
The teacher was expected to be a good penman and to be able to " set the 
copy " himself. There were no rules for writing, and the pupil was obliged 
to follow, as nearly as he could, the handwriting of the master. A better class 
of books came in at a later date, including Cobb's Spelling Book, Goodrich's, 
Parley's and Mitchell's Geographies; Parley's and Mitchell's Histories; the 
First, Second and Third Readers; Smith's Grammar, and Davies' Arithmetics. 



454 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

If the children of this generation wish to know something of the hardships 
through which their parents struggled to get a little book knowledge, let them 
hunt up some of the old works here named, if they can be found, and com- 
pare them with the ones now in use. Cobb's Spelling Book was introduced into 
this section in 1827. The copyright for one-half of the State of Pennsylva- 
nia was purchased by Joseph M. Sterrett and Oliver Spafford, who published 
the work in Erie for many years, realizing a snug pi'ofit from the enterprise. 
Mr. Spafford at one time also published the " English Reader." 

Erie County was one of the foremost in taking advantage of the common 
school law. The act required that the directors of each county should meet 
annually in convention with the County Commissioners and determine the 
amount of school tax to be raised. The first convention for this purpose was 
held in the court house soon after the passage of the law, and was attended by 
representatives from every district in the county. A levy of $2,000 was voted 
unanimously, and the people were requested to decide by vote whether an addi- 
tional sum should be raised in the several districts. The directors in each dis- 
trict were authorized to levy a tax in addition to the county appropriation, but 
it would seem from the above action that they had a delicacy about exercising 
their power without consulting the tax-payei's — an example that is commended 
to the imitation of some officials of the present day. An extra tax of $1,000 
was voted in Erie, the active spirits in having it done being E. Babbitt, George 
Kellogg, Dr. William Johns and William Kelly. In a few years, the law was 
changed so as to leave the amount of tax to be designated by the directors of 
the several districts, in which shape it still remains. 

The first convention for the choice of a County Superintendent was held in 
Erie in 1854. W^illiam H. Armstrong was elected at a salary of $800 per year. 

SPELLING SCHOOLS. 

The spelling school was a once popular institution, in both town and 
country. As usually conducted, the pupils of the district school would assem- 
ble on some winter evening and choose two of the best spellers for leaders, 
who, in turn, would select from six to a dozen others on each side. These 
would range themselves in standing rows on opposite sides of the building, 
and the teacher or some other competent person would give out the words to be 
spelled from a book that had been agreed upon. The pu.pil who missed a word 
had to take his sent immediately, and the exercise continued until but one of 
the contestants remained upon the floor, who became the hero of the occasion. 
Sometimes half a dozen spelling matches would occur in an evening. Two 
neighboring schools would often me^t in rivalry, and the event would be the 
talk of the neighberhood for a month or so. In many districts, the spelling 
school was the regular winter amusement, old and young attending, and all 
looking forward to the evening with an interest that cannot be described. The 
spelling match was not the only kind of a match that grew out of this custom, 
as many worthy fathers and mothers will testify. 

ACADEMIES, ETC. 

While the State was slow in adopting the common school system, the liber- 
ality she displayed in founding colleges and academies proves that it was wholly 
through doubts of its policy, and not because good educational facilities were 
not appreciated. Provision was made at an early day for an academy in each 
county, and generous appropriations were made to colleges and universities. 
The Waterford and Erie Academies were incorporated in 1811 and 1817 re- 
spectively, the buildings for both being completed in 1822. A bountiful 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 455 

donation of lands was g^iven by the State for the support of each institution 
and both are still in operation. 

The Erie Female Seminary was incorporated in 1838 and went into opera- 
tion soon after, receiving an annual appropriation of $300 from the Legisla- 
ture for several years. It kept up till about 1866, but never had any buildings 
of its own. The last location of the seminary was in the Hamot House, on 
the bank of the bay, at the foot of State street. 

Academies were established at West Springfield in 1853, at East Spring- 
field in 1856, at Girard in 1859, and at North Springfield in 1866, which were 
conducted for some years with a certain degree of success. All except the one 
at North Springfield have become merged into the common school system. 

The Normal School at Edinboro is the only State educational institution in 
the county. It was founded as an Academy in 1857, and re-organized as a 
State Normal School in 1861. This school has been quite prosperous for 
the past ten years, and has the promise of a long and useful career. 

The Lake Shore Seminary was established at North East in 1870. Liberal 
contributions were secured and a fine building was erected. The institution 
became involved, and the property was bought in at Sheriff's sale by the prin- 
cipal creditor. The latter, in 1880, sold the building to the Redemptionist 
Fathers, of Annapolis, Md., who re-dedicated it as St. Mary's College. It is 
conducted as a preparatory school for young men intending to enter the Cath- 
olic priesthood. 

Fuller particulars of the above institutions will be found in the sketches of 
their respective localities. 

GENERAL BEMARKS. 

To return to the common schools, they are under the control of directors, 
who are elected by the people of the several districts at the spring elections, a 
certain number going out each year. Each city, borough and township is a 
district by itself. There are three independent districts in the county, viz: 
Belle Valley, Elk Creek and Franklin, and Lake Pleasant. The State grants 
every district an annual appropriation, which is apportioned according to the 
number of pupils. Teachers are employed by the directors of the district in 
which they are to serve, but must have passed an examination and received a 
certificate of competency from the County Superintendent. The latter holds 
an annual examination in each district, and is expected to visit every school in 
the county once in each year. The following is a list of the County Superin- 
tendents since the adoption of the law creating the office: 

William H. Armstrong, Wattsburg, 1854 to 1860. L. W. Savage, Spring- 
field, 1860 to 1863. D. P. Ensign, Erie, served six months in 1863, and re- 
signed. Julius Degmier, Erie, appointed for six months, and then elected to 
serve until 1866. L. T. Fisk, Girard, 1866 to 1869. C. C. Taylor, Elk Creek, 
1869 to 1878. Charles Twining, Union, 1878 to 1884 Salary, $1,500. 

The ofiice of City Superintendent of the Schools of Erie has been filled 
since 1867 by H. S. Jones, whose salary in 1883 was $2,200. V. G. Cui-tis, 
City Superintendent of Cori'y, receives a salary of $1,600. 



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Number of mills 
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Xumber of mills 
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purposes. 



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Number of females 



Number of males. 



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Av. salary of fe- 
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Av. salary of males 
per month. 



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Number of femalesi ^ -'-^ 



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Numberof males. 



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Whole number. 



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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 459 



CHAPTER XXY. 

Newspapers 

THE newspapei's of the county are twenty-seven in number, of which eight- 
een are published in Erie, as follows: Dailies — Dispatch, Observer, Her- 
ald, Leuchtthurm. Weeklies — Dispatch, Observer, Herald, Sunday Gazette, 
Weekly Gazette, Leuchtthurm, Sunday Graphic, Weekly Graphic, Advertiser, 
Sonntagsgast, Lake Shore Visitor, Zuschauer, and Jornal de Noticias. 
Monthly — Star of Liberty. Of these, the Leuchtthurm, Zuschauer and Sonn- 
tagsgast are printed in German, and the Jornal de Noticias in Portuguese. 

EARLY NEWSPAPERS. 

The earliest newspaper printed in the county was the Mirror, started in 
Erie by George AVyeth in I8O8, to advocate " Federal Constitutional-Repub- 
lican " principles, whatever that may have meant. It was ten by sixteen inches 
in size, and the subscription price was $2 per year. The editor was not 
firm enough to refuse contributions from irresponsible writers, and in conse- 
quence of the publication of one of an offensive character found it convenient 
to abandon the enterprise and leave the town between two days. In 1812, the 
Norther7i Sentinel appeared, with R. J. Curtis as editoi*. It was discontinued 
at the end of a year, but revived in 1816 under the name of the Genius of the 
Lakes. John Morris was the publisher and Mr. Curtis the editor. The title 
was again changed to the Phcenix, and finally to the Reflector, and the paper 
was printed in Erie till 1819 or 1820, when it was removed to Mayville, N. Y., 
where it lived but a short time. Meanwhile, another journal had sprung into 
existence. This was the Patriot, founded in 1818 by Zeba Willis. It ran a 
course of one year in Erie, when the office was moved to Cleveland, and be- 
came the basis of the Herald of that city. 

THE ERIE " GAZETTE." 

The first paper in Erie that came to stay was the Erie Weekly Gazette, 
established on the 15th of January, 1820, by Joseph M. Sterrett. It was is- 
sued from a log building on the west side of French street, two doors north 
of Fifth, and was in size 17x21 inches, which was large for a back-country 
paper of that time. Mr. Sterrett was assisted in the editorial conduct of his 
paper at various times by James Buchanan (not the President), J. Hoge Waugh, 
John Riddell, and others. The Gazette supported Andrew Jackson in IS 24, 
but when John Quincy Adams was elected by the House it beeaine one of his 
heartiest suppox-ters, and from that time fought the Democratic party under all 
the names assumed by the opposition — Anti-Masonic, Whig, Free-Soil, Repub- 
lican, etc. John Shaner was associated in its publication from 1835 to 1842, 
when J. P. Cochran and George W. Riblet took control. In 1845, Mr. Sterrett 
resumed charge, and on the 10th of September, 1846, he associated I. B. Gara 
with him, who edited the paper till May 3, 1865, when it was sold to S. A. 
Davenport. The latter not being a practical newspaper man was obliged to 
turn over the management to others, and it had numerous editors during the 
period between 1865 and 1873. Among them were E. L. Clark, John R. Gra- 



460 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ham, R. Lyle White, James Hendricks, B. F. McCarty, and perhaps others. 
On the 5th of June, 1873, the Gazette was purchased from Mr. Davenport by 
F. A. Crandall, who retained possession until February 1, 1882, when he dis- 
posed of his interest to W. G. McKean, the present editor and proprietor. Mr. 
Crandall started the Saturday Evening Gazette March 20, 1875, and changed 
it to the Sunday Morning Gazette on the 17th of June in the same year. 
During its middle age, Hon. Gideon J. Ball and William Kelley were frequent 
contributors to the Gazette. Altogether, Judge Sterrett's connection with the 
paper extended over a period of forty-five years. The Gazette was located 
some twenty years on the third floor of Kindernecht's block, at the corner of 
State and Fifth streets. From there it moved to Eichenlaub's block, on State 
street, between the Park and Seventh street, and finally to its present location 
in the Welsh Block, on French street, opposite the Reed House. 

Horace Greeley worked as a journeyman in the office of the Gazette during 
the winter of 1830-31. 

THE EEIE " OBSERVER." 

The course of the Gazette during the anti Masonic excitement which 
sprang up about 1829, led to the establishment of the Erie Weekly Observer 
as an organ of the opposite side in politics. The means for starting it were 
contributed by P. S. Y. Hamot, Joshua Beers, Daniel Dobbins, Edwin J. 
Kelso, Robert Cochran, Smith Jackson and several others, all members of the 
Masonic order, and warm political friends of President Jackson. It was 
issued en the 29th of May, 1830, from the second story of a building on the 
northwest corner of French and Fifth streets, only two doors from the birth- 
place of its political rival. The first editor was T. B. Barnum, who was suc- 
ceeded in 1832 by H. L. Harvey. The latter printed a specimen copy of a 
daily in 1836, but the encouragement received was not sufficient to warrant its 
continuance. The paper passed into the charge of Thomas Laird in the 
spring of 1837, into that of Hiram A. Beebe in the spring of 1839, and final- 
ly, in 1840, J. M. Kuester and W. McKinstry became proprietors. It may be 
inferred from these frequent changes that the paper was not in a healthy con- 
dition financially, and this appears to have been the case; for Mr. Kuester 
failed, and the office passed into the hands of E. D. Gunnison as receiver. 
During a few weeks of the time it was in Mr. Gunnison's charge, William A. 
Galbraith tried his hand as editor, but he was glad to quit the work for the 
more congenial profession of the law. In May, 1843, the office was purchased 
by A. P. Durlin and B. F. Sloan, uuder whose management it acquired more 
prosperity than ever before in its career. These gentlemen tried the exper- 
iment of a semi-weekly for a few months in 1849. Mr. Durlin withdrew from 
the concern on the 26th of January, 1856, and was immediately succeeded by 
M. M. Moore. This partnership continued until January 1, 1859, when Mr. 
Moore retired. On the 1st of January, 1861, Mr. Sloan sold the office to 
Andrew Hopkins, brother of Hon. James H. Hopkins, of Pittsburgh. This 
gentleman disposed of it to Benjamin Whitman and James I. Brecht on the 
17th of January, 1862. Their partnership continued until April 1, 1865. 
Mr. Whitman then became sole proprietor and remained such until December 
1, 1878, when the office was purchased by Robert B. Brown, formerly of the 
Clarion Democrat The latter started the Daily Evening Observer on the 15th 
of October, 1881. From the day of its first issue, and under all the changes 
in its management, the Observer has been Democratic in politics. During the 
last twenty years, the office has had three different locations — first, in the 
frame building on State street, opposite the Custom House; second, on the 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 461 

third floor of Rosenzweig's block; third, the present one, in the Noble Block. 
A Daily Bulletin was printed at the Observer office for W. H. Harris, during 
the first month or two of the war for the Union. 

THE EKIE " DISPATCH." 

In 1851, a small paper, named the Dispatch, was started at Waterford by 
Joseph S. M. Young. When the railroad war broke out, it took such a lively 
part on the side of the "rippers," or " anti railroad men," that their leaders 
induced Mr. Young to remove his office to Erie, where he might have a wider 
field. This he did in 1856. In a short time after the removal, the office was 
completely destroyed by fire. Its friends clubbed together and bought Mr. 
Young new material, which gave him a great advantage over his competitors, 
whose presses and types were inferior by comparison, and the office quickly se- 
cured a large patronage. During 1861, a daily was started, which was only 
continued a few months. The office was purchased on the 1st of February, 
1864, by B. F. H. Lynn, who had long been Mr. Young's foreman and associate 
editor, and who immediately added largely to its material. The daily was re- 
vived on May 22, 1861, and has been printed regularly ever since. Mr. 
Lynn became embarrassed, in a few years, and the establishment was sold at 
Sheri£f's sale. After that it was conducted by various parties, among whom 
were S. Todd Perley, Azro Gofif, and W. P. Atkinson. It was purchased by 
Willard, Redway & Cook, in 1869. In 1872, the firm name was changed to 
Willard, Redway & Seaman; on January 1, 1874, to Willard & Brewer; and 
in April, 1877, to Willard, Brewer & Hooker. Mr. Willard became sole pro- 
prietor on the 3d of September, 1878. In May, 1883, he disposed of a portion 
of his interest to Messrs. Camp, Belknap & Johnson, of North East. The 
Dispatch started as an independent paper, but changed to Republican about 
1860, and has ever since advocated the candidates and principles of that party. 
The office has been located at various times on the third floor of Wright's 
block, in a building on Fifth street opposite the engine house, and in the block 
fronting the East Park between the Reed and Ellsworth Houses. Its present 
location is in the building once occupied by the old Erie Bank, on the south 
side of the East Park. From 1864 to 1878, the Dispatch may be said to have 
been practically the only English daily in Erie. Others were .^started at various 
periods, but the most successful of them only lasted a year or two. 

OTHER ENGLISH PAPERS. 

The Lake Shore Visitor was commenced in 1874, as the organ of the Cath- 
olics of the Erie Diocese. The writing was mainly done by Bishop Mullen un- 
til 1875, when Rev. Thomas A. Casey became editor, and has continued in that 
capacity ever since. The first publisher was B. F. McCarty, who was succeeded 
by Thomas F. O'Brien. Since the fall of 1881, the paper has been published 
by the Herald Printing Company. The original office was on the third floor 
of the Welsh Building, on French street, opposite the Reed House. From 
there it was removed to the Lafayette Hotel building, then to the basement of 
Scott's block, and lastly to the Herald building. 

The Erie Advertiser, the next paper in the order of age, was started on the 
1st of April, 1876, by John M. Glazier, who is still its editor and publisher. 
The publication office has always been on Peach street, south of the railroad 
depot. In politics, the Advertiser is independent, with a Republican leaning. 

The first number of the Evening Herald, a Democratic daily paper, ap- 
peared on the 20th of July, 1878. Its editors were James Burns and H. C. 
Missimer, teachers in the Erie High School. After it had been printed two or 



462 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

three months the paper was purchased by William L. Scott, and a weekly edi- 
tion was added. Thomas F. O'Brien was placed in charge and continued as 
manager until after the election in 1881. D. S. Crawford has been local edi- 
tor most of the time since Mr. Scott became the proprietor. The present man- 
aging editor is Nelson Baldwin, and William P. Atkinson is business manager. 
The Herald began in the building formerly known as the Lafayette House, on 
French street. From there the office was moved to the basement of Scott's 
block. It is now located in the building on the southeast corner of State and 
Tenth streets. 

The Erie Sunday Graphic was established by Boyle & McCauley on the 
20th of May, 1880. In the spring of 1882, John T. Boyle purchased the in- 
terest of his partner, and on the 27th of August, 1882, he sold the office to 
Jacob Bender. Before that the Graphic was more of a society than a political 
paper, but Mr. Bender immediately hoisted the Independent Republican tick- 
et. He also started the Weekly Graphic for country circulation. Mr. Bender's 
interest was purchased by Charles M. Lynch in February, 1884. The former, 
howevei", remains as editor. 

The Star of Liberty is a monthly publication, established April 1, 1882, by 
H. R. Storrs, as an advocate of liberal views on the liquor question. It is the 
successor of the Family Magazine, started in Canada by the same gentleman 
on the 1st of January, 1877, and removed to Erie in October, 1879. 

GERMAN AND PORTUGUESE PAPERS. 

The first German paper in Erie was the Unsere World (Our World) founded 
by Carl Benson in 1851. The name was changed to the Frie Presse (Free 
Press) in 1860. The paper went down in 1868 Its politics were Whig and 
Republican. 

A Mr. Schuefflen started the Zuschauer (Spectator) in 1852. It was pur- 
chased by C. Moeser in 1855, and by E. E. Stuerznickel in 1861. The paper 
was originally Democratic, but became Republican during the war. On the 
Ist of January, 1877, Mr. Stuerznickel sold the Zuschauer to F. G. Gorenflo, 
who had been his partner for a year or two. The paper was enlarged in 
May, 1883, and Mr. F. W. Dahlman became associated with Mr. Gorenflo, 
which partnership was soon dissolved. The office is in the Perry Block, on 
the east side of State street, between Sixth and Seventh. 

The Weekly Leuchtthurm (Light-House) was established in 1860 by Baetzel 
& Atkinson. After numerous ups and downs, the paper became a part of the 
Dispatch establishment, where it was printed for some time. It was purchased 
about 1873 by Merhoff & Wallenhorst. Wallenhorst soon retired, and H. 
Merhoff assumed sole control. In April, 1875, Otto Luedicke became a part- 
ner with Merhoff, and assumed editorial charge. The Daily Leuchtthurin was 
started in June, 1875. Mr. Luedicke withdrew in 1879, and was succeeded by 
Merhoff, Boyer & Rastatter. Merhoff and Rastatter sold out, and John F. 
Boyer became sole proprietor in 1880. October 1, 1882, Mr. Luedicke resumed 
control under a lease from Mr. Boyer. The office is in Boyer'e block, State 
street, near the Lake Shore Railroad bridge. 

The Jornal de Noticias (General News) enjoyed the distinction for several 
years of being the only paper in the Portuguese language in the United States. 
It was established on the 27th of October, 1877, by A. M. & John M. Vincent, 
who still remain in charge. It is independent in politics. The office is at 
1022 West Sixth street. 

The Sonntagsgast (Sunday Guest) is the latest German paper. It was 
founded May 15, 1881, by Frank Weiss & Co., and is independent in politics. 
The office is in the Humboldt Bank building. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 463 

DEFUNCT PAPERS. 

The papers in existence in Erie are few in number compared with those that 
have been started, and given up the ghost, after brief careers. Of these the 
most prominent were as follows: 

The Erie Chronicle was started by Samuel Perley in 1840, as a rival Whig 
organ to the Gazette. Mr. Perley moved the office to Girard, where the material 
was used in the publication of the Reiniblican. 

In 1846, a second rival of the Gazette made its appearance under the title 
of the Commercial Advertiser, with J. P. Cochran as editor. Mr. C. died in 
1850, when the paper passed into the hands of A. H. Caughey, who at the end 
of a year and a half sold it to J. B. Johnson. The latter changed the name to 
the Constitution, which became the advocate of the "railroad men" as against 
the " rippers " during the eventful era of the railroad war. A party of "rip- 
pers " entered the office in 1855, " pied " the type and threw the press into the 
street. The paper was resuscitated by R. Lyle White, who kept it up for a 
short time. He issued a daily bulletin for some months in 1858. 

The first outspoken abolition paper in the city was the True American, 
started by Compton & Moore in 1853. It was published for a time by James 
Perley and Henry Catlin. The latter finally became sole editor and proprietor. 
Radical as the county was on the slavery question, it never gave the True 
American a respectable support, and the editor was glad of an excuse for 
abandoning it and going into other business, which he did in 1861. 

The Express, started in 1857 by E. C. Goodrich as a rival Democratic paper 
to the Observer, was merged into the True American in a few months. It was 
printed with the material of the Constitution. 

The daily Rex)ublican was printed some two or three years, commencing 
about 1867. During its brief life it had several editors and publishers, all of 
whom were disappointed in their hopes of making it a prosperous enterprise. 

One of the latest newspaper failures was the Argus, which was brought 
into existence mainly through the labors of S. Todd Perley. As a basis for 
the enterprise, he effected a consolidation of the offices of the Union City 
Times and the Corry Republican, the material of which was moved to Erie on 
the 1st of May, 1875. A daily and a weekly paper were issued for some 
months. H. D. Persons and Horace G. Pratt were associated with Mr. Perley 
in the enterprise. 

R. Lyle White, published the Daily Bulletin for a few months about 
1874. 

The Lake City Daily, a penny paper, was printed by Woods, Constable & 
Co., three young graduates of the high school in 1878, and lasted about a 
year. It was ultimately merged in the Herald. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

It will be seen by the above that the first daily paper in Erie City was the 
Observer; the second, the Bulletin', the third, Harris' War Bulletin, issued the 
first two or three months of the rebellion, from the Observer and Dispatch 
offices, and the fourth the Dispatch. Since then the following dailies have 
appeared in the order named: Republican, Argus, White^ s Bulletin, Leucht- 
thurm, Lake City Daily, Herald and Observer. 

The Erie papers used hand presses exclusively up to 1853. The first to 
introduce steam power was the Observer, while under the management of Dur- 
lin & Sloan. The machine purchased was of the Northrup make. A steam 
engine was added on the 4th of February, 1858, when the paper was under the 
control of Sloan & Moore. The next to follow with a power press was the 



464 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Dispatch, which employed a caloric engine for several years. The Gazette 
stuck to its old hand press until 1866. 

The Northwestern Editorial Association, organized in Erie about 1865, was 
composed of newspaper men in Warren, Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, 
Butler and several other counties. It had two or three pleasant annual meet- 
ings, and then quietly expired 

It is but fair to say of the press of our city and county, that, in proportion 
to the patronage extended to it, it is and always has been the equal of any in 
the State, both in ability and enterprise. The Gazette and Observer, for more 
than thirty years, have had a reputation the State over, and the leading papers 
of more recent date have wtjll svistained the credit of the county for progressive 
journalism. 

PERSONAL. 

Joseph M. Sterrett, the Nestor of the Erie press, is still living in the en- 
joyment of the honors of a well-spent life. He was County Commissioner 
from 1829 to 1831, State Senator from 1837 to 1841, Associate Judge from 
1850 to 1856, and Postmaster of Erie from 1861 to 1869. 

George W. Riblet was Director of the Poor from 1878 to 1881, and has held 
numerous positions of trust in the city. 

Gideon J. Ball was State Treasurer in 1869, Chief Clerk tt) the Sixth Au- 
ditor of the Treasury from 1851 to 1853, member of the Assembly six terms, 
beginning in 1847 and closing in 1860, and Paymaster in the army during the 
last war. 

Isaac B. Gara was Enrolling Commissioner for the draft in 1863, Deputy 
Secretary of the Commonwealth from 1867 to 1870, and Postmaster of Erie 
from 1869 to 1876. 

B. F. Sloan was Postmaster of Erie from 1853 to 1861, Clerk to the Pen- 
sion Committee of Congress in 1875 and 1876, and is now Secretary of the 
Erie Water Department. 

Benjamin Whitman is a resident of Erie, engaged in literary and business 
pursuits. Although active in politics for twenty years, he has always refused 
to be a candidate for office. 

M. M. Moore still resides in Eine, where he has been elected to several city 
offices, including Alderman and School Director. 

Andrew Hopkins died recently in Washington, Penn. , where he was pub- 
lishing a Democratic Weekly. 

Robert B. Brown served as a member of the Assembly from Clarion County 
in 1869 and 1870. 

J. R. Graham is a prosperous citizen of Kansas, where he has held several 
official positions. 

F. A. Crandall is the principal writing editor of the Buffalo Express. 

W. McKinstry is or was until recently one of the publishers of the Fre- 
donia Censor. 

A. P. Durlin, after publishing a paper for many years in Iowa, returned 
to Erie and established a job printing office. 

Joseph S. M. Young went from Erie to Pittsburgh and became a specialist 
in medicine. 

B. F. H. Lynn, after a varied career, was found dead in the house of a 
relative at Mauch Chunk. 

E. E. Stuerznickel was Sheriff from 1877 to 1880. He is at present en- 
gaged in the confectionery trade in Erie. 

Samuel Perley was Prothonotary from 1851 to 1854. 

A. H. Caughej was one of the professors in Lafayette College, at Eastony 
for several years, and is now in business at Erie. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 465 

J. B. Johnson was a member of the Assembly in 1845, and State Senator 
from 1846 to 1849. 

R. Lyle White died in Erie a few years ago. 

Henry Catlin is still a i-esident of Erie. 

Eben Brewer, after leaving Erie, held a position for a while on the edito- 
rial force of the Philadelphia Times. He is now practicing law in that city. 

H. Mei'hoff is working at his trade as a printer somewhere in the East. 

All of the above are living except Messrs. Lynn, Perley, Johnson, White 
and Hopkins. 

PAPERS OUTSIDE OF ERIE. 

The papers of the county printed outside of Erie Cit^^ are tea in number, 
as follows: 

Corry — The Weekly Telegraph and the Daily and Weekly Herald. 

Union City — The Weekly Times. 

Girard — The Weekly Cosmopolite. 

North East— r/ie Weekly Sun. 

Edinboro — The Weekly Independent. 

W^attsburg— T/te Weekly Occasional. 

Albion — The Weekly Blizzard. 

Mill Village— r/ie Weekly Herald. 

The history of each of these papers is given in the sketch of the town or 
city where it is published. 



CHAPTEE XXYI. 



The War for the Union. 
"YTT'HEN the thrilling tidings came that the slaveholding States had inaugu- 
VV rated civil war, the people of Erie County were practically unanimous 
in the sentiment that the Union must be preserved at all hazards. Party differ- 
ences were forgotten, for the time being, and men of all shades of politics vied 
with each other in acts of patriotism. The national flag was displayed from 
hundreds of buildings, and in all the towns and villages vast and enthusiastic 
meetings were held to declare in favor of sustaining the Government. Amid 
the general patriotism, none were more earnest and active than the ministers 
of the Gospel, who, as a class, allowed no opportunity to pass by which they 
might advance the cause of the Union. The church, as a body, was warmly 
enlisted on the side of the Government, and did quite as much in its way, as 
any other instrumentality, in firing the public heart, inducing volunteering and 
building up a solemn faith in the ultimate triumph of the national army. 

The first war meeting in the county was held in Wayne Hall, Erie, on the 
26th of April, 1861. It was very largely attended, and was presided over by 
William A. Galbraith, one of the leading Democrats of the Northwest. Speeches 
were made, in addition to Mr. Galbraith's, by George H. Cutler, John H. 
Walker and George W. DeCamp. A movement had already been started by 
Capt. John W. McLane to organize a regiment to serve for three months. 
Volunteers were flocking to McLane's standard with surprising rapidity, and 
it was necessary to raise a fund for the support of the families of many of 
those who had enlisted. The sum of $7,000 for the purpose was subscribed at 
the meeting, which was increased in a few days to $17,000. The amount al- 
lowed to the needy out of this fund was $3.50 per week to the wife of each 



466 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

volunteer, and 50 cents per week for each of his children. Similar meetings 
were held in almost every town in the county, and volunteer relief funds were 
subscribed everywhere. The speakers in most general demand were Messrs. 
Galbraith and DeCamp. 

THE FIRST REGIMENT. 

The camp of the three months' regiment was established on a piece of vacant 
ground in Erie at the southeast corner of Parade and Sixth streets, where vol- 
unteers poured in from all parts of the northwest. More offered in a few days 
than could be accepted, and many were reluctantly compelled to return home. 
As a sample of the spirit of the time, the borough and township of Water- 
ford sent forward nearly 100 men. Five companies were recruited in Erie 
alone, but of these fully one-half were from other places. It was considered a priv- 
ilege to be accepted, and those who failed to pass muster or arrived too late 
were grievously disappointed. The regiment left Erie for Pittsburgh at 2 P. 
M. on Wednesday, the 1st of May, being accompanied by Mehl's Brass Band. 
A vast crowd was at the railroad depot to witness its departure, and many 
affecting farewell scenes were witnessed. The regiment reached Pittsburgh at 9 A. 
M. the next day, and took up its quarters in Camp Wilkins. A number of its mem- 
bers were discharged because the companies to which they were attached ex- 
ceeded their quota. On the 5th of May, the regiment was presented with a 
camp flag by the ladies of Pittsburgh, in the presence of 10,000 spectators. It 
received arms and uniforms on the 29th of May, and was carefully drilled every 
day that it remained in camp. For some reason, the regiment was never called 
into active service, and it returned to Erie on Saturday evening, July 20. An 
immense concourse welcomed the soldiers at^the railroad depot, and escorted 
them to the West Park, where a public supper had been prepared by the ladies 
of the city. But one member died during the absence of the regiment. 

THE EIGHTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 

In the meantime, the President had issued a call for 300,000 men for the 
war, and Col. McLane had made a tender of a regiment for that service. Many 
of the members of the three months' regiment had volunteered to go with the 
Colonel, and they were accordingly dismissed until the 1st of August to await 
an answer to his proffer. On the 24th of July, Col. McLane received an order 
authorizing him to recruit a new regiment. Those of the First Regiment who 
had re-enlisted were recalled, and recruiting began actively throughout the 
northwestern counties. A camp was established on the old fair grounds, about 
two miles east of the city, where the men were mustered in as they enlisted by 
Capt. J. B. Bell, of the regular army. 

While these measm'es were in progress, Capts. Gregg and Bell, of the 
United States Army, opened a recruiting office in the city for the regular cav- 
alry, and enlisted a considerable number of young men. The Perry Artillery 
Company, an Erie military organization, offered its services to the Govern- 
ment, and were accepted, with C. F. Mueller as Captain, and William F. 
Luetje as First Lieutenant. 

An immense meeting was held in Farrar Hall, on the 24th of August, to 
assist in raising men for McLane's regiment. It was addressed by William 
A. Galbraith, James C. Marshall, George W. DeCamp, Col. McLane, Miles 
W. Caughey and Capt. John Graham. Meetings of a like character followed 
throughout the county. The principal speakers besides those named were 
Alfred King, Strong Vincent, William S. Lane, Morrow B. Lowry and Dan 
Rice. The harmonious feeling of the time is best illustrated by the state- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 469 

ment that the Democrats and Republicans united in a Union pole-raising in 
Greenfield. 

Simultaneously with the efforts in behalf of the new regiment, recruiting 
was going on with great vigor for the navy. Some sixty persons from Erie 
went to New York to serve under the command of Lieut. T. H. Stevens. Up to 
September 7, Capt. Carter, of the United States steamer Michigan, had en- 
listed 700 seamen, who were forwarded in squads to the seaboard. 

By September, the Ladies' Aid Society had been organized in Erie to fur- 
nish relief to the sick and wounded soldiers in the field, with branches in most 
of the towns in the county. It was maintained during the entire war, and did 
invaluable service. Through its labors, boxes of delicacies, hospital supplies, 
medicines and other comforts for the sick were forwarded to the front almost 
daily. 

The regiment of Col. McLane, on being reported full, was ordered to the 
front, and left for Harrisburg on the 16th of September. Its departure was 
attended by the same vast outpouring and marked by the same pathetic inci- 
dents as before, and none who were eye witnesses will ever forget the scenes 
of the day. A flag was presented to it on the part of the State December 21, 
and it became officially known as the Eighty-third Regiment. 

THE ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 

Before the departure of the Eighty-third Regiment, Maj. M. Schlaudecker, 
of Erie, commenced recruiting for another, adopting the same place for his 
camp that had been occupied by Col. McLane's command. Enlistments went 
on with such alacrity that the regiment left for the front on Tuesday, the 25th 
of February, 1862, at 2:30 P. M., with every company full. At Harrisburg, it 
was presented by Gov. Curtin with a stand of colors, and took rank as the One 
Hundred and Eleventh Regiment. It is not necessary to say that the scenes 
at its departure from Erie were fully as affecting as those before stated. The 
regiment was accompanied by Zimmerman's Brass Band. 

Among the important events in the early part of the year 1862 were the 
rumors of a war with Great Britain, and the projected naval depot on the lake, 
in anticipation of the same. A committee of citizens was sent on to Washing- 
ton by the City Council, to urge the adoption of Erie as the site for the pro- 
posed establishment. On the 8th of January, the entire crew of the United 
States steamer Michigan was ordered to other points, with the exception of 
eight officers and men. March 8, the newspapers were notified by the Secre- 
tary of War that the publicalion of army movements would not be permitted. 
A meeting was held in Erie on the 12th of April to provide for the relief of 
those who might be wounded in the battles that were daily expected in Vir- 
ginia. Considerable money was raised, and committees were appointed to 
furnish attendants for those who might need their services. By this date, the 
country was having war in earnest. Bodies of rebel prisoners were taken 
through on the Lake Shore Railroad every few days. It might be supposed 
that war matters absorbed the whole of public attention, but this was only the 
case in a general sense. All lines of trade and manufacture were carried on 
with unabated energy during the entire conflict, and a course of public lectures 
was maintained in the city each winter, comprising some of the most noted 
orators of the day. 

The news of the battles around Richmond, in which the Eighty-third suf- 
fered terribly and Col. MoLane was killed, reached Erie in the latter part of 
June, and caused great mourning. Emblems of sorrow for the dead were 

25 



470 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

placed on many buildings, and hospital stores were hastily sent forward for 
the wounded. 

THE ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 

Early in July the President called for 300,000 more troops, and of this 
number it was announced that Erie County's proportion was five companies of 
100 men each. A meeting to encourage enlistments was held in Wayne Hall, 
at which the County Commissioners were asked to appropriate $100,000 to- 
ward equipping a new regiment. This was succeeded by others, both in Erie 
and in the country districts. The martial spirit had been much cooled by the 
disasters in Virginia, and it began to be necessary to offer extra inducements 
to volunteers. Erie City offered a bounty of $50 to each recruit and the vari- 
ous townships hastened to imitate its example. Another call for 300,000 men 
decided the County Commissioners to appropriate $25,000 to pay an additional 
bounty of the same amount. In August, for the third time, the fair grounds 
were turned into a military camp, and the organization of the One Hundred 
and Forty-fifth Regiment began. Recruits came forward rapidly, and the 
regiment left for the seat of war on the 11th of September. 

At the same time that enlistments were in progress for the last-named regi- 
ment, volunteers were being gathered for other organizations. The navy was 
receiving numerous accessions, mainly from Erie. Capts. Lennon, Miles and 
Roberts were each raising a cavalry company. It was ofiicially reported that 
two hundred men had entered the navy from Erie City alone, up to ihe 16th 
of August. 

THE FIRST DRAFT. 

Notwithstanding the large number of volunteers, the quota of Erie County, 
under the various calls of the President, was still short, and a draft seemed 
inevitable. The papers were full of articles urging the people, for the credit 
of the county, to avoid the draft, and meetings were constantly being held to 
induce volunteering. Many persons were badly scared over the probability of 
being forced into the service, and a few quietly took up their abode in Canada. 
As the chance of a di'aft became more certain, insurance companies were 
formed for the protection of the members. Those who joined these organiza- 
tions paid a sum varying from $20 to $50, which was placed in a common 
fund, to procure substitutes for such of their number as might be drawn from 
the wheel of fate. While preparations for the draft were in progress, recruiting 
for both the army and the navy went on with great energy. On September 
25, Capt. Lennon's cavalry company left with full ranks, and by the 4th of 
October, Roberts' and Miles' companies were both in camp at Pittsburgh. 

Toward the latter part of September, the State authorities became alarmed 
for the safety of Harrisburg, and a hasty call was issued for minutemen to 
assist in the defense of the capital. Six companies, including some of the 
leading business men, left Erie for Harrisburg, in response to the Governor's 
appeal, but, happily, were not needed to take part in any fighting. They re- 
turned in the beginning of October, far from pleased with their brief lesson in 
military duty. 

Meanwhile, an enrollment of the militia had been made, preliminary to 
the draft, under the direction of I. B. Gara, who had been appointed a Com- 
missioner for the purpose. These proceedings, as well as the subsequent meas- 
ures in connection with the subject, were carried on under the State militia law, 
the Federal Government not having yet taken the matter into its hands. W. 
P. Gilson was appointed a Deputy Marshal to prevent the escape of persons 
liable to conscription into Canada. The officers to manage the draft were B. B. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 471 

Vincent, Commissioner, and Charles Brandes, Surgeon. Gov. Curtin gave 
notice that volunteers for nine months would be accepted up to the day of 
drafting. 

The draft was held in the grand jury room of the court house on the 16th 
of October, 1,055 names being drawn for the whole county, the owners of 
which were to serve for nine months. A blindfolded man drew the slips from 
the wheel, which were read as they came out to the crowd in attendance in 
and around the court house. There were many funny incidents, and some 
that were very sad indeed. North East and Springfield were the only districts 
in the county that escaped the draft, their quotas being full. In tilling the 
wheel, all persons were exempted above the age of forty-five years: also, all 
ministers, school teachers and school directors. 

After the draft, the main business for some weeks was hunting up substi- 
tutes. The price of these ranged from $50 to $250, though the average was 
in the neighborhood of S150. The act released parties from military service 
on payment of $300, and those who were able to raise the money generally 
availed themselves of the privilege. A good many persons who had con- 
cluded that the war was to be a long and bloody one, shrewdly put substitutes 
into the service for a term of three years. Swindlers were plenty, who hired 
out as substitutes, got their money in advance and then left for parts unknown. 
Some 300 persons were exempted for physical disability, about 250 failed to 
report, and, altogether, it is doubtful whether 500 of the drafted men ever 
went into the army. The first lot of conscripts, fifty-one in number, left for 
camp at Pittsburgh in the latter part of October, some 300 were forwarded on 
the 10th of November, and the balance went on at intervals between that and 
the end of the year. Andrew Scott was appointed a Provost Marshal to hunt 
up the delinquents, but hardly found enough to pay for the trouble. The 
Councils of Erie voted $45,000 for the relief of the families of conscripts from 
the city, and the Ladies' Aid Society supplied each family with a Thanksgiv- 
ing dinner at its place of residence. A majority of the conscripts reached home 
by the ensuing August. Few saw any fighting and the number of deaths was 
quite meager. 

OTHER MATTERS. 

By fall prices had gone up 25 to 40 per cent, with a steady tendency to 
advance. The National tax law was in full operation, and county, city and 
toAvnship levies were largely increased to provide money for bounties. Gold 
and silver had disappeared from circulation, and national treasury notes, or 
greenbacks, as they came to be known, were slowly finding their way into use, 
but the principal medium of exchange still consisted of the notes of uncertain 
State banks, county and city scrip and Government fractional currency or 
" shin plasters. " Even of the latter there were not enough for public con- 
venience, and business men resorted to checks and due bills for fractional parts 
of a dollar. To meet the demand for small change, the city issued scrip in 
sums of 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 cents, which proved of much convenience for the 
time being. 

While this was the state of affairs financially, political feeling grew daily 
more intense. The term " Copperhead," as applied to the Democrats, came 
into use about the beginning of 1863, and the latter, to retort upon the Eepub- 
licans, styled them Blacksnakes, Revolutionists, Radicals and other names 
more forcible than polite. The Republicans taunted the Democrats with being 
oi)posed to the war, and the latter answered by saying that the Republicans 
aimed at the destruction of the people's liberty. Looking at the subject now, 
the embittered partisanship of the day seems supremely foolish and incompre- 



472 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

hensible. There were true patriots on both sides, and both parties doubtless 
contained men who were more anxious for the triumph of selfish ends than for 
the good of the country. The mass of the people were patriotic, no matter 
by what party name they called themselves. 

THE SECOND DRAFT. 

Early in the year 1863, Congress passed an act taking the matter of con- 
scription out of the hands of the States, rendering all persons liable between 
the ages of twenty and forty-five, except such as were exempt from physical 
causes, or for other special reasons, and making each Congressional district a 
military district, under the supervision of a Provost Marshal, an Enrolling 
Commissioner and an Examining Surgeon, to be appointed by the President. 
To escape military duty, when called upon, it was made necessary to prove 
exemption, furnish a substitute or pay |30(). Lieut. Col. H. S. Campbell, late 
of the Eighty-third Regiment, was named as Marshal; Jerome Powell, of Elk 
County, as (Commissioner; and Dr. John Macklin, of Jefferson County, as Sur- 
geon, to act for this Congressional district. Headquarters were established 
at Waterford, and a new enrollment was made during the months of May and 
June. In the prosecution of their duties, the enrolling officers met with some 
hostility among the laborers and mechanics of the city, but nothing occurred 
of a serious nature. The Government was now enlistino; neg:roes into the 
army, and bodies of those troops passed through Erie frequently. 

The news of the rebel invasion of Pennsylvania, and of the battles at Get- 
tysburg caused a, wonderful commotion throughout the county. The Governor 
made an urgent appeal for militia to defend the State, and instant measures 
were taken in response. A vast meeting was held in Erie on the evening of 
June 15, at which earnest speeches were made by Messrs. Lowry, Sill, Galbraith, 
Walker, Marvin, McCreary and others, pointing out the duty of the people to 
drive the enemy from the soil of Pennsylvania. About 400 citizens enlisted 
for the State defense, but, on reaching Pittsburgh, they were ordered home, the 
victory of Meade having rendered their immediate service unnecessary. Gen- 
erous contributions of hospital stores were sent to the wounded Erie County 
soldiers at Gettysburg by the efforts of the Ladies' Aid Society. The fall of 
Vicksburg and Meade's triumph were celebrated in Erie with great rejoicing. 

By reference to the newspapers of the day, we find that in June Capt. 
Mueller was in Erie recruiting another battery. Large numbers of young men 
were shipping^in the navy. The citizens were making extraordinary exertions 
to avert another draft. Insurance companies against the draft were formed by 
the score, and hundreds of perscms were putting in claims for exemption to 
the enrolling officers. Eastern regiments were passing through the city as 
often as two or three a week, on their way home to fill up their ranks. Not a 
few liable to military service were slipping off to Canada, and an occasional 
instance was reported of young men cunningly maiming themselves to secure 
exemption. The only portion of the male population who felt really comfort- 
able were the deformed, the crippled and the over-aged. 

The second draft in numerical order, aad the first under the United States 
law, occurred at Waterford, under the supervision of the officers above 
named, on Monday and Tuesday, the 24th and 25th of August. The wheel 
stood on a platform in front of the Provost Marshal's office, and the names 
were drawn by a blind man. An audience of a thousand or more surrounded 
thejofficers, one of whom took each slip as it came out of the wheel and read 
it aloud, so that all present could hear. The crowd was good natured through- 
out the proceedings, but many a man who assumed indifference when his name 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 473 

was drawn was at heart sick and sore. The saddest features of the case did 
not appear to the public; they were only known to the parents, the wives and 
the children of the conscripts. It is impossible to state the number who were 
drafted, but as the county was announced to be nearly 1,400 short of its quota 
a week or so before, it is probable that it did not fall much below that figure. 
The pi'ice of substitutes ran up to $300, with the supply quite up to the demand. 
On the 26th of September, it was stated in the newspapers that eighty-three 
of the conscripts had furnished substitutes, 245 had paid commutation, 706 
had been exempted and 127 had been forwarded to camp at Pittsburgh. 

The fall election for Governor was one of the most exciting in the history 
of State politics. Meetings were held in all parts of the county by both 
parties, and much bad feeling prevail<Kl. 

LIVELY RECRUITING. 

In October, appeared a call from President Lincoln for 300,000 more men. 
On the heels of this, Gov. Curtin announced Pennsylvania's quota to be 
88,268, which he asked to be made up by volunteering. A general bounty of 
S402 was offered to veterans who should re-enlist, and $100 less to new re- 
cruits. To this sum the county added $300, and most of the districts $50 to 
$100 more. 

During a portion of the season, the United States steamer Michigan, which 
had been fully manned again, was guarding Johnson Island, in the upjjer 
part of the lake, where about two thousand rebel prisoners were confined, 
whom rumor accused of a design to escape. In the month of November, re- 
ports became current of a proposed rebel invasion from Canada, Erie being 
named as the landing place. This was the most startling news, in a local 
sense, that had yet arisen out of the war, and our citizens were corresponding- 
ly agitated. While the excitement was at its height, 600 troops arrived from 
Pittsburgh, with a battery, all under the command of Maj. Gen. Bi-ooks. The 
latter directed intrenchments to be thrown up on the blockhouse bluff, and 
called upon the citiztms to lend him their assistance. Something like one 
thousand obeyed his summons, with picks and shovels, on the first day, but 
the workers dwindled woefully in number on the second day. The rumor, 
which was absurd from the start, soon proved to be false, the work was aban- 
doned, and the troops left for the South in a few days, with the exception of 
the battery. 

The encouragement given by the large bounties did much to promote vol- 
unteering. Erie County's quota of the new call was 673, which it was deter- 
mined by the public should be made up without a draft. On the 14th of Jan- 
uary, 1864, the members of the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment came 
home to recruit their ranks. They were given a grand reception at the depot, 
and treated by the ladies to a sumptuous repast in Wayne Hall. The regiment 
went into camp on the fair grounds, and remained until February 25, when 
they left for the seat of war with ranks nearly full. A good many members of 
the Eighty-third Regiment, whose terms had expired, also came home in Jan- 
uary, and were received with the cordiality their bravery entitled them to. 
Seventy-five more arrived on the 4th of March. 

Among the features at the beginning of 1864, it is to be noted that two 
recruiting officers for the regular army were busy at work in the city. The 
national currency had supplanted all other paper circulation, and, being issued 
in vast amounts, had inflated prices to twice and thrice their normal standard. 
A remarkable speculation had commenced in real estate. Sixty^ persons had 
enlisted from Erie in the navy and hosts of others were thinking of doing the 



474 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

same in preference to entering the army. Several squads of negro soldiers 
passed through Erie from Waterford, where they had been accepted to apply 
on the quota of the county. Five or six criminals were released from 
prison by the court at the May session on condition that they must join the 
army. 

To the joy of all, when the day for the draft arrived, Erie County escaped, 
her proportion having been raised. A few names were drawn, however, for the 
other counties of the Congressional district. 

HALF A MILLION MORE. 

The call of the President, in July, for 500,000 more men, was succeeded 
by the Usual periodical endeavor to avoid the draft, which had become the all- 
exciting topic of discussion. At a meeting in Erie, $20,000 was subscribed to 
offer extra inducements to volunteers, besides the United States, county and 
district bounties. The quota of the county was stated to be 1,289, and of this, 
the city's proportion was about one hundred and tifty. Provost Marshal 
Campbell, in pursuance of instructions, gave notice that negroes would be taken 
as substitutes. This hint was eagerly accepted, and Asa Battles, John W. 
Halderman and Richard M. Broas were deputed to go to the Southwest and 
pick up recruits to apply on the quota of Erie County. Meanwhile Ensign 
Bone had opened an office in the city, where he was shipping men by the hun- 
dred for the navy. About a thousand entered the service through that channel, 
receiving an average bounty of |400. The price of substitutes had in- 
creased to $550, $600 and 1700. 

• President Lincoln was re-elected in November, after a contest which has 
never been surpassed in the hatred it engendered, and the vigor with which it 
was fought on both sides. Every speaker who could be mustered was forced 
upon the stump, and there was scarcely a cross-roads that did not have its mass 
meetings, pole raisings and political clubs. The great processions of the two 
parties in Erie during that campaign were the chief events of a life-time to 
many of the participants. Notwithstanding the heated canvas, the election 
passed cfif without a disturbance, and the defeated party acquiesced in the re- 
sult with the calmness of a martyr. 

On the 10th of November, there were two companies of home guards in 
Erie organized especially for State defense. 

NEARING THE END. 

The call for 300,000 more men in January, 1865, led the Councils of Erie 
to increase their offer of a bounty to $150, which was ultimately increased to 
$400. A draft took place at Ridgway, where the Provost Marshal's office had 
been moved from Waterford, on the 6th of March, in which 2,010 names were 
drawn from Erie County. The only district that did not have to contribute was 
Girard Borough. The names of the conscripts were telegraphed to Erie and 
read to the anxious thousands in waiting, from u window of the Wright Block. 
Occasionally, a sound of forced laughter would be heard as some excitable 
person's name was announced, but the general bearing of the crowd was sol- 
emn and painful. Hundreds of women were in the crowd, and their distress 
upon learning of the conscription of some father, husband or brother was most 
pitiful. The people were at last face to face with war's sternest and cruelest 
realities. The Legislature had passed an act authorizing any district to pay 
a bounty of $400, and large sums were now offered for volunteers and substi- 
tutes. The price of the latter at one period rose to $1,500, but got down final- 
ly to an average of between $700 and $800. Of the drafted men, a good por- 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 475 

tion entered the service and were mostly assigned to guard duty in the forts 
at and near Washington. The majority of them were back by the close of 
June. 

On Sunday, April 9, came the glad news of the surrender of Lee, which 
was everywhere hailed as the virtual end of the war. The demonstration in 
Erie over the event was the most joyful and impressive in the city's history. 
Cannon were fired, bells were rung, flags were thrown to the breeze, and the 
whole population shouted themselves hoarse for the Union and its gallant sol- 
diers. The illumination in the evening made the streets almost as bright 
as the noonday sun. 

This universal gladness was quickly changed to profound sorrow by the 
assassination of President Lincoln on that dreadful Friday, the 12th of 
April. Emblems of mourning instantly took the place of the tokens of victory, 
and every warehouse, shop and business establishment was closed on Saturday. 
The special train bearing the martyred President's remains to Springfield, passed 
through the city on the 27th of April. Thousands of spectators gathered at 
the depot to pay their last tribute of respect to the honored dead. 

OFFICERS FROM ERIE COUNTY. 

Here ends the story of the war, so f?ir as relates to its general features in 
Erie County. A sketch in detail of the several regiments is given below, to 
which all are referred who wish to know more of their history. The following 
is a partial list of officers from Erie County who took part in the contest, aside 
from those already named or in the regular regimental organizations: 

United States Navy. — Eegular officers, R. B. Lowry, Thomas H. Stev- 
ens, R. N. Spotts, James E. Jouett, James W. Shirk, Leonard Paulding, D. 
Lanman, Napoleon Collins. 

Chief Engineer — William H. Rutherford. 

Surgeon — W. Maxwell Wood. 

Assistant Paymasters — J. P. Loomis, Walter W. Chester, George A. Lyon. 

Volunteer Service. — Masters — John H. Welsh, M. J. Cronen, James C. 
Marshall, Jr. 

Ensigns— A. J. Louch, M. E. Flannigan, Patrick Donnelly, William Slo- 
cum, James Hunter, George W. Bone, Felix McCann, Philip Englehart, James 
S. Roberts, C. M. Bragg, John Dunlap, Frank Oliver, James Downs, J. M. 
Reed, John Sullivan, Norman McCloud, Warren Burch, — Reed, — Reed, 
Patrick Murphy, Braxton Bragg. 

Engineers — Patrick Maloney, Robert Riley, William Bass, Bennett Jones, 
P. H. Fales, Jonas Slocum, William Moran, John Miles, George Odell. 

Gunners — John Murray ,William Barton, Thomas Carpenter. 

Carpenters — J. G. Thomas, John O. Baker, 

Masters Mates — Patrick Sullivan, Horace Sprague, Robert Roberts, Thomas 
J. Dunlap, William Marsh, Henry C. Warren, William E. Leonard, Jesse M. 
Rutherford, Joseph K. Kelso, James Cummins, Henry Van Velsor. 

Revenue Service. — Douglass Ottinger. 

United States Army. — Regular officers — Gen, Reno, H, B. Fleming, Josiah 
Kellogg, W. W. Lyon. 

Paymaster — A. McDowell Lyon. 

Quartermaster — E. C. Wilson. 

Volunteer Service. — A. F. Swan, Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry; Lockwood 
Caughey, Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry; AVilliam McAllister, Twelfth Penn- 
sylvania Cavalry; T. J. Hoskinson, Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry. 

Paymasters — Allen A. Craig, S. V. Holliday, Gideon J. Ball, Henry C. 
Rogers, John W. Walker. 



476 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Quartermaster — Robert C. Caughey. 

Surgeons — J. L. Stewart, Thomas H. Stuart. 

The above is far from full, and may be incorrect in some respects. 

The lamented Gen. Eeno was appointed to West Point through the influence 
of Hon. John Galbraith. His father was once in business at the Erie docks. 

S. Todd Perley served during a good part of the war, by appointment of 
Gov. Curtin, as State Agent to assist the sick and wounded in hospital at 
Washington. 

COUNTY FINANCES IN CONNECTION AVITH THE WAR. 

The following are extracts from the records of the County Commissioners 
during and immediately following the war. 

l861_April 22— The sum of $10,000 of the county funds set apart for the 
support of such persons as shall enlist in support of the Government. 

1862 — August 5 — A bounty of $50 voted to each person who will volunteer 
to make up the quota of 500 men required from Erie County to make up the 
call of the President. 

September 10 — The quota being full and a large excess of volunteers in 
the One Hundred and Forty-iifth Regiment; the resolution offering a bounty 
of S50 extended to all who may hereafter form the Eighty third, One Hundred 
and Eleventh and One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiments, or Thomas Len- 
non's Cavalry Company, to be credited to Erie County. 

1863_December 14 — A bounty of $300 voted to each person who shall 
volunteer to the credit of Erie County, so as to avoid the draft fixed for the 5th 
of January, warrants to be issued for the purpose drawing interest, redeemable 
at the will of the County Commissioners in county scrip, at par without 
interest. 

1864— February 9 — The bounty of $300 extended, under the same condi- 
tions as abi)ve. 

April 5 — Covmty scrip signed to date, $190,800. 

March 14 — Rate of bounty tax fixed at 20 mills on the dollar of valuation. 
Amount levied, $93,652. 

March 22 — The bounty of $300 continued till the quota of Erie County is 
full; provided, that if a local bounty is offered by any ward, borough or town- 
ship, the county will only pav so much in addition as will make the sum of 
$300. 

June 7 — Record made that the injunction asked for by James C. Marshall 
against the issue of the county scrip had been denied by Judge Derrickson. 

December 15 — The other banks of Erie having refused to receive the county 
scrip on deposit, arrangements made by which it will be received by the Key- 
stone National Bank at par. 

A tax of $35,000 levied to redeem county scrip. 

1865 — January 9 — Rate of county bounty tax fixed at 3 per ccmt on the val- 
uation. Amount levied $171,867. 

October 2 — Tax to the amount of $12,000 levied to pay interest on scrip and 
bounty warrants. 

December 27 — The rate of county bounty tax fixed at 15 mills on the valu- 
ation. Amount levied $88,643. 

1866— January 2— Burned $74,891 of the county scrip. 

1867 — January 7 — Burned $54,532 of county scrip. 

April 1 — Biirued $25,000 of county scrip. 

1870 — October 4 — Estimate of county expenses: To replace scrip burned 
by Auditors for 1869, $14,800; to redeem county scrip yet outstanding, $3,700. 



^.f^i^ 



*r^ 





. ^ < 



^/f^ ' MJ 




HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



479 



The above is all that is to be found in the minute book of the Commission- 
ers relating to the subject. 

PRICES COMPARED. 

The following table of retail prices, compiled from the Erie papers, shows 
how the cost of living advanced in consequence of the war: 



ARTICLES. 



January 1, 1862. 



Maech 12, 1864. 



September 14, 1865. 



Flour, per barrel 

Wheat, per bushel 

Corn, per bushel 

Rye, per bushel 

Oats, per bushel 

Barley, per bushel 

Clover seed, per bushel... 
Timothy seed, per bushel 

Flax seed, per bushel 

Potatoes, per bushel 

Beans per bushel 

Dried apples, per bushel.. 

Butter, per pound 

Lard, per pound , 

Cheese, per pound 

Ham, per pound 

Shoulder, per pound 

Eggs, per dozen , 

Hard wood, per cord 

Soft wood, per cord 



$5.00 @ 6 00 

1 10 
40 
60 
30 

40 @ 50 
4.00 @ 4 25 

2 00 
87 
37J 

1 25 

1 50 
15 @ 16 

8@ 10 

5@ 6 

7@, 8 

6 

10 @ 12 

2.00 @ 2 50 

2 00 



57.50 @ 8 00 

1.40 @ 1 60 

1 20 

1 25 

75 

1 25 



•I 00 

60 @ 75 

2.00 @ 2 25 

pert1b25@ 30 

30 @ 35 

25 @ 28 

12 @ 15 

15 @ 16 

12 

20 @, 23 



110.50 @ 11 00 

1.80 @ 2 40 

75 @ 80 

1 00 

50 

75 @ 1 00 

14.00 @ 15 00 

6 00 

1 75 
40 @ 50 

1.50 @ 2 00 

2 00 
28 @ 30 

20 
14 @ 16 
25 @ 28 

20 
20 @ 22 

7 00 
4 00 



THE ERIE REGIMENT — THREE MONTHS. 

This regiment was recruited under a call issued on the 21st of April, 1861, 
by Capt. John W. McLane, who had served in the Mexican war, and at the 
breaking-out of the rebellion was in command of the Wayne Guard at Erie. 
Twelve hundred men responded to the call in four days, of whom ten companies 
of seventy-seven men each were accepted. The regiment vvas mainly recruited 
from Erie and Crawford Counties. It went into camp on a piece of vacant 
ground in Erie City, on the east side of Parade street, near the intersection 
of Sixth, which was duly christened Camp Wayne. Field officers were elected 
on the 27th of April. The regiment proceeded by rail to Pittsburgh on 
Wednesday, May 1, and camped along the Allegheny Kiver a short distance 
above the city. Being the first organized regiment that had reached the city, 
it was received with much curiosity and enthusiasm, and the people vied with 
each other in deeds of kindness to both officers and men. After six weeks 
spent in idleness at Camp Wilkins, as its first quarters were known, the regi- 
ment was moved to Hulton Station, twelve miles further up the Allegheny, where 
a general rendezvous had been established for the troops of Western Pennsyl- 
vania, under the name of Camp Wright. Here the men received muskets and 
were carefully drilled, but labored under much disadvantage in target prac- 
tice for want of suitable ammunition. The term of enlistment of the regi- 
ment expired without its having been mustered into the United States service. 
It returned to Erie on the 20th of July, much to the disgust of both officers 
and men, who were in dead earnest to render some service to their country. 

The following were the principal officers of the regiment: 



480 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

FIELD AND STAFF. 

Colonel— John W. McLane. 
Lieutenant Colonel — Benjamin Grant. 
Major — M. Schlaudecker. 
Adjutant— Strong Vincent. 
Quartermaster— S. B. Benson. 
Surgeon — J. L. Stewart. 

COMPANY A — RECRUITED AT ERIE. 

Captain— T. M. Austin. 
First Lieutenant — A. McD. Lyon. 
Second Lieutenant — Strong Vincent. 
Second Lieutenant— William E. Bates. 

COMPANY B — RECRUITED AT ERIE. 

Captain — Hiram L. Brown. 
First Lieutenant— James F. Wittich. 
First Lieutenant— D. B. McCreary. 
Second Lieutenant — John M. Clark. 

COMPANY C — RECRUITED AT ERIE. 

Captain— John Graham. 
First Lieutenant — A. E. Yale. 
Second Lieutenant— C. P.Rogers. 

COMPANY D— RECRUITED AT CONNEAUTVILLE. 

Captain — J. L. Dunn. 

First Lieutentenant— J. W. Patton. 

Second Lieutenant — I. S. Krick. 

COMPANY E — RECRUITED AT WATERFORD. 

Captain — John A. Austin. 

First Lieutenant— A. M. Judson. 

Second Lieutenant— J. W. McKay. 

COMPANY F — RECRUITED AT TITUSYILLE. 

Captain— Charles B. Morgan. 
First Lieutenant— James Farrell. 
Second Lieutenant— David P. Sigler. 

COMPANY G — RECRUITED AT GIRARD. 

Captain— D. W. Hutchinson. 

First Lieutenant —J. Godfrey. 

Second Lieutenants — C. A. Pettibone, J. E. Pettibone. 

COMPANY H — RECRUITED AT UNION. 

Captain — John Landsrath. 
First Lieutenant— John M. Sell. 
Second Lieutenant— W. W. Gould. 

COMPANY I — RECRUITED AT ERIE. 

Captain— Frank Wagner. 
First Lieutenant — Peter Liebel. 
Second Lieutenant— Peter Schlaudecker. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 481 

COMPANY K RECRUITED AT ERIE. 

Captain — John Kilpatrick. 
First Lienteuant — Thomas C. McLane. 
Second Lieutenant — Edward Coughlin. 

The regiment was accompanied by Mehl's Band during the entire period of 
its absence. 



THE EIGHTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 

On the return of the three months' regiment, Col. McLane immediately an- 
nounced his purpose of raising another regiment for three years. Authority 
for this purpose was received on the 24th of July, 1861, and in less than five 
weeks the full complement of 1,000 men had enlisted, mainly from the coun- 
ties of Erie, Crawford, Warren and Forest. Of these, nearly three hundred 
had been members of the three months' regiment. The rendezvous was on the 
old fair grounds east of Erie, and the regiment was mustered into the United 
States service on the 8th of September. It left for Washington on the 16th of 
September, accompanied by Mehl's Band, where it was assigned to the Third 
Brigade of Porter's division, under command of Gen. Butterfield. The regi- 
ment soon attained to a high reputation for drill and soldierly appearance. On 
one occasion, Gen. McClellan said to Col. McLane: " I congratulate you upon 
having one of the very best regiments in the army." Gen. Butterfield also congrat- 
ulated and commended the regiment in a general order. It was also awarded 
one of the French uniforms and equipments that had been specially imported 
to be presented to the regiments found the most proficient in a competitive 
drill. The regiment remained in camp in front of Washington until the 8th 
of March, 1862, when orders were received for the whole army to move. It 
took part in the reconnoissance toward Big Bethel and the siege of Yorktown, 
and was prominently engaged in the battles of Hanover Court House, Gaines' 
Mill, Malvern Hill and most of the desperate encounters along and in the 
vicinity of the Chickahominy. At Gaines' Mill on the 27th of June, Col. 
McLane was killed, lamented not only by his own men but by the whole corps. 
On the 11th of August, Mehl's Band, which had been with the regiment to 
that date, was discharged by general order, and came back to Erie. When the 
army moved north, the Eighty-third accompanied it, and participated in Pope's 
campaign, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Spottsyl- 
vauia, and, in fact, nearly every battle that was fought down to the closing 
scene at Appomattox. Col. Vincent, who had succeeded Col. McLane, and who 
was at the time in command of the brigade, fell, mortally wounded, at Gettys- 
burg on the 2d of July, 1863. He had been appointed a Brigadier General, 
but the news of his promotion did not reach the regiment until after his 
death. After Gettysburg, the regiment, which had been reduced by losses 
in battle and sickness to but 200 of its original members, was enlarged to 
the extent of some 400 drafted men and substitutes, and it received acces- 
sions from time to time sufficient to swell its total roll to about 2,600. It 
was mustered out of the service at Washington on the 28th of June, 
1865, and formally disbanded on the 4th of July at Han-isburg. The 
members of the regiment returned to their homes in small bodies, but 
their welcome was none the less warm and cheering. In the official his- 
tory of Pennsylvania volunteers, published by the commonwealth, it is stated 
tha't the Eighty-third Regiment was engaged in twenty-five battles, " more by 
two than any other Pennsylvania Infantry regiment." The surviving members 
formed a civil organization in September, 1867, which has assembled each 



482 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

year at some town within the limits of the territory in which it was recruited. 
Below is a list of the principal officers of the regiment: 

FIELD AND STAFF. 

Colonels — John W. McLane, Strong Vincent, O. S. Woodward, Chauncey 
P. Rogers. 

Lieutenant Colonels— Strong Vincent, Hugh S. Campbell, Dewitt C. Mc- 
Coy, Chauncey P. Rogers, William O. Colt. 

Majors — Louis H. Naghel, William H. Lamont, William O. Colt, W. H. 
Dunbar. 

Adjutants— John M. Clark, B. M. Frank. 

Quartermasters — James Saeger, Daniel W. Clark, George M. Boal. 

Surgeons— William Faulkner, E. P. Allen, J. P. Burchfield. 

Assistant Siirgeons — David E. Belknap, Isaac Walborn, Michael Thomp- 
son, Jonathan Wotring, William S. Stewart, Jared Free, T. C. M. Stockton. 

Chaplains — Josiah Flower, Orson B. Clark. 

COMPANY A — RECRUITED AT TITUSVILLE. 

Captains — Charles B. Morgan, David P. Sigler, David P. Jones, William 
O. Colt, E. L. Whittelsey. 

First Lieutenants — David P. Sigler, David P. Jones, James M. Hunter, 
Martin V. Gifford, Wilkes S. Colt. 

Second Lieutenants — David P. Jones, James M. Hunter, Wilkes S. Colt, 
William H. Lamont, Pierce Ham'ahan, David R. Rogers. 

COMPANY B RECRUITED AT MEADVILLE. 

Captains — John F. Morris, David A. Apple, Daniel G. Saeger, Israel 
Thickstun, Andrew J. McKee. 

Fii'st Lieutenants — James Saeger, Daniel G. Saeger, Orrin A. Hotchkiss, 
David A. Apple, Andrew J. McKee, A. C. Montgomery, Harrison Raymond. 

Second Lieutenants — David A. Apple, Daniel G. Saeger, Orrin A. Hotch- 
kiss, A. C. Montgomery, Harrison Raymond, Charles W. Smith. 

COMPANY C — RECRUITED AT ERIE. 

Captains — John Graham, John H. Borden. 

First Lieutenants — Aaron E. Yale, John W, Vannatta, Abner B. Edson, 
Charles H. Hubbell. 

Second Lieutenants — James R. Farrell, Bethuel J. Goft", Joseph B. Grim- 
ier, John W. Vannatta, Sam.uel L. Fluke, Charles H. Hubbell, Daniel B. 
Foote. 

COMPANY D RECRUITED AT EDINBORO. 

Captains — O. S. Woodward, Chauncey P. Rogers, John P. Kleckner. 

First Lieutenants — Chauncey P. Rogers, Isaac Keck. 

Second Lieutenants — Plympton A. White, Isaac Keck, Abijah H. Burnett. 

COMPANY E RECRUITED AT WATERFORD. 

Captains — Hugh S. Campbell, Amos M. Judson, Benjamin A. Smith, eter 
Grace. 

First Lieutenants — Amos M. Judson, William O. Colt, Peter Grace, Will- 
iam H. McGill. 

Second Lieutenants — William O. Colt, James H. Barnett, Peter Grace, 
William H. McGill, Ales B. Langley, E. L. Whittelsey, James C. Percival. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 483 

COMPANY F — RECRUITED AT MEADVILLE. 

Captains— Dewitt C. McCoy, Thomas A. Stebbins, C. V. Van Dusen. 

First Lieutenants — Joel Smith, Thomas A. Stebbins, C. V. Van Dusen, 
John W. Marshall, Noble L. Terrell. 

Second Lieutenants — Thomas A. Stebbins, John W. Marshall, Augustus 
McGill, William J. Gleason, John P. Kleckner, William L. Bennett. 

COMPANY G — RECRUITED AT TIONESTA. 

Captains— Daniel S. Knox, George Stowe, Moses G. Corey. 

First Lieutenants— George Stowe, Moses G. Corey, Thomas Van Giesen. 

Second Lieutenants— Daniel W. Clark, John Herrington, Moses G. Corey, 
Thomas J. Van Giesen, Benjamin A. Smith. 

A new company G, recruited in Allegheny County, was assigned to the 
regiment in March, 1865. 

COMPANY H — RECRUITED AT CONNEAUTVILLE. 

Captains- P. B. Carpenter, Israel Thickstun. 

First Lieutenants — John E. Wilson, Israel Thickstun, Roswell B. Hynes. 
Second Lieutenants— Israel Thickstun, James W. Foster, Oliver L. Hall, 
Andrew J. McKee. 

A new company H, recruited at Pittsburgh, was assigned to the regiment 

in March, 1865. 

COMPANY I — RECRUITED AT ERIE. 

Captains— Hiram L. Brown, John M. Sell, John H.Borden. 

First Lieutenants— John M. Sell, John H. Borden, Frederick C. Wittich. 

Second Lieutenants— John M. Clark, Frederick C. Wittich, William J. 
Wittich, Abner B. Edson. 

A new company I, recruited at Harrisburg and Reading, was assigned to 
the regiment in March, 1865. 

COMPANY K — RECRUITED AT ERIE. 

Captains— Thomas M. Austin, John Hechtman. 

First Lieutenants— William E. Bates, John Hechtman, Henry Austin. 
Second Lieutenants— Edmund W. Eeed, Henry Austin, Noble L. Terrell. 
A new company K, recruited in Dauphin County, was assigned to the reg- 
iment in March, 1865. 

THE ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 

While the Eighty-third Regiment was organizing, application was made 
to the Secretary of War by Matthias Sehlaudecker, of Erie, who had served as 
Major of the three months' regiment, for authority to recruit a new infantry 
regiment for the three years' service. His request was granted on the 2d of Sep- 
tember, 1861, a rendezvous was at once established at the old fair ground, 
and on the 24th of January, 1862, the ranks being full, a regimental organiza- 
tion was effected. The regiment left for Harrisburg on the 25th by way of 
Cleveland and Pittsburgh, reaching the State capital on the 27th. There it 
was furnished with colors, arms and equipments, and on the 1st of March pro- 
ceeded to Baltimore. Its first serious engagement was on the 9th of August, 
at Cedar Mountain, where it lost 19 killed, 61 wounded and 13 missing. From 
that time to the 24th of September, 1863, when the regiment was transferred 
to Tennessee, it was constantly connected with the Army of the Potomac, and 
participated in nearly all of the memorable battles in Virginia and Maryland, 



484 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

including Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. While stationed at Acquia 
Creek it was one of fifteen regiments specially commended by Gen. Hooker in 
his general order of March 3. Col. Schlaudecker was honorably dis- 
charged in November, 1862, and the other field officers were duly pro- 
moted. The regiment joined Eosecrans' army at Murfreesboro on the 6th of 
October, 1863, and took a conspicuous part in the movement upon Lookout 
Mountain. In December, most of its members enlisted for a second term, and 
were given a furlough to come home, arriving at Erie the 14th of January, 
1864. On returning to the scene of war in the Southwest, the regiment took part 
in the march upon Atlanta, being one of the first to enter that city. During 
the severe fighting before the capture of Atlanta, Col. Cobham was shot, and 
died on the field of battle. The regiment perfoi-med provost duty in Atlanta 
some two months, when it joined the main body of the army in Sherman's 
famous "march to the sea." At Goldsboro, N. C, the One Hundred and 
Ninth and One Hundred and Eleventh Regiments, which had served side by 
side since 1862, were consolidated, with 885 members, retaining the latter 
title. It was mustered out of service at Washington on the 19th of July, 1865, 
and the Northwestern Pennsylvania portion of the regiment reached Erie on 
the 27th of the same month, where, after a grand reception, the gallant veter- 
ans quietly separated for their respective homes. Below is a list of the prin- 
cipal oflScers of the regiment: 

FIELD AND STAFF. 

Colonels — M. Schlaudecker, George A. Cobham, Thomas M. "Walker. 

Lieutenant Colonels — George A. Cobham, Thomas M. Walker, Frank J. 
Osgood. 

Majors — Thomas M. Walker, Frank J. Osgood, John A. Boyle, 

Adjutants — John A. Boyle, James M. Wells, Hiram L. Blodgett, John R. 
Boyle, Albert G. Lucas. 

Quartermasters — Alexander Thompson, William Saeger, Noah W. Lowelh 

Surgeons — Wallace B. Stewart. George P. Oliver, James L. Dunn, D. H. 
Strickland. 

Assistant Surgeons — John Nicholson, James Stokes, Henry F. Conrad, 
Joseph F. Ake, G. M. Bradfield, D. H. Strickland. 

Chaplains — Loren D. Williams, John R. Hamilton. 

COMPANY A. 

Captains — Josiah Brown, John D. Bentley, Martellus H. Todd, George 
Selkregg. 

First Lieutenants — John D. Bently, Martellus H. Todd, Nelson E. Ames, 
Joseph Warford. 

Second Lieutenants — M. H. Todd, N. E. Ames, Cyrus A. Hayes. 

COMPANY B. 

Captains — Arthur Corrigan, W. P. Langworthy, Wallace B. Warner, 
William Geary, John J. Haight. 

First Lieutenants — W. P. Langworthy, Wallace B. Warner, John J. 
Haight. 

Second Lieutenants — W^allace B. Warner, John J. Haight, Marvin D. 
Pettit. 

COMPANY C. 

Captains — Richard Cross, O. H. P. Ferguson. 

First Lieutenants — O. H. P. Ferguson, Hiram L. Blodgett, William C. Hay, 
Oohn McFarland. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 485 

Second Lientenants — Hiram L. Blodgett, William C. Hay, Philetus D. 
Fowler. 

COMPANY D. 

Captains — Elias M. Pierce, William J. Alexander, H. R. Sturdevant. 
First Lieutenants — William J. Alexander, H. R. Sturdevant, Nelson Spen- 
cer, C. W. Culbertson. 

Second Lieutenants — H. R. Sturdevant, Nelson Spencer, Warren M. Foster. 

COMPANY E. 

Captains — Samuel M. Davis, Peter S. Bancroft, Francis A. Guthrie, Will- 
iam L. Patterson. 

First Lieutenants — Leander W. Kimball, F. A. Guthrie, W. L. Patterson, 
Jesse Moore. 

Second Lieutenants — W. L. Patterson, Jesse Moore, Hiram Bissell. 

COMPANY F. 

Captains — John Braden, James M. Wells. 

First Lieutenants — James M. Wells, C. M. Kingsbury, Andrew W. Tracy. 

Second Lieutenants — C. W. Kingsbury, George Selkregg, John L. Wells. 

COMPANY G. 

Captains — William A. Thomas, Frederick L. Gimber. 
First Lieutenants — Christian Sexaur, William Mathers. 
Second Lieutenants — Joseph Cronenberger, Valentine Hitchcock, Albert 
N. Kinney. 

COMPANY H. 

Captains — J. P. Schlaudecker, Hiram L. Blodgett, William C. Hay. 
First Lieutenants — George J. Whitney, John R. Boyle, William P. Gould. 
Second Lieutenants — Samuel S. Bloom, John R. Boyle. 

COMPANY I. 

Captains — Frank Wagner, Charles Woeltge, Moses Veale. 

First Lieutenants — Charles Woeltge, John C. Teel, Henry Dieflfenbach, 
William W. Griffing. 

Second Lieutenants — U. Schlaudecker William Saeger, Henry Diefifen- 
bach. 

COMPANY K. 

Captains — Jonas J. Pierce, Frank J. Osgood, Plympton A. Mead. 

First Lieutenants — F. J. Osgood, P. A. Mead, Albert E. Black, George W. 
Clark. 

Second Lieutenants — George W. Smith, P. A. Mead, A. E. Black, George 
W. Clark. 



ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 

A fourth regiment, which received the title of the One Hundred and Forty- 
fifth, was recruited during the summer and fall of 1862, having its rendez- 
vous at the same camp which had been used by the Eighty-third and One 
Hundred and Eleventh Regiments. The date of its organization, September 
5, 1862, was one of the most critical in the history of the war. The regi- 
ment was accordingly hurried forward without arms and with little training in 
military duty. Leaving Erie on the 11th of September, it reached Chambers- 
burg by way of Buffalo and Elmira within thirty-six hours, was there fur- 



486 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

nished with arms, and in two days more was within sound of the enemy's guns 
at Antietam. A.bout noon on the 17th, the regiment joined the extreme right 
of the Union line, and rendered good service in preventing a flank movement 
of the enemy. After the battle, it was one of the detail to bury the dead, some 
of whom had lain upon the held of battle four- days. The exposure to which 
the regiment had been thus suddenly subjected told with serious eifect upon 
many of the men, so that between 200 and 300 were disqualified for duty 
within a month after it was ordered to the front. Quite a number died or were 
permanently disabled. The regiment was assigned to the First Brigade, First 
Division, of the Second Corps. 

On the 13th of December, the One Hundred and Forty-lifth took part in 
the terrible charge at Fredericksbui'g, under the lead of Gen. Hancock. The 
division to which it belonged was composed of 5,000 men, 2,000 of whom fell 
in that single charge. Of the 556 members of the One Hundi'ed and Forty- 
fifth who crossed the river, 226 were either killed or wounded. At Chancellors- 
ville, a detail of 150 men from the One Hundred and Forty-fifth was ordered to 
the relief of the skirmish line, and, after some hard fighting, failing to receive the 
command to retire, were mostly captured. The regiment entered the battle of 
Gettysburg 200 strong, and lost upward of eighty in killed and Avounded. Re- 
turning to Virginia, it participated in nearly all of the marches and engage- 
ments of the Union army until the winter of 1863 brought the campaign to a 
close. 

The renewal of operations in May, 1864, found the regiment recruited al- 
most to its original strength. From this date the history of the Army of Vir- 
ginia, with its never-ceasing marches and well-nigh daily battles, is equally 
the history of the regiment. No braver men were in that army, and none who 
had more of the confidence of their commanding officers. In the charge in 
front of Petersburg, the regiment had about fifty killed and wounded, and 
some ninety fell into the hands of the enemy. The remainder of the men were 
almost constantly under fire during the balance of the season. 

In the spring campaign of 1865, the regiment did good service with Sher- 
idan. It was mustered out of service on the 31st of May, and I'eturnedto Erie 
on the 5th of June, where it was welcomed with the honors it ho richly de- 
served. 

Below is a list of the principal officers : 

FIELD AND STAFF. 

Colonels — Hiram L. Brown, David B. McCreary. 

Lieutenant Colonels — David B. McCreary, Charles M. Lynch. 

Majors — John W. Patton, John W. Reynolds, Charles M. Lynch, John D. 
Black. 

Adjutants — James C. Hart, John D. Black. 

Quartermasters — James G. Payne, D. W. Winchester. 

Surgeon — George L. Potter. 

Assistant Surgeons — Simon V. Pilgrim, J. S. Whilldin, Daniel W. Rich- 
ards, I. N. Taylor. 

Chaplain — J. H. W. Stuckenberg. 

COMPANY A — RECRUITED IN ERIE COUNTY. 

Captains — John W. Reynolds, Frs J. De Schryver, Horace McCray. 

First Lieutenants — James C. Hart, Fletcher Clay. Daniel Long, Frs J. De 
Schryver, Horace McCray, Elias Brockway. 

Second Lieutenants — Frs J. De Schryver, Daniel Long, Horace McCray, 
Eiias Brockway, William F. Brockway. 





'^^^t-^i^i^C^z-^t^Zy^^^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 489 

COMPANT B — RECRUITED IN ERIE COUNTY. 

Captains — Moses W. Oliver, John H. Collom, Marlton O. Way. 
First Lieutenants —William H. Grant, John H. Oollooi, M. O. Way. 
Second Lieutenants —Joseph A. Moray, John H. Collom, M O. Way, S. 
M. Birchfield. 

COMPANY C — RECRUITED IN ERIE COUNTY. 

Captains — Dyer Loomis, George T. Jewebt, Melvin H. Bemia. 
First Lieutenants —Ezra A. Parker, George T. Jewett, M. H. Bemis. 
Second Lieutenants — George T. Jewett, M. H. Bemis, A. H. Rathbone, 
John M. Fargo. 

COMPANY D — RECRUITED IN ERIE COUNTY. 

Captains — David B. McCreary, Charles M. Lynch, Clayton W. Lytle. 

First Lieutenants — John H. Hubbard, Horatio F. Lewis, C. W. Lytle, 
Thomas C. Lee. 

Second Lieutenants — Charles H. Riblet, C. W. Lytle, Thomas C. Lee, John 
C. Mcintosh. 

COMPANY P — RECRUITED IN WARREN COUNTY. 

Captain — Kimball H. Stiles. 

First Lieutenants — Richard Magill, Jeremiah Birtcil. 

Seccmd Lieutenants — StephehH. Evans,- Jeremiah Birtcil, Louis B. Carlile. 

COMPANY G — RECRUITED IN MERCER COUNTY. 

Captains — William W. W. Wood, Thomas F. McCreary, George F. C. 
Smart. 

First Lieutenants — T. F. McCreary, G. F. C. Smart, Joseph L. Linn. 

Second Lieutenants — John W. Vincent, G, F. C. Smart, Joseph L. Linn, 
Robert C. McClure, Stephen A. Osborne. 

COMPANY H — RECRUITED IN CRAWFORD COUNTY. 

Captains — Andrew J. Mason, J. Boyd Espy, Peter W. Free. 
First Lieutenants — J. Boyd Espy, Hugh R. Stewart, Peter W, Free, Will- 
iam S. Trimble. 
, Second Lieutenants — H. R. Stewart, P. W. Free. 

COMPANY I — RECRUITED IN ERIE COUNTY. 

, Captains — Washington Brown, George G. Griswold, James B. Hamlin. 
First Lieutenants — George G. Griswold, James B. Hamlin, Edwin W. 
Sampson, George A. Evans. 

Second Lieutenants — James B. Hamlin, George A. Evans. 

COMPANY K — RECRUITED IN ERIE COUNTY. 

Captains — John W. Walker, John C. Hilton, C. W. Davereaux, Samuel 
V. Dean. 

First Lieutenants — James F. Wittich, John C. Hilton, C. W. Davereaux, 
Samuel C. Snell, George W. Young. 

Second Lieutenants — 0. W. Davereaux, R. M Brown, Samuel V. Dean, 
Samuel C. Snell. 



490 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



CHAPTEE XXYIL 

Miscellaneous— Agricultural Societies. 

AN Agricultural and Mechanical Society was formed as early as 1822, with 
the following oflScers: President, Judah Colt; Treasurer, Charles J. Reed; 
Secretary, Giles Sanford; Directors, John Vincent, R. S. Reed, William 
Miles, Martin Strong, Benjamin Russell, Elisha Marvin, Moses Barnett, John 
MeCord, Simeon Leet and Matthias Brindle. A fair was held in 1823 on the 
public square in Erie, at which $78 were paid in premiums, the highest pre- 
mium being $8 for the best two acres of wheat. 

The next organization was perfected in 1848 under the title of the Erie 
County Agricultural Society, John Brawley being President, J. C. Spencer 
Treasurer, and J. D. Dunlap Secretary. Fairs were held on the Academy 
grounds in 1849, 1850, 1851 and 1852; on the Cunningham lot, east of 
Parade street, in 1853, 1854 and 1855; on the Garrison tract in 1856, 1857 
and 1858; and on the Ebersole farm, in East Mill Creek, in 1859 and 1860. 
The society was chartered as a joint association in 1860, with a capital stock 
of $5,000, in shares of $10 each. Thirty acres of the Ebersole farm were 
purchased, a race track laid out, and a small exhibition building erected, but 
no fair was held after 1860. The war came on in 1861, and the mass of the 
people lost all interest in everything else of a public nature. At the fair in 
1860, $365 were paid out in premiums. The society became embarrassed, and 
its property was sold. 

The existing Erie County Agricultural Society was formed in 1879, and has 
held fail's annually, commencing with that year, on the Reed lots, just west of 
Erie City. The location is the most convenient for the purpose that could be 
had, being easily accessible by rail and private conveyance. The first officers 
were: President, J. C. Thornton, Fairview; Vice President, John Dodge, Har- 
bor Creek; Recording Secretary, George Burton, Erie; CoiTesponding Secretary, 
C. B. Evans, East Mill Creek; Treasurer, Jacob Taylor, West Mill Creek. 

The Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society has held four exhibitions at 
Erie, on the Reed lots above referred to. The years of its fail's were 1872, 
1873, 1877 and 1878. John W. Hammond, of Erie, was President of the 
society when its last two fairs in this county were held. James Miles, of 
Girard, was President in 1882-83-84. 

MILITIA AND MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS. 

The State adopted measures immediately after Independence for the organi- 
zation and drill of its militia. By the act of 1804, every able-bodied man be- 
tween the ages of eighteen and forty -five was enrolled and compelled to perform 
two days' military duty each year, or pay a fine. The militia were divided into 
companies, battalions, regiments and brigades, each of which elected its own 
officers. Beginning, in a proper spirit, the "militia trainings," as they were 
termed, degenerated into a public farce. Every member was expected to have 
a gun and bring it along for inspection, but as the system weakened in popular 
estimation, the discipline grew more slack, and many carried sticks, canes, 
brooms, corn stalks, and even light fence rails. The contrast between the 
flaming uniforms of the officers and the outlandish appearance of the men was 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 491 

at times indescribably laughable. For a long time, though, training day was 
a great event throughout the State, and was looked forward to as a fair or a 
circus is now. The militia law was repealed at the session of 1847—4:8, and the 
old-fashioned trainings went out of vogue. 

In addition to the regular militia, volunteer companies have been in exist- 
ence almost from the earliest settlement. The first of these was Capt. Elisha 
Marvin's Greenfield company, organized in 1801, with about eighty members. 
The second was Capt. Thomas Forster's Erie Light Infantry, organized in 
180G. This company took part in the war of 1812-13, and a list of the officers 
and men will be found in the chapter devoted to that era. In 1808, there was 
a company known as the '' Presque Isle Rangers, '' but it seems to have died 
out before the war. The following volunteer organizations were in existence 
in Erie at the periods named: In 1821, the Erie Greens, Samuel Duncan, 
Captain; in 1824, the Washington Artillery; in the same year the Erie Guards, 
Thomas Forster, Captain; in 1831, an artillery company, C. G. Howell, Cap- 
tain; in 1836, a cavalry company; about 1841, the German Guards, Capt. Dut- 
linger, and the Washington Guards, Capt. Erhart; in 1842, the Wayne Grays, 
John W. McLane, Captain; in 1858, the Franklin Pierce Rifle Company; in 

1859, the W^ayne Guard, John W. McLane, Captain, and the Perry Artillery 
Company- Gustav Jarecki, Captain. 

The Wayne Grays and the Wayne Guard are the best known, a number of 
citizens who are yet living having been members of one or the other of these 
organizations. The Grays tendered their services in the Mexican war, but 
they were declined by the United States Government, the quota of Pennsyl- 
vania being full. The Wayne Guard were at the height of their prosperity at 
the outbreak of the rebellion, and the company formed the nucleus of all the 
regiments that left Erie. More than half of the company became officers in 
the war. 

Besides these volunteer organizations, the following are known to have 
been in existence in the county: At North East, in 1822, the Burgettstown 
Blues, Alexander McCloskey, Captain; at Waterford, in 1824, the Invincibles, 
Giles Hulbert, Captain; at Fairview, in 1824, a company, name unknown: at 
the same place, the Fairview Guards, T. Beckman, Captain; at Girard, in 

1860, the Guards, D. W^. Hutchinson, Captain Most of the volunteer sol- 
diery of the county at the outbreak of the rebellion tendered their services to 
the Government, and the several local organizations were blotted out by their 
incorporation into the Union army. 

Under present laws, the State has a regularly organized volunteer force, in 
addition to the militia who are liable to be called into service in case of a 
war and draft. This body is known as the National Guard of Penni-ylvania. 
Its organization consists of one division, three brigades, eighteen regiments 
of infantry and several companies each of artillery and cavalry. The Gov- 
ernor is (ex officio) commander-in-chief. Maj. Gen. John F. Hartranft is Divis- 
ion Commander, and the three brigades are commanded respectively by Brig. 
Gens. George R. Snowden, James A. Beaver and J. K. Sigfried. The Six- 
teenth Regiment is attached to the Second Brigade, and consisted, in 1882, of 
the following companies: 

Company A, Corry, Erie County. 

Company B, Erie, Erie County. 

Company C, Bradford, McKean County. 

Company D, Oil City, Venango County. 

Company E, Cooperstown, Venango County. 

Company F, Franklin, Venango County. 



492 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Company G, Erie, Erie County. 

Company H, Ridgway, Elk County. 

Company I, Warren, Warren County. 

The regimental organization the same year was as follows: 

Colonel, John A. Wiley, Franklin; Lieutenant Colonel, James B. Storer, 
Butler; Major, Frank M. Lamb, Erie; Adjutant, Willis J. Hulings, Franklin; 
Quartermaster, Walter W. Greenland; Surgeon, G. W. Dille, Cooperstown; 
Assistant Surgeons, D. V. Stranahau, Warren, and James E. Silliman, Erie; 
Chaplain, Rev. G. A. Carstensen (rank of Captain), Erie. 

The commissioned officers of the Erie County companies were as follows: 

Company A — Captain, Isaac B. Brown; First Lieutenant, W. Edgar 
Marsh; Second Lieutenant, George A. Davis; enlisted men, fifty. 

Company B — Captain, John J. Baxter; First Lieutenant, George G. Egg; 
Second Lieutenant, John Geist; enlisted men sixty. 

Company G —Captain, D. S. Crawford; First Lieutenant, John B. Boyd; 
Second Lieutenant, Edward W. Constable; enlisted men fifty-two. 

Aside from the above, there is no organized military body in the county. 
The number of persons in the county subject to military duty as shown in 
the report of the Adjutant General for 1882 was 5,900. 

TEMPERANCE. 

In the early days of the county, the use of whisky was almost universal, and 
there were few houses in which a good supply was not kept constantly on 
hand. No one thought it wrong to "treat"' visitors, or to drink in the pres- 
ence of his family. Distilleries were as common as grist mills became after- 
ward, and a large share of the grain was converted into liquor. Many farmers 
made a practice of regularly taking a portion of their grain to the distilleries 
and having a jug full or a barrel full of whisky made for their household use. 
The first prohibition society was established at Wattsburg in 1829, and the 
next year a great temperance wave swejDt over the county. A large portion of 
the people signed the pledge, it became unpopular to keep liquor in the house 
or to have grain made into whisky, and the distilleries rapidly disappeared. 
To-day there is not one in the county. The manufacture of wine began at 
North East in 1869, and has since become considerable of an industry at that 
place and Erie. Beer is a comparatively modern beverage in the county, hav- 
ing been introduced with the later German immigration. There are eight or 
ten breweries in the county, of which two at least are on quite an extensive 
scale. 

In 1832, the County Temperance Society had 742 members. In 1840, 
there was a temperance society in almost every township. Various temperance 
societies have been in existence in Erie and most of the larger towns since. 

SLAVES AND SLAVERY. 

The colored population of the county was larger, proportionately, eighty 
years ago than now. Most of those who were here then were brought in as 
slaves, some of the most reputable families having been owners of this kind of 
property. The emancipation act of the State provided that all negroes over a 
certain age should remain slaves until their death; all below should become free 
at the age of twenty-eight. Under its provisions, a large portion of the colored 
race became entitled to their freedom, but there were a few who continued 
in slavery till released by the Master of all. One of the most prosperous col- 
ored men who ever lived in the county was Boe Bladen. He was born in 
Guinea, was brought to America on a slave ship, worked out his freedom, came 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 493 

to Erifi, and took up a tract of land in Mill Creek Township, three miles from 
Erie. When he died, in 1829, he owned 200 acres. 

SEAL OF THE COUNTY. 

The seal of the county was adopted in 1808. 

THE WEATHER. 

Judah Colt states in his autobiography that in January, 1799, the weather 
was very warm. " The frost came out of the ground, and the farmers did 
their plowing." 

The month of May, 1834, is notable in the weather records of the lake 
shore country. For three days before the 13th, there were strong cold winds 
from the west, with snow squalls. On the 13th, the bay and lake were unusu- 
ally rough. Six inches of snow fell on the 15th. The leaves and blossoms 
were nearly all killed. No vessel was able to enter the port of Erie for four 
days. At the end of that time, the steamboat New York, from Buffalo, stopped 
at the channel pier. A small boat set out from the wharves to board her, and 
was capsized on the way over. Of eleven persons in the boat but two were 
saved. 

Two of the worst storms on record occurred on the 10th and 11th of No- 
vember, 1835, and on the 15th of the same month, 1842. On the occasion first 
named, the water was lashed into such furv that a party of fifteen men, who 
were raising the Detroit in Misery Bay, dared not venture to return home, 
and had to remain on the Peninsula from the evening of the 10th to the morn- 
ing of the 12th without food, fire or shelter. The waves rolled over the sand 
beach clear up to the foot of Garrison Hill. 

On the other band, the weather was so mild on the 26th of December, 1865, 
that fires were not needed, and people were glad to throw open their doors and 
windows for cool air. On the 1st of January, 1876, the day was so pleasant 
that the people of Grirard indulged in a picnic in the woods. 

The winter of 1880-81 was one of the coldest ever known. Snow fell 
about the middle of November, and lasted without interruption till February 
9. During most of the time there was a slight snow-fall daily. A break-up 
came on the 9th of February, but it was quickly followed by more snow, which 
lasted until the 15th of March. Then came the snow-storm of March 30 and 
31, one of the greatest experienced in modern times. The cold was intense 
during most of the winter. On the 3d of February the thermometer was 18° 
below zero at Erie, 20° at McKean, 24° at Edinl^oro, 28" at Albion, and 30° at 
Waterford. The lake was frozen over to the Canada shore during a good por- 
tion of the winter, something that seldom happens. The snow and cold pre- 
vailed over the country from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic. There 
were snow and ice in portions of the South where they had never been known 
before. 

The winter of 1881-82 was remarkable for its mildness. The bay of 
Presque Isle was open most of the season, and there was never more than a 
light coating of ice on the lake. As if to balance the account, the winter of 
1882-83 was unusually long and steady. There was scarcely a pleasant day 
from November 1 to April 1. The ground was found to be frozen in some 
places in Erie City to a depth of three and a half feet. 

EARLY JUSTICES. 

Up to 1838, when the Constitution was amended, all Justices of the Peace 
were appointed by the Governor, to hold their offices during good behavior. 



494 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

For some years the larger part of the marrying and a good share of the con- 
veyancing were done by the Justices, who were usually men of more than ordi- 
nary standing. The records of the State Department at Harrisburg show the 
following appointments to that ofifice: 

1796 — March yi, Thomas Rees, William Wilson. 

1797— April 15, John Grubb. 

1798— April 0, David McNair; August 3, John Way. 

1799 — March 8, Timothy Tuttle; March 28, Thomas Robinson; December 
10, William Culbertson. 

1800— August 15, William Clarke, John Lytle. 

1801— February 28, Cornelius Van Horn, Abiathar Crane, John Hay; May 
16, James Pollock, George Williamson, Adam Stewart. 

1802— January 2, Thomas McCreary, Abiathar Crane. 

1803 — January 8, Hugh Wilson. 

1804 — January 2, Joseph M. Kratz, John Vincent. 

1805 — April 1, Thomas Brown. 

1806 — January 1, John C. ^V^allace; April 1, William Culbertson, Jacob 
Hildebrand. 

18* )7 — February 28, John Boyd; July 4, Elisha Marvin, George Moore. 

1808— July 4, John Way; October 20, Timothy Tuttle. 

1809— February 28, John Bovd. William Porter; June 22, Thomas Wilson. 

1810— April 12, Dr. Waitstiil Hastings. 

1811 — January 24, Carditf Taggart; November 7, George Hurst. 

1812— February 2, Howard Salsbury. 

1815— March 3, Alex T. Blaine. 

1816 — January 2, John Phillips; November 13, John Gray. 

1817— February 21, James Hall; March 14, Francis Brawley. 

1818— January 28, John Morris; March 11, John McCord, 

1819 — December 14, Oliver Dunn, Myron Backus. 

1820— February 28, Robert McClelland; May 18, James Weston. 

1821— March 29, William Hall; November 2, Thomas Forster, Jr. 

1822— February 18, Henry Colt, Jesse D. Jackson; March 16, Thomas 
Stewart, Hamilton H. Graham. 

1823— March 6, George Moore; March 28, William Colt; December 8, 
Thomas Greenwood; December 9, Shepherd Beals; December 12, Jonathan 
Stafford; December 13, Giles Sanford. 

1824— March 3, William Gray. 

1825— March 1, John B. Jones, Robert M. Douglass; March 15, Ebenezer 
D. Gunnison, Joseph Wright; April 11, Alex McCloskey; August 3, John 
Brawley; October 28, John Phillips. 

1827 — April 12, William Graham, Myron Hutchinson. 

1828 — March 4, James Nelson; April 3, John L. Davis; August 1, William 
Kelly; December 5, Lewis S. Bowers. 

1829— October 12, William Vincent; November 10, Mark Baldwin; De- 
cember 1, Albert Tuttle; December 10, John Salsbury. 

1830— March 11, AVilliam Kelly; April 3, John Brecht; December 23, 
James H. Woodworth. 

1831 — July 30, James Wilson. 

1832 — January 16, Jacob Lefever; March 8, John Bennett; May 22, James 
Weston; June 13, Philip Wells; July 31, Richard O. Hulbert; November 17, 
Casper M. Rouse; December 7, Thomas Laird. 

1833 -February 16, William T. Mackey; April 24. Thomas Mellon; Au- 
gust 8, James Smiley. 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 495 

1834— February 20, Michael Jackson; March 14, Henry Mallory; April 
10, Elias Salsbury, April 24, William W. Loomis; May 27, David G. Web- 
ber; August 26, Thomas L. Youngs; October 24, Ira Woodbury; October 31, 
Josiah Williams, Robert Heath. 

1835 -February 16, Alvia Ryan; April 23, George Moore; November 9, 
Hiram Drury; November 18, David Zimmerman, James McConkey. 

James Chambers, of Harbor Creek, has probably been Justice of the Peace 
for a longer consecutive period than any other man in the county. He was 
appointed in 1837 by Gov. Rilner, and, with brief intervals, has held the 
position ever since. 

THE CHOLERA. 

Few persons are aware that the Asiatic cholera- -most dreadful of all con- 
tagious diseases — at one time threatened the city of Erie. It was in July, 
1832, in the days of steamboating. A party of immigrants were being con- 
veyed up the lake from Buffalo, when a Mrs. Hunter and her daughter devel 
oped symptoms of the terrible epidemic. The steamboat stopped at the chan- 
nel pier and they were landed on the peninsula, where both died — Mrs. Hunter 
after an illness of thirteen hours, and her daughter a few hours later. The 
event created much excitement among the citizens, who instantly adopted 
measures to prevent the contagion from getting a foothold in the town. 
Numerous cases of cholera developed during that season on board lake steam- 
boats and in other lake cities. 

TELEGRAPH LINES. 

The first telegraph line in Erie County was put up in 1847. It extended 
from Buffalo to Cleveland. The only telegraph otfice in the county for several 
years was at Erie. 

SHOWS AND CIRCUSES. 

The early shows were altogether of the animal order, and the exhibitions gen- 
erally took place in the barns of the best known hotels. In the beginning, they 
consisted of a lion or tiger and a monkey or two, and from that developed 
into large collections. We find a record of an elephant being in Erie in the 
summer of 1820, and of other animal shows in 1822 and 1823. The price of 
admission was 25 cents for adults, and 12^ cents for children. This charge 
continued up to the second or third year of the civil war. In July, 1827, the 
first circus appeared, and in the same month in 1831 a violent storm blew 
down the tent of another, which was considered by the pious people as a man- 
ifestation of the disapproval of Providence. Within a date comparatively re- 
cent, it was looked upon as wicked to attend a circus, and if religious persons 
attended at all, it was with fear that they were not doing exactly the right 
thing. 

CATTLE DRIVING. 

Before the era of railroads, cattle driving was one of the great industries 
of the county. There was no market for cattle nearer than the eastern coun- 
ties of the State, and the only way of getting them there was by the common 
roads. They were collected annually and driven across the mountains in 
droves of one hundred or more to Berks, Lancaster and other counties con- 
venient to Philadelphia. Two men and a boy, with as many horses, usually 
managed a drove, and the trip took from two to three months. Sheep, hogs 
and horses were driven to market in the same way. Them were numerous 
taverns on the route, where rest and sustenance was provided for men and 
beasts. The business was started by Thomas P. and Isaac Miller, and was 
also earned on extensively by S. Hutchins, John Marvin and others. It re- 



496 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

quired considerable capital to carry on the business, but, with ordinary luck, it 
paid well, f The heaviest cattle buyer of later years was Wilson Moore, of 
Waterford. 

CURRENCY. 

Located between New York and Ohio, far away from the wealthier portions 
of the State, Erie County suffered all the evils of the miserable currency which 
prevailed before the greenbacks and National bank notes were invented. With 
the exception of a few years, there was no bank of issue in the county, and the 
only banking institutions were private brokers' offices. The best currency of 
those times was New York bank notes, and the poorest, those of the Western 
banks. Pennsylvania bank notes had only a small circulation in the county, 
and held a place in popular estimation intermediate between the above. There 
was a discount on all these, ranging from one to twenty per cent. It was for 
the interest of the private bankers to circulate the notes on which there was 
the largest discount, and, as a consequence, the county was flooded with the 
bills of banks the locations of which were hardlj known. Every business man 
had to keep a " Bank Note Detector," revised and published monthly or weekly, 
on hand, and was not sure then that the notes he accepted would not be pro- 
nounced worthless by the next mail. There was hardly a week without a bank 
failure, and nearly every man had bills of broken banks in his possession. To 
add to the perplexities of the situation, there were innumerable counterfeits 
which could with difficulty be distinguished from the genuine. Granting 
that the bank was good, and that the discount was properly figured, there was 
no assurance that the bill was what it purported to be. All this was a terrible 
annoyance and loss to the people, but it was a regular bonanza to the " shaving 
shops." Even of the uncertain bank notes, there'was not enough to do the 
business of the community. Most of the buying and selling was done on long 
credit, and occasionally a manufacturing firm, to ease itself along and relieve 
the necessities of the public, would issue a mongrel coin, which went by the 
name of " pewterinctum." This condition of affairs lasted until a year or two 
after the rebellion broke out. 

People of this day who have no knowledge of the old bank note currency, 
can scarcely have a conception of the advantage of a uniform system such as 
has been given to us by the United States Government. It saves the people 
more, every year, in safety, convenience, and exchange, than the total public 
debt. 

soldiers' monuments. 

Erie County enjoys the distinction of having erected the first monument in 
Pennsylvania to the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in the war for the 
Union. It stands in the center of the public square of Girard, and the entire 
expense of its erection, about $6,000, was incurred by Dan Rice, the showman. 
The monument was dedicated on the 1st of November, 1865, in the presence 
of a vast multitude. Gov. Curtin, of Pennsylvania, and Gov. Tod, of Ohio, 
were among the eminent men who graced the occasion. 

A second monument, one of the handsomest of its kind in the Union, was 
dedicated in Erie in 1872, and adds to the attractiveness of the West Park of 
the city. It commemorates the dead sailors as well as soldiers of the county, 
and owes its existence largely to the persistent labor of three patriotic ladies — 
Mrs. Isaac Moorhead, Miss Sarah Reed and Miss Helen Ball. 

THE revolution. 

As the permanent settlement of Erie County did not begin until 1795, 
twelve years after the acknowledgment of American independence, it is evi- 




V^/^^x/ -^ t^y^^^^u^.^^n^^f^C'^^ 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 499 

dent that very few of its citizens could have taken part in the long and des- 
perate struggle with the mother country. The British held possession of the 
lake region for some years after peace was declared, and even claimed 
some sort of title to the country, as is explained in another chapter. The 
pioneers of the county inchided a fair proportion of Revolutionary soldiers. 
Among them were Seth Reed, who fought at Bunker Hill and rose to the rank 
of Colonel; Capts, John Lytle and Robert King, and privates John Vincent, 
Thomas Rees, William Miles, Zelotus Lee, Michael Hare, Daniel Stancliif, 
John McCoy, Stephen Sparrow, Titus Allen, Stephen Oliver and Robert Irwin, 
and Nash, Trask and Burrows. Many of the descendants of these gentlemen 
live in the county, and are justly proud of the patriotism of their ancestors. 

THE MEXICAN WAR. 

The number of men required for the war with Mexico, in 1847, was so 
small, comparatively, that the proportion of Erie County was not equal to a 
company. A number of young men belonging to the county enlisted in organi- 
zations elsewhere, and some of them fought all through the war. Among 
these was John W. McLane, who won great distinction in the war for the 
Union, as commander of the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Regiment. The scene 
of the war was so remote that it is only remembered as a national historical 
event. 

ANTI-SLAVERY. 

The tirst anti-slavery society in the county (which was also one of the ear- 
liest in the State), was formed in 1836. Col. J. M. Moorheadwas chosen Pres- 
ident, and William Gray, Secretary. The principal members were Philetus 
Glass, Dr. S. Smedley and Truman Tuttle, of North East; Col. Moorhead, Mr. 
Jessup and Samuel Low, of Harbor Creek; William Himrod, Alex Mehaflfey 
and Aaron Kellogg, of Erie; Giles and Hamlin Russell, of Mill Creek; Stephen 
C. Lee, of Summit; Rev. T. H. Burroughs, of Concord, and William Gray, of 
Wayne. Another society was formed in North East about the same time, with 
Truman Tuttle as President, James Duncan as Vice President, Dr. E. Smed- 
ley as Secretary and R. L. Loomis as Treasurer. An anti-abolition meeting 
was held the same year in Springfield. 

The " underground railroad," which was the name generally given to the 
system by which slaves from the South were run away from their masters, was 
in full operation in this county from about 1840 to 1860. The slaves usually 
made their escape from the South by way of Washington County, Penn., and 
from there were helped along through Allegheny, Beaver, Lawrence, Mercer 
and Crawford Counties, to the lake shore. There were regular stations along 
the route, where zealous an ti -slavery people openly defied the law and gave 
the runaway slaves food, shelter and money. The chief "station agents," as 
they wei-e jokingly called in Erie County, were William Gray, Stephen C. Lee, 
Hamlin Russell and William Himrod. The slaves were secreted in Erie until 
a good chance offered to send them to Canada. Many romantic stories are told 
of the skill and desperation displayed in keeping the slaves from being capt- 
ured and returned to the South by the officers of the law. 

OLDEST 3IEN AND WOMEN. 

Michael Hare, who was buried in Water ford Cemetery, attained the remarka- 
ble age of one hundred and fifteen years eight months and twenty-three days. 
He was born in Ireland June 10, 1727, and died at Waterford on the 3d of 
May, 1843. 

Patrick Ward died in Girard Township, aged one hundred and five years. 



500 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

"When in his one hundred and third year, he walked three miles to Girard 
Borough in order to vote. 

Jamea Davis lived in Greenfield until he was one hundred, when he moved 
to Michigan, where he died, either one hundred and three or one hundred and 
five years old. On the anniversary of his ninety-eighth birthday, he chopped 
a lot of wood for William E. Marvin, then a resident of Greenfield. 

Two men have died in their one hundredth year. They were Levi Atkins, 
of North East, and the father of ex-County Commissioner Garner Parmer, of 
Conneaut. 

John Teel, first, a native of New England, died in Erie early in the century, 
aged ninety-seven years; Stephen Oliver, in McKean, January l-l, 1857, lack- 
ing one month of ninety-seven; Beajamin Colton in the same township, in 
May, 1883, aged ninety-six; GriiSth Hinton, in Venango, on the 15th of March, 

1880, aged ninety-six; Andrew Matteson, at or near Corry, on the 26th of 
March, 1883, aged ninety-five; John Teel, second, in Erie, April«21, 1873, in 
his ninety-fourth year; William Green, near Wellsburg, on the 9th of January, 
1882, aged ninety-three, lacking three days, and Josiah Kellogg, in Erie, 
March 21, 1884, in his ninety- third year. Mr. Matteson attempted suicide 
some ten days before his death, cutting himself in such a horrible manner that 
nearly one half of his bowels fell out upon the bed where he laid. Mr. Sisson, 
of Springfield, was living on the 15th of June, 1881, in his ninety-eighth year. 

The oldest woman is claimed to be Mrs. Sarah Green, of Fairview, who was 
living on the 26th of February, 1883, at the supposed age of one hundred and 
two. Next in the order of age was Mrs. Mary Dobbins, relict of Capt. Dob- 
bins, of Erie, who died on the 24th of January, 1879, in her one hundredth 
jear. Mrs. Mary Shaughnessy died in Erie July 30, 1882. aged one hundred 
years. The foui-th oldest was Mrs. William Smith, formerly of Waterford, but 
later of Beaver Dam. Her deatli occurred in the latter place on the 6th of 
August, 1875, in her ninety- ninth year. 

Mrs. Anna Margaret, relict of Casper Doll, of Fairview, died February 3, 

1881, aged ninety-seven years and ten days; Mrs. Lucy, relict of Asa G. Olds, 
in Erie, August 13, 1881, lacking a few days of ninety-seven; Mrs. Phelps, of 
Waterford, in August, 1879, aged ninety-five; Mrs. Martin Stough, of Weigle- 
ville, October 3, 1881, in her ninety-fourth year; and Mrs. Thomas Bowman, 
of Conneaut Township, in the fall of 1882, aged nearly ninety-two. Mrs. 
Ituth Osborn, of Waterford Township, attained her ninety-third year on the 2d 
of February, 1883, and was still quite vigorous. 

It is safe to assert that few counties can show as long a list of very old 
people as the above. 

THANKSGIVING DAY. 

The first time a day for Thanksgiving was set apart in Pennsylvania was 
on the last Thursday of November, 1819, at the suggestion of Gov. Findlay, 
The Governor's proclamation was generally respected throughout Erie County. 
No Governor followed his example until Findlay's son- in-law entered the 
executive office when he re- inaugurated the custom of an annual public Thanks- 
giving, which has been maintained ever since. The first chief executive to 
propose a day of national Thanksgiving was President Taylor. 

THE FLOOD OF 1883. 

One of the greatest floods ever known took place at the beginning of Feb- 
ruary, 1883. It washed away nearly every mill dam in the county and de- 
stroyed numerous bridges. The damage amounted to tens of thousands of 
dollars. 






PART III. 



History of City of Erie, 






CITY OF ERIE. 



CHAPTEE ]. 



Historical. 

WELL authenticated records fully establish the fact that an Indian tribe or 
nation known as the " Eriez," dwelt upon the southern shore of Lake 
Erie ere the coming of the white race to this portion of the continent, and that 
this tribe was exterminated or driven farther toward the southwest by the ter- 
rible Iroquois more than 200 years ago. When the French took possession of 
this region of country, it was a favorite hunting ground of the victorious Iro 
quois, commonly known as the Six Nations, with the Senecas nominally occu- 
pying the territory now embraced in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The vicin- 
ity of Erie seems to have been a favored locality, perhaps, for the reason that 
the beautiful bay of Presque Isle provided a safe retreat for their frail canoes 
from the lake storms. 

The French early built up a large trade with the Indians, and in 1753 Sieur 
Marin, commander of the French expedition of that year, erected a fort or 
block-house at Presque Isle, thus taking possession of the site whereon the 
beautiful city of Erie now stands. A road was constructed from Presque Isle 
to Fort Le Boeuf, on French Creek, and all was completed early in August, 
1753. On the east bank of Mill Creek, a little back from the lake, a French 
village sprung up, which at one time numbered 100 families, besides numerous 
Indians, with a Catholic priest, a schoolmaster, grist mills and other concomit- 
ants of civilization. They cleared land and cultivated corn fields in the vicinity 
of the fort, but it is believed that the village was abandoned after an experiment 
of four or five years' trial, as it was not in existence in 1757-58. A garrison 
of French soldiers occupied the foi't, which stood on a bluff immediately 
west of the mouth of Mill Creek near the shore of the bay. 

The long and bitter struggle between the French and English for posses- 
sion of the country west of the Alleghanies, eventually ended in favor of the 
latter, and though peace was not declai'ed until 1763, the French abandoned 
Presque Isle three years prior to that event, and Maj. Kogers, in behalf of 
the English, came on and occupied the fort at this point in 1760. It was the 
last post west of Niagara given up by the French, and was always considered 
by both nations an important point in their chain of defenses, as well as an 
invaluable supply depot. 

Pontiac's conspiracy flamed out in 1763, bringing destruction and death 
upon nearly all the Western forts. Presque Isle was attacked on the 22d of 
June, and after an obstinate resistance was surrendered to the savages. Many 
conflicting accounts have been published of this event, but as the principal 
facts connected therewith are given in Chajiter VI of the general historv of 



\ 



504 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Erie County, we refer the reader to that chapter for further information on the 
subject. 

In 1764, Gen. Braclstreet, in command of 3,000 British soldiers, stopped at 
Presque Isle on his way to the relief of Detroit, and upon his return occupied 
the fort at this point. On the I'if.h of August, 1764, he made a treaty with 
the Shawnee and Delaware tribes of Ohio, which, however, was of short dura- 
tion. For the succeeding twenty years, little appears to have transpired at 
Presque Isle worthy of mention, and the old fort seems to have been abandoned 
during this period. 

Though the war between England and the Colonies ended in the recognized 
independence of the latter by the treaty of 1783, and though the English Gov- 
ernment then gave up all claim to the Western region, they still kept a garri- 
son at Presque Isle in violation of said treaty. • In fact, it was not till 1795 
that the American occupation of this territory actually took place. With the 
dawning of peace the American Government came into recognized though 
nominal ownership of the whole Western interior, and by treaties executed 
with the Six Nations in 1784 and 1789, those tribes signed away their title to 
this portion of the State. Some dissatisfaction with the treaties, however, ex- 
isted among the Indians, and in 1791 the Government paid to the Seneca tribe 
a certain sum of money, in consideration of which they agreed to waive for- 
ever all claims to the lands in question. In 1792, the State acquired the 
" Triangle " by a purchase from the United States Government, and the same 
year the General Assembly of Pennsylvania passed an act to stimulate the set- 
tlement of the lands around Presque Isle; but the Indians, encouraged by the 
English, would not consent to the scheme, or allow a garrison to be stationed 
at the fort. The savages, abetted by their white allies, began to make hostile 
raids upon the scattered settlements, and in May, 1795, attacked four men who 
were coming from Fort LeBcEuf to Presque Isle, near where the railroad bridge 
crosses State street in Erie. Ralph Rutledge was killed and scalped, while 
his son was shot and scalped, but survived until he was taken to LeBoeuf . The 
father's body was buried on the west side of State street, close to where he fell, 
and his son was interred at the fort previously mentioned. Wayne's victory 
at the battle of " Fallen Timbers, " on the Maumee River, in 1794, crushed the 
spirit of the Indian tribes, and the treaty of Greenville, consummated August 3, 
1795, with the Western Indians, and the treaty with the Six Nations the follow- 
ing November, ended all hostile demonstrations in this locality. 

On the 8th of April, 1793, an act was passed by the General Assembly and 
approved by Gov. Mifflin to lay out a town at Presque Isle. The act provided 
for the survey of 1,600 acres of land into town lots of not more than one- third 
of an acre each, and 3,400 acres adjoining in ontlots of not less than tive acres 
nor more than ten acres each. The Governor was authorized to reserve within 
or without said plat for the use of the United States so much land as he thought 
necessary for forts, magazines, arsenals and dock yards. It was also provided 
that the first two hundred persons who should settle in said town before Janu- 
ary 1, 1794, would be entitlpid to one town lot. They had, however, in com- 
pliance with said act, to erect a house sixteen feet square, containing one stone 
or brick chimney, and reside in the town three years ere becoming actual 
owners. Provision was also made for the sale of 200 lots exclusive of those 
granted, the purchaser to erect a similar residence, and reside in the town the 
same length of time as the previous two hundred settlers. In February, 1794, 
an act was passed which provided for a detachment of soldiers to protect the 
settlement at Presque Isle; but through the treachery of the English, who them- 
selves coveted this post, the Indians, as already mentioned, were stirred up 



CITY OF ERIE. 505^ 

into opposing the settlement and garrisoning of Presqiie Isle by the Americans. 
For prudential reasons, which are fully explained in the general history 
of the county, operations were for the time suspended, and the subsequent 
victory of Wayne inspired such a wholesome terror among the Indians that it 
hastened the treaties of 1795, through which all opposition to the settlement of 
Presque Isle was swept away, and the title of Pennsylvania unreservedly 
acknowledged. 

In the meantime, the General Assembly passed an act, April 18, 1795, 
somewhat differing from that of 1793, and repealing the latter. The Governor 
was au.thorized to appoint two Commissioners, who were instructed to survey 
1,600 acres of land for town lots, and 3,400 acres adjoining thereto for outlots, 
" at or near Presque Isle, on Lake Erie; and the said lands so surveyed shall 
i-espectively be laid out into town lots and outlots, in such manner and with 
such streets not more than 100, nor less than 60 feet wide, and such lanes, 
alleys and reservations for public uses as the said Commissioners shall direct, 
but no town lots shall contain more than one-third of an acre, no outlot more 
than live acres, nor shall the reservations for public uses exceed in the whole 
twenty acres; and the town hereby directed to be laid out shall be called 'Erie,' 
and all the streets, lanes and alleys thereof, and of the adjoining ovitlots, shall 
be and forever remain common highways." 

The Commissioners were authorized to sell one-third of said town lots and 
outlots to the highest bidders, the purchasers to erect on each town lot, within 
two years from the date of purchase, a house sixteen feet square, containing 
one stone or brick chimney. Half of the purchase money of each lot had to 
be paid within three months from the date of sale, and the balance within one 
year, together with lawful interest. The sale was not to be valid, and no pat- 
ent was issued until such time as these terms were complied with in every 
respect. 

Reservations wei'e made of sixty acres on the south bank of the harbor and 
near the entrance thereof, thirty acres on the peninsula at or near the entrance to 
the harbor, and one other lot of 100 acres on the peninsula for tlie use of the 
United States in erecting forts, magazines, arsenals, dock-yards, etc. It was 
further provided, " That if the mill seats on the creek running near the ruins 
of the old French fort should fall within the cessions hereby made to the 
United States, the same shall nevertheless be and hereby are reserved for the 
use oi this State, with the right of erecting mills thereon, but no buildings 
(mills excepted), shall be erected within 600 yards of the center of any fort 
which may be erected by the United States on either of the lots ceded to them 
as aforesaid." Pennsylvania did not, however, cede to the General Govern- 
ment " the jurisdiction or right of soil in and to the said three last mentioned 
lots, but only the occupancy and use thereof for the purposes aforesaid." 

By an act passed February 19, 1800, that portion of the act of 1795 which 
made it obligatory for purchasers of lots to erect houses thereon ere becoming 
bona tide owners, was repealed; and lots previously forfeited on account of 
non-compliance in full with said law were allowed to be pre-empted by their 
former purchasers at the original price, provided application was made within 
twelve months from the passing of this act. The leniency here adopted was 
continued by subsequent enactments, thus making it easy for the first settlers 
of Erie to become owners of real estate. 

The first permanent American settlement effected on the site of Erie 
occurred in the spring of 1795, when Thomas Rees, w^ho had been appointed 
Deputy Surveyor of this land district on the 16th of May, 1792, pitched his 
tent near the mouth of Mill Creek, and begcin his labors in this field. The 



506 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

previous year he had done some surveying in this portion of the State, but on 
account of Indian threats, the undertaking was very hazardous, and the work 
was abandoned until 1795. Mr. Rees was a native of Northumberland Coun- 
ty, Penn., and was the agent of the Population Land Company, all its first 
sales being made by him at his tent upon the bank of Presque Isle Bay, the 
first real estate ofl&ce opened at Erie. While living in Erie, the Duke 
de Chartres, who subsequently became Louis Phillippe, King of France, 
made him a brief visit, accepting the rude but generous hospitality of 
Mr. Rees, with befitting dignity. On the 31st of March, 1796, he was 
appointed by Gov. Mifflin, Justice of the Peace for the district consist- 
ing of "the township of Mead, ia the county of Allegheny," which then 
embraced all of the territory now composing Crawford and Erie Counties. 
He was thus the first Justice of Erie County, his term of office being " so long 
as he shall live and behave himself well." In the fall of 1795, his wife joined 
him in his Western home. In 1796, he was succeeded by Judah Colt as agent 
of the Population Land Company, and became State Commissioner for the 
sale of lots, which position he held until 1806. Mr. Rees had obtained a 
large quantity of land in Harbor Creek Township, and thither he removed in 
1802. He divided his land into farms, since known as "Rees' Reserve," and 
here he died in May, 1848, having survived his wife some years. 

In the spring of 1795, a detachmeat of Wayne's army under the command 
of Capt. Russell Bissell, landed at Presque Isle, and began the erection of 
two block-houses on the high point east of Mill Creek, where the Wayne Block- 
House Monument now stands. The work was completed during 1795-96, and 
here December 15, of the latter year, Gen. Wayne closed his earthly career, 
one of the most brilliant in the annals of American history. 

Gens. William Irvine and Andrew Ellicott, the State Commissioners ap- 
pointed to lay out the town of Erie, arrived in June, 1795, accompanied by a 
corps of surveyors, and escorted by a company of State troops, commanded by 
Capt. John Grubb. This latter gentleman located permanently in Erie, and 
though subsequently settling on a farm, may be called the second settler of 
the town. Capt. Grubb and wife were noted as being the tallest couple in 
Erie County, He spent the balance of his life in the county, dying in June, 
1845, was one of the pioneer Justices, and an Associate Judge of Erie County 
for many years. 

Erie was laid out in three sections, each about one mile square, and 
extending from the bay south to Twelfth street. First section ran from 
Parade to Chestnut; second section from Chestnut to Cranberry; and third 
section from Cranberry to West street. The outlots extended south to Twen- 
ty sixth street, east to East avenue, west to the western boundary of the alms- 
house farm, and north to the bay of Presque Isle, thus embracing the whole 
face of the harbor from its entrance to within a short distance of " The 
Head," which was the intention of the Commissioners when laying out the 
town. An old map made by Col. Thomas Forster from the original surveys, 
presented by him to George A. Eliot, of Erie, and now in possession of his 
son, John Eliot, shows the original town as here described. The streets were 
laid off twenty rods apart, with State street running north and south as the 
center of first section, the streets west of State, and parallel with it, being 
named after trees, and those east of it after nationalities, excepting Parade, 
which was so called on account of starting from the old French fort or parade 
grounds. Parade street was almost identical with the old French road to Fort 
Le Boeuf , and for years was the only road leading into the town, except the lake 
road rom the east side of the county. The streets running parallel with the 



CITY OF ERIE. 509 

bay were numbered from one to twelve, though First street was called Front, 
and has since been known by that title. At the center of each section, a plot 
of land was reserved for public uses, and in first section was utilized for the 
court house, market house, etc. , throughout the earlier years of the county's 
history, and up until the erection of the present county building. 

Soon after the surveyors began their labors at Erie, another arrival is chron- 
icled, doubtless the most important during the pioneer history of the town. On 
the last day of June or 1st of July, 1795, Col. SethReed, with his wife Hannah, 
and sons Manning and Charles J., dropped anchor in the harbor and landed on 
the peninsula, thinking it more secure from lodian attack than the main land. The 
family had come from Buffalo, in a sail boat owned and operated by James 
Talmadge. The Colonel built a rude one-story log cabin, covered with bark, 
near the mouth of Mill Creek, and concluding that the settlement needed a 
public house, put up a sign as the " Presque Isle Hotel." This was the first 
house erected in Erie, and though insignificant in appearance, was provided 
"with plenty of good refreshments for all itinerants that chose to call. ' ' Mrs. 
Hannah Reed was the first white woman to locate at Erie, and as such her name 
deserves pex'petuation as the pioneer of her sex in this county. In September, 
1795, Col. Reed's sons, Rufus S. and George W., came to Erie, and with them 
Mrs. Thomas Rees and Mrs. J. Fairbanks. The following year the Colonel 
erected a large two-story log house on the southwest corner of Second and 
Parade streets, which he placed in charge of his son Rufus S. , who kept a tavern 
and store in it until 1799, when it was burned down. The next year, Rufus S. 
Reed rebuilt it, and for many years afterward carried on business at that place. 
Col Seth Reed removed to a farm on Walnut Creek, where he died March 19, 
1797, his widow surviving him until December 8, 1821. A lengthy sketch of 
the Reed family, from the pen of another historian will be found elsewhere in 
this work. 

The only settlers of 1795, besides those already mentioned, were James Baird 
and family. Doubtless, many persons came and went, but careful investigation 
has failed to find the names of any others who located here permanently during 
that year. 

On returning to the East, after the completion of their work as Commis- 
sionei's, Irvine and Ellicott were appointed State agents, in conjunction with 
George Wilson, for the sale of the lots in the towns they had laid out. The fol- 
lowing is a copy of their advertisement of the sales, printed in 1796: 

Agreeably to instructions from His Excellency, Thomas Mifflin, Governor of this 
Commonwealth, we shall offer tor sale the following town and outlets of Erie, Water- 
ford, Franklin and Warren, at the time and places hereafter specified, viz.: The sale 
of that portion of town and outlots of the several towns to be disposed of in the city 
of Philadelphia will commence on Monday, the25lh day of July next. That portion 
of the town and outlots of the several towns to be disposed of at Carlisle will com- 
mence at that borongii on Wednesday, the 3rd of August next; and the sale of that 
portion of the town and outlots of the said towns to be disposed of at Pittsburgh will 
commence at that borough on Monday, the 15th day of August next. 

William Irvink, 
Andkeav Ellicott, 
George Wilson, 

Agents. 

The following statement of prices paid by the Harrisburg & Presque Isle 
Land Company at the public sale of lots in the town of Erie, held at Carlisle 
on the 3d and 4th of August, 1796. will be of interest in this connection: 

INLOTS. 

No. 1359, corner Seventh and German .$ 7 

No. 140^^, Seventh, near Slate 18 

27 



510 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

No. 1996, Sixth, between German and Parade 8 

No. 2809, corner Fourth and Liberty 40 

No. 2810, corner Third and Liberty 41 

No. 2838, Third, near mouth of Cascade 21 

No. 3377, Second, corner Parade on road to Port 260 

No. 3292, cornel- Second and German 260 

No. 3420, corner Liberty on Lake 106 

FIVE-ACRE OUTLOTS. 

No. 277 $SS 

No. 278 33 

No. 283 49 

No. 378 56 

No. 418 45 

No. 519 50 

No. 523 57 

No. 565 69 

Lots No. 2045, 2046, 2047 and 2048, included in the block bounded by State, 
Peach, North Park Row and Fifth streets, were purchased at Carlisle in 1796, by- 
Thomas Huling, Thomas Forster and Alexander Berryhill, bringing respectively 
$152, $21, $70 and $112. Lot No. 2050. northwest corner of Sixth and Peach, 
now occupied by the residence of Mrs. Charles M. Reed, was bought at Phila- 
delphia, in 1796, by Alexander Addison for $34. Lots No. 2041, 2042, 2043 
and 2044, whereon the Reed and Ellsworth houses now stand, were purchased 
September 1, 1801, by Thomas Forster and David McNair, for $54, $30, $10 
and $21, respectively, Mr. McNair buying the two center lots and Mr. Forster 
the corner ones. Lot No. 2049, the site of the First Presbyterian Church, was 
bought by Thomas Hamilton August 3, 1801, for $30. 

Lots No. 1937, 1938, 1939 and 1940, lying between State. Peach and 
Seventh street and South Park Row, now occupied by the Dime Savings 
Bank, Park Presbyterian Church, etc., were purchased by Joseph Kratz, Jan- 
uary 23, 1806, for $110; and on the same date he bought Lots 3326 and 3327, 
corner of Fourth and State streets, for $88. Lots No. 1401 and 1402, west 
side of State street, between Seventh and Eighth, were purchased, the first one 
by Samuel Smith, March 23, 1802, for $30, and the other by Thomas Hughes, 
April 1, 1801, for $30. Lots No. 1399 and 1400, east side of State, between 
Seventh and Eighth streets were purchased, the first mentioned by William G. 
Sydnor, May 13, 1801, for $30, and the latter one by Abraham Smith, March 
23, 1802. at the same price. Lots No. 1287 and 1288, west side of State, 
between Eighth and Ninth streets, were purchased respectively by John Hay, 
for $54, and John Vincent, for $31, June 11, 1804. Lots No. 1289 and 1290, 
east side of State street between Eighth and Ninth, were purchased by Andrew 
Willock, May 25, 1801, for $30 each. Lots No. 727 and 728, east side of 
State street, between Ninth and Tenth, were purchased, the former by Samuel 
McKelvey, June 12, 1804, for $20, and the latter by John Lewis. March 30, 
1805, at the same figure. Lots No. 729 and 730, west side of State street, 
between Ninth and Tenth, were bought respectively by Joseph F. McCreary 
and Basil Hoskinson, the first June 15, 1804, for $20, and the latter June 12, 

1804, for the same price. Lots No. 735 and 736, on Peach street, between 
Ninth and Tenth, the site of the Erie Academy, were purchased August 15, 

1805, by Samuel McKelvey for $20 each. Lot No 753, northwest corner of 
Tenth and Sassafras, the site of St. Peter's Cathedral, was purchased by John 
Gray, June 27, 1815, for $20. Lot No. 1280, northwest corner of Peach and 
Ninth streets, the site of the Downing Block, was bought by John Leninger, 
July 23, 1804, for $30. Lot No. 1936, northwest corner of Peach and Seventh 
streets, the site of the Wetmore House, was purchased by Abraham Smith, 
March 23, 1802, for $25. 



CITY OF ERIE. 611 

There is doubtless a greater diflerence between the prices paid for out- 
lots when originally purchased and the value of the same ground to-day than 
there is between the inlots. For instance Outlot No. 375, located between 
Peach and Sassafras and Fourteenth and Fifteenth streets, and now the site 
of the Union Depot, was bought by David McNair, March 1, 1801, for $20. Mr. 
McKair also purchased on the sMue date, Outlot 370, bounded by Peach, Sas- 
safras. Fifteenth and Sixteenth streets at the same price; also Outlot 407, 
comprising the large block lying between Twelfth and Fourteenth and State 
and Peach streets for |25. On the 23d of November, 1805, William Wallace 
purchased Outlot No, 406 for $25, which also extends from Twelfth to Four- 
teenth, and from State to French streets. Joseph Kratz, purchased Outlot No. 
540, which lies in the eastern part of Erie, between Ninth and Tenth streets, 
January 23, 1806, for $20. 

There were 169 inlots and 33 oiitlots in Erie disposed of at Philadelphia, 
Carlisle and Pittsburgh in 1796, from which was realized in principal and 
interest $4,165.20. The prices paid for the inlots and outlots which are 
here given, may be taken as a fair estimate of those paid at the first sales as 
well as throughout the earlier years of the town's existence. For the benefit of 
cur readers, we will here state that a complete transcript of these original sales, 
from which we obtained our information is in the possession of J. y\\ Wet- 
more, of Erie, the same book containing the date of first sale, name of pur- 
chaser and price paid for e'^'ory inlot in the first section of Erie, from 1 
to 8381, and every outlot from 1 to 604; also a similar record of the first 
sales made in the second section of the town. 

The settlement and building up of Erie was now but a matter of time, and 
in 1796 we find Capt. Daniel Dobbins casting his fortunes with the little ham- 
let, followed in 1798 by William Wallace, and in 1799, by Jonas Duncan and 
John Teel, Jonas Duncan was among the very first carpenters and joiners 
who came to Erie; he arrived in 1799, and brought his apprentice, John Teel, 
with him, who proved a fixture, and for over half a century, the leading car- 
penter and joiner of the place; he died a few years since, respected and 
esteemed. From that year until 1815 the following are believed to have be- 
come residents of the place: Col. Thomas Forster, John Gillespie, Thomas 
Hughes, Thomas Wilson, Eobert Irwin, John Gray, Richard Clemment, Judah 
Colt, Capt. John Richards, John Wilson, John Cummins, Mary O'Neill, Rob- 
ert Knox, Stephen Wolverton, Giles Sanford, William Lattimore, W. W. Reed, 
John Dickson, Capt. William Lee, David Cook, P. S. V. Hamot, Gen. John 
Kelso, Barnabes McCue, Thomas Wilkins, George Gossett, Basil Hoskinson, 
George Landon, Holmes Reed, Hugh Cunningham, William Lamberton, Ar- 
chibald McSparren, James Duncan, George Leninger, Willard Cotton, Thomas 
Laird, Joseph Kratz, Mrs, Silverthorn, Robert L. Curtis. Marmaduke Curtis, 
John Lewis, George Schantz, Samuel Hays, Robert Hays, John McDonald, 
James Sydnor, Robert Brotherton, Jonathan Stratton, James Wilson, George 
Moore, Thomas Large, Robert Brown, Collender Irvine, Robert Large, Jona- 
than Baird, Isaac Austin, B. Rice, Amos Fisk, Peter Grawotz, George Bueh- 
ler, Thomas Stewart, John E. Lapsley, John Hay, Rufus Clough, David Mc- 
Nair, Ezekiel Dunning John Woodside, John Miller, James McConkey, 
William Bell, John C. Wallace, Thomas H. Sill, Jacob Spong and Rev. 
Robert Reid. Doubtless, there may have been a few others who came 
during that period, but whose names are " lost mid the rubbish of forgot- 
ten things." Many of those pioneers had families, and the children are 
often better remembered than the parents, whose energies were spent in build- 
ing up homes for those who came after them. While some of those mentioned 



512 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

became prominent in t,he affairs of the count}' or State, and are duly recognized 
throughout this history for the work which they accomplished, little is known 
of others, only that they here settled, lived and died, leaving no record of their 
often adventurous lives. 

Some of their names we find connected with the early lake navigation, 
building boats through which to carry on a commercial business with the older 
settlements. In 1799, Capt. William Lee and Rufus S. Reed, built a boat 
called the " Good Intent " at the mouth of Mill Creek; and in 1800 Eliphalet 
Beebe built the "Harlequin." In 1805, the schooner '"Mary" was constructed 
at Erie, and owned by Thomas Wilson, while many other boats purchased from 
time to time by citizens of Erie, prominent among whom were Rufus S. Reed 
and Capt. Daniel Dobbins, added much to the commercial prosperity of the 
town. 

By the act of March 12, 1800, which erected several counties out of terri- 
tory previously embraced in Allegheny, Erie was designated as the seat of 
justice for Erie County. For three years the county was attached to Craw- 
ford, but on the 2d of April, 1803, a separate and distinct organization was 
effected. The court met at the hotel of George Buehler, which stood on the 
corner of French and Third streets, subsequently known as the " McConkey 
House," and the headquarters of Commodore Perry, while building his 
fleet in 1813. 

The war of 1812 is treated of in a previous chapter, and a detailed 
account is given of Erie's connection with that eventful period; yet we think it 
appropi'iate to here mention the fact that the gunboats Porcupine, Tigress and 
Scorpion, were built at the mouth of Lee's Run, afterward the site of the 
"Navy Yard," and subsequently occupied by the canal bed; while the Law- 
rence, Niagara and Ariel were constructed at the mouth of the Big Cascade, the 
present site of the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad docks. Perry's victory brought 
a feeling of safety to Erie, that it had not known since the beginning of this 
struggle against tyranny, and his victorious return to the town was hailed 
with the wildest enthusiasm. All classes vied with each other in paying the 
youthful hero due honor, and the streets of the little borough resounded with 
the boom of cannon and the glad shouts of rejoicing. In fact, throughout this 
period, Erie was a kind of military camp, but with the close of the war the life 
of the town again settled down to peaceful avocations. 

SCRAPS OP HISTORY. 

A custom prevailed in Erie prior to 1810, which required every man to 
spend each Saturday afternoon in grubbing out stumps from the streets. 
There was also an ordinance in operation until June, 1846, requiring every 
man who got on a spree to dig three stumps from the highway, as a penalty 
for each similar offense against the morals of the town. We are not aware how 
far intemperance was checked through this ordinance, but may safely conclude, 
that though, doubtless, having a salutary effect upon those addicted to the vice, 
men's appetites then as now cannot be eradicated by force or stringent laws. 

In 1813, there was a fine drive on the sand beach of the bay, from State 
street to the mouth of Big Cascade. This drive had been used for several 
years, and was a favorite one among those who were so fortunate as to possess 
a^saddle horse or turnout. 

In 1812, the hotels were one on the corner of Third and French, kept by 
Thomas Rees, Jr. ; one on the corner of Fifth and French, by James Duncan, 
known as the Globe Hotel, which he was still running in 182G; the old stone 
on the corner of State and South Park Row, by Robert Brown, who erected it 



CITY OF ERIE. 513 

in 1811, opened it as the American House in the fall of 1812 and kept it till 
1829, being succeeded by Joseph Y. Moorehead who carried on the tavern for 
several years. Thomas Laird had a hotel in 1812, on the corner of Eighth 
and State; and soon after the war closed John Dickson built a tavern on the 
corner of Second and French, known as the Steamboat House, which he carried 
on for many years, as in June, 1825, Lafayette was here entertained at a 
grand banquet given in honor of his visit. The old hotel erected by George 
Buehler on the corner of French and Third was used by Commodore Perry as 
headquarters during his stay at Erie. It was at that time occupied, and long 
afterward carried on by Thomas Kees, Jr. 

An old landmark that will be well remembered by the older inhabitants of 
Erie, was the " Bell House," erected in the fall of 1805, on the corner of Sixth 
and French streets. The builder was John Teel, and the owner William Bell, 
who occupied it as a store and residence in the spring of 1806. In the winter 
of 1812-13, it was opened as a hotel, but in a short time Fox and Bailey 
bought out the stock of Mr. Bell's store, who died in December, 1813, and oc- 
cupied the whole building till 1819, when they returned to the East. It was 
then opened as a hotel by William Hughes, an Irishman of fine education, who, 
having been an actor in his youth, organized a dramatic company among the 
young men of the borough, and gave exhibitions in a building that stood on 
French, between Third and Fourth streets. John W. Bell succeeded Hughes 
in the hotel, and a Mr. Jennings organized the first dancing class of the vil- 
lage in this building. It was used successively by George Selden, Thomas G. 
Colt & Co., John C. Beebe and S. Smyth as a business place; but in 1871 it 
was torn down to make room for the Becker Block. 

The South Erie Hotel was built by Nathan McCammons, on the corner of 
Peach and Twenty-sixth streets, in the winter of 1817-18. It was purchased 
by Capt. John Justice in April, 1821, and in 1824 passed into the hands of 
James Parks, and was subsequently kept by George Kelly, Abraham Shank, 
M. B. Mills, James Gray, John Willey, George Tabor and others. Diiring 
the speculation of 1837, this property sold for $17,500. There were also hotels 
kept at various times on Federal Hill by George Moore, Thomas Laird, Ira 
Glazier, George Kelly, Thomas Childs, N. M. Manly, Simeon Dunn and others. 

Another early tavern was Ryan's, located at the elbow of the Bufifalo road, 
near John Saltzman's, and afterward kept by a Mr. Taggart. It was a great 
stopping place, and will, doubtless, be vividly remembered by many of our 
readers. 

Two hotels of a later day than some of those mentioned were the Farmers 
Hotel, built by James Duncan on the corner of Fifth and French in 1820, 
which is yet (1883) standing, and the Park House, erected by John Morris, for 
a residence, in 1829, on the corner of Peach and South Park Eow. 

The court house, Mr. Hughes' house on Seventh street, and Mr. Hamot's, 
on German, north of Second street, were the only brick buildings in Erie in 
1820; while Giles Sanford & Co., P. S. V. Hamot, C. & S. Brown, Wright & 
Kellogg and George Selden were the only merchants. 

The total borough tax in 1820, as shown by the duplicate of that year, 
was $175.20. Eufus S. Eeed stood highest in vahiation of real estate, viz., 
$6,798, followed bv the heirs of John Kelso with $3,740; P. S. V. Hamot, 
$3,120; Judah Colt, $2,940; John W. Bell, $2,052; Giles Sanford, $2,012; 
Thomas Laird, $1,579; Samuel Hays, $1,552; Benjamin Wallace, $1,461; 
heirs of William Wallace. $985; Thomas H. Sill, $730. The corner where 
the Dime Savings Bank stands, with the buildings then occupying it, was val- 
ued at $1,600; the four lots occupied by the Reed and Ellsworth Hotels at 



514 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

^656; the Teel House, with two lots, corner of Peach and Ninth streets, at 
$290; house and two lots corner of Seventh ami Sassafras, at $49; Farmers' 
Hotel, $587; lot corner French and Second, $850; Capt. Dobbins' house aud 
lot, $575; two lots of George A. Eliot, corner of Peach and Sixth, $300; the 
lot on which Caster's and Murphy's stores stand, $150; house and two lots on the 
northeast corner of State and Tenth, $164; sixteen lots, corner of Twelfth and 
Parade, on the west side of the latter street, $64; thirty-two lots north of 
these, $17'2; the lots on which Rosenzweig's block, Rindernecht's and others 
stand, were purchased by John Warren in 1824 for $300. Tax was then col- 
lected by the High Constable, but the reader can readily discover from the 
amount of borough tax collected in 1820 that his duties were not very arduous. 

On the 23d of March, 1823, the court house, with all its contents, was 
destroyed by lire. It stood in the West Park, a little north of the soldiers' 
monument, and was built in 1808. A new court house was erected on the 
same site and finished in the spring of 1825. The bell that hung in the 
cupola of this latter building originally belonged to the British ship Detroit, 
captured by Commodore Perry in the battle of Lake Erie. It was transferred 
to the United States brig Niagara, where it did service until 1823, when it 
was placed in the navy yard at the mouth of Lee's Run, in Erie. In 1825, the 
navy yard was abandoned and the material sold at auction, Rufus S. Reed 
purchased this bell, and again sold it to the county. It did good service un- 
til the purchase of the bell for the presimt court house in 1854, when it was 
stolen, but recovered in a few months, and subsequently bought by the city 
authorities. The present tine building on Sixth street, west o". Peach, was 
com])leted and occupied in May, 1855. 

Rufus S. Reed built the Mansion House in 1826. It was lonof the leading: 
hotel of Erie, but on the 22d of February, 1839, the town was visited by the 
most destructive fire that had yet occurred, and the Mansion House, together 
with all the outbuildings, containing stage coaches, horses, etc., also several 
frame houses and stores, were consumed. It was all the property of Mr. 
Reed, excepting the stages, stock, etc., which was principally owned by the 
Messrs. Hart and Bird. With his usual energy and public spirit, Mr. Reed 
covered the burnt district with a new hotel, known as the Reed House, which 
was burned in March, 1864, rebuilt, and again destroyed by fire in Septem- 
ber, 1872, the present elegant structure succeeding the last fire. 

Another event of 1826 was the organization of " The Active Fire Com- 
pany of Erie," on the 22d of February, Washington's birthday. It was the 
pioneer fire company of Erie, and included in its roll of membership nearly 
all the male residents of the borough who were old enough to be of any assist- 
ance. 

The first steamboat built at Erie, the " William Penn," was launched at 
the Cascade May 18, 1826, and commenced its regular lake business in August 
of that year, John F. Wright, master. 

The revenue cutter, Benjamin Rush, was built at Erie, about 1825, by Capt. 
John Richards, and intended for service on the upper lakes. In March, 1833, 
the cutter Erie was launched at Reed's dock, and placed in charge of Capt. 
Daniel Dobbins, who also was the second commaneler of the Benjamin Rush. 

Gen. C. M. Reed built the steamboat Pennsylvania at the foot of Sassafras 
street, and launched her in July, 1833. He also constructed the Thomas Jef- 
ferson in 1834, and the James Madison, in 1837, at the same yard; and in 
1840, he built the Missouri. 

The ill-fated steamer Erie was built by the Erie Steamboat Company, at 
the foot of French street in 1837, and in 1841 burned on Lake Erie with ter- 
rible loss of life. 



CITY OF ERIE. 515 

The United States gunboat Michigan was brought to Erie, in sections, 
from Pittsburgh, put together and launched on the 9th of November, 1843. 
It was accepted and commissioned by the Govei'nment August 15, 1814, and 
is the only vessel of war on the chain of lakes. 

In the fall of 1828, Joshua Beers opened a store in the brick block pre- 
viously erected by him on the northeast corner of State street and North Park 
Row, then a deep ravine and quagmire. The same year. Dr. C. F. Perkins put in 
a stock of drugs in one of the rooms of the Beers Block. It was a business much 
needed in Erie at that time, and the Doctor's enterprise was thoroughly appre- 
ciated by the people among whom he spent the balance of his days. 

The Erie Bank, the first banking institution opened in the town, began bus- 
iness in January, 1829. It was organized principally through the influence of 
Rufus S. Reed, who was its President, with P. S. V. Hamot as Cashier. 

In 1835, Hiram L. Brown purchased of Joshua Beers the brick block 
erected in 1827-28, and in the spring of 1836 opened the Eagle Hotel. He 
carried on the hotel business in that building until its destruction by fire 
April 1, 1851. Mr. Brown immediately erected a five-stor}^ structure on the 
site of the old building. This house was kept by Mr. Brown until his death in 
Marcn, 1853. It was long called Brown's Hotel, but since coming into the 
possession of Col. Ellsworth has been known as the Ellsworth House. The 
Colonel sold the property early in the summer of 1883, since which time it 
has not been in operation as a hotel. 

In 1832, the third section of Erie, both in and outlots, was donated by the 
commonwealth to the borough, divided into fifty acre lots and sold to the high- 
est bidder, excepting 100 acres located in the southwest corner of said section, 
which was reserved for an almshouse farm. The money obtained from this 
sale had to be used in building piers and wharves, and constnicting a canal 
basin in the bay of Presque Isle. 

The borough was authorized, in 1835, to borrow $50,000 for the purpose of 
furnishing a water supply for the town, but the project was never carried out. 
In 1841, water was brought from a spring a mile or two distant, through wood- 
en pipes, each consumer to pay 11 rate for his supply. These were the first 
water works that Erie possessed, and, doubtless, were of much service in fur- 
nishing the borough with good water. 

In 1834, the borough limits were extended into the bay 1,300 feet, and 
four years afterward the sale of one row of water lots in the second section was 
authorized, to pay the expense of grading and improving the streets in said 
section. 

The year 1836 is especially noted on account of the reckless speculation 
that prevailed throughout the country. Erie was no exception to the rule, 
and its sales of real estate during the month of February, 1836, exceeded 
$1,000,000, Eastern capitalists and speculators being the principal purchasers. 
The leading cause of this speculating mania at Erie, and the sudden rise in 
the prices of real estate, was the passage of the Canal and United States 
Bank bills. Values at once leaped upward, and in one week of March, 1836, 
the sales of Erie lots amounted to over $1,500,000. A piece of ground, 
which sold in February for $10,000, was repurchased the following March, by 
a company at Buffalo, for $50,000. These enormous prices could not last 
long, and npon the failure of the United States Bank, in 1840, they rajDidly 
declined until the depression in real estate was so great that it could scarely 
be disposed of at any price, and was actually "a drug on the market." 
The local newspapers earnestly encouraged the speculation in every way, and a 
species of reckless extravagance seized upon all classes, only to be dispelled 



516 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

when the victims awoke from their dream to find, in many cases, instead of 
riches, that the earnings of years had been swept away. 

In 1837, Lieut. T. S. Brown, of the United States Engineers, made a re- 
survey of the first section, by authority of the borough, and established the 
corners of the street crossings. The map of Erie, prepared at the time by A. 
G. Steers, from Lieut. Brown's surveys, may be found in the City Engineer's 
ofiice. It shows the passage which then existed through the west end. of tlie 
peninsula, and connecting Lake Erie with the Bay of Presque Isle, also many 
other points of interest relating to the plat of the town at that date. 

The large building on State street, known as the Custom House, was erect- 
ed, in 1837, by the United States Bank, for a branch of that institution, as 
also the residence adjoining, for a cashier's home. The parent bank failed 
in 1840, and the Erie branch went down with it. The bank building was 
purchased by the Government, for a custom house, in 1849, for the sum of 
$29,000. It is a fine brick structure, faced with marble, containing marble 
steps and columns, its architecture being of the Grecian temple oi'der. 

At a meeting held early in 1846, it was resolved to plant the public 
square with trees. B. B. Vincent, Elisha Babbit, W. C. Lester and C. Mc- 
Sparren, were appointed a committee to co-operate with the town au.thorities. 
The project was carried out, and, June 2, 1846, a meeting of congratulation 
was held in front of the Eeed House, because the square had been adorned 
and beautified by the planting of shade trees, which to-day are one of the 
principal ornaments of Erie. The square had been previously known as the 
" Diamond," but at this meeting it was resolved to call it ''Perry Square'' 
in honor of the victor of Lake Erie. It was also resolved at this meeting to 
erect a monument to Commodore Perry, but this and all other efforts in that 
direction came to naught, and even the parks do not bear his name, so soon 
are the dead forgotten. 

The Erie Extension Canal was finished to the bay in the fall of 1844, and 
December 5, the R. S. Reed, loaded with coal, and the passenger packet, 
Queen of the West, arrived, amid general rejoicing, on a through trip from the 
Ohio River. The canal ceased operations in 1872, and has since been aban- 
doned. 

The Erie & Northeast Railroad was the pioneer road built to Erie, its first 
train arriving January 10, 1852. It subsequently became a part of the Lake 
Shore & Michigan Southern, one of the great trunk lines of the United 
States. 

By the act of March 10, 1848, the borough limits were extended so as to em- 
brace the territory bounded on the east by Ash, south by Eighteenth, and west 
by Liberty streets, the northern boundary being the north shore of the peninsula, 
"the jurisdiction of the corporate authorities being extended to the island of 
Presque Isle." Erie was divided into the East and Westwards in 1840, State 
street being the dividing line. On the 14th of April, 1851, a city charter was 
granted, and a city government took the place of the old order of things. In 
1858, the city was divided into four wards, and so remained for twelve years. 
Under the act of February 25, 1870, another extension of the city limits oc- 
curred, running south to the southern line of the reserve tracts, which are 
about 1,900 feet south of Twenty-sixth street; east, 1,770 feet east of East 
avenue; and west to Cranberry street. Two more wards were erected at that 
time, and, since then, no change has taken place in the corporate limits of the 
city. 

The official census of 1820, the first one taken separate from the township 
of Mill Creek, gave Erie 635 inhabitants. Since that time its growth has been 





LucRETiA Bowman 

( DECEASED J 



CITY OF ERIE. 519 

as follows: 1830, 1,329; 1840, 3,412; 1850,5,858; i860, 9,419; 1870, 
19,516 ; 1880, 27,757; and at the present it contains an estimated population 
of 35,000. 

The following items may be of interest as matters of history, showing price 
of wood, stone and brick at certain dates: On the 24th of September, 1835, 
the County Commissioners contracted for one hundred cords uf ' ' good, dry, 
haz'd wood," at $1.12J^ per cord. Subsequent contracts were made as follows: 
$1.50 per cord in 1837; $1.45 in 1841; $1.25 in the fall of 1841; $1.06| in the 
fall of 1842. 

A contract was made by the County Commissioners on the 27th of October, 
1829, for twenty to eighty cords of stone at $5 per cord. 

David Kennedy, on the date last mentioned, offered to furnish one hundred 
thousand brick for the proposed new jail at $3.25 per thousand. This offer was 
thought to be too high and was not accepted. The brick for the court house 
were furnished, in 1852, by Daniel Youngs, at $3.87|^ per thousand. 



CHAPTER II. 

General Description and Progress. 

THE city of Erie is located on a gentle slope extending south about two 
miles and a half from the bay of Presque Isle. The elevations of the 
bank along the bay front, beginning at Parade street and running west on 
Second, areas follows: Parade street, 19 feet; German, 58 feet; Holland, 59 
feet; French, 58 feet; State, 56 feet; Peach, 59 feet; Sassafras, 63 feet; Myrtle, 
63 feet; Chestnut, 67 feet; Walnut, 70 feet; Cherry, 50 feet; Poplar, 61 feet; 
and Liberty, 70 feet. Beginning at Second street and running south on State, 
the following elevations are given on the map in the water office: Second 
street, 56 feet; Third, 65 feet; Fourth, 71 feet; Fifth, 75 feet; Sixth. 77 feet; 
Seventh, 82 feet; Eighth, 85 feet; Ninth, 88 feet; Tenth, 90 feet; Eleventh, 
93 feet; Twelfth, 95 feet. The valley of Mill Creek now coming in on State, 
we will cross over to Peach street, where Thirteenth street has an elevation 
above the bay of 100 feet; Fourteenth, 104 feet; Sixteenth, 120 feet; Eighteenth, 
126 feet; Twenty- first, 144 feet; Twenty. second, 157 feet; and Twenty-fifth, 
194 feet, while the bottom of the reservoir on Twenty-sixth street is 210 feet 
above the surface of Presque Isle Bay. 

The town site was originally covered with a dense growth of timber, and 
divided into water-sheds by the following streams: Garrison Run, Mill Creek, 
Lee's Run, Little and Big Cascade Runs, and Ichabod Run, along each of which 
deep ravines extended, affording first class facilities for drainage. Ail of these 
streams emptied into the bay except Ichabod Run, which was a tributary of 
Mill Creek, and once furnished motive power for a brewery, distillery and 
woolen factory. In the improvement of the city, it was taken into the sewer on 
Seventeenth street, and is now out of sight. The sewer on Sassafras street took 
in the head- waters of Lee's Run, the main body of the stream having disap- 
peared with the building of the canal. Ad immense ravine ran across the parks 
in first section, from their southwest corner to the Ellsworth House, traces of 
which can be seen at Second and other streets. People passed from one side 
of the town to the other by going into the ravine and crossing a foot bridge 



620 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

that spanned a stream of water which ran down to the bay. This ravine was 
gradually tilled up with the growth of the town, and the court house was built 
over it where it crossed the West Park. 

Erie, originally, was nearly all at the mouth of Mill Creek, and travelers 
entered it by Parade and East Sixth streets, the latter intersecting the lake 
road near the eastern limits of the town. From Mill Creek, Erie gradually 
extended up Second. Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth streets to French. On 
the 29th of March, 1805, the General Assembly passed an act erecting the 
first section into a borough, and the little settlement was now on a fair i*oad 
to prosperity. In 1808, William Davidson was paid $42 for clearing the tim- 
ber off the public square, which at a subsequent day the Town Council saw was 
an error, and again planted in trees. The growth of Erie reached State street 
in a few years, for we find Robert Brown erecting a stone hotel on the south- 
west corner of State and South Park Row, the site of the Dime Savings Bank, 
in 1811; and there were also thinly scattered settlements which in after years 
adopted local names, such as Cloughsburg, Stumptown, New Jerusalem, King- 
town, Federal Hill, Marvintown and South Erie. 

Cloughsburg was named after Rufus Clough, a blacksmith, who located on 
the southwest corner of Sixth and Parade streets, opened a blacksmith shop 
and subsequently a grocery. The neighborhood, embracing from the creek to 
Parade street and immediate vicinity, was a lively place sixty years ago. The 
house of Charles M. Lynch, was the residence of Maj. Clough during the 
latter part of his career. 

Stumptown grew up during the war of 1812, when troops were callel to 
Erie in the extreme cold weather of January, 1814. A large number of cabins 
were built by them for quarters, extending from Peach street to the gully of 
Lee's Run, and that part of Erie was known, as late as 1825, by the name of 
Stumptown. 

New Jerusalem was christened by William Himrod, who in 1828-29 bought 
a large number of lots west of Sassafras and north of Sixth street. At that 
time, there were but two families living west of Lee's Run north of Sixth 
Htreet, excepting down upon the bank of the bay, where there were a few scat- 
tering houses. Mr. Himrod, who resided on the northwest corner of French 
and Second streets, seems to have been a Bible student, as he called his own 
home " Jericho," because as he said it was on the side of a hill, and upon lay- 
ing off his new purchase named it "New Jerusalem." It has been claimed 
that it was so named from the fact that many of the purchasers of lots were 
Jews, while Mrs. Gallagher says "the name of New Jerusalem was given to 
it because it was so hard to get to. " However, every purchaser had to build 
and occupy a house in New Jerusalem as one of the conditions of sale, there- 
fore the addition soon became a bustling place, but with the course of time as 
the town spread out, these local names gradually went out of use. 

Kingtown was laid out by Alfred King, on some outlots owned by him a 
little southeast of " Garrison Ground," a spot around which clusters many of 
the earliest historical events of Northwestern Pennsylvania. 

Federal Hill is the summit of the hill in South Erie, a name given to it by 
George Moore, on account of the large number of " Fedex-als " who resided 
there. It was quite a settlement as early as the war of 1812, and there were 
several public houses and stores located at that point. One of the hotels was 
the "American Eagle," f)'om which it also came to be known as Eagle Village. 
The village was a great stopping place for travelers, being the terminus of the 
Waterford pike and Ridge road. It was long the voting place of Mill Creek 
Township, and fifty years ago a mile of woods lay between there and Erie. 



CITV OF ERIE. 521 

Among those who resided on "Federal Hill " were George Moore, Capt. John 
Justice, Ira G»lazier, Dr. P. Faulkner, John Sweeney, Simeon Dunn, Dr. Plara 
Thayer and other well-known citizens. 

Maiwintowu was the home of Elisha Marvin, who lived at the " Sennett 
place," near the junction of Parade street andtheWattsburg road, had splen- 
did grounds, and owned most of the land around. Being the intersection of 
two roads, a small village sprang into esi-stence, and in 1852-53 Mr. INLarvin 
employed Samuel Low to lay out the land in lots. The lots were sold princi- 
pally to Germans, and finally Mr. Marvin disposed of his home to Mr. Sennett. 

South Erie grew up in consequence of the building of the Lake Shore 
Railroad, which was finished to Erie January 10, 1852, and then called the 
Erie & Northeast Railroad, but subsequently became a part of the Lake 
Shore & Michigan Southern line. Much of it was owned by Maj. David Mc- 
Nair, who lived close to his brewery on Turnpike street. He erected the latter 
in 1815, added a distillery in 1823, and a grist mill in 1827. South E)'ie was 
incorporated as a borough in 1866, and became a part of Erie by the extension 
of the latter in 1870. The interests of all these local points were identical 
with those of Erie, and they were, we might say, suburban villages of the lat- 
ter during its different periods of growth, to be absorbed and lost sight of 
with the extension of the city limits. 

Few cities of the West can compare with Erie in its numerous attractions, 
and around none center a deeper historic interest. It is nearly three miles 
from east to west, and two from north to south, containing thirty streets each 
way, or 150 miles of city highways. All streets running north and south are 
the property of the State, and no person can ever gain an ownership in them; 
also all east and west streets south to Twelfth; but those between Twelfth and 
Twenty-sixth streets, running east and west, were taken from the outlots as 
originally laid out. East avenue and Twenty-sixth street were formed from 
the gores resulting from lack of agreement in subsequent surveys, growing out 
of a change in the variation of the needle. The twelve outlots between Twen- 
ty-sixth and Twenty-eighth streets, and Parade and East aveuue, were laid out 
by Col. Thomas Forster, without authority, but his survey was afterward legal- 
ized by the State Legislature. Railroad street, on the west side of the cattle 
yards of the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, running southeast to the city limits 
from East avenue on the west side of said 'railroad laud, was granted to the 
city, on account of the rail''oad company being exempted from liability of 
their lands being crossed by east and west streets south of the Buffalo road. 
State, Parade, Sixth, Tenth and Twelfth streets are 100 feet in width, and the 
balance principally sixty, though some run under, and portions of others over 
that figure. 

Twenty years ago, a great share of the business was done around the parks. 
The Reed House, Brown's Hotel, American House and Park House, as well as 
the largest stores, were there, but with the passing years the business center 
has gradually moved south on State street, which is now considered the most 
valuable portion of Erie, and the principal thoroughfare of the city. It is sub- 
stantially paved, and lined on either side with tine business blocks, some of 
which would do credit lo a city of metropolitan pretensions. Besides State 
street, which is paved from Front to Turnpike, the following parts of the sev- 
eral streets here named have pavements: Peach, from Second to Twenty-sixth; 
French, from Front to Tenth; Parade, from Sixth to Eighteenth; Turnpike, 
from State to Peach; North and South Park Rows; Fourth, from State to Sas 
safras; Fifth, from State to French; Sixth, from the park east to Parade with 
stone, and west to Walnut with asphalt; Ninth, from French to Peach with 



522 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

stone, and from Peach to Chestnut with asphalt; Eleventh, from State to Pa- 
rade; and Twelfth, from State to Peach. Streets running east and west are 
numbered from State, with all odd numbers on the south side of the street, 
while those running north and south are numbered from Front, with the odd 
nimibers on the east side of the street. Between every street there are 100 
numbers, so that a stranger will have no difficulty in finding the location of 
any given number in Erie. 

Visitors coming to the city for the first time are impressed by the activity 
in every department of business. After reaching the fine Union Depot, located 
on Peach street, between Fourteenth and Fifteenth, the business portion of 
Erie branches out toward the north and south, extending from Twenty-sixth 
street to the bay, and presenting a very substantial appearance. Where State 
street intersects Park Row are two handsome public parks, extending east and 
west to French and Peach streets, and from North to South Park Row, afford- 
ing a delightful promenade and resting-place during the summer months. 
These parks are cut into artistic designs by asphalt walks, terminating at a 
beautiful fountain in the center of each. These fountains were made in 
Philadelphia, and erected in 1868 at a total cost of $3,237.98. 

In the West Park and facing State street, is the Monument, erected 
" In memory of the soldiers and sailors from Erie County who gave their lives 
to save the Union.'' The bronze group consists of a soldier and sailor, stand- 
ing side by side, mutually supporting the National flag, which hangs in grace- 
ful folds between them, tJae foot of the staff resting upon the ground, the right 
hand of the soldier grasping it, while his left is holding his rifle en traile. 
The sailor stands with his left foot upon a coil of rope, his right hand grasping 
the pommel of his sword, the point of which is placed upi)n the ground, while 
his left hand carelesslj^ rests upon the right, the scene representing the mutual 
relation of these forces in sustaining the one flag. This group stands upon a 
granite pedestal, eight feet square by twelve feet high, from the marble works 
of Hallowell, Me., while the statuary was executed by the Ames Company, of 
Chicopee, Mass., after a design by Ball. The work was completed in the fall 
of 1872, and cost about $10,000. On the west side of the pedestal is inscribed 
the following memorable quotation from Lincoln's speech at Gettysburg: "We 
here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this na- 
tion, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that the government 
of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the 
earth." Immediately south of the monument is a handsome drinking fount- 
ain, presented to the city in 1883 by George D. Selden, while across State 
street, in the East Park, stands a neat band pagoda, and as a whole these parks 
add much to the beauty of Erie. 

The portion removed from the business centers of the city contains many 
handsome private residences, with beautiful grounds surrounding them. Most 
of the streets are well shaded by forest trees, and laid out iu boulevards, the 
well-kept grassy plats stretching along either side of the street, together with 
wide, substantially paved sidewalks, renders Erie a very desirable place of 
residence. 

Among the many fine buildings in the city, public and private, may be 
mentioned the Court House and Jail, the Union Depot, the Marine Hospital, 
the Custom House, St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum, St. Vincent's Hospital, Home 
for the Friendless, the First Presbyterian Church, First Methodist Episcopal 
Church, Park Presbyterian Church, St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, 
St. Mary's Catholic Church and Benedictine Academy, and St. Peter's Catholic 
Cathedral, which has been in process of erection for several years, and when 



CITY OF ERIE. 523 

completed will be an edifice second to none in this portion of Pennsylvania. 
Those of a private character principally noteworthy are the Reed House, Scott's 
Block, Downing Block, Park Opera House, Ellsworth House, Dime Bank build- 
ing, Noble Block, Ro.senzweig's block, Jarecki Block, Becker Block, Walther's 
Block, Hays Block, and numerous others, which all contribute largely to the 
architecture of the city. The public schools and extensive manufacturing es- 
tablishments scattered throughout Erie might also be mentioned in this con- 
nection, but as the churches, schools, charitable institutions, county buildings 
and leading manufactories are fully written up under their respective heads, 
either in the county or city history, we refer tlae reader to those separate arti- 
cles for the history of their beginning, growth and present prosperity. 

The city is supplied with good newspapers, many of which have attained 
large circulation, and are recognized as strong factors in molding public 
opinion. They are as follows: 

Erie Gazette, weekly and Sunday morning. Weekly established by Joseph 
M. Sterrett in 1820. Sunday established 1875, Republican, W. G. McKean, 
publisher. 

Erie Observer, daily and weekly, R. B. Brown editor and proprietor. 
Democratic. Weekly established by T. B. Barnum, 1830. The Evening Ob- 
server was started by Mr. Brown October 15, 1881. 

Erie daily and weekly Dispatch, J. R. Willard & Co. , proprietors. Repub- 
lican. Established as weekly at Waterford, 1851; removed to Erie in 1856; 
the daily was first issued at Erie, 1861, but it lasted only a brief period. In 
1864, it was again started and has since been issued regularly. 

Lake Shore Visitor, Catholic weekly, Rev. Thomas A. Casey, editor. Es- 
tablished 1872. 

Erie Advertiser, weekly, John M. Glazier, editor and proprietor; independ- 
ent. Established April 1, 1876. 

Erie Evening Herald and Dollar Weekly. Herald Printing and Publish- 
ing Company, proprietors, Democratic. Established July, 1878. 

Erie Sunday Graphic, Jacob Bender, editor and proprietor; independent. 
Established in May, 1880. 

The Star of Liberty is a monthly, established by H. R. Storrs, editor and 
proprietor, April 1, 1882. 

Zuschauer, weekly, German, F. G. Gorenflo, editor and proprietor; Repub- 
lican. Established 1852. 

Leuchtthurm, daily and weekly, German, Otto Luedicke, proprietor; inde- 
pendent. Weekly established in 1860; daily, October 5, 1875. 

Jornal de Noticias, weekly, Portuguese, A. M. Vincent, editor; independent. 
Established October 27, 1877. 

The Sonntagsgast, Sunday, German; established May 15, 1881, by Frank 
Weiss & Co. ; independent. 

The excellent situation of Erie is a subject of remark, and the general 
health is much above cities of similar population. The sewerage of the city 
has received considerable attention since 1868, aod much intelligence and money 
have been directed toward its perfection. The public sewers take up about 
twenty miles of pipe. New improvements are being constantly made, and the 
city's sanitary condition is ably looked after by Dr. E. W. Germer, its present 
eificient health officer. Nuisances detrimental to the health of the people are 
promptly dealt with and soon become a thing of the past. 

The city is lighted by 425 gas lamps, the luminous power of each being de- 
scribed as nineteen candle power, from which we can safely infer that Erie 
possesses well-lighted streets, and that she is fairly abreast with the progres- 
sive spirit of the age. 



524 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Throughout the city are distributed 213 tire hydrants, and forty- three miles 
of water mains. In connection with this we might here state, that Erie is 
furnished with a first class fire departiuient, which, together Avith its incompara- 
ble water supply, insures efficient service in saving property and fighting that 
fiery element of destruction, that has proven such a terror in so many poorly 
protected cities. 

HOTELS AND PUBLIC HALLS. 

While there are a great many hotels in the city, they differ widely in the 
character of their accommodations, but for the classes to which they cater prob- 
ably no city is better supplied. For the benefit of the commercial class, we 
enumerate the following as among those calculated to best satisfy the general 
public demands: Reed House, Liebel House, Moore's Hotel, Wilcox House 
Union Depot Hotel and Morton House. The Massassauga Hotel, which was 
built by Hon. W^. L. Scott, some four years ago, at the western end of the bay 
of Presque Isle, known as " The Head," was destroyed by tire December 1, 
1882. The original cost of the hotel with its adjoining buildings was about 
$40,000, and it was becoming a very popular resort for summer guests from all 
sections of the country. This may also be said of the Reed House, which has 
been eleo-antly refitted throughout, and offers every attraction to the traveling 
public that may be found in any first-class hotel. 

The public halls of the city are n-umerous and well adapted for all public 
gatherings. The prominent ones are the Park Opera House, a building which 
for stao-e convenience, seating capacity, acoustic arrangement and general in- 
ternal decoration will favorably compare with those of most cities of similar 
size in the country; Jarecki's Hall. Becker's Hall, Odd Fellows Hall, Presque 
Isle Hall, Zuck's Hall, Metcalf's Hall, Masonic Hall, Grand Army of the Re- 
public Hall, and several others of lesser note or of a more private character. 

PLEASURE RESORTS. 

The fact that one of Perry' s vessels, the Niagara, lies sunk in Misery Bay, makes 
it an interesting resort for residents, as well as tourists, and in summer many 
avail themselves of the steam yachts, Massassauga and Lena Knobloch to visit 
it. These yachts are largely patronized, on their trips to " The Head," and 
are often in demand by pai'ties wishing to visit the fishing grounds, Long 
Point, Port Dover, Canada and other points of interest. The Emma V. Sut- 
ton and J. H. Welch, smaller yachts than those mentioned, are in constant use 
on the bay, which in the summer season is a delightful resort; while dozens of 
sail and row-boats are continually gliding over its waters with pleasure seek- 
ers. The Massassauga is said to be one of the fastest yachts on the lake, and 
carries with safety 225 passengers. The captains of these boats are skillful sea- 
men, and use every care in the safe transportation of their patrons. The en- 
joyment of these excursions upon the bay and lake can be equaled only at the 
sea coast. The "Big Bend," on the peninsula, is one of the well-known 
pleasure resorts, as are also Cochran's Grove in the southern precincts of the 
city, and AVagner's Grove still farther south. There are, doubtless, other 
points used as the occasion requires, but those mentioned are the ones best 
known and patronized. 

The climate is notably healthy, and in summer cool and delightful, the 
land and lake breezes alternating every day with the regularity of sea breezes 
on the coast. The bathing facilities, both in the bay and lake, are fine and 
greatly enjoyed, many preferring the fresh to salt water. The facilities offered 
for walks and drives about the city are numerous, and those who prefer land 
trips can avail themselves of the drive to " The Head," enjoying the lake 



CITY OF ERIE. 525- 

breeze from the shade of the original groves at " Massassauga Point," which 
at nigbt are brilliantly illuminated by natural gas. The drives throughout the 
southern boundary, overlooking the city, harbor and lake, offer special attrac- 
tions to the pleasure seeker. 

RAILROADS AND SHIPPING FACILITIES. 

Centering here are the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, a great- East and 
West trunk line; the Philadelphia & Erie, communicating with the lumber, oil 
and coal fields of the State, and the short line to tide water; the Erie & Pitts- 
burgh, running between the two points from which its name is derived, and 
the New York, Chicago & St. Louis, a new trunk line, which has proven of 
great benefit to this section. Much feeling has been indulged in concerning 
the railroad interests of this city, ever since the first rail was laid within its 
limits, but aside from all disagreement, stands the fact of Erie's existence, as 
a great manufacturing point, her natural advantages, and the circumstance of 
her lying between two large and densely' populated sections, both consumers of 
the products of her manufactories, has led to continued progress in the face of 
all arbitration against her interests. So long as the enterprise and ingenuity 
of her people plan, and their capital executes; so long as the community fosters 
industry and thrift, so long will Erie continue to progress. 

The city is well supplied with wharfage, while the Philadelphia & Erie, 
and the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroads have branches running to the water front, 
and extensive docks, making the trans-shipment of freights from vessels to the 
cars, or vice versa, easy and convenient. W. L. Scott & Co. also have large 
docks on the bay front. With these advantages, the shipping facilities of the 
city by water and rail are unsurpassed, and that they are availed of is attested 
by the large quantities of coal, iron, iron ore, lumber and miscellaneous freights 
which are yearly handled. 

The "Erie & Western Transportation Company," better known as the 
"Anchor Line," handle large quantities of grain, and the general railroad 
business to and from the lake is enormous. The Transportation Company 
commenced business in 1868, the nucl-eus being one small elevator, built at 
Erie by Messrs. Noble, Brown, McCarter & ShannoD, and from that modest 
beginning it has grown to its present magnificent proportions. At this port 
the company own about forty acres of the finest dock property on the lakes, 
upon which it has two spacious, first-class elevators, with a. combined capacity 
of 625.000 bushels; two large freight warehouses of sufficient capacity to store 
8,000 tons of merchandise, together with all the necessary tracks and other ap- 
pliances for handling freight rapidly and cheaply. The "Anchor" fleet con- 
sists of seventeen propellers, one tug, and three schooners, viz. : the Clarion, 
Lehigh, Philadelphia, Alaska, India, China and Japan (all iron); the Juniata, 
Delaware, Conestoga, Lycoming, Conemaugh, Wissahickon, Gordon Camp- 
bell, Annie Young, Winslow, and Arizona (wood); the Allegheny, Annie Sher- 
wood, and Schuylkill (schooners); and the tug Erie, a total tonnage of 29,780- 
tons. During the season of navigation these vessels, both passenger and 
freight, leave the "Anchor Line" docks at the foot of Holland street, on their 
regular trips to Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, and all Lake 
Superior ports. The effect of these facilities upon the city's future prosperity 
cannot be - too highly considered, and must be the means of attracting capital 
for manufacturing purposes. 

BAY, HARBOR AND PENINSULA. 

The bay of Presque Isle is about four and a half miles long by one and 
a half miles wide, with an average depth of more than twenty-two feet over 



526 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the greater portion of it, and no shoal within the deep area to obstruct navi- 
gation. It is entirely land-locked, protected from the heaviest gales, and has 
the best character of bottom for anchorage. It is formed by the peninsula of 
Presque Isle, a sand-bar, from a few rods to a mile in width, which juts out 
from the main shore of Lake Erie at Massassauga Point, some four miles west 
of the city, runs two miles into the lake and makes an abrupt turn to the east, 
sweeping down the lake to the entrance of the bay, a point opposite the east- 
ern boundary of Erie. As the safety and welfare of the harbor depend upon 
the maintenance of this peninsula, much money has been expended by the Gov- 
ernment in closing breaches and protecting it from heavy seas. An erroneous 
impression exists that the peninsula is the property of the United States, and 
that it devolves upon the Government to protect it so that it shall not be cut 
away by the sea. Such is not the case; the United States has never accepted 
the gift, and the only object in constructing the works of protection is to pre- 
vent a breach which might endanger the harbor of Erie. No one has a right 
to live on it, however, save the keepers of the two light-houses and the crew 
of the life-saving station. It is covered with a dense growth of timber, 
shrubs and vines, which are not allowed to be cut down, and is penetrated in 
every direction by chains of small lakes or ponds connected with the bay by 
channels usually navigable for small boats. The peninsula is one of the finest 
spots around Erie for picnics, pleasure excurions and camping-parties, and 
affords admirable sport for gunners and fishermen. Wild fowl and fish abound 
both in the bay, in the peninsula ponds and in the lake outside, and are care- 
fully protected by the Northwestern Pennsylvania Game and Fish Association. 
The result is, that the peninsula, covering about 5,000 acres, and the bay 
about 4,000, form a natm-al preserve which will last for generations. 

The ruins of a large brick house or fort, erected near the east end of the 
peninsula long prior to American occupation, were still to be seen in 1795; 
and in 1813 a block-house was built at Crystal Point, just, west of Misery Bay, 
to defend the harbor entrance. This bay was so named by Lieut. Holdup, in 
1814, on account of the prevailing gloomy weather and the comfortless condi- 
tion of the vessels anchored in it at that time. It is also called Lawrence 
Bay, after Perry's flagship, which was sunk in its waters, but subsequently 
raised and taken to the Centennial in 1876. Erie has always had jurisdiction 
over the peninsula, and in 1833 R. S. Keed was appointed Superintendent 
of it for five years, and a fine of $5Q0, or imprisonment for a term not exceed- 
ing six months, was the penalty for cutting timber or setting fire to the shrub- 
bery thereon. In 1835, the borough resolved to proceed against any one who 
might erect buildings upon it. The Legislature passed an act, in 1841, im- 
posing a fine of not less than $10, nor more than |25, on any person who 
should gather cranberries on the peninsula between July and October. The 
1st of October was "cranberry day," a great event in olden times. Large par- 
ties would cross the bay the night before and remain until morning. The 
marshes were full of cranberries, to a much larger extent than at present, and 
for that reason were well patronized by the people of Erie. 

Immediately after the war of 1812, the Government asked Commodore Perry 
for his opinion as to the feasibility of removing the sand-bar which blocked the 
entrance to the harbor, and he reported favorably on the i:)roject. In 1819, a 
survey was made by the General Government, but nothing further was done 
at that time. In 1822, the State of Pennsylvania appointed Thomas Forster, 
Giles Sanford and George Moore, of Erie, a committee to survey the bay of 
Presque Isle and ascertain the depth of water in the bay, on the bar, and the 
anchorage outside the bar, and expended $15,000 toward improving the har- 



CITY OF ERIE. 529 

bor. The project was then taken in hand by the General Government, which 
has since continued the work. It is said that in 1821 the peninsula was 
covered with timber from the mainland to the beacon light on its southeastern 
point, but that a few years afterward the heavy seas washed the timber off 
the neck, and subsequently made the breach through to the bay, which re- 
mained open for more than thirty years, partly by the assistance of the United 
States Engineers, who tried to make of it a western channel to the lake. 

The present project of harbor improvement adopted in 1823, and amended 
from time to time as the demands of commerce called for an increased depth 
of water, consists of two break-waters extending from the main shore and from 
the end of the peninsula at the eastern extremity of the bay, with parallel piers, 
350 feet apart, running from the ends of these break-waters to a depth of sixteen 
feet in the lake, the object being to contract the entrance, and by the increased 
velocity of the current to keep the channel scoured out to the proper depth. In 
addition to this work at the entrance, the project also requires the protection 
of the shore at the neck of the peninsula of Presque Isle, which by its position 
forms the harbor of Erie, and which peninsula has been breached several times 
during the past fifty years. 

The report of the Chief Engineer U. S. A. for 1881 in an interesting article 
says: " The original survey of this harbor under the chief of engineers was 
made in 1819, when tbere was a long, low sand-bar stretching across the pres- 
ent entrance, the channel being narrow and tortuous, with a depth of only six 
feet. By the act of March 3, 1823, a new survey was made, and a board of 
engineers consisting of Gen. Simon Bernard and Lieut. Col. J. G. Totten, 
submitted plans of improvement which were commenced in 1824. At that 
time the channel at the eutrance was narrow and tortuous, with a depth of only 
six feet, and the depth on the present line of channel was only two feet. By 
1837 vessels of ordinary draft were able to enter the harbor; by 1829, the 
depth of the entrance was from seven and half to fifteen feet, and in 1833 
there was a good channel with a depth of twelve feet from the lake into the 
bay, and this depth was maintained to 1839, when operations were suspended. 
In 1844, the piers were in a dilapidated condition; there was a depth of eight- 
een feet between them, but shoals were forming at each end. In 1864, there 
was still a depth of twelve feet at the entrance, but the channel was narrow 
and crooked and had been driven to the southward by the sand drifting around 
the north pier. In 1868, the channel was stx-aightened and the depth increased 
to thirteen feet, with a width of one hundred feet. The width and depth have 
been increased from time to time since 1868, more or less shoaling taking place 
in the meanwhile, and at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1880, 
there was a channel three hundred feet wide, not less than sixteen feet deep 
from the lake to deep water in the bay." 

The first breach recorded in the peninsula appears to have taken place near 
"The Head " during the winter of 1828-29. Its extent is not reported, but 
the entire appropriation of $7,390 was used in closing it. In the winter of 
1832-33, another breach occurred at the same point, and during the summer 
of 1833 Lieut. Col. J. G. Totten, by direction of the chief of engineers, examined 
the harbor. In November, Col. Totten submitted an elaborate report, where- 
in he suggested the possibility of maintaining entrances at both ends of the 
harbor, but recommended that the effect of the breach should be studied for a 
year or two before any complete plan was decided upon. In 1835, Lieut. T. S. 
Brown submitted plans for an entrance at the west end of Presque Isle Bay 
through the peninsula. The breach which had commenced in 1832-33 had 
greatly widened, so that where trees thickly stood when work began in 1824, 

28 



530 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

there was in 1835 an opening nearly one mile wide and daily increasing, so 
tbat the whole peninsvila was threatened. Lieut. Brown's plan provided 
for partially closing the breach by crib-work, but left a channel four hundred 
feet wide, so that vessels might enter or depart from either end of the bay. In 
1886, work was commenced upon the plan of Lieut. Brown; 420 feet of crib- 
work break-water was completed, strengthened by piling and partially tilled 
with stone; barracks were erected for workmen, machinery purchased, and ar- 
rangements made for a vigorous prosecution of the work. Work was continued 
in 1837, 1,9'20 feet of crib-work was completed, making in all 2,340 feet, or 
one-third of the whole breach. The progress thus far in partially closing the 
breach was reported as very satisfactory. In 1838, under Capt. Williams, of 
the Topographical Engineers, 1,035 linear feet of crib-work was built, 570 feet 
being north of the proposed new channel piers and 465 south of them. In 
1839, work was continued; the break water on the south side of the proposed 
new channel was prolonged 690 feet, and 150 feet of the work built in 1838 
was strengthened; 300 feet of crib-work was placed in position on the low 
ground at the northeast end of the work, north of the proposed new entrance, 
to prevent the lake from cutting through at that point. No appropriations 
were made nor work done during the years 1840, 1841, 1842, 1843. In 1841, 
an examination showed that the lake was making rapid encroachment-s upon 
the peninsula north of the works and threatened the destruction of the harbor. 
In 1844, the condition of affairs was as follows: The poninsula, which in 
1823 joined the main shore, had become an island. To prevent the destruction 
of the harbor, an extensive line of crib-work had been built, and plans had been 
prepared and work progressed for the purpose of opening a new channel. Part 
of this crib -work had answered admirably the purpose designed, but a portion 
left incomplete for want of funds in 1839 had been destroyed. The gap in 
the peninsula, which in 1835 was over one mile wide, had been reduced to a 
width of 3,000 feet, with a depth of from five to six feet. In 1844, the erosion 
in the vicinity of the barracks built in 1836 for workmen threatened their 
destruction, and 470 linear feet of crib-work was built for their protection. 
Nothing further was done at this locality until 1852. An examination made 
at that time by Maj. William Turnbull, of the Topographical Engineers, 
showed that the breach in the peninsula still existed, and that the crib-work 
protection built in previous years had been almost destroyed. In 1853 and 
1854, eiforts were made to prevent further erosion by protecting the shore with 
brush and stone, with very great success. Operations were continued during 
1855-56, protecting the beach with brush and stone, with such success that 
there were strong prospects of restoring the original water line. In September, 
1857, Maj. J. D. Graham reported the suspension of work through lack of 
funds, and nothing further was done until 1864, in which year Col. T. J. 
Craai was assigned to the charge of the harbor. His report stated that the 
breach at the west end of the harbor was entirely closed, nature having com- 
pleted the work during the interval of seven years of suspended labor, 
although about 500 feet of the peninsula was so low that high seas broke clear 
across it. This weak spot was strengthened in 1865, and since that time but 
one breach of any importance has occurred, viz., during a heavy gale in 
November, 1874. This was soon closed, under the superintendence of Col. 
Blunt, the officer then in charge, by what he termed " a bulk-head protection," 
constructed of piles and plank, the experiment of planting young trees on he 
neck of the peninsula resorted to in 1871-72, having entirely failed, nearly all 
of them being destroyed by the heavy winter gales. Since that time Col. 
Blunt's mode of protection, together with an abatis of brush and stones, has 



CITY OF ERIE. 531 

been generally followed, but it has taken constant vigilance to keep these 
works in repair. There are two places where the neck of the peninsula is not 
more than 100 feet wide, and the crest only about three feet above the level of 
the lake, and where at times of very high seas, the water of the lake rolls across 
into the bay. 

The winter of 1881-82 was an oj^en one, and the beach was deprived of its 
usual revetment of heavy ice. A number of fiiriovis gales occurred during the 
fall and winter, and upon the opening of the season of 1882 the old bulk- 
heads were found to be seriously damaged, and the beach to have suffered more 
or less from the heavy seas. The water of Lake Erie was unusually high dur- 
ing the spring of 1882, and on March 21, the level of the lake was the 
highest recorded at Erie for a number of years. A strong northwest gale was 
blowing at the time, and the heavy seas rolled clear across the lowest portion 
of the peninsula into the bay. The erosion at the time was still not sufficient 
to excite apprehension of immediate danger, but some steps were absolutely 
necessary for protection during the coming fall and winter. The engineer in 
charge submitted a project for the protection of the beach line with piles and 
plank, but afterward amended it upon the recommendation of the local engi- 
neer, Capt. Adams, and concluded to drive short intermediate piles between 
the old poles still standing, which formed a portion of the bulk-head protection. 

The earliest chart in possession of the engineer in charge is that of Maj. 
Anderson, made in 1819, which shows that the peninsula then occupied about 
the same general location and direction that it does at the present time. A 
comparison of Maj. Anderson's map with Maj. McFarland's map of 1878 indi- 
cates that for about three miles from Massassauga Point the outer shore line 
has receded about 1,500 feet. Some errors are noticed in this map of 1819, 
however, and it may not be entirely reliable. A comparison of Lieut. Wood- 
ruff's map of 1839 with McFarland's map of 1878 shows a similar retrograde 
movement of the shore line. A comparison of the lake survey map of 1865 
with McFarland's map of 1878 and Maj. Wilson's map of 1879 shows little or 
no variation in the position of the outer shore line. These maps seem to indi- 
cate that from 1819 to 1865 there was a general recession of the outer shore 
line, while from 1865 to 1882 there has been but little change in it. A com- 
parison of Woodruff's map of 1839 with McFarland's of 1878 shows that the 
mass of this part of the peninsula has materially increased during the interval 
of time between these surveys, for the distance from the 12-foot or 15-foot 
curve outside the peninsula to the curve of corresponding depth inside was in 
1878 about double what it was in 1839, while no very great change appears to 
have taken place in that part of the neck which lies above the water level. 
This increase in width seems to have come chiefly from the shoaling of the 
water inside the peninsula, but from whatever cause it comes, it indicates that 
the danger of the formation of a breach at this point has not increased, but 
has decreased, in the last forty years. 

Erie Harbor is in the collection district of Erie, Penn., and is lighted as fol- 
lows: A fourth order coast light on the northern shore of the peninsula, flash- 
ing red and white; a fixed red of the sixth order on the outer end of the north 
pier, and two sixth order fixed white lights to mark the range for the channel 
within the bay. There was also a light-house located on the main land east of 
the city, which has been abandoned. There is a fog bell on the outer end of 
the pier, and the nearest work of defense is Fort Porter, ninety miles distant. 
The following appropriations have been made from time to time for this 
harbor : 



532 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

March 3, 1823 $ 150 00 August 30, 1852 130.000 00 

May 26, 1824 20,000 00 June 23, 1866 36,961 00 

March 25 1826 7,000 00 Marcli 2, 1867 25.000 00 

March 2, 1827 2,000 00 June 30, 1868 40,000 00 

May 19, 1828 6,223 18 April 10, 1869 22,275 00 

March 3, 1829 7,390 00 July 11, 1870 20.000 00 

March 2, 1831 1,700 00 March 3, 1871 29,000 00 

July 3, 1832 4,500 00 June 10,1872 15,000 00 

Marcli 2, 1833 6.000 00 June 23, 1874 20,000 00 

June 28. 1834 3,045 00 March 3, 1875 80.000 00 

June 28, 1834 20,00J 00 August 14. 1876 40,000 00 

March 3, 1835 5,000 00 June 18, 1878 25.000 00 

July 2, 1836 15,000 00 March 3. 1879 25,000 00 

July 2, 1836 122 80 June 14, 1880 25,000 00 

March 3, 1837 15,000 00 1881 20,000 00 

July 7, 1838 30,000 00 August 2, 1882 20,000 00 

June 11. 1844 40.000 00 

LIFE SAYING SERVICE. 

The life-saving service of the United States was extended to the lakes 
about 187 — . Lakes Erie and Ontario constitute the Ninth District, and have 
been in charge from the first of Capt. D. P. Dobbins, of Buffalo, a native of 
Erie. There are four stations on Lake Ontario and five on Lake Erie. Those 
on the latter lake are at Buffalo, Erie (Station 6), Fairport, Cleveland and 
Marblehead Island. The surfmen were employed during the season of 1879- 
80 as follows: 1879— July 1, to December 15: 1880— March 20, to June 30. 
The following is the record of disasters within the Ninth District during that 
season: Number of disasters, 55; value of vessels in trouble, 8385,577; vessels 
lost, 5; actual loss, $71,675; lives lost, 1; shipwrecked persons sheltered at 
stations, 54; days of shelter afforded, 75. 

The life-saving station at Erie has a crew of seven men under the com- 
mand of Capt. William Clark, making a force of eight men. Their work has 
been at times one of hardships, but of great efficiency, resulting in the saving 
of much valuable property and many lives, and calls for the heartiest com- 
mendation of the Government and the community, besides a better compensa- 
tion in wages. 

Erie was a naval station from the time Perry's fleet was built until the year 
1825, at which date it was completely broken up, but as this country, by treaty 
with Great Britain, is compelled to maintain a naval force on the lakes, the 
harbor has been the station for vessels so provided. The United States 
steamer Michigan, and the revenue cutter Perry, both make this their head- 
quarters, and always winter in the bay. The latter vessel was sold by the 
Government in the fall of 1883 to a firm in Buffalo, who took it in part pay- 
ment for a new revenue cutter which is now in process of construction. This 
will also be called the "Perry," but is expected to be superior to the old cutter 
in speed and other important particulars valuable in a vessel engaged in the 
revenue service. 

THE HEAD. 

The head of Presque Isle Bay, now the popular resort of the people of 
Erie and vicinity, does not extend so far west as when the town was laid out 
in 1795, the outer shore of the peninsula at the neck having gradually receded 
toward the east, while the inner shore kept growing in the same direction. A 
narrow sand beach commenced at the mouth of Miliar Run on the Reed farm, 
one mile above "The Head", and extended down the lake a similar distance, from 
which the peninsula jutted out. Much higher up than now inclosed by the 
sand beach was a long, narrow pond, entirely cut off from the lake, up which 



CITY OF ERIE. 633 

the scows frequently ran from the bay, as late as 1 840, to gather wood for 
steamboats. In 1796, some twenty or thirty Indian families, belonging to the 
once great and warlike tribe of Senecas, resided at the head of the hay. The 
beach was then much larger than it is to-day, and a heavy forest covered the 
low land nearest to the shore. The Indians had corn-fields southwest on the 
farms owned by J. C. Marshall, and the estate of E. J. Kelso. This Indian 
village was the last in Erie County, but tbey also gradually disappeared, and 
after their departure the site was occupied for awhile by a half-breed negro 
named McKinney, who lived by fishing. He subsequently removed to the up- 
per Laird farm, where he met his death by a fish-bone lodging in his throat 
while eating. His daughter married Ben Fleming, who was the last survivor 
of Perry's fleet residing in Pennsylvania. 

"The Head" was first taken up under the laws of the State, in 1800, by Eliph- 
alet Beebe, a ship carpenter, who looked upon the site as an available one for 
a ship-yard. In the course of a few years, it passed into the hands of Thomas 
Laird, who died in April, 1833, and by whose heirs it was held until its pur- 
chase by William L. Scott at Sheriff's sale. Mr. Scott erected thereon the 
Massassauga Hotel, and greatly improved the grounds, so that it was rapidly 
becoming a popular summer resort for tourists, but in December, 1882, the 
house was burned to the groimd, and has not since been rebuilt. 

"The Head" is also called Massassauga Point after the tribe of Massassauga 
Indians who once lived in this vicinity, and bore tribal relations to the ex- 
tinct Eriez. It is claimed, however, by some writers that the name sprang 
from a species of rattlesnake known as the Massassauga — a short, thick look- 
ing snake that were numerous when Capt. Bissell erected thw forts east of 
Mill Creek in 1795-96, but which have long since disappeared before the on- 
ward march of civilization. 

In 1832, an iron ore bed was discovered on the south line of the Laird 
farm, which was used at the blast furnace of Vincent, Himrod & Co., of Erie, 
for several years. A furnace at Conneaut, Ohio, fell short of ore about this 
time and sent an agent to quarry this ore and ship it at "The Head". The scow 
schooners Jack Downing and Olive Branch ran in the iron ore trade for three 
seasons, or until the supply became exhausted. At that period the vessels on 
their downward trips came through the western opening in the peninsula, re- 
turning loaded by the eastern channel. The road from the schoolhouse to the 
shore of the hay, which ran till lately through the woods and down the side of 
the bank, was laid out for the purpose of hauling the ore to the vessels. This 
road has been used by the public ever since, though it still remains, as then, 
private property. The Jack Downing wintered in 1834-35 about fifty rods 
above where the Massassauga Hotel was built, and there tied up to a sycamore 
tree, where now the sand beach renders the approach of a vessel impossible. 

FISHEBIES. 

When the pioneers located at Presque Isle in 1795. they had to resort to 
fishing in the log canoe for the purpose of obtaining food supply, and the 
soldiers under Capt. Bissell made a business of laying in a stock of fish for each 
season which they preferred to the government rations. Log canoes for fish- 
ing purposes were as much of a necessity to the early settlers along the lake, 
as log cabins to shelter their families, and each went fishing as his wants re- 
quired. The first man in the vicinity of Erie who followed fishing as a special 
business was the mulatto McKinney, who has been previously mentioned in 
the article on " The Head," at which point he resided. He made the business 
a success, furnishing families who could not take the time to " go fishing," or 



534 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

who preferi'ed to pm'chase their supplies. Upon his death, which occurred by 
the lodgment of a fish-bone in his throat, he was succeeded by his son-in-law, 
Ben Fleming, who long supplied the citizens of Erie with tish. Prior to 1830, 
only the hook and line wei'e used, but in that year Thomas Horton began fish- 
ing with a seine, which proved very successful. He was followf'd by David 
Fowzier and others, but none cared to risk their lives outside the bay of 
Presque Isle, and all the fishing was done in the bay. 

W^hite fish were not supposed to exist this side of the Detroit River, where 
eveiy fall they were caught in large quantities, packed and salted for the market. 
The seines were finally tried in deep water outside the bay and came up loaded 
with white fish, which was the beginning of the Erie fish trade that now gives 
employment to many men, and brings annually a large amount of money to 
the city. The following Erie firms are engaged in the business: E. D. Car- 
ter, 12 boats; John Harlow & Co., 12 boats; Louis Streuber, 8 boats; H. A. 
Bush & Co., 7 boats; B. Divel, 7 boats-, Henry Divel, 4 boats; total, 50 boats. 
Each boat averages four hands giving a force of 200 men employed by these 
firms. Many outside boats bring their product to Erie, and the trade is of 
great benefit to the city enhancing its commercial importance by thousands of 
dollars. 

Pennsylvania, though consuming large quantities of fishery products, has 
no important fishing grounds within its borders. The principal business con- 
nected with the fisheries is the oyster industry, for, though no oysters are 
produced in the waters of the State, a large number of persons are engaged in 
transporting oysters from the southern beds to Philadelphia, and others make 
a business of receiving, shelling, and packing them for shipment. From this 
industry $187,500 is realized by the residents of the State. The sea fishing 
is confined to the capture of sea-bass and other species, by a fleet of eight ves- 
sels that make occasional trips to the fishing grounds off Cape Henlopen dur- 
ing the summer months. Shad, sturgeon, and other less important species are 
taken in small quantities in the Delaware arid Susquehanna Rivers, and lake 
fi3h of different kinds are caught along the shores bordering Lake Erif. 
From Table XVIII, which shows in detail the fishing interests of the State, 
we gather the following summary: 

Persons employed 552 

Fishing vessels 11 

Pishing boats 156 

Capital dependent on fishery industries. . . ^119,810 

Pounds of sea products taken 600,000 

Value of same 836,000 

Pounds of river products 1,080,000 

Value of same ifoS.UiO 

Pounds of lake products 1,253,000 

Value of same $43,450 

Total value of products to the fishermen (including the 

enhancement on oysters) .$320,050 

We copy the above from the last census statistics. It will be observed that 
in 1879, Pennsylvania's lake fisheries located at Erie, gave nearly as large a 
product in pounds as the combined river and sea fisheries. Since these statis- 
tics were formulated, the fishing industry at this port has increased at least 75 
per cent, so that the above table does not give the Erie fisheries the impor- 
tance they now possess. 



CITY OF ERIE. 535 



CHAPTER ni. 

Municipal Government. 

ON the 29th of March, 1805, the General Assembly passed an act erecting 
the first section of Erie into a borough, and all electors who had resided 
in the town six months prior to each election were requested to meet annually, 
on the first Monday in May, for the purpose of electing borough ofiicers. 
Borough and Town Council was a body corporate with power to hold lands not 
exceeding in value $3,000 per annum, and a penalty was attached for refusing 
or neglecting to serve as Burgess or a member of the Council. The same act 
provided for the reservation of certain lots granted for churches and burial 
grounds. On the 5th of May, 1806, the first election was held under this act, 
and resulted as follows: John C. Wallace, Burgess; Judah Colt, Rufus S. 
Reed, George Buehler, Robert Hays, George Schantz, Town Council; Robert 
Irwin, High Constable. At the first meeting of the Council, the following 
officers were chosen: James E. Herron, Town Clerk; Thomas Forster, Will- 
iam Wallace and James Baird, Street Commissionei's; William Bell, Treasurer. 

From that time until the incorporation of Erie, the following gentlemen 
filled the office of Burgess: 1807, Thomas Wilson; 1808-09, George Buehler; 
1810-11, John C. Wallace; 1812, Samuel Hays; 1813, Judah Colt; 1814-15, 
George Moore; 1816-17, Thomas H. Sill; 1818-19, George Moore; 1820-21, 
Judah Colt; 1822-24, John Morris; 1825-27, John C. Wallace; 1828, Tabor 
Beebe; 1829, Thomas H. Sill; 1830, William Johns; 1831, George A. Eliot; 
1832, Thomas Forster, elected, but Tabor Beebe acted instead; 1833, Thomas 
H. Sill; 1834-35, Joseph M. Sterrett; 1836-37, J. B. Laughead; 1838, James 
L. White; 1839, William Kelley; 1840, Myron Goodwin; 1841, Rufus S. 
Reed; 1842, Thomas Stewart; 1843-44, Thomas H. Sill; 1845, Charles W. 
Kelso; 1846-47, William Kelley; 1848, Charles W. Kelso; 1849, A. W. Brew- 
ester; 1850, B. B. Vincent. 

The following is a list of the city officials of Erie, from its incorporation 
April 14, 1851, up to the present, the Mayor acting as President of the Select 
Council the first nine years of its history: 

1851— Thomas G. Colt, Mayor; Select Council, Jonas Gunnison, Clerk; 
C. McSparren, William M. Gallagher, F. Schneider, John Zimmerly, S. M. 
Carpenter, A. W. Brewster. Common Council, James D. Dunlap, President; 
William P. Trimball, Clerk; Wilson King, James Skinner, Thomas Dillon, 
Samuel W. Keefer, Daniel G. Landen, Adam Acheson, L. Momyer, O. D. 
Spafiford, A. A. Craig, Prescott Metcalf, Josiah Kellogg. 

1852 — Murray Whallon, Mayor; Select Council, W. H. Sherman, Clerk; 

F. Schneider, D. G. Landen, P. Sennett, John Zimmerly, J. B. Smyth, A. P. 
Durlin. Common Council, William S. Lane, President; William Thornton, 
Clerk; S. W. Keefer, W. B. Hays, J. H. Riblet, G. J. Morton, J. W. Duggan, 
C. Siegel, F. Mutterer, D. D. Walker, J. B. Gunnison, H. P. Mehafifey, J. 
Graham. 

1853 — Alfred King, Mayor; Select Council, W. H. Sherman, Clerk; A. P. 
Durlin, J. B. Smyth, D G. Landen, P. Sennett, Joseph M. Sterrett, William 

G. Arbuckle. Common Council, John A. Tracy, President; William Thorn- 



536 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ton, Clerk; C. B. Wright, J. M. Justice, E. A. Bennett, J. W. Duggan, A. 
Wild, E. J. Ames, M. R. Barr, A. Acheson, John Hearn, M. Henry, W. C. 
Braley. 

1854 — Alfred King, Mayor; Select Covmcil, W. H. Sherman, Clerk; Joseph 
M. Sterrelt, J. B. Smyth, William G. Arbuckle, A. P. Durlin, James D. Dun- 
lap, P. Sennett. Common Council, Mathew R. Barr, President; William 
Thornton, Clerk; A. Acheson, W. C. Braley, M. Henry, W. F. Rindernecht, S. 
Smith, E. J. Ames, E. A. Bennett, John S. Carter, J. W. Duggan, Adam 
Wild, Mathew Taylor. 

1855 — Wilson Laird, Mayor; Select Council, Thomas Moorehead, Clerk; 
James D. Dunlap, W. G. Arbuckle, J. M. Sterrett, A. P. Durlin, F. Schneid- 
er. William Hoskinson. Common Council, Matthew R. Barr, President; Will- 
iam Thornton, Clerk; A. Acheson, Robert T. Sterrett, Moses Koch, S. Smith, 
M. Henry, John S. Carter, Adam Wild, David Kennedy, John W. Hays, C. 
Graham, John Goalding. 

1856 — Wilson Laird, Mayor; Select Council, Thomas Moorehead, Clerk; 
W. G. Arbuckle, John S. Carter, James D. Dunlap, William Hoskinson, J. M. 
Sterrett, F. Schneider. Common Council. S. Smith, President; William 
Thornton, Clerk; Jacob Kneip, William Himrod, Adam Wild, John Goalding, 
David Kennedy, John W. Hays, M. Henry, Moses Koch, R. T. Sterrett, A. 
Acheson, M. R. Barr. 

1857 — James Hoskinson, Mayor; Select Council, Thomas Moorehead, Clerk; 
James D. Dunlap, M. R. Barr, F. Schneider, J. M. Sterrett, John S. Carter, 
W. G. Arbuckle. Common Council. Adam Acheson, President; William 
Thornton. Clerk; William Himrod, David Kennedy, James Sill, W. C. War- 
ren, J. W. Hays, J. Kneip, C. Doll, James Cotter, M. Henrv, John Sweeney, 
James Skinner. 

1858— Wilson Laird, Mayor; Select Council, J. F. Downing, Clerk; J. M. 
Sterrett, John S. Carter, Sherburn Smith, C. Sevin, M. Henry, James D. Dun- 
lap. Common Council, Adam Acheson, President; William Thornton, Clerk; 
Samuel Cummins, James Dunlap, John Ferrier, J. J. Fuessler, Jonas Gunni- 
son, William B. Hays, Mathias Hartleb, E. N. Nason, John Sweeney, L. 
Strong T. H. Stewart. 

1859 — Sherburn Smith, Mayor; Select Council, J. F. Downing, Clerk; 
Jonas Gunnison, F. Schneider, John W. Hays, Mathias Mayer, David Shirk, 
John H. Riblet, M. Henry, J. M. Stei'rett. Common Council, Adam Acheson, 
President; William Thornton, Clerk; William B. Hays, James Dunlap, T. H. 
Stewart, H. Pelton, M. Schlaudecker, J. V. Boyer, H. B. Haverstick, J. M. 
Zuck, James Skinner, John Hearn, John Ferrier. 

1860 — Sherburn Smith, Mayor; Select Council, David Shirk, President; 
J. F. Downing, Clerk; F. Schneider, John H. Riblet, Mathias Mayer, Charles 
M. Tibbals, David McAllister, Wilson King, W. G. Arbuckle. Common 
Council, Adam Acheson, President; William Thornton, Clerk; James Skinner, 
John Hearn, J. V. Boyer, J. M. Zuck, L. Strong, P. Metcalf, J. Ferrier, J. 
Blenner, H. B. Haverstick, W. E. Bell, H. Pelton. 

1861 — Sherburn Smith, Mayor; Select Council, Jonas Gunnison, President; 
J. F. Downing, Clerk; David McAllister, John H. Riblet, George W. Starr. 
M. Mayer, William A. Brown, James Dunlap, Wilson King. Common Coun- 
cil, James Skinner, President; William Thornton, Clerk; J. Blenner, H. B. 
Haverstick, L. Strong, H. Pelton, John Graham, W. B. Hays, James O'Han- 
lon, W. C. Warren, M. Hartleb, John Hearn, George W. Colton. 

1862 — Prescott Metcalf, Mayor; Select Council, Jonas Gunnison, Presi- 
dent; J. F. Downing, Clerk; George W. Starr, William A. Brown, James 




-S>z^ f-l/yA.H. nUc'me 



^^- 



CITY OF ERIE. 539 

Dunlap, Wilson King, M. Mayer, John Ferrier, J. H. Riblet. Common 
Council, James Skinner, President; James G. Payne, Clerk; H. Pelton, James 
O'Hanlon, W. B.Hays, W. C. Warren, John Hearn, J. S. M. Young, P. A. 
Becker, Jacob Bootz, H. B. Haverstick, M. Hartleb, M. Henry. 

1863 — Prescott Metcalf, Mayor; Select Council, William A. Brown. Presi- 
dent; J. F. Downing, Clerk; James Dunlap, John Ferrier, M. Mayer, J. H. 
Riblet, George W. Starr, James Skinner, Charles M. Tibbals. Common 
Council, Mathew R. Barr, President; George P. Griffith, Clerk; M. Hartleb, H. 
B. Haverstick, M. Henry, Jacob Bootz, J. R. Thompson, John W. Shannon, 
John Carse, C. Siegel, J. M. Kuhn, J. J. Rindernocht, John Clemens. 

1864 — Prescott Metcalf, Mayor; Select Council, James Skinner, President; 
J. F. Downing, Clerk; John Ferrier, J. H. Riblet, Charles M. Tibbals, George 
W. Starr, Thomas B. Vincent, H. B. Haverstick, John Moore. Common Coun- 
cil, Mathew R. Barr, President; T. J. Wells, Clerk; John Clemens, J. M. 
Kuhn, J. J. Rindernecht, C Siegel, John W. Shannon, F. Englehart, R. J. 
Pelton, J. F. Walther, M. Hartleb, M. Henry, William S. Brown. 

1865— F. F. Farrar, Mayor; Select Council, James Skinner, President; R. 
W. Russell, Clerk; John Moore, H. B. Haverstick. George W. Starr, Thomas 
B. Vincent, Charles M. Tibbals, John M. Kuhn, N. Murphy. Common Coun- 
cil, M. W. Caughey, President; George P. Griffith, Clerk; E. P. Bennett, J. 
S. Jordan, F. Gingenbach, J. Reichtscheit, P. B. Honecker, William Bell, Jr., 
W. A. Crawford, M. Hartleb, J. F. Walther, M. Henry, R. J. Pelton. 

1866 — William L. Scott, Mayor. Select Council, George W. Starr, Presi- 
dent; A. J. Foster, Clerk; H. B. Haverstick, John M. Kuhn, John, Moore, N. 
Murphy, Thomas B. Vincent, Joseph McCarter, Charles H. Loverien. Common 
Council, J. C. Spencer, President; George P. Griffith, Clerk; William Bell, 
Jr., E. P. Bennett, W. A. Crawford, F. Gingenbach, P. B. Honecker, J. 
Reichtscheit, D. G. Ormsby, F. Schlaudecker, A. W. Van Tassell, F. P. Liebel, 
M. Henry. 

1867 — Orange Noble, Mayor; Select Council, John M. Kuhn, President; 
A. J. Foster, Clerk; Joseph McCarter, N. Murphy, Charles H. Loverien, 
P. Crouch, P. A. Becker, M. Hartleb, S. E. Bacon. Common Council, M. Henry, 
President; P. B. Honecker, Clerk; F. P. Liebel, D. G. Ormsby, J. C. Spencje'r^ 
F. Schlaudecker, A. W. Van Tassell, G. F. Brevillier, John Shenfield, Joseph 
Eichenlaub. P. B. Honecker, Andrew Burton, John O. Baker. 

1868 — Orange Noi)le, Mayor; Select Council, Phineas Crouch, President; 
John C. Hilton, Clerk; S. E. Bacon, P. A. Becker, M. Hartleb, Charles H. 
Loverien, George M. Smith, Conrad Shenfield, A. W. Van Tassell. Common 
Council, F. Schlaudecker, President; P. B. Honecker, Clerk; G. F. Brev- 
illier, John O. Baker, John Shenfield, Joseph Eichenlaub, P. B. Honecker, 
Robert Kennedy, Joseph Blenner, J. W. Swalley, John Kearn, John Dunlap, 
J. M. Bryant. 

1869 — Orange Noble, Mayor; Select Council, Phineas Crouch, President; 
Daniel Sullivan, Clerk; S. E. Bacon, P. A. Becker, M. Hartleb, A. W. Van 
Tassell, Jonas Gunnison, Joseph Eichenlaub, W. F. Rindernecht. Common 
Council, F. Schlaudecker, President; William Donald, Clerk; J. M. Bryant, 
Robert Kennedy, J. W, Swalley, John Hearn, Myron E. Dunlap, John O. 
Baker, Michael Hogan, H. J. Conrath, W. S. Brown, Joseph Blenner, H. A. 
Conrad. 

1870 — Orange Noble, Mayor; Select Council, Phineas Crouch, President; 
Daniel Sullivan, Clerk; Jonas Gunnison, P. A. Becker, Joseph Eichenlaub, 
Jr., M. Hartleb, Joseph McCarter, Samuel E. Bacon, William F. Rindernecht, 
George Seiter, Joseph Seelinger, E. Camphausen, William Henry. Common 



540 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Council, F. Schlaudecker, President; William Donald, Clei'k; J. M. Bryant, 
Robert Kennedy, J. W. Swalley, John Hearn, Myron E. Dunlap, John O. 
Baker, Michael Hogan, H. J. Conrath, W. S. Brown, Joseph Blenner, Orville 
Johnson, J. Cronenberger, John Strahl, H. Kalvelage, F. Franz, J. F. Decker, 
George Stritzinger. 

1871 — William L. Scott, Mayor; Select Council, E. Camphausen, Presi- 
dent; Thomas Hanlon, Clerk; John Boyle, John Carse, P. A. Becker, Joseph 
Eichenlaub, Jr.,JacobBootz, M. Hartleb, William G. Arbuckle, William F. Rind- 
ernecht, George Seiter, Joseph Seelinger, E. Camphausen, William Henry. 
Common Council, Myron E. Dunlap, President; William Donald, Clerk; C. 
M. Conrad, Charles D. Sweeney, Myron E. Dunlap, H. J. Conrath, Ulrich 
Schlaudecker, John Metzner, George Loyer, W. R. Gray, William S. Brown, 
C. W. Lytle, John O. Baker, M. W. Hogan, Henry Kalvelage, George Stritzin- 
ger, William Loesch, Michael Liebel, Michael Kress, Fred Franz. 

1872— Charles M. Reed, Mayor; Select Council, P. A. Becker, President; 
Thomas Hanlon, Clerk; John Boyle, John Carse, P. A. Becker, William H. 
Deming, John R. Cochran, M. Hartleb, William G. Arbuckle, William F. 
Rindernecht, George Seiter, W. W. Thomas, William Henry, John Berst. 
Common Council, W. R. Gray, President; William Donald, Clerk; C. M. (/on- 
rad, Charles D. Sweeney, Charles F. Dunbar, Ulrich Schlaudecker, John Sut- 
ter, John Metzner, W. R. Gray, George Loyer, Charles C. Shirk, A. P, Burton, 
Addison Leech, C. W. Lytle, William Loesch, Henry Kalvelage, Jacob Warfel, 
Fred Franz, A. Thayer, M. Liebel. 

1873 — Charles M. Reed, Mayor; Select Council, P. A. Becker, President; 
Thomas Hanlon, Clerk; John Boyle, John Carse, P. A. Becker, William H. 
Deming, John R. Cochran, M. Hartleb, Thomas H. Carroll, William G. Ar- 
buckle, W. W. Thomas, A. B. Gunnison, John Berst, William Henry. Com- 
mon Council, Michael Liebel, President; William Donald, Clerk; Christian 
Kessler, John Walsh, C. F. Dunbar, John Metzner, Ulrich Schlaudecker, John 
Sutter, C. C. Shirk, C. Swalley, George Loyer, A. P. Burton, Addison Leech, 
Thomas Brown, J. Warfel, H. L. Gloth, Henry Kalvelage, A. Thayer, Fred 
Franz, Michael Liebel. 

1874 — Henry Rawle, Mayor; Select Council, William Henry, President; 
Thomas Hanlon, Clerk; John Boyle, William P. Atkinson, William H. San- 
dusky, William H. Deming, David T. Jones, John R. Cochran, Thomas H. 
Carroll, William Christie, W. W. Thomas, A. B. Gunnison, John B^rst, Will- 
iam Henry. Common Council, Michael Liebel, President; William Donald, 
Clerk; Christian Kessler, B. F. McCarty, John Walsh, John Sutter, J. A. Moser, 
Ulrich Schlaudecker, C. Swalley, Geoi-ge Loyer, Adam Brabender, Thomas 
Brown, Charles Justice, Frederick Schutte, M. Froelich, H. G. Gloth, W. D. 
Feidler, A. Thayer, C. J. Brown, Michael Liebel. 

1875— Henry Rawle, Mayor; Select Council, David T. Jones, President; 
Thomas Hanlon, Clerk; John Boyle, William P. Atkinson, William Lerch, 
William H. Sandusky, George Loyer, D. T. Jones, G. T. Churchill, William 
Christie, John Yovmgs, A. B. Gunnison, Michael Liebel, Jacob Bootz. Com- 
mon Council, John Sutter, President; William Donald, Clerk; P. T. Don- 
nelly, Ed McCall, B. F. McCarty, F. Bauschard, Jr., J. A. Moser, John Sut- 
ter, F. P. Dippo, J. M. Zuck, Adam Brabender, John Constable, Sr., Charles 
Justice, Fred Schutte, Martin Froelich, W. D. Feidler, William Loesch, Val- 
entine Schultz, C. J. Brown, A. Thayer. 

1876 — John W. Hammond, Mayor; Select Council, Michael Liebel, Pres- 
ident; Thomas Hanlon, Clerk; Christian Kessler, William P. Atkinson, Will- 
iam H. Sandusky, William Lerch, George Loyer, D. T. Jones, William Chris- 



CITY OF ERIE. 541 

tie, George T. Churchill, John Youngs, William T. Smith, M. Liebel, A. 
Thayer. Common Council, John Sutter, President; William Donald, Clerk; 
L. L. Lamb, John A. Beebe, William Stanton, John Sutter, James McCarty, 
Heni-y Ackerman, J. M. Zuck, Joseph A. Sterrett, H. J. Howe, John Constable, 
Sr., Henry Mayo, T. F. Noble, Martin Froelich, William Loesch, Chris Klang, 
C J. Brown, Valentine Schultz, Hemy Shenk. 

1877 — Selden Marvin, Mayor; Select Council, Alvanus Thayer, President; 
Thomas Hanlon, Clerk; Christian Kessler, Thomas Flynn, John Sutter, Henry 
Ackerman, D. T. Jones, J. M. Zuck, J. J. Hogan, George T. Churchill, Will- 
iam T. Smith, John Youngs, A. Thayer, Henry Shenk. Common Council, 
John A. Beebe, President; William Donald, Clerk; John A. Beebe, William 
Stanton, John A. Reynolds, William Nick, Sr. , James McCarty, Peter Knip- 
per, W. W. Pierce, H. J. Howe, J. B. Gunnison, John Constable, Sr., C. 
Kolb, E. Donnelly, Adam Obringer, Chris Klang, William Loesch, J. F. 
Decker, F. R. Simmons, Valentine Schultz. 

1878 — David T. Jones, Mayor; Select Council, Henry Shenk, President; 
Thomas Hanlon, Clei'k; Thomas Flynn, George W. Starr, John Sutter, Henry 
Ackerman, J. M. Zuck, Joseph Johnson, Jr., J. J. Hogan, William T. Smith, 
John Youngs, F. R. Simmons, Henry Shenk. Common Council, W. W. 
Pierce, President; William Donald, Clerk; John A. Beebe, J. F. Siegel, 
William Stanton, William Nick, Sr. , F. A. Clemens, Irvin H. Howard, Jr., 
J. B. Gunnison, W. W\ Pierce, E. McK. Whitley, C. Kolb, William Hard- 
wick, Frederick Salow, Dean Hawk, John Eberly, Adam Obringer, A. H. 
Faulkner, Chris Kerner, J. F. Decker. 

1879 — David T. Jones, Mayor; Select Council, Geoi'ge W. Starr, Pres- 
ident; Thomas Hanlon, Clerk; George W. Starr, William H. Sandusky, J. F. 
Downing. Joseph Johnston, Jr., William T. Smith, F. R. Simmons. Common 
Council, B. F. McCarty, President; William Donald, Clerk; B. F. McCarty, 
John H. Carey, James Hunter, Charles Kellev, P. C. Heydrick, J. J. Sepple, 
Charles Roesch, L. W. Daly, D. R. Beck, E. "McK. Whitley, J. R. Sherwood, 
J. C. Weaver, William Hardwiek, Henry G. Warren, Thomas Paskett, Will- 
iam Baas, John Eberly, Dean Hawk, John Zurn, Frederick E. Gloth, Freder- 
ick Franz, William O'Lone, Jacob Stritzinger. 

1880 — David T. Jones, Mayor; Select Council, William H. Sandusky, 
President; Thomas Hanlon, Clerk; Christian Kessler, William H. Sandusky, 
J. F. Downing, William Hardwiek, William T. Smith, C. J. Brown. Common 
Council, D. R. Beck, President; William Donald, Clerk; John H. Carey, 
Jacob Geib, James Hunter, Jacob Ostheimer, C. G. Clark, P, C. Heydrick, 
Dominic Mayer, David Walmsley, D. R. Beck, L. Koster, J. R. Sherwood, 
J. C. Weaver, William Baas, Charles M. Briggs, Robert Dill, Edward Dun- 
nelly, John Eberly, William Loesch, J. R. Saltsman, John T. Burns, Freder- 
ick Franz, Reinhard Liebel, Joseph Sloan. 

1881 — Joseph McCarter, Mayor; Select Council, William T. Smith, Presi- 
dent; Thomas Hanlon, Clerk; Christian Kessler, George Schlaudecker, J. R. 
Sherwood, AVilliam Hardwiek, AVilliam T. Smith, C. J. Brown. Common 
Council, Thomas Paskett, President; William Donald, Clerk; William A. Bes- 
ley, Timothy Mahouey, Charles Schuart, William Stanton, C. G. Clark, J. 
C. Fagan, J. Felgemaker, John Shehan, Conrad Diehl, J. P. Metcalf, Adam 
Minnig, W. Zuck, Robert Dill, D. P. Ensign, Thomas Paskett, Walter Scott, 
Charles H. Barth, V. D. Eichenlaub, C. P. Haskius, R. Liebel, A. S. Lovett, 
J. M. Skinner, Xavier Wolf. 

1882— Joseph McCarter, Mayor; Select Council, William T. Smith, Presi- 
dent; Thomas Hanlon, Clerk; Frank Gunnison, George Schlaudecker, J. R, 



542 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Sherwood, Thomas Paskett, William T. Smith, R. Liebel. Common Council, 
Walter Scott, President; William Donald. Clerk; Frank W. Grant, James 
Hunter, John IMulcahey, William Stanton, M. Bellentine, S. Kirschner, Jacob 
Sandusky, P. J. Schotten, Conrad Diehl, J. P. Metcalf, A. Minnig, J. W. Zuck, 
Frederick Diehl, H. F. Kerber. E. L. Pelton, Walter Scott, H. AV. Dewitt, 
Peter Peterson, John Zurn, M. Baumeister, A. S. Lovett, R. T. Walker, Xavier 
Wolf. 

1883 — Philip A. Becker, Mayor; Select Council, J. R. Sherwood, Presi- 
dent; Thomas Hanlon, Clerk; Frank Gunnison, E. C. Sie^el, J. R. Sherwood^ 
Walter Scott, W. T. Smith, R. Liebel. Common Council, H. W. Dewitt, Pres- 
ident; William Donald, Clerk; Frank W. Grant, Timothy Mahoney, John Mul- 
cahey, John A. Reynolds, C S. Marks, John J. ]\TcKinley, P. J. Schotten, 
William J. Watkins, Conrad Diehl, Frank V. Kepler, J. P. Metcalf, J. W. 
Zuck, R. E. Clemens, Frederick Diehl, William Roward, J. D. Tuohy, H. W. 
Dewitt, Jacob Kaltenbach, Rudolph Phister, William Strieker, Nick Blass, 
Chris F. Conrad, Jacob Schultz, Jacob Stritzinger. 

Cihj TreasJtrers.— 1851, R. Huston; 1852-58, G. A. Bennett; 1859-61, 
John Law; 1862-66, H. Pelton; 1867-75. L. Dobbins; 1876-79, M. Hartleb; 
1880-83, John Boyle. 

City Controllers.— 18Q1 -82, Pressley Arbuckle; 1883, Eugene Metz. 

City Solicitors.— 18bl-b9, Elisha Babbitt; 1860, C. W. Kelso; 1861-65, 
John P. Vincent; 1866, D. B. J. Sterrett; 1867-70, Elisha Babbitt; 1871, 
James Sill; 1872, G. A. Allen; 1873-75, G. W. Lathy & Son; 1876, Cam- 
phausen & Lamb; 1877-83, Theodore A. Lamb. 

City E7jgineers.—I8bl b9, Samael Low; 1860, R. F. Gaggin; 1861-63, 
Samuel Low: 1864, John H. Miller; 1865, Wilson King; 1866-70, G. W. F. 
Sherwin; 1871-74, A. A. Gray; 1875-77, Irvin Camp; 1878-81, W. W. Brig- 
den; ]882, George L. Moody; 1883, Irvin Camp. 

High Constables. — 1851-52, Amos C Landen; 1853-58, Joseph Deamer; 
1859-60, Thomas Dillon; 1861, Joseph Deamer. The office was then abolished 
and the duties thereof devolved upon the Sergeant-at Arms. 

Sergeants-at-Arms. — 1862-65, W. L. Lapsley; 1866, Thomas Wilkins: 
1867-68, John Wilkins; 1869-82, G. D. Tinkcom; 1883, John Eberle. 

Chiefs of Police.— 18ho, S. L. Foster; 1856-58, Willard Braley; 1859, R. 
M. Butterfield: 1860-62, H. L. Brown; 1863-69, Thomas Crowley; 1870. W. H. 
Harris; 1871 Walter H. Smith; 1872-76, Joseph Blenner; 1877-83, Thomas 
Crowley. 

Chiefs of Fire Dejmrtment.—lSbl, S. T. Nelson; 1852, A. P. Durlin; 
1853, G. A. Bennett; 1854, James Kennedy; 1855, J. B. Gunnison; 1856, 
Thomas Magill; 1857-58, G. A Bennett; 1859-61, William Murray; 1862-64, 
G. A. Bennett; 1865-66, J. 8. Stafford; 1867, BVed Gingenbach; 1868, William 
Murray; 1869-70, G. A. Bennett; 1871-76, James L. Irwin; 1877-83, J. A. 
Moser. 

Harbor Masters. — 1851, Andrew Scott; 1852, George Miles; 1853, Daniel 
Dobbins; 1854, George Miles; 1855, E. J. Ames; 1856, Joseph Deamer; 1857, 
Michael Henry; 1858-62, James Dunlap; first part of 1863, John Carse, and 
latter part Michael Henry; 1864-70, James Dunlap; 1871, Harrison Foster; 
1872-77, James Dunlap; 1878, M. W. Hogan; 1879," James Atkinson; 1880-83, 
James Dunlap. 

Clerks of Meat and Vegetable Market. — 1851-52, Amos C. Landen; 1853, 
Joseph Deamer; 1854, George Miles; 1855, E. J. Ames; 1856-58, Joseph 
Deamer; 1859, John Loyer; 1860-61, Thomas Dillon; 1862-65, William L. 
Lapsley; 1866-68, John Wilkins; 1869-80, G. D. Tinkcom; 1881, Adam 
Hersch; 1882-83, Y. D. Eichenlaub. 



CITY OF ERIE. 543 

Health Officer. — Dr. E. W. Germer has filled this position from 1872 up 
to the present time. 

Superintendents of Streets and Sidewalks. — 1879-80, Matthias Detzel; 
1881-82, John Warren; 1883, James Leask. 

WATER WORKS. 

The first water works in Erie were a small affair consisting merely of a line of 
wooden pipes, or "pump logs," laid to convey the water into town by gravitation, 
and distribute it to several small public reservoirs provided for fire purposes, 
and to a very small number of private patrons, the water being obtained from 
a large spring on the Reed farm or " Berst place," just south of the Buffalo 
road and west of Parade street. These works, constructed in 1841, though 
insignificant in comparison with those of to-day, were useful in their time, 
but were discontinued upon the construction of the present ones. By the leg- 
islative act, approved March 16, 1865. John W. Shannon with certain other 
citizens of Erie were incorporated under the title of the "Erie Water and 
Gas Company," and soon afterward organized for business. The authorized 
capital was $100,000, but the company was privileged to increase its capital to 
any amount necessary to build and maintain water and gas works at Erie. 

On the 16th of July, 1866, the City Councils appointed a committee to 
procure the services of a competent engineer " to examine and report to the 
Councils plans for both sewerage and water." H. P. M. Birkinbine, of Phil- 
adelphia, Penn., was secured, and made a report February 23, 1867, which put 
the cost of erecting water works at 1350,000, the water to be taken from the 
bay of Presque Isle. 

On the 11th of March, 1867, the Councils directed the Mayor to make a 
contract with the " Erie Water and Gas Company," to supply the city with 
water for twenty years, beginning July 1, 1868, or as soon thereafter as the 
works could be completed, but obliging said company to finish the same 
within two years from the date of contract. The city agreed to pay an annual 
rent of $9,000 for fifty fire plugs, but said Water and Gas Company was not 
to commence the erection of the works for one year from the date of contract, 
while the city reserved the right of erecting its own water works provided it 
began their construction within the year, said contract to be void in such case. 
It also reserved the right of purchasing any works that might be erected by 
this company, at any time within five years from date of contract. Nothing 
came of this arrangement, as the city subsequently concluded to erect its own 
water works. 

Much opposition was aroused against the proposed improvement, and the 
assertion freely made that besides the works being too expensive the water 
from the bay was unfit for domestic uses, because the bay was the natural 
reservoir for the filth and sewerage of the city. Many advocated bringing the 
water from Lake Pleasant, or from the springs and head- waters of the 
streams south of Erie. The majority, however, were in favor of erecting the 
works on the bay, and an act was procured and approved April 4, 1867, pro- 
viding for the appointment of three " Water Commissioners " to control the 
erection, maintenance and management of water works in Erie, the city to 
furnish money for said Commissioners to carry out the proposed improvement. 
Under this act, W^illiam L. Scott, Henry Rawle and William W. Reed were 
appointed by the court, and organized June 14, 1867. Mr. Birkinbine was 
selected as the engineer to plan and superintend the construction of the works. 
After examining the plans used in several cities, the Commissioners adopted in 
July that in operation in Detroit, Mich, but in September it was dis- 



544 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

carded in favor of the present plan devised and recommended by Mr. Birk- 
inbine. 

The location of the stand-pipe at the foot of Chestnut street was agi-eed 
upon in November, 1867, and a contract was made for the engines the same 
month, with the West Engine Company, of Norristown, Penn. In Decem- 
ber, 1867, the contract for the stand-pipe was given to the Erie City Iron 
Works; early in 1868, John M. Kuhn was awarded the erection of the build- 
ings and stand pipe tower, while at the same time Capt. James Danlap was 
given the crib work. The work began April 7, 1868, and progressed steadily 
and rapidly. In May, 1868, William L. Scott was succeeded as Water Commis- 
sioner by John C. Selden. At the close of 1868, one engine began pumping, 
and by the end of 1869 the works were completed, consisting of an engine 
house, a boiler house, stand pipe tower, smoke-stack, crib-work, and machinery, 
at a total cost of about $675,000. 

The engine house is a solid brick structure, with stone foundation, 30x35 
feet square and sixty-live feet in height, surmounted by an octagonal turret 
fourteen feet high. The boiler house is 50x60 feet square and twelve feet high; 
smoke-stack fourteen feet square at the bottom and 100 feet in height, with a 
draft of twenty-five feet. The stand-pipe tower, built to inclose the stand- 
pipe, is octagonal in shape. Forty-five feet above its foundation, throughout 
which distance the tower is brick, a belt of stone five feet high is placed; 
thence upward it is a circular brick tower. Its total height is 217 feet, and its 
total elevation 237 feet above the surface of the bay, while an additional six- 
teen feet has been added to the stand pipe since its erection, making it 253 feet 
above the water level — the highest stand-pipe in the world. A spiral stairway 
in the interior ascends to the top of the tower, which is suitably decked and 
inclosed by an iron railing. The visitor may bere obtain the finest view im- 
aginable of the city, harbor and lake. 

The works are operated by two "Cornish Bull" engines of the finest make, 
driven by eight double-flue boilers. The pumping capacity of these works is 
about 5,000,000 gallons daily, but at present one engine is usually found sufii- 
cient for pu^mping purposes, the Commissioners wisely saving the other to 
guard against accidents which might cut otf the water supply. The most 
marked feature of the Erie Water Works are their completeness, solidity, and 
durability, combined with cheapness of construction and efiiciency, which is 
unquestionably due to the genius of the accomplished engineer who planned 
and supervised the building of them, as well as to the Water Commissioners in 
charge at the time, more especially William W. Eeed, whose whole time and 
attention was devoted to the enterprise from the beginning of the works until 
their completion. 

The reservoir located on Twenty-sixth street, between Chestnut and Cherry, 
has a capacity of 33,000,000 gallons. In the fall of 1872, the Water Commis- 
sioners purchased seven acres of land at that point, whereon they constructed 
the reservoir, the bottom of which is 210 feet above the surface of the bay, 
while the water is kept at an average depth of twenty-five feet. At the present 
time the city has forty-three miles of water mains, and 213 fire hydrants, which 
affords a first-class water supply for all purposes. The water is taken from be- 
tween two piers, at about midway between the surface and the bottom of the 
bay, in a depth of twelve feet; and December 31, 1882, there were 4,687 pa- 
trons on the books of the department. 

Since the works were finished, many improvements have been made, one of 
the most important being the putting in of new boilers in 1880, their removal 
further south in the building and the construction of a switch railroad track 



CITY OF ERIE. 



545 



running through the center of the building between the engine room and 
the boiler.s, whereby car loads of coal are brought right to the furnace doors, 
and all laborious handling and hauling done away with. Up to 1883, no spe- 
cial effort was made to improve the grounds around the water works, but the 
Commissioners in office this year began the work of improvement, and have 
progressed so far as to complete the road down the hill, also grade and sod the 
bank to a point half way between Chestnut and Myrtle streets, the limit of 
their jurisdiction, and sod the lower portion of the grounds. Trees have been 
planted all over the grounds, under control of the department, while the whole 
has been laid out under a general plan, in contemplation of a drive way being 
built along the bay front of the city. 

The Water Commissioners since the establishment of the works have been 
as follows: William L. Scott, 1867-68; Henry Rawle, 1867-72; William W. 
Reed, 1867-79; John C. Selden, 1868-72; Mathew R. Barr, 1872-77; John 
Gensheimer, 1872-78, J. M. Bryant, 1878-81; M. Liebel, 1877-83; G. W. F. 
Sherwin, 1879-85; Benjamin Whitman, 1881-84. 

The following exhibit shows the amount of coal consumed, cost of coal, 
water pumped, etc., from the construction of the works to the close of 1882: 



YEARS. 


Tons Coal Con- 
sumed. 


Cost of Coal. 


Gallons of Water 
Pumped. 


Gallons Raised 

to the Reservoir 

by one pound 

of Coal. 


1868 


59.1 
544.4 

1,064.5 
1,422.7 
1.308.5 
1 672.5 
1,759.0 
1,836.4 
1,856.0 
2,456 6 
2,463.3 
2,628.1 
3,076.1 
3.430.3 
2.968 2 


$ 309 61 
4,818 48 
5,1.59 10 
7,117 00 
6,528 50 
8.412 65 
7,709 54 
8,657 61 
8,925 22 
8,509 33 
7,945 37 
7,428 92 
6,978 41 
6,517 58 
5,355 93 






1869 






1870 


246,648,960 
279.368,495 
395,076,000 
384,062,415 
444,817,395 
531,005,475 
670,726,650 
660,981,810 
682,392,315 
807,800,400 
775,805,250 
975,640,934 
829,759,260 




1871 


168 45 


1872 


150 96 


1873 


114^81 
196 44 


1874 


1875 


145 57 
IHO 68 


1876 


1877 


135 74 


1878 


136 49 


1879 


153 68 


1880 


1 '^Q 01 


1881 • 


142 *^0 


1882 


139.77 





This exhibit shows the amount of water rents collected each year since the 
commencement of the works to the close of 1882: 

Amount Received. 

From .January 1, 1869, to December 31, 1869 $4,264 47 

From January 1, 1870, to December 31. 1870 9,237 30 

From January 1, 1871, to December 31, 1871 ^ 18,138 08 

From January 1, 1872, to December 31,1872 21,652 68 

From January 1, 1873, to December 31, 1873 25,560 40 

From January 1, 1874, to December 31, 1874 27,938 90 

From January 1, 1875, to December 31, 1875 29,639 38 

From January 1, 1876, to December 31, 1876 31,048 76 

From January 1, 1877, to December 31,1877 32.276 57 

From January 1, 1878, to December 31, 1878 29,636 01 

From January 1, 1879, to December 31, 1879 33,343 20 

From January 1, 1880, to December 31, 1880 37,385 00 

From January 1, 1881. to December 31, 1881 40,385 87 

From January 1, 1882, to December 31, 1882 43,818 73 

Total water rents leceived $384,380 35 



546 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The Active Fire Company, organized February 22, 1826, was the first effort 
made in Erie toward protecting the property of the town against the fiery ele- 
ment. The roll of membership included nearly all the grown male residents 
of the borough, with R. S. Reed, President and Chief Engineer; Daniel Dob- 
bins, Second Engineer; E. D. Gunnison, Secretary; John Riddell, Treasurer. 
The company was first furnished with buckets, but subsequently the town pur- 
chased a small fire engine, which did service for some years. Other com- 
panies of later date were as follows: Red Jacket Fire Company No. 1, organ- 
ized in 1837; Perry and Eagle Fire Companies, formed in 1839; Mechanics 
No. 3, formed in 1844; Vulcan, formed in 1848; Phcenix Hook and Ladder 
Company, formed in 1852; Parade Street Cr.mpany, formed in 1861. The city 
has had a tire organization with general ofiicers since 1851, but for the first ten 
years was not very effective. 

The present fire protection of Erie consists of the following apparatus; 
Steamer " Keystone," on Parade street, between Eleventh and Twelfth, which 
has been in use for about twenty years, but has now no company; Steamer No. 
1, " D. T. Jones," First Ward Engine House on Fifth street, between State and 
French, was purchased in March, 1878, from the Silsby Manufacturing Com- 
pany of Seneca Falls, N. Y. ; Steamer No. 3, " William L. Scott," Third Ward, 
Peach street between Thirteenth and Fourteenth, is also a Silsby engine, and 
was purchased in June, 1882, each of these engines costing nearly $4,000. 
There is a hose company located in each of the six wards, and the Hook acd 
Ladder Company No. 1, at the Peach Street Engine House, where there is a 
beautiful Hayes truck which cost $3,000. The department has about 5,500 
feet of hose, and employs forty-eight men aod thirteen horses; has fifteen 
miles of telegraph wire in use, and thirty fire alarm stations. There is one 
hose cart which has been in use about four years, and five new hose carriages 
that arrived at Erie in September, 1883, an(l which cost $525 each. Six brick 
engine houses are used by the department, the largest being the one on Peach 
street, the headquarters of the chief. 

The Erie Fire Department is governed by the following officers: Chief 
Engineer, J. Adam Moser; First Assistant, William Schade; Second Assistant, 
A. H. Conkey. The Board of Engineers is composed of the chief and his as- 
sistants, the foreman of each hose company and hook and ladder company, 
also the engineers of the steam fire engines. It meets at the headquarters of 
the fire department. Third Ward Engine House, on the first Sunday of each 
month. The furnishings are all first class, and the efficiency of the depart- 
ment is recognized as second to none in Northwestern Pennsylvania. 

MARKETS. 

Wednesday and Saturday mornings are the regular vegetable and meat 
market days in Erie. The farmers and hucksters line the east side of State 
street from Twelfth to North Park Row, their wagons filled with all kinds of 
market produce. Here they stand from 4 o'clock in the morning until 2 o'clock in 
the afternoon, the sidewalk crowded with buyers going from wagon to wagon, 
selecting and dickering for what they want. During market hours, the side- 
walk is scarcely passable, so crowded is it with sellers and purchasers. The 
market clerk goes the rounds collecting a small fee from each stand, which is 
paid for the privilege of being allowed to sell their produce inside the city 
limits, while a penalty is imposed for an evasion of the law. 

The hay market is on Twelfth between State and Peach streets, and the 
wood market immediately east between State and French streets. There is also 







u Kj^cAMi^^-xy 



CITY OF ERIE. 649 

a clerk of these markets, and a fee is charged each wagon for standing room. 
The city possesses no market houses at the present time, but the vegetable and 
meat market has become so objectionable to the State street merchants that the 
day is not far distant when some other market-place away from the business 
center will have to be selected by the city authorities. 



This department is well organized and under the charge of an efficient 
head. It consists of seventeen officers and the chief, Thomas Crowley, the 
whole force being equipped in suitable uniforms. The police headquarters 
is a two-story frame building on the northeast corner of Seventh and Peach 
streets, which is centrally located and kept in the neatest order. The city is 
patrolled day and night, and so vigilant is the force that few breaches of the 
peace escape detection; and its efficiency is a wholesome check on evil-doers, as 
well as a vigorous antidote for crime. 

FINANCIAL EXHIBIT. 

Statement of receipts and disbursments of the City Treasurer for the fiscal 
year ending December 31, 1882: 

1882, January 1, John Boyle, Treasurer, balance last settle- 
ment $ 27,005 08 

Collection of taxes for 1882 176,446 79 

Collection county licenses 4,136 16 

Collection judgments 9,415 77 

License,fines,etc.— Doff tax, $295.52; butchers, .$378; teams, 
$539; peddlers, $298.50; building permits, $15; auction, 
$25; Opera House, $75; fireworks, $11; shows, $23.50; 
oity markets— Eicheulaub, $900 ; Hersh & Doll, $247.50 ; 
hay and wood markets— M. Nicholes, $383.34; D. 

Weeks, $112.50 ; circus, $100 3,403 86 

Penalty tax, 1882, $539.82 ; State tax, $2,151.20; temporarv 

loans, $20,000 '. 22,691 02 

Property assessed for paving Ninth street, $16,816.05 ; as- 
sessed Twelfth street, $1,368.35 18,184 41 

Property assessed tor sewers, Twelfth street, $436; State 
street, $515.54; Poplar street, $553,22; Tenth street, 
$777.35 ; Ninth street, 1833.56; Sassafras street, $892.68 

Parade and Wallace Streets, $81.90 4,090 95 

Taxes of 1879-80-81 19,170 53 

Miscellaneous,$l,744.56 ; tax liens, $44 1.788 56 



$286,333 13 
CREDIT. 

"Warrants redeemed and canceled $164,162 09 

Interest paid on indorsed warrants 765 07 

Interest paid on bonds 81,872 00 

Interest paid on State tax 2,771 16 

Rebate for early payment tax 3,619 57 

Refunded for overpaid tax 57 43 253 247 42 



Balance cash in treasury $33,085 71 

treasurer's statement of water commissioners' account. 

1882, January 1, John Boyle, Treasurer, last statement $ 2,080 62 

John Boyle, Treasurer, received during the year 44,492 53 



$46,578 15 
Credit— Paid orders of Water Commissioners 44,112 69 



Balance in treasury 2,460 46 

29 



550 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF THE CITY, .JANUARY 1, 1883. 

Liabilities— Bond account $1,221,100 00 

Less sinlcing fund 55,000 00 

1,166,100 00 

"Warrants in circulation 1,717 17 

Accrued and accruing interest 30,000 00 

•SI, 197,817 17 

Assets— Uncollected tax $41,651 24 

l^ess estimates for executor and fees 4,000 00 $37,651 24 

Judgment account 15,995 89 

Estate, doubtful 3,500 00 12,495 89 

Cash in treasury 33,085 71 83,232 84 

City debt .$1,114,584 33 

The following is a statement of the taxes levied for municipal purposes in 
the city of Erie for 1883, together with the alterations made therein: 



WARDS. 


Valuation. 


p a 
.3 o 

g| 


Gross tax at 
W/i mills. 






Farm land 
abatement. 


Paved street 
abatement. 


Net tax. 


First 

Second . . . 
Third .... 
Fourth.... 

Fifth 

Sixth 


$2,164,980 
2,592,183 
3,518,936 
2,798,220 
963,024 
1,061,954 


% 98,380 

83,260 

146,990 

39,235 

335,606 

167,855 


$ 35,182 83 
42,123 93 
57,185 34 
45,471 08 
15,648 61 
17,256 70 


$ 917 24 
1,288 00 
1,676 08 
1,080 04 
388 55 
1,010 28 


$114 

1108 


$ 799 33 

676 44 

1,194 29 

818 76 

2,726 51 

1,363 80 


$ 893 89 

1,547 09 

1,593 88 

539 85 

144 63 

110 47 


$ 84,520 61 
41,185 55 
56,068 32 
45,800 14 
13,166 60 
16,796 22 


Totals.... 


$13,099,297 


$871,326 


$212,867 99 


$6,860 19 


$222 


$7,079 13i$4,829 81 


$207,537 44 



The changes made in duplicates as per statement thereof, make the net 
amount of the duplicates to be charged to the receiver of taxes as follows: 
First Ward, $34, 422, 35; Second Ward, $41,174.19; Third Ward, $56,098.39; 
Fourth Ward, $45,800.14: Fifth Ward, $13,158.70; Sixth Ward, $16,796.22. 
Total, $207,449.99. 



CHAPTER IV. 



First Presbyterian Church. 

AS early as 1802, at Presque Isle, or Erietown, as it was variously called, a Pres- 
byterian congregation not then organized into a church sought ministerial 
services from the Presbytery of Erie, which had been organized the year be- 
fore. In 1803, in connection with Upper and Lower Greenfield, it extended a 
call to Rev. Robert Patterson, although for some reason the call seems not to 
have been prosecuted, or at least his services not secured for the congregation 



CITY OF ERIE. 551 

at Erietown. Rev. Johnston Eaton, who had been licensed to preach August 
22, 1805, came in 1806 into Erie County, and preached his first sermon " in a 
small log tavern at the mouth of Walnut Creek, kept by Capt. Swan." The 
fragment of an old journal recites something of his early experience: 
"Preached three months to the congregations of Erietown, Springfield and 
Mill Creek, beginning July, 1806, at $()0 per quarter." After this we have 
no account of regularly sustained services at Erietown for several years. 

In 1815, an engagement was made with Rev. J. Eaton to give one-third of 
his time to the congregation at Erie. The remainder of his time was divided 
between Fairview and North East. 

In September, 1815, the church was regularly organized, services were then 
held and for awhile subsequently in the old court house. This was the general 
rendezvous for public services of all kinds. Judah Colt, who was a prominent 
member of the church, and one of its Elders, had erected on Sassafras street^ 
where is now the residence of William Bell, Esq., a frame building, which was 
used in part for school purposes. This became the first regular place of wor- 
ship for the new church, and was familiarly known for many years as " the 
yellow meeting-house." 

Among the most prominent of the early members of the church and con- 
gregation were Judah Colt, Giles Sanford, Robert McClelland, Thomas Laird, 
John Evans, John Grubb, William Arbuckle, George Selden, Robert and 
George Davison, Samuel Hays, George A. Eliot, Thomas H. Sill, Joseph M. 
Sterrett. Other leading citizens, such as P. S. V. Hamot, had sittings in the 
church, and contributed to the support of worship. 

In 1818, Rev. J. Eaton gave one-half of his time to the church at Erie, the 
other half being devoted to the church at Fairview. This arrangement con- 
tinued for five years. 

April 13, 1825, Rev. David McKinney, a graduate of Jefferson College, and 
a licentiate of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, was ordained and installed 
pastor of the First Church of Erie. Rev. Timothy Alden preached the sermon 
and Rev. Samuel Tait delivered the charges. This relation continued until 
April 22, 1829, when at his own request it was dissolved. In 1824, a brick 
edifice, large and commodious for the existing wants of the society, was built 
upon the site of the present edifice. 

Judah Colt, whose interest in the church was unflagging, gave the society 
the use of a room in a block owned by himself on French street for evening 
prayer meetings. After his death, a building known as the session room, was 
built adjoining the church, and used for social worship. 

Rev. George A. Lyon, of Dickinson College and Princeton Theological 
Seminary, was ordained by the Presbytery of Erie, and installed pastor of the 
First Church on the 9th of September, 1829. Rev. Giles Doolittle, of North 
East, preached the sermon, and Rev. Wells Bushnell and Rev. Thomas Ander- 
son delivered the charges. 

Large accessions were made to the church during 1831-32, years which 
were marked by great religiou.s interest throughout the country. In 1857, 
more than a hundred were received at one time as the fruits of a revival, and 
in 1865 ninety were added in the same manner. 

At the great division in the Presbyterian Church in 1838, the First Church 
attached itself to the New School Assembly. 

On June 14, 1859, the corner-stone of the present elaborate and beautiful 
church edifice was laid. The building committee consisted of D. S. Clark, 
Josiah Follansbee, P. G. Finn and Samuel A. Davenport. The building was 
not wholly finished until February 26, 1862. The basement lecture room 



552 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

was completed and occupied for religions services March 25, 1860. The 
Sabbath congregations continued to worship there until the upper audience 
room was dedicated February 26, 1862. The first Elders of the church 
were Judah Colt and George Selden. In 1882, there were elected John 
Dunlap, Alexander McClelland, Samuel Love and William Arbuckle. In 1857, 
William Himrod, J. D. Clark, Robert Davidson. David S. Clark. In 1865, 
David Shirk, Samuel Selden, Joseph A. French. In 1871, James Lvtle, 
Pressly Arbuckle, J. F. Downing. January 2, 1875, E. Woodruff, D. B. Cal- 
lender and R. S. Moffett. July 18, 1883, James M. Gordon and Edward P. 
Selden, the latter two being chosen to fill the vacancy made by the death of 
Samuel Selden and David B. Callender, March 24, 1871, Rev. Dr. Lyon, who 
had completed nearly forty-three years of ministry to the same congregation, 
and whose labors had been marked by signal ability and success, died, greatly 
beloved and deeply lamented. 

Rev. A. H. Carrier, who had been called to the associate pastorate just pre- 
vious to this event, began his services April 30, 1871, commemorative of his 
esteemed predecessor. He was installed pastor December 7 of the same 
year. In the fall of 1879, Mr. Carrier resigned, and in the following May, a 
call was extended to Rev. William S. Fulton, who was installed in the fall of 
1880, and is the present pastor of the charch. The church membership is now 
383. At the semi-Centennial Celebration of the church held in 1875, the pas- 
tor, Rev, A. H. Carrier, thus spoke: 

"This church — we say it in no self -glorying spirit — has been by force of 
its position, at the foundation of the present religious life of this city. The 
Associate Reformed, now the United Presbyterian, shares with it this pre- 
eminence. This church however, has been fruitful in colonies. In the organ- 
ization of the Episcopal Church, you meet with many of the same names 
which you had before met with upon the subscription roll and charch records 
of this congregation. In the organization of the Baptist Church the same fact 
is in some measure true. * * * 

" The church in East Mill Creek or Belle Valley was a child of this. 

"Upon the rolls of Park Church, organized in 1854, recorded there as its 
founders, are the cherished and honored names of many who had been for 
years in the front rank of supporters and workers hei'e, or who had been bap- 
tized at its font, been taught in its Sabbath school and had grown up under 
its influences. 

"The Central Church organized February, 1871, was a transplantation at 
once of officers from its session, an associate pastor from its pulpit, workers 
from its Sabbath school, and members from its community." * * * 

PAKE PKESBYTEBIAN CHURCH. 

Several attempts had been made previous to the spring of l855 to establish 
an Old- School Presbyterian Church in Erie, but had proved unsuccessful. Park 
Church may date its commencement in April of this year. The first service 
was held in a room in the fourth story of Cadwell's Block, on State street, 
April 29, 1855, conducted by Rev. William Wilson and Rev. S. J. M. Eaton. 
About thirty persons were present. The next meeting place was in Gensheimer's 
Hall, where, on the 28th of Jane, 1855, the church was organized by a com- 
mittee, appointed by the Presbytery of Erie, consisting of Rev. James W. 
Dickey and Rev. S. J. McEaton, with Elders William Campbell, of Wash- 
ington and James L. Reed, of Mill Creek. The names enrolled at that time 
as members of the church were William Arbuckle, S. S. Spencer, D. B. Mc- 
Creary, Dyer W. Fitch and Mrs. Julia A. Fitch, his wife, Mrs. Mary Shattuck, 
Miss Sarah Ward, Mrs. Mary W. Fleury and Miss Catharine Mason. 



CITY OF ERIE. 553 

On the third Sabbath of July, 1855, a Sabbath school was organized with 
twenty-five or thirty scholars. Rev. William Wilson and others supplied the 
church till May, 1856, when, by permission of the Presbytery, Rev. William 
M. Blackburn, then of the Presbytery of Lake, was invited to become "stated 
supply " of the church for one year. Mr. Blackburn accepted the invitation, 
and began his labors May 25, 1856. At that time the church numbered 
twenty-four members. During the following year, vinder Mr. Blackburn's 
efficient care, the church and Sabbath school grew rapidly; a large Bible class 
was organized; the congregation increased; the benevolent operations of the 
church were carried on with regularity and energy. May 27, 1857, Mr. 
Blackburn was installed pastor of the church. At that time there were thirty- 
five communicants. During the summer and autumn of 1857, the present 
house of worship was erected. It was dedicated December 22, with thanks- 
giving and gladness; sei'mon by Rev. Frederick T. Brown, then of Cleveland, 
Ohio. In 1858, forty-six persons were added to the church upon a profession 
of their faith— the largest, with one exception, which Park Church has yet 
enjoyed. After seven years of faithful and fruitful labor, Mr. Blackburn ac- 
cepted a call, on account of his health, to the pastoral care of the Fourth 
Presbyterian Church of Trenton, N. J., to the gi-eat regret of his loving 
flock in Erie. 

On the 22d of February, 1864, Rev. George F. Cain, then of Stroudsburg, 
Penn., was unanimously chosen to be pastor of Park Church. The call was 
accepted, and Mr. Cain was installed shortly afterward. At that time there 
were 127 communicants. There had been many added to the church, but 
there had also been frequent removals, and some had "fallen asleep" in 
Jesus. 

In April, of same year, the parsonage on the corner of Sassafras and 
Seventh streets, was purchased, the congregation joining with great zeal and 
unanimity in thus providing a beautiful and comfortable home for their pastor. 

During year ending April, 1866, was marked by a gracious effusion of the 
Holy Spirit. Ninety-two communicants were added to the church, of whom 
sixty-eight professed for the first time their faith in Christ. 

In April, 1870, the pastoral relation between Mr. Cain and the church was 
dissolved, in order that Mr. Cain might accept a call to the Alexander Church 
in Philadelphia. The resolutions in which this congregation assented to Mr. 
Cain's request for a dissolution of his pastorate, expressed deep and heartfelt 
regret. When Mr. Cain left the church, it was composed of 242 communicants. 

December 7, 1870, Rev. James Otis Denniston, of Matawan, N. J., was 
called to the pastoral charge, which office he fulfilled with earnestness and 
fidelity till April, 1872. 

September 9, 1872, Rev. Thomas Fullerton was elected pastor, and entered 
upon his work in October. There were in December of that year 196 members 
in Park Church. 

The Ruling Elders of the church have been S. S. Spencer, elected June 28, 
1855; David Agnew, elected June 28, 1856; D. W. Fitch, elected June 4, 
1859; Thomas Taber, elected June 4, 1859; Edward J. Cowell, elected Decem- 
ber 9, 1865; Andrew H. Cahey, elected December 9, 1865; William Himrod, 
elected January 4, 1868; N. J. Clark, elected January 4, 1868; Charles C. 
Converse, Riley Burdett, William Spencer and William T. Birch, all ordained 
October 31, 1875. 

In 1877, the beautiful chapel and Sabbath school rooms fronting on 
Seventh street and connected with the main church edifice by a corridor, was 
erected at a cost of $6, 500. 



554 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The interior of the main building was tastefully frescoed in 1882, and a fine 
organ put in, the entire cost being !?9,000. The present membership is 265. 
A Sabbath school has been maintained continually from the beginning. Pres- 
ent enrollment, 200. 

THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

This church was formally organized by a committee appointed by the Pres- 
bytery of Erie, consisting of Rev. William Grassie and Rev. S. G. Hopkins, 
February 23, 1871; the services were held in VValther's Hall. The original 
membership consisted of fifty-four pei'sons. At the time of the organization, 
David Shirk and Joseph A. French were chosen Elders. Shortly afterward, the 
church extended a unanimous call to Rev. Charles C Kimball, which he 
accepted, and May 11, 1871, was installed by a committee from the Presbyteiy, 
Rev. George W. Cleveland, presiding, Rev. A. Sinclair preaching the sermon, 
Rev. John E. Wright charging the pastor, and Rev. J. T. Oxtoby the church. 
After the installation, the Sabbath services of the church were held for two 
years in Temperance Hall (Dreisigaker's Block, east side of State, between 
Seventh and Eighth streets), and there continued to be held for about two 
years. During the first year of the church's existence, the valuable and desira- 
ble lot on the northeast corner of Tenth and Sassafras streets was purchased, 
and on the 2d of August, 1872, ground was broken for the erection of the 
stone church edifice which now graces that site, and serves the congregation 
as a place for worship. This edifice was completed and opened for worship 
Sabbath morning, June 8, 1873, with impressive ceremonies. Brief addresses 
were made to the Sabbath school by the pastor. Rev. C. C. Kimball, the Su- 
perintendent and others, and at 11 o'clock a sermon was delivered by the 
pastor. On the following evening, the church was dedicated to the service of 
God. The ceremonies commenced with an anthem, followed by prayer and 
the reading of the 24th Psalm by Rev. Dr. Stever. The pastor then gave a 
brief sketch of the history and cost of the building, after which brief remarks 
were made by Rev. Mr. Stone, Rev. Dr. Wheeler. Rev. M. Grassie, Rev. Capt. 
Kitwood, Rev. Dr. John H. Vincent and Rev. Dr. Fullerton. The building, 
as then completed and now stands, was designed for Sabbath school purposes, 
the membership intending to build thereto the main church structure. The 
edifice is constructed of Ogdensburg blue limestone trimmed with Amherst, 
Ohio, sandstone, and is, in size, 67x45 feet; below is the audience room seated 
with chairs, and four parlors and other rooms above tastefully finished and 
furnished throughout. It is of Gothic style of architecture and cost, in the 
neighborhood of $25,000, it and the lot upon which it stands costing about 
$33,000. Within the tii'st eleven months, the number of communicants 
was doubled, and in December, 1872, the number of communicants was 157. 
The Sabbath school had a similar rapid growth; it was organized in Walther's 
Hall February 11, 1871, with a total attendance of thirty-five scholars. On 
May 14 of the same year, they removed to Temperance Hall, which quarters 
they occupied until the completion of their chapel June 8, 1873. In less than 
one year, it reached an average attendance of 227, and contributed for its own 
purposes and benevolence the handsome sum of $1,069.47. 

Early in the year 1874, W. R. Davenport, G. W. F. Sherwin and George 
Reed were elected Elders, and Joseph A. French was re- appointed to active 
service in the eldership (David Shirk died while serving as Elder, November 
21, 1873). In January, 1877, Elders Joseph A. French and George Reed were 
re-elected to active service for the term of six years, and Charles Metcalf, 
George E. Barger, C. C. Shirk and William Smith were added to the elder- 



CITY OF ERIE. 556 

ship, and at the expiration of that time all were re-elected and are now serving 
the church as Elders. 

October 12, 1878, Rev. Mr. Kimball was dismissed from the pastorate at 
his own request, to accept a call to a church in Kansas City, Mo. He preached 
for the congregation at Erie until the first Sabbath in November of that year. 
His successor to the pastorate of this church was Rev. Solon Cobb, of New 
Bedford, Mass., who was installed by the Presbytery of Erie on the evening 
of December 26, 1878, and now occupies that relation with the Central 
Church. 

The twelve years of the church's existence have all been years of growth 
and fruitfulness. Unity, harmony and cordial fellowship, have marked all of 
their meetings and activities. For twelve years, constant increase of member- 
ship at each and every communion season has been as unvarying as the seed 
time and harvest of the natural world. During the past year of the church's 
history, forty- four persons have entered into fellowship with the church, thirty- 
five on confession of faith and nine by letter; fourteen have been dismissed 
to form a connection with other churches, and five have passed on to the 
heavenly land. Since the organization of the church to the original member- 
ship of fifty-four, 446 have been added on confession of faith, and 191 by let- 
ter — in all 637 — an average of about fifty-thi'ee a year. The roll has included 
691 names. Of these, thirty- four have died, 124 have been dismissed, twenty- 
eight retired, and twelve dropped, leaving the present membership in April, 
1883, 493. The church has received and paid out for building, current 
expenses, general benevolence, etc., during the twelve years, about $95,000. 

The Sabbath school has been under the care of the same Superintendent, 
Mr. C. C. Shirk, ever since its organization. Commencing with a member- 
ship of forty-five, it has increased until there are now enrolled 565 names; 
and 295 of the scholars have joined the church, an average of about twenty- 
four a year. 

CHESTNUT STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

Early in July, 1870, a Sabbath school was opened in the house of Mr. C. 
W. Brown on Eighteenth, between Chestnut and Walnut streets, through the 
efforts of three lay members of the First Presbyterian and Park Presbyterian 
Churches. The first Sabbath but one scholar accepted the invitation previously 
extended, and was present. Two Sabbaths later, the attendance in- 
creased to seventy-five, and as a result a school was organized in a room fitted 
up for the occasion near the present house of worship. From this time to the 
Ist of December following, the school was nominally under the care of the Y. 
M. C. A., when it was taken under the charge of Park Presbyterian Church. 
At the end of the first year, the school numbered over 200 members. In order 
to put in some practical and useful form their quota of the $5,000,000 memo- 
rial fund, which the Presbyterian Church in the United States had resolved to 
raise as a thank-offering to God for the cordial re-union of its dissevered 
branches, the people of Park Chui'ch resolved to build a house for this new 
Sunday school. This was accomplished. The chvirch as it now stands, on the 
corner of Seventeenth and Chestnut streets, was completed in July, 1871, and 
dedicated on the 2d of August following — members of the Presbytery of Erie, 
then in session in this city, bearing a part in the services of the occasion. Rev. 
J. R. Wilson began to preach in the church in the spring of 1872, a man of 
great fidelity, sincerity and earnestness. A church was organized in January 
1873, and Mr. Wilson was installed over it as pastor, in the next September. 
He was very successful in his ministry — the church increasing within 
the first three years from nine to fifty six members, and the Sabbath school to 



556 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

225. Mr. Wilson remained with the church till the summer of 1879, when he 
resigned his place to accept the chair of Greek Professor in Parson College, 
Iowa. He was succeeded in the pastorate of the church by the Rev. A. C. 
AVilson, who was installed as pastor December 30, of that year, and remained until 
July, 1880, when he resigned on account of ill-health. Prom February, 1881, 
until June, 1883, the pulpit was filled by the Rev. J. D. Kerr, as stated supply. 
Since July, 1883, the Rev. W. J. Hazlett has sustained the same relation with 
this charge. The present membership is seventy-six. 

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION. 

Previous to 1811, about thrity families, members and adherents of the 
Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, had settled in Erie and the immediate 
neighborhood. They were chiefly Scotch-Irish and the descendants of Scotch- 
Irish, and had removed here from the counties in Pennsylvania bordering on 
the Juniata and Susquehanna Rivers. In 1811, the Monongahela Presbytery 
of the Associate Reformed Church embraced in its bounds the entire territory 
now included in three Synods, viz., Pittsburgh, Ohio and First Synod of the 
West. At a meeting of the Presbytery held at Steubenville, Ohio, June 19, 
1811, " Rev. George Buchanan (pastor of a congregation at Steubenville) was 
appointed to preach two Sabbaths in the borough of Erie before the next meeting 
of Presbytery." Mr. Buchanan filled his appointment probably in July or Au- 
gust, 1811, and at the next meeting of Presbytery, held September 4, 1811, at 
Puckety Church, a petition "for a supply of sermons" was received from 
persons residing in and near Erie and Waterford. He arrived here and 
preached in these places in the fall of 1811. He was accompanied to Erie by 
the Rev. Samuel Weir, a licentiate of the same Presbytery. His labors were 
BO acceptable here that proper steps were taken to secure his services as pastor. 
At the next meeting of the Presbytery, held at " St. Clair Church, a petition 
for the moderation of a call in the borough of Erie and at Waterford was 
presented. Mr. Galloway was appointed to preach in Erie on the third Sab- 
bath of January, 1812, and preside on the following Monday on that business." 
Mr. Galloway filled this appointment and a unanimous call was made out for 
Mr. Robert Reid, which was carried up by Mr. Robinson as unanimous, and 
presented at the next meeting of Presbytery, held in Robinson Run Church 
March 11, 1812. It was declared regular, presented to the candidate, by him 
accepted, and "the Presbytery proceeded to assign him trials for ordination. 
Jeremiah, xxxi, 19, was assigned as the subject of a sermon and Romans, iii, 24- 
31 inclusive, as the subject of a lecture, which he was directed to deliver at 
the next meeting of Presbytery." Mr. Reid having delivered his trials for 
ordination at the meeting at St. Clair Church June 24, 1812, they were ap- 
proved, and Messrs. McConnell, Kerr and Galloway, ministers, with Messrs. 
John Findley, Robert Porter and James McWilliams, Elders, wei'e appointed 
a committee of Presbytery to ordain and install Mr. Reid over these congrega- 
tions at Erie, on the second Tuesday of September next, Mr. McConnell to 
preach the ordination sermon, Mr. Kerr to deliver the charge to the minister, 
and Mr. Galloway to the people. Mr. Archibald McSparren was directed to 
serve the edict. "This committee failed to meet at the time appointed; Mr. 
Galloway was prevented from meeting with them at all, and the members of 
the committee selected Mr. Dick to accompany them to Erie. Mr. Dick con- 
sented. The committee met October 21, 1812, and the preparatory steps hav- 
ing been taken, Mr. Reid was set apart to the oflfice of the holy ministry 
and installed as pastor of the united congregations of Erie and Waterford." 
The number of members in connection with the congregation when it was first 



i??'^ 



,^i^- 





CITY OF ERIE. 559 

organized cannot be given with certainty; it is believed to be about seventy. 
Mrs. Polly E. Barr is the only one nov7 living of the members-at the time of 
the first organization. Mr. Reid continued to preach three -fourths of his time 
in Erie and one-fourth in Waterford, until June 30, 1841, when he resigned 
the pastoral charge of Waterford, and all his time was given to Erie. April 
12, 1813, Archibald McSparren, Thomas Hughes and David Robinson were 
ordained, and Alexander Robinson installed Ruling Elders, and James Du- 
mars was ordained a Deacon of the congregation, the Rev. Mr. Galloway, of 
Mercer, and Mr. Junkin, a Ruling Elder, assisting. The first communion was 
held October 29, 1813, and forty-nine members communed. 

At first the congregation met for worship wherever it could find accommoda- 
tions, sometimes in the old court house, sometimes in a log house on the north 
side of Fifth street, between French and Holland, and oftener in a log school 
house on the corner of Seventh and Holland streets, upon the ground now oc- 
cupied by School No. 2. The first church building was erected in 1816, on 
Eighth street, a little west of the present building. It was a frame structure 
33x45 feet and was removed in 1837 to State street, between Eleventh and 
Twelfth streets The present church building is a substantial brick, 50x80 
feet. The audience room was completed and ready for occupancy in 1837. 

An incident which occurred at the distribution of pews in the new church, 
in 1837, is worthy of record. Rufiis S. Reed, whose wife was a member of the 
church and himself a liberal contributor to its funds and an attendant pretty 
regularly upon itb services, came in after considerable progress had been made 
in the selection of pews. He inquired if there was a pew for him, and he was 
informed that they supposed that one of the two square pews on each side 
of the pulpit would be his choice, and that one had been assigned to the pastor 
and the other reserved for him. He inquired the price, which, when named, 
was satisfactory, and he took the pew. The building committee then said: 
" Mr. Reed, we owe you about $300 more than your pew amounts to, and we 
would like to turn the old house over to you for as much of the debt as you can 
afford to allow for it." He replied: " I will take the house and give you a re- 
ceipt in full." He sold it, to be removed, for $100, and gave the money he 
received for it to the Rev. Robert Reid, the pastor, as a present. The basement 
of the new building, containing lecture room, session room, infant class room, 
etc., was finished in 1862. 

The pastors of the church have been as follows: Rev. Robert Reid, installed 
October 21, 1812— died May 15, 1844; Rev. Joseph H. Pressly, installed Au- 
gust 20, 1845 — died November 3, 1874; Rev. J. C. Wilson, the present in- 
cumbent, installed May 1, 1876. 

September 12, 1814, 74 members communed, and June 9, 1822, 107 mem- 
bers communed, the greatest number stated up to that time of any one year. 
The greatest number of new members given in any one year, up to 1876, was 
thirty -sevea, which occurred in 1874. In 1866 and in 1872, thirty-one new 
names were added to the membership. These years of unusual accessions to the 
church resulted, in 1866, from general interest in religious matters awakened 
by the efforts of some revival preachers who visited Erie that year; in 1872 
and 1874, they resulted from earnest work by the pastor and members in 
prayer- meeting held every evening for two weeks before the communion, in 
July, 1872, and in January, 1874. The membership is at present 220, 
Shortly after Mr. Reid's installation in Erie, a Union Sabbath school was 
opened. It was held sometimes in the old court house, and sometimes in a 
house on French street, near the corner of Fifth street. Mr. Reid was the 
Superintendent at first, but some of those interested in the school, from other 



560 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

churches, insisted upon introducing into the school, hymns and other things 
which Mr. Reid could not approve, and he withdrew and subsequently organ- 
ized a school in his own church, which was discontinued after a few years, and 
there was no successful attempt to revive it until after the installation of Rev. 
Joseph H. Pressly. The school opened on the first Sabbath of January, 1846, 
and the teachers were John Hughes, James E. McNair, James L. Gray, Miss 
Mary Warren, Miss Mary A.Lamberton and Miss Elizabeth Reid. Fifty -one 
scholars were present. During the month, George W. Barr, Edward A. Me- 
haffey, James C. Reid, George Hughes, Miss Margaret McSparren, Miss 
Maria Kennedy, Miss Margaret A. Pollock, Miss Celia Miles, Miss Mary Jane 
Mehaffey and Miss Eliza McSparren were added to the list of teachers. Dr. 
Pressly acted as Superintendent until 1872. In May, 1874, a mission school 
on Eighteenth street was established, of which T. J. McKalip was appointed 
Superintendent. 

ST. Paul's episcopal church. 

The first services of the Protestant Episcopal Chui'ch in Erie were held in 
the old court house, A. D. 1826, by Rev. J. H. Hopkins, afterward Bishop of 
Vermont and at that time rector of Trinity Church, Pittsburgh. The records 
show that seven persons were baptized by him before the year 1827, but the 
dates are not given. The organization of the parish was efi'ected at a meet- 
ing held at the house of P. S. V. Hamot March 17, 1827. The charter rec- 
ommended by the convention of the diocese was adopted, the name of St. Paul's 
Church was chosen, the Rev. Charles Smith was appointed rector, and Messrs. 
Thomas Forster, P. S. V. Hamot, George Miles, George A. Eliot, Tabar Beebe, 
Charles M. Reed, Thomas Forster, Jr., D. C. Barrett, William Kelley, Gilbert 
Knopp and John A. Tracy were elected vestrymen for the ensuing year. Col. 
Thomas Forster was chosen Church Warden, and Tabor Beebe, Rector's 
Warden. P. S. V. Hamot was appointed Secretary of the Vestry. 

At a meeting held at the house of Col. Forster, July 22, George A. Eliot, 
Thomas Forster and John A. Tracy were appointed a committee to make ar- 
rangements for public worship. William Kelley was chosen to " attend to 
the subscription paper," and it was resolved that the hours of divine worship 
be 11 A. M. and 2 P. M., service to be expected every other Sunday. George 
A. Eliot was appointed Treasurer, and the following resolution was passed: 

Resolved, That the church committee be Mr. Dobbins, to make arrangements for the 
accommodation of the reverend gentlemen when they come to officiate, and to make the 
arrangement for paying for it, and if that cannot be made, each head of families of the 
congregation to receive them alternately. 

The male members of the original vestry and congregation who were Epis- 
copalians, were Col. Forster and Capt. George Miles, Mrs. Hamot, and perhaps 
two or three other ladies were members of the church. Several of the men 
were previously Presbyterians. Others came in from family relationships and 
associations, or the respectability of the families, and some, probably, with the 
idea that the church was a dignified and respectable body, with a fine ritual 
and an educated ministry. 

At the aforesaid meeting, the Rev. C. Smith's resignation was tendered, 
and was accepted at a subsequent meeting, December 8, 1827. Rev. Benjamin 
Hutch ins ministered to the congregation for a few months, for we find that on 
the 18th of December. 1827, a resolution of thanks was passed for the " faith- 
ful discharge of his duties while among us." It appears from the records of a 
meeting, December 24, 1827, that Mr. Hutchins had been acting as assistant for 
Mr. Smith at Erie and Waterford, and that he desired an independent charge 
of St. Paul's, but without success. At the meeting, April 21, 1828, Charles 



CITY OF ERIE. 561 

M. Reed was chosen delegate to the Diocesan Convention at Philadelphia, and 
subsequently J. B. Wallace, Esq., was chosen as another delegate. About 
1828, an effort was made, on the recommendation of the Rev. Mr. Hopkins and 
Mr. Wallace (lay delegate), to secure Rev. John W. James for this church and 
St. Peter's, Waterford, and it was determined to raise $300 for his support, 
and requiring Waterford to raise $100. This effort failed. An application 
was made to the society for the promotion of Christianity in Pennsylvania for 
help, which was granted. Messrs. Reed and Wallace must have found or heard 
of the Rev. Bennett Glover, at Philadelphia, for we find that a correspondence 
was opened with Rev. Bennett Glover, of Philadelphia, July 17, 1828, with a 
view to his coming as pastor, and the wardens were instructed " to ascertain 
from Mr. McConkey his terms for boarding, and, if Mr. Glover will still re- 
main here sometime, to make the lowest and and best boarding terms, and that 
Messrs. Kelly and Knopp make a bargain with some person to keep the house 
clean and ring the bell for our church." The old court house was still used 
for the services. A letter of the vestry, July 30, to the Rev. Mr. James indi- 
cates that he was disposed to come, but that the arrangement with the Rev. Mr. 
Glover whs now deemed more satisfactory, as he was to derive part of his sup- 
port from the missionary society. 

A new election of wardens and vestrymen was held at the rooms of the Rev. 
Mr. Glover November 22, 1830, resulted as follows: Thomas Foi-ster, George 
Nicholson, Tabor Beebe, John A. Tracy, William Kelly, George A. Eliot, 
Thomas Forster, Jr., Elijah Babbitt, George Miles and Alexander McKee, 
Vestrymen; Thomas Forster and George Nicholson, Wardens; George A. Eliot, 
Treasurer; P. S. V. Hamot. Secretary. Thomas Forster, Tabor Beebe, P. S. V. 
Hamot and Elijah Babbitt were appointed a committee to procure a plan for a 
church, and at the next meeting (December 1, 1830), it was 

" Resolved, That we accept of the purchase made by John B. Wallace, 
Esq. , of James Moore, for Lot No. 1729, at $250, the said Moore subscribing 
$25, and that the Treasurer be directed to pay $50 and receive the deed and 
give the bond and mortgage, " etc. 

" Resolved, That the Rev. B. Glover may take the title to 100 acres of land 
given to the church by John B. Wallace, Esq., for the price of $100." 

The deed for the church was made to George A.- Eliot, Charles INI. Reed 
and John A. Tracy in trust. January 13, 1831, it was 

''^Resolved, That the vestry be a building committee, 'etc., etc.,' and that 
five constitute a quorum, and that the said vestry, or a majority of them, en- 
gage one person, whose business shall be to receive and measure boards, to 
receive brick, lime, and all other materials for building, and to keep an accu- 
rate account of the same and superintend the building." 

It was resolved subsequently to advertise for proposals for the whole work 
in the Erie Gazette and Erie Observer for two weeks. 

The plans adopted were prepared by Maj. T. W. Maurice. A joint note 
was executed to James Moore for the sum of $175, the balance due on the 
church lot; the proceeds of the land given by Mr. Wallace and sold to Mr. 
Glover to be appropriated in payment of said note, and the remainder to be 
raised by the sale of " slips." 

Among those making proposals were C. G. Howell, for the whole building, 
$3,759; Mehaffey & Hoskinson, $3,399. B. Tomlinson, John Teel and John 
Dunlap also made bids for parts of the work. The contract for the building 
was finally made with Mehaffey & Hoskinson (tender $3,399), they being re- 
quired " to use brick from Dunn or Sawtel's yard," and also to " take an ac- 
count of subscriptions in brick, stone, masonry and lime. " The church was 



562 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

duly completed and the slips sold " free of tax," and the debts were gradually- 
paid off. An organ was bought and paid for, and a bell weighing four or 
five hundred pounds. No aid was received from abroad except from Mr. Wal- 
lace, and a subscription of $1 50 from the Eev. Mr. Hopkins. 

The church was dedicated by Bishop Onderdonck in 1834. A burial ground 
west of Myrtle street, between Seventh and Eighth streets, had been previously 
purchased for $400 of William Arbuckle, and paid for by subscription. A 
small lecture room was built in the rear of the church (Smith Jackson and P. 
R. Rockwell being the building committee) in 1836, for use chiefly of the Sun- 
day school. A Sunday school had been organized in the court house before 
the church was built by Mrs. William A. Brown, Mrs. Hamot and others. 

The Rev. B. Glover continued to serve the parish on a small salary, with 
the aid of the society for the advancement of Christianity, till his death in 
1838, when Rev. P. Teller Babbitt became rector, serving until 1840. He 
was succeeded by Rev. Henry Tullidge, who continued in the office until 1846. 
The next rector was William Flint, under whose ministry the church build- 
ing was enlarged at a cost of $2, 245.16 in 1847. The pulpit placed in the 
church at this time was a curiosity. It was very high, and the preacher en- 
tered it from a flight of stairs opening from the vestry room in the rear, and 
when in it his head was in an arch in the wall, in shape like a brick oven, the 
altar and reading desk on the top of it remained till the Rev. Mr. Abercrom- 
bie had a new desk and altar made. The present rector induced the vestry 
to abolish the " three decker " arrangement on his first taking charge of the 
parish. A lecturer then took the place of the pulpit, and the altar was put in 
its proper place. 

Rev. Charles Arey succeeded Dr. Flint in January, 1853, and served the 
parish two years, when the vestry not agreeing upon a successor, Bishop Pot- 
ter sent them the Rev. John A. Bowman as missionary, who remained as a 
temporary supply for a year or more. The Rev. D. C. Page, D. D., was rec- 
tor of the parish for a short time after Mr. Bowman's removal. The Rev. 
James Abercrombie became rector in the summer of 1857, and was succeeded 
by the Rev. John F. Spauldiug April 1, 1862. 

The present beautiful and imposing stone church edifice, located on the 
south side of West Sixth, between Peach and Sassafras streets, was completed 
in 1866, and dedicated in 1869 clear of debt. The cost of the building was 
something over 160,000. It is of Gothic style of architecture, and adds grace 
and beauty to the city. 

While the Sunday services were held in Farrar Hall, and week-day services 
impossible, except in private houses, in the winter of 1865, a system of cottage 
lectures and mothers' meetings was projected and vigorously carried on, espe- 
cially in South Erie, and St. John's Parish was organized in the fall or winter 
following. The missionary work of the parish in the city was very successful 
from that time. St. John's and the Church of the Cross and Crown soon 
became self-supporting. Trinity Mission was building, in 1872-73, a hand 
some church, and Grace Mission was planning slowly and surely for the future. 

The Rev. J. F. Spaulding was elected Missionary Bishop of Colorado and 
Wyoming in October, 1873, and was consecrated in St. Paul's Church Decem- 
ber 31 of that year. The succeeding rector of the church was the Rev. W. 
H. Mills, who remained in that position until March, 1880, when he resigned 
to accept a call to St. Paul's Church, Yonkers, N. Y. The Rev. Mr. Milla 
was succeeded by Rev. T. P. Franklin in April, 1880, who died two years 
later, and the next rector of this church is the present incumbent. Rev. G. A. 
Carstensen, who assumed the rectorship July, 1, 1882. The number of 



CITY OF ERIE. 563 

commtinicants in the city in 1861-02 was nominally 140. There are now 
(1883) about 500. At St. Paul's there are now about 365 communicants. Re- 
verting to the missions, Trinity and Grace, it is only necessary to add that they 
are still under the care and control of St. Paul's Church, and that the work 
continues to be prosecuted in both fields. A Sunday school is maintained at 
each, and at Trinity Chapel a Sunday afternoon service as well as one on 
Friday evenings are also regularly maintained. The Sabbath school at Trinity 
Chapel is under the super intendency of David Burger, and that at Grace Mis- 
sion is in charge of G. P. Colt. The number of scholars in attendance is 
about 100 and 75 respectively. An industrial school and the mothers' meet- 
ings have always proved a prominent feature of the work at Trinity meetings. 
August 11, 1881, St. Paul's Church narrowly escaped being destroyed by 
fire, the south end being damaged to the extent of $10,000. It has since been 
restored and greatly improved. A very fine organ was presented to the church 
by Hon. William L. Scott, of this city. 

ST. John's episcopal church. 

In the winter of 1866, Rev. J. F. Spaulding, rector of St. Paul's Church, 
Erie, held services once in two weeks on week day evenings at the houses of 
some of his parishioners and of friends of the church in the neighborhood of, 
and a little south of the depot. These services were churchly, but informal in 
character. He called them "cottage lectures." A gratifying result was to 
suggest the thought of efforts looking toward a new parish. And when in the 
providence of God another minister of this church (the Rev. J. N. Black) came 
to reside in Erie, his interest was sought and obtained in the new church 
movement, and services were resumed under his ministiy in the following 
October. 

The use of the German Baptist Church, on Seventeenth street, was secured 
for Thursday evening, as no suitable place for Sunday services could be held. 

These services were continued during the winter, and so much interest 
was awakened that in March following a meeting was held, and a regular 
parish organization was formed, with William Nicholson. Samuel B. Barnum, 
R. A. Fancher, David T. Jones, William Bush and A. W. Van Tassel, as Ves- 
trymen. 

The vestry then organized and elected the Rev. J. H. Black, Rector; George 
Burton and D. T. Jones, Wardens; S. H. Metcalf, Secretary; and W. G. Gard- 
ner, Treasurer. 

On the 1st of April, 1867, Urban's Hall on Peach street was secured, and 
regular church services and a Sunday school commenced, which were both con- 
tinued with increasing interest and attendance during the year. On the Ist of 
April, 1868, the parish lost the valued services of their rector, he having re- 
moved from the city. Sunday services were, however, continued by the reading 
of morning service and a sermon by the wardens. Evening service was con- 
ducted by the Rev. Mr. Spaulding, of St. Paul's. 

In May following, the Rev. Calvin C. Parker was elected rector, who ac- 
cepted the call and entered upon his duties the first Sunday in July. 

The parish was duly incorporated in June by a charter granted by the ccurt, 
and was admitted into union with the convention of the diocese June 2. 

In July, plans and specifications were prepared for a church edifice, which 
was erected on a lot on Sixteenth street, between Peach and Sassafras streets. 
The corner stone was laid on Tuesday afternoon, July 28, 1868, at 6 o'clock, 
by J. B. Kerf oot, Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, with the usual religious 
ceremonies^peculiar to the Episcopal Chui-ch. 



664 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The building was consecrated to the service of Almighty God June 20, 
1871, by Bishop Kerfoot, and Bishop Cox of Western New York, the latter 
preaching the sermon. 

Rev. Mr. Parker remained as rector of the church until September, 1872, 
and in the following November was succeeded by Rev. S. D. McConnell, whose 
rectorship terminated in April, 1874. The next rector of St. John's was Rev. 
S. H. Hilliard, whose term of service began in September, 1874, and terminated 
in June, 1876. The followingAugusthe was succeeded by his brother, the Rev. 
F. W Hilliard, who served the congregation until August, 1878. Rev. J. M. 
Benedict became the next rector, entering upon his duties in February, 1879, 
and severing his connection with the charge in November, 1881. Mr. Benedict 
was succeeded in April, 1882, by Rev. L. C Rogers, whose rectorship extended 
until July, 1883. The present rector of the church is Rev. William M. Cook. 
Number of communicants is fifty. The whole number of communicants since 
the organization of the church has been 196. 

The Sabbath school is under the superintendence of D. T. Jones, and is 
composed of some fifty scholars. 

THE CHURCH OF THE CROSS AND CROWN. 

The origin of this church is mainly due to the wise foresight and unwearied 
energy of the Rev. J. F. Spaulding, former rector of St. Paul's Episcopal 
Church of this city, who did so much to carry religious privileges to the out- 
lying portions of it. Under his direction, in May, 1868, a small Sunday 
school of six teachers and eight scholars was organized at the public school- 
house on East Tenth street, near Beech lane, and placed vmder the superin 
tendence of Mr. Boyd Vincent. The neighborhood was thoroughly canvassed 
for scholars by visiting from house to house, and a men's Bible class soon 
started. 

In October following, lay services on alternate Sundays, with the reading 
of a se)'mon, were begun, and attended hj a dozen or fifteen persons. These 
services and the Sunday school were soon found to be mutually productive of 
benefit. At Christmas, there was an average attendance in the school of sixty 
scholars and eleven teachers. Soon after a Woman's Bible class was added, 
and mainly from the members of this and the men's Bible class the attendance 
at the weekly church services was increased to thirty or forty persons. About 
this time the whole work was given fresh character by assuming the unusual 
but beautiful name of "The Cross and Crown Mission." By May 24, the first 
anniversary of the school's organization, the average attendance of scholars 
was eighty. In June, the lay services were superseded by an afternoon cler- 
ical service by the Rev. Mr Spaulding. This of course was a great im- 
provement, again giving greater reality and promise of permanence to the 
work. The confidence of success which this new feature inspired, and the 
value of thus at once associating mission schools in people's minds with church 
authority, and that as integral parts of church life and work, was shown very 
soon. From the beginning, the expenses of the mission had been partly met 
by the contributions of the members themselves, though they were mainly de- 
frayed by donations from St. Paul's Sunday School and from a few interested 
friends, as also by subscriptions in the mother parish. But in October of that 
year (1869), only eighteen months after the mission was started, the number of 
adult members in the congregation and Bible class was such that they spon- 
taneously proposed and proceeded to make the work actually self-supporting, 
although still formally connected with St. Paul's parish. 

In November, the original superintendent being called away from the city, 



CITY OF ERIE. 565 

Mr. William T. Smith was unanimously elected to fill the place. The average 
attendance of the school reported at Christmas was ninety, and in April follow- 
ing four persons from the men's Bible class were confirmed at St. Paul's 
Church, thus realizing the first fruits of the work of love in this mission. In 
January, $217 had been raised by subscription for the purchase of a cabinet 
organ and a small library, and soon after steps were taken for the erection of 
a chapel. Out of five lots generously offered for the purpose, that of ]\[r. Will- 
iam M. Watts, of Carlisle, and situated at the corner of Twelfth and Ash 
streets, was accepted. The corner-stone was laid in July, and in February, 
1871, the whole edifice, ready for use and free from debt, was consecrated to 
the worship and service of Almighty God. 

The building as it stood in 1872 cost 14,000, of which $800 were contrib- 
uted by the members of the mission, and the balance by members of St. Paul's 
parish. It is 60x20 feet, interior measure; has a chancel 16x14 feet, and a class 
room on either side, sixteen feet square. In April following,thirteen persons more, 
mainly from the classes of the Sunday school, were confirmed, the latter thus 
realizing its true character as a training school for the church. In July of that 
year, the Rev. Boyd Vincent, as assistant minister of St. Paul's Church, was 
placed in charge of the work here. In July, 1872, " The Church of the Cross 
and Crown," was admitted into union with the convention of the diocese as an 
entirely independent and self-supporting parish, Mr. Vincent becoming at the 
same time its full rector. Mr. Vincent's rectorship of the charge was dis- 
solved in the spring of 1874. His successor was the Rev. Bernard 
Schulte, who remained with the church until June, 1876, when he was succeeded 
by Rev. S. A. McNulty, whose stay with the church was less than one year, he 
having left June 1, 1877. In July of that year, the Rev. John Graham be- 
came rector of the church and served for a period of two years. The pulpit 
was then vacant for some months, and, in January, 1880, the next rector of 
the church, Rev. W. H. Rogers, entered upon his duties. The term of his 
rectorship lasted until August, 1881, from which time until April, 1882, the 
church was without a rector. At the date last named, the Rev. L. W. Rogers 
became the rector of the Church of the Cross and Crown and remained in such 
relation with it until July 1, 1883. On Sabbath, July 29, 1883, a call was ex- 
tended to the Rev. E. M. McGuffey, of Urbana, Ohio, to succeed Rev. Mr. 
Rogers. The number of communicants of the church is now about 150. The 
Sabbath school is superintended by Mr. James Bassett and numbers about 300 
scholars. Under the rectorship of Rev. Mr. Schulte, the infant room was en- 
larged, and in July, 1883, a bell was added. The Parochial Society and Young 
Peoples' Guild, working societies, were organized under the rectorship of Rev. 
Mr. Rogers. 

THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Meetings of the Methodist Episcopal denomination were held in Erie by 
circuit preachers at long intervals, commencing in 1801. Worship took place in 
the winter of 1810 and 1811 in a tavern on the west side of French street, be- 
tween Sixth and Seventh. A congregation seems to have been partially estab- 
lished soon after the beginning of the century, but no regular permanent or- 
ganization was effected until the year 1826. Rev. Samuel Gregg, in his " His- 
tory of Methodism Within the Bounds of Erie Conference," thus alludes to the 
church at Erie in 1826: " Erie, Penn. , was a flourishing village in which, though 
Methodist preaching had frequently been enjoyed by the people, no permanent 
organization had been made until this year. Mr. James McConkey and wife, 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, moved to Erie to 
reside: and Mr. David Burton and wife attended the meeting at Harbor Creek^ 



566 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

and were there converted, and invited Mr. Knapp to establish au appointment 
in Erie, and the same winter a class was formed composed of the above-named 
persons and a few others. Mr. McConkey was appointed leader, and soon after 
secured to the church the lot on Seventh street, on which their first church was 
subsequently built; the cost was S300. " 

The Mr. Knapp referred to was Rev. Henry Knapp, who at this time was 
in charge of North East Circuit. He died in Wesleyville, this county. May 
20, 1827, and his final resting place may be found in the rear of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church in that village. 

Thus was the embryo of the First Methodist Church of Erie. The min- 
isters who traveled the circuit, of which the First Church constituted an appoint- 
ment from 1826 until 1830, were Revs. Nathaniel Reeder and E. Stevenson, in 
1826; Revs. Job Wilson and J. W. Davis, in 1827; Revs. J. W. Davis and J. 
Jones, in 1828; Revs. S. Ayers and W. C. Richey, in 1829. In 1830, the 
appointment was on Erie Circuit, which was formed that year. The preacher 
in charge was Rev. J. S. Barris, with Rev. A. C. Young as his colleague. Mr. 
Barris' salary this year was $167. December 26, 1830, at the close of a meet- 
ing in the court house, where the Methodists then worshiped, a subscription 
paper was circulated to raise money to pay the preacher. On the paper occur 
the names of George Moore, Capt. Wright, Albert Kelso, J. Lantz, Pressly 
Arbuckle, William Himrod and Thomas Moorhead, Jr. For the support of 
the preachers on Erie Circuit in 1833, First Church subscribed $55. From 
1830 until 1834, the circuit riders to this appointment were, in the year 1831, 
Revs. J. P. Kent and A. Plimpton; 1832, Revs. J. Chandler and E. P. Stead- 
man; 1833, Revs. J. Chandler and S. Gregg. 

In 1834, Erie charge was made a station, and the appointment given to 
Rev. E. P. Steadman, which he did not fill, and the church was supplied. 
During the following year, at which time the First Methodist Episcopal Church 
of this city may, perhaps, more properly speaking, date its establishment, the 
church officers were as follows: Trustees, James McConkey, E. N. Hulburt, John 
Richards, Daniel Burton; Stewards, James McConkey, E. N. Hulburt, Daniel 
B. Lorge, James Thompson; Class Leaders, James McConkey, David Burton 
and James Thompson. 

Efforts were made in the years 1836 and 1887 to erect a house of worship, 
which failed, but the third effort proved a success, and in 1838-39 a frame 
church building was built on Seventh street, and at the close of the conference 
year, 1839, the first official meeting was held in " Wesley Chapel." In 1844, 
the annual conference was held in this house, and the church had so increased 
that it was found necessary to enlarge the building, which was done at an ex- 
pense of $1,300. In 1851, a parsonage was built, and, in the year following, 
a committee was appointed to select a place in the city for a second church. 
The committee reported a place, and organized a Sabbath school in South Erie, 
out of which grew Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The second and present house of worship of the First Church is located on 
the southeast corner of Seventh and Sassafras streets, and is among the im- 
posing church edifices of the city. It is constructed of brick, and was erected 
in 1859-60, at a cost of $14,000. The architect was H. M. Wilcox, and the 
building committee, William Sanborn, James S. Sterrett, J. Hanson, John 
Burton, J. B. Johnson, William C. Keeler and A. A. Craig. The building 
was completed and dedicated November 14, 1860; sermon by Bishop Simpson. 
The present membership of the church is 450. The pastors of the church 
since 1835 have been as follows: A. G. Sturges, 1835: R. A. Aylworth, 1836; 
J. W. Lowe, 1837; J. W. Lowe, 1838; B. K. Maltby, 1839; J. J. Steadman, 




Oi., 




CITY OF ERIE. 569 

1840; A. Hall, 1841; A. M. Brown, 1842; D. Smith, 1843; C. Kingsley, 1844; 
C. Kingsley, 1845; Lester James, 1846; T. Stubbs, 1847; T. Stubbs, 1848; 

E. Jones, 1849; S. Gregg, 1850; S. Gregg, 1851; J.W.Lowe, 1852; H. Kins- 
ley, 1853; J. E. Chapin, 1854; J. E. Chapin, 1855; W. F. Wilson, 1856; W. 

F. Wilson, 1857; D. 0. Wright, 1858; G. W. Clarke, 1859; J. D. Norton 
1859; J. Peate, 1860; J Peate, 1861; D. C. Osborne, 1862; D. C. Osborne, 
1863; D. C. Osborne, 1864; E. A. Johnson, 1865; E. A. Johnson, 1866: E.' 
A. Johnson, 1867; A. S. Dobbs, 1868; A. S. Dobbs, 1869; E. J. L. Baker 
1869; W. VV. Wythe, 1870; W. W. Wythe, 1871: A. Wheeler, 1872; A. Wheeler, 
1873; W. W. Ramsay, 1874; W. W. Ramsay, 1875; W. W. Ramsay, 1876; 
J. D. Adams, 1877; J. D. Adams, 1878; D. H. Muller, 1879; D. H. MuUer, 
1880; D. H. Muller, 1881; A. N. Craft, 1882; A. N. Craft, 1883. 

The Sabbath school was organized in the conference year 1829-30, with 
E. N. Hulburt as Superintendent. The first corps of teachers was: Miss 
Mary Converse, Miss Mary Coover, Thomas Richards, Peter Burton, Thomas 
Stevens, Miss Amanda Bowers, Rebecca Watkinson, Francis Dighton and John 
Dillon. The place of holding it was in a small one story frame building, on 
East Fourth between French and Holland streets. The school is now superin- 
tended by H. A. Strong and the enrollment is 350. 

SIMPSON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. " 

In the early part of the winter of 1858, a meeting of eight weeks was held 
by the pastor of the Seventh street Methodist Episcopal Church, W. F. Wil- 
son. It was wonderfully blessed of the Lord, many souls being converted and 
reclaimed. Nearly a hundred were added to the church and quite a number of 
them were in what is now South Erie. The brethern of the last named locali- 
ty, feeling that the class and prayer meetings could be held with profit there, 
in that part of the city, as many of the young converts were in that section, 
besought the pastor to organize a class, which he did, and appointed Heman 
Janes the leader. He remarked at the time, " I do it with a measure of sad- 
ness, for this is the germ of a new and distinct society." As if by special 
providence. Brother Heman Janes had secured a lot and erected a building for 
a select school on Sassafras street, near at hand, where the class could meet for 
prayer meetings or social worship. These gatherings were well attended and 
were seasons o great spiritual refreshings. The number of membei's thus as- 
sociated was twenty-five. Soon after this, a Sunday school was organized, 
which commenced with sixty-three in number, and never has been less to this 
day. Capt. Thomas Wilkins, of precious memory, was its first Superintendent. 
The schoolhouse continued to be the main rallying place till the new church 
was built, when it was moved on to the church lot, and became part of the 
present parsonage. Before this, and during the pendency of a question of build- 
ing on Seventh street — when fear was predominating over hope — about the 1st of 
May the brethren and friends of the church began to consider the propriety of 
building a chapel in this part of the city. Brother Wilson being applied to, 
organized a Board of Trustees composed of Thomas Wilkins, Heman Janes, 
Emanuel Goodrich, Alvin Thayer, A. K. Miller, E. J. Ames and Adam Ache- 
son. Though these steps were taken and subscriptions were made, yet the 
subscribers proposed to tarn their contributions into the fands for building 
down town if that enterprise was renewed and moved forward, but it was not re- 
newed. In the meantime the lot where the present church building and parsonage 
now stands was purchased by Capt. Thomas Wilkins and Heman Janes on their 
personal responsibility, for the sum of $500, and they held it in reserve to await 
the demands of the church. The church at Seventh street having given up build- 
so 



570 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ing at that time, the pastor announced that he was in favor of building on the lot 
purchased by Wilkins and Janes. A subscription was circulated and sums 
were pledged, some of the largest, as follows: Thomas Wilkins, |300; E. 
Goodrich, $200; Dr. Dickinson, $100; A. Acheson, $100; A. Yale, $100; 
Jacob Hanson, $100; H. Janes, $500; in all about $1,600. This was the con- 
dition of things when the Annual Conference came in 1858. W. F. Wilson 
having filled the two years' pastorate, was succeeded by Rev. D. C. Wright. 
Soon after Bishop Simpson, whose health was impaired, visited Erie, spent 
some days in its healthful atmosphere, and learning the facts of church exten- 
sion history and conditions in the city, bade these brethren and friends in 
South Erie, God speed. Having secured a subscription to justify, on August 
3, they let the contract, and the work began in earnest. At times, however, 
the circumstances were very unpropitious, and discouragements severe. 
Brother Wright stood aloof and had never a word of cheer, and some of the 
good brethren in the city looked upon the new church as the tomb of Method- 
ism, but it has proved to be the temple of God. 

To bring the enterprise to a successful termination required sturdy financial 
lifting on the part of a few. Nobly, generously, and bravely did they bend 
their backs to the sacrifice and toil. Earnestly was prayer offered for the suc- 
cess of the enterprise, and under the guidance and blessing of Divine Prov- 
idence was it gi'andly achieved. 

When all was ready, that prince in Israel, Bishop Simpson, was called to 
minister on the joyful occasion of opening for the worship of Almighty God 
this place of rest. This crowning event took place June 19, 1859. 

The regular pastors of the church from its organization to the present time, 
with their term of service, is given in the following list: 

1860-61, W. P. Bignell; 1861-62, R. M. Warren; 1862-63, R. M. War- 
ren; 1863-64, A. C. Tibbitts; 1864-65, J. H. Tagg; 1865-66, J. H. Tagg; 
1866-67, J. H. Tagg; 1867-68, D. Prossor; 1868-69, F. H. Beck; 1869-70, 
A. N. Craft; 1870-71, A. N. Craft; 1871-72, R. N. Stubbs; 1872-73, R. N. 
Stubbs; 1873-74, E. H. Tingling; 1874-75, E. H. Tingling; 1875-76, P. P. 
Pinney; 1876-77, P. P. Pinney; 1877-78, E. A. Squier; 1878-79, J. A. 
Kummer; 1879-80, J. A. Kummer; 1880-81, J. A. Kummer; 1881-82, J. C. 
Scofield; 1882-83, J. C. Scofield. 

Simpson Church has accomplished great good in South Erie, and is destined 
to future years of usefulness. The present membership is 230, with a pros- 
perous Sabbath school numbering 268 scholars, superintended by Rev. Henry 
Sims. The church edifice is a substantial one, constructed of wood, though of 
an ancient pattern. 

TENTH STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Some active measures looking toward the organization of a Third 
Methoeiist Episcopal Church in Erie were taken during the year 1866. A 
subscription of $3,000 was raised and two lots donated, provided the church 
was built within five years. It was not, however, until August 30, 1871, that 
the movement passed into the actual stage. Rev. R. F. Keeler was appointed 
by the Erie Conference of that year pastor of the Erie City Mission, with an 
assisting appropriation of $350. The Toung Men's Christian Association in 
the September following, gave him permission to preach in their rooms on 
Eleventh street, east of Parade, and soon after resigned their Sunday school 
into his hands. On the 8th of October of the same year a class was formed of 
nine persons, consisting of Seymour Torrey, Leader; John S. Grove, Sarah A., 
Grove M. F. Hope, R. Hare, A. Speckman, Mary Thompson, Charles N. and 



CITY OF ERIE. 571 

Eose "W. "Wheeler. September 25, 1871, a Building Committee, consisting of 
Eevs. W. W Wythe, R. N. Stubbe, E. F. Keeler. and Messrs. T. H. Thurbur, 
E. F. Gaggin, J. S. Grove, W. H. Deming and H. Davis was formed. They 
selected a lot on East Tenth street, between Ash and Wallace, having a front- 
age of 103 feet, with a good house on the east half, suitable for a parsonage. 

At the first Quarterly Meeting, November 9, 1871, D. M. Stever, Presiding 
Elder, E. Hare, M. F. Hope, J. S. Grove and S. Torrey were appointed Stew- 
ards, and forty-five members were reported at the following conference. 

The corner stone of the new church was laid May 15, 1873, dedicated Jan- 
uary 15, 1874, and the last indtbtedness canceled in 1882, having now about 
eighty members enrolled. The following pastors have served the church in the 
order nrmed: E. F. Keeler, E. A. Caruthers, D. M. Stever, W. W. Wythe, 
E. M. Gwynn, W. G. Williams, W. Martin, W. M. Martin, P. A. Eeno and 
J. H. Herron. 

THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The African Methodist Episcopal Church of Erie, was re-organized in the 
spring of 1877, by Eev. J. M. Morrison, of Oil City, Penn., with a member- 
ship of about fifteen persons, the proceedings taking place in the Wesleyan 
Methodist Episcopal Church on Third street, betsveen Chestnut and Walnut 
streets. Their place of worship for a time immediately following organiza- 
tion was on French street near the park, where they worshiped but a short 
time and then came into possession of their present church building which 
then stood on Sixth street, just east of Holland, and was owned by the Young 
Men's Christian Association, from whom it was a partial gift to the colored 
society. The building was repaired, painted, etc., and dedicated May 19, 
1878, by Bishop Wayman. On this occasion the Trustees of the society, 
Messrs E. A. Johnson, John Lightfoot, John Powers, James Davis and James 
W^illiams presented the church building to the Eev. Bishop, who began the 
services by reading from the ritual. 

The pastors of the church have been as follows: Eev. Benjamin Wheeler, 
Eev. W. A. J. Phillips, Eev. W. P. Eoss, Eev. J. A. Eussell and Eev. John 
M. Palmer. 

The Sabbath school was organized xiihile the church was holding services 
on French street. It numbers from sixty to seventy-five scholars. The pres- 
ent church membership is forty -two. 

In 1881, the society purchased a lot on Seventh between Holland and Ger- 
man streets for $500, and moved thereto the church building. 

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 

Among the early settlers of Erie were found some having sympathy with 
Baptist views of faith, doctrine and practice. No organization was attempted 
by them until the spring of 1831. In the month of March in that year, the 
first revival interest of any^ particular prominence in the city took place in 
the First Presbyterian Church. Among the converts were some who were 
children of Baptist parents, and others having sympathy with them. The 
Lord seemed by these things to bid them organize a church wherein they 
could work in harmony with their own conceptions of Bible truth. Accord- 
ingly this was done, and the First Baptist Church of Erie, Penn., was organ- 
ized and recognized by a council called for the purpose on the 10th of April, 
1831, having the following fifteen constituent members: By letter, Eev. E. 
Tucker, D. D., pastor; Mr. and Mrs. Ox-in N. Sage, E. D. Gunnison, Mrs. 
Soule, Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. Fross, Miss Williams; by Baptism, Otis G. Carter, 



572 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Rowe B. Rood, Charles T. Sage, Miss Julia Beny, Miss Penelope Mann, Miss 
Lillie A. Soule, Miss Sophia E. Gunnison and Miss Zilphia B. Cilley. The 
meetings of this religious body were held in the Erie Academy building, and 
sometimes in the court house, until their lirst church edifice was erected in the 
year 1833, on the northwest corner of Fifth and Peach streets. It was a sub- 
stantial brick structure, having galleries. 

The following is a complete list of the pastors of the church, with date of 
settlement and resignation: 

Rev. E. Tucker, D. D., settled April 10, 1831; resigned, 1832. Rev. Will- 
iam H. Newman, settled March 24, 1832; resigned November 2, 1833. Rev. 
Charles Morton, November 2, 1833; July 2, 1836. Rev. Ried S. Witherall,* 
December 3, 1836. Rev. James A. Keyes,*April 1, 1837. Rev. A. W. Baker, 
January 3, 1837; December 17, 1837. Rev. LaFayette Baker, June 1, 1838 
died April 2, 1839. Rev. Ira Corwin, January 1, 1840; January 1, 1843 

Rev. Haskell, *January 1, 1843. Rev. Joel Johnson, April 1, 1843 

Auo-ust 31, 1841. Rev. Zebina Smith, October 1, 1844; April 1, 1846. Rev 
J. K. Barry, May 1, 1846; May 1, 1848. Rev. H. Silliman, August 1, 1848 
February 1, 1851. Rev. Charles Sherman, March 23, 1851; September 26 
1852. Rev. Gilbert L. Stevens, January 1, 1853; April 1, 1855. Rev. J 
W. Hammond, September 18, 1856; August 8, 1858. Rev. William Haw 

December 18, 1858; May 26, 1861. Rev. Glanville, October 20, 1861 

Octobor 20, 1862. Rev. J. L. Hays, January 13, 1863; February iD, 1864 
Rev. William F. Bainbridge, June 1, 1865; September 1, 1868. Rev. A. W 
Tousey, December 1, 1868; December 1, 1869. Rev. C. H. Harvey, Decem- 
ber 1, 1869; November 1, 1871. Rev. E. A. Stone, August 1, 1872. A. 
J. Bousal, June 22, 1875; 1878. William Gilkes, June 18, 1879; present 
pastor. 
J The following have been ordained by the church at Erie: 

LaFayette Baker, June — ,1838; David J. Lloyd, September 12, 1838; 
William F. Bainbridge, December 15, 1865. 

The following brethren have been licensed by the church: 
^O. N. Sage, July 7, 1833; D. J. Lloyd, April 16, 1835; LaFayette Baker, 
June 3, 1837; Thomas Mozley, January 3, 1846; George W. Gunnison, March 
3, 1848; George Whitman. 

Under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Newman, in 1832-33, steps were taken to 
build the church, which was used for thirty years, and in 1865 it was rebuilt, 
or rather it was repaired and improved, the rear of the house was extended, the 
tower built, the galleries removed, etc., and otherwise improved at a cost of 
about $10,000 or 111,000. The re-dedication services took place on the 14th 
of December, 1865, Rev. Dr. Strong, of Cleveland, Ohio, preaching in the 
morning, and the Rev. Dr. Robinson, of Rochester, N. Y. , in the evening. 

A noticeable fact in the history of the church is, that three of its pastoi's 
were ordained to their work in this building, and many licensed to preach, and 
of these is the Rev. George Whitman, now a successful pastor in Buffalo. 

At different seasons, the church has enjoyed consideral revival and blessing. 
Among its pastors especial mention may be made of Zebina Smith, who served 
the church very faithfully for two years, and is still a living member. 

Under the pastorate of Mr. Bainbridge, the church was visited by a gra- 
cious revival, when some 200 members were identified with it. 

On June 22, 1875, Mr. Bousal was installed, and did faithful and effective 
service, and became endeared to the church and people, but from little una- 
voidable difficulties he left, when after a brief period the present pastor be- 

*Supplied. 



CITY OF ERIE. 573 

came associated with this people, under whose pastorate the church has ad- 
vanced nicely, and during the past year quite a revival has taken place, and 
resulted in some fifty accessions to the church, which is now in a prosperous 
condition. The membership is now 269. 

A Sabbath school has long been maintained by this church. 

FIRST GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The commencement of the First German Baptist Church in Erie was in 
the month of February, in the year I860. Eev. A. Van Puttkammer preaching 
here two weeks, and baptizing sixteen members, who then belonged to the En- 
glish Baptist Church, until October, 1861. At that time, there being twenty, 
two members with the pastor, a German Baptist Church whs officially organ- 
ized. The first services were held on Peach street, above the depot, in a small 
hall, then called Judson Hall, and also the Sunday school, numbering from 
thirty to thirty-five scholars. In July, 1863, Kev. Anthony Haensler was 
unanimously chosen pastor of the church, and accepted the call. In the spring 
of 1864, the present church was erected, and was dedicated on the first Sunday 
in July of the same year. Rev. Mr. Shulte, of the Second Baptist Church of 
Buffalo, preached a German dedicatory sermon in the morning, and Elder 
Hages, of the English Baptist Church of Erie, preached ia the afternoon. In 
the spring of 1866, the congregation built the present parsonage back of the 
church, furnishing a neat and comfortable home for their pastor. In May, 
1865, Rev. Anthony Haensler accepted a call from Attica, N. Y. In June, 
1865, Rev. John Eisenmenger, of the Theological Seminary at Rochester, N. 
Y., was chosen pastor, accepted the call, and was ordained in the fall of the 
same year. During his stay, there were about thirty- five persons added to the 
church upon profession of faith. In August, 1868, Rev. Mr. Eisenmenger ac- 
cepted a call to Canada. In the same month, the church accepted Rev. Adolf 
Ginins, also from the Theological Seminary at Rochester, N. Y. , who was or- 
dained a few months after. During his stay here, fifteen persons were added 
to the church. In October, 1871, he accepted a call to Scranton, Penn. He 
was succeeded by Rev. Henry Kose, in December, 1871. Membership of the 
church in January, 1873, sixty. Rev. Mr. Kose remained four years, and was 
succeeded by Rev. C. Martin, who served the church as pastor until 1879, and 
was then succeeded by Rev. G. Koopman, who remained until in April, 1883, 
since which period the church has been without a pastor. 

The church building is a very modest, plain wooden structure, located on 
the south side of Seventeenth street, between Peach and Sassafras. It has re- 
cently been repaired and painted. Since the organization of the church, a 
Sabbath school has been maintained, which now has an average attendance of 
seventy- five scholars, under the superintendency of Mr. Zurn, Sr. 

ST. John's evangelical Lutheran and reformed church. 

Concerning the early preachers and followers of this church in Erie, little 
can be obtained that is tangible. The records of the society reveal the fact 
that as early as September 24, 1815, communion services were held in the then 
village of Erie by Rev. Charles W. Colson, of Meadville, Penn. In October 
following, these services were repeated, and twelve persons partook of com- 
munion. It would seem that no other services, if held, were placed on rec- 
ord, for only such periods are referred to, yet they continue to be recorded 
from year to year, and the presumption is that preaching of this denomination 
must have been held in Erie or vicinity, at intervals fi-om the first mentioned 
date until the formal organization of the church, which occurred in Janu- 
ary, 1835, with 100 members. 



674 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The next recorded minister is Rev. Michael Kuchler, and the first recorded 
communion services held by him are under date of November 14, 1839, and 
the last, September 15, 1844 Mr. Kuchler was succeeded by Rev. Philip 
Flysel, who came from Eiubeck, Hanover, Germany, and administered com- 
munion rites to this people for the first time March 21, 1845, and the last 
services August 13, 1848, when the communicants numbered 157. 

This congregation, until the year 1836, held their meetings in the neigh- 
borhood schoolhouses, and in other suitable buildings. In this year, they 
built upon the lot where the present church edifice stands, a frame or wooden 
structure, which was occupied as a house of worship until their present build- 
ing was completed. 

The building erected in 1861 cost $10,000; it is a large, plain, but sub- 
stantial brick building, with a tall spire, and has a seating capacity of nearly 
1,000 persons, and is siipplied with a pipe organ, which cost $3,500. The 
dedicatory services took place September 14, 1862, there being present on the 
occasion the Rev. Bochert, from ISew York State; Rev. Runck, of Buffalo; 
and Rev. Sempel, of Cleveland, Ohio, the first preaching the dedicatory 
sermon. The list of pastors of the church since 1848, with the period of each 
one's service, as given from the time of their first oflicial act, with that of the 
last as recorded, is given below: Rev. C. G. Stuebgen, August 19, 1848, to 
July 17, 1853; Rev. F. W. Weiskotten, August 21, 1853, to August 6, 1854; 
Rev. C A. Brockman, January 7, 1855, to June 29, 1859; Rev. Jacob Blass, 
July 10, 1859, to November, 1863; Rev. W. Schaefer, November 29, 1863, to 
November 25, 1865; Rev. G. Beck, November, 1865, to January 20, 1867 
(died); Rev. C. F. Boahner, May 26, 1867, to March, 1872; Rev. A. L. Benze, 
April 7, 1872, to present. 

In 1853, there were from 200 to 225 communicants. There are now con- 
nected with the church about 600 grown persons. 

In 1868, the present neat parsonage was built, costing in the neighborhood of 
$2,000. The congregation is in possession of five acres of ground where their 
buildings now are located, and, pecuniarily speaking, is rich. They are to build 
a large and commodious, as well as beautiful, church edifice within the pres- 
ent year. During the eleven years' pastorate of Mr. Benze, he has baptized 
about 1,300 people, buried over 500, and married 360 couples. 

At the Sabbath school of the church, there are now in attendance, scholars 
and teachers, 360. 

ST. Paul's German evangelical church. 

The original membership of this church was composed of from twenty to 
twenty-four persons, some of whom had, prior to its organization, been con- 
nected with St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church 
of South Erie. St. Paul's organization may be said to date from the year 1850, as, 
during that year, preaching of this denomination was held in the Court House, 
and subsequently in the Sabbath school room of the old First Presbyterian 
Church, those officiating being Revs. Sulton and Burger, of Buffalo. The 
records fail to clearly show at what particular date the organization was ef- 
fected, yet the first regular pastor began his ministry with this people Decem- 
ber 1, 1850. The society was incorporated, and perhaps formally organized, 
in May, 1851. The church building was erected during the year 1850-51, at 
a cost of about $4,000, upon ground purchased of Gen. Charles M. Reed, for 
$800. The building seems to have been designated the " brick church," and 
was dedicated, in 1851, by Rev. Z. Haas, of Rochester, N. Y. The first church 
officers were: Elders Henry Hechtman, Sr., and Fred Sneider; Board of 
Trustees, Z. Cobb, Fred Curtze, J. J. Feussler and Jack Rinderknecht. 



CITY OF ERIE. 575 

In 1879, the old church building was partially torn down and enlarged by 
the addition of the entire front, composed in part of two towers on either 
side, one of which culminates in a tall and graceful spire; the entire front is 
ornamented with stone trimmings, and the structure in general is an imposing 
one. This remodeling and rebuilding was done at an expense of nearly 
$7,000. It was re-dedicated on the 13th of June, 1880, with a sermon by 
Rev. J. Bank, of Buffalo, N. Y. Other clergymen present were the pastor of 
the church and Rev. E. Young. In 1882, a neat and tasty brick parsonage, 
adjoining the church, was built, which cost $3,600. The bell in the church 
tower was a gift from August Jarecki and wife. 

The names of the pastors of the church from its organization to the present 
time, with the date of each man'stermof service, are given in the following list: 
Rev. I. Hartman, December 1, 1850, to April 15, 1852; Rev. C. Gaoehling, 
December 5, 1852, to February 22, 1856; Rev. W. Hasskarl, April 14, 1856, to 
April 14, 1857; Rev. Z. Faber, June 10, 1857, to February 21, 1858 (died); 
Rev. F. R. Ludwig, March 21, 1858, to June 1, 1859; Rev. J. W. Semler, 
March 15, 1859, to June, 1869 (diedj; Rev. J. Keller, September 1, 1869, to 
November, 1871; Rev. E. Young, December 1, 1871, to May 6, 1876; Rev. Val 
Kern, May 30, 1876, until the present. 

The church membership comprises about 250 families. 

A Sabbath school is carried on in connection with the church, and num- 
bers some 380 scholars and 37 teachers. The present Superintendent is August 
Mertens. 

SALEM CHURCH OF THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION. 

In the year 1833, the Rev. J, Seibert, who subsequently became a Bishop 
in the church, came to Erie County as a missionary of the Evangelical Asso- 
ciation to preach the Gospel to the Germans of this locality, and visited the 
vicinity of Erie, and his labors were abundantly blessed in the winning of 
many souls to Christ. In after years. Revs. E. Stoevers, D. Brickley, and J. 
Noecker, ministers of the association, labored here with more or less success. 
A number of Germans residing in Erie and vicinity were moved by these 
visits, and the families of J. Steele, S. Zinn, P. Fendenheim and A. Scheurer 
united with the Evangelical Association. 

In 1836, the Rev. J. Boos, as preacher in charge of Erie Circuit, visited 
this little flock, which, under his administration, was increased by the addition 
of Conrad Doll and wife. The following year Rev. H. Bucks was appointed 
to the Erie Circuit charge, under whose superintendence the several families 
were organized into a class, with Philip Fendenheim as their leader. In 
1838, Rev. H. Bucks was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Jambert (the then exist- 
ing rules of the church changed the ministers in one, or, at greatest, two 
years). Further accessions to the class this year were the families of M. Doll, 
J. Goeppert, F. Stoll and others. The following year. Rev. P. Wagner was 
appointed to the circuit, who was succeeded in 1840 by Revs. P. Goetz and C. 
Augenstein, the circuit then embracing the counties of Erie, Crawford and 
Mercer. The former remained two years, and the latter but one, when Rev. J. 
Schaefer became the colleague of Mr. Goetz. In 1842, these gentlemen were 
succeeded by Revs. A. Niebel and C. Lindner, and they in 1843 by Rev. Samuel 
Heiss. 

Up to this date, the services were held alternately in the dwellings of C. 
Doll. P. Fendenheim, and latterly almost exclusively in that of Mr. Doll. Dur- 
ing the year 1843, the congregation erected a small frame church on Fourteenth 
street, between Peach and Sassafras. Six years later, a parsonage was built ad- 
joining the house of worship. Subsequently a lot was purchased on the corner 



576 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

of Peach and Twelfth streets, and in 1854 the church building and parsonage 
were removed to it. This building gradually became too small for the increas- 
incr congregation, and it became necessary to provide a more commodious place 
for worship, and hence the little frame structure gave wa) in the year 1868 to 
the present neat and substantial brick edifice which stands on the same lot, 
and was erected at a cost of $7,000. This, in the year 1881-82, was improved 
and commendably adorned. 

In 1844, Rev. Mr. Heiss was recalled by the conference from this field of 
labor, and there was appointed in his stead the Rev. P. Haho. Following 
Mr. Halm to Erie Circuit came, one year lat^r, Rev. P. Wist, who labored 
with this people two years. His successor was Rev. J. Bockert, who likewise 
served two years and was succeeded by Rev. J. Nicolai. 

Up to the year 1849, the society at Erie was connected with Erie Circuit, 
savino- a short period, but in the year following (1850), by action of the con- 
ference, the city was separated therefrom and taken up as a mission, and was 
served one year by Rev. Mr. Nicolai. The charge at Erie remained a mission 
for a number of years, but was again attached to the adjoining circuit, with 
which it remained until 1861. Under the ministry of Mr. Nicolai and that of 
his successor, Rev. C. (j. Koch, who was sent to Erie in 1851 as missionary, 
there was a goodly number of accessions to the church. Mr. Koch was a 
laborer here until 1854, at which time he was succeeded by Rev. I. G. Pfeiffer. 
The next missionary in this field was Rev. A. Niebel, who came two years 
later and remained the same number of years. Then came Revs. G. W. Fischer 
and P. Schnilly, who served one year each in the order given. In regular 
order, and for the time stated below, Erie was served by Rev. J. Riehm, two 
years; Rev. W. Schmitt, one year; Rev. J. Bernhart, two years: Rev. A. 
Staehly, two years; Rev. C. F. Harting, one year. 

In 1861, Erie charge was again made a mission, and so remained until 
1867, when it became strong enough to support its minister, and was then 
made a self-supporting station. This occurred under the pastorate of Rev. M. 
Zirkel. Since the expiration of the pastorate of Mr. Zirkel. in 1869, the 
church has been served by the following persons: Rev. H. W. Hampe, two 
years; Rev. J. Dick, three years (it having at this time become a law that the 
term of service at each place could be three years); Rev. D. J. Honecker, two 
years; Rev. Thomas Luhr, two years; Rev. J. Lany, two years; Rev. G. F. 
Spreng, three years. In 1883, the charge came under the pastorate of the 
present efficient incumbent, Rhv. G. Berstecher. 

Almost every year of the church's existence, accessions have been made to 
it. which, however, were at times considerably checked by removals, deaths and 
other causes. 

The present membership is 150, with a Sabbath school which averages 135. 
The female members of this church maintain two societies, one for the sup- 
port of orphans, and the other for general benevolent purposes. The society 
evinces a commendable degree of liberality in the support of the missionary 
cause and other church enterprises. 

A new brick parsonage is to be erected this year. 

THE ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

This church was organized on the 15th of August, 1861, by the Rev. J. H. 
W. Stuckenberg, now a D. D., in Germany. The church officers first chosen 
were Samuel M. Brown and Henry Gingrich, Elders; John T. Brown and 
Henry Werther, Deacons. 

The original membership numbered forty-one. Their first place of wor- 



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CITY OF ERIE. 579 

ship was in a schoolhouse in South Erie, on Peach street, near Twenty-sixth, 
Here the congregation continued to worship until the completion of the pres- 
ent frame church building, located on the southwest corner of Peach and 
Eleventh streets, which was dedicated to the service of God on the day before 
Good Friday, 1864. The ground upon which the building stands was deeded 
to the council of the church, namely: J. H. "W. Stuckenberg, Samuel M. 
Brown, Henry Gingrich, John T. Brown, and H. C. F. Werther, by John S. 
Richards, Adelaide P. Richards, Ann Richards and John H. and Ann P. Vin- 
cent, on the 18th of June, 1862, for the "consideration of $1,200. 

The pastort? of the church have been as follows: 1861-65, Rev. J, H. W. 
Stuckenberg, who, however, served a portion of that period as Chaplain of the 
One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, during which 
time the pulpit was supplied; 1866-71, Rev. J, L. Smith; 1872-74, Rev. J. R. 
Groff; 1874-80, Rev. H. H, Bruning; 1881 until the present, Rev. Isaac O. Baker, 
Mr. Baker preached for the congregation during the summer of 1880, but did 
not assume the pastorate until June 12, 1881, since which time there have 
been seventy-two accessions to the church, and the latter is in a prosperous 
condition. The membership is now 200. 

In connection with the church a flovirishiug Sabbath school is conducted, 
numbering 200. 

THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN TRINITY CHURCH. 

In the fall of 1881, Erie was visited by the ministers of a conference of 
the Eastern District of the Missouri Synod, at the request of several resident 
Lutherans of this city, for the purpose of establishing a mission. They con- 
tinued their visits here for a period, preaching on each occasion of their com- 
ing, until in December of that year, a congregation composed of five members 
was formed, and a call sent to the Rev. H. Sieck, of South Bend, Ind. This call 
was made for the pastorate of the little flock here, and also embraced the 
missionary field of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York. This 
call was accepted and Mr. Sieck was installed April 23, 1882, and at once 
commenced his labors in this field. On his coming a house was rented on the 
corner of Sixth and Myrtle streets, and fitted up both for residence and house 
of worship. This was used as such until the fall of the same year, when a 
lot on Seventh street, between Myrtle and Sassafras streets was purchased and 
the modest little frame building now standing there was erected at a cost of 
about 11,000. It was dedicated December 3, 1882, with a sermon in the 
German language in the morning, by Rev. John Sieck, then of Eaton Valley, 
N. Y. (now of Buffalo), and in the afternoon the pastor preached a sermon in 
the English language. The consecration ceremonies were performed in the 
morning (Sabbath), by the Rev. E. Leemhuis, of North East. The congrega- 
tion comprises forty families, of which there are twenty voting members. The 
Sabbath school was organized in May, 1882, by the pastor with four scholars. 
It now comprises 100 scholars and 7 teachers. The pastor is the superintend- 
ent. 

ANSCHAI CHESED REFORM CONGREGATION. 

About the year 1858, some eight or ten persons of the Jewish faith of the 
city formed themselves into a Hebrew congregation, of what might be styled 
the Orthodox order, and met for religious services in what was known as the 
old Lyons property, on the corner of Fifth and French streets, occupying a 
room up-stairs. Their first Rabbi was Mr. Weil, who remained with the con- 
gregation about one year, and was succeeded by Rabbi M. Wurzel, whose terra 
of service in all, (he having twice ministered to the congregation,) extended 
over a period of about foui-teen years. The succeeding Rabbis in the order 
named have been Revs. Fuld, Dr, Flengel, Levi and Stemple, 



580 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Some twelve or fourteen years ago the congregation assumed the present 
title; and their several places of worship have been (other than the one 
above named), on French street, on Holland, between Eighth and Ninth 
streets, in Metcalf block on State street, and in Bocker's block on French 
street, thence to the neat and attractive synagogue of the congregation located 
on the north side of Eighth sti'eet, between Myrtle and Sassafras. It is a 
brick structure trimmed with stone and is an ornament to the city. It was 
erected in 18S2, at a cost of $13,000, including the ground upon which it 
stands. The foundation stone was laid by Mr. B. Baker, the tirst President of 
the congregation and one of its oldest members. 

Isaac Baker is the present President of the congregation, S. Loeb, Vice 
President, and Isaac N. Straus, Secretary. The membership is thirty-five. 

THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. 

This church was organized April 2, 1878, at the house of John Reed, with 
a membership of twenty-two persons, by the Rev. John Hill, who was then 
preaching in the city, in the house of worship now owned by this denomina- 
tion, then in possession of one of the Presbyterian societies of the city. In 
August, 1879, the property was purchased by the newly organized church of 
the United Brethren in Christ. 

Since the organization, the church has had the following pastors in the 
order given: Revs. John Hill, W. W. Pringle, and John A. Thomas, the pres- 
ent incumbent; the present membership is twenty. 

A Sabbath school has been in progress since the church was organized, 
which had for its tirst Superintendent W. P. Kingsley; the school is now 
superintended by the pastor of the church, and numbers forty scholars. Their 
house of worship is a small frame building, located on the corner of Tenth 
and Cherry streets. 

THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. 

The tirst meetings of this society in Erie were held at the old court house 
in the year 1842, conducted by the Re/. John Gifford;the regular organization 
was effected about two years later, and the present church structure, situated 
on the north side of Ninth street, between Peach and Sassafras streets, was 
erected in 1844, upon ground given to the society by Judge John Galbraith, 
father of Judge William A. Galbraith, of this city. 

Among the early members of the church were Henry Cadwell, William 
Beatty, John Dodge, Clark and Wenlock McSparren, Porter Warren and Judge 
John Galbraith. Mr. Gifford, as pastor of this church, was followed by the 
Rev. A. G. Laurie, of Edinbui-gh, Scotland, who entered upon his duties in 
November, 1846, and tilled the pulpit until April, 1849. In the absence of rec- 
ords, we are prevented giving the exact period of each minister's pastorate who 
has served the congregation. Following the Rev. Mr. Laurie came Rev. John 
Campbell, who was succeeded by the Rev. G. B. Maxham. He was succeeded 
by Rev. J. E. Forrester, whose pastorate extended over a period of about one 
decade. In the year 1865, the Rev. Mr. Laurie again became pastor of this 
charge, and remained with it ten years (1875). In 1876, Rev. A. A. Thayer 
became pastor, and remained for about tive years; his successor was the Rev. H. 
A. We8tall,of Cambridge, Mass., whose pastorate began in April, 1882, and is yet 
continued. 

The present membership consists of some eighty-five families. The church 
officers are: F. P. Bailey, Henry Young and A. B. McGuire, Board of Trustees; 
John Dumars, John Gunnison, Deacons. A Sabbath school, numbering 
about one hundred teachers and scholars', is conducted under the superintend- 
ence of Miss Rosana Hayt. 



CITY OF ERIE. 581 

ST. Patrick's (catholic) pro-cathedral. 

Years before the building of St. Patrick's Ghiurcb on Fourth street, services 
•of the Catholic Church were performed by missionaries, who occasionally 
visited Erie in order to give the few Catholic families then residing here an 
opportunity to practice their religion. As far back as 1837, the Rev. Father 
McCabe officiated here as pastor, the house on German street now occupied as 
a dwelling by Mr. Sullivan being then owned and used as a church by the 
English speaking Catholics. As there are no authentic records to show the 
progress of this church, a space of time, at least of some years, will have to be 
passed over until 1844, at which time we find Rev. Father R. Brown undertaking 
a work which at that time, considering the circumstances and poverty of his 
then small congregation, was looked upon as no small task, viz., the building 
of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Many of our old citizens will remember the dif- 
ficulties against which Father Brown had to contend. His congregation being 
unable to support him, we occasionally find him ministering to the wants of 
the Catholics scattered throughout the counties of Crawford, Venango and 
Warren. None of the Catholics who then labored to help the cause of the 
rising church expected to see within the sanctuary rails an Episcopal throne, 
or to receive from the altar at which a priest only occasionally officiated the 
Episcopal benediction. Father Brown remained in charge five years — long 
«noucrh to see the building of which he laid the foundation inclosed. 
Father Reynolds succeeded Father Brown, and completed the building, plaster- 
ing it and putting in pews sufficient to accommodate the congregation. Father 
Reynolds remained about one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Joseph F. Deane, 
who remained in charge of the congregation until Erie became an Episcoj)al 
See. 

In 1853, the thirteen counties now belonging to the Diocese of Erie were 
taken from the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and Rt. Rev. M. O'Connor, then 
Bishop of Pittsburgh, was transferred to the newly erected See of Erie, and 
became its first Bishop. He governed the. Diocese of Erie about one year, and 
was again transferred to Pittsburgh, when the late Rt. Rev. J. M. Young was 
appointed to succeed him, and in May, 1854, took charge of the diocese, llev. 
Father Deane was pastor of the church until Bishop Young's coming to Erie. 
Immediately after the new Bishop took charge of the diocese, Rev. William 
Pollard was appointed pastor, and after his time we find on the list of the 
cathedral Rev. Thomas Malone, Rev. Charles McCallion, Rev. William Lam- 
bert, Rev. John Berbequi (now pastor of Leconti's Mills, Clearfield Co., Penn.), 
Rev. J. O'Connor and Rev. Father Kenny. 

In 1858, Rev. Thomas Tracy (now pastor of St. Michael's Church, Green- 
ville, Mercer County, Penn.), was appointed pastor, and succeeded Rev. Father 
Kenny. Father Tracy continued in charge of the congregation some five or 
six years, when he was appointed to take charge of the Clearfield congregation, 
and the Very Rev. John D. Coady, Vicar General of the Diocese, was called 
to Erie and placed in charge of the congregation. Father Coady remained in 
charge of the congregation about four years, until the oil regions of Venango 
County arose into importance, and calling there hundreds of all classes and de- 
nominations, who, in their eagerness to hoard up riches, would undoubtedly have 
forgotten the chief end for which all should labor, did not Father Coady, so 
well and favorably known to all our citizens, both by word and example, teach 
his flock in the oil region that money, like every other material substance, 
would pass away wit i time. The beautiful church now crowning the summit 
of Cottage Hill, Oil City, stands as a witness, bearing silent testimony to the 
self-sacrificing spirit and zeal of Father Coady. 



582 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Father Carroll succeeded Father Coady as pastor of Sfc. Patrick's, and ma ay 
of his people have reason to thank him for his great and successful efforts in 
the cause of temperance. He was founder of the Father Matthew Temperance 
Society; he taught that in order to be successful in life a man should be tem- 
perate in all things. The Father Matthew Temperance Society is still 
in existence, and successful beyond expectations, thus proving the oft-repeated 
assertion of Rev. Father Carroll, that moral suasion is more powerful in the 
cause of temperance than all the restrictions that can possibly be made by 
law. 

It was during Father Carroll's time (1866) that the Catholics suffered a 
severe loss in the death of Bishop Young. Very Rev. John D. Coady, V. G., 
was then appointed administrator, and for nearly two years governed the dio- 
cese in a very successful and satisfactory manner. 

An event of unusual importance, and worthy of commemoration in the history 
of Catholicity in Erie, wa« the death of Rt Rev. J. M. Young, Bishop of the 
Erie Diocese, which occurred at the Episcopal residence in this city, Septem- 
ber 18, 1866, of heart disease. His demise and subsequent funeral obse- 
quies brought a great concourse of people to Erie, among whom were many 
well-known Catholic prelates. The last rites over the distinguished dead 
took place at St. Patrick's Church, on the Friday morning succeeding his de- 
cease. Rev. Father Weinhardt was master of ceremonies, with Father Coady 
assistant, while the sermon was delivered by Bishop Domenec, of Pittsburgh. 
The church was beautifully draped with the insignia of mourning, and a feel- 
ing of deep sorrow pervaded throughout the large assemblage. The funeral 
cortege contained nearly 10,000 people, who sadly followed the remains of their 
beloved Bishop to the grave. Bishop Young was born at Sanford, Me., in 
August, 1808, ordained a priest in 1837, and consecrated Bishop of the Diocese 
of Erie in 1854. 

On the 2d of August, 1868, the present bishop, Rt» Rev. Tobias Mullen, 
was consecrated and took charge of the diocese, and the rapidity with which 
churches have been built and paid for is a sufficient proof of the growth of the 
Catholic faith. Five churches are now in the city, and some ten or fifteen 
years ago the whole Catholic population might have been collected in any one 
of them. Institutions of learning and charity, too, have sprung up of late, 
and during the past decade the magnificent buildings known as St. Joseph's 
Orphan Asylum and St. Vmcent's Hospital have been erected. The congrega- 
tion of St. Patrick's Pro-Cathedral now numbers some 8,000 souls. 

The old building on Fourth street has become too small, and there is now 
in process of erection and near completion St. Peter's Cathedral, which when 
finished will be one of the grandest— if not the grandest — and most imposing 
church edifices in the whole lake country. It is located on the northwest cor- 
ner of Tenth and Sassafras streets, fronting on the latter, and is constructed of 
Medina, N. Y. , red sandstone, trimmed and ornamented with white sandstone, 
in part from Amherst, Ohio, and in part fi'om Mercer County, Penn. In 
size, the cathedral is 220 feet in length, and its greatest width (across the 
transe})t, which is 66 feet in length) is 130 feet; while the nave of the build- 
ing is 98x83 feet; the chancel is 40x38^ feet, and that much of the nave and 
transept for pews is 144x83 feet; the side walls to the clear story are 42 fewt 
in height, and the clear story walls 18 feet, while the height from floor to 
ceiling is 66 feet. The building is of Gothic style of the thirteenth century, 
and was designed by C. C. Keeley, of Brooklyn, N. Y. The plan is cruciform,^ 
the front being formed by three massive towers, of which the main one is 34 
feet square at the base, and in height is 'i 29 feet, and the side towers are each 



CITY OF ERIE. 583 

20 feet square at the base, and in height 89 feet. These are all surmounted by 
spires, the one on the main tower being 122 feet, while that on either of the 
side lowers is 37 feet (measax'ement of towers from pavement). The transept 
forms the arms of the cross and the chancel the top. On the Tenth street side 
of the building is the altar of St. Mary, and on the other side correspondingly 
is that of St. Joseph. In either side of the transept is an immense Gothic 
window 39x24 feet. There are many windows in the side walls and towers, 
and within the towers is the vestibule into which from the exterior open the 
three main entrances to the building. There being but two other entrances, 
one to the transept from the south side, and the other to the vestry from the 
north side of the building. The interior of the cathedral will be finished in 
that elegance and grace corresponding to its exterior grandeur and beauty. 

The corner stone of the building was laid on St. Peter's day (August 1, 
1875) — the work having then been in progress for two seasons — amid the 
largest demonstration of a religious character the city of Erie ever witnessed. 
Mass was first celebrated at St. Patrick's Pro-Cathedral, after which the pro- 
cession, composed of numerous societies of this city, Meadville, Corry, Union 
City and other places, and a large concourse of people, then proceeded to the 
site of the building where the corner stone was laid, the ceremonies being con- 
ducted by Rt. Rev. Tobias Mullen. An address was delivered in English by 
Bishop Mullen, and one in German by Rev. Father George Meyer, of Meadville. 

The cathedral, when completed, will cost over a quarter of a million of 
dollars. The Protestants, alike with the Catholics of Erie, will look upon it 
with pride and admiration, and it will stand a living monument to the zeal and 
devotion of him who now sits at the head of the diocese of Erie, through whose 
untiring efforts the structure has been reared. 

Father Thomas A. Casey became pastor of St. Patrick's congregation in 
1869, and has since remained in that relation with the church. ±'rom 1869 
to 1875, he was assisted by Rev. Father McCabe; from 1875 to 1877, by Rev. 
Father E. J. Murphy; from 1879 to 1880, by Rev. Father J. J. Calligan, and 
from 1880 to the present by Rev. William Dwyer, who is still with the con- 
gregation. Father Casey is Vicar General of the Erie Diocese, and together 
with the other priests of Erie Cou.nty has ever faithfvilly seconded the bishop 
in the grand work of building up the church in this portion of God's vine- 
yard. Connected with St. Patrick's is a Sunday school, Avith an average at- 
tendance of 200 children, who meet in the parish schoolhouse, every Sunday 
at 2 o'clock P. M., and there receive careful instruction in the faith and pre- 
cepts of the church. 

ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The first German Catholic family to settle in Erie was that of Mr. Wolf- 
gang Erhart in 1830. Others of this nationality and faith soon followed, and 
perhaps the first time that these families conceived the idea of uniting in the 
form of a congregation was in 1833, when mass was said by Father Mosque- 
lette, in a log house which stood on the northeast corner of State and Tenth 
streets, belonging to Mr. Erhart. The following year the same missionary 
father, accompanied by Rt. Rev. Francis Patrick Kenrick, Bishop of Philadel- 
phia (to which diocese Erie then belonged), again visited this people. Services 
this year were held in a frame house which was also the property of Mr. 
Erhart, located on the northeast corner of French and Fourth streets. The 
Bishop confirmed a number to whom this sacrament had not yet been adminis- 
tered. Neither the Irish nor the German Catholics were able yet to support a 
stationary pastor. Both flocks, however, steadily increased and became strong 
enough to form separate communities. 



584 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

In 1837, the Germans bought a lot on East Ninth street, and bnilt a frame 
church 36x40 feet on the same site where now the imposing St. Mary's Church 
stands. 

At the next visit of the Bishop of Philadelphia an agreement was made 
between him and the Trustees of the German congregation. Papers, etc., 
were handed over to the Bishop, who in return sent the first pastor for the 
German Catholics of Erie, Rev. Ivo Levitz, of the order of St. Francis. On 
his voyage to America, Father Levitz had, during a severe and threatening 
storm, promised that the tir.st church he would have the happiness of blessing 
in America should be dedicated to the "Blessed Marj^ conceived without sin," 
and as his first field for missionary labor was Erie, and a church there already 
built but not yet blessed. Father Levitz on the 2d day of August, 1840, 
blessed and with the cheerful consent of the members of the young congrega- 
tion dedicated the church, naming it St. Mary's Church. He also blessed the 
adjoining cemetery. "^^/'^ 

Father Ivo Levitz was succeeded in 1841 by Rev. ^. Steinbacher, who after 
a short term was followed by Rev. R. Kleineidam. Rev. P. Frederick Broenner, 
of the Carmelite Order, was the fourth pastor, succeeded in 1847 by Rev. 
John Evang Mosetizh. The latter in 1848 was succeeded by Rev. Nicolas 
Haeres, who in the same year handed over the pastorate to Rev. N. Steinbacher, 
S. J. , who built an addition to the church and bought grounds for a cemetery 
on West Twenty -fourth street. 

His successor and the pastor whose name will ever remain in grateful re- 
membrance in the congregation, was Rev. F. J. Hartmann, now of St Joseph's 
congregation of this city. The frame church, though enlarged, was insuffi- 
cient for the growing congregation. It was however difficult to decide what 
action to take, as the members of the congregation were very poor. On the 
other hand, the clear-sighted pastor perceived that to build on a small scale 
would only be providing for a few years. In consequence, he undertook and 
succeGsfu.lly accomplished a task which at the beginning seemed too burden- 
some for the then small congregation; it was the building of the grand St. 
Mary's Church as it now stands on Ninth street, which is built of brick, in the 
cruciform Roman style; it has two massive towers, each 150 feet high; in size, 
the building is 146x78 feet. It was put under roof in 1854, and dedicated in 
1855, and was then the finest church edifice in Erie. In 1873, some $7,000 
was expended in improving both the interior and exterior of St. Afary's Church, 
the former being nicely frescoed in blue and gold, the columns marbled and 
their caps heavily gilded, elegant gas fixtures introduced, and a new altar, 
handsome in design, placed therein. One of the exterior attractions was the 
addition of an expensive piece of statuary over the main entrance. Father 
Hartmann, with the consent of the Bishop, transferred the charge in 1858 to 
the Benedictine Fathers of St. Vincent Abbey, Westmoreland Co. , Penn. , who 
have since retained it. So numerous have been the fathers of this order who 
have since administered to the spiritual wants of the congregation, that it is 
thought impracticable to here name them. Those in charge at the present 
writing are Father Amandus Kramer. O. S. B. ; Revs. Boniface and Emerine, 
assistants. The congregation numbers some 3,000 souls. The Catholic citi- 
zens of Erie who are of German nationality, or German descent, to-day proudly 
look upon three German Catholic edifices in the city with the fourth about 
to be built. 

ST. Joseph's (catholic) church. 

The congregation at St. Joseph's may properly date its commencement to a 
period extending back about thirty years, when several Catholic families re- 



CITY OF ERIE. 585 

siding in South Erie met for religious worship in a little frame sehoolhouse on 
Eighteenth street, between Peach and Sassafras, where they were visited by 
priests sent by the Bishop. The present church building, located on Twenty- 
fourth, between Peach and Sassafras streets, a neat frame, was erected in 1866 
or 1867, and the congregation fully established the former year, with Rev. 
Father Joseph Stumpe in charge. His successor was the Rev. Father John B. 
Kiihn, who officiated for about one year, then relieved by the Bishop. The 
nest pastor of the charge was the Rev. Father E. J. Reiter, S. J., whose pas- 
torate terminated with his death. May 5, 1873. Rev. Father Mink, who was 
an assistant under Father Reiter, assumed the pastorate at his death, and in 
July of the same year the present pastor, the Rev. Father J. A. Oberhofer, was 
placed in charge of the church, and has since worthily guided the flock. He 
has been assisted at diffei-ent periods by Fathers Deckinbrook, Frank, Hasse, 
and since 1879 by the venerable Father F. J. Hartmann, whose active service 
and arduous labors since the year 1852 in this vicinity has not been without 
gratifying results. He built St. Mary's Church on Ninth street. 

The priests of St. Joseph's have a neat and pretty parsonage home adjoin- 
ing the chm-ch. The congregation is at present composed of 500 families, and 
has so increased as to make a more commodious house of worship necessary, 
which they have already commenced, the corner-stone having been laid with 
appropriate ceremonies July 2, 1882. It adjoins the present building, frontino- 
on Sassafras street, and is to be constructed of brick, in size 133x60 feet, and 
will cost in the neighborhood of $40,000. The architect is C. C, Keeley, of 
Brooklyn, N. Y. The style will be Gothic. 

A new congregation will soon be formed from St. Joseph's, to be known as 
St. Michael's. 

ST. John's (catholic) church. 

St. John's congregation was formed late in the year 1869. The first bap- 
tism recorded bears date of January 1, 1870. The first pastor of the church 
was Rev. Bernard Mauser, O. S. B. The church building is a neat frame, lo- 
cated on Twenty-sixth street, between Wallace and Ash, and was built in 1869- 
70, and dedicated to the worship of God on the 2Sth of August, 1870, by Rt. 
Rev. Bishop Mvillea. A nice parsonage adjoins the church; also a brick 
sehoolhouse belonging to the congregation, all built at the same time; the 
former, however, was enlarged in 1877. The congregation is composed of 
about 100 families. 

Father Mauser was succeeded March 19, 1873, by Rev, E. A. Reiter, S. J., 
whose pastorate terminated May 4, 1873. From March 19 to May 4, 1873, 
this charge and St. Joseph's were together. St. John's became independent 
after this and has since so remained. The present pastor, Rev. Father M. J. 
Decker, assumed the pastorate May 4, 1873, and has ever since sustained such 
relation to the church. On his coming, the congregation numbered some sev- 
enty families and were greatly in debt, which has since been canceled and a 
neat sum in the church's favor accumulated. A new sehoolhouse will soon' 
built. 

ST. ANDREW'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The English-speaking Catholic people residing in the western part of the 
city, were formed into a parish under the name given above, by Rev. Father 
J. A. McCabe, in the summer of 1871. A neat and beautiful frame church 
edifice, 40x75 feet, was erected at this time under the management of the pas- 
tor, which was dedicated July 30, 1871, by Rt. Rev. Tobias Mullen, assisted 
by Rev. Father Phelan, of Pittsburgh, Rev. M. Broidy, of Forestville, N. Y., 
and Rev. J. A, McCabe. 



686 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

In 1874, the pastor's neat residence adjoining the church was erected. It 
is beautifully situated on the brow of a hill overlooking a grand tract of 
country. The location is on Raspberry near Sixth street. 

The church edifice within is as attractive as on the exterior. It is supplied 
with a nice altar, and has suspended from the walls the usual Scriptural paint- 
ings or stations of the cross, always found in Catholic Churches. The church 
has a seating capacity of 350 people. There has been no change in the pas- 
torate. The coQgregation numbers 100 families, and like all the Catholic 
Churches of Erie, is in a flourishing condition. 



OHAPTEE T. 

Education and Societies 



ERIE is emphatically a city of good schools, and stands to-day the peer of any 
in the country in respect to school buildings and general facilities. On a 
percentage of population, it is not excelled by any city in the number of youth 
availing themselves of its schools, nor are the courses of instruction better 
laid out anywhere. We are indebted to Prof. H. S. Jones for much of the 
following information concerning the public schools of the city. 

In the year 1806, the first schoolhouse was built in Erie, on the southwest 
comer of Seventh and Holland streets, where the present school building (No. 
2) stands. It was a hewed- log house, about 18x20 feet, built by John Green- 
wood, for the sum of 130, which was paid by contributions of the citizens. 
This first temple of learning was surrounded by the native forest, a foot-path 
leading to the school from the village of 100 inhabitants, collected in the 
vicinity of German street, below Fourth street. Mr. Anderson was the first 
teacher, and his immediate su,ccessor8 were Mr. Blossom and Dr. Nathaniel 
Eastman. Dr. Eastman taught the school during the }ear 1812; the roll, the 
oldest handed down, with a portrait of the Doctor, form a part of the decora- 
tions of building No. 2. 

This roll contains the names of forty boys and thirty girls, and as a matter 
of historical interest to many of our readers, we here append the list: Boys 
— Alexander Brewster, Dunning McNair, John McSparren, Zedekiah Curtis, 
Daniel Gillespie, Edward Hildebrand, Charles Reed, William Brovvn, Harry 
Rees, Edwin Kelso, George Dunn, Cyrus Reed, John Dunn, William Bell, 
John Teel, Albert Kelso, James Gray, Samuel Irwin, James Wilson, Robert 
Erwin, Henry Schantz, William Dobbins, William Hoskinson, Laird Forster, 
John Hughes, Charles Wilkins, Alexander Irwin, Jacob Snavely, George Gal- 
lagher, Barney Gillespie, Johnson Laird, Samuel Brown, William McDonald, 
James Hughes, Thomas Growotz, Benjamin Wallace, John McFarland, Charles 
Growotz, Archibald Stuart and Richard McCreary. Girls — Hannah Rees, 
Sarah Brown, Betsy Dobbins, Julia Bell, Eleanor Stuart, Ann Laird, Mary 
Wilkins, Sarah Bell, Eliza Wilson, Mary Wallace, Mary Curtis, Jane Hughes, 
Ann Teel, Mary Wilson, Eliza Hoskinson, Rebecca Rees, Kate Oiler, Harriet 
Rees, Sarah Forster, Mary Brewster, Mary McSparren, Mary McNair, Dorcas 
McDonald, Caroline Kelso, Eliza Cummings, Adeline Kelso, Eleanor Lapsley, 
Zebinia Schantz, Mary Ann Lapsley and Catharine McFarland. 

The lot. No. 1378, upon which the schoolhouse was erected was bought 



CITY OF ERIE. 689 

from the State August 4, 1804, by James Baird, for the sum of |25. It was 
afterward purchased by means of contributions collected by Capt. Daniel Dob- 
bins, and was patented in the name of the "Presque Isle Academy. " This 
name appears to have been informally given by the contributors, as no record 
can be found of a corporation having been formed with that title. For the 
next quarter of a century, nothing occurred of special importance connected 
with the schools of Erie, excepting the establishing of the Erie Academy, 
which was opened in October, 1819, but as that institution will be tnUy spoken 
of hereafter we refer the reader there for farther information on the subject. 

Under the school law of 1831, a public meeting of the citizens of Erie was 
held at the court house November 22, 1834; it was presided over by Dr. Will- 
iam Johns, William Kelley acting as Secretary. On motion of Elisha Babbitt 
and George Kellogg, it was voted to raise $1,000 as additional local tax to that 
raised by the united action of the School Directors and Commissioners of the 
county. On the 7th of September, 1836, through the recommendation of a 
special committee, the borough of Erie was divided into four sabdistricts, and 
during the next year four frame houses were erected on leased ground, at a 
Cost of $310 each, the directors not thinking itadvisible to purchase real estate. 
A t this time, 340 pupils were enrolled. The text books were " The English 
Keader," "Cobb's Spelling Book," "Goodrich a-id Parley's Geographies," 
"Kirkham's Grammar" and " DaboU's Arithmetic." These books, the school 
com panions of former generations, had to give way to improved books by later 
authors. 

In 1839, the school accommodations were insufficient, and two rooms were 
rented. In 1844, the small frame buildings were inadequate to the wants of 
the schools, and as a desire sprang up to attempt something in the way of gra- 
dation, lots were purchased, a new plan of buildings adopted, and in the year 
1848 two brick houses, each capable of accommodating five teachers with their 
pupils, were erected, and the subdistricts abolished. These two schools were 
called the "East Ward" and the "West Ward," each school having the same 
number of teachers, and the same advantages for scholars. The "East Wai'd" 
building was on the corner of Seventh and Holland, now occupied by building 
No. 2, while the "Westward" Schoolhouse stood on the corner of Seventh 
and Myrtle, on a lot now included in the grounds of Hon. William A. Gal- 
braith. A portion of the building is yet standing in the form of a ruin, grace- 
fully covered with a heavy growth of ivy. 

The first public examination was held May 8, 1849, and the Rev. D. Will- 
iam Flint delivered an address suited to the occasion; and in 1853 a school 
was organized in which the German language was the medium of instruction. 

On the 8th of June, 1854, the directors organized under the new law, which 
went into operation the first Monday in June of that year. This increased the 
number of boards from one to three, ''East Ward," " West Ward" and "Board 
of Controllers," the special duties of the ward boards being the raisino- and 
expending of a fund for building purposes. The Board of Controllers was 
confined in their operations to the raising and expending of a fund for school 
or teaching purposes. This system existed until June, 1870, at which time 
the city was enlarged and made into one district, for all purposes pertaining 
to schools. 

The East Ward Board, in 1855, resolved to erect a large building on the 
corner of Seventh and Holland streets equal to the best in the country. Con- 
siderable opposition to the project was manifested by influential citizens, and 
the board was petitioned by them in strong terms, praying that the resolution 
levying a tax for a new building be rescinded. As the board moved on in the 



690 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

line of action begun, efforts were made to have tbem legally enjoined from pro- 
ceeding further. The opposition weakened, but existed for some time. The 
new building was finally completed, and occupied October, 1860. The West 
Ward Board held to a different policy — that a number of small houses were 
better than a large one, and, in 1863, they caused to be erected building num- 
ber 3, a small four-teacher house, on the corner of Sixteenth and Sassafras 
streets, and in 1865 No. 4. after the same plan, on West Fifth street, near 
Chestnut. In 1865, the East Ward Board built No. 5 on East Twelfth 
street, near German, a house similar to Nos. 3 and 4, but somewhat larger. 
In 1869, the West Ward Board erected No. 6, a six-teacher house, on the cor- 
ner of Tenth and Sassafras streets, which was enlarged in 1873-74. 

The enlargement of the district in 1870 called for additional school accom- 
modations, and since the above date the following buildings have been erected, 
viz. : No. 10 (four-teacher), in October, 1871, on the public park. West Fifth 
street; No. 11 (eight-teacher), in 1873, on the corner of Eleventh and French 
streets; No. 15 (eight-teacher), in 1873-74, on the corner of Twenty- fifth and 
Ash streets; No. 8 (eight-teacher), in 1874-75, on the corner of Seventeenth 
and Plum streets; No. 12 (four-teacher), in 1875, on the corner of Sixth and 
East avenue; No. 7 (eight-teacher), in 1875-76, on Twenty -first street, be- 
tween Peach and Sassafras; No. 1 (four-teacher), in 1877, on the corner of 
Third and French streets; No. 4 (seven-teacher), re-built in 1879, on West 
Fifth street, near Chestnut; No. 13 (eight-teacher), in 1880-81, on the corner 
of Tenth and Ash streets; No. 16 (eight-teacher), in 1883, on the corner of 
Eighth and Walnut streets; also four small relief buildings. Upon the en- 
largement of tlie corporate limits in 1870, No. 14, now unoccupied, was taken 
into the city. 

Concerning the advantages of the schools, the grade of study from 1806 to 
1848 was mainly primary, except in the winter, but the organization of the 
Erie Academy, in 1819, had the effect to keep the " subdistrict " schools in 
primary studies. The two new buildings erected in 1848, and the consolida- 
tion of the small schools into two larger, caused the schools to take a much 
higher rank in grade and influence. Professional teachers soon found their 
places in the schools, and the course of study gradually extended through the 
higher English branches and Latin, thus enabling the average pupil to finish 
his education in the common schools. There was at the best, up to 1865, only 
a general plan of gradation, quite often ignored or misunderstood. In July, 
1865, the Board of Control, conscious of the fact that closer supervision was 
necessary to the better success of the schools, elected the present City Superin- 
tendent, Prof. H. S. Jones, principal teacher, to perform the usual duties of a 
School Superintendent. In June, 1867, he was duly elected City Superintend- 
ent, under the act of that year. 

On the 29th of June,1866,the Board of Control consolidated the higher classes 
of the schools, from which grew the present high school. In four short years 
the school had won an honorable position beside the best high schools of the 
country. The course of study wa? elective and extensive, enabling the student 
to prepare for the highest institutions of our country. The influence of the 
high school on the lower grades has been' most beneficial, especially in two 
ways, arousing and encouragicg the ambitious pupils, and sending down a 
class of teachers who have had the benefit of a thorough and liberal course of 
study. The intelligent and progressive peopie nave earnestly supported the 
school, and there is no good reason for thinking that the institution will not 
continue in its present line of growth and influence. 

Although music was on the programme of the schools prior to 1868, in 



CITY OF ERIE. 591 

many departments little or nothing was done, owing to the feeling among the 
teachers that they were hardly competent to teach it. In November, ]868, a 
special teacher was engaged, and soon the singing in the schools assumed a 
creditable shape, and became a source of power in the discipline of the schools. 

Drawing was in a similar condition, except map- drawing, until 1873, when, 
under the care of a special teacher, it began to build up a record highly satis- 
factory. The drill lessons in drawing and music have been from the first 
under the care of the regular teachers, the special teacher illustrating methods 
and supervising. 

Evening schools were organized in 1867. Mechanical drawing was intro- 
duced into the evening schools October, 1873. 

A school for deaf mutes Avas opened January, 1875, in which the articula- 
tion or speaking method was adopted. 

The schools, since their organization under one system, have been graded 
to a plan of many steps, making it easy for a pupil to rise, and difiicult for 
him to fall a long way at once, the door of promotion standing wide open at 
all times. 

The following summary illustrates the present condition of the public 
schools of Erie: Niimber of buildings, 19; number of departments, 81; num- 
ber of teachers (males), 8; number of teachex's (females), 101; total number 
of teachers, 109; number of pupils, 4,720. 

The course of study below the high school embraces the common English 
branches, music, drawing, general information, elements of natural history, and 
German (German being an optional study)i. The curriculum of the high school 
enables students to pass into our most exacting colleges and universities. Be- 
tween 90 and 100 per cent of the pupils choose to pursue the study of German, 
thus placing Erie at the head of the cities of the country in respect to per cent 
studying that language. 

The Teachers' Institute has been a source of progressive power in the im- 
provement of the schools since 1858. The sessions are well attended and the 
interest highly professional. About twenty-five of these are held yearly, and 
the outline of work is to improve teachers as individuals and as instructors. 

During 1882-83, the course of study was revised, studies arranged for a 
Normal training class in the high school, and Miss Abbie Low, appointed Su- 
pervisor of primary instruction, to act under the direction of the Superintend- 
ent. A manual of directions concerning the new course, was prepared by the 
Superintendent, in which emphatic attention was given to primary teaching. 
At this time the primary work in the Erie Public Schools ranks in many things 
among the very best in the State. 

For the past thirteen years there has not been a school bond issued, though 
the following table of expenses demonstrates that the city has been liberal in 
her expenditures for the support of education. In 1871, the school expenses 
were $55,764; 1872, $64,232; 1873, $61,132; 1874, $76,320; 1875, $78,368; 
1876, $80,501; 1877, $70,177; 1878, $69,700; 1879, $59,980: 1880, $68,425; 
1881, $68,202; 1882, $69,268; 1883, $86,851. 

ERIE ACADEMY. 

This institution was incorporated March 25, 1817, Eev. Kobert Reid, R. S. 
Reed, Robert Brown, Thomas Forster, Thomas Wilson, John C. Wallace, 
Judah Colt, Thomas H. Sill and Giles Sanford being its first Triistees. It 
was endowed by the State with 500 acres of land set apart at the sale of the 
" Reserved Tracts," adjoining Erie, in 1799, for the use of schools and acad- 
emies. To this was subsequently added fifteen town lots and $2,000 in 



592 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

money, to be collected of debts due the State on lands in the vicinity of Erie. 
The school was incorporated as " an academy or public school for the educa- 
tion of youth in the English and other languages, in the useful arts, sciences 
and literature," and from 1819 to 1827 was conducted as a high school, af- 
fording primary as well as secondary instruction. On the 11th of December, 
1822, a stone school building, commenced the previous year, was finished and 
accepted. It stood on the southeast corner of Ninth and Peach streets, cost 
$2,500, and was opened in April, 1823. Upon the burning of the court house 
in March, 1823, this building was used by the courts until the erection of a 
new court hovise; and in 1849, 1850, 1851 and 1852 the fair was held on the 
academy grounds. The Principals of the academy from 1819 to 1827 were as 
follows: Rev. Robert Reid, John Kelley, A. W. Brewster, George Stone, E. 
D. Gunnison, A. S. Pattei'son and John Wood. In November, 1827, it was 
changed to a classical school, and has since had an uninterrupted run of pros- 
perity. Its graduates and students are scattered all over the country, many 
of them filling places of trust and honor, and the number is not small that 
have reason to thank its founders for superior educational advantages during 
the early days of the commonwealth. 

In 1878, the present commodious building was erected on the old site, 
which, together with the large grounds, extending from Ninth to Tenth on 
Peach street, renders it one of the most desirable locations in Erie. The 
course of study is academic, college preparatory and business, while a younger 
class of scholars are also admitted for primary instruction. The corps of in- 
structors are able and competent, and the Board of Ti'ustees is composed of 
nine representative citizens, three of whom are elected annually by the voters 
of the county. The attendance averages about 150, and the academy has 
been eminently successful as an educational institution. 

ERIE FEMALE SEMINARY. 

In 1838, the above institution was incorporated, and went into operation 
soon afterward,' having an annual appropriation from the Legislature for sev- 
eral years of $300. It never possessed any buildings of its own, its last loca- 
tion being the building now occupied by the Hamot Hospital. The 
seminary did not have a continual existence, but at one time ceased operations, 
was again revived, and finally went down about 1866. 

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS. 

The first Catholic school in Erie was connected with St. Mary's Church, 
and opened in a small frame building immediately east of the present church 
on Ninth street, in 1850, under the pastorate of Rev. N. Steinbacher. In 
1851, the attendance numbered some forty children, and when the new church 
was completed, in 1855, the old one was fitted up by Father Hartmann for a 
schoolhouse. In the course of time this, too, became insufficient to accom- 
modate the growing congregation, and in 1866 the Rev. Father Benno had 
the present large brick school building, on Tenth street, between German and 
Parade, erected for the children of St. Mary's Parish. It has a capacity for 
600 scholars, and also contains a neatly furnished hall adapted to miscellane- 
ous purposes. The school is conducted by a male teacher for the senior boys' 
class, and all the other departments are under the care of the Sisters of St. 
Benedict's Academy. The average attendance at present is 525, and the 
branches taught are the same as those of the public schools of the city, while 
at the same time the children are carefully instructed in the precepts of the 
Christian faith. 



CITY OF ERIE. 593 

Adjoining St. Mary's Church, on east Ninth street, is St. Bene- 
dict's Academy and the convent of Benedictine Nuns, who came to Erie 
in 1856, from St. Mary's, Elk County, Penn., the cradle or nursery of 
the Benedictine Nuns in America. At the earnest solicitation of some 
friends, they established their order in this city, numbering then but 
five. They occupied at that time a small uncomfortable frame house west 
of the church, took charge of the schools of the parish, cheerfully perform- 
ing their duties, bearing patiently many inconveniences for four years, 
at the expiration of which time they were domiciled in a commodious brick 
building on the east side of St. Mary's Church. In 1870, they erected next to 
the convent a spacious academy and boarding-school for the education of 
young ladies and children, and four years after, a large handsome chapel for 
the use of the religieuse and pupils. This structure, in the rear of the acade- 
my, is tastefully frescoed and richly embellished by objects of art, answering 
the twofold purpose of adorning the oratory and inspiring the wurshipers 
with devotion. The convent at present numbers sixty members, who join the 
active with the contemplative life, of whom some are engaged at fine needle- 
work, hair work, embossing, drawing, painting, music, etc., but the greater 
number in the iaiidable cause of education, while those unqualified for the 
above functions attend to the domestic duties of the establishments. Nowhere 
do we find more marked progress than among the Benedictines. But a few 
decades have elapsed since their coming to Erie, and in lieu of the small frame 
house, we find an edifice acknowledged to be one of the finest in the city. 
An academy that sends forth annually young ladies whose culture and morality 
portray more eloquently than can the pen of the historian the benefit to the 
city of such an establishment. 

The present year (1883), there are enrolled eighty papils, exclusive of a 
music class of thirty-five, and as many more who receive private instruction 
in the various branches taught in the school. Pupils of all denominations are 
received,^and there is no interference with those differing in religion. 

St. Patrick's School was established in 1863, in a small building at the 
rear of the church on Fourth street. The school was taught by one lay 
teacher, and opened with about fifty scholars. In 1867, the present two-story 
brick schoolhouse on Fourth, between Holland and German, was opened for the 
reception of Catholic children. Four teachers were then employed and the at- 
tendance was about 200. The Sisters of St. Joseph are in charge of the school, 
six of whom are engaged in this laudable work, while the average attendance at 
present is 450, and besides religious instruction the branches are the same as 
those taught in the public schools of the city. 

St. Joseph's School was established by St. Joseph's association in 1867, in 
a small building on Eighteenth street. During that year, the congregation of 
St. Joseph's parish erected a two-story frame schoolhouse on Twenty- fourth 
street, between Peach and Sassafras, and adjoining the church on the east, 
which was occupied in 1868. Up to 1871, the school was taught by laymen, 
but in that year the Sisters of St Joseph were obtained by the pastor to as- 
sist one male teacher who has charge of the larger boys, and who is also or- 
ganist of the church. Besides the male teacher, there are three Sisters 
employed in this school, the average attendance being 350, while the usual 
common school branches are taught and religious instruction imparted to 
the children. 

St. John's School was opened for the reception of scholars in 1870, the 
erection of the small brick building on Twenty-sixth street, between Wallace 
and Ash, being identical with that of St. John's Church. This school was 



594 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

taught by one male teacher until September 1, 1883, when on account of the 
increased number of scholars a small frame building was obtained in the im- 
mediate neighborhood, and the school divided. One of the Sisters of St. Jo- 
seph has charge of this latter school, wherein are taught the smaller children. 
Both have a combined attendance of 140, and the same branches are taught and 
methods followed as in the other Catholic schools of Erie. 

The following summary of the number of children now being educated in 
the Catholic schools of Erie will be of interest in this connection: We find 
that St. Mary's school has an attendance of 525; St. Patrick's. 450; St. Joseph's, 
350, and St. John's, 140; total, 1,465. Besides this, St. Benedict's Academy has 
an enrolled scholarship of 80, and a music class of 35, with about the latter 
number receiving private instruction in the various branches taught by that in- 
stitution. This estimate does not include the children cared for at St. Joseph's 
Orphan Asylum, who there receive instruction in the elementary branches of an 
Euglish education, thus fitting them for the stern duties of life. 

SECRET AND OTHER SOCIETIES. 

Wayne Lodge, No. 112, F. & A. M., was instituted in 1813, with Giles San- 
ford. W. M. ; Thomas Bees and J. C. Wallace, Wardens; B. S. Beed, Treas- 
urer. Perry Lodge, F. & A. M., was instituted in 1852, H. Pelton, W. M. 
Both of these lodges have gone out of existence many years, though there is 
still a lodge bearing the latter title. 

Tyrian Lodge, No. 362, A. F. & A. M. , was organized May 4,1866, with O. A. 
Dolph, W. M.; Jay S. Childs, S. W.; W. F. Price, J. W. ; S. Todd Perley, 
Secretary ; J. H. Lord, Ti'easurer. This lodge now meets at Masonic Hall in the 
Noble Block, corner of State and Eighth streets. 

Temple Chapter, No. 215, H. B. A. M. , was organized July 29, 1867, with 
the following officers: C. L. Wheeler, H. P.; J. B. Barber, King; H. B. 
Bates, Scribe; F. F. Farrar, Treasurer; George V. Maus, Secretary. The 
lodge meets at Masonic Hall. 

Perry Lodge, No. 392, A. F. & A. M.,was oi'ganized in 1867, the following 
officers being then chosen: Jay S. Childs, W. M. ; A. A. Adams, S. W. ; J. W. 
Swalley, J. W. ; Silas Clark, Treasurer; H. C. Bogers, Secretary. This lodge 
also meets at Masonic Hall. 

Jerusalem Council, No. 33, B. S. E. & S. M., was organized October 30, 
1867, with George V. Maus, T. I. G-. M. ; John E. Payne, T. I. D. G. M.; 
George P.^Griffith, P. C. of W.; George C. Bennett, M. of Ex.; William Him- 
rod, Jr., Becorder. Meets at Masonic Hall. 

Mt. Olivet Commandery, No. 36, K. T. ,was organized October 30, 1867, and 
its first officers were as follows: George V. Maus, E. C. ; John E. Payne, G. ; 
George P. Griffith, C. G. ; George L. Baker, Treasurer; E. B. Chapman, 
Becorder. 

Keystone Lodge, No. 455, F. & A. M. , was organized in January, 1870, with 
the following gentlemen as its first officers: J. J. Wadsworth, W. M. ; George 
F. Cain, S. W. : George V. Maus, J. W. ; M. Taylor, Secretary; J. L. Stewart, 
Treasurer. This lodge meets in Zuck's block, corner of Peach and Sixteenth 
streets. 

The Lake Shore Masonic Belief Association was organized April 16, 1872, 
for the purpose of more effectually assisting the widows and orphans of worthy 
brethren. Its officers for 1883 and 1884 are as follows: J. M. Ormsbee, Pres- 
ident; J. B. Sherwood, A'^ice President; W. W. Beed, Treasui'er; A. A. Adams, 
Secretary; George P. Griffith.Legal Adviser; C. W. Stranahan, M. D., Medical 
Director. 



CITY OF ERIE. 595 

The following lodges of I. O. O. F. are now in existence, viz.: Presque 
Isle Lodge, No. 107, organized in 1845, meets at Odd Fellows Hall on the 
corner of Seventh and State streets; Heneosis Adelphon Encampment, No. 42, 
organized in 1846 and re-organized in 1866, which also meets at Odd Fellows 
Hall; Philallelia Lodge, No. 299, organized in 1848, meets at the same place 
as the previous ones mentioned; Lake Erie Degree Lodge, No. 19, organized 
in 1868, same place of meeting; Lake Shore Lodge, No. 718, organized July 
5, 1870, meets at same place; Erie City Lodge, No. 871 (German), organ- 
ized March 31, 1874, place of meeting same as above lodges. Luella Rebekah 
Degree Lodge, No. 90, organized April 30, 1874, also meets at Odd Fellows 
Hall. The Odd Fellows Mutual Benefit Association of Northwestern Penn- 
sylvania was organized in 1873, and possesses a large membership. 

Of the Knights of Pythias, two lodges have organizations in Erie, viz. : 
Erie Lodge, No. 327, organized December 20, 1871, and Endowment Rank 
Section, No. 103, instituted February 20, 1878, both of which meet at Pythian 
Temple, in Metcalf 's block on State street, between Seventh and Eighth. 

Of the Knights of Honor, there were formerly three lodges in the city, two 
of which have been consolidated. Mystic Lodge, No. 99, was organized in April, 
1875, and Lake City Lodge, No. 806, was instituted November 21, 1877, but 
in January, 1883, they were consolidated under the former name, and now com- 
prise one of the finest, if not the finest, body of men of any secret society in 
Erie. Barbarossa Lodge, No. 686, was organized July 7, 1877, and both of 
these lodges meet at Jarecki's Hall on State street. 

The Ancient Order of United Workmen has the following lodges in Erie: 
Rising Sun Lodge, No. 4, which meets in Eliot's block on Seventh street, be- 
tween State and French: Erie Lodge, No. 44, which meets at Zuck's Hall, on 
the corner of Sixteenth and Peach streets; Alexander Lodge, No. 56 (German), 
meets in the Mission Block, corner of Fourteenth and Peach street; Active 
Lodge, No. 61, meets at Metcalf 's Hall on State street; Garfield Lodge, No. 
397, meets at G. A. R. Hall on State street. 

Keystone Council, No. 108, Royal Arcanum, meets at Jarecki's Hall on 
State street. 

Gee-nun-de-wah Tribe, No. 167, Improved Order of Red Men, was in- 
stituted in January, 1879, and meets at Metcalf 's hall on State, between 
Seventh and Eighth streets. 

Harugaries — Erie Mannie, No. 24, was organized August 1, 1869; Mozart 
Lodge, No. 139, was organized in 1867; Bismarck Lodge, No. 151, was or- 
ganized m 1867; Erie Lodge, No. 290, was organized in 1872. All of these 
lodges meet at a hall in the Liebel Block. Connected with the Harugaries is 
the Life Insurance of D. O. H., Sixth District of Pennsylvania, which was 
organized January 1, 1876. 

The Erie Caledonian Club was organized in June, 1881, and meets in their 
hall on the corner of Eleventh and State streets. 

George Stephenson Lodge, No. 68, Sons of St. George, meets at Metcalf's 
Hall. 

Strong Vincent Post, No. 67, G. A. R., meets at their hall on State, between 
Ninth and Tenth streets. 

Of Hebrew societies, Erie City Lodge, No. 107, K. S. B., was organized in 
May, 1873, and meets at Metcalf's Hall. The Standard Club was established 
in October, 1879, and meets in Baker's block, corner of Fifth and State streets. 
Ladies' Rebecca Society was organized in 1879. 

The Turners are also represented here. The Erie Turnverein was organized 
in 1868, and its headquarters are at Turn Hall on State street, between Sixth 



596 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

aud Seventh. EastlErie Turnverein was organized January 12, 1880, and 
meets at the East Erie Turn Hall, cornpr of Ninth and Parade streets. South 
Erie Turnverein was organized August 11, 1878, and meets at South Erie Turn 
Hall, corner of Twentieth and Peach streets, and here also is the meeting 
place of the Benevolent Section of the South Erie Turnverein, which was 
organized January 1, 1881. 

The following embrace the musical societies of the city: The Erie Lie- 
dertafel was organized September 2, 1862, and meets at Liedertafel Hall in 
Berst's block, on State street, between Eighth and Ninth. The Erie Sanger- 
bund was organized in 1871, and meets at Zuck's Hall, corner of Sixteenth and 
Peach streets. The Erie Mannerchor was organized in 1872, and meets at Boy- 
er's Hall. The Orphans' Society was organized in 1878, and meets in the Gr. A. 
R. Hall on State street. Tbe Amphion Musical Association meets at the corner 
of Eleventh and Peach, while another society called the Teutonia comes to- 
gether every Sunday for musical recreation. 

Protective Societies: Erie Typographical Union, No. 77, meets at Aus- 
tin's Hall, Nortl) Park Row. Iron Moulders' Union, No. 38, meets at Good 
Templar's Hall, corner of Eleventh and State streets. The Cigar-Makers' 
Union meets at Schumacher's Hall, corner of Tenth and Parade streets. The 
Trades Assembly meets at Austin's Hall on North Park Row. 

Building and Loan Associations: Erie City Building and Loan Association 
was incorporated March 10, 1873, and meets at Austin's Hall on North Park 
Row. Ben Franklin Building and Loan Association No. 2, meets in the Dime 
Bank Block. Erie Saving Fund and Building Association was chartered in 1873. 
Presque Isle Saving Fund, Loan and Building Association meets at the corner 
of Thirteenth and Peach Streets. The Workingmen's Bviilding and Loan Asso 
ciation of Erie was incorporated July 10, 1876, under a perpetual charter 
granted by the Governor of Pennsylvania, and by letters patent granted October 
10, 1879. This association meets at Good Templars Hall, corner of Eleventh 
and State Streets. 

There are several benevolent societies : The German Independent Benevo- 
lant Association was organized July 4, 1842, and meets at Boyer's Hall, No. 
1305 State street. The German Friendship Benevolent Association was organ- 
ized in 1862, and meets at Liebel'a Hall. The Erie and Pittsburgh Shops Mutual 
Benefit Association was organized in 1868. Erie Lodge, No. 39, of the National 
Marine Beneficial Association, meets at G. A. R. Hall on State stx-eet. Erie 
Star Union No. 50, of the Eqiiitable Aid Union, meets in Metcalf's block; and 
South Erie Union No. 62, of the same association, meets at Zuck's Hall. 

Catholic Benevolent Societies: St. Joseph's Branch, No. 9, C. M. B. A., 
was organize! February 17, 1879, and meets in a hall on the corner of twenty- 
sixth and Peach streets. St. Patrick's Branch, No. 12, C. M. B. A., was insti- 
tuted March 8, 1879, and meets in Gensheimer's block, corner Seventh and State 
streets; and St. Mary's Branch, No. 15, C. M. B. A., was instituted December 5, 
1879 and meets at the same hall. St. John's Branch, No. 18, C. M. B. A., was 
organized in January, 1881, and meets at a hall corner of Twenty-fifth and Ash 
streets; and St. Peters Branch, No. 20, subsequently organized, meets in Gen- 
sheimer's block. Branch No. 98, Catholic Knights ol' America, was organized 
in 1876, and meets at the hall in Austin's block. Irish American Benevolent 
Society, No. 295, I. C. B. U. , meets at Austin's Hall on North Park Row. The 
Hibernian C. B. Society, No. 1, was organized in 1872, and re-organized in 
1877. St. Patrick's Temperance Cadets were organized in 1872. St. Alphonsus 
Relief Society was organized in 1868, and St. Joseph's Mutual Relief Society 
in 1865. St. John's Benevolent Society was organized in 1872, and St. An- 







>i.j' :^ir/AJI.Ritchie - 




dnrYx.^^^ 




CITY OF ERIE. 599 

drew's the same year; while Trinity Benevolent Association, a Portuguese so- 
ciety, was organized in 1874. Connected with the Catholic Churches of the city 
are other societies of a benevolent character, such as the Father Matthew T. A. 
B. Society of St. Patrick's Church, which was organized in 1866; also St. Vin- 
cent De Paul Society established the same year; while in St. Mary's congre- 
gation are St. George's Society, organized in 1852, St. Benedict's in 1867, and 
St. Bonifacius' in 1868. 

The German Free School Society was established for the purpose of intro- 
ducing the German language into the public schools, and to foster the idea of 
compulsory school attendance. This society has doubtless accomplished much 
good. It is composed of representative German citizens, and the principal ob- 
ject of the society has been so far successful that to-day from 90 to 100 per 
cent of the pupils in the high school are studying the German language. 

The First Society of Spiritiialists of Erie City and county was organized in 
February, 1882, in Treisaker's Hall on State street, with about a dozen mem- 
bers. The charter was granted by the court late in the winter of 1881-82 as a 
"Medical and Scientific Society." Speakers were transient until April, 1882, 
when Mr. Hull was engaged as speaker of the society, which numbers about 
300, and meets Sunday afternoon and evening at Old's Hall on State street. 
The officers consist of a President, two Vice Presidents, Treasurer and two 
Secretaries. 

Erie City Bible Society was organized in 1824, and has been kept up ever 
since. The first officers were as follows: Rev. Johnston Eaton, President, 
Rev. Robert Reid, Vice President; E. D. Gunnison, Treasurer; George Sel- 
den, Secretary; Giles Sanford, William Gould, Robert Porter, John McCord, 
Joseph Selden, Judah Colt, Robert McClelland, John Phillips, Oliver Alford, 
R. C. Hatton, James Flowers and Philip Bristol, Managers. 

Erie Temple of Honor, organized in 1854, was one of the pioneer temper- 
ance societies, and William A. Galbraith, one of its first officers. It was re- 
organized in 1859, at which time a lodge of Good Templars that had been in 
operation two or three years, was merged into it. The history of the difierent 
temperance movements during the past fifty years, belongs to the State or na- 
tion, and can only be properly treated from that basis. They were not local 
movements, but spread throughout the Union, and created much excitement 
during the period of their existence. 

The following is a brief account of the library and literary societies of 
Erie. In 1806, thirty of Erie's citizens organized a " Library Company," with 
the following officers: Judah Colt, President; Thomas Forster, Librarian; 
Thomas Forster, James Baird, John C. Wallace and William Wallace, Direc- 
tors. The society purchased $200 worth of books, and was kept up for several 
years. Other societies of the same character were the Franklin Literary Asso- 
ciation, organized in 1826; Apprentices Literary Society formed about 1839, 
and Irving Literary Institute organized in 1843, all of which had small libra- 
ries. Literary and lyceum societies sprang into existence at different peri- 
ods in the city's history, many of which had courses of lectures, and did 
much good by encouraging and cultivating the literary tastes of the people. 

The Young Men's Christian Association was organized in May, 1860, and 
has now a membership of 600 in Erie City alone. The association owns a fine 
three story brick building on the southeast corner of Tenth and Peach streets. 
In May, 1861, they optened a free reading room, which has been kept open up 
to the present. The library now contains about 6,000 volumes, and about 75 
newspapers and periodicals are always kept on file. Though the reading 
room is free to all, the library is for the use of members, those outside of the 



600 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

association being required to pay a fee for the use of books therefrom. The 
Erie association is among the leading ones of Pennsylvania, and within a few 
years contemplate the erection of a much finer building on the same corner, at 
a cost of about $40,000, the present one being too small for their growing 
numbers. The association sustained a course of lectures for several years, 
many from distinguished persons. Their present quarters are comfortably 
furnished, and the officers in charge are kind and gentlemanly to all who visit 
their rooms, while an air of neatness pervades the whole establishment. 

The Erie Natural History Society was organized February 18, 1879, its 
object being the study of the natural history of Erie County, and the proba- 
ble establishment of a scientific institute, library and museum. It meets at 
its rooms in the Metcalf Block, 724 State street. 

The Northwestern Pennsylvania Game and Fish Association was incorpor- 
ated November 19, 1875, and meets at No. 30 North Park Row. The objects 
of this society are the protection and propagation of game and fish by the en- 
forcement of the laws relating thereto. Every good citizen will commend the 
society in this laudable work, and should assist it in its efi'orts to protect the 
fish in the bay and the game on the peninsula from the ruthless angler and 
huntsman. 



CHAPTER VI. 



Private Corporations, Cemeteries and Charitable Institutions. 

THE Erie Gas Company was chartered March 5, 1852, with a capital stock 
of $60,000, the Board of Directors being pi-ivileged to increase the 
capital to $100,000 whenever they might deem such a course necessary. 
Ground was bought on Seventh street, between Myrtle and Chestnut, upon 
which the works were erected, the total cost being $(30,000. The tank or gas 
receiver had a capacity of 30,000 cubic feet; 3^ miles of pipe were laid, and 
all necessary buildings erected. The works were completed by the 22d of 
August, 1853, and on that date the city of Erie first enjoyed gaslight. The 
patronage at that time comprised thirty-two consumers, but by the close of 
the year the number had increased to 150. The construction of the gas works 
was superintended by a Mr. Meredith, while Mr. P. Metcalf rendered material 
aid in the successful consummation of the enterprise. 

In the fall of 1883, the company erected a new gas tank, with a capacity 
of 100,000 cubic feet, on Front, between Sassafras and Peach streets, and in 
the spring of 1884 intend removing the tank at the old works to the new loca- 
tion. This latter tank has a capacity of 60,000 cubic feet, which will give 
the works a combined capacity of 160,000 cubic feet of gas. The new works 
will cost, when completed, about $60,000, and the old site will be abandoned 
in the spring, and the works removed to the new one on Front street. 

At the present time, the gas company has an authorized capital of $300,000, 
and a paid up capital of $167,750. It owns 20 miles of gas mains, lights 
425 street lamps and has a patronage of 800 consumers. The quality of the 
gas equals uhe best furnished any community in the State, while its cost is 
moderate. The President of the company is Charles M. Reed; and the Secre- 
tary and Treasurer for many years was Miles "\V. Caughey, upon whose death, 
in the fail of 1883, Walter Scott became his successor. The office is in the 
"Wetmore House, on the northwest corner of Seventh and Peach streets. 



CITY OF ERIE. 601 

TELEGRAPH, TELEPHONE AND EXPRESS COMPANIES. 

The first telegraph office was opened at Erie in 1847. Little is known of 
its history, only that since that year the people have enjoyed the benefit of 
this necessary adjunct of civilization. For more than twenty years Erie pos- 
sessed but one telegraph line, but, about 1868, the Atlantic & Pacific Tele- 
graph Company opened an office in opposition to the Western Union, and for 
several years the city enjoyed the services of two offices or distinct telegraph 
lines. Finally, the Western Union bought out the Atlantic & Pacific, and 
consolidated the lines under the former name. The Mutual Union Telegraph 
Company began business at Erie in 1881, but it, too, has been absorbed by the 
Western Union, which alone exists outside of the private line of the Phila- 
delphia & Erie Railroad. The office of the Western Union is No. 514 State 
street, and it transacts all the telegraph business of Erie. 

The American District Telegraph Company was organized in 1876, in which 
year it began business, and has since been in successful operation. The com- 
pany has now about 200 telephones in Erie, and the number is gradually in- 
creasing under the energetic management of G. W. Baxter, the efficient Su- 
perintendent of the company in this city. The Nev/ York & Pennsylvania 
Telegraph and Telephone Company purchased the controlling interest in 1883, 
and ere the publication of this work some changes may occur not here spoken 
of. Telephone lines are now being constructed to the neighboring towns, and 
in the near future Ei'ie will have telephonic connection with many of them. 
The central office in Erie, is Room 24, Noble Block. 

The American Express Company opened an office at Erie in 1846, with O. 

D. Spaiford as agent. He was succeeded by J. J. Lints, and in 1858 the 
present agent, J. Harper, was appointed to fill the position, which he has held 
continuously up to the present time. The office is at No. 822 State street. 
The American and Adams Express Companies ran a " union office" until June 
1, 1883, when the latter company opened a separate office on North Park Row, 
behveen State and Peach streets, with W. C. Stinson as agent. 

THE ERIE CITY PASSENGER RAILWAY COMPANY. 

This company was incorporated with a capital stock of $50,000, by a legis- 
lative act approved March 1, 1867, and organized for business in the same 
spring. Anthony J. Drexel, of Philadelphia, Penn., through his attorney, 

E. J. Cowell, was the leading stockholder in the enterprise, while the labor of 
obtaining the act of incorporation and necessary subscription, and pushing the 
road to completion, was also the work of Mr. Cowell. In 1868, the main line 
was built from Second street south on State to Turnpike; thence across to 
Peach; thence south on Peach to Twenty-sixth street, and in December of that 
year opened for travel. Up to May, 1878, the fare charged was 7 cents, 
since which time it has been 5. Since its completion, the line has been ex- 
tended to the public dock on State street, and in the fall of 1883 the company 
was engaged in building two branch lines, viz. : One out Eighth street to 
Raspbeny, and one out Eleventh street to Parade; thence south to Fourteenth 
street. In 1880, the large two-story brick stables on the corner of Second and 
State streets were erected, while the furnishings of the line are kept in har- 
mony with the times. The officei's are W. W. Reed, President; J. C. Spencer, 
Treasurer; A. L. Latell, Secretary; Jacob Berst, Superintendent. 



The Erie Bank was incorporated by an act passed in the winter of 1828- 
29, and began business in January, 1829, on a capital of $50,000, though the 



602 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

bank was privileged to increase its capital stock to $200,000. Its first officers 
were: R. S. Reed, President; P. S. V. Hamot, Cashier; J. A. Tracy, C. M. 
Reed, Samuel Brown, William Fleming, Thomas Moorehead, Jr., E. D. Gun- 
nison and D. Gillispie, Directors. The bank suspended in May, 1848, but 
very little loss was sustained by the holders of its issue, as the notes were sub- 
sequently redeemed a( a small discount, Gen. C M. Reed holding himself 
personally responsible for their redemption. 

The United States Bank of Philadelf)hia established a branch at Erie in 
1837, with Thomas H. Sill, President; Peter Benson, Cashier; Josiah Kellogg, 
C. M. Reed, Willinm Kelley, G. A. Eliot, Samuel Hays, William Fleming, 
J. G. Williams and H. J. Huidekoper, Directors. The fine building on State 
street, now occupied for the custom house, was erected by this bank at a large 
outlay, also the building adjoining it on the south for the cashier's residence. 
With the failure of the parent institution at Philadelphia in 1840, the Erie 
branch also went down, and W. C. Curry was appointed to settle up its affairs. 
In 1849, the bank building was sold to the United States Government for 
$29,000, who converted it into a custom house; while the cashier's residence 
subsequently sold for $4,000, about one-half its original cost. 

The Erie City Bank was incorporated in 1853, with a capital stock of 
$200,000, but it lasted only four years, suspending business in 1857. Its first 
officers were: Smith Jackson, President; J. P. Sherwin, Cashier; S. E. Neiler, 
Teller; Brua Cameron, Book-keeper; C. M. Tibbals, W. A. Brown, D. S. 
Clark, C. Seigel, John Brawley, James Webster, J. H. Fullerton, Ira Sherwin, 
J. D. Clark, Charles Brandes and J. C. Beebe, Directors. 

The Bank of Commerce succeeded the Erie City Bank in April, 1858, but 
it, too, soon succumbed, closing its doors in December, 1860. Its first officers 
were as follows: B. Grant, President; C. B. Wright, Vice Pesident; G. J. 
Ball, Cashier; A. W. Guild, Teller; W. F. Rindernecht, James Hoskinson, 
B. F. Sloan, Charles Metcalf, A. W. Blaine, G. F. King and J. W. Douglas, 
Directors. 

In 1861, the following firms were doing a general brokerage or banking 
business at Erie: W. C. Curry, capital $100,000; M. Sanford & Co.. capital 
$50,000; Vincent, Bailey & Co., capital $25,000; Clark & Metcalf, capital 
$12,000; Neiler & Warren, capital $5,000; total banking capital, $192,000. 

The First National Bank was organized in February, 1863, with a capital 
of $150,000, J. C. Spencer. Pi'esident; J. L. Sternberg, Cashier; William 
Spencer, Assistant Cashier. In February, 1883, the bank was re-organized for 
twenty years. It is located in the Reed House block on the northwest corner 
of French street and North Park Row. 

The Keystone National Bank, located in the handsome block on the north- 
east corner of State and Eighth streets, was organized in the fall of 1864, with 
an authorized capital of $500,000, and a paid up capital of $250,000. Orange 
Noble has been President of the bank since its organization. John J. Town 
was Cashier until 1871, when he was succeeded by J. I. Town, who yet fills 
the position. 

The Second National Bank was organized December 12, 1864, with a capi- 
tal of $300,000. William L. Scott, President; Joseph McCarter, Vice Presi- 
dent; W. C. Curry, Cashier. This bank is on the southwest corner of State 
and Eighth streets, and its present officers are: Joseph McCarter, President; 
W. W. Reed, Vice President; C. F. Allis, Cashier. 

The Marine National Bank was orgaaized March 9, 1865, with a capital of 
$150,000. B. B. Vincent, President; F. P. Bailey, Cashier. In January, 
1867, J, C. Marshall became President of the bank, and Charles E. Gunnison. 



CITY OF ERIE. 603 

Assistant Cashier. The officers thus remained until March 29, 1875, when 
William Bell, Jr., was chosen Vice President, and no change has since oc- 
curred. It is located on the northwest corner of State and North Park Row. 

The German Savings Institution o£ Erie was organized February 8, 1867, 
with a capital of $200,000. John Gensheimer, President; Mathew Schlau- 
decker, Treasurer; Frederick Schneider, Secretary. These officers continued to 
hold their several positions until October, 1875, at which time Lloyd G. Reed 
became President, and John Eliot, Manager and Treasurer. The bank is on 
the northwest corner of Eighth and State streets. 

The private bank of Ball & Colt was organized in July, 1867, and has since 
continued to do a general banking business. This bank is at No. 720 State 
street. 

The Erie Dime Savings and Loan Company was organized June 8, 1867, 
under a special law of the State, with Selden Marvin, President, and John H. 
Bliss, Secretary. These officers resigned April 25, 1868, and the following 
gentlemen were chosen: L. L. Lamb, President; George W. Colton, Secretary 
and Treasurer; Selden Marvin, Attorney. On the 19th of May, 1868, M. 
Hartleb became Vice President, and the bank began business on a paid-in cap- 
ital of $25,000. I. A. Foreman soon succeeded Mr. Hartleb as Vice President 
of the bank. In January, 1876, the bank moved into its present elegant quar- 
ters on the corner of State street and South Park Row, which is doubtless the 
finest bank building in Erie, and reflects much credit on the gentleman at the 
head of this institution. This bank has an authorized capital of $500,000, and 
a paid-in capital of $68,360. Its present officers are William A. Galbraith, 
President; J. F. Downing, Vice President; G. E. Barger, Seci'etary and 
Treasurer. 

The Humboldt Safe Deposit and Trust Company began business July 4, 
1869, on a capital of $100,000. Uras Schluraff, President; Charles Metcalf, 
Secretary and Treasurer. In May, 1872, the capital was increased to $200,- 
000. The bank is on the southwest coi'ner of Ninth and State streets, in a fine 
building erected by the institution, and its present officers are Gustav Jarecki, 
President; J. J. Sturgeon, Secretary and Treasurer. 

The Erie County Savings Bank, on the northwest corner of Fourteenth and 
Peach streets, was organized in the fall of 1871, with a capital of $150,000. 
N. J. Clark, President; J. L. Stewart, Vice President; M. H. Burgess, Cashier. 
Mr. Clark was succeeded in the Presidency by J. L. Stewart, Adam Brabender 
becoming Vice President. The next President of the bank was William W. 
Reed, succeeded in 1879 by Adam Brabender, who has since filled that position. 
He was succeeded as Vice President by R. Pettit, who was the last occupant of 
that office. In 1879, F. G. Schlaudecker became Cashier of the bank, and in 
May, 1882, was succeeded by R. Pettit. 

Nothing shows more clearly the rapid progress in the wealth and enterprise 
of Erie than the present amount of capital invested in banking. With the 
beginning of 1863 there was not a single incorporated bank in the city, the 
whole of the banking business being done by a few private firms on a combined 
capital of about $200,000. The capital and deposits of the banks of 1883 run 
into the millions, and all are in a flourishing condition. They have large 
capital, are well conducted and have a high reputation in financial circles. 

INSURANCE COMPANIES. 

The Erie County Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated March 
26, 1839, by the following persons: John A. Tracy, William Kelley, Peter 
Pierce, Julius W. Hitchcock, James Williams, Smith Jackson, Samuel Low, 



604 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Conrad Brown, Jx*., B. B. Vincent, Bester Town, Jabez Wright, David G. 
Webber and Stephen Skinner. It has ever since conducted a safe and success- 
ful business, and January 1, 1883, had insurance in force amounting to $756,- 
513.94, and premium notes in force amounting to 185,852.45. It is doubtless 
the oldest native corporation doing business in Erie County, which speaks well 
for its stability of character. The office of this company is No. 26, North Park 
Row. 

The Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Harbor Creek, office No. 
701 State street, Erie, Penn. , was chartered May 6, 1857, by John Dodge, G. 
W. Wagner, John W. McLane, J. Y. Moorehead and G. A. Eliot. The law 
then required the company to get $100,000 of insurance before issuing any 
policies, which was complied with in August, 1858, and the lirst policy issued. 
The business of this company grew rapidly, and its exemption from extensive 
fires is assured, as it insures only the property of farmers, taking no risks in' 
towns or cities. The amount of its insurance in force January 1, 1883, was 
$4,495,037.66, while its premium notes in force on the same date was $224,- 
751.88. This is an exhibit that requires no commendation at our hands, for 
it stamps this company as a strong financial institution and a credit to Erie 
County. 

There were two other native insurance companies, with headquarters at 
Erie, that existed for a few years, viz., the German and Alps. The former was 
organized in 1867-68, and lasted until 1874, when it failed. The Alps In- 
surance Company began business in 1868-69, and was under the management 
of some of the leading men of Erie. It had placed considerable insurance on 
property in Chicago, III., and when the great fire almost swept that city out of 
existence, the Alps incurred such heavy losses that it went down, though it 
paid up the greatest part of its indebtedness, and closed up business in such a 
manner as to reflect credit uj^on its management. 

CEMETERIES. 

Prior to 1805, all interments were on the bank of the lake, immediately 
east of the town, but in that year a lot for a burial ground was set apart on 
Eighth street, a little west of the United Presbyterian Church. This ground 
was used by the several denominations until 1827, when it was absorbed by the 
United Presbyterian congregation, who had erected their house of worship on 
the adjoining lot east in 1816. The Presbyterians purchased four lots on the 
corner of Seventh and Myrtle streets, about 1826-27, and many bodies were 
removed to this cemetery from the old ground soon after it was opened. The 
Episcopalians started a cemetery about 1827, on Myrtle street between Seventh 
and Eighth. St. Paul's German Evangelical Church opened a burial ground 
in 1859, and St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church established a graveyard 
many years ago on Sassafras, between Twenty second and Twenty-third. 
Nearly all of these cemeteries have long since been abandoned and the dead 
removed, while those which still remain here have been closed for interments. 

The Jewish Cemetery on Twenty-sixth street, east of Cherry, was opened in 
1858, and is still used by the adherents of this faith. 

The earliest Catholic cemetery in Erie of which we have any knowledge was 
located on the site of St. Benedict's Academy East Ninth street. It was 
purchased in 1837, and consecrated by the Rev. Ivo Levitz August 2, 1840. 
This graveyard was used until 1848. in which year Father Steinbacher, the 
pastor of St. Mary's congregation, bought a piece of ground on Chestnut street, 
between Twenty- fourth and Twenty-fifth streets, to which the bodies of those 
interred on Ninth street were removed. This cemetery was used by the Ger- 



CITY OF ERIE. 605 

man Catliolics until the consecration of Trinity in 1869, when it was closed 
for interments. 

As early as 1837-38, St. Patrick's congregation bought a small lot, 40x160 
feet in size, on Third street, between German and Parade, which was the first 
graveyard owned by this parish. In 1852, Father Deane purchased five acres 
on the corner of Twenty-fourth and Sassafras streets, and the old ground was 
abandoned and the bodies removed to the new location. Upon the consecration 
of Trinity Cemetery in 1869, this second graveyard was closed and many of the 
dead removed to Trinity, though quite a number still remain on account of the 
foolish obstinancy of their friends in refusing consent to their removel. St. Vin- 
cent's Hospital now occupies a portion of this ground, audit is to be hoped that 
erelong every body^here interred will find a last resting place in the beautiful 
cemetery west of the city, now used by the Catholics of Erie and vicinity. 

The ceremony of consecrating Trinity Cemetery, the present Catholic burial 
grounds, located on the lake road about four miles west of Erie, took place on 
Sunday afternoon, May 23, 1869, and was witnessed by thousands of specta- 
tors from the city and adjoining townships. 

The proce-sion, including the several Catholic societies, headed by four 
bands, formed on Eighth street and marched to the cemetery, escorting Bishop 
Mullen and the clergymen present on the occasion. A large wooden cross, the 
emblem of Christ crucified, had been placed in the middle of the ceoaetery, 
around which the societies formed a hollow square, with the Bishop, clergy 
and choir in the center. Bishop Mullea then delivered a brief address, fol- 
lowed by a sermon in the German language from Father Wenderlein, of St, 
Mary's Church. At its conclusion, the usual beautiful ceremonies ordained 
by the Catholic Church on such occasions were performed, and the proceed- 
ings were brought to a close with a prayer for the repose of the soul of Bishop 
Young, whose remains had been removed to the cemetery. Tliis graveyard 
contains thirty acres nicely laid out in walks and driveways, and planted 
throughout with ornamental and shade trees, which in a few years will add 
much to the natural beauty of the location. Many handsome monuments 
mark the last resting place of those who are " asleep in the Lord," and the 
time is not far distant when it may justly be ranked among the beautiful cities 
of the dead. 

The Erie Cemetery had its inception in October, 1846, when a paper was 
drawn up, and a few citizens subscribed 11,500, with ihe view of purchasing 
the same piece of land on which the cemetery was subsequently laid out. 
The persons who subscribed to the object at that time were Charles M. Reed, 
George A. Eliot, John H. Walker, John A. Tracy, William Kelley, Smith 
Jackson, John Galbraith, B. B, Vincent, Thomas G. Colt, M. Courtright, C. 
M. Tibbals and J. C. Spencer. The subject, however, was postponed, and no 
decisive measures were taken to secure the desired site, on account of the 
increased price constantly demanded; yet the object was never abandoned, and 
in December, 1849, the first efficient movement was made to accomplish the 
long cherished design. In that month, a subscription paper was again circu- 
lated, by which the subscribers agreed to unite in purchasing seventy-five 
acres of land at |100 per acre, bounded on the north by Nineteenth street, on 
the east by Chestnut, on the south by Twenty-sixth, and on the west by Cherry. 
Thirty-one signatures were obtained, and the following amounts subscribed 
toward purchasing the ground: C. M. Reed, $100; George A. Eliot, $100; 
William Himrod, $100; H. Caldwell, $100; George A. Lyon, $100; Elisha 
Babbitt, $100; A. W.Brewster, $100; J. A. Tracy, $100; J. C. Spencer, $100; 
Joseph M. Sterrett, $100; J. H. Williams, $100; M. Courtright, $100; Irvin 



606 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Camp, $100: C. M. Tibbals, $100; William Nicholson, $100; William A. 
Brown, $100; J. C. Marshall, $100; B. B. Vincent^ $100; T. G. Colt, $100; 
P. Arbuckle, $100; James Skinner, $100; S. Jackson, $100; P. Metcalf, $100; 
John Hughes, $100; John Galbraith. $50; P. E. Burton, $50; William Kelley, 
$50; F. Schneider, $50; William W. Reed, $50; M. W. Caughey, $50; Walter 
Chester, $50. The individuals who assisted by advancing money were Mrs. 
R. S. Reed, $50; John Evans, $50; M. B. Lowrv, $50; J. C. Beebe, $25; 
Thomas H. Sill, $25; John P. Vincent, $25; John Moore, $25; Andrew 
Scott, $10. 

On the 29th of January, 1850, the Legislature passed an act incoi'porating 
" The Erie Cemetery, in the county of Erie," and JNlay 24 a majority of the in- 
corporators met and elected seven managers, viz., Charles M. Reed, George A. 
Eliot, William Kelley, John Galbraith, Elisha Babbitt, William Himrod and 
A. W. Brewster, who on the same day organized by electing George A. Eliot 
President, and appointing William A. Brown Secretary and J. C. Spencer 
Treasurer. A deed of conveyance was made to the corporation March 28, 1850, 
and the sum of $1,500 paid down as required by the contract, while a majority 
of the incorporators signed a judgment bond to secure the remaining $6,000, 
which chey agreed to pay in four equal annual payments, together with inter- 
est thereon, relying with confidence that the sale of lots would fully indemnify 
them, and that they would suffer no loss. 

In December, 1850, the services of H. Daniels were secured to lay out the 
grounds; but very little was accomplished until April, 1851. From that time 
forward the work progressed rapidly; walks and driveways were constructed, 
cutting the grounds into harmonious sections, while trees and shrubbery were 
planted wherever they would add most beauty to the natural landscape. 
¥f. At the annual meeting in January, 1852, Rev. Joseph H. Presley, John 
Evans and Wilson King were chosen to fill the vacancies caused by the deaths 
of William W. Reed, A. W. Brewster and John Hughes, three of the origi- 
nal incorporators. The by-laws, rules and regulations for the government of 
the corporation were adopted at this meeting, and the following Board of 
Managers elected for the ensuing year: George A. Eliot, Charles M. Reed, 
William Kelley, William Himrod, John Galbraith, Elisha Babbitt and Will- 
iam A. Brown, who thereupon elected George A. Eliot President and appoint- 
ed J. C. Spencer Secretary and Treasurer. 

The formal opening of the cemetery took place May 20, 1851. An address 
was delivered by the President of the board, George A. Eliot, and the dedi- 
catory address by Rev. George A. Lyon, while other appropriate ceremonies 
usual on such occasions went to make the day an enjoyable one. Since the 
cemetery was laid out, many improvements have been made. New sections 
have been opened up, the walks and driveways extended, much additional 
shrubbery planted, and a substantial iron fence erected, both on the east and 
west side of the grounds, besides a " Porter's Lodge " near the main entrance, 
together with many other improvements that go to beautify the cemetery. 
Great care has been exercised for the protection of the grounds and the many 
beautiful monuments that have been erected by the hand of affection, while 
every effort has been put forth to make Erie Cemetery an honored and sacred 
resting place for the dead, and a beautiful and attractive spot in the eyes of 
the living. 

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. 

St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum had its inception about 1865, when the Sisters 
of St, Joseph occupied a small frame building on Fourth street, close to St. 
Patrick's Schoolhouse. In April, 1866, they regularly opened the asylum in 






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CITY OF ERIE. 609 

a house on Second street, between French and Holland, purchased for the pur- 
pose by the late Bishop Young, and while there they had on an average the 
care of sixty orphans. In 1871-72, the present commodious brick building was 
erected at a cost of about $50,000. It is located on Third street, between Hol- 
land and German, is three stories high with basement, and is heated through- 
out by steam. The institution has an average of about 120 orphans, who are 
tenderly cared for and instructed in the precepts of the Catholic faith, while 
at the same time they receive the benefits of a common English education in 
two large school rooms within the building. Whenever pupils develop a 
special talent for music they are instructed in that branch, and all are encour- 
aged to cultivate and practice the virtue of industrious habits. About ten 
Sisters are connected with St. Joseph's Asylum, and perform all the duties 
thereof. The institution is supported by the industry of the Sisters, voluntary 
contributions and an annual collection taken up throughout the diocese. All 
classes are received irrespective of creed or color, and the grand work which 
the Catholic Church is here so silently performing for Christ's little ones, 
under this noble band of Sisters, deserves the highest commendation. The 
community is now erecting a three-story brick building, 45x70 feet, on the 
corner of Ash and Twenty-sixth streets, to be used as a home for the aged and 
infirm. They hope to occupy it inside of a year, and though its capacity Avill 
then be about 100, it is only a portion of the building which they contemplate 
erecting at some future day. Thus is the noble work of charity trying to keep 
pace with the ills and wants of suffering humanity. 

St. Vincent's Hospital was erected in 1874-75, on the corner of Twenty-fourth 
and Sassafras streets, overlooking the city of Erie and the charming bay of 
Presque Isle. It is a handsome three-story brick building, 60x90 feet square, 
and possessing a well-lighted, airy basement. It cost about $7,000, is well fur- 
nished throughout, and is under the charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph, seven 
of whom devote their time to the care of the institution, while four others who 
teach in the parish schools of St. Joseph and St. John reside at the hospital. 
St. Vincent's is open to all classes irrespective of "creed, color or previous 
condition of servitude," and J. L. Stewart, one of the leading practitioners of 
Erie, is the physician in charge, so that the patient has a sure guarantee of the 
best medical care to be obtained in this portion of the State. In connection 
with St. Vincent's the Erie Herald of April 11, 1883, gives the following sta- 
tistics: " This popular institution was opened for the reception of patients in 
September, 1875. Owing to the pov^erty of the institution very few patients 
were received until 1878, from which date 408 patients have been received 
and cared for. Of this number 203 were charity patients and the remainder 
paid from $o to $5 each per week. Those admitted were of religion as follows: 
Catholics, 185: Protestants, 178; Jews, 5; not professing any religion, 40; 
total number, 408. The nationality were as follows: Americans, 189; English, 
18; Germans, 95; Irish, 86; French, 7; Canadians, 8; Russians, 3; colored, 
2. Total, 408." 

The City Hospital was erected in 1870 for the accommodation of persons 
with contagious diseases. It stands on the bluff immediately north of the 
Marine Hospital building, and overlooks Lake Erie. Dr. E. W. Germer has 
been physician in charge since its establishment. 

Home for the Friendless: On the 17th of October, 1871, a meeting was 
held at the residence of J. C. Marshall, for the purpose of organizing the 
"Home for the Friendless." It was mainly through the efforts of Miss Laura 
G. Sanford that a beginning was made and the institution organized. Appli- 
cation was made for a charter which was granted by the court November 29, 

32 



610 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

1871, Gen. C. M. Reed having tendered the use of the old family residence 
on the southeast corner of State street and South Park Row, it was accepted 
and first occupied by the "Home" November 2, 1871. In February, 1872, the 
Marine Hospital Board offered to the managers of the institution the use of 
the hospital building and authorizing them to use it as a " Home for the 
Friendless " until such time as the State authorities should direct its use for 
other purposes. The offer was gladly accepted, and in the early part of May, 

1872, the "family" removed to that building, where it remained until the 
occupancy of the "Home" on the corner of Twenty-second and Sassafras 
streets, November 2, 1875. 

The following ladies were the original incorporatoi's of the institution: 
Mrs. C. M. Reed, Mrs. M. B. Lowry, Mrs. I. B. Gara, Mrs. W. A. Brown, Mrs. 
W. W. Dinsmore, Miss A. C. Kilbourne, Mrs. W. S. Brown, Mrs. William 
Bell, Mrs. Henry Jarecki, Miss Laura G. Sanford, Mrs. W. L. Scott, Mrs. J. 
H. Neil, Mrs. J.' P. Longstreet, Mrs. G. W. Starr, Mrs. W. A. Galbraith, Mrs. 
Bernard Hublev, Mrs, P. Metcalf, Mrs. S. S. Spencer, Mrs. J. W. Hart, Mrs. 
J. P. Vincent, Mrs. S. A. Davenport, Mrs. J. C. Marshall, Mrs. E. W. Pol- 
lock, Mrs. D. S. Clark, Mrs. L. W. Shirk, Mrs. P. Crouch, Mrs. Miles W. 
Caughey, Mrs. Robert Evans, Miss S. Parkinson, and Miss Sarah Reed. The 
first officers chosen were as follows: Mrs. C. M. Reed, President; Mrs. I. B. 
Gara, First Vice President; Mrs. W. A. Galbraith, Second Vice President; 
Mrs. W. W. Dinsmore, Secretary; Miss Kate M. Mason, Treasurer; Mrs. Mary 
Chalfant, Matron. After serving about a year, Mrs. Reed resigned the Presi- 
dency, and Mrs. I. B. Gara was chosen to fill that position, which she held 
until May 2, 1876, when she, too, resigned, and Miss Kate M. Mason was elect- 
ed, and has filled the office continuously up to the present time. 

On the 16th of September, 1875, Hon. M. B. Lowry presented the manage- 
ment with the " Gaggin property," located on the southwest corner of Twenty- 
second and Sassafras streets, one of the most desirable sites in the city. This 
munificent gift, which was worth from $10,000 to $15,000, was gratefully ac- 
cepted by the board, who began at once the project of erecting an addition to 
the building. Groand was broken September 25, 1875, and the corner stone 
laid on the 18th of October following. The " family " removed to the " Gag- 
gin property " November 2, 1875, and on the 25th of March, 1876, the new 
addition to the " Home " was finished free of debt, at a total cost of $6,820.48. 
This money was raised by subscription, mainly through the indefatigable 
efforts of Mrs. I. B. Gara, who took a leading part in the enterprise from its 
inception until the completion of the new " Home. " She, however, was effi- 
ciently aided in procuring the subscription by Mrs. J. C. Marshall, Mrs. J. R. 
Saltzman, Mrs. W. S. Brown, Miss Kate M. Mason and Miss Sarah Reed, the 
latter of whom has ever taken a special interest in the institution, and given 
much of her time and attention to insure its success, which may also be said 
of many other ladies whose names figure in its history. 

In October, 1872, a school for children was opened at the "Home," which 
has since been in successful operation. In June, 1876, Mrs. Gara presented 
the ' ' Home ' ' with a portrait painted by herself of the generous donor, Hon. 
M. B. Lowry, which now decorates the institution. An inscription on the 
frame reads as follows: "Portrait of Hon. M. B. Lowry, painted and pre- 
sented to the institution by Mrs. I. B. Gara, in testimony of her appreciation 
of his great liberality to the ' Home for Friendless Children and Aged Indi- 
gent Women.'" With the completion of the new "Home" free of debt, the 
brunt of the battle was over, and since that time the institution has been suc- 
cessfully accomplishing the work intended by its founders. 



CITY OF ERIE. 611 

The Hauiot Hospital Association was chartered on the 7th day of February 
1881. The present Board of Managers (except two who were elected to fill 
vacancies, and Rev. Gr. A. Carstensen who succeeded Rev. J. T. Franklin, de- 
ceased April 14, 1882), were named in the charter. They held their first 
meeting as a board on the 28th day of Febuary, 1881. The property offered 
for use as a hospital was accepted by the board on the 5th of April, 1881. 
The deed of two- thirds interest in said property was tendered and accepted on 
the 23d of April, 1881. The selection of this property for a hospital resulted 
from a call on its owners by one who had for months been working to establish 
a hospital, viz. , the Rev. John T. Franklin, to ascertain if it could be bouo-ht 
or leased for a term of years for such purpose. Having carefully considered 
the plans, a proposition in writing was made by the donors to convey a two- 
thirds interest in the property to a corporation on certain conditions. This 
was the origin of the association. To it was conveyed by deed, by Mrs. Mary 
A. Starr, Charles H. Strong and Kate Strong, their two-thirds interest in said 
property, bounded on Front street 165 feet, on State street 216^ feet, and on 
Second street 105 feet, including the buildings, George W. Starr joinino- in 
the deed of conveyance. The conditions of the deed are solely for the purpose 
of insuring the firm establishment and perpetuity of the hospital, and met 
the approval of the association from the beginning. Immediately after the 
acceptance of the property the buildings were examined and changed where 
necessary, the better to adapt them to meet the wants of a hospital. New 
roofs were put on the main building and wing; water was introduced from the 
city water works; two convenient bath rooms were provided; a laundrv with 
its appliances was put in complete order; a furnace was added, which, with 
the grates in the wards and private rooms, give warmth and ventilation and 
render the building in these respects well fitted for the purposes designed. 
Two large wards, one for male and one for female patients, were established 
on the east side of the main building, and one called the " sailor's ward " in 
the wing, all of which have been furnished and are now in use. Besides these 
wards now furnished for twenty patients, there are five private rooms which 
are fully furnished and ready for occupancy for such patients as desire privacy, 
and who may prefer to come to and remain in the hospital for treatment, mak- 
ing in all ample room for twenty-five patients, besides a large room in the wing 
originally designed for a ward for children. 

On the 1st day of July, 1881, the hospital was opened, and on the 10th of 
July received its first patient. Up to January 9, 1883, 157 patients have been 
admitted, and received the benefits of the institution. The management of 
the hospital proper was under the supervision of Miss Irene Sutlifif, until No- 
vember 1, 1882, when she resigned the position of Superintendent, and was suc- 
ceeded by Miss Emma L. Warr. These ladies are graduates of a regular training 
school for hospital nurses, and are therefore fully competent to take charge of 
such institutions. The Superintendent, however, is allowed absolutely no 
discretion in the matter of receiving patients who cannot furnish evidence of 
their ability to pay, except it be for a day or two in an extraordinary emer- 
gency. To accomplish its mission, the hospital needs an endowment of at 
least $25,000. The income of this sum would enable the managers to set 
apart six beds exclusively for free patients^a number, which, under ordinary 
circumstances, would meet all demands. George Selden has already subscribed 
14,000 toward this proposed endowment fund, and it is hoped that there are 
others among the citizens of Erie who will respond with like generosity to 
this appeal. 

The largest sources of revenue and the most valuable, because continuous 



612 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

through the year, come from the following parties: The Philadelphia & Erie 
Railroad Company, the Anchor Line Transportation Company, the Erie City 
Iron Works, the Erie Car Works, the Jarecki Manufacturing Company, and 
the Ladies' Parochial Society of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Each of the 
above named has subscribed the sum of $200, payable quarterly in advance, 
for the support of a bed in the hospital. There is no doubt but that these 
subscriptions will be continued, and it is hoped that others, individuals and 
companies, will add to the annual income of this association, in that way ren- 
dering it of more general utility to the public and enabling the managers to 
extend the benefits of the institution to more of the needy sick who are unable 
to pay anything for medical attendance or the skilled care of nurses in hospitals. 

Any person paying the sum of $5 or more yearly to the Treasurer, shall 
thereby become a member of the association for the year, and be qualified to 
vote for managers and otherwise participate in the affairs of said Association, 
as a member thereof. The payment of $50 at one time constitutes a life mem- 
bership in the association, and exemption thereafter from the payment of 
yearly dues. The following are the names of the life members and annual 
members of the association in 1883: 

Life members — W. S. Warner, Kichard Tanner, J. W. Reynolds, Miss A. 
E. Scott, J. P. Loomis, George W. Starr, Mrs. H. W. Reed, Lloyd Reed, Mrs. 
Ellen C. Bliss, Henry Souther, Mrs. Henry Souther, W. W. Reed, Reed 
Caughey, Miss Sarah Reed, W. A. Galbraith, George Selden, Mrs. J. C. Selden, 
Mrs. A. H. Caughey, Mrs. W. L. Cleveland, George T. Bliss, Mrs. Samuel 
Selden, Mrs. J. C. Spencer, Mrs. S. S. Spencer, William Hardwick, Frank F. 
Adams, Irvine M. ^Vallace. 

Annual members — Mrs. L. A. Morrison, Miss Kate Mason, Mrs. Prescott 
Metcalf, Mrs. Myron Sanford, Mrs. John Hearn, Mrs. Robert Russell, Miss 
Bertha Babbitt, George Rogers, R. T. Williams, William Bell, Mrs. Addison 
Leech, W. L. Cleveland, W. H. Gross, Mrs. T. W. Crowell, T. W. Crowell, 
W. C. Kelso, John H. Bliss, Mrs. F. F. Cleveland, F. F. Cleveland, William 
Spencer, George Burton, J. J. Wadsworth, Mrs. Charles H. Strong, Charles H. 
Strong, Mrs. I. B. Gara, Mrs. George W. Starr, Mrs. J. W. Reynolds. 

Managers— Rev. G. A. Carstensen, President ex-ofiicio; W. L. Cleveland, 
Treasurer; George W. Starr, Secretary; Henry Soather, William Spencer, 
W. L. Cleveland, W. W. Reed, J. W. Reynolds, George W. Starr, George 
Selden, W. S. Warner, C. C. Shirk, F. F. Adams, George V. Maus, R. T. 
Williams. Executive Committee — Rev. G. A. Carstensen, W. W. Reed, W. 
L. Cleveland, George W. Starr, George Selden. Medical Board — Dr. Charles 
Brandes, Dr. H. A. Spencer, consulting physicians; Marine Hospital Service — 
Dr. D. H. Strickland; Superintendent, Miss Emma L. Warr. 

The history of the Marine Hospital is as follows: When the town of 
Erie was laid off in 1795, the tract of land now known as Garrison Hill was 
set aside for military purposes, and in 1870 the State of Pennsylvania built 
upon it a Marine Hospital, 55x186 feet, three stories high, which was never 
used, at a cost of .|90,000, in addition to $10,000 donated by the citizens of 
Erie. A large wing extends to the rear, arranged for chapel, offices, etc. The 
grounds overlook the bay, and are finely located for a soldiers' home, and the 
flat under the brow of the hill might in the future be useful to the Govern- 
ment for a navy yard or military station. The property is very valuable, hav- 
ing a water frontage on the bay, being within the city limits, and having direct 
railroad communication. 

The Marine Hospital has been the subject of considerable legislation, to 
the end that it be transferred to the General Government for the shelter of the 



CITY OF ERIE. 613 

impoverished veterans of the war for the Union, whose services merit a differ- 
ent charity from that afforded by almshouses, etc. The members of the Wayne 
Monument Association, in their laudable efforts to j)erpetuate the memory of 
the old hero, Gen. Anthony Wayne, have succeeded in beautifying the grounds 
about his block-house monument, and as the military history of Erie centers 
around that spot, consider it the proper location for the maintenance of a home 
for the soldiers and sailors of the late struggle. The question of the accept- 
ance of it by the Government is now before Congress, and there is every reason 
to suppose that it will recognize the propriety and justice of the proposition, 
and put in order and maintain the home. It seems eminently fitting that a 
place whose history is so fraught with military events should be the location 
of such an institution. 



CHAPTEE YII. 

Leading Manufacturing Interests— Boaiid of Trade and Business 

Statistics 

THE earliest attempt at manufacturing in Erie was made in 1795-96, when 
Capt. Russell Bissell erected a saw-mill near the mouth of Mill Creek, 
which gave rise to the name of that stream. The dam was built just east of 
Parade street, and nearly opposite Foui'th. This mill was used by the garri- 
son in getting out building material for barracks, dwellings, etc., and stood 
until 1820, when it was burned down. In 1831, George W. Reed and William 
Himrod built another saw-mill on the old site, the frame of which was stand- 
ing for more than thirty years after its erection. 

The second saw-mill erected in the immediate vicinity of Erie, was built 
by John Cochran in 1800, on the site of the Densmore Mill, which is just 
across the southern boundary line of the city. The following year, he added 
a grist mill, both being constructed of logs; but in the year 1816 John Teal 
replaced them by a frame, which was subsequently operated by John Gray and 
son James, Jonathan Baird and John McClure. In May, 1836, upon the 
death of John Cochran, it fell into the hands of his son Robert, and about 
1845 was sold to Gen. C. M. Reed, who soon conveyed it to George A. Eliot. 
In 1850, Mr. Eliot gave the control of it to his son John, who in March, 
1871, sold it to Henry Shottwell; thence it passed into the possession of Will- 
iam Densmore, by whom it is now operated. 

In 1806, Robert Brotherton built a saw mill at or near the site of the Hope- 
dale Mill, in South Erie. The farm and mill was purchased by John Gin- 
grich, and the latter was discontinued when timber became scarce in the neigh- 
borhood. An oil mill was subsequently erected there by C. Siegel. Upon his 
father's death, Henry Gingrich inherited the property, and about 1850, built 
a flouring mill, which he called " Hopedale." This mill was operated for 
some years by Oliver & Bacon, who left it iu 1865, having secured the canal 
mills, and it was then taken by its owner Henry Gingrich. 

During the years 1807-8, another saw mill was erected on Mill Creek at 
its intersection with Eighth street, by Thomas Forster and William Wallace, 
who got control of the water-power from Twelfth to Parade streets. About 
1810, R. S. Reed purchased the property and built a grist mill below, and in 
1822, George Moore bought these mills and added thereto a carding and 
fulling mill. Some time during the winter of 1834-35, the mills were pur- 



614 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

chased by E. D. Gunnison, who became associated in business with Abraham 
Johnson, and they built and named the Fairmount Flouring Mill. Gunnison 
sold his intex-est to John H. Walker, who converted the carding and fulling 
mill into a plaster mill, and built a large tannery opposite and a number of 
dwellings for the workmen. Jehiel Towner was miller here for many years. 
The tannery burned down and the mill fell into the hands of Liddell, Kepler 
& Co. In the spring of 1859, it was bought by P. & O. E. Crouch, and is 
now owned and operated by J. B. Crouch & Co. 

Rufus S. Reed built a grist mill on Mill Creek in 1815. It was located 
on Parade street between Fourth and Fifth, and the dam crossed the stream 
just below Sixth street. He afterward added a distillery, both of which were 
carried on by him until his death, the mill standing until ten or twelve years 

The same year (1815), Robert Large erected a grist mill near the corner of 
Eleventh and French streets, with the dam above Twelfth. It did, not, however, 
prove successful, and in 1822 was sold to Alvah Flint, who converted it into a 
cloth, carding and fulling mill. This was kept up until 1840. when the site 
and water-power were purchased by Vincent, Himrod & Co., who erected there- 
on a foundry subsequently known as the Erie City Iron Works, one of the 
pioneer iron establishments of this portion of the State. 

The pioneer tannery of Erie was erected by Ezekiel Dunning, on Holland 
street, between Fifth and Sixth, about the beginning of the present century. 
It was long known as Sterrett's tannery, and kept in oj)eration until 1852. 
The next tannery in the order of time was established in 1805, by Samuel and 
Robert Hays, on the corner of Ninth and French streets. The latter sold his 
interest to Samuel, and he in turn was succeeded by his sons W. B. and J. 
W. Hays, who carried on a tannery in Erie for many years. William Ar- 
buckie, who learned the trade with Samuel Hays, started a tannery in 1820, 
on Eighth street, west of Myrtle, which he ran until 1830, when it ceased oper- 
ations. 

The first beer brewery in the city was built in 1815, by Maj. David Mc- 
Nair, on Turnpike street, near where the Erie City Mill was afterward erected. 
He added a distillery in 1823, and in 1827 built a grist mill on State street, 
south of the Lake Shore Railroad, the motive power for all being furnished 
by the water of Icbabod Run. 

In 1803, the first brickyard in the county was opened by Isaac Austin and 
B. Rice, and was located east of Parade, between Second and Third streets. 
From brick made in this yard, James Baird erected the first brick house in 
Erie County. It stood on German, between Front and Second streets, was two 
stories in height, and occupied for many years by Thomas Wilson. It was 
used as a hospital in 1813, for the wounded prisoners captured at the battle 
of Lake Erie, and was burned down in 1827. 

The following men were the pioneers of Erie in their respective trades, to 
wit: Jonas Duncan and John Teel, carpenters; Peter Growotz, mason and 
bricklayer; Robert Kendall, cooper; John Morris, hatter; Thomas Stewart and 
Archibald McSparren, tailors; while che first hop-yard planted in the county 
was west of Peach street, between Buffalo and Simpson. There was no regular 
copper or brass smith until 1822, when Charles Lay opened a shop on the 
south side of East Park. He subsequently went East and became a locomotive 
engineer. 

Two other mills deserve mention among the earlier ones of the city, viz., 
the Canal, and Erie City Mills. The first was erected by William Kelley, near 
the corner of Sixth and Myrtle streets, and was constructed under the direc- 



CITY OF ERIE. 615 

tion of Jehiel Towner, a pioneer miller of Erie. Its motive power was sup- 
plied from the surplus water in the canal, but in 1865 Oliver & Bacon became 
proprietors and converted it into a steam mill. The Erie City Mill was com- 
menced in 1849, by Clark McSparren and John R. Dumars, on the site of the 
State street railroad bridge; but McSparren soon purchased Dumars' interest. 
The farmers did not like to go above the railroad, and consequently the mill 
never did much business. The building stood in the way of the railroad then 
under construction, and after long negotiation it was bought by the company 
and removed south on State street, where it is still standing. 

It is not our intention in this article to mention many of the smaller 
factories that have come and gone during the past three-quarters of a century, 
as siTch matter would be of little or no historical value, but only to give those 
best remembered as having done most toward building up the present manu- 
facturing interests of the city. Having glanced over the leading pioneer mills 
and factories, we will continue the subject with brief sketches of the leading 
manufacturing establishments of to-day. The material contained in these 
sketches was obtained directly from the proprietors of the respective manu- 
factories, upon whom we had to depend for the correctness of the matter which 
we here present to our readers. 

Our first attention will be given to an account of the Erie Car Works, lim- 
ited, on Cascade and Sixteenth streets, as the first indications of substantial in- 
dustry that meet the eye of the traveler on his approach to Erie from the west 
are the works of this company. One is impressed with the magnitude of the 
plant, which embraces about thirteen acres of ground, the structures which 
cover it from one end to the other, and the army of workmen e ngaged in the 
various departments of the works. On a closer view, he will find a complete 
system of arrangement and an attention to details hardly to be looked for 
where the work is of such volume, and the number of operatives so great. The 
works were established in the year 1868, and have been a powerful illustration 
.'Cf the fact of Erie's admirable location for manufacturing purposes, as well as 
a monument to the enterprise and executive ability of their founders and pres- 
ent managers. At the present time, they have a capacity of sixteen freight 
cars per day, and give employment to about 600 men. This statement, to those 
familiar with car building, will be at once appreciated, but to those unfamiliar 
with it we will simply say that it involves the using annually of 170 tons of 
brass. 250 tons of malleable iron, 380 tons of steel springs, 150 tons of paint, 
500 tons of tin and solder, 3,250 tons of axles, 5,000 tons of iron castings, 
6,000 tons of wrought iron, 11,000 tons of car wheels, and 20,000 tons of lum- 
ber, or 5,000 car loads of material of ten tons each. In the distribution of this 
work the company has erected seventeen substantial buildings, several of them 
of large dimensions. The machinery is driven by an engine of 200 horse- 
power, and a locomotive owned by the company is always engaged in hauling 
the materials used, or drawing the finished cars out to the main tracks over the 
sidings which traverse the works in all directions. The class of cars built are 
box, gondola, ore, drift (or mine cars), coal and stock cars. The veiy best 
of materials are used, and every particle of the iron in the wheels and axles is 
tested, and if not fouad of the requisite strength is rejected. The value of 
this great industry cannot be overestimated, while the reputation of the city is 
matfirially enhanced by the extent of its operations. The officers of the works 
are: President, W. R. Davenport; Treasurer, William A. Galbraith. The for- 
mer is a gentleman of wide experience in this line of production and of great 
enterprise and public spirit. The latter, in addition to his connection with this 
establishment, is a gentleman of wide reputation as a lawyer, and is at present 



616 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the Presiding Judge of the Sixth Judicial District of Pennsylvania. They rep- 
resent in business and social life the best elements of our civilization, while 
their contribution to the city's industry is one of marked value and importance. 
The Erie City Iron Works are, doubtless, next in importance. The rapid ad- 
vancement in the manufacturing arts which so sti'ongly characterizes our Amer- 
ican industries is a subject of interesting study. In almost every department 
of mechanics do our people excel, and the products of American looms and 
workshops stand unrivaled in the markets of the world. This statement is 
particularly true of heavy machinery, engines, etc., and the products of Amer- 
ican genius are noted for their strength and adaptability to the work required 
of them. The city of Erie has achieved almosh a worldwide reputation as the 
producer of much of the finest and best machinery in this line, and is justly 
entitled to rank among the im]jortant manufacturing towns of the United States. 
The founding here of the lai'gest and most important establishment of its kind 
in this country is a just tribute to Erie's claim to superior advantages of loca- 
tion, which appeals strongly to the consideration of the manufacturer seeking 
a location, or to the purchaser seeking his supplies. The cost of iron and coal, 
the splendid shipping facilities, and many other attractions combine to empha- 
size the statement that if her advantages are fostered, this city's present im- 
portance as a manufacturing center, is but a faint premise of what her future 
will become. We invite the attention of our readers to a brief sketch of the 
Erie City Iron Works, which is one of the most important enterprises located 
here, and the best evidence we can give of the claims we have made. These 
works were established in 1840, by Vincent, Himrod & Co., on what would now 
be considered a very small scale, and did a general foundry and machine shop 
business. Several changes have taken place in the title, the present firm of 
Selden, Bliss & Co. becoming sole proprietors in 1864, and it is under their 
management that the Erie City Iron Works have grown to such wonderful pro- 
portions. The location of the original works was at the corner of Twelfth and 
State streets, and the foundry, 86x240 feet, on the corner of Twelfth and 
French streets, is still a portion of the works. JThe increasing business of the 
firm demanding greater facilities, in 1880 they purchased a tract of five acres 
of land adjacent to the L. S. & M. S. K. R., in the eastern suburbs of the city, 
where they have erected several of the most important buildings connected with 
the works, among them being a boiler shop 100x600 feet in dimensious, with an 
L 30x50 feet for engine room, and another L 40x50 feet for oflS.ce, besides a 
frame flanging shop 40x180 feet in dimensions, and a machine shop 80x120 
feet. These buildings, except one, are substantial brick structures, admirably 
adapted to the business. The works are supplied throughout with the latest 
and most improved machinery, much of it being specially constructed for their 
particular business, and requires for its operation three engines, which com- 
bined aggregate 140-horse power and employment is furnished for 350 men 
constantly, with weekly^pay I'oll averaging 13,000. Therangeof work includes 
horizontal and upright flue and tubular boilers; stationary, portable and agri- 
cultural engines; saw mills and mill machinery; steam riveting machinery, etc. 
The number of boilers built in 1880 was 857; engines, 400; sawmills complete, 
48. The business of 1881 shows the following gratifying increase: Number 
of boilers made and sold, 1,097; engines, 457; saw mills complete, 96; besides 
other work of a miscellaneous character. The sales in 1882, amounted to S785,- 
098.09. The Erie City Iron Works have depots for the sale of their products 
in all the important business centers of the country, and their work is sold in 
every State and Territory of the United States, and in the West Indies, Mexico 
and South America, and ranks second to none made in the world. They claim 




^^•i/^-h'AJiRac'nie 




CITY OF ERIE. t)19 

that they make more boilers than any other establishment in the United States. 
The individual members of the firm are George Selden, President; John H. 
Bliss, Secretary, and George D. Selden, Treasurer. Of their energy and enter- 
prise, the Erie City Iron Works are a lasting monument of which themselves 
and the city of Erie may well be proud. 

The firm of Black & Germer is the lineal successor of the pioneer stove 
foundry of Erie. In July, 1884, Ebenezer A. Lester, Pardon and James Sen- 
nett, Thomas G. Able and Allen Hinckly established a small foundry on the 
northwest corner of Eleventh and State streets, under the title of Hiackly, 
Sennett & Co. The motive power was furnished by two horses hitched to 
sweeps upon an upright shaft propelling the machinery for blowing the cupola. 
Prior to 1835, William H. Johnson bought out the interests of Hinckly & Able, 
and the firm became Johnson, Sennett & Co. In 1838, Pardon Sennett sold 
his interest to Johnson, but the title of the tirm remained the same until 1841, 
when Johnson disposed of his interest back again to Pardon Sennett, the tirm 
then becoming Lester, Sennett & Co. Many changes followed in the owner- 
ship and title of the tirm, which we will briefly name. Soon after the above 
change occurred, James S. Sennett sold to his partners, and the firm became 
Lester & Sennett; in 1843, Lester, Sennett & Chester; in March, 1851, Sen- 
nett & Co. ; in March, 1855, Sennett, Barr & Co., and afterward, Barr & John- 
son; in March, 1862, Barr, Johnson & Co. W^illiam T. Black obtained an in- 
terest in March, 1867, but the title of Barr, Johnson & Co. remained until 
March, 1872, when M. R. Barr, having previously purchased the interest of 
George B. Sennett, sold out to his partners, Grove H. Johnson and William 
T. Black, who associated with them Otto Germer, and organized the firm of 
Johnson, Black & Co. In 1878, Johnson sold to Germer, and the title became 
and has since remained Black & Germer. The first castings in this foun- 
dry were made direct from the ore, and the stoves were peddled through the 
country. The bvisiuess has grown from insignificant dimensions, until to-day 
they claim to be the largest institution of the kind in this part of the State. 
The old works on the corner of Eleventh and State streets will soon be aban- 
doned for the large new works recently erected on the corner of Sixteenth and 
German, which cover a piece of ground 240x360 feet. The new buildings are 
of the following dimensions: Foundry, 154x175; pattern shop, 35x70, four 
stories high; mounting shop, 54x212, five stories high, and basement; engine 
and boiler house, 36x38 feet, furnished with a 100- horse- power engine, besides 
the usual number of outside buildings surrounding such establishments. 
These works are supplied throughout with new, first-class machinery, while a 
switch from the Pennsylvania Railroad affords the best of shipping facilities. 
The firm now (October, 1883) employs at the old shops 150 men, but the new 
works have a capacity of 250. It is the only establishment in the United 
States that make the manufacture of parlor base-burners a specialty, and 
claims to be the pioneer of the trade in that line, having started in 1866 with 
the "Morning Glory." 

The Chicago & Erie Stove Company, limited, west Twelfth street, was es- 
tablished in the year 1840, by Johnson, Himrod & Co. The title was several 
times changed, until in 1876 it became a stock company with W. H. White- 
head, of Chicago, as chairman, and C. C. Shirk, Secretary and Treasurer. 
The plant of the works covers two and one- half acres of the best and most 
eligibly located property for the purpose within the city limits, and is improved 
with substantial buildings of the following proportions: Moulding room, 
85x240 feet; mounting shop, 85x150 feet; storeroom, 80x160 feet; engine and 
boiler room, 20x40 feet; besides warehouses, pattern houses and offices. The 



620 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

works necessitate the use of two cupolas of eleven and forty tons capacity re- 
spectively, an engine of 60 to 75-liorse-power, and the employment of 140 men 
skilled in the different departments of stove manufacture. The trade of the 
house, which runs up into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, besides being 
largely local extends all over the Western country. The Chicago depot for the 
sale and distribution of all western business, is located at 171 Lake street, 
that city, and is an establishment of large proportions, employing five travel- 
ers to represent its interests. At this point but two men are engaged in that 
capacity, yet the business annually offered the company is largely in excess of 
its ability to supply, even with its exceptionally line facilities. The company 
has an excellent reputation as the producers of tine work, both as regards 
fine castings, handsome finishing, mounting and the great variety of their 
manufacture. Stoves for heating and cooking purposes, I'anges, furnaces, etc. , 
in many designs and sizes are manufactured, and are made with special re- 
ference to the science of combustion and economy of fuel. Though making 
various styles and patterns, the " Helper " cooking stoves and ranges, and the 
invincible base burnei', are their leading stoves, and enjoy a high reputation. 
Taken in its entirety, as the disburser of large sums in wages and in the I'ami- 
fications of its business, giving the city a wide celebrity, it is one of the nota- 
ble industries of the place, and contributes largely to the substantial welfare 
of the community. Mr. Charles C. Shirk, the Secretary and Treasurer of the 
company, is the controlling head of the manufacturing department of the bus- 
iness, and is a gentleman of wide experience and sterling business qualities. 
Another important manufacturing industry is the Jarecki Manufacturing 
Company, limited, corner Ninth and Holland streets. Any person familiar 
with the city of Erie twenty years ago will remember the small lathes ()f rude 
construction, and the small furnace for smelting brass, which at that time rep- 
resented the capital and equipment of the Jarecki Manufacturing Company. 
The present works are a transformation, wonderful as great, and almost mag- 
ical. No lucky combination of circumstances, however, has brought about this 
change. It has been secured by the most indomitable will, careful attention, 
a masterly knowledge of the minutest details, the careful accounting in every 
department, and a superior class of work. Formerly engine-makers, plumb- 
ers, steam fitters, and that class of artisans were compelled to make their own 
valves, pipe connections, etc., which madn their work one of much detail, and 
the absence of machinery especially adapted for it made it tedious and labo- 
rious. When this condition of things was recognized and the positive assurance 
secured that with the advance of our industries all over the land, the manu- 
facture of this class of materials could be made a separate industry, it was 
then that the Jarecki Manufacturing Company started on the career Avhich has 
placed them in the very front rank of America's manufacturers. Go where you 
will over our land, and among the very best appliances of the nature alluded 
to will be found those made in the shops of this company. So large has the 
business grown that to-day two acres of ground are in use, all built upon in a 
handsome and substantial manner. The main building, three stories and 
basement, is 330 feet long by GO feet in width, utilized from cellar to roof. 
The galvanizing shop is 70x40 feet; the malleable iron foundry is 80x150 
feet; the gray iron foundry 60x100 feet; the annealing room 50x80 feet; the 
core shop 50x160 feet, and the cutter room 40x100 feet. The entire premises, 
as an architectural adornment, is one of the best in the city, and is a monu- 
ment to the character of its founders. The principal specialties of the works 
are malleable iron fittings, oil well supplies, brass work for engine builders, 
plumbers and steam and gas fitters, which comprehends a vast variety of arti- 



CITY OF ERIE. 621 

cles of various styles and sizes. The firm in all the departments of their 
works gives employment to 400 men, an army of artisans, who when busy in 
their various departments present one of the most interesting scenes of activi- 
ty to be met with. Their work finds its market in the oil fields of this State, 
all over the country — East, West, North and South — and across the lakes into 
Canada, where the reputation made at home is emphasized by foreign use. 
Messrs. Henry and Charles Jarecki came to this countiy about thirty-five years 
ago, since which time they have made their name famous in this land, and 
have contributed to the industries of America an establishment second to none 
in the fine character of its products. 

The Stearns Manufacturing Company, on Tenth street, between Holland 
and German, familiarly known as the " Presque Isle Iron Works," was estab- 
lished in the year 1855, but was not marked by any particular degree of promi- 
nence until some years later, when, under patents of Mr. E. H. Stearns, the 
company secured several valuable points applying to their machinery, the adop- 
tion of which has given it a national reputation. The plant of the works covers 
an area of two and one-half acres of ground, all utilized by them, and im- 
proved with the diiferent buildings necessitated by their work. Partially 
quoted, they are as follows: Foundry, 60x100 feet; boiler shop, 50x150 feet; 
foiu' machine shops, each 50x100 feet; millwright shop, 40x100 feet; black- 
smith shop, 35x80 feet, besides others devoted to the general uses of the 
company. Employment is given to 325 men, and a vast amount of work turned 
out which reaches every State and Territory in the Union, and probably every 
section of manufacturing industry. This consists of engines and boilers of 
all lines and grades, and saw-mill machinery, the extent of which, in its great 
variety, would require too much space for particular envimeration by us. But, 
as a simple matter of justice, we should mention their improved circular saw 
mills, gang and muley mills, patent rossers, for removing bark and grit before 
the saw, off-setting and anti- vibrating carriage wheels and track, head blocks, 
etc., for saw mills, log turners, gang edgers, jackers, lath mills, etc. These 
productions, which are known in every lumber camp and saw mill in the United 
Slates, have maintained their excellence of construction during the entire pe- 
riod of their manufacture, and whether the works are crowded with orders, nr 
to the contrary, the same carefulness of details, harmony of arrangement and 
uniformity of corsti'uction, is observable. To the combination of these three 
essentials of successful manufacture, the valuable patents owned by them, and 
the marked ability of its management, do they owe their present position. 
The officers of the Stearns Manufacturing Company are: George Burnham, 
President; William M. Davids, Vice President; William Burnham, Secretary, 
and H. R. Barnhurst, Treasurer and General Manager. 

The Erie Malleable Iron Company, limited, corner Cherry and Thirteenth, 
streets, is the most complete and extensive of its kind in this section of the 
country, and in the thrift and substantial well-being of the community is an 
important and valued factor. Established in 1880, its success was pronounced 
from the start, and during the period of its operation it has considerably aug- 
mented its business, and added to its reputation. The works are located on a 
plant of two acres of ground, improved with substantial buildings devoted to 
the various purposes of their manufacture, and of the following dimensions: 
Foundry, 80x300 feet; annealing room, 45x95 feet; pattern vault, 45x34 feet; 
machine shop, 35x64 feet; galvanizing room, 25x110 feet; core room, 34x34 feet; 
engine and boiler house, 30x60 feet; pattern room and offices, 60x100 Eeet, besides 
outside shedding for storage of coal, sand, etc., 200 feet in length. The steam 
power is furnished by an engine of 80-horse-power, and the works give employ- 



622 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ment to from 175 to 200 men. The particularly advantageous location of these 
works in a center of manufacture which gives them a large local trade, and the 
existence of a demand which they are eminently prepared to supply, have given, 
an impetus to their work which keeps them running up to their full capacity, 
and makes the annual output large. The specialty of the works, as its title im- 
plies, is principally malleable iron castings, but now contemplate making steel 
castings, and the fact that the trade extends to a large section of the country, 
sufficiently guarantees the quality of all the product of the establishment. The 
officers are John Clemens, Chairman, and J. P. Metcalf, Secretary and Treas- 
urer, whose careful and business-like management of the details of the business 
has placed it in the front rank of Erie's industries. 

The Bay State Iron Works, corner Third and Peach streets, were established 
in the year 1865, and occupy a fine property in one of the best portions of the 
city. The plant covers over an acre of ground, and is improved with substan- 
tial buildings, erected solely for the purpose used. They consist of a main 
building of brick two stories in height, in which is the machine shop, 50x225 
feet; foundry, 50x125 feet; boiler shop, 60x190 feet; pattern rooms, storeage 
room for iron, engine and boiler room and offices. Every appliance for the 
rapid production and complete finish of all their products is in use, and the 
entire machinery is driven by two engines of 40-horse-power each. The 
mechanical force of the works amounts to 125 men, most of whom are skilled 
in the production of tine machinery. The work of the firm comprehends all 
classes of fine engine building, upright and horizontal, portable and stationary, 
and a special line of fine machine building. Among the most prominent pro- 
ductions of the works may be noted the Variable and Automatic Cut-off Engine, 
which was awarded a gold medal at the St. Louis fair in 1878, for 93 per cent 
efficiency; agricultural and portable engines from 4 to 150-horse-power; loco- 
motive, tubular, flue and upright boilers; steam punches, Hall's patent steam 
cranes, upright friction and detached hoisting machinery; the Acme cube pipe 
tongs, and many other specialties, all bearing evidence of the highest style of 
workmanship to be had in this section of the State. The thorough system 
which prevails in every department of these works, and the splendid facilities 
enjoyed enable the firm to conduct an immense business, and the trade extends 
to all parts of the West, South and Southwest, they having agencies in New 
York, Chicago, St. Louis, Toledo, St. Paul, Denver, Dallas and Charlotte. 
The members composing the firm are Orange Noble and L. H. Hall, the latter 
being the practical manager. Mr. Noble is a gentleman too well known in the 
business circles of the State to need any introduction at our hands, while Mr. 
Hall, as a thorough master of the details of the works, has a reputation based 
upon the intrinsic merit of its productions. 

The Mt. Hickory Iron Company, oflice Scott's block, corner Tenth and State 
streets, was established in the year 1879, and produces a line of iron known as 
merchant and bridge iron. Their furnaces, two in number, are located at 
Sharpsville, Mercer, Co., Penn., where employment is given to a large number of 
men, and an annual production attained of 35,000 tons of Bessemer, foundry 
and mill pig, the ores used being the Lake Superior, Specular and Hematite, 
from the most celebrated mines in that favored section. Much of this produc- 
tion finds its way to the various rolling mills of the State, but a large part is 
utilized by the company's mill at Erie, which it is more properly our province 
to notice. The Mt. Hickory EoUing Mill is located in the western suburbs of 
the city on a plant of thirty acres of the company's property, and is the largest 
concern of the kind in this section of the State. The mill is a well-built 
structure, 120 feet in width by 280 feet iu length, and is systematically ap- 



CITY OF ERIE. 623 

pointed for the rapid prosecution of its work. It is fully supplied with rolls 
and other machinery necessary in the production of its specialty, the motive 
power being supplied by nine engines of 350-horse-power combined. Employ- 
ment is given to from 250 to 275 men, the most of whom live about the mill in 
houses furnished by the company — twenty- four in number. The annual pro- 
duction aggregates 15,000 tons of fine grade of merchant and bridge iron, rail- 
road angle splicers, etc., which is sold to some extent locally, and largely in 
Chicago and other Western points. The influence of a concern giving employ- 
ment to so many men, necessarily involving a large outlay in wages, must be 
great in a commiioity of this size, while the character of its iron tends largely 
to maintain the city's reputation. William L. Scott, a gentleman whose name 
is the synonym of enterprise wherever known, is the Chairman of the company, 
while W. S. Brown is Secretary and Treasurer. The superintendency of the 
rolling mill in detail is intrusted to Thomas Palmer, a thorough and ex- 
perienced man in this line of business. * 

The Erie Forge Company, comer Cascade and Fifteenth streets, was organ- 
ized in 1872, and began operations the year following on a comparatively 
limited scale. In 1879, the works were entirely destroyed by fire, but were im- 
mediately rebuilt on a much larger scale, and important additions made to the 
size of the building, and to the machinery in 1880. The works are located 
south of the tracks of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, from 
which a siding connects the shops with all the railroads. The plant includes 
several acres of ground, well adapted to the purpose, the shops being 65x241 
feet in dimensions. The east end is a machine shop, fully equipped with the 
heavy machinery needed in the successful prosecution of the business, which is 
operated by an engine of 40-horse-power. In the forging shop there are in use 
five heavy hammers, six large furnaces and one large steam shear, all operated 
by separate engines. The products of the works are hammered iron and steel, 
car and engine axles, shafting, cranks and heavy forgings of all kinds, the 
value of which amounts to a large sum annually. Employment is given to 
125 men, and the consumption of iron amounts to 125 tons, and of coal to 240 
tons per week, the works being run day and night. The character of the work 
turned out has always been such as to give them a rank second to none. The 
Erie Car Works use in their shops the axles produced by this company, and the 
trade extends through all the country east of the Mississippi River, and 
amounts to an immense sum annually. As a monument to the skill, energy and 
enterprise of the proprietors, it stands among the most prominent in the city, 
and is an important contributor to Erie's importance as a manufacturing center. 
In the spring of 1883, it was changed from a corporation to a firm, the mem- 
bers of which are George W. Starr, A. Brabender and J. P. Harrington, the 
last named having chai-ge of the works. 

Davenport, Fairbairn & Co. : The works of this company are located just 
west of the Erie Car Works, and adjoining them. They are among the most 
famous, and are probably the largest in the country. The capacity is 350 
wheels per day. One hundred men are employed, and six cupolas are kept in 
blast. Two of the cupolas used in melting charcoal iron for wheels, have a ca- 
pacity of 100 tons of metal per day. Four engines, ranging from twenty to tifty- 
horse-power, are employed. This company owns a large blast furnace at St. 
Ignace, Mich., said to be the finest charcoal furnace in the world. Here they 
give employment to 250 men, all the iron produced being used in the manufact- 
ure of car wheels in their own foundry at Erie. This company makes all the 

* Since the above was written.these works, with all their contents, were completely destroyed by fire on the 
9th of December, 1883. 



624 HISTORY OF ERIE COUxNTY. 

wheels used by the Erie Car Works, and also supplies a large trade in different 
sections of the country, and make in addition a general line of railroad cast- 
ings. The members of the firm are W. R. Davenport, John Fairbairn and 
Col. H. B. Plumer, of Franklin, Penn. 

The Selden & Griswold Manufacturing Company, corner of Tenth and 
Chestnut streets, began business in the year 18(38, and at once secured a repu- 
tation for excellence in their line second to no concern of its kind in this sec- 
tion of the State. The works are situated in a portion of the city convenient 
to the railroads, on valuable property, and consist of foundiy, 100x150 feet; 
finishing room, 30x90 feet, two stories in height, the upper floor being used for 
machinery and mounting room; store room, 30x40 feet, two stories; storeroom 
No. 2, 60x95 feet, also two stories, and engine and boiler room, in which is 
an engine of fifty-horse-pf)wer. The number of men employed aggregates 100, 
and the production amounts to more than $75,000 per year. The specialties 
of the works consist of small castings, hollow ware of special sizes and extra 
finish, house furnishing utensils, stove trimmings and a great variety of work 
common to establishments of this nature. Their castings are of a fine grade, 
and all the products of the house show careful and intelligent woi'kmanship. 
Samuel Selden' s heirs, J. C. Selden and Matthew Griswold, are the proprie- 
tors, and are fully posted in all the details of their business. They are thor- 
oughly in earnest in their work, are prominently identified with the substantial 
welfare of the community, and their works are an important and valuable ad- 
junct of Erie's prosperity. 

Jarecki, Hays & Co., Eleventh street, between State and Peach, date their 
origin back to the year 1865, when the works were started by G. and F. Jarecki. 
They were succeeded by Jarecki & Metz, who in turn were followed by Jarecki, 
Metz & Co. , who continued the business until 1870, when the firm became Jarecki, 
Hays & Co., as now known. The goods here manufactured consist principally 
of supplies for water and gas companies, brass goods, yard hydi'ants, extension 
service boxes, street washers, etc. In this production, embracing many of the 
most important accessories of water and gas service, the firm have been highly 
successful, and in one or two specialties have won a national reputation. We 
refer particularly to "Jarecki's Patent Extension Shut-Off Box" for water and 
gas, and "Jarecki's Patent Extension Street Washer," which have secured the 
most flattering testimonials from all parts of the country. They make the 
hydrants known as McNamara's Patent Compression Valve Dry Pipe, and 
Jarecki's Keystone Compression Valve Hydrants, besides a great variety of 
brass work, consisting of cocks for all departments of gas and water service. 
The works consist of a substantial brick building, three stories in height, 40x 
160 feet in dimensions, and are fully equipped with every appliance for the 
rapid production of their work. They employ twenty-eight hands, skilled in 
their various pursuits, and manufacture a large amount of goods annually. 
The members of the firm are F. Jarecki, J. W. Hays, W. B. Hays and S. J. 
Law. These gentlemen have become, thi'ough their present work, strongly 
identified with the substantial interests of the city. 

T. M. Nagle, manufacturer of portable, stationary and agricultural steam 
engines: These works, located at the corner of Sixteenth and Holland streets, 
were erected by Mr. Nagle in September, 1879. The plant covers a space of 
125x350 feet, improved with substantial buildings, the main shop being 45x 
200 feet in area, with a wing 40x60, and a blacksmith shop adjoining 30x45 
feet in dimensions. In 1883, there was erected a substantial brick foundry 
70x125 feet, while other improvements are contemplated in the near future. 
From sixty to seventy skilled mechanics are employed, and all the boiler work 



CITY OF ERIE. 625 

is made under contract by outside parties. This force turned out 400 finished 
engines, ranging fi'om eight to tifty-horse-power, during 1883, while more 
than 1,000 engines have been manufactured since the works were established. 
They are sold in all portions of the United States, from Maine to Texas and 
from Florida to Colorado, and the demand is fully up to the capacity of the 
works. The specialty is portable steam engines, of which more are claimed to 
be turned out at these works than at any other in this section of the State. 
Mr. Nagle brings to his present business a thoroughly practical knowledge of 
it, in all its details, gained from a long experience and a natural aptitude for 
the business. The marked success he has met in this new contribution to 
Erie's important industries is but a just tribute to his ability as a manufact- 
urer, and the energy and push which mark the successful business man. 

Cleveland & Co. : The foundry department of the Erie City Iron Works, 
owned and operated by this firm, was organized in June, 1868, and is 
located on the corner of Twelfth and French streets. They manufacture all 
kinds of building and machinery castings. The building is a substantial brick 
structure, 86x240 feet, wherein sixty men find employment, turning out an- 
nually more than 2,000 tons of castings. The firm is composed of W. L. 
Cleveland, F. F. Cleveland, George Selden and J. H. Bliss, who are all favor- 
ably known and identified with the leading manufacturing interests of Erie. 

The Erie Engine Works, owned and carried ou by Cleveland & Hardwick, 
are located on the corner of Twelfth and State streets, formerly the site of the 
Erie City Iron Works. The firm was organized in May, 1879, and manufact- 
ure portable, stationary and cut-off engines, boilers, etc., employing sixty 
men, and tui-ning out 12,000 horse-power annually in various sized engines, 
ranging from 6 to 150-horse-power. W. L. Cleveland, F. F. Cleveland and 
William Hardwick compose the firm. 

Skinner & Wood's Engine Works were removed from New York State to 
Erie in 1873, and began business on the corner of Eleventh and French streets. 
In the winter of 1880-81, the firm erected their present works on the corner 
of Twelfth and Chestnut, where the plant covers 125x300 feet of ground. 
Fifty men find employment in these works, engaged in manufacturing only 
one style of portable and stationary engines, turning out about 250 annually, 
though the works have a capacity of 300, The buildings are frame and of the 
following dimensions: Machine shop, 45x150, two stories; boiler room and 
blacksmith shop, 40x60, one story; foundry, 40x60 ; pattern house, 20x30; boiler 
finishing room, 40x60; store house, 55x60, besides about 400 feet of shedding 
for storage, etc. The firm is L. G. Skinner and Thomas C. Wood, whose 
enterprise and public spirit have added much to the wealth and prosperity of 
their adopted city. 

Ball Engine Works, on French, above Twelfth street, were established in 
1881, and incorporated in March, 1883. The plant is large and improved with 
buildings ample for the accommodation of all the departments of their work. 
The main shop of the works is 50x100 feet in dimensitjns, supplemented by 
engine and boiler room and blacksmith shop. The capacity of engine used is 
twenty-horse-power, and employment is given at all times to thirty men. The 
machinery, which is adapted especially for the purposes for which it is used, 
is of the latest and most improved patterns, and embraces every appurtenance 
and appliance for the manufacture of the specialty of the works. Mr. Ball is a 
thoroughly practical engine builder of many years' experience, and the engines 
made here are the result of that experience and a through knowledge of 
mechanics. The company is composed of W. H. Nicholson, President; F. H. 
Ball, Secretary and Treasurer, and since its incorporation the firm has been 



626 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

engaged in manufacturing their new automatic cut-off engine, embodying a new 
system of regulation, in which the governor weighs the load. They turn out 
from 100 to 120 engines annually, ranging from twenty to sixty-horse-power. 
This company is one of the prominent factors in Erie's prosperity, and is an 
enterprise of substantial merit. 

Taper Sleeve Pulley Works, on Twelfth, near Peach street, were established 
in 1873, by A. B. Cook, and were conducted by him until May, 1877, when the 
present firm took possession. The works consist of a three-story brick build- 
ing, 50x155 feet in dimensions, with an addition on the west side for lowering 
manufactured material. They are fully supplied with all the machinery neces- 
sary in the pi'oduction of their specialty, operated by a sixty- horse-power boiler 
and twenty-horse-power engine, and give employment to thirty-five men. The 
annual output amounts to from $75,000 to $100,000 and the trade reaches to 
all parts of the country. The productions consist of taper sleeve wood belt 
pulleys, taper sleeve and compression couplings, adjustable dead pulleys, wood 
pulleys, split or in halves, friction clutch pulleys, and cut off couplings. These 
pulleys possess points of merit, based upon true mechanical principles, which 
make them valuable parts of well-adjusted and scientifically constructed line 
shafting, which their use has fully demonstrated. The firm is composed 
of A. H. Gray, Treasurer, and H. C. Crowell, Superinteadent. 

The South Erie Iron Works were established in 1868, on Peach street, 
between Nineteenth and Twentieth. They are the successor of the Eagle 
Foundry, which was commenced some nine or ten years prior to that date by 
William Heniy and Adam Acheson. In 1868, the works were incorporated 
under the above title, with William Henry, Pi-esident, and R. Liebel, Secre- 
tary. The former was succeeded m 1882 by Adam Acheson, while Mr. Liebel 
is still Secretary, and James Acheson, Treasurer. The main building is of 
brick, 42x325, the front portion being two stories, and the rear one story in 
height; the salesroom is a three story brick, 23x80, and there is a frame 
storage room, 22x120, partly two stories high. Fifty men find constant em- 
ployment in these woi"ks, principally in the manufacture of afl classes of 
stoves. It is one of the leading establishments of South Erie, and its enter- 
prising proprietors are deserving of honest commendation in this article. 

The Erie City Nickel Plating Company, corner Thirteenth and Parade 
streets, are the largest works in the city devoted to this business, and were 
established in the year 1880. From their ioception, the reliable character of 
their work drew a large amount of business to them. The buildings used for 
the purpose is in dimensions 24x100 feet, furnished throughout with the latest 
improved appliances of the business, and is supplied with an engine of twelve- 
horsepower. The number of men employed is at all times from 25 to 30, and 
the value of the work done runs up into the thousands of dollars annually. 
When the nature of the art of nickel plating is considered, and the compara- 
tive smallness of the cost of the service rendered, it is to the uninitiated a 
mystery how a concern engaged in the business can do enough work to show a 
business that amounts to thousands of dollars per year, but a visit to these 
works will enlighten the most ignorant on the subject, when he sees the innu- 
merable articles, and the vast quantities of them sent from the largest con- 
cerns in the city to be plated. Excellence of workmanship and durability of 
finish are the characteristics of all the work at this establishment, and have 
won it high praise. The firm is composed of A. McArthar and J. McArthur, 
father and son, respectively. The latter is the practical head of the works, 
and is a thoroughly posted man in all the finer details and secrets of the art. 
This establishment does all the plating of the Chicago and Erie Stove Com- 



CITY OF ERIE. 629 

pany, which alone is an invincible proof of the superior class of work turned 
out. 

Boot & Burrows Nickel Plating and Metal Finishing Works began operations 
in July, 1878, at 1237 Peach street, its present location. The building is a 
three-story brick, 40x60 feet in dimensions, and the firm gives employment to 
from twenty to twenty-five hands. All the plating of the Black & Germer 
stove works is done in this establishment, which in itself is a sufficient guar- 
antee of the excellent quality of their work. 

Stonemetz Printers' Machinery Company is the successor of that branch 
previously carried on by Noble & Hall, who began the manufacture of the 
Stonemetz Folding Machines in July, 1879. They were made at that estab- 
lishment until August, 1882, when the present company was established and 
began operations on Twelfth street, between Sassafras and Chestnut. The 
machine shop is 40x120 feet; the engine room is 18x25 feet; the blacksmith- 
shop is 14x25 feet, l)esides a storage room, all of which are one-story brick 
structures. One 25-horse- power engine furnishes the motive power, and the 
firm employs on an average thirty hands, who find steady work throughout the 
year. Their market extends all over the Union, and twenty-six different styles 
and sizes of these machines are manufactured by the Stonemetz Company. 
The business is constantly growing, and the future has, doubtless, in store a 
fitting reward for the energy and enterprise of this firm. 

The F. F. Adams Company, corner of Fifteenth and Cherry streets: No 
establishment in Erie furnishes such a striking illustration of the results of 
enterprise, vigorous, persistent work and splendid management as is afiforded 
in the present condition of the works of the F. F. Adams Company. Notwith- 
standing the severe competition which the products of the factory have to meet, 
and the fact that the premises were swept by fire, December 13, 1880, they 
have been replaced by structures more substantial and of greater utility than 
those destroyed, and the products maintain a position in the trade which the 
fiercest competition has failed to weaken, or the rapid invention of the age to 
excel. The works had their origin in the year 1869, and were known by the 
firm name of Adams & Lovell, continuing so until 1870, when they were 
operated by F. F. Adams until 1874, when, by the admission of A. H. Gray, they 
were known as F. F. Adams & Co. There were one or two other changes between 
that and 1878, at which time they assumed the title of F. F. Adams & Co., 
limited, which remained until January, 1883, when the present name was 
adopted. The plant is one of the best and most eligibly located in the city, 
being directly on the line of the Lake Shore & Michigan Soiithern and Erie & 
Pittsburg Railroads, with switches into their yards for the convenience of 
receiving and shipping goods, and covers an area of two and one-half acres. 
The buildings utilized ai-e as follows: Factory No. 1, 50x135 feet, two stories 
high, with an L of the same height, 40x50 feet; Factory No. 2, 40x105 feet, 
two stories high, with an L 30x40 feet in the two-story portion, and 30x60 
in the one-story portion; Engine House, 40x40 feet, of brick, two stories high, 
in which aro two engines of 50-horse-power each; store I'ooms and offices, 
50x125 feet, besides the dry house and outside shedding devoted to various' 
uses. The products of this establishment comprise the celebrated Keystone 
Wringers and Washing Machines, step and extension ladders, and household 
articles of too great a variety for enumeration. Employment is given to 175 
hands, involving a large outlay of wages, while the business aggregates the 
sum of from $300,000 to $400,000 per annum, and reaches to all parts of 
the country. An output of these proportions from any concern devoted to the 
productions of wooden articles, will be appreciated by those familiar with 

33 



630 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

such production, and in the trade must place this house as one of the largest 
in the country. The possession of a vast amount of machinery, with facilities 
for making their own malleable iron castings, annealing and nickel plating, 
make the works the most complete in every department, and fully explains their 
ability to produce such a large quantity of work. The members of the com- 
pany are F. F. Adams, President; W. T. Farrar, Secretary and Treasurer; 0. 
W. Farrar and C. F. Adams. These gentlemen have given to the city of Erie 
an establishment which as a factor in its manxif acturing wealth, is one of the 
most important, and wbile endowing the city, have made for themselves a rep- 
utation CO- extensive with their productions. 

The Burdett Organ Company, limited, corner Twelfth and Walnut streets: 
Probably the name of Erie has become more widely known through the sale of 
the products of the Burdett Organ Factory than from those of any other estab- 
lishment located in her midst. These organs have been shipped to every civilized 
country on the globe, and even among the schools, churches and missionaries 
located in heathen lands, and wherever their melody is heard the fame of 
Erie as a manufacturing center has been attested. No man living has done 
more to perfect this popular instrument than Mr. Burdett, and the twenty-six 
patented inventions embraced in the Burdett organs, effecting movement, tone, 
construction, material, and in fact pervading the entire mechanism, justifies 
this statement. A Mr. Carhart, of Buffalo, is entitled to credit for important 
improvements made from 1839 to 1846. It was about this time that Mr. Bur- 
dett began the business which, under his hands, has become the important en- 
terprise of which we write to-day. Commencing in Brattleboro, Vt., Mr. Bur- 
dett continued his work there till 1865, when the firm of R. Burdett Organ 
Company was organized and located in Chicago. They remained there until 
burned out in the great Chicago tii-e. Then the Burdett Organ Company, lim- 
ited, was organized, and a new factory built in Erie, on ground now occupied, 
which is a tract embracing about five acres of land, nearly one-half of which is 
utilized in their business. The main building is an imposing five-story brick 
structure, 150 feet front, in which are the various departments devoted to the 
building of every part of an organ. The machinery used is the most perfect 
of its kind made, especially adapted to the work required, much of it being 
of the most novel and ingenious construction, and is operated by an engine of 
75 -horse -power. In the selection of timber, every possible pains is taken. The 
company employ one man constantly in looking up and get ting out black wal- 
nat lumber in the West, and they have often on hand in one lot over 900,000 
feet of sawed walnut, seasoning. All lumber is first time-dried, then kiln-dried, 
and afterward piled under cover until it is exactly in a condition to be used. 
Nothing but the finest possible class of materials is used, and every part of the 
organ, except the ivory keys, is made at the factory. Employment is furnished 
to 125 men, all thoroughly skilled in making some particular part of an organ, 
and by being constantly employed on this one part of the work, is enabled to 
produce it in perfection. The product of the factory reaches 300 organs per 
month, and the demand is such that no stock ever accumulates on hand, being 
sold as fast as made. No better comment can be made on these celebrated 
organs than the statement that the entire make is sold, and none are ever con- 
signed to agents. The company has neither depot, salesroom nor agent of its 
own, and finds ready sale for all it can produce. The Burdett organ is made 
in several styles of case, in almost numberless styles of action, and at list prices 
ranging from $175 to $1,200. The sale of over 45,000 instruments is the best 
evidence that can be brought of their merit. The company is a limited cor- 
poration, its principal officers and stockholders being R. Burdett, Chairman; 



CITY OF ERIE. 631 

P. Metcalf, Treasurer; C. C. Converse, Secretary and Business Manager; and 
B. O. Church, Superintendent, gentlemen who are justly accorded a high po- 
sition among Erie's enterprising manufacturers. 

Erie Burial Case Company, limited, office over Dime Savings Bank: This 
enterprise was started in 1873, under its present title, and after several changes 
came under the present management in 1881, with William Smith as President, 
and W. Barry Smith, Secretary and Treasurer. These gentlemen, with Mr. 
Griles and George Caldwell, are present managers and principal owners. The 
works are well located just south of the city limits, are substantially built, and 
enjoy every facility for the rapid and economical production of work, yet the 
demand for their goods has outgrown their capacity and they have been adding 
new machinery and enlarging the works, adding also to the variety of the line 
of manufacture. Under the present management there has been a very grati- 
fying yearly increase of trade. All kinds of wooden coffins and caskets, cloth 
co-^ered or finished in wood, are made, many of them in new styles peculiar to 
this company. A full line of undertakers' supplies is dealt in, and metallic 
caskets of all kinds handled. The works occupy two large brick buildino-s 
three stories in height, each 40x100 feet in dimensions, besides a three-story 
brick addition, 20x30, for engine, boilers, etc.. the plant covering two acres of 
ground. Fifty men are employed in the different departments of the work, and 
a full line of wood-working machinery, which is driven by an engine of 40- 
horse-power. The company has no competitor in this section, and its trade 
extends over a wide extent of country. The present statement of its affairs 
does not do the Erie Burial Case Company justice and gives no adequate idea 
of the amount of energy and enterprise manifested in its management and ca- 
pacity to do business. The improvements and additional facilities recently 
put in will surely place it in the front rank of the manufactories of this line 
of goods. 

A. B. Felgemaker & Co. , organ factory, corner of Twenty-fifth and Ash 
streets, was originally established in the city of Buffalo in the year I8f35, but 
was removed to this city in the year 1871, when it was operated as a stock com- 
pany up to the year 1875, under the name of " The Derrick & Felgemaker Pipe 
Organ Company," but after that year became as now known. The premises oc- 
cupied are one of the most complete possessed by any concern in this city, and 
consists of a handsome four- story brick structure 40 feet wide by 200 feet 
long, built in 1872, with a frame wing 30 feet wide by 100 feet long, erected 
in 1871, and used for the machinery necessary in the business. The steam 
power is supplied by an engine of 30-horse-power, and employment is given to 
twenty-five practical organ builders. The trade of the house, which has been 
made solely on the merits of the instruments turned out, extends to all sections 
of the South and West, and aggregates a large sum annually. IVlr. Felgemaker, 
a practical and experienced organ builder, has his work in many of the best 
churches in this State and others, and his references represent some of the best 
professional performers in the United States. The special points of excellence 
which characterize all his work are amply set forth in his pamphlets, and while 
it is apparent to all, that all work turned out is of a tine character, the critips; 
of this class of manufacture are the ones most impressed with its excellence;.', 
These works deserve the highest consideration from the people of Erie, w1^U,Q[ 
the products entitle it to a conspicuous position among the organ factctt'kSyoi' 
the land. . , 

Erie Steam Bending Works, corner Twelfth and Cherry streetf,(,,wece e^-, 
tablished originally in 1868, by Hartleb, Metz & Co., who *oper^t;^d thpmji^p^. 
about ten years, when they were succeeded by H. G. Fink & Co,, j ,9^3; later Qj?j 



632 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

by H. G. Fink, who has since conducted them entirely alone, in a manner re- 
flecting much credit upon himself as a business manager. The works are 
located in one of the best sections of the city for manufacturing purposes, oc- 
cupying two acres of ground, improved with substantial buildings, as follows: 
Main factory, 60x165 feet; saw mill, 24x60 feet; engine house, 22x30 feet, con- 
taining two engines, one of 20 and one of 45-horse-power, besides eight store 
houses of large capacity, shedding, etc. They give employment to from thirty 
to forty men, and the annual production amounts to over $120,000. The work 
turned out consists of bent felloes, poles, shafts, bob-runners, rims, etc., and the 
market extends all over the country, to the principal carriage building centers, 
while a steady local trade is enjoyed. The material used is the best selected hick- 
ory and oak, which is obtained principally from the adjoining counties of this 
State and the State of Ohio. The Erie Steam Bending Works, as a permanent 
industry, are one of the most important located here, and the history of their 
progress from the time of Mr. Fink's connection with them, furnishes one of 
the best examples of the results of enterprise and sound business principles 
properly applied, which the city affords. 

Erie Wooden Ware Works, corner Twelfth and Poplar streets: This section 
of Penns^dvania being one favored with a prolific growth of the woods most 
sought by manufacturers of wooden ware, has stimulated the prosecution of 
that line of industry to a degree which makes it one involving an immense in- 
vestment of capital, and the employment of thousands of men. The Erie 
Wooden Ware Works of this city is an illustration of this fact. In the filling 
of their annual order's they have found it necessary to procure supplies from 
the State of Ohio, where they have erected saw mills in the heart of the best 
lumber country, and take out large quantities annually. This company was 
established in the year 1873 and has enjoyed since then an uninterrupted suc- 
cess. The plant covers two acres of ground, inclosed and covered with build- 
ings devoted to the various wants of their business. They have a steam power 
of 70-horse, employ fifty men, and have a capacity of 2,400 pails per day. 
These consists of water pails, horse buckets, lard and tobacco pails, candy 
buckets, and butter and jelly packages. They are made in the most workman- 
like manner, and their sale reaches to many parts of the East, West and South. 
To such proportions has the firm brought the business that they now produce 
annually $75,000 worth of pails of all kinds. This display of enterprise bespeaks 
the character of the owners, while it has placed their works in the front of the 
producers of this line of manufacture. The firm is H. J. Howe, R. T. Mc- 
Clure and T. W. Shacklett, all of them residents of the city to which they have 
contributed such an important industry. 

Bauschard & Bros. ' Planing Mill, corner Tenth and Holland streets: The 
business of this firm really dates its origin from the foi*mation of Bauschard, 
Gloth & Co., in 1866. That copartnership was succeeded by Gloth, Schulte 
& Co., and in 1868 Messrs. Bauschard & Son built the present factory, or, 
rather, a part of it, the original building having been added to from time to 
time since, until now the establishment is one of the most complete of its kind 
in the city. The main factory, which was originally 24x48 feet, has grown to 
the proportions of 46x165 feet, three stories in height, with an engine and 
boiler house of brick ]8x45 feet, and dry-kiln of brick three stories in height, 
24x36 feet in dimensions. The dry-kiln and lumber yard are across Holland 
street from the factory, and occupy three city lots. The machinery is of the 
newest and most approved kinds, consisting of planers, molding machines, 
and the great variety necessary in their business, with a steam power of 45- 
horse. Employment is given to from fifty to seventy-five men, and the pro- 



CITY OF ERIE. 633 

duetion annually amounts to about $75,000. This consists of sash, doors, 
blinds, siding, flooring, molding, stairs, verandah work, etc., besides a line of 
hard wood work for court houses, churches, banks, dwellings, halls, etc., of a 
very superior and ornamental style. The works enjoy a large local trade, 
while that derived from distant points in the State is constantly increasing. 

Constable Bros.' Planing Mill, corner Fifth and Sassafras streets, was 
established in the year 1849 by Constable & Jones, and ever since its com- 
mencement has been a successful concern. John Constable was at that time 
the practical head of the business, and continued to be so until a few years ago, 
when he disposed of it to his sons W. H. Constable and E. W. Constable, but 
is still to be found at the works, actively supervising the details of all work. 
The Arm is fortunate in being able to command the services of this gentleman, 
as his knowledge and ripe experience are of great benefit in the practical 
administration of the ati'airs at the mill. The plant has a frontage and depth 
of 165 feet, or nearly one acre of ground, and is improved with shedding for 
the storage of lumber, besides the sash and planing mill, which is in dimen- 
sions three stories high, 44x80 feet, and an engine and boiler room 14x40 feet. 
The supply of machinery embraces molding and mortising machines, planers, 
and in fact everything in the line of improved wood-working machinery, the 
whole being driven by an engine of twenty-five-horse-power. The production 
includes sash, doors, blinds, siding, moldings, flooring, pickets, brackets, 
verandah work, and box and crate making, requiring the use of nearly 500,000 
feet of lumber per annum, and giving employment to twenty- five men at all 
times. The firm are also contractors for the furnishing of any desired work, 
taking contracts from foundation to roof of any sized building, or number of 
them, and some of the most prominent buildings in the city bear evidences of 
their handiwork. 

Erie City Planing Mill, corner of Eleventh and French streets: Among 
the widely known establishments for manufacturing and furnishing lumber, 
the " Erie City Planing Mill" deserves notice. W. H. Deming established 
this business on Peach street in 1870, though for several years prior to that he 
had been a very extensive dealer in lumber, and was located in Warren County. 
In 1874, he erected the present establishment, which is a substantial brick 
structure, on the corner of Eleventh and French streets, 90x100 feet in dimen- 
sions, with a lot of much larger proportions. The building is about one-half 
three stories, and the remainder two stories high, and contains a full equip- 
ment of all the machinery required in the business, which is new, of the most 
improved construction, and includes a saw mill with circular saw, where in 
addition to its own work, a large amount of ciistom sawing is done. An 
engine of one-hundred-horse-power is used, and a force of men running from 
twenty to twenty-five find constant employment. Everything in the way of 
dimension timber, rough and dressed lumber, flooring, siding, moldings, sash, 
doors, blinds, hard wood work for banks, court houses and churches, and all 
other planing mill work is done to order, and every facility enjoyed for turning 
out work promptly, and in the most workmanlike manner. In November, 1882, 
Althof Bros, rented the mill and succeeded to the large trade which had pre- 
viously been secured by Mr. Deming. Much attention has been devoted to 
contracting and building, and the factory has always enjoyed a fair share of 
business in this department. 

H. Rairsay, Foui'th street, between Peach and State, has for many years 
been a prominent builder and contractor in this city, and his skill is recognized 
in some of Erie's handsomest and most enduring: structures, amonsf which we 
may mention the Scott Block, which has the reputation of being the best con- 



634 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

stracted building in the city. His work is not confined to Erie alone, but 
takes in a large section of the adjoining country. His shop.s are in dimensions 
40x75 feet, built substantially of brick, supplied with necessary machinery for 
turning out window frames, sash, doors, blinds, flooring, etc., and employing 
an average of twenty men. The motive power is supplied by an engine of 
forty -horse -power, and the business done annually amounts to about $50,000. 
Mr. Ramsay came to Erie in 1863, and was formerly in business as Con- 
stable & Ramsay, but after the dissolution Mr. Ramsay established the present 
works in 1877. His resources are such that he is prepared to take contracts 
for any sized buildings or any number of them, and the many specimens of 
his work to be found here are a sufficient guarantee of its excellence. 

Daniel McDonald, Parade street, between Eighth and Ninth, is one of the 
best known contractors and builders of Erie who has become prominent from 
his work, and since much of it is to be found in the best structures of the city 
we accord him space here as a contributor to the arts thereof. He came to 
Erie some eighteen years ago, and in 1879 began business on Eighth street 
near State, whence he removed to his present location where stair building and 
general jobbing is carried on, and employment given to thirty men. His 
principal business is contracting, which he carries on to a large extent in this 
city and other portions of the State, amounting to $100,000 annually. He is 
prepared to contract for all classes of buildings, and his well known reputa- 
tion and ability for the satisfactory filling of all contracts is a sufiicient 
guarantee that any work of this nature will be thoroughly and honestly 
prosecuted. 

Downing Carriage Company, Eighteenth, between German and Holland 
streets: One of the most important manufactories in the city of Erie is the above, 
which was formerly the Erie Chair Company, and was established in 1874. 
Mr. Downing having originated and perfected what is now universally known 
as the Excelsior Sleeping Coach (a child's carriage), the firm on January 1, 
1882, determined to adopt the present title in honor of his patents, and to 
manufacture these carriages almost exclusively, of course continuing to make 
the "combination baby chairs," but no others. The factory is a brick building, 
three stories in height, 40x44 feet in dimensions, with a frame L attached 
38x85 feet, two stories in height, the first floor being used for machinery, and 
the upper for a finishing department. The blacksmith shop is separate, 15x30 
feet, and a frame storage room, 30x60, two stories, and brick engine house 21x30 
feet. The steam power is supplied by two engines, one of 40 and the other of 
3 -horse-power. The number of men employed is about 20 at all times, and 
the number of carriages produced will this year reach 3,000, and probably 
more, ranging in price from $14 to $50, according to style, size and finish. 
The trade of the factory extends to all parts of the United States. The pro- 
prietors, Messrs. C. F. Bostwick and H. N. Thayer, are both practical men in 
every department of the work, and personally supervise all details. They 
have for a long while been identified with the business interests of the city, and 
in this enterprise have given it an establishment which is a credit in every way. 

Keystone Carriage Works, corner Eighth and Holland streets, were estab 
lished in 1878, by the firm of Harrison & Leemhuis Brothers. The .premises 
which they own are 123x165 feet, and are conveniently located and arranged, 
one shop being 25x60 feet in dimensions, and the other 36x70, both being two 
stories inflieight. There is also a woodshop 17x48, and a storage room 20x38. 
During the busy season, a force of fifteen hands is employed, and the work 
turned out embraces everything in the line, including fine carriages, platform 
spring wagons, trucks, cutters, sleighs, etc. In 1880, Leemhuis Brothers be- 



CITY OF ERIE. 635 

came the sole proprietors of the business, and by their energy and the fine 
reputation of their work they are building up a substantial trade. Horse- 
shoeing, general blacksmithing and repairing are important features of the 
factory, and every facility is enjoyed for the prompt prosecution of the busi- 
ness in a most workmanlike manner. Both members of the firm are practical 
workmen, and give their personal attention to all branches of the business. 

Noble Sewing Machine Company, corner Eighteenth and Plum streets, 
was started in 1881. It is located in the western part of the city, on grounds 
60x200 feet, improved with substantial buildings, which are fitted with the 
most approved machinery known for the production of their work, costing 
$55,000. This is driven by an engine of 50-horse-power, and employment is 
given to sixty men. In the manufacture of the Noble Sewing Machine, the 
company possesses two points which entitle them to the fullest consideration; 
first, valuable patents, which are the result of a life-long study, and familiar- 
ity with sewing machine manufacture, the patents covering the most impor- 
tant essentials of a light running, durable and convenient machine, and sec- 
ondly, the patentee, IVIr. Mayo, is on hand, personally supervising the appli- 
cation of his patents, and looking after the construction of the machine in 
every part. George H. Noble is proprietor of the works, and possessing full 
qualifications for the prosecution of his enterprise, and being so situated that 
every facility for the conducting of an extensive business is enjoyed, he is 
destined to make the Noble Sewing Machine one of wide repute upon its mer- 
its, while to the city he gives an industry which adds much to its wealth and 
reputation. 

Eureka Manufacturing Company, limited, corner of Twelfth and Rasp- 
berry streets, was established in January, 1881, by a coterie of inventors, who 
began business in Schutte's planing mill, which stood on Fourth street near 
Cascade. During the same year, E. J. Cowell and William Varnum, together 
with John Minnig and John J. Roemer, of the original stockholders, became 
principal owners, and erected the nucleus of the present works. The build- 
ings were then 40x60, two stories high, but in the summer of 1882, they were 
enlarged being now 60x100, a portion of which is three stories in height. 
One 30-horse-power engine furnishes the motive power, while an average of 
35 men find employment here, the annual sales amounting to about $40,000. 
All classes of wooden notions for household use, are manufactured at this 
estaljlishment, which have been so well appreciated that the business done is 
surprising, while the trade is steadily growing and surely becoming an im- 
portant one under the efficient management of the present proprietors. 

Riblet Brothers, furniture factory, corner of Twelfth and Peach streets: 
Fifty years ago, John H. and Jonathan Riblet began the manufacture of fur- 
niture in Erie, which, through their industry, the factory known by the above 
title has gi'own to its present large dimensions. John H. Riblet was the head 
of the firm vintil his death, in 1879. About 1865, they commenced manufact- 
uring by machinery, at the intersection of Canal and Eighth streets, but in 
1871 i-emoved the factory to its present location. The building is 30x125, 
three stories high with basement, furnished throughout with first-class machin- 
ery, and operated by a fifteen-horse-power engine. The firm employs thirty-two 
men and manufacture only for their own retail trade, their house being at No. 
926 State street. A. K. and E. J. Riblet comprise the firm, and they intend 
in the near future to erect a fine salesroom adjoining the factory, thereby sav- 
ing the expenses of much hauling, by concentrating their business at one 
point, besides obtaining the necessary room now required for their growing 
trade. 



636 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The Exhibition Show Case Company was organized in 1877, and began 
business the following year over Snyder Brother's shop on State street, near 
Turnpike. In 1883, the tirm removed to the large frame on the corner of 
Eighteenth and Peach streets, which had previously been used as a carriage 
shop by Henry Mankle. The building is 50x120, three stories high, and the 
machine work is done at the Erie City Planing Mill. The firm is composed 
of G. W. Churchill, J. W. Churchill and P. Henrichs, employs thirty-eight 
hands, and are the exclusive manufacturers of the Upright Sectional Show 
Cases, which are sold all over the United States and Canada, their annual 
saleH amounting to $35,000. 

Olds' Pump Company, limited, had its beginning in 1845, when L. W. 
Olds started a factory in East Mill Creek Township. In 1853, he removed to 
Erie, and has ever since carried on the business in this city. In March, 1881, 
the company was incorporated, and now employs six men in the manufacture of 
well, cistern and water tubing. L. AV. Olds, the senior member of the com- 
pany, claims to be the pioneer manufacturer of wooden pumps in the State. 
George Olds has had a pump factory on Thirteenth, between Peach and Sassa- 
fras streets since 1865, but in 1881 the two firms were consolidated under the 
present title, Clark and William Olds being also members of the company. 

Two extensive planing mills and lumber yards are located on Front street, 
viz., James McBrier & Co., and George Carroll & Bro. The first mentioned, 
lying between State and French streets, is one of the oldest and widely known 
yards of Erie. The mill is 66x170, the lumberyard covering the block between 
State and French, north of Front street to the bay. In the summer season the 
firm employs sixty-five men, and thirty in the winter time. About 4,000,000 
feet of lumber are manufactured, beside 6,000,000 feet of rough lumber handled 
annually. All the pine is obtained from Michigan, while the tirm also handle 
the native hard woods. The tirm of George Carroll & Brother, whose planing 
mills and lumber yards are located on Front street, east of French, is well 
and favorably known, having been organized in 1865, and is one of the 
flourishing manufacturing interests of Erie. 

We have previously given the early history of the Densmore Flouring 
Mills, now owned and operated by William Densmore & Co. They contain 
many of the latest improvements in cleaning and grinding wheat, though not 
using the roller process, and the product ranks high in the market of Erie. 
Though located on Mill Creek, the motive power is supplied by an engine. 
The mill is titted with four run of stone, all used in grinding wheat, the daily 
capacity being about 400 bushels. The product finds a ready sale in the home 
market, and a large portion of it is consumed here, though some shipping 
trade is enjoyed. Mr. Densmore has been a resident of Erie since 1838, and 
of his ability as a miller, the high reputation enjoyed by the Densmore Mills is 
the best evidence. 

The Fairmount Mills, Eighth street, near Holland, is one of the pioneer 
mills of Erie, and we have previously mentioned it in that connection, but 
though its hewed timbers and outward appearance bespeak its age, its internal 
arrangement and the improved character of its machinery mark its proprietors 
as enterprising, progressive millers, and the reputation of its product is equal 
to any mill in this section of the State. It came into the possession of J. B. 
Crouch & Co. in 1872, and prior to the fall of 1883 was operated by both 
water and steam power, but at that time the mill underwent a thorough re- 
pairing; a full line of Stevens' rolls, with a capacity of 150 barrels of flour 
per day, were put in, and the use of water-power abandoned, steam alone being 
now used. The mill is a three-story frame structure, wherein twelve men 



p. 



,#^" 





OL/m^ 



(M^ 




CITY OF ERIE. 639 

find employment, and their markets are along the several railroads centering 
in Erie. 

In 1865, Oliver & Bacon purchased the Canal Flouring Mills, on the corner 
of Sixth and Myrtle streets. They had been in operation some years, the motive 
power being supplied from the canal, but they were finally converted into a steam 
mill, and water-power abandoned. In the spring of 1883, a complete line of 
Stevens' rolls, with a capacity of 200 barrels per day, were added, and, besides, 
running up to the full capacity in the manufacture of flour also grinds daily 
about twenty tons of meal and feed. It is a four-story frame building, 40x90, 
furnished with a Colt double engine of 100-horse-power, and was erected by 
William Kelley, under the supervision of Jehiel Towner, one of the pioneer 
millers of Erie. The grade of flour turned out by this mill is second to none, 
and besides a large home trade the product is sold along the line of the Phila- 
delphia & Erie Railroad, any surplus of low gi-ade being shipped to New York 
for export. The firm is John Oliver and S. E. Bacon, and twenty-two men 
find steady employment at this mill, which runs day and night. 

Merchant Mills: In 1872, Crouch Brothers erected the four story brick mill, 
80x140, on thecoraer of Holland street, and the Pennsylvania and Lake Shore 
Railroads, a very eligible site on account of the fine shipping facilities af- 
forded by these lines. The mill began business with ten run of stone buhrs, 
but in 1882 it was furnished with a complete set of Stevens' rolls, having a 
capacity of 400 barrels of flour per day, besides twenty-five tons of meal and 
feed. The firm of P. & O. E. Ci'ouch employs in this mill twenty men, and 
besides a large local trade ship their flour through Pennsylvania, Ohio and 
New York. A large amount of grain is also bought at this mill and shipped 
to the Eastern cities. 

C. E. Gunnison & Co., tanners, No. 238 West Eighteenth street: The 
tannery to whose interests this article is devoted was established by the present 
proprietors in 1859, and has been operated by them ever since. The tannery 
consists of a large brick building, partly two and partly three stories in height; 
the three -story part 53x54 feet, and the two-story part 22x70 feet in dimensions. 
Attached to this building is their office, 20x20 feet, besides an engine and 
boiler room 30x75 feet in dimensions. They use a twenty-horse-power engine 
and boiler of much lai'ger capacity, give employment to sixteen hands, and 
have a capacity of about 250 sides per week. They make harness and rough 
leather principally, and find a ready market for all they produce, the harness 
leather being sold to the general trade here, while all the rough leather is 
shipped to the East. The average annual production will reach the sum of 
$50,000. The individual members of the firm are C. E. and J. B. Gunnison. 
The latter is thoroughly practical in the business, attends carefully to de- 
tails, and their product is the equal of any in the market. 

E. Streuber & Bro. , tannery. State street, between Eighteenth and Nine- 
teenth: The manufacture of leather is a branch of industry very extensively 
pursued in Erie, and the above firm are leading tanners and curriers of the city. 
The business was founded by John Streuber, the father of the present pro- 
prietors, in 1861, and was conducted by him until his death in 1872. In 1871, 
the senior member of the present firm was admitted to an interest in the busi- 
ness, and five years later George Streuber became a partner, when the present 
firm name was assumed. The premises occupied are a brick building five- 
stories high, and a rear frame L, the whole covering an area of 100x165 feet. 
The establishment gives employment to twenty- four men, and turns out fin- 
ished calf, kip, upper, harness and sole leather, besides some unfinished light 
stock, which is worked into carriage leather, etc. The total value of the prod- 



640 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

uct reaches annually $120,000. The stock is shipped to all sections of the 
country, principally to the West, but sales are not confined to ajiy locality. 
The reputation of this tannery is high wherever its product is known, and 
every attention is bestowed to maintain a high standard of quality. 

Lake City Malt House, No. 432 West Ninth street: This enterprise was 
started in 1859 by Ben Butterfield, annually producing 5,000 bushels of malt, 
and in 1864 was purchased by Jacob Weschler, its present proprietor. The 
large and conveniently arranged office and warehouse is 55x110 feet in dimen- 
sions; the malt house is five-stories high and is built of brick; the drying kiln 
adjoining is 30x45 feet in dimensions, also of brick, containing two wire cloth 
floors, which are the best in this city, and as good as any in the Union. These 
buildings are admirably located, being in close proximity to the railroads and 
lake navigation, having a storage capacity of 60,000 bushels, thus afford- 
ing excellent facilities for the reception and shipment of goods. The produc- 
tion of this malt house aggregates from 100,000 to 125,000 bushels yearly, 
which is principally barley malt. In the spring of 1883, Mr. Weschler erected 
a brick malt house, 70x100 feet, live and six stories high, with a storage capac- 
ity of 100,000 bushels. It is located on the corner of Parade and Sixteenth 
streets, opposite the'freight depot of the Pennsylvania Railroad, having switches 
to that and the Lake Shore road. The great bulk of grain is purchased in 
Canada, while a small percentage is of home production. By far the largest 
portion of malt made by this house is shipped to New York City, Philadelphia, 
Pittsburgh and Allegheny City, where it always finds a ready market and the 
preference of trade. Mr. Weschler has in his employ fifteen experienced work- 
men, besides being a practical man himself in both brewing and malting. He 
has lived here for the past thirty- four years, and is a gentleman with whom it 
is a pleasure to do business. His two sons, Daniel D. and Leo B. Weschler, 
are valuable assistants in managing the business, the former traveling, selling 
the malt and buying barley, of which nothing but the finest quality is used, 
the latter having charge of the malting. 

The Erie Malting Company, corner of Eighteenth and Parade streets: The 
nucleus of this business was laid by Alfred King, who purchased nearly five 
acres of ground from Gen. C. M. Reed, upon which he erected a part of the 
present building. The property passed into the hands of the Keystone Bank, 
who sold it to the present owners. The firm as now constituted was established 
in the year 1873. The premises consist of a plat of ground 120x200 feet, on 
which is erected a brick malt house four stories in height, where employment 
is given to fifteen experienced maltsters. The house is one of the best ap- 
pointed for the production of its specialty, every part being arranged for the 
most convenient handling of the grain in its first receipt, and the subsequent 
processes through which it passes. A twelve-horse-power engine is utilized, 
and the annual product aggregates 85,000 bushels of barley malt. The firm 
malt no other grain, and in addition to giving employment to the number of 
men engaged, afford the farmers of this section a ready market for all the bar- 
ley offered, at the highest cash price. The enterprise of the firm at this point 
is only a portion of their business, they operating the business on a large 
scale in the city of Baltimore, where the Strauses are well known as among 
that city's most enterprising citizens. The firm is composed of H. Straus, L. 
Straus, S. Straus and A. Bell, all residents of Baltimore, while the practical 
oversight of their business at this point is looked after by A. L. Straus, the 
son of one of the owners, a young man of thorough business training, who 
has strongly identified himself with the city's best interests. 

Downer & Howard, brewers, corner of Seventeenth and Parade streets: This 



CITY OF ERIE. 641 

brewery was established by Adam Dietz many years ago, the building being 
erected by him on land bought of Rufus S. Reed. A law- suit afterward came 
up over the right to the water of a spring some distance south of the site, which 
Dietz claimed to have purchased of Reed, and the courts sustained the claims 
of the former to the spring water. Alfred King bought the brewery of Dietz, 
and it subsequently passed into the possession of the Keystone Bank, who sold it 
to Downer & Howard in 1872. The brewery consists of four large and sub- 
stantial structures, completely fitted up in every department with all the latest 
improvements. The annual capacity is about 3,000 barrels, and six hands are 
constantly employed in its production. The beer from this brewery has become 
Tery popular, not only in Erie, but is sold in large quantities in Cleveland, 
Chicago, Buffalo and elsewhere. It is made from well-selected malt and hops, 
is entirely free from all impurities and adulterations, and is highly prized as 
an excellent and healthful beverage. In connection with their brewing inter- 
ests, the firm is engaged in the shipment of malt and hops, their principal 
market being in the West. 

The Eagle Brewery, State street, was established about 1846, and was 
then owned by Fry & Schaff. The former gentleman retired from the busi- 
ness in 1854, and was succeeded by J. H. Kalvelage, who. two years later, be- 
came sole proprietor. The premises occupy nearly a square between Twenty- 
first and Twenty-second streets, running from Peach to State, besides an 
extensive ice house on the east side of State street. The cellars are very 
extensive, and furnish unsurpassed store room for the large stock of lager 
always carried. A patent ice house, of approved construction, 50x80 feet, 
built in 1874, is an important addition, while the latest improvements and 
appliances for brewing purposes have been introduced. The Eagle Brewery 
makes most of its own malt, and the care bestowed here adds largely to the 
reputation of the lager. An engine of 13-horse- power is used, twelve men 
and three teams are employed, and the product reaches from 8,000 to 10,000 
barrels per annum. The reputation of the Eagle Brewery is such that almost 
the entire make is sold at home, though some shipping trade, extending East, 
West and South, is enjoyed. 

J. S. Riddle, maltster, corner of Fourteenth and Holland streets: The malt 
house owned and operated by Col. Riddle was established in 1875 by Dens- 
more & McCarter, and so continued until 1879, when W. J. McCarter became 
sole proprietor. In November, 1882, he was succeeded by Col. Riddle, who 
has since carried on the business. The malt house is of brick, two stories 
high, 70x130 feet in dimensions, and is in close proximity to the railroads, 
thus being admirably located for the reception and shipment of goods. His 
production aggregates 35,000 bushels yearly, and is principally barley malt. 
The great bulk of grain is purchased in Canada, while a small percentage is of 
home production. In addition to malting, he annually handles about 35,000 
bushels of barley, of lake shore and Canada growth, which is sold to the gen- 
era) trade. The greater portion of malt produced by this house is shipped to 
New York. 

The National Brewery, corner of Sixth and Parade streets, was established 
about 1848 by Jacob Fuess, after whose decease his step-son, C. M. Conrad, 
fell heir to the property. The house has a capacity of 25,000 barrels, but its 
annual production is about 15,000. Since Mr. Conrad became proprietor, the 
business has gradually increased, and twenty men now find employment at this 
brewery, while its beer is of first-class quality. 

Koehler's Brewery, corner of Twenty-sixth and Holland streets, was estab- 
lished, in 1860, by Charles Koehler, after whose death his son, F. Koehler, 



642 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

became proprietor. The father began business on a very small scale, which 
increased with the passing years, until to-day a fine four-story brick building, 
60x200 feet, stands upon the old site. This brewery employs eighteen men, 
consumes about 30,000 bushels of malt per year, and manufactures about 
14,000 barrels of beer annually, which is second to none in the market. 

Erie Boot and Shoe Company, corner of Ash and Twenty-fifth streets: The 
most extensive establishment devoted to the production of boots and shoes in 
this section of our State is the Erie Boot and Shoe Company, of which J. 
Eichenlaub is President and General Manager, and J. W. Ryan, Treasurer. 
This company was organized and started business in 1871, and from its incep- 
tion until the present day has grown in importance until now it can jiistly be 
ranked among the leading industries of the city. The factory of this com- 
pany, located at the corner of Ash and Twenty-fifth streets, was erected solely 
for the purpose for which it is used, and offers all the perfections requisite 
for the handling of such a volume of business, encompassing ventilation, light 
repositories for machinery, and rooms for the various departments. The 
building has a frontage of thirty-five feet and a depth of 150 feet, is built of 
brick, and is four stories high, each story carefully fitted up and furnished for 
the prosecution of the business in all its branches, and employing from 75 to 
100 hands. Here is carried on, upon an extensive scale, the manufacture of 
ladies', misses', men"s and youths' hand-sewed, machine-sewed, pegged and 
standard screw boots and shoes, of various styles and sizes, and with special 
reference to rapidity and convenience, the factory is divided into several de- 
partments, comprising that for the cutting of upper leather, the cutting of sole 
leather, the crimping, bottoming, treeing, stitching, finishing, packing, etc. 
All these operations are conducted with the greatest skill and dexterity by 
competent workmen, the company manufacturing goods to the value of |200,- 
000 annually. The trade extends over Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois 
and Michigan, and wherever introduced at once gains a reputation for superior 
workmanship. 

Watson's Paper Mills, corner of Sixteenth and Holland streets, built and 
operated by H. F. Watson, are one of the most important enterprises of Erie. 
The premises are finely located with double sidings from the L. S. & M. S. 
and P. & E. Railroads, giving unsurpassed facilities for receiving and shipping, 
and consist of a tract of land 200x450 feet in area, which is improved with 
buildings required in the business of the following proportions and uses: 
Main building, 80x120, two stories; machine room, 120x50; engine room, 35x 
35; boiler room, 40x65; sizing room, 36x60; boiler room, 20x35; tank house, 
30x40; bleach house, 30x40; stock house, 40x120; warehouse, 80x40; office, 
21x40. These buildings are not only subtantial and convenient, but of a finish 
and appearance seldom employed in works of a similar character, and with the 
machinery used have cost upward of $150,000. In the spring of 1883, a 
chemical works, 40x120 feet, were erected, and Mr. Watson contemplates 
building a warehouse in the near future, 40x200. The machinery in use con- 
sists in part of a 64-inch and an 84-inch double cylinder machine; seven 
1,000-pound and three 1,200-pound beating engines; seven steam boilers, and 
other machinery, driven by five engines of 600 combined horse-power. The 
product of the mill is building and roll manilla paper, of which from twenty 
to twenty-five tons are daily manufactured, also cold tar products and chemi- 
cals, giving employment to 75 men. Mr. Watson enjoys a high reputation as 
a paper manufacturer, and his extensive facilities are fully taxed to meet the 
demands of the trade. 

Lovell Manufacturing Company, limited, was incorporated in 1882, successor 



CITY OF ERIE. 643 

to M. N. Lovell, who began the business now carried on at Erie in 1879. The 
company manufacture spring beds, etc., which business Mr. Lovell estab- 
lished in 1881. Their factory is in the Tracy Block, on French street, between 
Fifth and Sixth, where from forty to fifty hands find steady employment. In the 
fall of 1883, a new factory was erected on the corner of Thirteenth and 
French streets, where they own a lot 125x450 feet in size. The new build- 
ings are as follows: One two story, 40x100; two additional one-story wings. 
25x52 and 27x40 respectively, all of which are brick; also a frame 16x20. These 
buildings are furnished throughout with entire new mechinery for the manu- 
facture of wire and springs, and is the only establishment of the kind in Erie. 
Twenty -five men find employment in the new works. The company intend to 
erect additional buildings, and remove their entire business to the new location. 
M. N. Lovell is Chairman; W. W. Hunt, Treasurer; and A. W. Walker, Sec- 
retary of the company, and own stores for the sale of their goods in the follow- 
ing cities: New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Buffalo, Rochester, 
Albany, Brooklyn, Newark, Providence, Syracuse, New Haven, Worcester, Scran- 
ton, Lowell, Springfield and Easton. 

Marks & Meyer, merchant tailors, 806 and 808 State street, have been in 
business since 1867 under the same firm name, and for the past fourteen years 
at their present location. The business is divided into several departments, 
each separate and distinct from the other. Two experienced and reliable cut- 
ters and thirty skilled workmen are constantly employed in the merchant tailor- 
ing department. Their trade in this line is probably the most extensive in 
the city, and the reputation of the house for stylish, reliable work, stands 
second to few in the State. In the ready-made clothing department, the 
assortment is fully as complete. The stock is of their own manufacture, and 
every attention is paid to details in making it up. In this department, from 
two to four practical cutters are employed, and work is steadily furnished to 
from sixty to 100 hands. The trade conducted is wholesale as well as retail, 
each branch of the business occupying a separate portion of the building. An 
idea may be gained of the extent and variety of the stock from the fact that 
it represents a cash value often exceeding $100,000. The location occupied em- 
braces two of the handsomest and best lighted stores in the city, each 24x125 
feet in area, and the fii'st and second floors and basement are fully taken up with 
stock. The house is well represented on the road, and has an honorable rep- 
utation among the trade. The copartnership consists of Charles S. Marks 
and P. A. Meyer, gentlemen whose long residence in Erie has fully identified 
them with the city's growth and progress. 

Baker, Ostheimer & Co., clothiers, corner of Fifth and State streets: 
In 1849-50, Mr. B. Baker laid the foundation of the splendid business, 
which is now conducted by his two sons and son-in-law. From a small begin- 
ning, he has seen it grow to its present proportions; and to his sound judg- 
ment and honorable business record, its success is largely due. Over a third 
of a century since its foundation, it is one of the oldest houses in the city, 
and under the impulse of young and active managers, whose ambition is to 
lead the trade in this section, it is year by year reaching out further for trade, 
and season after season is making its name and reputation more widely known. 
The firm occupy with their business the handsome block on the corner of Fifth 
and State streets, four stories in height, with a frontage of sixty feet on State 
and eighty feet on Fifth street. The first and second floors are used as sales- 
rooms, the remainder of the building for manufacturing purposes. The firm 
make aJl the goods they handle, except a few of the cheaper grades, thus 
enabling them to offer their stock to the trade with the certainty that it is 



644 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

carefully cut, honestly made, and can be confidently recommended for style 
and quality. They employ seven cotters, and from seventy to 125 hands 
in their manufacturing department, a ad are represented on the road by three 
energetic, capable salesmen. The individual members of the present firm are 
Isaac Baker, Jacob Ostheimer and Henry Baker. They assumed the manage- 
ment of the affairs of the house in 1866, and by their energy and enterprise 
have largely increased the business. 

Mart. Mauer. confectioner and baker, No. 21 West Seventh street, began 
business at Erie in 1870, taking his part in the struggle for commercial honors 
and success. To-day he owes his attainment of these distinctions not to any 
lucky hit, but to the display of thoroughness, pluck, perseverance and perfect 
knowledge of his work. His store is an attractive building, three stories in 
height, built substantially of brick. His store and retail department occupies 
the first floor, and is 26x160 feet in dimensions. The factory department occu- 
pies the basement and third floors, while the wholesale department is conducted 
in the first and second rear stories, the dimensions of all the floors being alike. 
In the manufacturing department, Mr. Mauer employs twenty-five hands, 
skilled in their business, and turns out a large quantity of manufactured goods 
yearly. The stock embraces not only confections of his own make, but im- 
ported rarities of merit, in great variety. His employment of a large number 
of hands about the hou.se and four travelers on the road makes him a large 
disburser of monej' in wages, and his trade in New York, Pennsylvania and 
Ohio adds not a little to Erie's celebrity as a distributing center. 

Jarecki Chemical Works, east Twelfth street, near P. & E. E. B. : Among 
the most recent additions to the city's industries may be noted the Jarecki 
Chemical Works, which were established in the year 1880 on a plant in the 
eastern portion of the city, convenient to the railway lines for the receipt and 
shipment of goods, and which have since their establishment taken a reputable 
position for the excellence of their productions. The works consist of a 
building well adapted for their business, and is two stories in height, 75x155 
feet in dimensions. Their machinery consists of crushers and all the acces- 
sories of this manufacture, driven by an engine of forty -horse -power. The 
products of the works consist of super- phosphates and other fertilizers, sul- 
phate ammonia, sal ammonia, sulphuric acid, etc. , and the amount produced 
is constantly increasing. Their phosphates are rapidly making their merits 
known and felt in the agricultural regions of the country, and bid fair to take 
a foremost place among these valuable aids to successful farming which have 
become so large an article of commerce in later years. They analyze every- 
thing they use in manufacture or sell, consequently their fertilizers are always 
alike; every bag is marked with the analysis according to law, and therefore 
every one knows what he buys. The company will buy all the bones offered 
at highest cash price at the works. The ground bone is made of pure bone,, 
ground fine, and the phosphate is manufactured fi'om bone black, ground bone 
meat dissolved in acid, ammonia salt and potash, and contains no sand, muck, 
dirt or adulterations of any kind. The members of the firm are Gustav 
Jarecki, President of Hvimboldt Bank; Alfred Jarecki, a practical and thor- 
ough chemist, and C. J. Englehart, who has charge of the works. These gen- 
tlemen are all known in Erie as men of sterling business qualities and as 
public-spirited citizens. 

Eclipse Lubricating Oil Company, limited, office Keystone Bank building: 
In 1875, Thomas Brown started the "Erie Lubricating Works," but in June, 
1878, they were consolidated with an oil company of Franklin, Penn. , and 
organized under the above title. This well-known company, manufacturers of 



CITY OF ERIE. 645 

the celebrated '* Matchless Valve and Cylinder Oil," as well as a general line 
of lubricating and parafine oils, have a branch of their works at Erie, and are 
doing an extensive business. The works, covering an area of nearly two acres of 
ground, are located on Tenth street, near the P. & E. R. R., from which a 
siding runs into the yard. The Eclipse Lubricating Oil Company manufact- 
ure all grades of lubricating oils, of all gravities, cold tests, and adapted to 
the weather and climate. They also manufacture refined oil to some extent. 
A special brand upon which they have built up an extensive trade is the 
" Matchless Valve and Cylinder Oil," which is warr^ted not to corrode the 
iron or eat the packing, and to be of the best quality. It is sold only to rail- 
roads, or through the company's special agents, and is not handled by the trade 
generally. The capacity of the works at Erie is about 100 bari'els per day, 
giving employment to from twenty-five to thirty men. The main works are at 
Franklin, Penn., where they employ about 150 men, and produce about 1,000 
barrels of oil daily. The Eclipse Lubricating Oil Company is a limited cor- 
poration, of which Thomas Brown is Chairman. The extent of their opera- 
tions, as well as the high standard maintained in all their products, justly en- 
titles them to the most favorable consideration. 

Ashby & Vincent, job printers, manufacturing stationers and lithographers, 
423 State street: This enterprising and well-known firm stands at the head of 
their line of business in Northwestern Pennsylvania, and possess every facility 
for doing fine, first-class work. The establishment contains six 'presses and 
three ruling machines, of the latest and most improved construction, with 
other machinery incidental to their business, and furnishes constant employ- 
ment to from thirty-five to forty hands in the different departments. Its pro- 
ductions embrace everything in the line, from the ponderous bank ledger to 
the pocket memorandum book, and from a business card to the most elaborate- 
ly ruled and printed railroad stationery, besides engraving in all its branches, 
lithographing and electrotyping. The house does an extensive business as 
wholesale stationers, carrying a large and complete assortment of goods in- 
cluded under this head; also a full line of blank books and fancy stationery. 
They possess every facility not only for turning out a large amount of work, 
but work of the finest description, and the annual business aggregates a large 
sum. The firm is composed of J. E. Ashby and Harry Vincent, who, in 1867, 
founded their present business on a modest scale, and its present proportions 
are due to their energy and enterprise, as well as to the character of their work. 

John C. McCrea, pork-packer, corner State and Twenty -first streets: The 
only house in Erie making a specialty of this business is the above, which was 
founded by the present proprietor in 1880. The building occupied is a sub- 
stantial brick structure, two stories and basement, 80x140 feet in dimensions, 
and is fitted up with every convenience for the rapid and successful prosecu- 
tion of the business. During each season, from 5,000 to 10,000 hogs are 
slaughtered here, though this represents but a small portion of the business done. 
Much of the stock is bought dressed, and still more of that handled is packed 
and cured in the West. From ten to fifteen men are constantly employed 
during the season, and the business transacted is large and steadily increas- 
ing. The line dealt in embraces, besides pork, the celebrated Erie brand of 
sugar- cured hams, lard, bacon and dried beef. Mr. McCrea was formerly a 
member of the firm of McCrea Brothers, the well-known pork packers of Cleve- 
land, and is a gentleman thoi'oughly familiar with the business in all its details. 
In his enterprise he has added an important feature to the growing commer- 
cial advantages of Erie. 

Erie Lime and Cement Company, foot of French street: This enterprise^ 



646 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the only one of the kind in Erie, was established in 1864 by a number of 
business men, but was never incorporated. Several changes in the company 
were made from time to time, until in 1867 the plant and business became 
the property of H. W. Spooner and Samuel Rea. They burn the celebrated 
Kelly's Island limestone, running two kilns, with a capacity of 500 bushels per 
day. The Keystone Plaster and Limestone Mills are also a part of the plant; 
and here they grind the Canada land plaster and limestone, fine, for fertilizing 
purposes. Besides these products, they deal extensively in super-phosphates, 
Nova Scotia calcined plaster and water lime, and are the agents of the Pacific 
Guano Company. These goods have an established reputation, and the farm- 
ers can rely upon their strength and freedom from impurities. The firm owns 
and run in their business the schooner Julia Willard, and give employment to 
twelve'men, the capital employed being very large, as they own an extensive 
dock property, besides the kilns and plaster mills. 

Swalley & Warfel, manufacturers of soap and candles, Nos. 1119 and 1121 
Peach street, are the successors of the oldest soap factory in this portion of 
the State. Established in 1852, by G. F. Brevillier, it so continued until 1871, 
when it came into the possession of J. W. Swalley, who in the spring of 1883 
associated with him Martin Warfel. The factory was then on the corner of 
Sixth and Holland streets, but the new firm immediately erected the present 
works on Peach street, and abandoned the old location. The main building 
is a three-story brick, 45x100 feet in size, with a boiler room 20x45. In July, 
1883, the new works were occupied, and here seven hands find steady employ- 
ment in the manufacture of soaps and candles, the firm also handling tallow, 
caustic soda, soda ash, sal soda, etc., in large quantities, their markets being 
Erie and the oil regions of Pennsylvania, though shipping principally to the 
larger Eastern cities, which illustrates the push and enterprise of the proprie- 
tors, 

Erie Mantel Works, 1226 State street: This enterprise was started in 
March, 1881, and is therefore one of the latest additions to the manufacturing 
enterprises of Erie. The works are located for the present at No 1226 State 
street, occupying a factory 40x75 feet in dimensions, and a show room 25x40 
feet, in which is displayed many handsome specimens of their work. All va- 
rieties of variegated marble, from Tennessee, Virgrinia, the Hudson, and from 
Europe, are used, and under the hands of experienced artists are carved and 
finished in the highest style of the art. In marbled work, the Euclid sand- 
stone is used, and when finished with panels of granite set into the marbled 
surface and relieved by ornaments cut into the natural stone, it would be 
difficult to imagine anything more artistic in design and finish. These man- 
tles are made to order of any size or style required, and at prices ranging from 
$20 to $500. Fui-niture tops are also made, and grates, English Minton tiles 
for hearths and wainscoting are largely dealt in. It is the design of the com- 
pany to remove to more extensive quarters, on State street, between Ninth and. 
Tenth, in the spring of 1884, and largely extend their business, as their pres- 
ent capacity, which is limited to the production of only one complete mantel 
per day, will not supply the demand. The enterprise is in the hands of men 
whose ambition is not measured by small results, and promises to become an 
important addition to the business interests of the city. 

E. L. Pelton, monuments, head stones, etc.. No. 405 State street: This busi- 
ness was established by Roderick Pelton, the father of the present proprietor, in 
1845. At his death, in 1871, E. L. Pelton became the owner, and has con- 
ducted the business in a highly successful manner. The ground occupied is 
42x165 feet in dimensions, roomy, and conveniently appointed for the work. 



CITY OF ERIE. 649 

The buildings consist of a two-story brick front for show room, etc., 28x28, 
and a shop in the rear o£ this 20x50 feet in dimensions, while the works con- 
tain steam machinery for polishing purposes. Five workmen are employed, 
while an elaborate stock of finished work is always on hand. Mr. Pelton is 
prepared to execute marble and granite work to order in the most artistic 
designs. The specimens of his handiwork compare favorably with those pro- 
duced in any other section. His stock of impoi'ted statuary has been carefully 
selected, and evinces taste and judgment. A stock of Italian and Vermont 
marble and Scotch and American granites is always on hand, from which is 
produced headstones and monuments of any desired style of sculpture. 

M. A. Dunning' s marble works, No. 1227 Peach street, are the largest and 
most important in the city, and he enjoys the patronage of a large extent of 
country. He makes a specialty of fine cemetery work, and has turned out some 
of the most beautiful, artistic and graceful designs in this section. He also 
furnishes marble and sandstone for building purposes, marble mantels and 
grates. The yard is desirably situated, and is convenient in every respect for 
the transaction of his business. The ground occupied is 40x165 feet in dimen- 
sions, upon which ai'e substantial buildings. He employs ten to twelve hands, 
all of whom are skilled. He makes a specialty of designing monuments to 
order, and has gained a wide reputation for the high character of his produc- 
tions. Many evidences of his handiwork can be seen in the cemeteries in the 
vicinity of Erie, over the adjoining country and also in the many new build- 
ings and dwellings that have been erected here since he established the busi- 
ness in 1865. He is a large importer of Scutch granite and dealer in Italian 
and American marble, having always on hand a stock estimated in value at 
from 16,000 to $7,000, and also manufactures American granite monuments 
and headstones. These works have a steam polishing machine for polishing 
granite and marble, operated by a ten-horse-power engine. Mr. Dunning is 
one of the enterprising business men of the city. 

American Fusee Company, limited, was started in February, 1874, on Twenty- 
first and Liberty streets, where the business was carried on till April, 1883, 
when the company removed to the present location on the corner of Seven- 
teenth and Cascade streets. The building is a three-story frame structure, 
40x150, with an L 50x75 feet in size, and about twenty men find steady employ- 
ment in the manufactui'e of safety parlor and blazing fusees. The capital 
stock is 1200,000, and the following gentlemen are the officers of the company : 
W. R. Davenport, President; John Dodge, Jr., Secretary and Treasurer, whose 
names are synonymous of enterprise, progress and public spirit. 

Erie Rubber Company, whose works are on the corner of East avenue and 
Twelfth street, was organized in April, 1882, and began business the following 
September, The building occupied was partially erected by the railroad com- 
pany, but has been much enlarged by its present owners. It is a two-story frame, 
40x160 feet in dimensions, furnished with new, first-class machinery, and 
operated by one engine of 125-horse-powei'. From twenty-five to thirty hands 
now find steady work in the manufacture of all kinds of rubber goods for me- 
chanical purposes, the mill having a capacity of about $350,000 worth of busi- 
ness per annum. The company is composed of W. H., Charles and N. J. 
Whitehead, who find a ready market for their goods in every portion of the 
United States. 

BOAKD OF TRADE. 

This organization originally established in the year 1874, for the bringing 
together in closer social and business relations the business men of Erie 
has from year to year extended and increased its power for good until now it 

34 



650 



HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



is one of the features of the city. It is composed of the very best men in the 
community, whose efforts to enhance the material wealth of the place are 
apparent, from the magnificent establishments which many of them operate and 
the increased business which they now enjoy. The Board of Trade rooms are 
in the Reed House Block, and the following gentlemen were its officers in 1883: 
George V. Maus, President; S. E. Bacon, Treasurer; Douglass Benson, Secre- 
tary. We are indebted to Mr. Benson for the following summary of Erie's 
industries, which also gives a comparative statement of their output for the 
four years, ending December 31, 1882, and will prove of value as showing the 
growth of the city's establishments: 



INDUSTRIES. 



Iron manufactures 

Flouring mills 

Brass foundries 

Car manufactories 

Stove manufactories 

Boots, shoes and leather 

Oils 

Breweries and malt houses — 
Sash, blinds, planing mills — 

Pumps 

Organs 

Woodenware, chairs, etc 

Miscellaneous manufactories. 



1879. 



,398,000 
205,000 
330,000 
740,000 
350,000 
220,000 

75,000 
375,000 
222,000 

35,000 
125,000 
320,000 
798,000 



Men. Product. 



987 

44 

360 

975 

287 

180 

25 

98 

84 

20 

116 

216 

473 



2,098,000 
700,000 
695,000 

1,520,0U0 
363,000 
250,000 
200,000 
395,000 
418,000 
35,000] 
275,000! 
340,0001 
927,000 



Totals $ 5,193,0003,865,$ 8,211,000 



1880. 



Capital. Men. 



1,435, 
245, 
[500, 

1,045, 

375, 

220, 

75, 

4oo; 

215, 
35 

125 
200 

775 



5001.167 
000 

450 



000 
500 



1,050 



000 312 



000 
000 
000 
000 
000 



170 
25 
75 

102 
21 



000 120 
000 1821 
000 510! 



Product. 



2,373,000 
990,000 
950,000 

1,950,000 
398.000 
245,000 
200,000 
485,000 
375,000 
40,000 
300,000 
345,000 
955,000 



5.646,0004,232,$ 9,606,000 



INDUSTRIES. 


1881. 

1 


1882. 




Capital. 


Men. 


Product. 


Capital. 


Men. 


Product. 




$ 1,728,300 
245,000 
575,000 
1,080,000 
390,000 
220,000 

75,000 
445,000 
220,000 

35,000 
125,000 
238,800 
990,000 


1,618 

67 

435 

1,100 

307 

175 

25 

106 

187 

21 

115 

284 

524 


$ 4,272,0001 

1,165,000 

1,078,000 

2,075,000 

440,000 

250,000 

200,000 

687,000 

390,000 

40,000 

225,000 

500,500 

1,247,500 


$ 2,397,000 
250,000 
575,000 
1,025,500 
401,000 
220,000 

75,000 
537,000 
235,000 

35,000 
125,000 
460,000 
791,000 


1,714 
67 

435 
578 
338 
175 

25 
106 
200 

21 
120 
301 
612 


$ 3,923,000 


Flouring mills 


1,215,000 
1,050,000 


Car manufactories ••• . . 

Stove manufactories 


965,500 
564,000 


Boots, shoes and leather 

Oils 


250,000 
250,000 


Breweries and malt houses 

Sash, blinds, planing mills 

Pumps 


777,000 

459,000 

45,000 


Organs . 


225,000 


Woodenware, chairs, etc 

Miscellaneous manufactories. . . . 


609,000 
1,541,000 


Totals 


$ 6,367,1004,964 


$12,570,000 


$ 7,126,500 


4,692 


$11,873,500 











The annual meeting of the Erie Board of Trade was held March 13, 1884, 
for the election of officers and for hearing the Secretary's report on the city's 
commerce for the years of 1883-84. Matthew E,. Griswold was elected Presi- 
dent, George W. Starr, Vice President, and S. E. Bacon, Treasurer. The f ol - 
lowing commercial statistics were reported: The total capital invested in man- 
ufactures is $7,817,500, the total product of which is $12,113,900, giving em- 



CITY OF ERIE. 651 

ployment to 4,921 skilled workmen. The product of iron industries is $3,- 
532,500; flouring mills, $1,165 000; brass foundries, $1,146,200; car manu- 
factories, $1,650,000; stove works $507,000; boots and shoes, $202,700; oils, 
$300,000; brewers, $740,000: planing mills, $372,500; pumps, $53,000; or- 
gans, $531,000; miscellaneous, $1,672,000, being an increase of $240,400 over 
the total products of last year. 

Of coal receipts, $397,932 tons were received from the Philadelphia & 
Erie Railroad, and 76,680 by the Erie & Pittsburgh road. Of this amount 
339,880 tons were anthracite and 134,812 tons bituminous. The banking cap- 
ital of Erie is $1,582,000, of which $1,067,000 belongs to national banks, and 
$515,000 to private and savings banks. The bank deposits amount to $4,663,- 
000, of which $2/222,000 represents national banks, and $2,441,000 private 
and savings banks. 

The grain receipts from the following ports were: Chicago, 3,604,978 
bushels; Milwaukee, 265,124; Toledo, 393,349; Sandusky, 160,133; Canada 
ports, 37,000. This was disposed of as follows: to New York, 663,405 bush- 
els; to Philadelphia, 1,812.085; Baltimore, 1,470,586; New England' ports, 
404,710; interior, 20,575; Erie local, 79,319. 

The lumber receipts were 36,026,886 feet, of which 17,575,675 came by 
lake and 18,651,161 came by the Philadelphia & Erie road. 

Within the past decade, Erie has made wonderful progress as a manufactur- 
ing point, and to-day occupies an enviable position among the cities of Penn- 
sylvania. Its factories are in full operation and prospering, giving employment to 
mechanics and laborers from home and abroad. The immense iron industry is 
the most important department of manufacture, and is one possessing wonder- 
ful possibilities of development, and of increasing the municipal wealth. The 
various other industries, as the shoe, lumber, coal, milling, furniture, carriage, 
woodenware, musical instruments, paper, malting and leather, are working to 
their fullest capacity. Some have recently enlarged their works and ©thers are 
comtemplating the same. The merchants of the city generally do a thriving 
business, the stores in many cases being mammoth, and the stocks well kept up, 
while the standard of credits of all the city's establishments is high. Erie 
represents socially, commercially, educationallv and religiously the best fruits 
and advancement of modern civilization. 




PART IV. 



Township Histories. 



TOWNSHIP HISTORIES, 



CHAPTER I. 

MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

MILL CREEK is one of the original townships of the county. It re- 
ceived its name from the stream, which became known as Mill Creek 
before the county was organized. The length of the east line is four and 
three-quarter miles; of the south line, ten and a half, and of the west line 
four and a quarter. The greater length of the north or lake line is due to a 
400- acre tract at the mouth of Four Mile Creek, which it was thought 
desirable to make a portion of Mill Creek rather than Harbor Creek, to which 
it naturally belongs. The township numbered 29,630 acres, but the subse- 
quent enlargements of Erie City have reduced it to 25,600 acres. From the 
bay southward, the city extends nearly to the center of the township. In 
1820, Mill Creek contained a population of 1.017; in 1830, of 1,783; in 1840, 
of 2,682; in 1850, of 3,064; in 1870, of 2,774; and in 1880, of 3,274. 

Mill Creek is Ijounded on the north by Lake Erie, the Bay of Presque Isle 
and Erie City; on the east by Harbor Creek and a small part of Greene; on 
the south by McKean, Summit and Greene; and on the west by Fairview. The 
township was divided in 1864 into two districts for election purposes, which 
are known as East and West Mill Creek. 

LANDS. 

In its general features, Mill Creek does not differ materially from the other 
lake shore townships. Commencing at the bay, there is the lake shore plain, 
about two miles wide; the First Ridge; a valley, about a mile in width; the 
Second Ridge, and finally the Walnut Creek Valley, also about a mile wide, 
which is succeeded by the Third Ridge. From the bay to the Second Ridge, 
the land is comparatively level, with a gentle ascent to the south, but on the 
opposite side of the Ridge it is much broken, especially those portions which 
lie beyond Mill Creek and Walnut Creek. The second ridge has obtained 
special names at different points, such as Nicholson's Hill, where it is crossed 
by the Waterford pike, and Russell's hill on the Wattsburg road, between Erie 
and Belle Valley. 

A valley begins in Harbor Ci-eek Township and extends across Mill Creek 
and Fairview into Girard, a distance of fully fifteen miles. It is bounded on 
the north by the Second, and on the south by the Third Ridge, and is watered 
in different sections by Mill Creek, Walnut Creek and Trout Run. The two 
streams first named, after traversing the valley in a western direction, turn 
abruptly to the north, break through the First and Second Ridges by nari'ow 



656 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

channels and find their way to the lake, Mill Creek within the city limits and 
Walnut Creek at Manchester, in Fairview Township. Mill Creek enters the 
valley at or near Belle Valley and Walnut Creek just east of Kearsarge. The 
former leaves it at the Erie County Mills, and the latter near Mr. Schlurafif' s, 
in West Mill Creek. Among its residents are P. E. Norcross, Benjamin 
Russell, John Biu'ton, R. H. Arbuckle, Henry Shattuck, the Parkers, Wolfs 
and Dumarses, in the Mill Creek Section, and Frank Spath, Capt. Spix'es, the 
Schwingles, Zimmerleys, W. W. Love, Thomas H. Mohr, William Carpenter, 
Henry Haldeman, the Weisses, Uras Schluraff, the Thomases and the Huidlers, 
in that of Walnut Creek. 

The farms along the Lake road, west of Erie, from the fact of that being 
the main drive to the Head, are probably the most familiar to the public in the 
county. 

RESERVATIONS. 

The lands from the city limits to the Herrman place are a portion of the 
tract of 2,000 acres, less 100 for the support of the poor, ceded by the State 
to the borough of Erie, for the construction of a basin at the harbor, in con- 
templation of the opening of the canal. They were sold at public sale on the 
Ist of August, 1833, and brought from S9 to $22 per acre. 

The beautiful tract along the Waterford pike known as the Academy lands 
consists of 500 acres set apart by the State for the maintenance of Erie 
Academy. They commenced at the west line of the Cochran and Evans farms, 
and lie on both sides of the road, which runs through them at an angle. 
These lands were originally let out to tenants for ninety-nine years, but the 
lessees becoming dissatisfied, in 1851 or 1852, legislation was secured which 
authorized their sale. 

The original surveys in the township were made in 1795 by George Moore, 
under the direction of Thomas Rees, who was the first State Surveyor in the 
county. In laying out the country, as directed by law, a Reservation was 
made of certain lands bordering the town of Erie, which were withheld from 
sale and settlement. This tract was known as the Erie State Reservation. It 
commenced at the head of the bay, ran southward three miles, then jDarallel 
with the lake and bay eight miles, and from there to the shore of the lake, ex- 
cluding the portion embraced within the town site of Erie. Outside the Res- 
ervation, all the territory in the township, and, in fact, in the Triangle, was 
laid out in 400-acre tracts, with an allowance of six per cent for roads. As 
late as 1831, ten acres near the Eichenlaub shoe factory, now within the city 
limits, sold at $20 per acre. 

CREEKS AND BRIDGES. 

The streams of the townshijD are Two, Three and Four Mile Creeks, east of 
Erie; Mill Creek and Cascade Run, emptying into the bay within the city; the 
Head Run and DanfordRun, on the west side, and Walnut Creek on the south. 
Mill Creek is created by two branches, which unite on the farm now owned by 
James Sill near the southeastern line of the township. The Creek received its 
name because the first mill in the county was built at its mouth. As late as 1835 
there were no less than four grist mills and thirteen saw mills along this 
stream, all propelled by water power. The saw mills have been abandoned, and 
the only grist mill now run wholly by water power is the one on the Watei*ford 
Plank Road known as the Erie County Mills. Walnut Creek, the largest in the 
township, rises in Summit and enters Mill Creek Township near Kearsarge, 
where its valley widens out to the extent of a mile. From there it flows thi'ough 
the south part of the township in a general westerly course to Fairview, where 




^s=s^X.^ 




MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 659 

it suddenly turns to the north, joining the lake at Manchester. Some of the 
earliest settlements in the county were made in the valley of this stream at 
Kearsarge and westward. Two, Three and Four Mile Creeks were named be- 
cause of their supposed distance from the park in Erie. The first two are 
small streams, rising near the central eastern portion of the township and 
flowing directly to the lake. Four Mile Ci'eek rises in Greene Township, runs 
along the western edge of Harbor Creek Township, enters Mill Creek at Wes- 
leyville, and reaches the lake about a mile and a half north of that village. 
Cascade Creek is formed by two branches, which unite on the Scott farm, just 
north of the Mt. Hickory Rolling Mill. The creek empties into the bay at the 
Pittsburgh Docks. It was at the mouth of Cascade Creek that Perry built the 
brigs Lawrence and Niagara in 1813. The little stream afc the Head rises in 
a bwamp south of the Catholic Cemetery. A mill once stood at its mouth, the 
ruins of which remained until a few years ago. Danford Run, which empties 
into the lake in the northwest corner of the township, was a fair-sized stream 
in the days of the canal. It at one time gave power to a saw mill, which was 
converted into a paper mill after the timber in that section was cut off. The 
paper mill proved a failure and was abandoned. 

The township has within its limits a large number of bridges, of which 
the P. & E. R. R. bridge, over Mill Creek, near Belle Valley, and those over 
Walnut Creek are the most important. The one at the town line across the 
latter stream was built jointly by the Commissioners of Fairview and Mill 
Creek. The P. & E. bridge is one of the loftiest in the county, and will un- 
doubtedly be replaced in time by a culvert and embankment. 

PUBLIC HIGHWAYS. 

Bordering Erie, as it does on three sides, all of the great highways in the 
county which center at the city cross Mill Creek Township. The most impor- 
tant of these are the Lake road from east to west, the Buffalo road fi'ooi the 
east, the Wattsburg jjlank and Lake Pleasant roads from the southeast, the 
Edinboro plank and the Waterford pike and plank road from the south, the 
McKean road from the southwest and the Ridge road from the west. The 
Lake road extends across the township from Harbor Creek to Fairview, enter- 
ing Erie by Sixth street and leaving by Eighth, a variation due to the gulleys 
in the western part of the city. The railroads are the Lake Shore, the" Nick- 
el Plate," the Philadelphia & Erie and the Erie & Pittsburgh. The last two 
terminate at Erie and the first two are through routes between the east and 
west. The only railroad stations in the township are Belle Valley, on the 
Philadelphia & Erie, and the Junction near the almshouse. 

The canal between the Ohio River and Erie traversed the township from 
the Fairview line to the bay at the latter city. It was opened in 1844 and 
discontinued in 1871. 

SCHOOLS. 

The schools of Mill Creek Township are as follows: Fagan School, on Lake 
road, near John Pagan's; Laird, on Lake road, at intersection of road to the 
Head; Carter, on Lake road, near John H. Carter's; Miller, on Andrew Nich- 
olson's farm; Willis, on Ridge road, east of Westminster Church; one on the 
Geist farm, Ridge road; Burton, on Buffalo road, just east of old fair ground; 
Davidson, on road from Marvintown to Cooper's Mill; Zuck, on road from 
County farm to south line of township; Love, on W. W\ Love's farm; Schlu- 
raff, OQ land of C. Thomas; Lake View, on Edinboro road, near Nicholson's 
hill; Parker, on road from Lake Pleasant road to W^aterford road; Walnut 



660 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Creek, in Kearsarge. Of these all are brick, except the Fagan, Carter and 
Miller, which are of stone; the Love, concrete; and the Schlurafif, frame. 

One of the first schools was opened about 1805-06, in the southeast 
part of the township. William and Bichard Arbuckle, Frederick and 
David Zimmerman and others attended here. John Hay, John Foot, Mrs. 
Burress, Miss Almira Drown, Harvey Nettleton, Miss Louisa Booth also 
taught here. The two last named, both from Ashtabula County, Ohio, after- 
ward became one by matrimony. This school was maintained until 1821. In 
the Love neighborhood, about six miles west from Erie, a school was estab- 
lished about 1806, by the McCrearys, James Love, George Reed and other 
pioneers. It was maintained until the school law went into effect. Mr, 
Crocker, in 1809, taught a term of school at the Reed residence. In 1812, 
Charles J. Reed united with others in building a schoolhouse, about two miles 
south of Erie. Dr. Nathaniel Eastman taught the first term here. He was 
succeeded in l8ll, by Mr. Hawley; Mr. Burrows next held a term, and in the 
spring of 1815 John Foot, from Austinsburg, Ohio, assumed control, and 
remained three years. Many pupils from Erie attended. Mr. Foot excelled 
as a teacher, possessing the art of imparting knowledge. Alexander W. 
Brewster taught in 1818, and a school has ever since been kept iip in this 
place. It was formerly known as the Orubb Schoolhouse, but has since been 
entitled Lake View. 

VILLAGES AND POST OFFICES. 

Mill Creek has no incorporated town, and no settlement of much impor- 
tance, Belle Valley and Kearsarge being the largest. Belle Valley is a scat- 
tered collection of houses along Mill Creek, at the foot of the Second Ridge, 
about four miles from Erie. This place, though settled at an early date, never 
attained to much importance, having at present not over 100 residents. The 
Presbyterian Church, the only one in the village, is a neat building, pleas- 
antly embowered among trees. The graveyard connected with it contains the 
graves of some of the most worthy of the original settlers. The Belle Valley 
Post Office was established in 1855, being then supplied by the Wattsburg 
stage. The hamlet now called Kearsarge was formerly known as Walnut 
Creek, and was once a poin!; of more importance comparatively than at pres- 
ent. At Kearsarge are a store, hotel, schoolhouse and some jDleasant residences. 
The settlement is on the Edinboro road, four miles from Erie. This is one 
of the oldest settled sections of Erie County, Col. Seth Reed having located 
here in 1796, The post office at Kearsarge supplies portions of Mill Creek, 
McKean and Summit Townships. 

The first frame barn in the county was erected by Charles J. Reed, on the 
Zimmerly place, in 1799, and the first frame house on the same farm by the 
same gentleman, in 1800. It was here also that the first white couple mar- 
ried in the county took up their residence. Charles J. Reed, son of Col. Seth 
Reed, was united in matrimony to Miss Rachel Miller, on the 27th of Decem- 
ber, 1797. At the Erie County Mills, in the Mill Creek Valley, three miles 
from Erie, are a saw and flouring mill, a fulling mill, a beer brewery and about 
half a dozen houses. When the water power of Mill Creek was larger, this 
was a point of no little importance. Weigleville, which is near enough to the 
city to be a portion of the corporation, was named after George Weigel, Sr. , 
who bought fifty acres at the sale in 1833, and laid out the Ridge Road front 
into building lots. The village was then a mile and a half out of Erie, and 
was a convenient stopping place for farmers and travelers. About a mile 
westward, on the same thoroughfare, is Warrentown. a small collection of houses 
lining the south side of the road. It was named after John M. Warren, 



MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 661 

whose father took up a large trace of land there and left it to his sons. At the 
point where the McKean road and the road from the Head intersect the Ridge 
road, are the Half -Way House, three shops and a number of dwellings. The 
hotel was opened by Thomas Willis in 1822 or 1823. It then stood about 
half a mile west, on the original line of the road. The building was moved 
a good many years ago. 

In 1847, a man named Frederick Reidel was convicted at Pittsburgh of the 
murder of his wife, but the night before the date fixed for the execution he 
cut a vein in his arm and bled to death. His body was delivered to his brother, 
who brought it to Erie Couaty, and buried it secretly in a graveyard on the 
south line of Mill Creek Township. The matter soon leaked out, and the 
indignation of the people compelled him to remove the remains, which were 
again buried on the east side of the cross road between the Half-Way House 
and the Catholic cemetery, some fifteen or twenty rods north of the Ridge 
road, where they still lie. In November, 1858, George Reidel had an alterca- 
tion with Bartanalli, then owner of the property where the Half-Way House 
stands, and shot the latter dead within a very short distance of his brother's 
grave. He was sentenced to the penitentiary for nine years, served out his 
term, and, returning, took up his residence in Fairview. 

Between Warrentown and the Half-Way House, a short distance north of 
the Ridge road, is the Erie County Almshouse, an imposing structure. Less 
than a mile west of the Half-Way House is the Grange Hall, a neat brick 
structure, and near by is the Westminster Church. Beyond this, on the Ridge 
road, and extending some distance along the same, is quite a village, which 
includes two small mills, two blacksmith shops, etc. A steam saw mill for- 
merly stood in the vicinity, where several boats were built, but it was allowed 
to run down on the sale of the canal. The West Mill Creek Post Olfice is in 
close proximity to the settlement. 

OTHER PROMINENT POINTS. 

Further westward, and to the south of the road, is the observatory built 
some years ago for the use of the government party who were surveying the 
lakes. It is constructed of timber, is 125 feet high, and stands on the Perry 
Nicholson place, about seven miles and a half from Erie, and a quarter of a 
mile south from the road. Passing over to the Lake road, the first point of 
interest as the city is approached is Trinity Cemetery, the burial place of 
the Catholics of Erie and vicinity. It embraces thirty acres purchased by Rev. 
J. L. Coady, Vicar General of the diocese, of Wilson and Richard Laird in 
June, 1867. A little east of the cemetery is the road to the head of the bay, 
which has been for many years the pleasure resort of Erie. The hotel and other 
buildings erected at this point were burnt down in December, 1882. A little 
further eastward were the Mt. Hickory Iron Works, the buildings of which 
were raised in the summer of 1872. The mill burned down in the winter 
of 1883-84. Across the Lake Shore Railroad from the rolling mill was 
the old Reed Garden, once a favorite resort for both city and country people. 
It was opened as a public garden in 1840 or 1841, and was one of the late 
Gen. Reed's pet enterprises. Nearing the city, the grand stand of the fair 
grounds is seen, about half a mile to the south of the Lake road. These 
grounds were first opened for a fair by the State Agricultural Society in 1872. 
The location is one of the most convenient for fair and racing purposes in the 
country, being just the right distance out of the city, and lying alongside two 
railroads. East of the city, on the north side of the Butfalo road, are the old 
fair grounds, now owned by H. C. Shannon. These grounds are a portion of 



662 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

the Jesse Ebersole place, which was purchased by the Erie County Agricultural 
Association in the year 1860. On the Edinboro road, a mile or so south of 
the city limits, quite a village has sprung up on the Evans farm, incident to 
the establishment of the coffin factory. This enterprise was originated by 
Robert Evans, who finally sold out at a heavy loss. Its present owners seem 
to be making a success of the concern. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The churches of Mill Creek Township are the Presbyterian at Belle Val- 
ley, the Westminster (Presbyterian), the Asbury (Methodist) and St. Paul's 
(Lutheran). The Westminster and Asbury churches are on the Ridge road, 
west of the almshouse; St. Paul's Church is at the McKean line, in the south- 
west part of the township. The congregation at Belle Valley was the first 
swarm from the original Presbyterian body in Erie. Most of the settlers in 
the vicinity were members of that denomination, and, growing strong enough 
to maintain a church of their own, they were set off from the Erie congrega- 
tion on the second Monday of December, 1841, erected a building in 1842, and 
dedicated it to God on the 6th of January, 1843. The first minister was Rev. 
William J. Smith, who remained in charge from 1842 to 1847. He was suc- 
ceeded by several others until Rev. Joseph Vance was called in 1854, whose 
ministerial duties continued till 1871, about which period he moved to Erie, 
where he is now Superintendent of the cemetery. Since his time the congre- 
gation have been ministered to by Rev. Mr. Wilson, Rev. Mr. McMasters and 
Rev. H. Webster, the last named being in charge at jn'esent. 

The congregation of Westminster Church was organized by Rev. Johnson 
Eaton in 1806, at the mouth of Walnut Creek, in Fairview Township. Worship 
continued at that place till 1833, when a building (the same now occupied) was 
erected at Swanville. In 1845, a portion of the congregation was set apart as 
the church of Sturgeonville, and erected a building in Fairview Borough. 
This left the church building at Swanville to one side of the territory in 
which the bulk of the communicants resided. Accordingly in 1851, the build- 
ing was moved to its present site. The name of Fairview Church was retained 
till 1861, when that of Westminster was adopted. Mr. Eaton continued as 
pastor for the congregation until his death June l7, 1847. From that time 
until 1851, the congregation was without a pastur, depending on supplies. In 
1851, Rev. Mr. Willson became pastor of the churches of Fairview, Sturgeon- 
ville and Girard. He was released May 2, 1855. From the fall of that year 
until the spring or summer of 1857, Rev. William McCu.llovigh officiated for 
the several churches above named. Rev. John R. Hamilton was installed as 
pastor of the congregations at Westminster and Fairview June 15, 1859, and 
released June 15, 1864. Rev. L. M. Belden filled the same position from 
December 14, 1864, to April 25, 1866. From that date the congregation was 
supplied by Rev. J. M. Gillete, Rev. Ambrose Dunn and others, until Novem- 
ber 24, 1871, when the present pastor. Rev. W. S. Wright, was installed. In 
1881, the congregation numbered ninety-six members. Three of its pastors, 
Messrs. Eaton, McCullough and Hamilton, are dead. 

Asbury Methodist Episcopal Congregation owns a snug building for wor- 
ship and a fine parsonage. It was organized in 1846, and the church building 
was erected the same year. Its pastors have been as follows: J. Prosser, W. 
S. Worrella, M. Colegrove, N. W. Jones, G. J. Bliss, J. O. Osborne, G. W. 
Staples, John Akers. 

St. Paul's German Lutheran, situated in the southwest part of the township, 
on land donated by Solomon AVeigei, ^Yas erected about 1837, at a cost of 



MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 663 

It was repaired in 1873. The society was organized by Kev. Michael 
Kuchler, and for a short period services were held in a schoolhouse. Succeeding 
pastors have been Revs. Bainer, Stuckenberg, Akers, Sagers, Henry Schem- 
berling and J. A. J. Zahn. The last mentioned closed a six-years' pastorate in 
1882. At present there is no minister and the congregation is small. 

MILLS. 

The first saw mill in Mill Creek Township was built by John Cochran, in 
1800, and the first grist mill in 1801, on the site of the present Eliot or Den- 
more Mill. The second grist and saw mill in the township was established 
on the site of the present Erie County Mill in 1802, one mile up the creek 
from Cochran's mill, by Robert McCullough. The original log buildings were 
replaced with fi-ame in 1819. A saw mill was built in 1816, by Foot & 
Parker on the R. H. Arbucklo place, which is discontinued. On leaving Erie 
by the Buffalo road, the Keystone shoe factory is seen to the left, and beyond 
it is Jacob Schall's brickyard and glue and fertilizer factory. There are two 
brick yards near Kearsarge, one of which is discontinued. The fii'st saw mill 
of which there is a record, on Walnut Creek, in Mill Creek Township, was 
built by James Love in 1816. The mills on that stream now, within the limits 
of the township, are Nece's and Geis^'s saw mills, Kocher's grist mill and 
Stohr's saw and cider mill. C. Thomas has a gristmill, saw mill and shingle, 
feed and cider mill combined on a small stream which empties into Walnut 
Creek on the J. Nece farm. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first settlers within the township were Col. Seth Reed, David McNair, 
George Moore, James Baird, Capt. Russell Bissell, David Dewey, J. W. Rus- 
sell and Thomas P. Miller, who contracted for lands in 1795, but did not 
locate till 1796. Their number was increased the same year by John Grubb, 
Benjamin Russell, Anthony Saltsraan and John McFarland; and in 1797, Will- 
iam Saltsman, John Nicholson, the McKees, Jacob Weiss and Boe Bladen, 
a free colored man, were added to the colony. All of the above were New 
Englanders, except the Saltsmans, who were from Northumberland County, 
and Weiss, who was from Cumberland County in this State. In 1800, 
William Bell came in from Lycoming County, the McCrearys, from Lancaster 
County, and James Wilson, John M. Warren and John Cosper. Samuel and Jo- 
seph Conrad, from Maryland, and the Ebersoles and the Riblets, from Eastern 
Pennsylvania, settled in the township in 1801; Hamlin Russell, from New 
England, Andrew Caughey and sons, Joseph B. McCreary and George Reed, 
all from Lancaster County; James Love and the Arbuckles from Cecil County, 
Md. John McCoy, John Robinson, Robert McClelland, John Pherrin, James 
Dumars and William Henry, in 1802. The Arbuckle family located first in 
Fairview, but Joseph, Adam and John changed to Mill Creek. The date of the 
arrival of other pioneers is as follows: In 1803, John Kelley, from Mifflin 
County; in 1804, Christian Ebersole, from Lancaster County; George Bissell, 
Warren Foot and Andrew Martin, from New England; Abraham Wagner, from 
Eastern Pennsylvania, and David Robinson; in 1806, James B. Wilson, from 
Dauphin County; in 1807, John Fagan; in 1809, John Ryan; in 1810, George 
Haybarger, Spencer Shattuck, William Whitley, Alexander Robinson and 
sons, and Andrew and John Norcross; in 1811, John Evans, John Burton, Sr. , 
and James Stewart; in 1812, Calvin Foot, from Connecticut; in 1813, Conrad 
Brown, Sr., moving from Erie, which he reached in 1804; in 1815, Jonas Parker 
and George and Arthvir Davison; in 1816, AsaG. Olds; in 1817, William Miner; in 
1818, Robert Davison; in 1828, Rudolph Shenk, from Lancaster County; in 



664 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

1822, Thomas Willis, from Lancaster County; in 1825, Giles Russell; in 1826, 
Francis Davison; in 1832, James Scouller, from Scotland. During the year 
1828, a colony of "Pennsylvania Dutch" reached the township from Lan- 
caster County, consisting of George Weigel, Martin Warfel, Samuel Bren- 
neman, Thomas Mohr, Jacob Metzler, and others, followed by Jacob Charles 
in 1829. The Davisons and Norcrosses were from Northumberland County, 
and settled first in Venango Towri'ship, in 1801 and 1802, from which they 
moved to Mill Creek; George Haybarger, settled in Elk Creek in 1802. and 
John Evans in McKean, in 1802, moving to Mill Creek as above. Thomas Willis 
was born in England, came to this country when a boy, and lived with a Quaker 
family in Lancaster County; William Bell sold his farm and moved into Erie, 
where he built the old frame house on the site of the Becker Block, and went 
into trade. The Zimmerman, Stough and three Kreider families came in from 
Lebanon or Berks County at the same time in 1805. 

The Eiblets, Ebersoles, Loups, Zucks and Browns were all from Lancaster 
and Berks Counties. Spencer Shattuck was from Litchfield County, Conn. 
James Love resided in McKean a short time before going to Mill Creek. 
James Barr settled in North East about 1800, went to Harbor Creek in 1813, 
and from there to Mill Creek in 1830. He was a Captain of militia in the war of 
1812. The father of John Fagan located in Amity Township, near Hatch 
Hollow, in 1795, and cleared up a small piece of land. He and his wife moved 
to Mill Creek about 1807, settling on tract 47, opposite the late residence of 
his son John. In 1818, he sold this tract to Judah Colt, and immediately 
took up a part of the Gore, being the same land long occupied by his son. Ben- 
jamin hussell landed at Erie on July 4, 1796, and settled at Belle Valley, on 
almost the identical spot now occupied by his nephew, N. W. Russell, Esq., 
where he built a cabin and located a thousand acres of land. He was fol- 
lowed in 1802 by his brother Hamlin, who purchased 150 acres from Benja- 
min, and established his home a little further west on the cross road. N. W. 
Russell is one of the largest landed proprietor's in the county, owning 220 
acres in the valley, and 112 on the lake shore, besides a number of houses and 
lots in the city. 

The first male child boi'n in the township was David M. Dewey, December 
15, 1797, and the first female child was Matilda Reed, born November 14, 
1798. Mr. Martin Stough died in West Mill Creek on the 2d of October, 1881, 
at the advanced age of ninety-three years three weeks and two days. 

PUBLIC MEN. 

In the early career of the county, Mill Creek furnished a large proportion 
of its public officials, but of late she has not been so freely favored; in fact, 
considering her wealth and population, she has hardly been given the number 
she is fairly entitled to. The following is a list of her citizens who have held 
National, State and county positions: Secretary of the Land Office, John 
Cochran, 1809-18. Congress, Samuel Smith, 1805-12. Assembly, Stephen 
Wolverton, 1825-26-27. Postmaster of Erie, Robert Cochran, from February 26, 
1833, to June 20, 1840, and from July 23, 1845, to April 17, 1849. Associate 
Judges, William Bell, 1800-03: 1805-14; John Cochran, 1803-05; Samuel 
Smith, 1803-05; John Grubb, 1820-41. Sheriffs, David Wallace, 1813-16: 
Stephen Wolverton, 1816-22; Albert Thaver, 1825-28; William E. McNair, 
1843-46. Coroners, Benjamin Russell, 1822-25; David Wallace, 1830-33; 
David McNair, 1833-37; Jahn K. Caldwell, 1839-42. County Commission- 
ers, Abiather Crane, 1803-04, elected from Conneaut Township; John Mc- 
Creary, 1806-09; John Grubb, 1813-15; Robert McClelland, 1815-18; Albert 



MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 665 

Tbayer, 1828-31; James Love, 1833-36; William E. McNair, 1838-41; Jo- 
seph Henderson, 1842-45, and 1859-62; George W. Brecht, 1848-51; Richard 
H. Arbuckle, 1875-78. Clerk to the County Commissioners, Robert Cochran, 
November 2, 1829, to February 1, 1830; O. P. Gunnison, March 1, 1881, to 
January, 1883. Jury Commissioner, William W. Love, 1870-73; George A. 
Evans, 1877-80. Directors of the Poor, Conrad Brown, 1841-44; John Evans, 
1842-45: William E. McNair, 1851-54; George W. Brecht, 1854-57; Thom- 
as Willis, 1860-69; John C Zuck, 1880-83. Stewards of the Almshouse. Free- 
man Patterson, 1840-47; Samuel Fickinger, 1847-52; S. P. B. Zuck, 1852- 
57; Thomas Love, 1857-58; AVilliam Brown, 1880 to date. County Survey- 
or, John Cochran, 1801-09; Auditors, William Wallace, 1809; John Grubb, 
1810; Robert McClelland, 1813; William E. NcNair, 1826; Robert Cochran, 
1828; Thomas Nicholson, 1837-40; George W. Brecht, 1854-57; N. W. Rus- 
sell, 1855-59; Henry Gingrich, 1862-65; W. W. Love, 1871-74, and 1878- 
81. Mercantile Appraisers, N. W. Russell, 1855; James C. Russell, 1867; O. 
P. Gunnison, 1879; R. H. Arbuckle, 1881. 

A number of persons who have held official positions are not included in 
this list, because, although at one time residents of the township, they were 
not such when elected. Among the number is Gen. D. B. McCreary, a native 
of Mill Creek, who has been Colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-iifth Reg- 
iment, Assemblyman for three terms, and Adjutant General of the State from 
1867 to 1870; Hon. G. J. Ball, elected State Treasurer in 1849, and Assem- 
blyman in 1847 and 1848, and 1853, 1854, 1855, 1856 and 1860, was a citizen 
of the township for many years; A. B. Gunnison, elected County Commis- 
sioner in 1875 and re-elected in 1878, resided in Mill Creek from 1854 to 
1873, when he moved to the city. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

From Weigleville, there are two routes into the city, the one by way of 
Federal Hill, and the other by Brown's avenue. The latter is due to 
the foresight of the late Conrad Brown, who rightly judged that a more direct 
route from the western part of the city to the Ridge road would be a popular 
project. He laid out the avenue eighty feet wide in 1868, and was rewarded 
by selling off a large portion of his farm for city lots at good prices. The car 
works starting about the same time helped greatly in effecting the sales. The 
road which turns to the south by the rolling mill affords a short cut from the 
Lake road to the Ridge road, which is about a mile distant. It was laid out in 
1833. This road and the one by the Catholic Cemetery are each about a mile 
in length. 

A formidable swamp once extended across Mill Creek Township from east 
to west, at the foot of the First Ridge. Within Erie City, it lay between 
Twelfth and Eighteenth streets, and was so gloomy and impenetrable that the 
land was regarded by the first settlers as almost valueless. As early as 1810, 
however, William Wallace, who owned a strip from the east branch of Cas- 
cade Creek westward, dug a ditch which had the effect of reclaiming a portion 
of the swamp. About 1840, the inhabitants of the vicinity, alarmed by the 
sickness occasioned by the swamp, formed a bee and dug another ditch across 
the Lake road through the farms of E. J. Kelso and James C. Marshall, 
which still further reclaimed the waste land. These anjl other measures have 
nearly dried up the swamp, and in a few years no trace of it will remain. In 
the early days, deer, bears, wild geese and ducks, rabbits and partridges were 
plenty in the woods and wilds of the lake shore region. There were numer- 
ous deer licks convenient to the city, especially on the east side. 



666 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The town hall is a good brick building on Federal Hill, within the city 
limits. The township business is transacted there, and it is the voting place 
for East Mill Creek, that of West Mill Creek being at Weigleville. Erie and 
Mill Creek voted together at the court house as late as the Presidential elec- 
tion of 1832. 

The Schwingel farm, near Kearsarge, was the scene of a dreadful tragedy 
on the night of Friday, the 15th of October, 1880. Charles Schwingel, with 
some neighbors, had spent the evening drinking hard cider and playing cards. 
Philip, his brother, came home from Erie late at night very drunk. After the 
neighbors had left, at the request of Charles' wife — the hour being late — 
Charles and Philip fell into a dispute, which resulted in the death of the for- 
mer by a pistol shot fired by the latter. Philip was tried, convicted of man- 
slaughter and sentenced to the Allegheny Penitentiary. 

The assessment of Mill Creek Townshij) for 1883 gave the following re- 
sults: Value of real estate, $2,548,445; cows, 1,393; value, $34,157; oxen, 
40; value, $2,025; horses and mules, 901; value, $49,820; value of trades and 
occupations, $26,535; money at interest, $49,400. 



CHAPTER II. 

WATERFORD TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF WATERFORD. 

THE township of Waterford was established and received its name at the 
organization of Erie County. It is the largest in the county, containing 
29,516 acres. The boundary lines are nearly the same as when the township 
was organized, the only exceptions being a small district annexed from Wash- 
ington, and another from Summit. The latter is the jog or handle in the north- 
west, embracing the Strong place, which has been at various times in McKean, 
Greene and Summit, and was finally attached to Waterford through the exer- 
tions of Capt. Martin Strong, who wished to close his life in the township of his 
original residence in the county. Waterford is bounded on the north by Sum- 
mit and Greene; on the east by Amity and Union; on the south by LeBoeuf 
and Washington, and on the west by Washington and McKean. The greatest 
breadth of the township from north to south is five and three-fourths miles, 
and the greatest width from east to west nine and one-half miles. Its popu- 
lation, as given in the United States census report, was 579 in 1820, 1,006 in 
1830, 1,144 in 1840, 1,545 in 1850, 1,950 in 1860, 1,884 in 1870, and 1,822 
in 1880, these figures after 1830 being exclusive of Waterford Borough. The 
post office at the latter place is the only one in the township. The assessment 
of 1883 gave the following results: Value of real estate, $830,718; number of 
cows, 1,322; of oxen, 36; of horses and mules, 519; value of the same, $80,185; 
value of trades and occupations, $18,890; money at interest, $13,838. 

LANDS OF THE TOWNSHIP. 

The best lands in W^aterford Township lie below Lake LeBoeuf, along its 
outlet, are level and very fertile, and have an average width between the ridges 
of perhaps a mile and a half. Above the lake the flats range from one to two 
miles in width, and the land is of a good quality, but a great deal of it is 
swampy and unfit for cultivation at present, though being gradually di'ained. 





^^^^.r^^^^^-^^Pi 



XL.^-C^.4.^^ 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 669 

Good valleys also exist along Benson, Boyd and Trout Runs. The vallev 
of French Creek becomes very narrow as it courses through Waterford Town- 
ship, not reaching more than half a mile in the widest place. Every kind of 
fruit, grain and vegetable peculiar to our climate can be raised on the flat lands, 
but they are seriously afiected by the frosts. Aside from the valleys here de- 
scribed, which embrace but a small portion of the township, the balance of the 
land is hilly, though almost every part is capable of cultivation. The hill 
farms have a clay soil, and are more free from frosts than the valleys. Wheat 
is readily raised on all of them, and fruits do better than within the valleys. 
The hills rise in some places to a considerable height, the loftiest elevations 
being at Strong's, in the northwest; I. Y. Lunger'^s, in the south; Robert 
Hood's, in the east, and at Oak Hill and Cottrell's Hill, in the southeast. A 
good deal of timber is still left in the township. The price of land ranges 
from $40 to $60 along the outlet, and from $25 to $50 in the balance of the 
township, being most valuable in the vicinity of the borough. 

The Tenth Donation District commenced in Waterford Township about a 
mile east of the. borough, and extended across Amity and Wayne Townships to 
the Warren County line. The Reserved Tract was a body of 1,800 acres in 
Waterford Township, and 400 in LeBoeuf, all lying south of the present bor- 
ough, which was set apart from the operation of the general settlement law for 
reasons elsewhere given. A similar Reserve was withheld around Erie. An 
act was passed in 1799 authorizing the land to be sold in lots of 100 acres 
each. The first sale took place in 1800, and most of the tract was disposed 
of by 1804. 

In 1856, during the construction oE the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, a 
sink-hole was encountered on the Benson farm, about a mile northeast of 
Waterford Borough, which has ever since remained a subject of interest and 
argument. Tamarack Swamp, in the northeastern part of the towuship, and 
extending into McKean, is about two miles long by 100 rods wide. About two- 
thirds of the swamp are in Waterford and the balance in McKean. The swamp 
will ultimately be drained, and the land will be very productive. 

TAX LIST IN 1813. 

The following is a list of the tax payers in Waterford Township in the 
year 1813: James Anderson, Nancy Alexander, Reuben Alexander, E. and D. 
Alvord, Benjamin Avery, Benjamin Blythe, William Boyd, John Boyd, John 
M. Baird, James Boyd, George Buehler, Richard Braden, Robert Brotherton, 
Holbert Barnett, William Benson, Ichabod Brackett, Mathew Blair, James 
Benson, William T. Codd, Isaac Craig, George Cochran, Judah Colt, James 
Campbell, D. Collison, Henry Colt, John Clemmens, Jeremiah Curtis, Will- 
iam Culbertson, Ebenezer Dwinnell, John Eagleson, Peter Ford, Philip Greg- 
ory, Samuel Grimes, Carson Graham, John Greenwood, Walter How, Aaron 
Himrod, Moses Himrod, Anor Hull, Isaac Hawley, Samuel Hewliugs, John 
Henry, Francis B. Holmes, Hugh Hamilton, Thomas Humphreys, William 
Hood, James Hamilton, William Himrod, Samuel Jewet, Amos Judson, 
Thomas R. Kennedy, Daniel King, Thomas King, William Knox, Thomas 
Layland, John Lattimore, James Lattimore, John Lenox, John Lytle, Alex 
McElroy, David Middleton, Francis Morrison. John McNair, David McNair, 
John Mullen, Israel Mullen, John Mace, Charles Martin, James McDonald, 
Charles Martin, Jr., James McKay, Naylor & Wilson, Joseph Osborn, James 
Oliver, Isaac Pherron, Adam Pollock, David Phillips, Thomas Prentiss, Jabez 
Parker, Joseph Reynolds, Rufus S. Reed, George W. Reed, Thomas Rees, 
James Ross, Jonathan Stratton, William Simpson, Lemuel Stanclifif, Martin 

3S 



670 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Strong, Andrew Simpson, Elizabeth Skinner, Wilson Smith, Russell Stancliff, 
Solomon Snell, Levi Strong, Rufus Trask, Sr., Rufus Trask, Jr., James Thom- 
as, Samuel Trask, Turnpike Company, Robert Townley, Jr., Joshua Tilden, 
John Tracy. William Vankirk, John Vincent, Eli Webster, Ellis William, 
Jacob AVatkins, Archibald Watson, Henry Woodworth. 

The total tax assessed in 1813 was $410.25, and the militia tines $384. 
Farm land was assessed at from $1.50 to $2 per acre, inlots at $20 to $60 each 
and outlots at $30 to $50 each. 

STREAMS AND LAKE. 

The streams of Waterford Township are French Creek, which flows 
through its southeast corner for about three miles, from Amity to Le 
Boeuf ; the outlet of Lake Pleasant, which courses for about a mile through its 
northeast corner, from Venango to Amity; and LeBoeuf Creek with its 
branches. LeBceuf Creek — known to the French as the River aux Bceufs, and 
named by them from the number of cattle discovered on the flats below W"a- 
terford — runs through the center of the township from Greene on the north to 
LeBoeuf Township on the south, where it joins French Creek. It has two 
main branches, one rising on the edge of Greene and Venango, and the other 
in Summit, which iinite near the Greene and Waterford boundary, almost at 
the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad bridge. Just below Waterford Borough, the 
creek enters Lake LeBoeuf, and after leaving it is generally known by the 
title of "The Outlet." Its length in the township is not far from ten miles, 
and its total length about twenty. Boyd Run and Trout Run rise in the west 
part of the township, and empty into Lake LeBoeuf on its north side, the tirst 
being about five and the second about two miles in length. Trout Run is 
formed by the junction of Black Run and Bagdad Run, the ono rising in Tam- 
arack Swamp and the other in the extreme western part of the township. 
They unite on the farm of Mrs. Phelps, west of the borough. Benson Run 
starts on the M. Avery place, and after a course of some two miles, falls into 
LeBoeuf Creek near Brotherton's Mill. Davis Run empties into French 
Creek near the Newman Bridge, and Moravian Run joins the same stream in 
LeBoeuf Township. The first stream rises near the Colt Station road, and is 
about four miles long. The second has its head in the Ormsbee settlement, 
and a length in Waterford of perhaps two miles. The valleys of Benson Run 
and Moravian Run form the route bv which the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad 
crosses from LeBoeuf Creek to French Creek. Lake LeBoeuf is about two-thirds 
of a mile long by half a mile wide, with a picturesque island near its center. 
It receives LeBoeuf Creek and Boyd and Trout Ruqs, and its outflow is appar- 
ently greater than its inflow, from which it is surmised that the lake must be 
fed by springs in the bottom. 

ROADS, BRIDGES AND MILLS. 

The only railroad of Waterford is the Philadelphia & Erie, which enters it 
from Greene by the valley of LeBoeuf Creek and passes across the township 
from north to southeast into LeBoeuf. Its nearest approach to Waterford 
Borough is at Waterford Station, a mile east. The leading public roads are 
the old Erie & Waterford Turnpike, the Erie & Waterford plank, the Colt's 
Station, the W^aterford & Wattsburg, the Flats road to Mill Village, the 
Waterford & Meadville pike, the old State road to the Ohio line, the Edinboro 
& Waterford, the Waterford & Meadville plank, the Waterford & McKean, 
the Waterford & Union and the Station road from the borough to the railroad. 
Some of the above-named roads were among the earliest that were opened in 
the county. 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 671 

The importaut bridges are as follows: Over French Creek, the Newman 
covered bridge, on the Wattsburg & Waterford road. Over LeBoeuf Creek, 
the Himrod bridge, on the cross-road from Greene to the plank road; the Ben- 
son, near the sink-hole; the Lattimore, on the Colt Station road; the two of 
the P. & E. Railroad, one at the Greene line and the other near AVaterford 
Station; the Station, on the Station road; the Judson, on the Flats roads, 
and the Outlet bridge on the Meadville pike. All of the above are wooden, 
and all are open with the exception of the Newman and station bridges. 

The mills and factories are Davis' steam saw mill, on French Creek; 
Benson's steam saw mill, on Le BcBuf Creek, near the sink-hole; Lattimore's 
water saw mill, on Le Boenf Creek, about a mile above the Station; a sulky 
.hay rake factory at the Station; Brotherton's saw mill and Hasting' s tub and 
firkin factory, about a quarter of a mile below the Station, both run by the 
same race from Le Boeuf Creek; Judson & Hippie's steam and water grist mill 
in the valley of Le Boeuf Creek, just outside the boi'ough; Rice's horse-power 
cider and jelly mill, at the foot of the lake; Himrod's steam saw mill, between 
the plank road and Le Boeuf Creek, two miles north of the borough; Harvey 
Boyd's and Julius Hull's water saw mills, on Boyd Run; T. H. Marsh's steam 
saw mill, near the McKean line; a cheese factory at Newman's bridge (started 
in the spring of 1881); and Hare's cider mill, on Oak Hill. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The Free- Will Baptist Church at Newman's Bridge was organized in 1832 
or 1833 by Rev. W. Stickney, but was subsequently allowed to go down. It 
was re-organized in 1853 as a branch of the Bloomfield Church, by Rev. J. 
Smith. Until the ei'ection of the present house of worship, the congregation 
held services in the neighborhood schoolhouses. The building was erected 
in 1860, at a cost of $1,200, and was dedicated in December of that year. 
Among the pastors of the congregation have been Revs. J. Smith, A. Losee, 
C. C. Burch, — Cutler and W. Parker, the latter being the present incumbent. 

There is another Free- Will Baptist Church in the township located in the 
northeastern part thereof. The church edifice was erected in 1877, although 
the congregation is nearly, if not quite, as old as ftie one above named and 
its history is almost identical with it. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Sharp's Corners, was organized in 1838 
or 1839, with eight memlDers, by Rev. L. D. Prosser. The first pastor was 
Rev. Russell Stanclifi". The church building was erected in 1868, costing 
$1,625. For the past twenty-five or thirty years it has been an appointment 
on Waterford Circuit. 

The Christian congregation at Oak Hill was organized in 1854 by its first 
pastor. Rev. Stephen Washburn, with a membership of seventeen. Its house 
of worship was erected in 1861. Rev. Mr. Washburn and others preached for 
the congregation for several years. For several years the congregation has 
been without regular preaching. 

The Catholic Church at Waterford Station dates from the building of the 
church edifice in 1878. The congregation has been served by the pastors of 
the church at Union City. 

Most of the burials take place in the cemetery at Waterford Borough, 
although there are graveyards at each of the above churches except the Catho- 
lic. The Walker Graveyard is about a mile south of the Greene line. The 
Catholics generally inter at Union. 

SCHOOL HISTORY. 

One of the early schools of Waterford Township was held in a building 



672 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

which stood near the present site of the residence of Webster Hunt. School 
was here taught by Kussell Stancliff (afterward a minister of the Gospel) about 
the year 180(5 or 1807. Michael Hare, a Revolutionary soldier, taught a school 
in his house about the year 1827, the site of which is the J. Bootz farm, in 
the southeastern part of the township. About the year 1827, a schoolhouse 
was built near the site of the present Hare Schoolhouse by the neighborhood. 
Following is a list of the township schools of to-day: Sharp, at Sharp's Cor- 
ners; Strong, on turnpike, near Jason Way's; Himrod, on plank road near 
Squire Whittelsey's; Bonnell, in the northeast, on Wattsburg road; Lattimore, 
at Lattimore's Corners; Sweatland, near West Greene; Hood, near Gray's 
Corners, on the Wattsburg road; Middleton, in the southeast, near George 
Middleton's; Hare, in the southeast, near J. Bootz' s; Avery, on Union road, in 
the southeast; Woodside, near Charles Thompson's, on Meadville Turnpike; 
Davis, on plank road near Emanuel Barnes'; Sedgwick, near Irvine Port's; 
Bagdad, at Bagdad Corners; Clute, in the east, near George Austin's; Phelps, 
in the west, near Charles Fish's; Mahan, in the northeast, near Samuel Ma- 
han's; East Waterford, at the railroad station (a graded school). The town- 
ship has an interest in two union schools, as follows: The Flats School, just 
across the line in Le Boeuf Township, and the McKean School, in McKean 
Township, near the line. 

WATERFOED STATION. 

Waterford Station, or East Waterford, on the Philadelphia & Erie Rail- 
road, a mile east of the Diamond in the borough, and nineteen miles 
from Erie City, consists of one station building, one hotel and grocery com- 
bined, a sulky I'ake factory, a warehouse and ice house, a schoolhouse, with 
graded school, a Catholic Church, about a dozen good dwellings and nearly the 
same number of shanties for railroad employes. The railroad company have stock 
yards at this point, and it is one of the most important stations on the line for 
shipping cattle and produce. A great many spikes, bullets, cannon balls and 
other instruments of war have been found in the vicinity of the depot, where 
some of the soldiers were encamped during the war of 1812. 

The elections and public business of the township are held in the borough, 
in a building which is owned by the latter and used by both as a town hall. 

In the southeast corner of the township, bordering on Le Boeuf, are three 
fioe quarries of sandstone, which have furnished some of the finest flagging in 
Northwestern Pennsylvania. 



BOROUGH OF WATERFORD. 

When the French entered Northwestern Pennsylvania, they found an Indian 
village where Waterford now stands, traces of which remained some thirty-live 
years ago. The first French explorers regarded Le Boeuf Creek as the main 
stream of French Creek, and called both by the same title. At a subsequent 
period they changed the name of the znain stream to the i-iver Venango, by 
which it had been known to the Indians. 

The French took possession of the country in 1753. their purpose being to 
establish a chain of forts between Niagara and New Orleans — along the south 
shore of Lake Erie, Le Boeuf Creek, French Creek, and the Allegheny, Ohio 
and Mississippi Rivers. That season they built forts at Presque Isle and Le 
Boeuf, now Erie and Waterford. They also cut a wagon road between the two 
places, which is still known as the old French road. On the 11th of December, 
the fort at Lb Boeuf was visited by George Washington, then in his twenty- 
second year, as a representative of the Colony of Virginia, to protest against 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 673 

the French invasion of its territory. He remained until the 16th of December, 
returning down the creeks and rivers by means of canoes furnished him by the 
French. 

THE FRENCH FORT. 

The French fort Le Bceuf is described in Washington's joui-nal as having 
been situated " on the West Fork of French Creek, near the water, almost sur- 
rounded by the creek and a small branch of it, which forms a kind of an 
island. Four houses comprised the sides; the bastions were of poles driven 
into the ground, standing more than twelve feet above it, and sharp at 
the top, with port holes cut for cannon and loop-holes for small arms. Eight 
six-pounders were mounted on each bastion and one four-pounder before the 
gate. In the bastions were a guard house, chapel, surgeon's lodgings and 
commandant's private store. " In a journal written in November, 1758, Le Bceuf 
is represented as a strong stockaded fort, but much out of repair, and occu- 
pied only by an officer, thirty soldiers and a few hunting Indians. 

The fort was successively in command, during the winter of 1753-54, of 
Marin, the original leader of the expedition, and of Legardeur de St, Pierre, 
who was killed on Lake George the next summer. In the spring of 1754, the 
French moved southward and built Fort Venango, at the mouth of French 
Creek, and Fort Duquesne, on the site of Pittsburgh. The French retreating, 
possession of Forts Le Bceuf and Presque Isle was taken by Maj. Rogers, with 
a force of English and Colonial troops, in 1760. 

PONTIAC'S CONSPIRACY. 

In 1763, by the eloquence and ability of the celebrated Pontiac, all of the In- 
dian tribes west of the Alleghanies were united in a grand confederacy, whose 
purpose was to fall upon every English fort on the frontier upon a given day, 
and sweep them and their occupants out of existence. The plan was so far suc- 
cessful that by the middle of summer all the forts were taken and burned ex- 
cept Niagara, Pitt, Bedford and Detroit. Le Boeuf was assaulted on the 17th 
of June, and its block-house fired at night. While the Indians were dancing 
around their camp fire in fiendish glee, momentarily expecting the surrender 
of its garrison, the ensign in command and his handful of men crept through 
a drain leading to the creek, and hid themselves in the swamps until it was 
safe to venture across the country. The fort at Presque Isle was taken on the 
22d of June. 

From the period last referred to until 1796, the settlement of this section 
went on very slowly, almost all of the white residents being hunters and trad- 
ers with the Indians. In 1785, David Watts and William Miles came on under 
the auspices of the Commonwealth, to survey the Tenth Donation District, re- 
turning to the East on the completion of their labors. A committee on the 
part of the State was sent out in 17^0 to explore the route from French Creek 
to Erie, as a result of whose labors an appropriation of $400 was made by the 
Legislature in 1791 to improve that stream from Franklin to Waterford, and 
a similar sum for building a road from Le Bceuf to Presque Isle. The Penn- 
sylvania Population Company was formed March 8, 1793, and immediately ad- 
vertised an offer of 150 acres to each of the first twenty families who would 
settle on French Creek, and of 100 acres each to the next forty. 

BEGINNING OF THE TOWN. 

April 8, 1794, an act was approved by the Governor to lay out towns at 
Presqvie Isle, Le Boeuf and Venango, its principal object being to establish a 
line of defensive posts for the frontier. William Irvine, Andrew Ellicott and 



674 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Albert Gallatin were appointed to prepare tbe plans, and a part of their mis- 
sion was to survey a road from Reading to Presque Isle. State troops reached 
Le Boeuf in May, and built a second fort, where they remained until the 
spring of 1795. 

The American Fort Le Bceuf consisted of four block-houses surrounded by 
pickets, with a six-pounder on the second floor of each building, and a swivel 
over each gate. The exact site of the American fort is a matter of some dis- 
pute, one authority fixing it on the spot occupied by the old French fort, while 
some of the older citizens of Waterford contend that it was a little to one 
side, on the west edge of High street, soulh of the Eagle Hotel. 

While the troops were delayed at Le Bceuf in 1794, Mr. EUicott, one of 
the Commissioners, laid out a town at that place, to which the name of Water- 
ford was given. This was nearly a year previous to the laying out of Erie by 
the same gentleman. The plan made by Mr. Ellicott was confirmed by the 
Leo-isiature in 1795. On the 25th of July, 1796, a sale was advertised to 
commence in Philadelphia of lots in Erie, Waterford, Warren and Franklin. 
Durino- the same yeai-, Ellicott located the Susquehanna and Waterford Turn- 
pike, from Curwensville, Clearfield County, to Lake Le Bosuf, by way of 
Franklin and Meadville. April 10, 1799. an act was passed appropriatina: 
$5,000 to open a road from near the Bald Eagle's Nest, in Mifflin County, to 
Waterford. 

The following prices were paid by the Harrisburg & Presque Isle Company 
for lots in Waterford, at the public sale held by tbe State Agents in Carlisle 
on the 3d and 4th of August, 1796: 

In lot. Price- 

IsTo. 11 $15 

No. 13 16 

No. 16 45 

No. 17 59 

No. 168 20 

August 23, 1800, James Naylor was appointed Commissioner for the sale-of 
lands in Waterford, in place of D. McNair. resigned. February 16, 1805, 
John Vincent succeeded Naylor, who had died. He gave bonds in the sum of 
$5,000 to perform the duties of the office faithfully. Charles Martin was 
appointed in the place of Mr. Vincent, on the 29th of March, 1809. 

FIRST SETTLERS. 

Immediately upon the announcement of peace with the Indians some of the 
soldiers concluded to settle in or near Waterford, and emigration began to 
flow in from the Eastern counties and New England. Lieut. Martin, com- 
mander of the post, was among those who became permanent residents, as well 
as James Naylor, one of the State Commissioners. The former opened the 
first tavern on the site of William C. Smith's tanyard, and the latter the first 
store. Capt. Martin Strong came on from Hartford County, Conn., in the 
spring of 1795, and eventually located on the crest of the ridge north of 
Waterford, 850 feet above Lake Erie, where he remained until his death in 
1858. He was a surveyor and laid out a good share of the farms and roads in 
W^aterford, McKean, Summit and Greene Townships. Amos Judson migrated 
from New England in the same year and started a store. He and Col. Seth 
Reed came up Lake Erie together in a small coasting boat. The arrival of 
other settlers was as follows: In 179(3, John Lytle, from Northumberland 
County, Robert Brotherton, frum Franklin County; John Lennox and Thom- 
as Skinner; in 1797, John Vincent, from Northumberland County, and Wil- 
son Smith, from Union Countv, both of whom walked the whole distance from 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 675 

Pittsburgh; in 1798, Aaron Himrod and the Lattimores; in 1801-02, Capt. 
John Tracy, William Boyd, Sr., and son David, John and James Boyd, with 
their three sisters, and James Anderson; in 1804 or 1805, James and William 
Benson; in 1809, Eliachim Cook, who had previously settled in McKean 
Township; in 1799 or earlier, George W. Reed; in 1812, John Henry and 
Levi Strong; in 1813, the McKays; in 1814, Simeon Hunt; in 1816, William 
Smith, William Vincent and Judge Hutchins; in 1822, I. M. White; in 1824, 
Seth and Timothy Judson; in 1826, Daniel Vincent. The Boyds and Mr. 
Anderson were from Northumberland County; Mr. Hunt was from Orange 
County, Vt. ; William Smith and wife came over from Wayne Township; Mr. 
White is a native of Windham County, Vt., and the Judsons were from Con- 
necticut. Most of those whose places of nativity are not given hailed either 
from the Susquehanna Valley or the New England States. In 1815, Kev. 
John Matthews, Dr. William Bacon, Henry Woodworth, Henry Colt, John 
Way and Archibald Watson were residents of the village, but the precise date 
of their arrival cannot be given. Dr. Ira Barton, though one of the most ven- 
erable citizens, did not settle in Waterford until 1840. Mrs. Smith, wife of 
William Smith, is worthy of mention as having attained to the fourth greatest 
age of any women of whom a record has been preserved in the county. After the 
loss of her husband, she returned to Wayne Township,where she expired in the 
summer of 1875, at the rare age of ninety-nine. John Vincent settled first on 
a small stream which flows into French Creek in the eastern portion of the 
township, where he remained two years before becoming a resident of the vil- 
lage. On the completion of the turnpike, he took charge of the toll gate about 
a mile above Waterford, and afterward went into the salt trade, which made 
him wealthy. 

EARLY EVENTS, 

The first death was that of a boy named Rutledge, who died of wounds re- 
ceived in the Indian troubles in 1795, and was buried just outside the foi't. The 
first white child was John R., son of William Black, who was born in Fort Le 
Boeuf, August 8, 1795. The second birth was that of Katharine, daughter of Aaron 
Himrod and wife, in 1799. Robert Brotherton built the first saw mill in 1797, 
and the first grist mill in 1802, on the site of the present Brotherton Mill, near 
Waterford Station. He also kept a tavern from 1815 to I8l7, on the lot occu- 
pied by his son's residence, the old building, which is still standing, being 
moved back when the new one was put up. This tavern was also conducted 
for a time by Mrs. Hannah Pym. The second saw mill was set in operation by 
James Boyd on Boyd's Run, west of the borough. Mr. Lattimore started a 
mill soon after Boyd's, the date of both having been very early. After Mar- 
tin left his tavern, it was kept by Wilson Smith. George W. Reed opened 
a tavern in 1810, on Union street, in the rear of Judson's block, which burned 
down. Thomas King, who had kept a public house opposite Dr. Judson's 
residence,corner of First and Walnut streets, commenced building the stone hotel 
in 1826, and opened it in the winter of ]827. On the discontinuance of Naylor's 
store, Stephen Wolverton was sent over from Erie by R. S, Reed with a stock 
of goods, and remained in business in the village for several years. 

THE LYTLES. 

Capt. John Lytle, father of John Lytle, Jr., who rose to be prominent 
among the early settlers, was commander of Fort Freeland, on the West 
Branch of the Susquehanna, in 1779. It was attacked by a body of British 
and Indians, and capitulated on the 30th of June of that year, among the 
prisoners taken being Capt. Lytle, William Miles and four of the Vincents. 



676 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

They were marched through the dense wilderness to Fort Niagara, in Canada, 
where they were detained until the acknowledgment of our National Inde- 
pendence by the British Government. During the long absence of Capt. Lytle, 
his wife remained on the farm with her children, employing an unmarried 
man to do the work. In course of time this person made proposals of mar- 
riage to Mrs. Lytle, which she lirmly rejected. Determined to effect his object, 
the young man put letters in circulation, stating that the Captain was dead, 
and the unhappy woman became so well convinced of the truth of the report 
that she married the assiduous lover. On the Captain's return, he was so 
shocked and mortified to learn of what had happened that for awhile he 
refused to see his wife, but mutual friends having acquainted him with the 
facts, he was reconciled to her, took her again to his bosom and the misera- 
ble deluder was compelled to Hy beyond the reach of the law. His son John 
was the originator of the Erie & Waterford Turnpike Company, a member of the 
Legislature, and for years one of the leading men of the county. The latter 
was killed by the running away of his horse in February, 1816. 

THE BOATING TRADE. 

For many years after the country began to settle, most of the supplies of iron, 
glass, flour, bacon, whisky, etc., came from Pittsburgh, and nearly all of the 
freight was carried on boats poled up and down the Allegheny, French Creek and 
LeBoeuf Creek. The flat boats were roughly built, and averaged about fifteen 
feet in width by seventy-five in length. They were sold at Pittsburgh, loaded with 
coal, floated down to Southern ports, and broken up for fire wood after reaching 
their destination. It required about three weeks to make the trip from Waterford 
to Pittsburgh and return. The keel-boats were of better construction, and were 
used for bringing freight up as well as carrying them down the streams, their 
propelling power being poles pushed by the crews. 

The most important trade in the early days was the shipping of salt for the 
Southern markets. This indispensable article was brought to Erie from Onon- 
daga, N. Y.. hauled by teams to Waterford, deposited in warehouses there, 
and floated down the streams whenever they were in suitable condition. The 
trade began about 1812, and the last load was taken to Pittsburgh in 1819. 
The village being without a church edifice, all religious services in those days 
were held in one of the warehouses. 

Duringthe second war with Great Britain,Waterford was a busy place, most 
of the supplies for the army and navy being brought there by boats, and then 
hauled across the country to Erie. A brigade of Pennsylvania troops was or- 
ganized on the farm of John Lytle, at the P. & E. Railroad depot, in 1812, 
under the command of Gen. Tannehill, of Pittsburgh, and ordered to Bufi;alo, 
where it remained during the ensuing winter. 

La Fayette's visit, on his return to this country in 1825, was one of the 
most memorable incidents in the history of Waterford. He was accompanied 
by his son, a companion and a servant, on their way from Pittsburgh to Erie. 
The nation's distinguished guest arrived on the 'id of June, and remained over 
night at the hotel of George W. Reed, which stood just east of the Judson 
Block, on First street. 

SOCIETIES, ETC. 

In 1815, a "Moral Society" was organized, to aid the members and 
" strengthen the hands of the magistrates in the suppression of vice and im- 
morality." In 1846, a lodge of Odd Fellows, the first secret society, was 
established. In the same year, the town sent liberal donations for the relief of 
Ireland, and in 1861 the sum of $150 was forwarded to the Kansas sufi'erers. 




'T ^, :^/^^ 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 679 

In 1859, a Literary society was in existence, which maintained a course of 
lectures. In 1868, the Masonic society was instituted. The Erie & Water- 
ford Plank Road was completed in 1851, and the Waterford & Meadville about 
1852. In 1856, grading for the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad commenced, 
and it was opened to Warren in 1859. To Capt. M. Strong, of Waterford, 
was awarded the distinction of breaking ground for the canal at Erie, on the 
4th of July, 1838. The first postal facilities would seem to have been granted 
to the town about 1801. From then to 1823, a mail was carried between Pitts- 
burgh and Erie once a week each direction, in the beginning on horseback and 
after the war by hack. In 1826, stages ran through the place three times a 
week, each way, carrying the mails. The number was increased to a daily 
stage and mail from both ends of the line, which lasted until the completion 
of the railroad. 

INCORPORATION. 

Waterford was incorporated as a borough April 8, 1833, and the first offi- 
cers were elected in March, 1834, as follows: Burgess, Amos Judson; Coun- 
cil, John Boyd, Henry Coll, William Benson, John Tracy, Isaac M. White, 
Wilson King; Clerk and Treasurer, B. B. Vincent; High Constable, Charles 
C. Boyd; Overseers of the Poor, Samuel Hutchins, Daniel Vincent. The town 
was laid out on the same plan as Erie, with broad streets running at right 
angles, and a park or diamond of some five acres near the center. The bor- 
ough covers about live hundred acres, and contained a population of 4()3 in 
1840, 498 in 1850, 900 in 1860, 790 in 1870, and 781 in 1880. It is fourteen 
miles south of Erie by the plank road, and nineteen and a half by railroad, call- 
ing the distance one-half mile from the Philadelphia & Erie depot. The site 
is a flat table-land overlooking Le Boeuf Lake and the valley of the creek, be- 
ing one of the healthiestand pleasantest locations in the interior of the county. 
The town lies in a sort of huge bowl, with high hills, cultivated to their sum- 
mits on eveiy side except in the direction of the outlet. The nearest railroad 
point is Waterford Station, a mile distant, on the Philadelphia & Ex'ie. The 
town started along the creek, and for a considerable period, in consequence of 
the boating business, Water street was its principal avenue. From there it 
worked back to First street, which contained all the stores and two or three 
taverns. At that date High street, now the business thoroughfare, was nothing 
more than a common road. In laying out the streets, all were made sixty feet 
wide except High. Thii'd and Water, which have a width of 100 feet. There 
was no church edifice until 1832, although several denominations had been or- 
ganized, and worship was held either in the schoolhouse, one of the ware- 
houses, or in the academy. The first school building was a log structure on 
Walnut street, between Sixth and Seventh, and the second stood on High street 
about the center of the Diamond. The house was moved in 1836, when the 
common school system was adopted by the county, and is now occupied as 
Douglass' stable. In this building, in the winter of 1820-21, school was 
taught by Buell Barnes. E. D. Gunnison, John Kelly, Samuel McGill and 
Warren McGill were early teachers in the same. About the winter of 1816-17, 
school was taught in the dwelling of Joseph Osboi'ne by a Mr. Vaugh. The 
first building for free school purposes was placed on a corner of the academy 
lot and removed in 1840. Four schools are maintained in the village now. all 
in one large edifice, in which there are three apartments, and three teachers 
are employed. Amoug the early stores not mentioned before were those of 
Holmes & Harriott, Samuel Hutchins and Hart & Thompson. The original 
houses of the town have mosttly passed away. The oldest known to be in ex- 
istence is the one occupied by Judge John Vincent until his death in 1860. 



680 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

THE ACADEMY. 

At the sale of reserved lands in 1800. 500 acres were set apart by the State 
near Waterford, Erie, Franklin and Warren for the benefit of schools and 
academies in the several places. The Waterford Academy was incorporated 
in ISII, and besides the above named 500 acres, embracing the flats at the 
mouth of Le Bceuf Creek, was endowed with fifteen inlots, to which eight 
others were added in 1821. Its first Trustees appointed by the Legislature 
were John Vincent, John Boyd, John Lytle, Aaron Himrod, Charles Martin, 
Henry Colt and James Judson. The latter gentleman was elected Treasurer, 
and held the post until December 31, 1858. On the 24th of February, 1820, 
an act passed empowering the Trustees to sell the 500 acres of the reserved 
tract at not less than §10 per acre, and to invest the proceeds in some pro- 
ductive fund for the compensation of teachers. The old stone building was 
completed in 1822, the same year as the Academy in Erie, and the first school 
was opened in 1826, John Wood acting as Principal. A brick addition was 
added about 1859, and a boarding-house some ten years later. The time was 
when Waterford Academy was the most famous and prosperous institution of 
learning in the county, numbering as high as 400 pupils and employing the 
best talent for teachers. Many of the prominent men of the county received 
their education within its walls, and its graduates are to be found in nearly 
every State in the Union. It declined soon after the opening of the Normal 
School at Edinboro, and has had a checkered career for the last ten years. 

THE CEMETER.Y. 

The old cemetery at the southwest corner of Second and West streets was 
the only one in the borough until 1840, when the first part of the present 
cemetery was laid out by William Benson, Sr., under the auspices of the bor- 
ough, containing one and a quarter acres. The first burial in the latter was 
that of a child of Dr. Banning, in December, 1840. This section became 
completely filled up, and more ground being necessary the borough in 1865 
deeded the property to the Waterford Cemetery Company, who have in- 
creased it to eleven acres, at a cost of about $1,000 for the land. A part of 
the addition was laid out by Judge William Benson in 1865, and the bal- 
ance by John H. IMillar in 1875. The cemetery occupies dry, gravelly ground, 
on the side of the borough toward the depot, is well laid out, and contains 
numerous costly monuments. Within the cemetery plat, in a full lot appro- 
priated for the purpose by the company, lie the bones of Michael Hare, the 
oldest man who ever lived in Erie County and perhaps in Pennsylvania. He 
was born in Ireland on the 10th of June, 1727, and died in Waterford, after 
a long residence there, on May 3, 1843, at the almost incredible age of one 
hundred and fifteen years eight months and twenty-two days. Mr. Hare 
served in the French wars, was present at Braddock's defeat, fought all through 
the Revolution, and wound up his militai'y career by taking part in St. Clair's 
expedition against the Western Indians. At St. Clair's defeat, he was left on 
the field for dead and lost his scalp, which did not seem to cause him much 
inconvenience in after years. Mr. Hare was one of the first settlers of Wayne 
Township, from which he moved to Waterford. Besides Mr. Hare, two other 
Revolutionary soldiers are bui'ied at Waterford — Capt. John Lytle and Neil 
McKay — and five soldiers of the last war with Great Britain— M. Himrod, H. 
Colt, James McKay, J. Benson and J. Lenox. 

The enlistments from Waterford in the last war were probably not exceeded 
in number by any community of equal size, and there are few of its families 
who did not mourn the loss of one or more near relatives in that bloody struggle. 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 681 

There were buried in the cemetery in 1874: Capt. E. Cross, J. H. Smith, S. S. 
Himrocl, J. W. Hunter, G. W. Benson, C. Graff, W. H. H. Skinner, L. Avery, 
T. M. Mitchell, P. Fretwell, R. Robertson, J. Atchison, M.Brink, J. H. Miller, 
J. McKinley, G. Kibbe, G. Cornish — 17. Buried on the field of battle: J. 
A. Phenix, R. R. Smith, G. D. Judson, J. F. Rice, J. Lunger, W. B. Wright, 
A. C. Henry, F. M. Hull, A. B. Hull, R. Wilson, S. Demington, R. Middleton, 
I. Bowen, E. Sedgwick, L. Benson, R. Tollman, H. C. Brown, O. J. Tavlor, 
J. H. Taylor, J. W. Babcock, S. W. Hare, M. D. Burrows, H. Porter, B. Hood, 
S. E. Fish, J. D. Fish, W. Phelps, J. J. Briggs, T. H. Briggs. C. Comer, A. 
Hongh, L. Gray, T>. Davis, E. Oldfield, Capt. A. Walker, J. Y. W^alker, P. 
Porter and O. Gray — 38. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

Waterford has four church edifices, viz. : Presbyterian, Episcopal, United 
Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal. The first Presbyterian congregation 
was organized in 1809, with Rev. John Mathews as first pastor, and W^illiam 
Blacken, John Lytle and Archibald Watson as the first Trustees. One of the 
xnnst active men in the organization was Ebenezer Graham. Mr. Mathews was 
settled regularly as pastor of the Waterford and Gravel Run (Crawford County) 
congregations on October 17, 1810, and remained pastor until April 2, 1817. 
In 1818-19, Rev. Phineas Camp, a Presbyterian missionary, employed to visit 
the various settlements of the county, preached with such acceptance that a 
number of converts were made, and established the real foundation of the con- 
gregation. It was without a building until 1834, when the one still occupied 
was erected at a cost of $5,000. From 1817 until 1828, it had only transient 
and occasional supplies, among whom were Rev. Judah Ely in 1823; Rev. 
Johnston Eaton came next, preaching monthly for about one year; and Revs. 
Bradford. Marcy and Samuel Tait at various times until 1828. As stated 
supply, in February, 1828, came Rev. Peter Hassinger, who remained until 
March, 1832. From February, 1833, to November of the same year, the con- 
gregation was served by Rev. B. J. Wallace, and from that time to May, 1834, 
Rev. J. Watson preached. Since this period, the pastors of the church 
have been as follows: Pierce Chamberlain, G. W. Cleveland (S, S. ), Charles 
F. Diver, T. J. Bradford, J. K. Black, T. H. Delamater (S. S.), M. D. A. Steen 
(S. S.), S. Bryan (S. S.), and M. Wishart, present pastor. 

The United Presbyterian Church at Waterfoi'd dates back to October, 1812, 
on the 21st of which month Rev. Robert Reid was installed pastor of the United 
Presbyterian congregations at Erie and Waterford. At this period, the W^ater- 
ford membership consisted of fourteen persons. The first communion services 
were held in the year 1816, in the storehouse of Thomas King, which stood 
near the bank of LeBoeuf Creek. Mr. Reid remained pastor of the two con- 
gi-egations until June 30, 1841. The early services of this church, as well as 
other religious societies of Waterford, were held in the warehouses along the 
banks of the creek, in old Fort LeBoeuf, in the old schoolhouse that 
stood in what is now the park, and later in the Academy building erected 
in 1822. The church edifice was erected in 1835, but not completed 
until 1838. It was enlarged in 1859 and greatly improved at a 
cost of $1,200, and again in 1868 repairs were made and a spire and belfry 
added at a cost of $2, 100. Mr. Reid's successor to the pastorate was Rev. 
John J. Findley, and following him at intervals were Revs. Thomas Love, 
H. P. Jackson, and P. W. Free, present pastor. The founders of the congi-e- 
gation were William Smith, Robert Kincaid and William Carson. 

St. Peter's Episcopal Church may date its origin to February, 1827, when 
the first service of this denomination was held at Waterford, in the Academy, 



682 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

on a week-day evening, by Rev. Charles Smith and Rev. B. Hutchins. The 
next summer occasional services were held by the same clergymen, and by the 
Rev. B. Glover, of Erie, who gave this people one-fourth of his time in 1828. 
In 1831, the congregation resolved to build a church, and the corner-stone was 
laid that fall. The building was consecrated to the worship of God November 
13, 1832, by Bishop Onderdonk. In 1871-72, the building was renovated, and 
now constitutes the house of worship. The following were the first Vestry- 
men: Dr. M. B. Bradley, Timothy Judson, Amos Judson, Martin Strong, 
John Vincent, James Pollock and John Tracy. The rectors of the parish 
have been Revs. B. Glover, Samuel T. Lord, Tobias Harper Mitchell, M. D,, 
Richard Smith, John Ireland, S. B. Moore, John A. Davis, S. D. McConnell, 
Samuel J. French, T. O. Tongue, E. D. Irvine, Thomas White, W. H. Robertn, 
and again the present incumbent Rev. E. D. Irvine. 

The Methodist Episcopal congregation was not regularly organized until 
1835, though occasional services had been held from as long back as 1814. 
The meeting place for some years was in an old building removed from near 
the Eagle Hotel to the corner of High and Sixth streets. The present structure 
was built In 1854. The pastors of the congregation were, in 1849, H. JuU 
and E. T. "Wheeler, and the present pastor is J. F. Stocker. 

STATE AND COUNTY OFFICERS. 

Up to thirty years ago, Waterford shared equally with Erie in political 
influence, and* there is hardly a position within the gift of the people of the 
county that has not been filled by one or more of its citizens, as the following 
list shows: Quartermaster General, Wilson Smith, 1812; Presidential Electors, 
John Boyd, 1824; Wilson Smith. 1832; Charles C. Boyd, 1872. State Senate, 
Wilson Smith, 1809 to 1812. Assemblv, John Lytle, 1802 to 1805; Wilson 
Smith, 1806 to 1808 and 1819-20; Samuel Hutchins, 1838 and 1839; David 
Himrod, 1857; O. S. Woodward, 1865 and 1866. Associate Judges, John 
Vincent, December 23, 1805, to March 26, 1840; Samuel Hutchins, November 
12, 1856, to November 23, 1861; William Benson, November 8, 1866, to No- 
vember 8, 1872. Sheriffs, Wilson Smith, 1803 to 1805; Thomas B. Vincent, 
November 2, 1852, to October 28, 1855; John L. Hyner, October 24, 1873, to 
January 1, 1877; H. C. Stafford, January 1, 1880, to January 1, 1883. Pro- 
thonotary, E. L. Whittelsey, November 22, 1869, to December 28, 1875. 
Register and Recorder, Reuben J. Sibley, November 25, 1848, to November 22, 
1851. Coroner, M. S. Vincent, 1872 to 1875. County Commissioners, John 
Vincent, 1803 to 1804; John Boyd, 1807 to 1810; Henry Colt, 1822 to 1825; 
William Benson, Sr., 1826 to 1828; Flavel Boyd, 1854 'to 1857; Charles C. 
Boyd, 1863 to 1866. Directors of the Poor, James Benson, 1840 to 1841; 
James Anderson, 1843 to 1846; George Fritts, 1849 to 1852. Countv Sur- 
veyors, Wilson Smith, 1800 to 1801; Wilson King, 1827 to 1833; W^illiam 
Benson, Jr., 1854 to 1863. County Auditors, Charles Martin, 1810; John 
Lytle, 1813 to 1816; Amos Judson, 1814 to 1817; James M. McKay, 1825 to 
1828; Martin Strong, 1826 to 1829; William Benson, 1835 to 1838; Simeon 
Hunt, 1845 to 1846; Flavel Boyd, 1850 to 1853. Mercantile Appraisers, S. 
B. Benson, 1852 and 1861; J. P. Vincent, 1857; C. W. S. Anderson, 1863; 
H. R. Whittelsey, 1866; James R. Taylor, 1869. Thomas Wilson, Congress- 
man from 1813 to 1816, had been a resident of Waterford, where he married 
Miss Nay lor, but removed to Erie in 1805, and was living there when elected. 
Other citizens of Erie chosen to public positions, who were natives of Water- 
ford Borough or Township, are: John P. Vincent, Additional Law Judge from 
December, 1866, to April 17, 1874, and President Judge from the latter date 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 683 

to January, 1877; James Skinner, State Senator from 1852 to 1855, and Pro- 
thonotarj from November, 1857, to November, 1863; Alfred King, Prothono- 
tary from November, 1854, to the same month in 1857; and John A. Tracy, 
County Treasurer from 1835 to 1838. Among professional and business men, 
her contribution to Erie includes William Benson, John Clemens, A. H. Gray, 
F. F. Adams, F. F. Farrar, Dr. P. Hall, Irvin Camp, B. B. Vincent, William 
Himrod, T. B. Vincent, Dr. L. Strong, O. S. Woodward, and others whose 
names cannot now be recalled. She has given to the city two Mayors — F. F. 
Farrar and Alfred King. Sheriff Vincent became a resident of Erie on the ex- 
piration of his term of office. George W. Reed came over from Erie and built 
the United States Hotel, at the corner of French and Second streets, which 
was once the most famous in the cit3\ Mr. Tracy's career in Erie began as a 
clerk for Reed & Sanford in 1816. He was' the father of John F. Tracy, 
deceased, and father-in-law of William L. Scott, two of the most conspicuous 
railroad men in the country. 

POSTMASTERS. 

The following is a complete list of the Postmasters of the borough, with 
the year of their commission: Charles Martin, 1801; Samuel Hutchins, 1819; 
Joseph Derrickson, 1820; John Marvin, 1831; Henry Colt, 1840; Joseph L. 
Cook, 1841; Timothy Judson, 1844; John Curtis. 1847; Thomas B. Vincent, 
1849; HughH. Whitney, 1852; Henry Colt, 1853; John Lytle, 1861; Will- 
iam Vincent, 1861; Andrew W. Tracy, 1865; W^illiam O. Colt, 1868; James 
P. Vincent, 1869; Sarah H. Vincent. *1875. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

In 1851, Joseph S. M. Young started the Waterford i)/s;jafc/i, which attained 
to a wide circulation by its sympathy with the "Rippers" in the railroad war. 
He removed it to Erie in 1856, and it became the basis of the present exten- 
sive Erie Dispatch establishment. B. F. H. Lynn, who rose to distinction as 
an Erie publisher, was employed by Mr. Young in Waterford, and came over 
with the office. Not long after the change, Mr. Lewis, who was printing the 
Edinboro Museum, went to Waterford with his office, and printed a paper for 
a short time. In 1857, it fell into the hands of Amos Judson, who changed 
the name to the Enquirer. That paper suspended for a few months in 1858, 
but was recommenced by Judson & Lynn, who were succeeded by C. R. H. 
Lynn, under whose administration it went out of existence. The borough 
was without a papei* till May 7, 1874, when L. B. Thompson established the 
Waterford Enterprise. Not proving as successful as he anticipated, the office 
was moved to Union City in February, 1875. Dr. D. P. Robbins started the 
Waterford Astonisher on the 26th of January, 1878, and continued his con 
nection with the same until December 16 of that year, when A. F. Moses took 
charge, changed the astonishing name to the Waterford Leader, and continued 
its publication until April 1, 1883, when it was purchased by W. G. Lefevre. 
In his hands it is meeting with a fair share of business, and has become a 
permanent institution. 

MANUFACTORIES. 

The manufacturing establishments of the borough consist of D. P. Fritts' 
cheese factory (opened May 10, 1870), now operated by E. M. Thurber; Bo- 
lard's tannery; A. D. Johnson's boot and shoe factory; Wheeler & Dewey's 
grist, saw and lath mill and planing factory; Howe & Son's and George G. 
Taylor's carriage and wagon factories; O. H. Woodward's marble works; James 
A. Boyd's carpenter and joiner shop; William C. Lowell's cooper shop;Halsey 



684 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

& McKay's and Bradish & Smith's, H. Hovis', Ira Skiff's, Taylor's and Howe's 
blacksmith shops. Of secret societies, there are the Masons, United Workmen, 
State Police, Patrons of Husbandry and Mutual Protective Association. The 
borough boasts five halls — McKay's, Phelp's, Keystone, Masonic and Work- 
men's. Most of the buildings in the borough are frame, but there are several 
good brick structures. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The largest fire with which Waterford has been afflicted occurred on the 
5th of March, 1865, sweeping away the whole of the west side of High street 
from Second alley to Judson's store, and running north from Secoad alley 
about one-half the block. The next largest happened on the last day of De- 
cember, 1873, destroying the Union hotel, a large three-story building, and 
two other structures. The Miles Barnett Tannery has been burned down twice. 
Quite extensive fires took place on the nights of February 4, 1881, and Febru- 
ary 22, 1883. The first destroyed the buildings belonging to A. M. Carson, 
the heirs of David Boyd, T. W. Whitney, J. W. Willard and the heirs of A. 
Oliver; the second, A. M. Carson's stoi-e, P. C. Sedgwick's meat market, and 
Hiram How land's grocery. A fire in the winter of 1883-84 burned down 
Wheeler & Dewey's grist, saw and lath mill, and planing factory. 

Isaac M. W^hite, Treasurer and Clerk of the borough, has held those posi- 
tions for thirty-nine consecutive years. The town hall of the borough is in a 
two-story frame building, the lower story being used for an engine house and 
lock-up, and the upper story for Council meetings. The township and borough 
both hold elections in the building. In 1834, the official valuation of prop- 
erty in the borough was $29,464, and the assessment of taxes summed up 
$147.52. In 1883, the assessments gave the following result: Value of real es- 
tate, $246,508; number of cows, sixty-six; of horses and mules, ninety-two; value 
of same, $8,030; value of trades and occupations, $37,625; money at interest, 
$55,825. Waterford has always been noted for the number of its aged lady 
residents. Mrs. Phelps was ninety-five }'ears old when she died in August, 
1879; Mrs. Henry Colt died on the 30th of March, 1881, aged eighty-seven 
years eleven xnonths and twenty-two days. David Himrod was at one period 
among the prominent iron men of the United States. He removed to Erie 
in 1826, and was an active business man in that city for many years. 



CHAPTER III. 



UNION TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF UNION CITY. 

IN the organization of Erie County, all that portion of its territory lying 
east of LeBceuf and Waterford, to the western line of Wayne and Concord, 
was given the name of Union Township. From 1800 to 1821, Union and 
Brokenstraw, which included Wayne and Concord, formed one election dis- 
trict, a fact that has given rise to the erroneous conclusion with some that the 
fii'st-named township covered that entire section. In 1825, Amity was taken 
from Union, leaving the township lines as they are found at present. Union 
Township is almost square, having a length of about six and a quarter by a 
breadth of about five and three-quarter miles. It is bounded on the north by 
Amity, on the east by Wayne and Concord, on the south by Crawford County, 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 685 

and on the west by LeBoeuf. The population was 200 in 18'20, 235 in 1830 
543 in 1840, 1,080 in 1850, 1,954 in 1860, 1.334 in 1870, and 1,337 in 1880.' 
The assessment for 1883 showed the following results: Number of acres 
'21,331; value of real estate, $513,193; cows, 771, value $15,420; oxen, 26, 
value, $1,005; horses and mules, 273; value, $16,812; personal property, $33,- 
237; trades and occupations, $1,350; money at interest, $6,351. 

Union contains very little flat land, and such as there is, embracing a few 
farms only, lies wholly along the South Branch of French Creek. The balance 
of the township is rolling, with few steep hills or abrupt ravines, almost every 
foot of ground being susceptible of cultivation. The country is mostly a 
grazing section, but wheat, corn, oats, etc., are raised in considerable quantities. 
Land is valued at $20 to $50 an acre according to the location. " The soil is 
generally a heavy clay, with an underlying strata of hard pan, excepting about 
1,200 acres, which were originally covered with pine timber, and are a gravelly 
loam, underlaid with sand. The timber, aside from the pine above mentioned, 
was principally beech, maple, hemlock, cucumber and whitewood, with a ridge 
of oak and chestnut through the southwest corner." A sink-hole, similar to 
the one near Waterford, but of less extent, was encountered in building the 
Philadelphia & Erie Kailroad, a short distance outside of the borough. 

THE SOUTH BRANCH AND ITS TRIBUTARIES. 

The chief stream is the South Branch of French Creek, or Little French 
Creek as it is sometimes called, which rises in Concord, south of Corry, flows 
through the main part of the latter township, past Lovell's Station and Elgin, 
across Union from east to west, and joins the main stream in Le Bceuf, a few 
rods below the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad bridge, after a course of not far 
from twenty miles. From Corry to Le BoeuE, it furnishes the route of the A. 
& G. W. and Philadelphia & Erie Railroads. In proportion to the amount of 
water, this stream furnishes the most power of any in the county. Its tribu- 
taries in Union Township are, on the south side, Scotchman's, Wilson's, Mulvin's 
and Carroll's Runs, and on the north side Pine, Tolbert's and Benson's Runs, 
all small streams. Scotchman's Run rises in Bloomfield Township, Crawford 
County, and falls into the South Branch on or near the W. Wade farm, having 
a length of about four miles. It has two branches, known as Stewart s and 
Cochran's Runs. Wilson's Run also heads in Bloomfield, and, after a length 
of five to six miles, ends at Steenrod's mill. The head of Mulvin's Run is on 
the farm of S. Shreve, its mouth is on the Mulvin farm, and its length is some 
two miles. Carroll's Run starts on the M. Shreve place and ends in Le Bceuf 
Township, just across the line, after a course of about seven miles. Pine Run 
begins near the Wayne line. Its length is perhaps three and a half miles, 
and it joins the South Branch on the John Caflish place. Tolbert's Run has 
its head on the R. S. Church place, and its mouth in the borough, near 
P. H. Thompson's mill. Its length is estimated at three miles. Benson's 
Run commences on land of James Roark, and, after a course of about two 
miles, terminates in the borough, near its western boundary. The main in- 
let of Oil Creek Lake, in Crawford County, rises in the southwest near the 
Le Bceuf line. 

BRIDGES AND MILLS. 

The Philadelphia & Erie Railroad has five bridges over the South Branch, 
two in the township and three in the borough, while the A. & G. W. road, 
by following a higher grade, avoided the necessity of even crossing the stream 
once. The township bridires are good, but not expensive. The main thorough- 
fares are the old road to Wattsburg, the Smiley road to the same place, the 



686 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Flats road to Waterford, and the roads to Corry, Concord, Titusville and Mill 
Village. The Philadelphia & Erie and A. & G. W. Kailroads both cross the 
township from Le Boeuf to Concord, following practically the same route, by 
way of the South Branch, though at different elevations. A third railroad, 
the Union & Titusville, comes in from Crawford County, and connects with 
the Philadelphia & Erie at Union City. 

The manufacturing concerns of the township are E. & J. Steenrod's saw 
and grist mill on the South Branch, east of the borough; Fenno's sawmill and 
Seymour's saw and shingle mill, both on Church's Run; J. F. Kamerer's saw 
mill, north of the borough; the West Union or Carroll's cheese factory, two 
and a half miles south of the borough on the Mill Village road; Wager's cider 
mill, one mile south of the borough; John Vermilyea's saw mill on the Town 
Line road; H. G. Bentley's saw mill, three and a half miles northeast of the 
borough; Miller's saw mill, in the south part; Harrison's, in the W^ilson neigh- 
borhood; Lyon's mill, about two miles east of the borough; one on the South 
Branch, between the N. Y., P. & O. and P. & E. roads, about three miles east of 
the borough; Peter Thompson's, two miles southeast of the borough. The Car- 
roll Cheese Factory was started May 6, 1872, and has been generally successful. 
The township has had at dififerent periods as many as fifteen saw mills run by 
water and four by steam, the bare mention of which indicates the immense 
amount of timber that has been cut off and marketed. 

CHURCHES AND GEAVEYARDS. 

The only church in the township is the Asbury Methodist Episcopal ChajDel, 
which stands near the Mill Village road, almost on the line of Le Boeuf, three 
miles southwest of the borough. The congregation was organized with nine- 
teen members, by Rev. John Scott, in 1840, and besides the gentleman named, 
had Rev. D. Rowland as one of the first pastors. The building was erected 
at a cost of S850, in 1862, and has been recently repaired. It was attached to 
AVattsburg Circuit until the formation of Union City Circuit, when it was joined 
to the Riceville Circuit. About 1875, it was made a part of Union City Circuit, 
to which it now belongs. The membership is about sixty-five. Quite a neat 
graveyard, the only one outside of the borough cemeteries, is attached to the 
chapel. Most of the burials from the township are made at Union City. One 
of the earliest if not the first school of the township was taught during the 
war of 1812, by William Craig, in a house vacated by Thomas McElhany. 
/Probably the next school was taught by Mrs. Susanna Pain, during the summer 
of 1815, in a log cabin built by Hugh Wilson. She also taught the following 
summer in her own house. The first house built for a school which was suc- 
cessful was erected about 1818, near the mills, now Union City. William 
Kelley, an Irishman, taught here two winters. Mr. Young followed. Daniel 
Sacket, who hailed from the East, taught here in 1825, and from that date 
schools were frequent. In the fall of 1835, a second house was built, two 
and one-half miles distant, where David Wilson taught for four winters. 

Following is a list of the township schools: Howard, Wilson, Norton, 
Thompson, Sherwood, Miilvin, Smith, Fenao, Bentley, Kimball, Beach, Shreve, 
Mitchell. 

Smith's quarry, a mile north of the borough, on the Wattsburg road, and 
Wellman's, in the Carroll settlement, near the Le Boeuf line, are the only 
ones in thetownship. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first settler in Union Township was Hugh Wilson, from the North of 
Ireland, who came early in !1797 and was joined the following year by Andrew 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 689 

Thompson, wife and four children, Matthew Gray, wife and son Francis B. , 
and Robert Smith. Jacob Sheppard, from the Susquehanna Valley, went in 
during the year 1798, but left and did not return until 1820. About the same 
time that Sheppard first came, John Wilson, father of Hugh, arrived direct 
from Ireland, with two grown daughters. John Fagan, from Franklin County, 
settled on the Kussell Church farm about 1798, but changed to Mill Creek 
Township in 1803 or 1801. William Miles and his family moved over from 
what is now Concord in 1800, and were followed by Miles' brother-in-law, 
William Cook, with his family, in 1801. During the latter year, the settle- 
ment was increased by the arrival of Abel K. Thompson, with five sons and 
two daughters, and of Ferdinand Carroll and family from Ireland. From that 
date to 1816, it does not appear that any permanent acquisitions took place, 
but in the latter year James Smiley with his wife and six children were added 
to the colony. Of later settlers, Richard Shreve made his location in 1820; 
Levi Barnes and Abram Emerson in 1821, and Daniel Dunham in 1836. Mr. 
Shreve had been a resident of Crawford County, and Messrs. Barnes, Emerson 
and Dunham were from the interior of New York. Matthew Gray founded the 
first tanneiy. William Carroll was five years old before his father reached 
the township. Mr. Smiley had charge of Miles' mill for many years. The 
colonists were few until about 1830. Most of the families, now in the town- 
ship, came after that year. 

The first death was that of John Wilson, father of Hugh, who departed 
this life in June, 1799, and was buried in a natural mound in the forest. 
The first child was Martha, daughter of Hugh Wilson and wife, born August 
18, 1800. The first marriage, and the first in the south part of the county, 
was that of William Smith and Elizabeth Wilson, in 1799, and the second 
that of Thomas King and Sarah Wilson in 1800, both ladies being daughters 
of John Wilson. Mrs. Smith, nee Elizabeth Wilson, died August 6, 1875, in 
Wayne Township at the extraordinary age of ninety-nine years, being the 
fourth oldest woman who has lived in the county. Hugh Wilson was the first 
Justice of the Peace in Erie County south of the Triangle. He was commis- 
sioned by Gov. McKean in 1803, and held the office till 1816 or 1817, when he 
resigned. While he held the position, he officiated at most of the marriages 
in that part of the county, 

POLITICAL. 

Union City and Union Township have furnished the following county 
offi(!ers: Sherifl', F. E. Staple, January 1, 1880, to January 1, 1883. 
County Treasurer, W. O. Black, December 20, 1860, to December 23, 
1862; C. ^Y. Keller, December 26, 1866, to March 10, 1870, when he 
resigned. County Commissioner, Robert Gray, 1843 to 1846; William 
Putnam, 1858 to 1861. Jury Commissioner, P. G. Stranahan, 1867 to 1870; 
James D. Phillips, 1882 to 1884. County Superintendent of Public Schools, 
Charles Twining, 1878 to 1884. Director of the Poor, Andrew Thompson, 
1865 to 1870; M. B. Chamberlain, 1873 to 1876; Jefferson Triscuit, 1878 to 
1885. County Surveyor, David Wilson, 1852 to 1854. County Auditors, 
Robert Gray, lS52to 1856; Thomas W^oods, 1869 to 1872. County Detective, 
Daniel Mitchell, January, 1876, to January, 1879. James Miles, who left 
Union to make his home at the mouth of Elk Creek in 1832, was a County 
Commissioner from 1835 to 1838, and an Associate Judge from 1851 to 1856. 
Newton T. Hume, County Treasurer from Januai-y l,jl875, to January 1, 1878, 
though elected from Wattsburg, was long a resident of Union City. Joseph 
Sill was Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue under the United States Gov- 
ernment for several years. 

36 



690 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



BOROUGH OF UNION CITY. 

The borough of Union City stands upon both sides of the South Branch 
of French Creek, very nearly in the center of Union Township, at a distance of 
twenty-seven miles by railroad southeast from the water's edge at Erie. The 
settlement was first given the name of Miles' Mills, which was changed to 
Union Mills in 1863, when it was created a borough, and finally to Union City 
July 4, 1871. The earliest buildings were erected on the flat land, in the 
narrow valley of the creek, immediately around what is now known as Church's 
mill, from which point the town has spread to the ridges north and south for 
probably half a mile in each direction. As a railroad point. Union City has 
few superiors in this part of the country, the Philadelphia & Erie and Atlan- 
tic & Great Western both passing through, and the Union & Titusville having 
its northern terminus in the town. There are four dams on the South Branch 
in the space of half a mile within the borough limits. The population was 
1,500 in 1870, and 2,171 in 1880. 

THE FOUNDER. 

The founder of Union City was William Miles, a native of Ireland, who 
was brought to this country when eight years of age, his parents settling in 
the easte'rn part of Pennsylvania. While quite young, he volunteered as a 
soldier in the Revolution, was stationed at Freeland's fort in Northumberland 
County, which was attacked and captured in 1778 by the Indian allies of the 
British, was sent to Quebec as a prisoner of war, and was kept there in dreary 
confinement for the long term of five years, or until our National Independ- 
ence was acknowledged. The father of Mr. Miles was killed in the tight. On 
his release, W^illiam Miles returned to the Susquehanna Valley, and in 1785 
surveyed the Tenth Donation District, extending from near Waterford Borough 
to the Warren County line, and then returned East. In 1795, he again came 
West and located in what is now Concord Township. In 1796, Mr, Miles made 
a clearing and built a storehouse at Wattsburg, where for some years an ex- 
tensive trade was carried on in furs and supplies. In 1800, he moved 
his family to Union, where he commenced the erection of a grist and saw mill 
combined on or near the site of the present Church mill, completing it in 1801. 
The mill was destroyed by fu-e in 1802 and rebuilt in 1803. Added to his other 
business, Mr. Miles cleared a great deal of land, opened roads, secured a mail 
route, and had a post offic© established, with himself as Postmaster. In 1822, 
he established a grist mill and saw mill at Wattsburg, and in 1828 laid out 
that town, naming it after his wife's father, David Watts, Sr., of Carlisle. 
Mr. Miles died in Girard Township, in 1846, at the age of eighty-seven. Will- 
iam Cook followed Mr. Miles to Union with his family in 1801, where he died 
in 1830, He had been a Surgeon in the Revolutionary army. 

GROWTH OF THE TOWN. 

Up to the year 1855, the settlement consisted of but a few buildings sur- 
rounding the mills, and gave no promise of the bright future that proved to be 
in store for it. In that year, H. L. Church, A. L. Summerton and D. M. Mc- 
Leod moved over from Warren, rebuilt the mills, started a store and sold some 
lots. A town was laid out by David Wilson, under the patronage of James 
Miles — who still owned much of the property — which included only a trifling 
part of the present borough. About 1856, Mr. Summerton surveyed the plat 
since known as Summerton Hill. Previous to that, in 1852, James Miles had 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 691 

been made a Director of the Philadelphia & Erie road, and by his influence the 
route was carried to Union instead of Wattsburg. In 1858, the road was opened 
to Union. In 1859, P. G. Stranahan, who had been a farmer and hotel -keeper on 
the Moravian flats in Le Boeuf, purchased the Miles homestead, which he has 
occupied ever since, laid out an addition to the town on the south side, and 
sold off a large number of lots, continuing to make additions and sales for ten 
years. The Atlantic & Great Western road being built through Union in 
1862, gave increased value to property on that side of the town, and in 1865 
James Sill, P. G. Stranahan and Joseph Sill bought and laid out the Black 
farm into lots, which sold rapidly. In 1866, James Sill purchased the Tour- 
tellott farm, on the north side, and in 1873, E. VV. Hatch the Smiley farm, 
adjoining, both of Which were surveyed and a large number of the lots sold. 
Another addition was made by T. B. Shreve, south of the Atlantic & Great 
Western road, about the latter year. 

The first strong impulse was given to Union by the opening of the Phila 
delphia & Erie road, and this happy circumstance was followed by another in 
the summer of 1859, which may be said to have been the making of the town. 
This was no less an event than the development of natural oil as an article of 
commerce at Titusville. In 1862, three oil refineries and several large cooper 
shops were running to their fullest capacity. The completion of the Oil Greek 
road during the latter year gave a sudden check to this thrifty condition of 
affairs, by doing away with the hauling by wagons and diverting the oil traffic 
to Corry. The town had a live population, however, and gradually picked up 
again In the fall of 1870, Woods & Johnson started the largest barrel factory that 
had then been built upon the continent. In enterprise, population and impor- 
tance, Union City is the third place in the county. In 1865, James Sill and P. G. 
Stranahan originated the Union & Titusville road. It was not completed, how- 
ever, till February, 1871, after the oil center had changed from Titusville, and 
has never realized the hopes of the citizens. While upon the subject of oil, 
it may be stated that for many years — commencing long before Drake's discov- 
ery at Titusville — the fluid was gathered on the banks of the creek at Union. 
The most prolific yield was at the foot of the hill on which Mr. Strana- 
han's residence stands. A well was suuk there about 1859, to a depth of 100 
feet, and deepened to 900 feet in 1864, and other wells were put down along 
the stream. 

Union has an unusual number of good residences, and the character of the 
ground affords many attractive sites for the purpose. Its churches and hotels 
are among the finest in the county. Its business houses embrace every variety 
usually found in places of the size, and being almost entirely upon one street, 
within moderate limits, an air of life and thrift is given to the town which 
makes a pleasant impression upon strangers. 

The hotels of Union City are the Johnson House, Cooper House, Cole- 
man House, Farmers' Hotel, Burns House and St. Charles Hotel. It pos- 
sesses three public halls — Deamer, Keystone and the Good Templars. 

SOCIETIES. 

The secret societies consist of the Masons, Odd Fellows, Grange, Knights 
of Honor, Grand Army of the Republic, Good Templars, Equitable Aid Union, 
Royal Arcanum, and Royal Templars of Temperance. Eureka Lodge, F. & 
A. M. , No. 366, was organized in 1865: it now has about sixty members. 
Clement Lodge, No. 220, I. O. O. F. , was chartered August 26, 1871; it con- 
tains 118 members, and meets every Tuesday evening. Nineveh Encamp- 
ment, No. 248, I. O. O. F., was chartered May 18, 1874, and has a present 



692 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

membership of fifty-three; its evenings for regular meetings are the second 
and fourth Fridays of each month. Union City Grange, No. 89, Patrons of 
Husbandry, was chartered June 29, 1874. Israel Lodge, No. 50, Knights of 
Honor, was organized December 11, 1874, with about twenty members, now 
increased to fifty-four. John W. Mcl.iane, Post No. 102, Gr. A. R., was char- 
tered June 24, 1876, with sixteen members. Its present membership is fifty- 
nine. Union City Lodge, No. 1015. Independent Order of Good Templars, 
was organized with eighteen members; its charter bears date February 27, 
1878. Banner Union, No. 12, Equitable Aid Union, was organized August 
22, 1879; it now numbers fifty -three members. Union Council, No. 198, 
Royal Arcanum, was chartered with ten members May 3, 1880. Star Council, 
No' 58, Eoyal Templars of Temperance, was instituted August 5, 1880, and 
now has a membership of about forty. Besides these, there is Union City 
Branch, No. 12, of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, with a member- 
ship of seventeen. 

The public schools of Union City are nine in number, including a high 
school, and by the last report gave tuition to 423 pupils. The high school 
and four of the graded schools are in one large building; the remainder are 
in another on the opposite side of the town. The Principal of the high school 
acts as Superintendent of all, visiting each at least once a week. 

There are two banks at Union City. Coope)''s, of which Ezra Cooper is 
President and W. B. Foster, Cashier, has been in operation for many years. 
The Farmers' Co operative Trust Company commenced a banking business in 
the summer of 1883. Jonathan Canfield is President; W. W. Deem, Cashier. 
The borough has suffered severely through the recent failure of two banks. 

MANUFACTORIES. 

Brisk as Union is in other respects, it is as a manufacturing town that it 
specially excels. The variety and importance of its interests in this direction 
will be appreciated by an examination of the following list of establishments: 
Anchor Grist Mill, Cafflish Brothers' steam saw mill, Blanchard & Hanson's 
furniture factory, Clough's shingle mill. Cooper's planing mill. Church's grist 
and saw mills, Clark & Son's saw. stave and handle mill, Dunmeyer's Indus- 
trial Iron Works, Hunter's pump factory and planing mill. Hatch's broom 
factory, Irwin's carding and grist mill, Jones' cheese factory, Jones' cheese 
box factory, Jenkins' sash, door and blind factory, Lamphier & Brower's car- 
riage and wagon factory, Morton's wagon factory, Pratt & Son's saw mill, 
Terrill's tannery, Thompson's water wheel works, Union City Iron Works, 
Union City Chair Company (moved from Jamestown, N. Y., about March 1, 
1881), Woods & Johnson's barrel factories, Westcott's broom handle factory, 
W^oods' stave factory. Wager's beer brewery, Westcott's dowel pin factory. 
The largest manufacturing establishment in the borough is the Union City 
Chair Company, which makes daily about 400 chairs, sold mainly in Ohio, 
Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and West Vii'ginia. The business was 
commenced on an extensive scale in the spring of 1881, but the shops were 
totally destroyed by tire in the following July. Messrs. Heineman & Che- 
ney, the present proprietors, immediately rebuilt them. The main building is 
120x40 feet, two and a half stories high, with an addition 60x30 and other 
adjoining buildings; all kinds of wood seat chai,rs are made and constant em- 
ployment is given in the shops to thirty-five men. The Anchor Mills, Camp, 
Geiger & Beebe, proprietors, is one of the best and most extensive in the 
country, doing a business of half a million annually. The mills are fitted 
out with all the improvements and have a capacity of seventy-five barrels of 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 693 

flour per day. The Union City Iron Works, where portable and stationary, 
upright and horizontal engines are njanufactiired, also deserves special men- 
tion as a business industry of the place, as does likewise the pump factory of 
J. W. Hunter. This list does not take in the many small shops that are in- 
cident to a town like Union. Five of the above-named works — Church's grist 
and saw mills, Cooper's planing mill, Clark's factory and Blanchard & Han- 
son's factoi'y — are run by the water of French Creek; two others — Thompson's 
and Irwin's — by that of Church Run, and the balance by steam. (Since the 
above was placed in type, Church's Mill has burned down.) 

CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS. 

Union City contains Presbyterian, Methodist Episcopal, Catholic, Baptist 
and United Brethren Churches, all of which are creditable edifices, though the 
first-mentioned is the costliest and finest. 

The Presbyterian congregation was organized with nine members, by Rev. 
John Matthews in ISII. The first church building was erected in 1831, on a 
lot donated by William Miles, who also contributed 150; and the present one, 
which cost $12,000, was dedicated Febrnai-y 24, 1874. The sheds were built 
in 1875, and a fine chapel, the gift of Mrs. Jane Gray, widow of Robert Gray, 
was added in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Gray were the only original members who 
lived to worship in the new church. When the congregation was organized, 
it consisted of but eight members, besides Matthew Gray, the Elder. Rev, 
Mr. Matthews supplied the pulpit until 1820, when Rev. Amos Chase took his 
place, giving to the church one-foiu"th of his time. The following is a par- 
tial list of the pastors since: Revs. Absalom McCready, Pierce Chamber- 
lain, Thomas Andei-son, and J. F. Reed; Rev. J. M. Gillette becoming pastor 
and remaining till 1873. He was followed by Rev. R. B. Dilworth, the pi'esent 
pastor. The present membership of the church is about two hundred. 

The Methodist Episcopal congregation was organized by Rev. Ira Eddy in 
1817, six years after the Presbyterian, and had Rev. John P. Bent as its first 
pastor. The first church was built in 1847, and the second and present one in 
1862, costing $10,000. Since the formation of Cony Circuit, the pastors of 
the congregation have been S. L. Wilkinson, R. F. Keeler, G. W. Staples, W. 
Hollister, G. W. Staples, W. Hollister, O. L. Mead, J. Whitely, A. J. Mer- 
chant, A. Van Camp. W. H. Mossman, F. H. Beek, J. C. Scofield, N. H. Holmes. 
The membership is about two hundred. In its early history, this charge was 
a part of Wattsburg Circuit. About a quarter of a century ago. Union City 
Circuit was formed, which nov, besides the church in the borough, includes 
Asbury Church of Union Township. 

St. Teresa Catholic Church was organized about 1857. Catholic families 
had settled here about 1854, and were attended for several years from Pitts- 
burgh. Father Emerand, O. S. B., then held services for several years. At 
the opening of the rebellion, he enlisted as Chaplain of a regiment under 
Gen. Rosecrans and was killed in service. Rev. T. Lonnergan, of Corry, took 
charge of the congregation in 1800, and under efforts put forth by him, a 
church was immediately built. He attended the charge until 1867 and his 
assistants until a year later. Father P. J. Morrell was then pastor for a year, 
succeeded by Father John L. Madigan, who remained until 1871. Father 
Joseph M. Dunn, the present pastor, then commenced his labors here. The 
school was built in 1866 and enlarged in 1875, and the parochial residence was 
erected in 1874. The congregation numbers about ninety families. The 
school is attended by about one hundred and thirty pupils, and is in charge of 
the Sisters of St. Joseph. 



694 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The Baptist Church at Union City was formed with eleven members in Au- 
gust, 1859, in the Methodist Episcopal Church, by the withdrawal of members 
residing in Union City and vicinity from the Wattsburg Bapt^ist Church. They 
were recognized by churches in the Harmony (N. Y.) Association in June, 
1860. Elder L. Rathbone preached occasionally to the congregation in the 
Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, and in 1862 Rev. A. D. Bush a(!cepted 
a call to the pastorate. Under his persistent labors a meeting-house was 
erected. In 1865, Rev. A. Tennant commenced a long and successful pastor- 
ate. In 1871, Rev. B. C. Willoughby became pastor, succeeded at the expira- 
tion of a year by Rev. W. L. Anthony. Rev. William Gilkes followed, re- 
mainiug nearly three years. Then Revs. T. J. Knapp, T. A. Edwards 
and A, D. Bush successively assumed charge, the latter, who is present pas- 
tor, taking charge in November, 1882. The membership is now about one 
hundred. 

The United Brethren society was organized about 1872, succeeding an old 
class which formerly met at Kimball's Hill, two miles northwest from the 
borough. In that year, Rev. W. R. Allen preached on this circiiit. The early 
services were held in the Presbyterian Church until 1876, when a large frame 
church was erected at a cost of over $2,000, and the work of its completion is 
still in progress. Meetings have since been held in the basement of this 
church. The membership is about fifty. The appointments in this circuit 
are three — Union City, New Ireland, three miles west, and Valley in Crawford 
County. The pastors since 1872 have been Revs. H. H. Barber, J. Hill, J. W. 
Gage, W. Rittenhouse, A. K. Root, W. H. Chiles, D. C. Starkey, W. H. 
Chiles and W. Rittenhouse. 

An Episcopal congregation was organized in 1875, but had no church, and 
is now defunct. 

Evergreen Cemetery, the principal burying place of town and township, is 
a beautiful piece of high, dry, gravelly ground, on the Concord road, near the 
southeast edge of the borough. It was originated by David Wilson, v.'ho laid 
out the plat and was the first President of the company. The cemetery was 
dedicated in September, 1865. The Catholic Cemetery, near the other, was 
consecrated about 1860, and embraces about an acre and a half. The soldiers' 
monument in Evergreen Cemetery was dedicated on May 30, 1884. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

The earliest newspaper in the towr. was the Union Mills Bulletin, started 
by William C. Jackson in 1865, and continued by him for one year, when the 
office was purchased by H. G. Pratt and Fi. Burrington, who changed the 
name to the Star. These gentlemen held out for about a year and then moved 
to Corry, where the establishment was merged with the Republican. The 
town was without a journal until November, 1870, when the Union City Times 
appeared, with Robert Troup as editor. The Times was printed in the Dis 
patch office at Erie for about two years, when Mr. Troup associated J. E. 
Locke with him, secured material and issued it at home. In August, 1873, 
H. D. Persons and L. B. Thompson bought the office, taking possession Sep- 
tember 1; six months afterward, Mr. Thompson retired from the firm, and in 
March, 1874, W. F. Richards formed a partnership with Mr, Persons, which 
arrangement terminated in about four months, and Mr. Persons continued the 
management until the spring of 1875. By an arrangement with the owners 
of the Corry Republican, brought about through the agency of S. Todd Perley, 
the two offices were moved to Erie May 1, 1875, and their material was used 
in the publication of the Argus, which had a brief but brilliant career. After 
the failure of the Argus, Mr. Persons took his office back to Union and re-es - 



UNION TOWNSHIP. tt95 

tablished the Times on the 12th of August, 1875. The establishment was pur- 
chased by Dr. D. P. Bobbins in November, 1877, who sold to F. E. McLean 
in August, 1878, and in November, 1879, Mr. McLean associated with 
him in partnership W. A. Moore. This latter gentleman, in May, 1880, sold 
his interest to A. F. Moses, who in turn conveyed it a year later to J. C. Mc- 
Lean and W. G. Lefevre. It was then published under the name of the Times 
Publishing Company, until May, 1882, when F. E. & J. C. McLean became 
sole proprietors, and are now its publishers. In February, 1875, Mr. L. B. 
Thompson moved the Enterprise from Waterford to Union City, and issued 
it until June of the same year, when it was bought by Pratt Bros. & Hub- 
bard. Mr. Hubbard soon retired from the firm, and Pratt Bros, continued the 
paper at Union until November, 1877, when the office was moved to 
Corry and the Corry Herald established. The Union City Advertiser was be- 
gun in the summer of 1874, by Hildreth, Young & Co., to give publicity to 
their Photocrome business. The work was done in the Waterford Enterprise 
office, and shortly after the removal of that paper to Union City, as above 
stated, the Advertiser was discontinued. Early in 1879, M. H. Fenno started 
an edition of the Corry Herald for Union circulation, calling it by the name 
of the Record. Its list was purchased by F. E. McLean in November, 1879, 
and combined with that of the Times. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The assessment for 1883 gave the following results: Value of real estate, 
$388,870; cows, 123; value, $2,460; oxen, 6; value, $250; horses and mules, 
148; value, $6,887; personal property, $9,607; trades and occupations, $49,- 
310; money at interest, $41,921. 

The tix'st successful school was established about 1820, in a building which 
stood on High street where Leander Miller lives. The first tavern was opened 
by David Jones in 1829. The first store was started in 1831 by Fleming 
& Brewster, of Erie, and was run for them by Julius Hitchcock. The old 
portion of P. G. Stranahan's residence, which probably antedates any other 
building now standing in the town, was built by William Miles in 1828. 

A tavern was built in 1832, near the old mill, by Asa Walton and Wash- 
ington Webber. The propei'ty was purchased in 1838 by Capt. A. Tourtellot, 
who rebuilt the house. D. Dunham & Sons started a tannery in 1836, and 
continued until 1871. The South Branch is crossed within the borough by 
two iron bridges and one wooden bridge, of eighty feet span each. The iron 
bridges were put up about 1871, and cost $3,000 apiece. A substantial wood- 
en bridge enables the Union & Titusville railroad to connect with the Phila- 
delphia & Erie a short distance east of the depot building of the latter i-oad. 

The most extensive fire that Union has known broke out in the Stranahan 
Block about half -past 3 o'clock on the morning of April 24, 1879, and swept 
down both sides of Main street to the creek, destroying buildings and goods 
estimated at the time to be worth $75,000, not more than half of which was 
covered with insurance. A large share of the burnt district has been rebuilt 
with a better class of structures than before. The next great fire occurred on 
Monday night, the 24th of July, 1882, and destroyed property to the value of 
$50,000. It originated in the boiler house of Hineman & Cheney's chair 
and furniture factory, and burned down eight buildings, besides damaging 
two others. The insurance was not much more than one-fourth of the loss. 
Another fire on the evening of Wednesday, May 28, 1884, burned down a row 
of frame buildings adjoining the Johnson House, occupied by seven business 
firms. The loss was about $12,000. The most destructive flood known in the 
history of Union City occurred on the 4th of February, 1882. 



696 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER IV. 

LE BGEUF TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF MILL VILLAGE. 

THIS township received its name from Le Boeuf Creek, which joins French 
Creek within its limits. It is one of the original townships of the county, 
and belongs to what is known as "the Southern Tier." It is bounded on the 
north by Waterford, on the east by Union, on the south by Crawford County, 
and on the west by Washington. The township lines are all straight except 
two slight variations in the northern boundary, and a jog or handle about half 
a mile square at the northeast corner, extending into Waterford. Le Boeuf is 
six and one-half miles long from east to west, by four and one-half wide from 
north to south. The population was 505 in 1820, 554 in 1830, 876 in 1840, 
990 in 1850, 1,483 in i860, 1,748 in 1870, and 1,420 in 1880. The only post 
office is Le Boeuf, on the P. & E. R. R. 

The assessment for 1883 gave the following results: Number of acres, 
20,48]; value of real pstate, $524,185; average per acre, $26.06; cows, 907; 
value, $21,740; average, $24; oxen, 32; value, $2,315; average, $72.31; horses 
and mules, 352; value, $24,358; average, $69.20; personal property, $48,413; 
total assessment for county purposes, $572,598; money at interest, $26,027. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first lands were selected in Le Bceuf Township in 1794, by Capt. Rob- 
ert King, who took up 400 acres at the present Ford bridge. Returning to his 
home in Lycoming County, he brought his family along in the spring of 1795. 
When he reached Le Bceuf, he found William and Thomas Black located on 
the next tract east, embracing what is now the Hunter place. John R. Black, 
son of William, was the first white child born in Erie County. This event 
took place on the 29th of Augitst, 1795. In 1797, the little colony was in- 
creased by the arrival of Francis Isherwood, with a son and daughter, and of 
James, Rx)bert and Adam Pollock. William Mallory caine in 1801, and John 
Clemens, James Biggers and Philip Gregory in 1802. Mr. Biggers came 
from Fayette and Mr. Gregory from Berks County, Penn. Among other early 
arrivals were James Weston, who became prominent as a politician, David 
Boyd and Mathias Himebaugh. Of the emigrants who entered the township 
about the beginning of the century many left, and a new set came in between 
1815 and 1820, the descendants of whom generally remain. The bulk of these 
were from New England and New York. Between 1825 and 1830, a number 
of Pennsylvania Germans from Lehigh Cotmty settled on the banks of French 
Creek, including the Burgers and others. Capt. King, the pioneer of the 
township, had been an officer in the Revolutionary war, and rendered the State 
important service in securing treaties with the Indians. Mr. Isherwood, like 
Capt. King, came first to locate a tract, accompanied by a son and daughter, 
and went back the next winter to his old home in Lycoming Cotmty for the 
purpose of bringing his wife, leaving his children to keep the claim good. 
William Miles, the founder of Union City, built a log storehouse at an early 
day at the mouth of the South Branch, where he landed provisions and other 
supplies brought up from Pittsbtirgh by flat-boats and canoes. 



LE BGEUF TOWNSHIP. 699 

STREAMS AND MILLS. 

The chief streams of the township are French Creek proper, the South 
Branch and LeBoeuf Creek. The South Branch comes in from Union at the 
south line of the Wilson Moore farm, having a course of but little more than 
a mile within the township. French Creek proper enters from Waterford on 
the Moravian grant, in the northeast corner of the township. The two unite 
on the farm of James Stranahan, a few rods below the Philadelphia & Erie 
railroad bridge. From there the united stream meanders to the west, across 
the northern portion of the township, until the junction with LeBceuf Creek, 
when it makes an abrupt turn and flows in a general southerly course to Craw- 
foi'd County. Le Boeuf Creek comes in from Waterford on the Monroe Moore 
farm, and joins French Creek at the David Boyd place. The Indian name of 
French Creek was Toranadakon or Innungah, the latter of which was cor- 
rupted by the French into Venango or Weenango. The tributaries of the 
main stream are Trout Brook, Colt Run and Mill Run, on the south side, and 
Moravian Run, Gill Brook and Mallory's Run on the north. Mill Run is the 
one +hat passes through the borough of Mill Village. 

The water mills are the Wilson Moore Saw Mill, on the South Branch, the 
old Burger Grist Mill on the mam stream, and Waterhouse's Saw and Cider 
Mill on a small run putting into French Creek. The Moore Mill has been 
operated over forty years. The Burger Mill, now owned by John May, was 
built by a Mr. McLenehan, fully seventy years ago, and rebuilt in 187V). It 
was long owned and operated by that honest old Pennsylvania German, George 
Burger, who made it one of the most successful in the county. A number of 
mills once propelled by water have gone down. The steam saw mills are 
the one at Willey's Corners, operated by D. Troup; C. M. Whiseler's, near the 
junction of Moravian Run with French Creek; Fogle's, on the turnpike, at the 
foot of McLean hill, and Danlap's, near the stone quarry, about a mile from Le 
Boeuf Station. Large quantities of timber land are connected with these mills, 
but Mr. Wheeler has all the pine in the township that is worthy of mention. 
Great tracts of this timber once covered the hills. The bridges over French 
Creek are the Stranahan, on the Waterford & Union road; the Philadelpha 
& Erie Railroad bridge, near the latter; the Quarry bridge at the stone quarry; 
the Ford bridge, on the Waterford and Mill Village road, and Pollock's, lead- 
ing from the turnpike to Mill Village. The Town Line bridge crosses Little 
French Creek at the Union boundary, and the Moore bridge, Le Boeuf Creek, 
near the residence of the late C. J. Moore. All of these are substantial 
wooden structures. 

VALLEYS AND RIDGES. 

The flats along Fi'ench Creek are from half a mile to more than a mile in 
width, and the soil is not exceeded for fertility in any part of the county. 
That it is mostly made land is apparent from the fact that stumps of large 
trees are frequently met with at a depth of two or three feet below the surface. 
The balan(!e of the township is hilly, but theye is very little if any portion 
but what is tillable. Two ridges are encountered at the Arter place, and west 
of the Le Boeuf flats, which attain a height of almost two hundred feet above the 
valley, the loftiest elevation in the township. Wheat can be raised in every 
part of the township, and its cultivation is increasing. The valley land pro- 
duces big crops of oats, which grow so rank that they are harvested with diffi- 
culty. The great business of the township, however, is dairying, and large 
amounts of butter are made and thousands of cattle raised. Land ranges in 
value from |45 to $70 on the flats, and from $20 to $50 on the hills. 



YOO HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

HOLLAND LAND COMPANY. 

On the 17th of April, 1791, the State of Pennsylvania granted to " The Society 
of the United Brethren for Propagating the Gospel among the Heathen," com- 
monly known as the Moravians, two tracts of land of 2,500 acres each, with allow- 
ance, to be located respectively on " the Kiver Connought, near the northwestern 
corner of the State, " and " on the head of French Creek. " This association had 
long maintained missionaries at its own expense among the Indians, and the 
above generous gift was intended by the State as a remuneration in part for 
the service it had rendered in behalf of peace and good will. In locating its 
lands, the society chose 2,875 acres within the limits of LeBoeuf Township, 
and 2,797 in Springfield and Conneaut, paying for the excess in money. The 
French Creek tract was given the name of " Good Luck," and that on Conneaut 
Creek the title of " Hospitality." The agent of the society for many years was 
William Miles, who was succeeded on the failure of his health by his son, 
James Miles, as Manager of the "Hospitality," and by John Wood, of the 
" Good Luck " tract. The land was occupied on lease till about 1850, when 
it was bought by James Miles and N. Blickensderfer, cut up into farms, and 
sold in the main to the pi-esent owners or their predecessors. The Moravian 
grant extended from the Wilson Moore farm to within about a mile of LeBoeuf 
Creek, and lay principally upon the north side of French Creek. P. G. and 
John D. Stranahan made the first purchase of Moravian lands in 1849, the latter 
moving from Concord the same year, and his brother in 1854. both locating at 
what is now LeBoeuf Station. The Academy grant, at the mouth of LeBceuf 
Creek, embraced 500 acres of the richest soil in the county, donated by the 
State for the support of Waterford Academy. The lauds were sold off about 
18-10, having been previously occupied on lease. North of this grant was a 
large body of land known as the Reserve tract, from the fact that the State 
reserved or withheld it from settlement under the general law to encourage 
emigration. Of the Reserve tract, 400 acres extended into LeBoeuf, the bulk 
being in Waterford. An act was passed in 1799, throwing the land into mar- 
ket, and most of it was bid off at low prices about the commencement of the 
century. The Holland Land Company held some 400 acres west of Mill Vil- 
lage, which were sold off between 1802 and 1810. It was their purpose to have 
taken up an extensive tract within the township, and they sent surveyors out 
to that end in 1796. George Fisher, of Dauphin County, took up twenty- 
seven 400-acre tracts at an early period, lying within the limits of LeBoeuf, 
Waterford and Washington Townships. This property he divided with Col. 
McNair in 1824, and the same year the portion belonging to the latter was 
disposed of at Sheriff's sale. The remainder fell to Mr. Fisher's children in 
1845, who sold it off at intervals ending in 1873. 

The beautiful grove on the Flats road between AVater ford and Mill Village, 
opposite the residence of William Hunter, deceased, was a favorite place for 
religious meetings for many years. Tradition says this was a choice camping 
place for the Indians, and it is certain that numerou.s Indian graves and 
relics have been found. On the Hunter place was once a circular mound, six- 
teen to twenty feet in diameter, with banks four to six feet high, on which trees 
were growing of a size indicatino- an age of 150 or 200 years. The remains of 
one of these pre-historic circles are also to be seen near the home of C. M, 
Wheeler. 

COMMON ROADS. 

The principal thoroughfares of LeBoeuf Township are the old Waterford 
& Susquehanna Tui-npike, once the great highway between Lake Erie and 
Eastern Pennsylvania, which follows the valley of LeBceuf and French Creeks, 



LE BCEUF TOWNSHIP. 701 

to Pollock's bridge, -where it cuts across the hills to Cambridge; the Erie & 
Warren road, which passes through the township by two routes that unite near 
the Strauahan bridge; the Flats road, from Mill Village to AVaterford; the 
road from Mill Village to Union; and the road from Mill Village to Pollock's 
bridge, connecting with the turnpike. Most of these are in a fair condition. 
The township has the benefit of two railroads — the Philadelphia & Erie, ex- 
tending across the northeastern part, for about three miles, and the Atlantic & 
Great Western, following French Creek nearly to the center, where it deviates 
to hit Mill Village, and then returning to the valley further south. LeBceuf 
Station, on the Philadelphia & Erie, consists of some tenement houses for the 
railroad men, a number of farm houses, and a long platform for hand- 
ling himber and stone, of which great quantities are shipped from the quar- 
ries near by. LeBceuf possesses the largest and best quarries of building 
stone in Erie County. The blufi" from which the stone is taken extends along 
French Creek from near Dunlap's mill to opposite the residence of A. L. 
Tilden, a distance of about a mile, and averaging about thirty feet in height. 
The material is a blue sandstone of fine quality, more durable than the far- 
famed Berea stone, but saturated with oil, which spoils it for the highest class 
of work. Three quarries have been opened, known respectively as Senger's, 
Henderson & Canty's, and the Atlantic & Great Western. 

CHURCHES. 

The churches of the township are the Union or Manross, on French Creek, 
near Pollock's bridge, a Methodist Episcopal at Edenville, and a United 
Brethren near New Ireland. 

The Methodist Episcopal society at Edenville was organized about 1839, 
and was placed on the Cambridge Circuit. In J 844, it was changed to Rock- 
ville, in 1849 to Waterford, in 1855 to Cambridge, in 1857 to Rockville, in 
1861 to Union, in 1863 to Waterford, and in 1865 to Mill Village, to which 
circuit it has ever since belonged. The congregation began by worshiping in 
the schoolhouse, and continued to do so until 1855, when the Edenville Church 
was built at a cost of $800. 

The Manross Church edifice was built at a cost of $3,000 in 1869 by John 
W. Manross, who intended it to be used by religious bodies generally. The 
first minister officiating there was Rev. Mr. Barnhart, a Methodist. It has 
since been used principally as a Methodist preaching place, the appointment 
having been on the Mill Villagfe Circuit since the erection of the edifice. 

The United Brethren Church, located near New Ireland, is the outgrowth 
of a revival held in that neighborhood in 1876. Preaching of this denomina- 
tion had years before been held in the neighborhood, but the society had 
ceased to exist until revived and re-established as above stated. The church 
building was erected in 1877, and was dedicated on the 6th of January, 1878, 
by Rev. John Hill. In 1876, it was styled Mill Village Mission. It has 
since, for periods, been a missionary church, and at other times connected with 
Union Circuit. It now forms a part of Union Mission. Revs. R. Mclntire, 
Root, W. H. Childs and Starkey have preached for this church. The present 
pastor is Rev. W. H Childs. 

SCHOOLS. 

In the Ford neighborhood, some two and a half miles north of Mill Village, 
a schoolhouse was standing in 1820, in which at that time a summer school 
was taught by Miss Elizabeth Strickland; a later summer teacher was Hannah 
Hall. The winter school was taught by James Skinner. Other teachers in 
the building at about this time, and perhaps a little subsequent, were Stephen 



702 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

SkinDer, Paddy McGill, Cyrus Nutt and Thomas Graham. This schoolhouse 
was known as the Smith Schoolhouse, and it served that portion of Le Boeuf 
Township for many years. A log schoolhouse was built in the north- 
eastern corner of the township west of French Creek about the year 1822, 
which was burned after several terms of school had been taught in it, and 
another schoolhoiise was erected on a branch west of French Creek on laud nc>w 
owned by James Stranahan. Among the teachers in this portion of the township, 
at about the period spoken of above, were Sophia Sackett, a Mrs. Ward and a 
Mr. Crownstar. In 1825, a log schoolhouse was built by the people living in 
the vicinity of the United Brethren Church near New Ireland. Early instruc - 
tors in this house were Nathan Mallory, Mr. Reynolds and Miss Emeline 
Sloan Le Boeuf has at this writing twelve school buildings, all of which are 
frame. 

PUBLIC MEN. 

The citizens of LeBoeuf and Mill Village, who have held State and county 
positions, are as follows: Delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1837-38, 
James Pollock. Assembly, James Weston, 1813, 1814, 1815 and 1822; John 
D. Stranahan, 1868-69. Sheriff, James Weston, 1810-13. County Commis- 
sioners, James Weston, 1803-04; James Pollock, 1830-33; A. L. Tilden, 
1878-84. Director of the Poor, William Bracken, 1846-49 and 1859-62. 
Auditors, Thomas Pierce, 1844; John Wood, 1847; E. K. Range, 1875-78. 
Mercantile Appraiser, H. L. Minium, 1883. Perry G. Stranahan, Jury Com- 
missioner from 1867-70, was lono* a resident of LeBoeuf, moving from there to 
Union about 1859. Alfred King, ex- Mayor of Erie, and Prothonotary from 
1854-57, and his brother, Wilson King, County Surveyor from 1827-33, are 
grandchildren of Capt. Robert King, the first man who took up lands in the 
township. John Clemens, a prominent business man of Erie, is a son of one 
of the first settlers in the township. 

VILLAGES. 

Edenville consists of the church mentioned above and perhaps a dozen 
dwellings. Formerly the site boasted a store, post office, saw mill, oil refinery 
and blacksmith shop. The village went down after the construction of the A. 
& G. W. Railroad, which diverted the trade and travel to Mill Village. The 
settlement is on the road fi'om t^^e latter place to Union, in the south part of 
the township. The locality known as New Ireland is on the road from Ford's 
bridge to Lincolnville, about a mile and three-quarters east of Mill Village. 
A church, a school and a few dwellings make up the village, if such it can be 
called. Quite a settlement has grown up around C. M. Wheelei's mill, in the 
northeast part of the township, which gives the site very much the appearance 
of a small village. Mr. Wheeler alone has five dwellings and eight barns, be- 
sides which there are a cheese factory and some farm buildings. 

The late William Hunter was one of the wealthiest farmers in the south 
part of the county, leaving an estate supposed to be worth about $50,000. He 
came to LeBoeuf from Forest County about the close of the last war, and hav- 
ing plenty of ready money, realized from the sale of oil territory, was enabled 
to buy some of the finest land in the township. Mr. Hunter died in the 
spring of 1869, leaving thirteen children. 



BOROUGH OF MILL VILLAGE. 

The borough of Mill Village occupies a pleasant site nearly in the center 
of LeBoeuf Township, from which it was taken, and about a mile from French 



LE BCEUF TOWNSHIP. 703 

Creek. The town owes its origin to Mill Run, which flows through its limits, 
and unites with the chief creek of the township a short distance beyond. Three 
saw mills with their attendant buildings, sprung up along Mill Run, which 
gave the settlement the name of Milltown. When the A. & G. W. road was 
built, the station was called Mill Village, and in 1860 was incorporated as a 
borough by that title. Before the opening of the railroad, there was nothing 
on the site, in addition to the mills, but a cooper shop), blacksmith shop and a 
few houses. Now it has become a brisk town, with a population, ac- 
cording to the census of 1880, of 888. The idea of laying out a town was con- 
ceived by William Kingen, and the survey was made by Judge Benson, of 
Waterford. The plat includes portions of the farms of Mr. Kingen, P. H. 
Colt, John Gregorv, H. M. Range, E. K. Range, David McKinlev, James Hun- 
ter, F. N. Reynolds, W. C. Ford, M. S. Edmunds and G. W. Gillett. 

The manufacturing establishments of Mill Village are one cheese factory, 
built-in 1870 by H. B. Ames; one planing mill, one stave mill, one cider and 
jelly mill, one steam saw mill, three blacksmith shops, one wagon shop and a 
shoe shop. The business houses in 1883 were one drug store, two groceries, 
three general stores, one hardware store, one millinery store, one furniture 
store, one meat market, one jewelry store, one paint shop, and a portable pho- 
tograph car. A good hotel is kept on the temperance plan. Among the 
most creditable buildings is the Union Schoolhouse, which furnishes accom- 
modations for two schools on the first floor, and the second story of which is 
used as the town hall of the borough and LeBoeuf Township. The Knights of 
Honor have their hall in Kingen's building, the Grangers in the hotel, and 
there is a public hall in Beardsle^^'s building. 

The churches of Mill Village are a Methodist Episcopal and a Presby- 
terian. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church dates its beginning prior to 1810, 
when Erie Circuit was a four weeks circuit of about 200 miles, and composed 
of twenty-three appointments. In 1810, Rev. Joshua Monroe was in charge. 
The most prominent of the appointments were Brush's meeting-house in West 
Springfield, Erie County; Leech's, on Little Shenango; Mumford's, near 
Meadville; Pit Hole; Mrs. Mitchell's, in Venango, and Ford's on French 
Creek Flats, in Erie County. This latter class formed the nucleus from which 
sprang the church in question. The preaching was held in the dwelling of 
Capt. Robert King, and subsequently in that of one of the Fords. The first 
church building was erected in 1850, about one-half mile south of the village. 
In five or six years this building was destroyed by tire, when the church edifice 
in the village was erected, which was enlarged in 1878. The appointment for 
a long time was on the Waterford Circuit, and from that circuit it was placed 
on the Mill Village Circuit at its formation in 1865. H. M. Chamberlain is 
present pastor. 

The Presbyterian congregation was organized by Rev. J. M. Gillett, then 
pastor of the church at Union Mills, in 1870, with fifteen members. The 
building was erected in 1872, costing $2,800. The present incumbent is Rev. 
M. Wishart, who has the charge at W^aterford also. 

The assessed valuation of the borough in 1883 was as follows: Real 
estate, $75,469; cows, 44; value, $1,039; oxen, 3; value $150; horses and 
mules, 44; value, $3,256; personal property, $4,445; value of trades and 
occupations, $5,020; total assessment for county purposes, $84,934; money at 
interest, 013,716. 

The Mill Village Herald, the only newspaper of the borough, was started 
by C. C. Wright in January, 1876. It was purchased in October, 1882, by 
J. S. Ross, who is still its proprietor and editor. 



704 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER V. 

VENANGO TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF WATTSBUKG. 

VENANGO RIVER was the name o-iven by the French to the stream after- 
ward called by the English and still known as French Creek. It is a 
corruption of the Indian v/ord Innungah, which is said by Mr. Day, in the His- 
torical Annals of Pennsylvania, to have had reference to a rude and indecent 
figure carved upon a tree near the mouth of the creek, which the Senecas found 
when they drove out the Eriez and took possession of this region by the right 
of conquest. The township of Venango received its title at the organization 
of the county. It is bounded on the north by Greenfield, on the east by French 
Creek Township, Chautauqua County, N. Y., on the south by Amity, and on 
the west by Greene. The township has regular lines, and is nearly square, hav- 
ing a width of about six and a quarter miles by a breadth of seven. The 
population was 490 in 1820, 683 in 1830, 812 in"l840, 1.019 in 1850, 1,301 in 
1860, 1,650 in 1870, and 1,445 in 1880. The east line of Venango, Greenfield 
and North East Townships forms the boundary between Pennsylvania and New 
York, which is exactly on a parallel with the western extremity of Lake On- 
tario. It was established in the year 1788 by a joint commission of Pennsyl- 
vania and the United States, leaving a Triangle which was subsequently pur- 
chased by the State. Venango Township is within the Triangle, and its south 
line is a part of the original northern boundary of the commonwealth. The vil- 
lages are Lowville and Phillipsvillo, both of which have post offices. The highest 
point in Erie County is said to be in Venango Township, near the Greenfield 
and New York lines. 

By the assessment for 1883, the township contained 25,595 acres, and was 
valued as follows: Real estate. $553,458; cows, 994, worth, $17,892; oxen, 
48, worth $1,925; horses and mules, 381, worth $15,680; personal property, 
$35,497; trades and occupations, $3,975; money at interest, $28,141. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first white man who is known to have visited Venango Township was 
William Miles, who came out as a surveyor with David Watts in 1785, fell 
in love with the beautiful flats at the junction of the East and West 
Branches, and after going East to make his report returned in 1795 and took up 
1,400 acres, including the site of Wattsburg. He was followed in 1796 by 
Adam Reed and his son James, who located 400 acres on the East Branch, and 
at a later period built the first grist mill in the township. Thomas Smith set- 
tled at Lowville in the same year, and was soon followed by Burrell and Zal- 
mon Tracy. In 1797, John and David Phillips became possessed of 1,100 acres 
on which Phillipsville now stands. In 1798, William Allison and wife, from 
Northumberland County, with their son James, a boy of three years, settled 
near Lake Pleasant. From that year to 1800 a number of colonists went in 
whose names will be found in the list of taxables further on. In 1822, Low- 
ville was settled by Samuel Low and his brother- in law, Dr. W^right, both from 
Genesee County, N. Y. Timothy Butler and father, from Onondaga County, 
N. Y., made tlaeir settlements in 1816; John R. Smith about 1826, David 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 705 

Bailey in 1828, and Dr. D. T. Bennett, from Delaware County, N. Y., in 1829. 
William Bioi^e, the Chapins, the Tituses, and others took up their residence 
in the township in 1830. The Norcrosses and the Davisons. who had located 
on the'high lands west of Lake Pleasant, changed to Mill Creek. John Warren, 
another of the early settlers, moved to Erie in 1810. During the interval be- 
tween 1810 and 1820 there was little increase, but about the latter year a new 
population, mainly from New York, commenced going in, whose descendants 
generally remain. For many years the nearest stores were at Erie and Water- 
ford, and the nearest grist mills at North East and Union Most of the early set- 
tlers were Scotch Presbyterians from the Susquehanna Valley. The first child 
was Robert, son of William Allison and wife, who was born in 1799, soon 
after his parents moved into the township. The first death was that of Adam 
Reed, in 1805. Samuel Henderson came with William Miles from Carlisle, 
Penn., in 1795. That winter he spent in driving pack horses to and from the 
jnouth of French Creek. He and his brother, Stuart, located 400 acres of 
land in the spring of 1798, and then went to Fayette County and married. 

TAXABLES IN 1800. 

The taxable citizens of the township in 1800 were as follows: William 
Allison, Hezekiah Barker, Philo Barker, Henry Bontz, John Boyd, John Car- 
nahan. William Carnahao, Thomas Carnahan, John Clark, Thomas Davison, 
Sr., Francis, Robert, George, Arthur and Thomas Davison, Jr., John and 
William Dickson, Bailey, John and James Donaldson, John Dickson, Jr., 
Samuel and Stuart Henderson, Stephen Hazleton, James and John Hunter, 
Thomag Hinton, Jr., Robert and Wilson Johnston, John B. Jones, Caleb 
Lyon, David McNair, Joseph McGahen, William Miles, Barnabus McCue, 
Andi-ew Norcross, John, James M. and David Phillips, Thomas Prentice, James 
Perry, James M., Thomas E. and Robert R. Reed, Ralph Spafford, Thomas, 
Samuel and John Smith, Benjamin Saxton, Zalmon and Burrill Tracy, Na- 
thaniel Wilson, John Warren and John Yost. In 1817, William Miles was 
assessed for 2,400 acres in Venango Township, most of which. were at Watts- 
burg and Lowville. They were valued at $3,400. 

POLITICAL. 

The following is a list of the citizens of Venango who have held State 
and county positions: Canal Commissioner, John Phillips, 1826 to 1829. As- 
sembly, John Phillips, 1809. 1810, 1811, 1812 and 1824; Wareham Warner, 
1856 and 1857. Prothonotary, Giles D. Price, December 28, 1875, to Janu- 
ary 1, 1882. Clerk of the Courts, Charles L. Pierce, November 20, 1867, to 
November 14, 1873. County Treasurer, John Warren, 1817; elected from 
Erie, where he had moved. County Commissioners, John Phillips, 1804 to 
1807; Samuel Low, 1836 to 1840, elected from Harbor Creek, where he 
moved in 1834; Jacob Fritts, 1860 to 1863; Daniel W. Titus, 1875 to 1881. 
Clerk to County Commissioners, Giles D. Price, chosen in January, 1883. 
County Auditors, Samuel Low, 1832; Daniel W. Titus, 1872; C. R. Gray, 
1878 to 1881. Col. J. S., M. Rush and Joseph Warner, well known business 
men of Erie, were born at Lowville. The first named was a Colonel in the 
Union army during the late war. D. B. Foote was a Captain in the same serv- 
ice, and Dr. S. F. Chapin a Surgeon. 

WAR OF 1812. 
Following is the muster roll of Company E of the One Hundred and Thirty - 
sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Militia, at the breaking-out of the war of 1812:. 



706 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Captain, William Dickson; Iiieutenant, Robert Davison; Ensio;n, Thomas Da- 
vison; Sergeants, Arthur Davidson, John Dickson, David Phillips; privates, 
James Donaldson, David McNair, Bailey Donaldson, Thomas Johnson, John 
Hunter, Samuel Smith, George Davidson, John B. Jones, John Smith, James 
Smith, James White, Thomas Prentice, Samuel Henderson, Thomas Henton, 
Griffith Henton, William Henton, Zalmon Tracy, Burrill Tracy, Thomas E. 
Reed. Capt. Dickson moved from the county in April, 1813, and Lieut. Da- 
vidson assumed command, continuing during the wai*. The company was 
called out in June, 1813, and for some time guarded the shipyards at the 
mouth of Cascade Creek, where Perry's fleet was building. They remained 
until the fleet sailed and were then sent home, but were ordered into service 
again when the news came in January, 1814, that the British had taken 
Buffalo. 

STEEAMS, LAKE AND BRIDGES. 

Venango is one of the best watered townships in the county. The West 
Branch, which rises in Findley's Lake, N. Y., enters the township from Green- 
field, and crosses its entire width from north to south, past Lowville and Watts- 
burg. The East Branch takes its rise near Sherman, N. Y. , and coming in not 
far from the southeast corner, flows in a southwestern course into Amity, 
where the two unite near the township line, just outside the boroiTgh limits of 
Wattsburg. The West Branch, which is very crooked, has a length of about 
twelve miles in Venango, and the East Branch of about four miles. The 
tributaries of these streams are as follows: Of the West Branch, Middlebrook, 
Alder and Fritts Runs; of the East Branch, Stafford Run. Several streams start 
in the southwest corner of Venango and unite with French Creek proper in 
Amity. 

Lake Pleasant, in the extreme southwestern part, near the corners of Ve- 
nango, Greene, Amity and Waterford, is a beautiful body of water, about 
three-fourths of a mile long and a third of a mile wide, with a depth of 
twenty-live to fifty feet. Its outlet is a stream about the size of Le Breuf Creek 
at Waterford, that never diminishes except in the dryest seasons. After fur- 
nishing power to several mills, it falls into French Creek about three miles 
south, in Amity Township. The North East, Colt Station, Phillipsville & 
Waterford road, one of the first in the county, runs just above the head of the 
lake, and the Lake Pleasant road from Erie follows its east bank and outlet to 
French Creek. 

The township owns one iron bridge over the East Branch at the Tanner 
place, and a covered wooden bridge over the West Branch at Lowville. All of 
the other bridges are ordinary open wooden structures. The one over the West 
Branch at Wattsburg was the first bridge in the county. It was built origi- 
nally by the County Commissioners, thrijugh the influence of William Miles in 
1822. 

PUBLIC ROADS. 

The chief avenues of Venango Township are the Erie & Wattsburg 
Plank Road; the old Erie & Wattsburg road by way of Phillipsville, which 
branches off from the former at the Siegel farm in Greene Township; the 
Wattsburg & North East, up the West Branch and thi'ough Greenfield; the 
Waterford & North East through Phillipsville and Colt's Station; the Erie 
& Lake Pleasant, by way of French Creek and the lake; the Wattsburg & New 
York, up the East Branch to Clymer and Sherman; the Union & Wattsburg; 
the Wattsburg & Corry; and the cross road from A. N.Woods to M. S. Rouse's. 
The old Erie road was opened in 1809, partially changed in 1828 and improved 
in 1832; the Waterford & North East in 1804; and the Wattsburg and North 



"i. m 



/-■J5r»': 







^-t^i^^ <:^^^^jW' 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 709 

East in 1798. The latter was the great route for conveying goods betweeD 
Lake Erie and the Allegheny until the road was opened between Presque Isle 
and Waterford. The Erie & Wattsburg Plank Road was commenced in 
1852, completed in 1853 and abandoned as a toll road in 1865, after all the 
gates had been torn down by a party of indignant farmers. The road from 
Erie to Lake Pleasant was opened as far south as the Martin Hayes place in 
Greene, in 1821-22, and completed to French Creek in 1826-27. From Erie 
to Wattsburg by the Lake Pleasant i-oad is eighteen and thi-ee- quarters miles; 
by way of Phillipsville eighteen miles, and by way of Lowville twenty miles, 
the latter route, however, having the advantage of better grades. Venango is 
without a I'ailroad, the nearest station being at Union. In 1853, the Erie City 
Railroad Company was chartered to build a road, from the bay of Presque 
Isle to the State Line, three miles from Wattsburg, where it was to connect 
with an extension of the New York & Erie from Jamestown, N. Y., making a 
continuous route between the lake and the Atlantic Ocean. 

The valleys of both branches are quite wide, running from a mile to a mile 
and a half, and spreading out to about three miles at Wattsburg, where they 
come together. Along Alder Run, Middle Brook and Stafford Run, the flats 
are fi'om a quarter of a mile to a half mile in width, and. upon the outlet of 
Lake Pleasant they are very similar to those along the branches. The value 
of farm property is from $30 to $60 an acre in the valleys, and from $20 to 
$50 in the hill region. Most of the marketing is done at Wattsburg and Low- 
ville. A good stone quarry has been opened on the farm of David E. Foote, 
and another on that of J. H. Sears. 

MILLS, FACTORIES AND SCHOOLS. 

The manufacturing interests of Venango Township are as follows, not includ- 
ing those of Wattsburg Borough: At Lowville — A grist mill run by water; a saw 
mill by steam and water, and a steam shingle and heading mill. The grist mill 
was built in 1822, has been remodeled since, and has frequently changed owners. 
At Phillipsville. a cheese factory. In other sections— A steam saw mill on the 
plank road near Robinson's Cornex's; a steam shingle mill on the farm of Will- 
iam S. Henderson; and a steam saw and cider mill on the farm of John H. 
Bennett, upon the East Branch. There is also a steam saw and shingle mill 
owned by Henry Jenkins, and Jones' steam shingle mill. Besides the above, 
there is a creamery in Amity, just outside of Wattsburg, whei'e much of the 
milk in the south end of the township is disposed of. 

The schools require two joint and eleven full buildings as follows: Joint 
schools — Wales, in the northwest corner, maintained by Venango and Greene; 
and the Venango and Amity, on the south line, near the center. Full schools — 
Milltown. in the northeast; Phillipsville; Titus, on the road from Phillipsville 
to Milltown; McNair, in the north part, near the center; Lowville (a graded 
school); Sears, a little northwest of the latter village; Henderson, in the north; 
Maple Grove, on the old Erie road; Moore, on the Wattsburg & New York 
road; Wicks, on the cross road from Wood's Corners to the State line; and 
Tower, on the same road. 

Not far from the year 1818, a school was held in the dwelling of B. Tracy, 
situated about one and a half miles east of the present borough of Wattsburg, 
taught by a Mr. Lewis. In the Phillipsville settlement, about the year 1833, 
a frame schoolhouse was erected not far from the present site of the school 
building now at that village. A log schoolhouse had previously been used by 
the settlement, in which taught at one time Amanda Tracy. Among the teach- 
ers in the frame house were Norman Chapin, a Mr. Pelton, and Benjamin 

37 



710 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Grant. Later teachers in this neighborhood were William Wood and Miss 
Sj'^lvia Brown. In the summer of 1819. Ann Riddle taught a school in the 
neighborhood of the old Middlebrook Meeting-house. Near the line between 
Venango and Greenfield Townships, but in the former, stood what was known 
as the Campfield Schoolhouse, in which school was taught during the decade 
beginning with 1822 (at periods) by Warren Loomis, Milan Atkins and Lo- 
renzo Rogers. 

CHURCHES. 

The religious edifices of Venango are a Methodist Episcopal Church each 
at Lowville and Phillipsville. The Lowville congregation was organized in 
1875, and built its house in 1876, at a cost of $2,500, Rev. J. A. Kummer 
being the first pastor. This appointment is on the Wattsburg Circuit, with 
which it has been ever since its organization. 

The congregation at Phillipsville was organized some years prior to 1848. 
The church building was erected in 1862, on land deeded to the society by 
Norman Chapia. In 1849, this charge was on the Wesleyville Circuit, with 
which it continued until the formation of Greene Circuit in 1864. It is now 
on Greene, the pastors of which since that period have been as follows: S. L. 
Wilkinson, J. K. MendenhalJ, T. D. Blinn, C. L. Barnhart, R. D. Waltz, W. 
Hoover, J. Akers, Z. W. Shadduck, I. N. Clover, A. Bashline, J. C. Ridont 
and J. O. Osborne. In addition to the above congregations, the United Breth- 
ren hold services in the Macedonia and Wick's Schoolhouses,and the Methodists 
in the Tower Schoolhouse. 

THE MIDDLEBEOOK CHURCH — GRAVEYARDS. 

The Middlebrook Church, the first house for religious worship in the coun- 
ty, stood about a mile and a half north of Lowville, along the Wattsburg & 
North East road, upon a tract of two acres deeded by John Warren to the con- 
gregation, to be held as long as used for church and cemetery purposes. The 
first services, held in August, 1801, in the woods on the east bank of the 
West Branch, near a spring now owned by Euos Mann, were attended by every 
man and woman in the township, the young men having previously cleared 
the ground and provided a pulpit and seats by chopping down and squaring 
the timber. At their conclusion, a motion by John Hunter that a church 
building be erected, was eagerly adopted. On the next Thursday, all the able- 
bodied men and boys met, concluded upon a site, and put up a structure — all 
within the same day — which though more modest than modern f'hurches, 
doubtless afi"orded the people as much satisfaction. The first church was re- 
placed in 1802, by another of more pretentious style, built of hewed and split 
logs. Services were regularly held in this building, until the Presbyterian 
Church at AVattsburg was erected about 1828, when most of the congregation 
dropped off. Rev. Absolom McCready was the pastor in charge for a time. 
He was succeeded, in 1802, by Rev. Robert Patterson, who continued until 
April 22, 1807, having charge at the same time of the congregation of Upper and 
Lower Greenfield. The congregation at Middlebrook continued to decline un- 
til April 30, 1829, when it was dissolved and attached to the one atWattsburg. 

In the Middlebrook Graveyard were interred the bodies of many of the fore- 
most Presbyterian pioneers in the county. Most of the remains have been 
taken up, and the old burying place is no longer interesting except from its 
associations. The other cemeteries and graveyards of the township are the 
Lowville, Wattsburg and Phillipsville, the old Butler Burial Ground on the 
James W. Davis place and some family inclosures. 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 711 



The pleasant village of Lowville is on the West Branch of French Creek, 
eighteen miles southeast from Erie, and two north of Wattsburg. The Watts- 
burg Plank Road runs through the place and constitutes its main street. Be- 
sides the mills, church and school above noted, Lowville contains the town 
house of Venango — a frame building 24x40 in size and 16 in height, built in 
1872, at a cost of $675— one dry goods store, one general store, one grocery, 
one wagon shop, one blacksmith shop, one shoe shop, and about thirty houses 
It has a lodge of the Knights of Honor, organized in 1877, with twenty-nine 
members. The Lowville Cetoetery, a tract of four acres, on the bank of the 
creek, contains some costly monuments, is neatly laid out and carefully 
kept, and a credit to the place. Several soldiers of the last war with 
Great Britain are buried in the cemetery. Lowville owes its origin to the en- 
terprise of Samuel Low, who moved there in 1822 from Genesee County, N. 
Y.,and established the grist and saw mill. Mr. Low's business proving unsuc- 
cessful, in 1834 he changed to Harbor Creek. Col. W^areham Warner carried 
on a tannery at Lowville with success for some years, but collapsed about 1860 
or 1861. The village contained ninety-nine inhabitants bv the census of 
1880. 

Phillipsville was founded by Gen. John Phillips, of political fame, who 
took up a large quantity of land in 1797 in company with his brother David, 
and opened a tavern about 1810 on the Waterford & North East I'oad, a few 
rods west of the corners, which has been torn down. The village is fourteen 
miles from Erie and five from Wattsburg, in the midst of a beautiful rolling 
country, at the crossing of the Waterford & North East road by the old Erie 
& Wattsburg road. The village contains, in addition to the church, school and 
mills before referred to, a dry goods and grocery store, a shoe shop, and a 
blacksmith shop. It has about a dozen residences, and numbers probably sixty 
people. There is an organization of the State Police and a Grange, the latter 
possessing a hall of their own. The cemetery covers two a\;res, and is fairly 
kept up. 

RECOLLECTIONS OF A NATIVE OF THE TOWNSHIP. 

The following interesting reminiscences were contributed to the Erie Ob- 
server of May, 1880, by James D. Phillips, of Union City, a son of one of the 
pioneers of Venango Township: 

" Thomas Phillips, with his sons John, David and Thomas, Jr., and his 
daughters Elenor, Hannah and Polly, moved fi'om Northumberland County, 
Penn. , in the year 1797. His daughter Elenor married John Hunter, Polly 
married Burrill Tracy, and Hannah married Nathaniel Wilson. John Phil- 
lips took up 1,400 acres of land, Thomas, Sr., 200, and David 200 acres. 
j yTftssra , _ Yr)gj;.j_ Don a 1 d snn and others followed about the same period. James 
Phillips, son of Thomas, Sr. , and brother to John, David and Thomas, Jr., 
moved from Lancaster County, Penn., in 1827. He left "Waterford on the 
morning of the 1st day of June at sunrise, and cut the road most of the way 
to Phillipsville, a distance of eight and a half miles, arriving at sunset. 
James Phillips died in 1846 at the age of seventy-five years and eight months. 
James D. Phillips, son of James Phillips, and grandson of Thomas, Sr. , 
is now the only living representative of the Phillips family in this coun- 
ty. John Phillips was Paymaster General in the war of 1812, under Gen. 
Harrison. He received his money, to pay off the army, in silver at Pittsburgh, 
and carried it through the wilderness to Fort Meigs on pack-horses. He 
served for years as the first Representative of this county in the State Legisla- 



712 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

ture at Lancaster; afterward, he was appointed Canal Commissioner of the State> 
and subsequently was appointed and served as Justice of the Peace for several 
years. He died in the fall of 1846. The first post office at Phillipsville was 
established in 1829. James Phillips, father of James D., was appointed 
Postmaster. A post route was established at that time from Jamestown, N. Y., 
via Phillipsville, to Erie. The mail was carried by Mr. Polly on foot from 
Jamestown to Erie, with nothing from Phillipsville to Mill Creek Township 
to mark the way through the wilderness except blazed trees. The county at 
that time was a home for the bear, the wolves and the deer. Levi Butler and 
sons Jackson and Timothy, from Onondaga. N. Y. , made their settlement in 
1828-29. The first schoolhouse was built in the year 1828, of logs. * * * 
The grist and saw mills were at Lowville, Colt's Station, Lattimore's, at Wa- 
terford, and Miles, at Union Mills. The mode of getting to Erie from Phil- 
lipsville was via Colt's Station, North East and then up the Buffalo road to 
Erie, a distance of twenty-eight miles to get the distance of fourteen miles 
across. Had no roads for wagons, and consequently used oxen and sleds in 
the summer or winter to carry our produce and get household supplies, salt, 
etc. The products of Venango TownshijD at that time were maple sugar and 
black salts — the salts taken to Colt's Station and sold for $2.50 per hundred, half 
cash and half store pay; the cash part to pay taxes and to buy leather for 
shoes. We paid our school teacher $12 a munth in maple sugar at six cents a 
pound. " 



BOROUGH OF WATTSBURG. 

The first clearing at Wattsburg was made in 1796 by William Miles, who 
built a storehouse as a depot of supplies for the surrounding country and for 
the purchase of furs. At that time the headquarters of the Population Com- 
pany were at Colt's Station, and all the trade between the lake and the Alle- 
gheny was carried on in canoes up and down French Creek. The first road 
was opened to North East, by way of Greenfield, in 1800. In 1809, through 
the persuasion of Mr. Miles, joined to that of the Russells. of Belle Valley, 
and others, the county opened a road from Erie to the Forks of French Creek, 
as the site was then called, which, in general, followed the route of the old 
Wattsburg road, though it was afterward changed in some places. Previous 
to 1822, the AVest Branch had to be forded, but in that year Mr. Miles got the 
county to build a bridge on the same site used for the purpose to-day. This 
was the first permanent bridge erected in Erie County. During the same sea- 
son he erected a grist mill and saw mill, and in 1822 he induced Ijyman Rob- 
inson, a surveyor at North East, to move over and build a tavern. He located 
in 1795 on the head-waters of Oil Creek, near the Crawford County line, in 
Concord Township, where he remained until 1800, when he changed to Union. 
In 1828, Mr. Miles laid out Wattsburg, naming it after his father-in-law, David 
Watts, of Carlisle. In February ot the same year, he had a post office estab- 
lished at Wattsburg, and at the same time a weekly mail route was opened 
between Erie and Jamestown, by way of the infant village. The mail was 
carried for years on the back of a man, who walked the whole distance. Mr. 
Robinson acted as agent at Wattsburg for William Miles for many years, and 
after his death served in a similar capacity for his son James Miles. The 
large tract of 1,400 acres taken up by Mr. Miles was not originally in his own 
name, but in that of Watts, Scott & Co. 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 713 

INCORPORATION. 

Wattsburg was incorporated as a borough in 1833, its limits being thus 
described: "Beginning at French Creek where the old State line crossed the 
same, being the south boundary of Venango Township; thence east along said 
line 100 perches; thence north 180 perches; thence west 180 perches, moi'e or 
less, to the creek; thence southward by its windings, to the place of beginning." 
The town stands on the wide and fertile plain just above the junction of the 
two branches, twenty miles by the plank road, eighteen by the old road, and 
eighteen and three- fourths by the Lake Pleasant road from Erie, and eight miles 
from Union. It contains three church buildings, Methodist Episcopal, Pres- 
byterian and Baptist. The Methodist Episcopal congregation was organized 
in 1827, by Elder Knapp, who went there as a missionary in 1820. The first 
edifice was erected in 1831, and the present one, which cost $3^400, in 1861. 
H. H. Moore was pastor for 1881, 1882 and 1883. The circuit embraces Watts- 
burg, Lowville and Hatch Hollow. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The Presbyterian congregation, organized in 1826, is the legitimate sue 
cessor of the old Middlebrook society, the history of which is given in the 
sketch of Venango Township. The first church was built in Wattsburg about 
1828, and the second in 1855, costing $1,350. The pastor when the first 
building was put up was Rev. Absalom McCready, who began preaching for this 
congregation in February, 1826, and the following April his time was divided 
between the two congregations. His installation took place on the second 
Tuesday of September, and he severed his pastoral relation with the church 
October 1, 1833. In November of that year the Wattsburg Church was recog- 
nized by the Presbytery as a separate congregation. Rev. Alexander McCand- 
less became the successor of Mr. McCready and served until April 1, 1834. 
Revs. O. Fitch McKean, and J. B. Wilson preached for the congregation at 
Wattsburg, in the order given, from 1834 to 1837. 

The Baptist Church at Wattsburg was organized April 6, 1850, with 
twenty-two charter members. On the 25th of that month the church was duly 
recognized. The meetihg-house was erected in 1851. The pastors of the 
church have been Revs. F. Kidder, J. W. C. Covey, James A. Newton, S. Ak- 
erly, W. J. Hughes, and C. W. Drake (closed labor in 1872 on account of sick- 
ness). In 1875, he renewed his pastorate and i-emained with the church 
until 1877. For several years following, the church had no regular pastor. 
Rev. Charles Bowman became pastor in 1881 and remained about one year. 
The charge is now without a pastor. 

SOCIETIES, ETC. 

Wattsburg is the headquarters of no less than three secret societies — a Ma- 
sonic Blue Lodge, instituted in 1875; a lodge of the Knights of Honor, in 
1877, and a Grange, in 1874 — all of which are in a flourshing condition. The 
Masonic Lodge commenced with seven members, C. R. Gray being first Mas- 
ter, and has increased to twenty- eight. This society and the Grange have 
creditable halls of their own. There is also a branch of the State Police, es- 
tablished in 1877, a co-operative insurance society, and a section of the Sunday 
School Scientific Circle of Chautauqua Lake, which latter holds frequent meet- 
ings for the discussion of Biblical history. The manufacturing establishments 
are a grist mill, saw mill, sash factory and two planing mills run by water, a 
handle factory and a sash and blind factory owned by Wood & Page, run by 
steam. There is also an extensive broom and fork handle and shingle factory 



714 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

carried on by Patterson, Gross & Baldwin. The water-power afforded by the 
two branches of French Creek is considerable, and, with railroad facilities, the 
town could not fail to become a point of importance. 

BUSINESS FEATURES. 

Among the business interests of the borough, other than those mentioned 
above, were (in 1883) one tailor shop, one dry goods store, three groceries, four 
general stores, two furniture stores, one wagon shop, one hardware store, one 
clothing store, one meat market, one hotel, two shoe shops, four blacksmith 
shops, one jewelry store, one drug store, one bakery, one photograph gallery; 
one dental office, one harness shop, several millinery stores, one barber shop. 
A roller skating rink was built and opened in the summer of 1883. The 
town gives support to four physicians, two attorneys, two Justices, one 
dentist, and one draughtsman. It is the headquarters of three stage lines — 
one running to Union and back each day; one to and from Erie daily, by way 
of Phillipsville and Lowville; and one to North East twice a week by way of 
Lowville and Greenfield. Wattsburg has been a famous batter market for 
thirty years. "Wattsburg butter," which includes the produce mainly of 
Amity, Venango and Greenfield, ranks as " Chautauqua butter " in the New 
York market and brings the same price. The schools are held in one large 
and substantial frame building. The population of the borough was 286 in 
1870, and 389 in 1880. 

The assessment for 1883 gave the following results: Ileal estate, $65,675; 
cows, 29; value, $850; horses and mules, 63; value, $4,085; personal prop- 
erty, $4,935; trades and occupations, $8,025; money at interest, $9,915. 

Before the era of railroads, Wattsburg was a place of more consequence, 
comparatively, than now. It had a tract society in 1828, and an agricultural 
society in 1856. The first temperance society in Erie County was organized 
in Wattsburg in 1828. In 1832, a project was agitated for a new county, to 
be called Miles, with Wattsburg as the county seat. 

PUBLIC MEN. 

The following State and county officers have been residents of Wattsburg: 
Assembly, Lyman Robinson, 1842 and 1845; Byron S. Hill, 1863 and 1864; 
Samuel F. Chapin, 1875 to 1878; A. W. Hayes, 1881 to 1884. County Super- 
intendent of Common Schools, William H. Armstrong, 1854 to 1860, the first 
incumbent of the office. County Commissioner, Lyman Robinson, 1839 to 
1842. County Treasurer, Newton T. Hume, December 14, 1874, to January 7, 
1878. Director of the Poor, O. J. McAllister, 1883 to' 1886. Jury Commis- 
sioners, D. N. Patterson, 1868 to 1871; Robert Leslie, 1874 to 1877. Mer- 
cantile Appraisers, James T. Ensworth, 1856; D. N. Patterson, 1868 and 1878; 
O. J. McAllister, 1882. 

SCHOOLS AND NEWSPAPERS. 

In the immediate vicinity of the present large and commodious school 
building in the borough in 1821 stood a schoolhouse, in which school was held 
by John Brown. The schoolhouses of the borough have all been situated on 
almost the same site. Among the teachers have been a Miss Roberts, Wm. H. 
Armstrong, Lucius Chapin, David Shafer, Phineas Piatt. The present schools 
consist of three departments, which were graded by R. P. HoUiday in 1878. 
Mr. Holliday is still Principal of the schools, and has two assistant teachers. 
The average enrollment is about 100 pupils. 

The first newspaper published in Wattsburg was an eight-page weekly 



HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 715 

styled the Chronicle, begun in 1878 by W. A. Moore, and discontinued in 
about one year. In 1881, the Wattsburg Occasional was started by R. P. 
Holliday. Mr. Holliday was then Principal of the Wattsburg Schools, and the 
paper was started as a kind of a school paper, devoting its columns principally 
to school matters. As its name indicated, it was only published occasionally. 
In 1882, it was made a semi weekly, and subsequently a weekh^ paper. It is 
still the village paper, and has not changed hands. The mechanical work is 
executed at Union Citv. 



CHAPTER VL 

HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

^"'HE earliest location within the limits of Harbor Creek Township was 
. made by Thomas Rees, who took up a large tract of land, long known as 
the Rees Reserve in 1796. He was the first surveyor in the county, having 
been appointed by the Population Company in 1792, but was prevented from 
entering regularly upon his duties until the spring of 1795, by the threats of 
the Indians. He did not become a resident of the township, however, until 
some years after. The first actual settlers were William Saltsman, Amasa 
Prindle and Andrew Elliott, who went in in 1797. These were followed by 
Hugh McCann and Alex. Brewster in 1800; by Thomas Moorhead, John 
Biblfet and sons, John, Christian and Jacob Ebersole and the Backus family 
about 1801, and by Ezekiel and Benjamin Chambers in 1802. Mr. Moor- 
head's father, and brothers John, Robert and George, came in at intervals run- 
ning from 1802 to 1806. Robert Scott, Thomas Greenwood, Robert Jack, 
John Shattuck, Aaron Hoag, Henry Clark, Andrew Culbertson, Thomas Bun- 
nell and the Caldwell bi'others were among the first settlers. Several of these 
persons were from the eastern portion of the State; the others were mainly 
from New England and New York. Mr. Saltsman was from Northumberland 
County; the Riblets and Ebersoles from Lancaster County; Mr. Clark from 
New England and Mr. Elliott from Ireland. The Riblets and Ebersoles were 
the first of the " Pennsylvania Dutch " stock that settled in the county. A 
man by the name of Jack was on the Jesse Ebersole place in 1802. Dr. Ira 
Sherwin made his location in the township in 1825. William Henry and brother 
settled in Mill Creek in 1803, and changed from there to Harbor Creek. The 
descendants of these pioneers generally occupy the land to-day. Mr. Brewster 
cleared thirty acres, which he abandoned and moved to Erie. Sarah Prindle 
was the first female child born in the township, in 1799, and William Clark 
the first male child, in 1801. Thomas Rees was the first justice, and Thomas 
Greenwood and Myx'on Backus held the same ofiice at an early day. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

The township was one of the original sixteen established, and has retained 
the same limits to this day. It has an area of 20,481 acres, and is noted as 
having more colored population than any other in the county. The 
negroes are mostly descendants of three slaves who were taken in by Thomas 
Rees To two of these, Robert McConnell and James Titus, upon reaching 
the twenty-eighth year of their age, when they became free by the emancipa- 
tion act, Mr. Rees gave fifty acres of land near Gospel Hill. The Moorhead 



716 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

family also brought in a slave, known as Caesar, who was emancipated as 
above, but continued to live with his former master until his death. Harbor 
Creek is bounded on the north by the lake, on the east by North East and 
Greenfield, on the south by Greene and on the west by Mill Creek. It has a 
frontage on the lake of about seven miles, its east line is a trifle longer, its 
south line is about four and a half miles, and its west line very nearly five 
miles. The township is one of the wealthiest and most populous in the 
county, and its citizens are not surpassed as a moral, intelligent and church- 
going people. It maintains unusually good schools, has many neat houses and 
barns, and its farms, as a rule, are under a fine state of improvement. Of late years, 
the farmers of this section have given much attention to the culture of fruits, 
berries , grapes and melons, meeting with a degree of success that far exceeds 
their original anticipations. The First and Second Ridges extend across 
the entire southern portion of the township from east to west. On the First 
Ridge and back of it, on the second plain, the land continues quite good. 
From the Second Ridge south, it is broken, cold and clayey, being better suited 
for grazing than grain. The township contains three villages — Wesleyville, 
Harbor Creek and Moorheadville — each of which is a station on the Lake 
Shore and Nickel Plate Railroads. These are also the post offices of the town- 
ship; through them most of the inhabitants receive their mail matter. Another 
post office, known as Southville, was kept up for some years, near the Cass 
Woolen Factory, but was abandoned about 1840. Since that period, the 
southern portion of the township has been without mail facilities, though a 
post office somewhere on the Station road would seem to be a necessity. 

The population of the township has been as follows: 555, in 1820; 1,104, 
in 1880; 1,843, in 1840; 2,084, in 1S50; 2,033, in i860; 1,974, in 1870, and 
1,781 in 1880. The assessment of 1883 gave the following results: value of 
real estate, $1,114,000. Number of cows, 584; of oxen, 12; of horses and 
mules, 605; value of the same, $58,058. Value of trades and occupations, 
$12,280. Money at interest, $35,744. 

CREEKS AND GULLIES. 

The streams of Harbor Creek are Four, Sis and Twelve Mile Creeks, Elli- 
ott's Run and Scott's Run, all emptying into the lake, and McConnell Run, a 
branch of Four Mile Creek. Four and Six Mile Creeks head in Greene, and 
Twelve Mile Creek on the edge of North East and Greenfield. All the rest 
are wholly within the township. Elliott's Run and Scott's Run are both small, 
short streams; the fi)st flows through or near Harbor Creek Village, and the 
second is the next stream east. They were named after two of the earliest set- 
tlers. McConnell's Run crosses the Station road a little south of Gospel Hill, 
and joins Four Mile Creek near the foot of the great gully. It received its 
name from a mulatto, who built a cabin at an early day on the bank of the 
stream. The great gully or gorge of Four Mile Creek, which has attracted 
the attention of nearly every person who has ever traveled over the Philadel- 
phia & Erie Railroad, commences in Greene Township, and extends to very 
near the bridge of the Station road, about half a mile south of Wesleyville, 
gradually becoming shallower as it reaches its northern terminus. Its length 
is about six miles, and it varies in depth from fifty to a hundred and fifty feet. 
There are a number of mills along Four Mile Creek, in both Harbor Creek and 
Greene Townships. The Old Cooper Mill, near the foot of the great gulf, was 
once a famous landmark of the lake shore region. William Saltsman first 
built a saw mill at this point in 1815, and added a grist mill in 1826. These 
afterward became the property of William Cooper, Sr., under whose manage- 





pp.: a GEN.'u 



HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 719 

ment they obtained wide reputation. Mr. Cooper bought the mill property in 
1839, and rebuilt the noills in 1850. The third saw mill in the county was 
erected by Thomas Rees. near the mouth of the creek, on the Crowley place, in 
1798, for the Population Company. In the same year, Eliphalet Beebe con- 
structed the sloop Washington, of thirty-five tons, on the shore of the lake, 
near the mill, for the use of the same company, being the first sailing 
vessel built on the south shore of Lake Erie. The gorge of Six Mile Creek 
extends to within a mile or a mile and a half of the Buffalo roadj 
and its windings must be nearly five xniles long. The deepest part of 
the gorge is at the Clark settlement, where it is but little short of 150 feet 
deep, with an average width of not more than 100 feet. 

MILLS. 

There ai'e a number of mills in the township, but the most important are 
the Cooper Grist, Saw and Cider Mill at Wesley vi He, the Neeley Grist and Saw 
Mill at the mouth of Twelve Mile Creek, Dodge's handle, shingle and saw mill, 
Troop's basket factory and cider mill at Harbor Creek Station, and Cass' 
woolen mill on the head- waters of Six Mile Creek, in the southeastern section. 
A small grist mill was erected in 1800 by James Foulk, at the fall of Six Mile 
Creek, near its mouth, but was only kept up a year or two. Neeley's mill was 
established in 1802 by Capt. Daniel Dobbins and James Foulk. Capt. Dob- 
bins lived there with his family seven years, until their removal to Erie. The 
mill fell into the hands of Joseph Neeley in 1816, who did a very prosperous 
business until 1841. From that time the mill was run by his son- in law, the 
eminent Gen. John W. McLane, until the outbreak of the war, when it was sold 
by Mr. Neeley. Since then it has changed proprietors several times. The 
mill of the Messrs. Dodge was built in the spring of 1870, and has always 
done a good trade. It is run by steam, which is partially created by the gas 
from a well on the premises. A carding and woolen mill was erected on the 
site of the Cass factory as long ago as 1810, and was kept up till 1841 or 
1842, when Thornton, Cass & Co. purchased the property, which had run down, 
and built the present extensive works. The factory was carried on very success- 
fully for some years, and is still running on a small scale. In this connection, it 
may be noted that there were fully twenty -five woolen factories in the county 
forty or fifty years ago, of which five were in Erie city or its vicinity. Joseph 
Baclais had a grist mill, saw mill and distillery near the Cass Mill in the early 
years of the county. The grist mill and distillery were abandoned fifty years 
ago; the saw mill continued to be run till a comparatively recent period, when 
it, too, was left to decay. Cooper's mill at Wesleyville will be referred to in con- 
nection with that village. Troop's basket factory was started about 1878. In 
addition to the above, there is a large cider mill at Moorheadville. The build- 
ing used as a barn, on the north side of the road, on the Joseph McCarter 
farm, was once a grist mill, the power of which was furnished by Elliott's Run. 
Joseph Backus built mills at an early date in the Backus neighborhood in the 
southeast. The first cargo of flour and pork shipped to New York from Erie 
County was taken through the Erie Canal by Joseph Neeley in 1826. The flour 
was made at the mill near the mouth of Twelve Mile Creek. 

ROADS, ETC. 

The main public roads are the Buffalo and the Lake, in the north portion, 
crossing the township from Mill Creek to North East, and the Station road, 
commencing at Wesleyville and running in a general southeastern course into 
Greenfield. The Lake road extends through the township at a distance of from 



720 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

a quarter to a half mile from the water, having one tier of farms between. 
The Buflfalo road runs at an average distance of a mile and a half south of 
the lake. The Station road was laid out through Colt's Station to Mayville, 
N. Y., about 1813. The Lake Shore and Nickel Plate railroads pass through 
the whole width of Harbor Creek Township from east to west, and the Phila- 
delphia & Erie road runs through about a mile of its western portion in a 
semi-circular direction at the gully of Four Mile Creek. The first two have 
stations at WesleyVille, Harbor Creek and Moorheadville. The last has no 
station in the township. 

Near the close of the last century, the State of Pennsylvania made a dona- 
tion of 2,000 acres of land in the newly purchased Triangle to Gen. William 
Irvine for his services in the Revolutionary war. giving him the privilege of 
making his own selection. In 1795, while in the county to lay out the towns 
of Erie and Waterford, he took up a mile along the lake from Brawley's old 
tavern to the (Treenwood Schoolhouse, embracing the mouth of Six Mile Creek, 
and running back a proportionate distance. In 1830, Gen. Callender Irvine, 
son of William, had 800 acres surveyed on both sides of the Buflfalo road, and 
sold it oflf, reserving the water power, which was still regarded as of great 
value. About 1848, the balance of the reserve was disposed of by Dr.Will- 
iam A. Irvine, son of Callender. 

WESLEYVILLE. 

Four and a half miles from the Parks in Erie is the village of Wesleyville, 
containing three stores, three blacksmith shops, one shoe shop, one large grist 
mill (using both steam and water), two cider mills, a saw mill, a wind mill 
factory, a brick church and schoolhouse, some thirty or forty buildings, and 
between 150 and 200 people. Four Mile Creek runs through the village, and 
the Buflfalo road is its main street. The schoolhouse is built upon the 
diamond, near the center of the village, which was donated by Gen. Kilpatrick 
to the public for the purpose. Wesleyville enjoys a good trade with the farm- 
ers of western Harbor Creek, Greenfield and eastern Mill Creek. The Lake 
Shore and Nickel Plate Railroads run just north of the place, and it is the 
point of intersection of the Station road with the Buflfalo road. The alley on 
the west side of W. R. Kelley's store is the line between Harbor Creek and 
Mill Creek Townships. Wesleyville was laid out in 1828 by John Shadduck, 
who owned the farm and mill now widely known as Cooper's mill. He built a 
grist mill in 1823, and a saw mill two years later, both on the west bank of 
Four Mile Creek. It was named Wesleyville after John Wesley, the founder 
of Methodism. The Methodist Episcopal Chiu'ch, the only one in the village, 
was built by Mr. Shadduck in 1828, and rebuilt by the congregation in 1866. 
Mr. Shadduck's death in 1834 was a heavy blow to the place. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Wesleyville above referred to was a 
moderate sized one, and at a quarterly meeting held in it late in the fall 
thirteen were converted. Two young men, while at work in the brickyard 
making the brick for the above church, were awakened and converted, one of 
whom subsequently became an able preacher of the Gospel. From 1830 to 
1834, this appointment was on the Erie Circuit. The latter year Wesleyville 
Circuit was formed. The apportionment of the church at Wesleyville for the 
support of the preacher in 1833 was $40. P. D. Horton and T. Benn were 
pastors in 1834; J. C. Ridout in 1881-82-83. 

HARBOR CREEK AND MOORHEADVILLE. 

The village of Harbor Creek is one of the pleasantest in the county. A 



HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 721 

station was established here by the raih'oad company because it was half-way 
between Erie and North East. The village contains two stores, one hotel, 
a blacksmith sbop, wagon shop. Dodge's shingle, handle and saw mill, 
Jonathan Troop's basket factory and cider mill, and 75 or 100 people. The 
post office at Harbor Creek was established about 1832, and was originally 
located some distance east of the village. It is fifteen miles from Erie to 
North East, and Harbor Creek is exactly midway by the Bnflfalo road. 

Moorheadville, on the Buffalo road, half a mile north of the railroad sta- 
tion of the same name, is not properly a village, but a cluster of neighborly 
farm residences. The locality received its name from the large number of 
Moorheads living there. It was first settled by Thomas Moorhead, in 1800, 
who was soon followed by others of the family from the eastern part of the 
State. The first Sabbath school held in Erie County was established in 1817, at 
this place, by Col. James M. Moorhead and Rev.Mr. Morton,ina log schoolhouse 
which was removed in 1857. Moorheadville is ten and one-half miles from 
Erie, and four and one half from North East, b}'^ railroad. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The township contains six churches, viz. : Methodist Episcopal, at \¥es- 
leyville; Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal, at Harbor Creek Station; 
United Brethren, on the road up Six Mile Creek, in the Clark settlement; Bap- 
tist, at Lowry's Corners, and another Methodist Episcopal, on the Ridge road, 
south of the Walker settlement. The Presbyterian congregation at Harbor 
Creek was organized* May 26, 1832, with fifty-eight members set off from the 
church at North East. The first building was erected half a mile east of the 
present site, on a piece of ground donated by Judah Colt, who owned a large 
farm there. It was of brick, costing $2,089, and was dedicated November 7, 
1834. The present beautiful edifice was built and dedicated in 1871, at a cost 
of $10,000. The first Elders of the congregation were Myron Backus, Samu- 
el Kingsbury and J. M. Moorhead. Rev. Giles Doolittle, of the North East 
Church, supplied the congregation during the first year of its organization. 
Rev. George W. Cleveland was installed as pastor of the new school branch 
August 26, 1849; continued after the re-union, and is still in charge of the 
congregation. There was quite a struggle between Harbor Creek and Moor- 
headville over the site of the new building, and when the former place was 
decided upon some of the congregation withdrew and attached themselves to 
the church at North East. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church in the same village was erected in 
1873, on ground donated by Rev. Noah Sullivan, at a cost of about $4,000; it 
was dedicated December 11 of that year by Rev. B. J. Ives, of Auburn, N. Y. 
For many years, Methodist preaching has been enjoyed in the village of Har- 
bor Creek and vicinity. This appointment has been on the Wesleyville Circuit. 

The South Harbor Creek Methodist Episcopal Church in the Walker and 
McGill neighborhood is the outgrowth of a class organized in that vicinity at 
an early day. An early preaching point was at Lowry's Corners, in a school- 
house, which was the main place of worship until the building of the church 
in 1841 or 1842, which was dedicated by Rev. John Robinson. Erie Circuit 
was formed in 1830, and the first quarterly conference for the new circuit was 
held at Harbor Creek September 13, 1830. There were present Wildeo B. 
Mack, Presiding Elder, Joseph A. Barrass and A. Young, circuit preachers. In 
1834, Wesleyville Circuit was formed, and since that time the appointment at 
South Harbor Creek has been on Wesleyville Circuit; however, the word south 
does not appear in the minutes u.ntil 1836, yet the name Harbor Creek un- 



722 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

doubtedly referred to the class at Lowry's Comers, as the class at Harbor 
Creek Station was not organized until a later day, and then for convenience' 
sake, many previously having been converted with that class. Among the 
members in 1833 maybe mentioned Silas Walker and wife,Audley McGill and 
wife, William Allen, James Clark, David Nellis and wife, and Jesse R. Prin- 
dle and wife. 

The Harbor Creek Baptist Church located at Lowry's Corners, dates back 
as far as 1822. It was organized in a schoolhouse near Hoag's Corners. The 
congregation subsequently moved to a schoolhouse at Lowry's Corners, and 
later erected the church there. The charge is weak, and the congregation is 
now without a pastor. 

The United Brethren congregation in the Clark neighborhood, was organ- 
ized in 1856, with a membership of about ten, by Rev. J. W. Clark; the 
building was erected the same year. This field of labor was then Erie mission, 
but one year later it became a part of Harbor Creek Circuit. J. W. Clark was 
pastor in 1857, in 1874-75, and in 1882-83. 

Besides the above places, religious services are frequently held in the 
schoolhouse at Gospel Hill, on the Station road. This place received its 
name because most of the early citizens were Methodists who were very de- 
voted to their religion. The graveyard on Gospel Hill has been in use for 
fifty-six years. The first bodies interred were those of two girls who were 
drowned in Six Mile Creek in 1823. 

COUNTY OFFICERS. 

The county officers from Harbor Creek Township have been as follows; 
Sheriff— John Kilpatrick, October 28, 1855, to October 21, 1858; John W. 
McLane, October 21, 1858, to November 16, 1861. Register and Recorder and 
Clerk of the Courts — William P. Trimble, November 10, 1857, to November 
19, 1860. County Treasurer— James Chambers, January 4, 1853, to January 
6, 1855. Clerks of the Courts— Robert S. Moorhead, January 1, 1883, to 
January 1, 1886 (resident of Erie when elected). County Commissioners — 
James M. Moorhead, 1827 to 1830; Samuel Low, 1836 to 1840; James 
Chambers, 1864 to 1867. Director of the Poor— George W. Walker, 1840 to 
1843. County Surveyor — G. AV. F. Sherwin, November 12, 1866, to February 
22, 1869. County Auditors — Thomas Rees, 1821 and 1824; James Chambers, 
1846; Jesse Ebersole, 1870; William P. Edwards, 18«0 to 1883. 

SCHOOL HISTORY. 

Early in this century, a school was taught in the barn of Robert Hurst, 
which for some reason had been vacated; this was in the vicinity of the pres- 
ent site of Moorheadville, on the Buffalo road, and was attended by Walter 
Greenwood, from whom we get this information, when a small lad, as his first 
school. He was born in the spring of 1798. The master was Walter Patter- 
son. School was kept here but a short time. On the Col. Moorhead farm, 
probably a half mile east of the Hurst barn, a log schoolhouse was built, where 
the next school in that settlement was taught. This house was too far for the 
Harbor Creek settlement, which led to the building of another house on the 
farm of William Wilson, on the Buffalo road, just north of the Lake Shore 
Railroad. In this house, among the early teachers were a Mr. Fisk and Miss 
Clara Cain. In 1825, at Harbor Creek settlement, Miss Elenor Burgett taught 
a school. AVhere Wesleyville now is, at a point opposite Kelley's store, there 
stood a schoolhouse as early at least as 1811 or 1812, the first schoolhouse 
erected in that neighborhood, in which school was ^taught by a Mrs. Burrass. 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 723 

Here the venerable James Chambers, who was born in 1805, learned his let- 
ters. Later teachers in this building were Nathaniel Lowry, Freeman Wing, 
W. Taggart and George Hampson. The schoolhouses of the township are now 
thirteen in number, of which all but two are brick, the material of the Shaw 
School being stone, and of the Owen, frame. They are as follows: On the 
Lake road — Shaw, near A. Shaw's, and Crowley neighborhood. On the Buf- 
falo road — Wesley ville, in the village; Chambers, near Henry Chamber's; 
Elliott, near Harbor Creek Village; Ebersole, near Joseph Ebersole's, and 
Moorbead, near William Moorhead's. In other parts of the township — Gos- 
pel Hill, near John Bunnell's; Tattle, near John Tuttle's; Owen, near Will- 
iam Cass'; Williams, near Hugh Campbell's; Lowry, near the N. D. Lowry 
place; Backus, near Edwin Cass'. The Elliott House was built for a graded 
school, and is two stories in height. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The venerable James Chambers, whose home is a little east of Wesleyville, 
is the oldest continuous Justice of the Peace in the county, and probably in 
the State. He was first commissioned by Gov. Ritner in 1837, and has held 
the office from then to the present time, with the exception of an interval of 
six years, during which he served a term each as County Treasurer and 
County Commissioner. Aaron Hoag, one of the pioneers, who died in 1857, 
was always in litigation, and it is stated as a fact, that after his demise, the law 
business of the court suddenly dropped off twenty-five per cent. Elias Camp- 
bell died at the house of his son-in-law, Thomas E. Kendrick, October 8, 1882, 
aged ninety years; he emigrated to Washington Township with his mother in 
1797. 

The value of land in Harbor Creek ranges from $200 an acre on the lake 
shore plain to $30 on the high ground south. Several valuable gas wells have 
been drilled in the township, but most of them are now yielding little or noth- 
ing. 



CHAPTER VII. 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF NORTH EAST. 

THE section of country now included in North East Township was known 
for several years as Lower Greenfield. It received its present title when 
the county was organized, and derived the name from its position as the 
northeast township of the original sixteen. Its limits were extended in 1841, 
by adding a wedge-shaped strip from Greenfield. The township has an area of 
25,419 acres, with a frontage upon the lake of more than eight miles, a breadth 
of over seven miles in the widest part, along the New York line, and of a little 
less than five miles on the Harbor Creek line. North East Township is bounded 
on the north by Lake Erie, on the east by Chautauqua County, N. Y. , on the 
south by Greenfield and on the west by Harbor Creek. Its lands average as well as 
any section of the coxmty, and the township includes numerous intelligent and 
succesful farmers. The lake shore plain is about three miles in width, rising 
gradually from a height of about seventy-five feet near the water's edge to a 
hundred and fifty feet or more in the vicinity of the borough. An abrupt rise 
takes place in Harbor Creek Township, at Twelve Mile Creek, and this eleva- 



724 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

tion continues across North East nearly to Twenty Mile Creek, where the land 
again falls to the general level of the lake shore. The greatest height is on 
the Bothwell farm, a mile east of North East Station, where the summit of the 
railroad is attained between Buffalo and Erie. The lake shore lands readily 
produce every kind of grain, fruit, flower and vegetable that can be raised in 
this latitude, and are equal to the most noted in the world. East of Sixteen 
Mile Creek, on the Lake road, they are usually a sandy loam; west of that on 
the same road and on the Buffalo road they are of a gravelly nature. The hills 
in the south part rise gradually to the summit at Colt's Station, and there is 
scarcely any waste country in the township. The hill land is clay loam and 
gravel, and yields tine wheat, barley, etc. Land ranges in value from $50 to 
$125 an acre. 

The population of the township has been as follows at the periods stated: 
1,068, in 1820; 1,706, in 1830; 1,793, in 1840; 2,379, in 1850; l,900,in I860; 
2,313, in 1870; and 2,152 in 1880. The assessment of 1883, gave the fol- 
lowing results: Valueof real estate, $1,382,699; number of cows, 754; of oxen, 
10; of horses and mules, 572: value of the same $64,835, value of trades and 
occupations, $25,900; money at interest, $19,087. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

North East was the first of the lake shore towDships to be settled, and by 
1810 was pi'etty well covered with a hardy arid worthy class of emigrants. The 
first settler to reach the township was Joseph Shadduck, who came in from 
Vermont, and took up a tract in 1794, near the center. He was joined in a 
few months by George and Henry Hurst from New Jersey. Although these 
parties located and made application for their lands in that year, they did not 
make an actual settlement until 1795. Henry Hurst, after a brief residence, 
moved to Meadville, and was elected to represent the five northwestern coun- 
ties in the State Senate. Shadduck also changed, going to Gi*eenfield, where 
he remained until his death. The same year that Shadduck and the Hursts 
made their settlement, George Lowry went in and took up a tract of 400 acres, 
in or near the borough. He was followed in 1796 by his mother, Margaret 
Lowry, and her family, who located 2,800 acres more in the vicinity of George's 
land, of which they paid the State for 2,000 acres. Mrs. Lowry was of Scottish 
and Irish birth, but emigrated to Cumberland County, in this State, and came 
from there to this county. She was the mother of ten sons, of whom four — Robert, 
Andrew, George and Morrow — married four daughters of James Barr, of Cxim- 
berland County. From this stock descended Hon. Morrow B. Lowry, so 
famous as a politician. James and Bailey Do aaldson arrived in 1795; Henry 
and Dyer Loomis in 1796; Thomas Kobinson, Joseph McCord, James McMahan 
(all of Perry County), William Wilson, James Duncan, Francis Brawley and 
Abram and Arnold Custard in 1797; Thomas Crawford, with his sons, 
William, James and Robert, Lemuel Brown, Mathew Taylor, William Allison, 
Henry Burgett, and John, James and Mathew Greer in 1797-98. In the sum- 
mer of 1800, Robert Hampson, with his wife and one child, coming from 
Juniata County, settled in the township, where he lived until his death in 1851. 
Among those who reached the township about 1800 were Alexander T. Blaine, 
John and Andrew McCord, Samuel Graham, Robert Burrows, William Dundas, 
Mr. Campbell, Joel Loomis, James Barr, Timothy, Amos and Jerry Tuttle 
Timothy Newton, James Silliman, Thomas Mellen, Cornyn Shadduck, Heze- 
kiah and Tristram Brown, Robert McNeill, Stephen Sparrow, Perrin Ross, 
Charles Allen, John Russell, M. Brown and Hezekiah Brown. Of the later set- 
tlers, Henry Taylor located in the township in 1802; Wendell Butt, in 1810; 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 725 

Jesse Belknap, in 1812; Cyrus Robinson, in 1813; Justin Nash, Gilbert 
Belknap and W. E. Mason, in 1814; Harmon Ensign, Buell Phillips, Edmund 
Orton, Joseph^srce, Joseph Law and Levi and Shubal Atkins, in 1815; Alex- 
ander Davidson, William Hall, Dr. Smedley, Clark Putnam and John Butt, in 
1816; Arnold Warner, of Oneida County N. Y., in 1817; O. Selkrigg, in 1818; 
Hugh Beatty, in 1819; Clark Bliss, in 1821; Bester Town, in 1824; James 
Cole, in 1825; John Scouller, William Graham, D. D. Loop and N. C. Rem- 
ington, in 1830; Amos Gould about 1831; E. N. Fuller, in 1835; Calvin 
Spafford, inl836; J. S. Haynes, in 1837; William Griffith and R. A. White, in 
1840; Stephen Griffith, in 1846; Henry Wolf about 1857; William E. Marvin 
and Isaac Wolf, in 1859. James Barr moved to Harbor Creek in 1813, and 
from there to Mill Creek. Levi Atkins died in the township a few years ago 
in his one hundredth year. 

Reference ip made in the general history to the litigation between the 
Pennsylvania Population Company and the citizens, who claimed title by vir- 
tue of mere settlement. The burden of these troubles largely fell upon the 
settlers of North East. The Lowrys, Wilsons and Barr fought the claims of 
the company until the matter was settled by the decision of the United States 
Supreme Court. 

FIRST THINGS. 

The first church was oi'ganized under the auspices of the Presbytery of 
Ohio in 1801. The first brick house in the county outside of Erie was erected 
by James Silliman in 1809, about a mile east of the borough, and is still 
standing. The first Justices of the Peace were Timothy Tuttle and Thomas 
Robinson, the first being commissioned jiEarch 3, and the second March 23, 
1799. Mr. Robinson was the Justice who married the parents of Gen. C. M. 
Reed in 1801. The sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered for the 
first time in the county according to the Protestant form, at the house of the 
William Dundas in 1801. The first grist mill in the township was built by 
Col. Tuttle on Sixteen Mile Creek in 1807. The first building used for a 
schoolhouse was built in 1798, on "the north side of the main road near the 
house belonging to the Brookins farm. " The first road was cut through from 
Freeport to Greenfield in 1797. The first mail route between Buffalo and Erie 
was established in 1806. The first regular line of coaches was in 1820-21. The 
first telegraph line was put up in 1847 or 1848. The first regular passenger 
train passed through from the State line to Erie on the 8th of January, 1852. 

RAILROADS AND COMMON ROADS. 

The Lake Shore Railroad runs across the township from east to west, at an 
average of two miles from the lake, in nearly a straight line and with a very 
light grade. The road is almost straight between Erie and North East, and 
it is said that the signal lights can be seen at the Union depot a distance of 
fifteen miles. The New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad crosses the town- 
ship in the same direction as the Lake Shore road, and, generally speaking, 
at a distance of only a rod or so south of it. Both roads have stations at North 
East and Northville. The common roads which are most extensively traveled 
are the Buffalo road, running across the township at an average distance of 
about a mile and a half south of the lake, and the Lake road, which approaches 
the water's edge in the eastern part of Harbor Creek, and follows the bank of 
the lake through North East Township, almost to the mouth of Sixteen Mile 
Creek. From there to Twenty Mile Creek the direct road has been abandoned, 
but another road further back from the lake carries the route to the mouth of 
the latter stream, where it again follows the water eastward through New York. 



726 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

THE CREEKS. 

North East is one of the best watered towoships in the county, a great 
number of rivulets springing out of the high land in the south and uniting 
their waters before reaching the lake. The main streams are Twelve Mile 
Creek in the west, Sixteen Mile Creek in the center, and Twenty Mile Creek 
in the east, with Spring Creek, Spafford Run and Averill Run between. Twelve 
Mile Creek rises on the northern edge of Greentield, flows in a general north- 
eastern direction and falls into the lake in Harbor Creek, after a course of 
about thirteen miles. Sixteen Mile Creek takes its rise in Greenfield Town- 
ship, within a mile of French Creek, passes the borough on its west side, and 
enters the lake at Freeport. Its length is about ten miles, and its general 
course due north. About two and a half miles south of the borough, Sixteen 
Mile Creek is joined by Graham Creek, which rises in New York, and is per- 
haps four miles long. At the point of junction, there is a " hog's back," which 
is nearly perpendicular on the east side. The gully at the " hog's back " is 
not far from 200 feet deep. The heads of Twenty Mile Creek are in Westfield 
and Sherman Townships, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. , and its mouth is near the 
northeast corner of North East Township. It enters the State about a mile 
above the crossing of the Lake Shore Railroad, and must have a length of ten 
to twelve miles. The deep gulf of this stream, which attracts so much atten- 
tion from travelers, begins three or four miles south of the Lake Shore Rail- 
road culvei't, and continues nearly to the lake, some three miles further by the 
windings of the creek. Its depth where the railroad crosses is about 100 
feet. The culvert at this point is a mammoth work, and one of the finest pieces 
of masonry in the country. The Nickel Plate road has an iron bridge some 
distance above, which Js a skillful piece of work. The gully on the head- 
waters of Sixteen Mile Creek, in the south part of the township, runs out in 
the vicinity of the borough, but begins again just below, and continues to the 
lake. It is nowhere as abrupt as that of Twenty Mile Creek, except at the 
junction above referred to. Twelve Mile Creek has steep banks from Moor- 
headville to its mouth, but above that the gully is less deep and striking than 
those of the other streams. 

MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS. 

Although North East may be said to be quite a manufacturing centei*, it is 
a curious fact that nearly all of the most important establishments are outside 
of the borough limits. Among the past and present mills and factories of the 
township are Gay &Beatty's grist, saw and shingle mill, in the gulf of Twenty 
Mile Creek, at the crossing of the Buffalo road; Rhodes' cider and vinegar 
mill, a large four-story building, near the same; Jones' grist mill, built by 
James Haynes, to which a distillery was added by B. C. Town. In the 
spring of 1883, this mill passed into the hands of A. K. & W. D. Wing, who 
have enlarged it. Grimshaw's woolen factory — built by Archibald Duncan in 
1845 and burned in the spring of 1883 — and Coffman's pump factory, all on 
Spring Run; a turning works, table factory, saw mill, the Franklin Paper Mill, 
Ezra Scouller's grist mill — the largest in the township — Bannister's brewery, 
Greene & Chase's cider and vinegar mill, now owned by Alfred Short; E. K. 
Nason's tanneiy, Green's door, blind and sash factory, Stetson's handle factory, 
a grape basket and fruit and cigar box factory, all on Sixteen Mile Creek; New 
Era Organ Factory — started in the spring of 1873 by a joint-stock company — 
Jones' barrel factory— established in 1864 by Bothell & Clark, and burned in 1881 
— Applebee & Butt's steam saw mill and Johu Scouller & Tyler's large tannery 
— built in 1875. All of these concerns, some of which are quite extensive, are 





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i^Cj 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 729 

within a radius of perhaps a mile from the public park, with the exception of 
those on Twenty Mile Creek. M'>st of the mills use steam and water. Be- 
sides the establishments named above, E. Scouller and Dr. Porter have ware- 
houses on the railroad, just across the borough line, for handling grain, coal, 
lime, etc. There is also a cheese factory at Grahamvilln (started in 1881) and 
a saw and heading mill at the State line. The township contains three brick 
yards, two of which are managed respectively by Gen. Kilpatrick and Juhn 
Kane, on the Francis Brawley farm, now owned by Sampson Short, two miles 
and a half west of the borough; and the third, near the borough, is owned by 
Dyer Loomis. The paper mill was established by Steele, Judd & Easton in 
1833, and, after passing into the hands of William L. Hall, was burned in 
1838. It was immediately re-built by John Scouller and Chauncy Easton, 
the former of whom soon purchased his partner's interest. Mr. Scouller 
sold the mill in 1853 to James S. Johnson, who was the victim of another 
fire on the 16th of August, 1881, which almost totally destroyed the property. 
By July 2, 1872, Mr. Johnson had the mill running agaiu on a more extensive 
scale than ever, but in re-building he became involved, and the low prices set- 
ting in at the same time, was obliged to succumb to the financial pre.ssure. 
The mill was sold to Cochran & Young, of Erie, who ran it until January 1, 
1883, when it passed into the hands of West, Swaney & Jackson, of Pitts- 
burgh. These gentlemen failed, and the mill now belongs to the estate of 
Cochran & Young. 

THE GRAPE CULTURE. 

The culture of grapes was commenced in North East Township about 1850, 
by Messrs. Hammond & Griffith, who planted their first vineyard in the vicinity of 
Jones' grist mill. It was soon discovered that the soil and climate were pecu- 
liarly favorable to the growth of this luscious fruit, and the small beginning of 
thirty years ago has developed until there are thousands of acres under cultivation 
in the township. The South Shore Wine Company was formed in 1869. They 
built a large cellar on the road between the borough and lake, and have done 
an extensive business in shipping grapes and making wine. J. & C. Mnttier 
have a smaller winery near by, and Alonzo Biitt has another, about a mile and 
a half northeast of the borough. Most of the vineyards are north of the 
borougb. on the fertile land between Sixteen and Twenty Mile Creeks. The 
grapes are shipped to all parts of the North, but the bulk of them are sold in 
Erie and the oil region. Besides the grape culture, the township has become 
an important berry, fruit, melon and vegetable growing region. A good deal 
of trucking is done for the Erie and oil country markets. The principal 
truckers are the Mottiers, Butts, McCords and McGaugheys. In the vicinity 
of the vineyards, and near the bank of the lake, is the Lake View House, 
which was at one period a promising summer resort. It is a large four-story 
building, surrounded by beautiful grounds and in a charming location. The 
enterprise was started by H. S. Southard in 1875. The villages of the town- 
ship are Northville, Freeport and Grahamville. Northville is the only post 
office. 

VILLAGES. 

Freeport, at the mouth of Sixteen Mile Creek, a mile and a half north of 
the borough, though now nothing more than a straggling collection of houses, 
was once expected to become a lake port of considerable magnitude. When 
the Population Company established their headquarters at Colt's Station, their 
supplies were first received mainly by boat from Buffalo and landed at Free- 
poi-t. To transport these goods, the first road in the county — with the excep- 
tion of the old French road — was opened from Freeport to Greenfield in I (97, 



730 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

which a year afterward was extended to Wattsburg. The road followed 
generally the same route as the one which now runs from the depot at North 
East, southward to French Creek. Quite a trade was done at Freeport till 
1802, when the removal of the company's headquarters to Erie suspended the 
lake traffic. Afterward it did some business as a lumber port, but this did not 
last long. Capt. Freeman Judd built a small vessel at Freeport, with which 
he touched at the harbor as necessity required till 1834 or 1835. when the 
commerce of the port ceased, and has never been renewed. The village con- 
sists at present of a wagon shop, saw mill, turning and table factory and 
fifteen or twenty buildings. It is something of a fishing place and several 
families are supported by the fisheries. The first foundry in Erie County was 
established at Freeport in 1824, by Philetus Glass and others, for the manu- 
facture of cast iron plows. 

The village of Northville is mainly in New York, but the post office and 
church are in Pennsylvania. The place embraces a store, hotel, cooper shop, 
wagon shop, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse and twenty or thirty dwellings. 
The Buffalo road passes through, and the town is a station on the Lake Shore 
and Nickel Plate Railroads. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Northville is 
the only one in the township outside of North East Borough. It is at least 
sixty years old, and in its early existence was an appointment on North East 
Circuit and of the other circuits of which North East, Wattsburg and Ripley 
were parts. Since Ripley Circuit was formed, this appointment has been on 
that circuit. Among the early members of Northville Church were, Jacob Pier and 
wife, Mrs. Crocker, Phoebe Myers (now Mrs. Taylor) and Benjamin Lawrence 
and wife; the latter was Class Leader in 1833. The first church building was 
erected in 1841, and the present one in 1880. Prior to 1841, the society wor- 
shiped in a school house on the York State side. The graveyard attached to 
the church has been in existence many years. 

The little settlement of Grahamville, at the cross roads, about three and a 
half miles southeast of the borough, was founded by Samuel Graham, who 
came from Centre County in 1800, his brothers James and Ebenezer locating 
at the same time in Summit Township. A tannery was established there in 
1835 by Robert Graham, a saw mill by James Graham in the same year, an 
ashery by E. N. Fuller in 1842, and a distillery, wagon shop and blacksmith 
shop some time between 1830 and the latter year. The place was at the height 
of its prosperity from 1842 to 1846, when, for some reason, it began to run 
down, the store being closed in 1847, and the ashery and distillery soon after. 
It consists at present of a schoolhouse (in which religious services are some- 
times held), a cheese factory, blacksmith shop, wagon shop, about fifteen houses, 
and fifty or seventy-five inhabitants. 

CEMETERIES. 

North East Township contains three regularly incorporated cemeteries, be- 
sides the graveyard at Northville and one near the woolen mill. The one known 
as the North East Cemetery, which is used by the borough and township in 
common, occupies high ground on the west bank of Sixteen Mile Creek, along 
the Buffalo road, a short distance west of the boi'ough limits. The cemetery 
company was incorporated April 15, 1882. Twelve and one-half acres were 
purchased from the heirs of P. S. V. Hamot, to which five acres were added 
that had been used as a burial ground for fifty years. The cemetery of the 
Phillipsville Burial Ground Association is on the Benry Wolf farm, about two 
and a half miles east of the borough, along the Buffalo road. Although there 
has been a graveyard on the site for forty years, the management was never 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 731 

regularly .incorporated until 1863. Mrs. Buel Phillips, wife of the donor, was 
the first person buried there. Her death took place in 1822. TheGrahamville 
Burying Groiind Association was incorporated in the spring of 1879. The 
society's grounds are on the road from North East to Grahamville, near H. D. 
Taber's. The site has been used as a graveyard for forty-three yeai's. 

SCHOOLS. 

In the western part of the township, located about a half mile north of the 
present track of the Lake Shore Railroad, was what was known as the Hilde- 
brand house, in which school was taught about the year 1811 by Betsy McCray. 
In the same building Joseph Townsley taught. Not long after this (about 
1814), a log schoolhouse was built eighty or one hundred rods south of the 
above-named site, in which the first school was taught by Joseph Neelev. Other 
early teachers in this building were Miss Eleanor Lawhead (who subsequently 
married a Moorhead), Charles Brown, a Mr. Stearns, Henry Neeley and George 
Hampson. This was up to about 1820. In the early history of the township, 
the children residing east of the " gulf," in the northeastern portion of the town- 
ship, attended school in New York State. An early school was taught not far 
from the State line in a building vacated by James Taylor. A schoolhouse 
w^as built probably one mile from the line in York State as early as 1816. 
Ebenezer Poorman taught in these houses. About one mile southwest of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church at Northville, iu what was known as the Orton 
District, a schoolhouse was erected, in which school was opened in the winter 
of 1832-33 by James Taylor, now of North East Borough, which was most 
likely the first school established in the northeastern part of the township, west 
of the New York State line. Mr. Taylor taught a school in the Belknap Dis- 
trict, about one and one-half miles south of the Ortcm School, in the winter of 
1833-34. The township maintains at present seventeen schools, and the school 
term consists of four months in the summer and four in the winter. Below is 
a list of the buildings, with their locations: Gay, near the mouth of Twenty 
IVIile Creek; Dewey, on the Butt road; Jones, near the woolen, factory; Free- 
port, near Scouller's mill; McCord, on Lake road; Brawley, on the Buffalo 
road, west;. Maple Grove, on S. C. Remington's farm; Orton, on the William 
E. Marvin farm; Law, near the borough, in the south; Gifford, on J. E. Will- 
iams' farm; Spooner, on B. P. Spooner's farm; Putnam, in Putnam settlement; 
Union, on Greenfield line; Adkins, in Adkins settlement; Bird, near the south- 
east corner of the township; Grahamville, at Grahamville; and Bingham, near 
B. Bingham's. The Freeport, Brawley, Maple Grove, Law, Gifford, Putnam 
and Bingham Schools are of brick; the rest are of frame. The Union 
school is maintained jointly by North East and Greenfield. 

REV. CYRUS DICKSON. 

Probably the best known name associated with North East Township is that 
of Rev. Cyrus Dickson, for many years the famous Secretary of the Board of 
Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church of the United States. He was 
one of the most eloquent pulpit orators in the country, and his I'eputation was 
as extended as the Union. His grandfather, James Dickson, was a Captain in 
the Revolutionary war. Removing after the close of the war from the Mohawk 
Valley, where his father had first settled, he made his home for a time in 
Westmoreland County, Peun. Not satisfied there, he came with his family, in 
1801, to Erie County, locating near the head- waters of French Creek. A few 
years afterward,his son William bought a farm in North East Township. near the 
lake, and there took nn his residence. He married, after the death of his first 



732 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

wife, Christina, daughter of James and Catherine Moorhead; and in the log 
cabin of this uncleared farm was born, in 1816, Cyrus Dickson — destined to 
become one of the most distinguished sons of the Presbyterian Church. He 
completed his college course at Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, in 1857; 
taught for a year or two, fh'st in Girard, Erie County, and then near Prince- 
ton, N. J. — at the same time studying theology and attending lectures 
at the seminary at the latter place. After the usual examinations, he was 
licensed in 1839 by the Presbytery of Erie to preach the Gospel. Within a 
few months he became settled in his first pastorate at Franklin, Penn. 



BOROUGH OF NORTH EAST. 

The borough of North East is very nearly in the center of the township, be- 
tween its eastern and western lines, about a mile and a half south from the 
lake. It stands upon the highest ground of the lake shore plain, and is sur- 
rounded by one of the most beautiful and fertile sections of Erie County. It 
is an important station on the Lake Shore and Nickel Plate Railroads, fifteen 
miles east of Erie and seventy-three west of Buifalo. The Lake Shore road 
forms the southern boimdary line of the borough and the Buffalo road is its 
main street. A branch of Sixteen Mile Creek runs entirely through the place, 
and the main stream touches its southwestern edge, affording water-power to a 
number of mills and factories. North East is justly regarded as one of the 
most pleasant and enterprising towns in the county. It has good church build- 
ings and supports excellent schools. It has a number of elegant private resi- 
dences, and some of its stores are upon a scale that would do credit to a larger 
place. It is the center of a large manufacturing interest, and its mercantile 
establishments embrace almost every line of trade. 

The land covered by the borough was purchased from the State by a man 
named Brown, who sold it in 1804 to an Eastern speculator by the name of 
Gibson. The earliest dwelling within the borough limits was a log cabin, 
built by William Dundas, a little to the east of the Presbyterian parson- 
age. In this modest abode the sacrament of ihe Lord's Supper was admin- 
istered for the first time in Erie County according to the Protestant 
form, on Sunday, the 27th of September, 1801. The Dundas property was 
sold in 1806 to Henry Burgett. who converted it into a tavern, and occupied 
it as such for many years. A more pretentious tavern was erected in 1808, by 
Lemuel Brown, grandfather of Gen. H. L. Brown, of Erie city, on the site of 
the present Haynes House. Previous to the ventures of Burgett and Brown, a 
tavern had been kept by George Lowrey, near the park. The first store was 
opened in 1816, by Alexander McCloskey, in a building on Main street, at the 
foot of Vine, which was long since destroyed. By degrees a village sprung 
up around the taverns, which I'eceived the title of Burgettstown, after Henry 
Burgett, the landlord. In 1819 the name was changed to Gibsonville, in 
honor of the man who owned most of the property, and donated the park. It 
was known by that title until the 27th of February, 1834, when the village 
was incorporated as the borough of North East. The oi'iginal limits were 
extended in 1852, so that they are now about a mile in length by a little more than 
half a mile in breadth. The population by the United States census was 339 in 
1840, 387 in 1850, 952 in 1860, 902 in 1870, and 1,396 in 1880. The Bur- 
gettstown Post Office was established May 10, 1812, and the name has been 
changed twice to suit the varying appellations of the town. 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 733 

By the assessment of 1888, the real estate in the borouj^h was valued at 
$520,025; the number of cows was 51, and of horses and oxen 141 ; their 
value was 113,075; the valuation of trades and occupations was $118,450, and 
$78,961 were reported as drawing interest. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The churches of North East are seven in number, as follows: Presbyterian, 
Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, St. Paul's Lutheran, St. Gregory's Catholic, 
German Evangelical, and Mission of the Holy Cross (Episcopal). The Pres- 
byterian society, the oldest religious organization in Erie County, was founded 
in 1801, as " The Church of Lower Greenfield," in the house of William Dun- 
das (which was afterward converted into Burgett's tavern), by Revs. McCurdy, 
Satterfield, Tait and Boyd, who were sent out as missionaries from the Ohio 
and Redstone Presbyteries. Thomas Robinson and John McCord were ordained 
as the first Elders. Services were held in the woods and in the barn or tan 
bark house of Joseph McCord till 1804, when a log church building was 
erected upon a tract of five acres, given for the purpose by Henry Hurst, which 
is now occupied as a part of the North East Cemetery. A Sabbath school was 
established, and a day school was also maintained in connection with the 
church. In' 1818, the congregation commenced the erection of a new frame 
building nearly in the center of the present park, which had been donated by 
Mr. Gibson, for public and religious use, and finished it in 1822. In 1832, 
fifty-eight members separated from the congregation and were constituted a 
church at Harbor Creek, leaving the original society 105 strong. The 
present building — a large, handsome brick — was completed in 1860, at a cost 
of about $9,000, and the old edifice in the park was torn down in 1862. The 
first regular minister was Rev. Robert Patterson, who was ordained as pastor 
of the churches of Upper and Lower Greenfield. His ordination took place 
September 1, 1802. His pastoral relation was dissolved by his own request 
April 22, 1807. From the date of his departure a long interval ensued, in 
which the church was without a regular pastor, with the exception of Rev. Mr. 
McPherson, who was employed for six months in 1812. In 1815-16, Rev. 
Mr. Eaton was engaged for one-fourth of his time, the rest being spent at Erie 
and Fail-view. Rev. Mr. Ely ofiiciated half of his time for six months in 
1823. Rev. Cyrus J. Hunter, present incumbent, took charge of the congrega- 
tion July 16, 1880. 

The Methodist Episcopal congregation was organized in 1812, with ten 
members, by Rev. Thomas Branch, a missionary from Connecticut. The orig- 
inal members were Tristam Brown, George Culver, John Russell and two 
others, with their wives. For ten years this small congregation was with- 
out a house of worship. In 1822, a brick building was erected on the 
eastern side of the park, facing the south. The present edifice was built in 
1852 at a cost of $3,000, and the old one was torn down the same year. Rev. 
James Watts was the first pastor, and Rev. W. W. Woodworth, 1881-82-83. 

The first Baptist society occupied a small log structure in the eastern part 
of the township. In 1832, a new congregation was organized, and erected a 
building on the Buffalo road, about two miles east of the borough in 1833. 
This society ceased to exist about 1850. A third congregation was established, 
through the efforts of Rev. Zebina Smith, in 1858. The present chm-ch build- 
ing was put up in 1859, and a Sabbath schoolroom was added in 1870. The 
Rev. Mr. Smith served the church as pastor about two years. The pastors 
have since been L. Rathburn, Mr. Weatherby, Mr. Husted, William Dunbar, 
M. Tennant, Theodore Leonard, J. C. Ward, H. N. Cornish and Charles Par- 
son, the present incumbent. The church membership is now about 125. 



734 HISTORY OF ERIE COUHTY. 

St. Paul's German Evangelical Church was organized in 1864, by Rev. P. 
Brandt, who served as pastor of this mission in connection with the charge at 
Farnham, N. Y., until April, 1868. He was succeeded by Rev. H. Kanold, 
who served the two appointments until November, 1867. Then for one year 
the congregation had supplies onl}^ St. Paiil's became a separate charge in 
1868, and the first pastor was Rev. E. J. Flickenstein, who entered upon his 
duties in October, 1868, and left the pastorate in September, 1872. Rev. E. 
Leemhuis, the present pastor, was his successor, entering upon the duties of 
his position in November, 1872. The church building was erected in 1867. 
Present voting membership, about eighty, principally the heads of families. 

St. Gregory's Catholic Church was erected about the year 1866. For years 
prior to this, the Catholic families had been visited by priests from Dunkirk 
and occasionally from Erie. In July, 1870, Father F. Riordy, the present 
pastor, entered upon his duties as pastor of this parish in connection with the 
one at Girard. The church as first erected was a mere shell of a building, 
which has under Father Riordy's efficient pastorate been greatly remodeled 
and improved until the buildding is now a very neat, substantial and pretty 
one. A parsonage adjoins the church and is the property of the congrega- 
tion Father Riordy's predecessor was Father Madigan. The membership is 
composed of about fifty families. 

The German Churcli of the Evangelical Association of North America was 
organized in 1870, yet preaching had been held occasionally for several 
years prior to this time, the Rev. Louis Wilt, of Westfield, N. Y., officiating. 
The corner-stone of the present neat frame building on Division street was 
laid October 2, 1870, and the church completed and dedicated January 
15, 1871; sermon by Rev. Louis* Wilt. Mr. Wilt remained with the charge 
about two years after the building was dedicated, when he was succeeded by 
Rev. Jacob Long. He was succeeded by Rev. P. Klantz. Mr. Klantz's 
successor was Rev. Nathan Yoder, who was succeeded by Rev. John Honecker, 
the present pastor, in March, 1880. Present membership, eighty. 

The Episcopal Mission of the Holy Cross was organized in 1872. The 
society placed a neat building under roof during the season of 1879, which 
in due time was completed and is an imposing structure. The mission was 
supplied by Revs. McConnell, McKay, Tongue and Newman, during the years 
ending with 1876. Rev. J. Melville Benedict was installed on Advent, 1877. 
He left early in 1881, and was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Burton April 1 of 
the same year, who is still rector of the parish. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND COLLEGE. 

A day school was taught in the old log meeting house, above referred to, 
soon after the year 1804, which was maintained until about 1817, when a log 
schoolhouse was built and stood not far from the center of the park. This 
was the regular school for the vicinity, and among the teachers who taught in 
it were John Brown, Miss Leech and Miss Riddle. In 1824, the present 
Academy grounds were jmrchased and a small brick building erected, in which 
Rev. Miles Doolittle taught as early as 1826. In 1818, a summer school was 
taught in the office of Dr. Dunlap, the site being just in front of the pre.sent 
house of E. Seoul ler, Esq. 

The next village schoolhouse was a larger frame building, erected in 1844, 
on the site of the brick house, at a cost of $8,000, raised by subscription. This 
was replaced by the present school building of four apartments, erected in 
1878 at a cost of $10,000. We should have mentioaed above that among the 
teachers in the brick house, built in 1824, were Dver Loomis, Mr. Chambers 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 735 

and A. S. Moss. The public schools of North East are excellent. In 1878, F. 
N. Thorpe, Ph. D., was chosen as Principal and Superintendent, and at that 
time they became graded. Scholars are here prepared for college. The tirst 
commencement exercises were held in 1881, when a class of seven were gradu- 
ated. There are now enrolled 348 scholars, under the care of the Principal 
and five lady assistants. In the old frame building, such educators as Profs. 
Post, Armstrong and Stewart taught. Mr. Armstrong was the first County 
Superintendent. Mr. Thorpe is still Principal of the schools, and the present 
Board of Education is B. C, Town, S. S. Hammond, Norman Clark, Ezra 
Scouller, D. D. Dewey and E. K. Nason. B. C. Town is President and S. S. 
Hammond, Secretary. 

The Lalie Shore Seminary was established at North East in 1870, occupy- 
ing a stately four-story brick building on the highest knoll in the vicinity. 
While not denominational in its teachings, it was, to a certain extent, under 
the control of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Among its professors were 
J. P. Mills in 1872, L. T. Kirke in 1875-76, and H. U. Johnson in 1879-80. 
The seminary did not prosper and the buildings and grounds were sold at 
Sheriffs sale to the People's Savings Institution of North East. The bank in 
tui'n sold the property about Februaiy 1, 1881, for $10,000, to the Kedemption- 
ist Fathers of Annapolis, Md. It was dedicated as St. Mary's College August 
2, 1881, and is used as a preparatory school for young men intending to enter 
the Catholic priesthood. 

HOTELS, BANKS, ETC. 

The hotels of North East are the Brawley House, built in 1833; the Haynes 
House, in 1852-53, and the Palace Hotel, by Sampson Short, in 1877. They are 
all well kept, and have a liberal patronage. The Palace Hotel is probably the 
finest public house in the county outside of Erie. The first hotel — or more 
properly, tavern — in the borough, as before stated, was opened by George Lowry, 
the second by Henry Burgett, the third by Lemuel Brown, and the fourth by 
the letter's son, Hiram L., who erected the house lately owned by Miss Davi- 
son for that purpose. In course of time, the two Browns almost monopolized 
the tavern business of the town. Hiram L. eventually purchased the Eagle 
Hotel at the corner of State street and the northeast side of the Park in Erie. 
It burnt down and he erected another house on its site, which was known as 
Brown's Hotel until its purchase by Col. Ellsworth, when the name was 
changed to the Ellsworth House. The father of B. F. Sloan, of Erie, at one 
time kept a hotel in North East opposite the Brawley House. 

North East until recently has supported three banks, namely, The First Na- 
tional, the private firm of Short, Blaine & Co., and the People's Savings Insti- 
tution. The first banking institution of the borough was established on a 
small scale by A. W. Blaine about the year 1860, and was carried on at the 
corner of Lake and INEain streets. This was merged into the First National 
Bank when it was organized in 1865. The First National Bank was opened in 
the building now occupied by that institution under the following officers and 
directors: William Griffith, President; A. W. Blaine, Cashier; Directors, Will- 
iam Grifiith, John Greer, Amos Gould, George P. Griffith, A. F. Jones, J. S. 
Haynes and John McCord. The President of this bank is now W. A. Ensign 
and the Cashier is Charles A. Ensign. The capital stock has been $50,000 
from the beginning. 

The People's Savings Institution was incorporated in April, 1870, and 
opened for business May 1 of that year in Duncan Block on Main street. 
The first President was J. L. Brookius; Treasurer, John Greer, and Secretary, 
G. C. Cleveland. The present President is Alfred Short; Treasurer, B. C. 



730 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Spooner. The firm of Blaine, Gould & Short, which subsequently became 
Short. Blaine & Co., opened in 1871 in the Graham Building on Main street. 
This institution stopped business May 14. 1883, to which the People's Savings 
Bank became successor, and moved into the building on Main street occupied 
by that firm as an office. The combined capital of these two banks is upward 
of $500,000. 

The manufactories within the corporate limits are John W. Griffith's 
wagon and blacksmith shop; Fromyer's carriage and trimming factory, estab- 
lished by George French in 1865, and carried on by the Fromyer Bros, since 
May, 1873; Pease's tub and firkin factory, established in 1876 by David Pease 
and J. M. Cook; the latter going out in one year, the factory has since been 
carried on by Mr. Pease; Philetus Glass's foundry, established in the borough in 
1851, by P. Glass and O. Chase, and the North East Fruit Canning establish- 
ment, which was started in the spring of 1880 by a number of enterprising men. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

The newspapers until recently were the Sun and Advertiser, both pub- 
lished weekly, and both well edited. The first attempt to establish a paper 
was by J. J. Barker, who commenced the North East Guard in 1855, but only 
printed it a few months. In August, 1867, the North East Herald was put 
forth by S. O. Hayward, who abandoned its publication at the end of a year. 
The North East Star was commenced September 26, 1868, by Brainerd & 
Cushman, both of whom are now practicing lawyers in Erie. Mr. Brainerd 
sold his interest in 1869 to L. B. Cushman. The name of the paper was 
changed to the Sun in March, 1873. The North East Advertiser was started 
in March, 1877, by W. E. Belknap & Co. , and so published until May 2, 1883, 
when the two papers were consolidated, Mr. Cushman, of the Sun, purchasing. 
Since that period the two have been issued under the title of the Sun from 
the fi)rmer building of the Advertiser, now the Sun building, on Lake street. 
In politics, the Sun is Republican, and has a circulation of over 1,500. It is 
the largest paper in the county, being a quarto, with tifty-six columns. 

STATE AND COUNTY OFFICERS. 

The State and county officials furnished by North East Borough and Town- 
ship are as follows: Presidential Elector, John Greer, I860. Congress. S. M. 
Brainerd, 1883-85 (resident of Erie when elected). State Senators, Henry 
Hurst, 1816-21 (resident of Meadville when elected); James D. Dunlap. 1845 
(resident of Erie when elected). Assemblymen, James D. Dunlap, 1840-41 
(resident of Erie when elected); Mark Baldwin, 1844; A. W. Blaine, 1850-51: 
Charles A. Hitchcock, 1876-77; Alfred Short, 1878-79. District Attorneys, S. 
M. Brainerd, 1872-75; A. B. Force, 1875-81; E A. Walling, 1881-84. Sher- 
iff. E. W. M. Blaine, 1840-43. Coroner, John McCord, 1812-15. County 
Commissioners, James Lowry, 1804-06; Francis Brawley, 1808-11; Henry 
Taylor, 1811-17; Alex. McCloskey, 1823-26; John McCord, 1832-35; 
Amos Gould, 1857-60; Clark Bliss, 1871-/5. County Treasurer, James P. 
Crawford, 1881-84 (resident of Erie when elected). Associate Judges. John 
Brawley, 1840-51; John Greer, 1856-66. Director of the Poor, Archibald 
Duncan, 1862-65. Steward of the Almshouse, Calvin Pool, 1863-72; George 
W. Griffin, 1872-80. Mercantile Appraisers, John D. Mills, 1860; James W. 
Crawford, 1864; R. L. Pierce, 1874. County Auditors, James Smedley, 
1831-84; William H. Crawford, 1836-39; George W. Griffin, 1869 (one year). 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The contribution of North East and vicinity to the Union army in the 
rebellion was fully as large as any section of the county; She furnished one 



FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP. 739 

Captain to each of the Erie County regiments^ viz.: N. L Terrell, Captain 
Company K, Eighty- third; John Braden, Company F, One Hundred and 
Eleventh; Dyer Loomis, Company C, One Hundred and Forty-fifth. The 
borough has been visited by three destructive fires. One on Sunday night, the 
19th of December, 1858. consumed a row of buildings extending from the 
Presbyterian Church to the Union Block. Another on May 23, 1872, destroyed 
a number of wooden structures on Main street. The last one, in the summer 
of 1874, demolished some buildings that occupied the present site of the opera 
house. Rev. Thomas H. Robinson, son of Thomas Robinson, one of the 
pioneers, has been pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Harrisburg 
many years. Dyer Loomis was elected Justice of the Peace in the spring of 
1845, and held the office until the spring of 1880, a period of thirty -five years. 
North East A. Y. M., Lodge v^^as organized in 1867. North East Lodge, I. 
O. O. F., was established in 1850. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF FAIRVIEW. 

THE first known settlement in Fairview Township was made in 1797, by 
Francis Scott, who had been in the employ of Thomas Rees,the surveyor, 
for a year previous. Nearly a year before — on the 25th of July, 1796— a com- 
pany of ten men was formed at Harrisburg, for the purpose of improving and 
populating the country near and adjoining Lake Erie. Their names were 
Richard Swan, Thomas Forster, John Kean, Alexander Berryhill, Samuel Laird, 
John A. Hanna, Robert Harris, Richard Dermond, William Kelso and Samuel 
Ainsworth. Each contributed £200 ($1,000), as a common stock for the use 
of the company, a'nd the money was agreed to be used in the purchase of in- 
lets and outlets in the town of'^Erie and elsewhere, and for improving and set- 
tling such lands as might be bought. The company was styled the Harrisburg 
and Presque Isle Company. Thomas I orster was a native of Paxtang, born in 
1762, brought up as a surveyor, served as Colonel during the Whisky Insur- 
ruction of 1794, an Associate Judge of Dauphin County, member o': the Leg- 
islature in 1798; subsequently removed to Erie in the interest of the Harris- 
burg & Pres(pie Isle Land Company, where he became thoroughly identified 
with its interests, and filled important positions, dying in 1836. Richard 
Swan was a native of Paxtang. born in 1757; served in the war of the Revolu- 
tion, and was a gentleman of influence in his locality. He removed to Erie 
County, and here many of his descendants reside. He died in April, 
1808. ' William Kelso, the son of Joseph and Margaret Kelso, who located on 
the Susquehanna in Paxtang. prior to lS30,was a native of that township. He 
lived many years on the Cumberland Valley side, in the old Kelso ferry house, 
where he died May 22, 1807. He was the father of John Kelso, who went to 
Erie in 1802, there located, and the ancestor of the family in this county. 
Immediately after the first compact, Messrs. Harris and Kean were delegated 
to go to Carlisle, where public sale of the lots in the towns of Franklin, Erie, 
Waterford. Warren and Beaver were being made, and purchase such as they 
deemed proper in the interests of the company. This sale was on the 3d and 



740 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

4th of August, 1796, and resulted in the company becoming the owners of nu- 
merous town lots in Erie and Waterford. 

Capt. Swan moved his family to Erie County in 1802, and settled on Wal- 
nut Creek. He rented the company's mill for one year from April 11, pay- 
ing $250 rental, and agi-eeing to clear a piece of land. He managed the mill 
until his death in 1808. His widow bought a farm about one and a half miles 
from the mills. In 1817 her son Richard built the iirst frame house in 
Fairview Township. This house stood until a few years ago. When Col. 
Forster and Capt. Swan first arrived at the point where the mills were built, 
they were standing on a high bluff overlooking the lake, and the former ex- 
claimed, " This is the fairest view I have seen yet." The expression pleased 
them, and they named the future town Fairview. A log tavern was built in 
1797, of peeled hemlock logs, and contained four rooms in the first story, be- 
sides a back kitchen and three rooms above. Capt. Swan, who rented the 
mills in 1802, also rented this tavern, paying $100 a year. 

Among other early settlers who reached the township in 1797 were John 
and George Nicholson, John Kelso, Patrick Vance, Alexander, Patrick and 
John McKee, William Sturgeon and William Haggerty. The Nicholsons were 
born in Ireland, but emigrated to Lancaster County, where they remained a 
short time before coming to the lake shore. Mr. McKee remained in 
Fairview a few years, and then changed to Mill Creek. Gen. ,Kelso moved 
to Mill Creek in 1800, and from there in 1804 to Erie, where he died in 1819. 
In 1798, the colony was enlarged by the arrival of John Dempsey, of Dauphin 
County; and in 1800, by that of Thomas Kennedy, James Moorhead and 
Thomas McCreary. The latter was from Lancaster County, his brothers hav- 
ing come north at the same time and settled in Mill Creek. The settlers dur- 
ing 1802 were S. F. Gudtner, of Franklin County, William and James Ar- 
buckle, of Maryland, and Joseph M. Kratz, a Frenchman, who afterward re- 
moved to Erie. About 1801, Jacob Ebersole, of Lancaster County, moved 
in, followed in 1805 by James Ryan, of Dauphin County. Rev. John- 
ston Eaton arrived the same year as Mr. Ryan, remained but a few months 
and returned for a permanent residence in 1806. Among other early settlers 
were John Caaghey and Samuel McCreary, of Lancaster County. Mr, Caugbey 
moved to Washington County in 1812, and came back in 1822. Moses Bar- 
nett, fi'om Dauphin County, went in about 1816 ; Arthur Oney, from Otsego 
County, N. Y., in 1820; John Silverthorn, probably in the same year; David 
Russell about 1822; Samuel P. Allen, from New England, and Daniel 
Bear, from Lancaster County, in 1823. The first colonists, with the exception 
of Messrs. Ebersole and Gudtner, were of Protestant Irish stock, but at a sub- 
sequent date many Pennsylvania Dutch moved in, followed still later by nu- 
merous foreign Germans. Of the Pennsylvania Dutch, Daniel Waidler, from 
Lancaster County, made his settlement in 1834. Mr. Oney took up a 400- acre 
tract, at the rate of twenty shillings an acre. 

In 1805 occurred the first death of a grown white person in the township, 
being that of John Gordon. The body was buried on the bank of the lake, 
near Manchester, and has never been removed. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

Fairview is one of the original townships of the county, but its size was 
largely reduced by the formation of Girard Township, which took place 
in 1832. It only embraces 16,198 acres now, making it one of the smallest 
townships. The old west line ran through Girard to a point near Afiles 
Grove, parallel with the boundary between Elk Creek and Conneaut. The 



FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP. 741 

south line ran parallel with the one between Elk Creek and Girard, from 
Springfield ou the west to McKean on the east, embracing wiiat is now the 
northern portion of Franklin. Fairview is bounded on the north by Lake 
Erie, on the east by Mill Creek and McKean, on the south by Franklin, and 
on the west by Girard. Its shape is somewhat like that of a cross, and its 
greatest length is eight miles, with a breadth in the widest part of about six 
and a half miles. The population was 536 in 1S20, 1,529 in 1830, 1,480 in 
1840, 1,760 in 1850, 2,157 in 1870, and 1,482 in 1880. The post offices are 
Swanville and Avonia, and most of the trading is done in Fairview Borough. 
By, the assessment of 1880, the valuation of the township was as follows: Real 
estate, $908,750; horses, 403; cows, 516; oxen, 24; total personal property, 
$34,570; trades and occupations, $6,400; money at interest, $15,363. 

LANDS AND STREAMS. 

With the exception of the gullies along Walnut and Elk Creeks, the sides 
of which are too abrupt to be tillable, there is hardly an acre of worthless land 
in the township. The lake shore plain attains a width of about two miles and 
a half. Its soil is of a sandy nature along the lake, merging into a gravelly 
formation further back, and producing every kind of grain, fruit and vegetable 
that can be cultivated in this section. The back lands are usually clay and 
loam, varied by patches of gravel. Wheat prospers in every part of the 
township. Potatoes are cultivated in large quantities, and many car loads are 
shipped every fall from Fairview Station to the large cities. Apple and peach 
trees bear yearly. Lands range in value from $50 to $125 on the lake shore 
plain, to $40 to $50 in the back districts. The chief streams of Fairview are 
WalniTt Creek and Elk Creek, both of which have been described in the 
general sketch. Walnut Creek enters the township from Mill Creek, and, tak 
ing a northwesterly course, empties into the lake at Manchester. Elk Creek 
comes in from McKean, flows across the southern portion into Girard, and 
unites with the lake a little northwest of Miles Grove. The deepest part of 
the Walnut Creek gorge is in the vicinity of the Lake Shore Railroad culvert, 
where the banks are over a hundred feet high. A short distance above, and 
almost on the site of the Nickel Plate bridge, was the Walnut Creek aqueduct, 
once the wonder of this region, built to carry the water of the canal across the 
gully. It was constructed of timber, and was 104 feet high by about 800 
feet long. The railroad culvert and embankment cover a space of about 600 
feet, with width enough for three tracks. Bear Run is the principal tributary 
of Walnut Creek within the township. It heads on the J. Rusterholtz place, 
in the extreme eastern corner of Fairview, near the edge of Mill Creek, and 
falls into the main stream a short distance south of Weigle's grist mill, after 
a course of about four miles. Brandy Run rises near the center, on the farm 
of J. A. Kline, and after flowing seven or eight miles, joins Elk Creek, a little 
south of Girai-d Borough. Falls Run, another branch of Elk Creek, comes in 
from Franklin, on the south edge of the township, having a length of some 
three miles. It received its name from a beautiful cascade, near the Frank- 
lin stone quarry, where the water of the creek passes over a ledge fifty feet 
high. From there to Elk Creek its banks are 100 feet in height and almost 
perpendicular. Little Elk Creek rises in Franklin Township, runs through a 
corner of McKean, and falls into Elk Cre^k proper on the John Sterrett place. 
Trout Run is an independent stream which rises on the east line near Mc- 
Kean, runs in a northwesterly course through Fairview Borough, and empties 
into the lake two miles beyond, at Lock Haven. Its length is between six and 
eight miles, and it is subject to sudden and damaging overflows. Beaver Dam 



742 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Run, a rivulet which tumbles into Walnut Creek about eighty rods below 
Bear's mill, received its name from an extensive embankment built by the 
beavers which formerly existed on what used to be termed the Barnett farm. 
Traces of their work were to be seen about forty years ago. 

BRIDGES AND MILLS. 

The principal bridges in Fairview Township are as follows: On Elk Creek 
— The Swalley, Ryan and Brooks (the latter of iron). On Walnut Creek — 
Manchester, Lake road (iron), N. Y. C. & St. L R. R. (iron). Ridge road, 
Cross roads and Town line (built jointly by Mill Creek and Fairview Town- 
ships); also the Lake Shore Railroad culvert. On Bear Run — One across the 
breast of the dam tit Bear's mill. On Trout Run — ^Culverts, at the grist mill 
and at the paper mill. On Little Elk Creek — Silverthorn, Galusha and Town 
line (built jointly by McKean and Fairview Townships). 

The manufacturing industries of Fairview Township are as follows: On 
Bear Run — Nason's grist mill. On Walnut Creek — Weigle's grist mill, 
Lohrer's grist mill and Morgan & Co.'s paper mill, just below Avonia or Fair- 
view Station (the paper mill was destroyed by fire August 30, 1883), and 
Feidler's grist mill at the Lake road (now owned by McKee & Kermick). 
These are all run by water except Feidler's mill and the paper mi-ll, which 
have used steam in connection, but more recently water only. George Siegel 
has tile and brick works on the Andrews place, a mile south of the borough, 
and L. Vettner a tannery on the Lake road. The Walnut Creek Mills of Mr. 
Weigle were established at a very early day by S. F. Gudtner. In 1856, the 
flouricg mill was rebuilt b} Alexander Nicholson. Nason's mill was built by 
Daniel Bear in 1823, and fell into the hands of Mr. Nason in 1864. The 
second saw mill in Erie County was built at the mouth of Walnut Creek in 
1797, under the supervision of Col. Thomas Forster, who added a grist mill in 
1799, which was the first in the county. Both of these have gone down. In 
1815, Samuel McCreary erected the first woolen mill in the county at the in- 
tersection of the Depot and Lake roads. He continued to operate it till 1841, 
when two of his sons succeeded him. In 1848, the firm became McCreary, 
Thornton & Co., and after that the mill had several changes of ownership. until 
it was abandoned. The building was used as Morgan & Co.'s paper mill. 
The Lock Haven Woolen Mills, on the bank of the lake, were established by 
the Messrs. Caughey in 1842, who had built a saw mill the year previous. 
They disposed of the woolen factory in 1850 and of the saw mill in 1864, 
after which time they had various owners. The property wa« destroyed by fire in 
October, 1878. A number of saw mills once successfully operated have gone 
to ruin. 

SCHOOLS. 

From the venerable Richard Swan, Esq., who was born in 1796, we learn 
that the first schoolhouse in what is now Fairview Township, was erected in 
1804, and stood probably a mile from the mouth of Walnut Creek (south and 
east). School was held in this building the first winter by John Linn, a Rev- 
olutionary soldier. The next teacher was William Gordon. The next school- 
house, or rather cabin, in which school was taught, was located on the land of 
Jeremiah Sturgeon, which was within the present limits of the borough of 
Fairview. School was kept at this place two winters, taught first by John 
Hays, then by Squire McCreary. This was probably as early as 1810. Will- 
iam Sturgeon erected a schoolhouse on the present site of the dwelling of 
William R. Sturgeon, about 1811 or 1812, in which Jacob Eckison and 
John Hays taught respectively. The next schoolhouse in this neighborhood 



FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP. 743 

stood about one mile west of bhe residence of Thomas Sturgeon. It was erected 
about the year 181(3 or 1817, and was a frame structure. It was built by the 
neighborhood, and among the teachers who held sway there were a Mr. Brown, 
Charles Landon and Alonzo Strong. Later than the above house, another, 
built of logs, stood near the present dwelling of Johnston Eaton, in which 
school was taught by Abner Jackson and Francis Plum. There was a regularly 
built schoolhouse in the southeastern part of the township, near the line divid- 
ing the townships of Mill Creek and Fairview, at a very early day. The 
second school attended b}' Mr. Swan was in a cabin house which had previously 
been vacated by Alexander McKee, and stood about one mile eaat of the pres- 
ent residence of Richard Swan on the Lake road. Eobert Maxwell taught here 
about the close of the war of 1812. Following is a list of the present schools: 
Swan, on Lake road, at Richaid Swan's; Willis, on the same road, near Frank 
Willis'; Lake road, north of Avonia (a graded school — two rooms); Swan- 
ville; Vance, on Bear Run; Heidler, on Heidler road; Ruhl, on McKeanroad; 
Sturgeon, near the cemeteiy; Rick, on the Girard road; Van Camp, near Elk 
Creek; Beckman, on the southwest, and Stuntz, south of the borough. 

COMMON ROADS, RAILROADS AND CANAL. 

The leading thoroughfares are the Lake and Ridge roads, extending across 
the whole Tvidth of the township from east to west — the former at an average 
distance of three-fourths of a mile, and the latter from one and a half to two 
and a half miles back from the lake; the Depot road from the borough to the 
lake; the Fairview and Waterford, running southeast into McKean; and the 
Girard and Waterford, which intersects the latter at Sterrettania. A route 
along the beach of the lake was opened between Erie and the mouth of Wal- 
nut Creek as early as 1797. The Ridge road crosses the Walnut Creek gully 
at Weigle's mill by two quite steep inclines, which are a source of considera- 
ble anxiety to teamsters and pleasure seekers. The side hill at VX^alnut Creek 
was first cut down for a roadway by Arthur Oney, who received $100 for the 
job. He also built the first bridge across Walnut Creek on the line of the 
Ridge road. The Lake Shore Railroad passes through the township from Mill 
Creek to Girard at a short distance from the lake. The railroad stations are 
Fairview (or Avonia) and Swanville, both of which lie north of the towns 
they are intended to accommodate. The New York, Chicago & St. Louis Rail- 
road also crosses the township a little south of the Lake Shore road, and the 
Erie & Pittsburgh Company use the Lake Shore track for their trains between 
Miles Grove and Erie. The old canal followed nearly the same line as the 
Nickel Plate road across the township. 

POLITICAL. 

The following is a list of the citizens of the township who have held State 
and county positions: Assembly, Myron H. Silverthorn, 1879-83. Sheriff, 
Miles W.,Caughey, November 12, 1846, to November 5, 1849; Andrew F. 
Swan, November 29, 1867, to November 4, 1870; Joseph W. Swalley (by ap- 
pointment), March 31, 1864, to December 6, 1864. Deputy Sheriff, Joseph 
W. Swalley, 1861-64. Register and Recorder, Daniel Long, November 12, 
1872, to January 1, 1879. County Treasuror, Joseph W. Swalley (by appoint- 
ment), March 10, 1870, to December 23, 1870; Jacob Yeagla, December 27, 
1872, to December 17, 1874; W^illiam C. Hay, January 7, 1878, to January, 
1881. County Commissioners, George Nicholson, 1820-23, also by appoint- 
ment from August 6, 1828, until the ensuing October election; Isaac Webster, 
1844-47; William W. Eaton, 1856-59; Myron H. Silverthorn, 1870-75. 



744 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Directors of the Poor, Curtis Heidler, 1845-48; M. M. Kelso, 1850-53; Alex. 
Nicholson, 1857-60; William W. Eaton, 1870-73. Clerk and Treasurer to the 
Directors of the Poor, D. W. Nason, 1879 to date. County Surveyor, Robert 
P. Holliday, November 5, 1863, to November 12, 1866, and February 22, 1869, 
to November 11, 1872. County Auditor, George Nicholson, 1809, and 1816- 
19; Daniel Sayre. 1823-26; David H. Chapman, 1827-30; John J. Swan, 
1830-33; Moses Barnett, 1841-44; H. H. Bassler, 1858-1862; Jos. W. Swal- 
lev, 1861-64; Oliver P. Ferguson, 1865-68. Mercantile Appraisers, Johnston 
Eaton, 1859; John McCreary, 1876. 

KELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The following-named churches are located in the township: Salem Church 
of the Evangelical Association, Christian Church, United Brethren and St. 
Jacob's Evangelical United. Salem Church is the outgrowth of the Mission- 
ary labors of Piev. J. Siebert, whose labors began in this field in 1833. Other 
early missionaries in the county who also served this people were Revs.E. Stoe- 
vers, D. Brickley and J. Noecker. The house of worship, located in the eastern 
part of the township, was erected about thirty ye^rs ago. Rev. P. J. Fowl 
is the present incumbent. The circuit, since 1 77, has been designated Fair- 
view Circuit. 

St. Jacob's Evangelical United Church is located on the Ridge road about 
a mile and a half east of the business part of Fairview Borough. The congre- 
gation was organized in the winter of 1852, and the church was built about 
the same time at a cost of $1,000. The first pastor was the Rev. Michael 
Kuchler. The present pastor is Rev. C. Gavehling, who has been in charge 
of the congregation in connection with the one at Girard for the past four years. 

The United Brethren Church is upon the road from Franklin Center to 
Sterrettania,. five miles south of Fairview Borough. The congregation was 
organized about 1857, and held meetings until some five years ago in the Van 
Camp Schoolhouse. Rev. Z. C. Dilley is the present incumbent. The church 
building was dedicated February 22, 1880, by Rev. J. Hill. 

The Christian Church is three miles south of the borough, on the direct 
road from Girard to McKean Corners. The congregation was organized by 
Rev. Asal Fish, first pastor, in 1835. The building was erected in 1845, at a 
cost of $1,000. Among other pastors of the chiu-ch have been Elders Ziegler^ 
Morse, Sherman, Langdon, Washburn and Kendell. 

MANCHESTER AND SWANVILLF. 

As before stated, the first settlement at the mouth of Walnut Creek was 
made by Col. Forster and Mr. Swan, who gave the place the name of Fairview. 
John M. Kratz started a store in 1802, and a log tavern was kept by Richard 
Swan, who was followed by James Dunn. The latter was Postmaster in 1822. 
This was the great point of the township, till 1824, containing, besides the tav- 
ern and mill, a distillery, a blacksmith shop, etc. The elections and military 
trainings were held there, and as long as the stages and travel ran down to the 
mouth of the creek, it was rather a lively little village. The mills fell into 
the hands of Daniel Lord in 1829, who changed the name of the place to 
Manchester and erected a paper mill. It burned down while in charge of the 
Messrs. Reed, and no attempt has been made to rebuild it. A Presbyterian 
congregation was organized at Manchester in 1806, and a building erected there 
in 1810. Rev. Johnston Eaton was the pastor. The place of worship was re- 
moved to Swanville in 1832. 



FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP. 745 

Swanville, on the Ridge road, nine miles west of Erie, and about a third 
of a mile south of the Lake Shore Railroad, received its name through John 
J. Swan, who built the first house and established the first tavern on the site. 
It consists of a blacksmith shop, store, schoolhouse, aboul, twenty residences, 
and had a population of about 98 in 1880., Mr. Swan opened his tavern 
about 1832, and soon after another was started by the Nicholsons. These con- 
tinued in operation until 1853-54, when the waut of business compelled their 
closure. The Westminster Presbyterian Church in Mill Creek Township was 
built at Swanville in 1832, and removed to its jDresent site in 1851. This 
church is interesting from the fact that Rev. Johnston Eaton, the first perma- 
nent minister of that denomination in the county, began and closed his career 
as its pastor. He came on in 1805, remained for a short time, went back to 
bis former home and returned in 1806 to stay permanently. The first service 
held by Mr. Eaton was in Swan's tavern at the mouth of Walnut Creek. He 
was ordained on the 30th of June,' 1808, in the barn of William Sturgeon, 
which stood within the present limits of Fairview Borough, and was installed 
as pastor of the congregations at Fairview and Springfield. His relations 
wiih the Springfield Church continued till November 8, 1814, and those with 
the Fairview Church till his death, on the 17th of June, 1847, in the seventy- 
second year of his age and the forty-second of his ministry. After his release 
from the Springfield Church, Mr. Eaton occupied his time till 1818, between Erie, 
Fairview and North East, and between Fairview and Erie till 1823, when the lat- 
ter church felt strong enough to sustain a separate pastor. Mr. Eaton served 
as an army Chaplain during the campaign of 1812 and 1813. His venerable 
and estimable lady died iu 1872 in the ninety- third year of her age, leaving a 
family*of eight children, all of whom but one are living. The first church 
building was erected at Manchester, then known as Fairview. This was aban- 
doned and a new building put up in 1832, at Swanville, which still retained 
the name of the Fairview Church. About 1837, the New School element of 
the congregation seceded and established a church in Fairview Borough, and 
in 1845 they were followed by a number who belonged to the Old- School 
side. This left the main body of worshipers in the church at Swanville liv- 
ing in the western part of Mill Creek. In order to have their place of worship 
more convenient, they removed the building in 1851 to a point on the Ridge 
road, several miles east of Swanville, where it is still in use, under the name of 
the Westminster Church. The building at Swanville stood where the school- 
house is now. 

OTHER MATTERS. 

Fairview Depot, or Avonia, is the railroad station of Fairview Borough, 
from which it is about half a mile north. The buildings of the place, besides 
the railroad offices, are Geoi'ge S. Stone's store and warehouse, some half a 
dozen residences and an eating house. 

Lock Haven, at the moutii of Troiit Run, is nothing more than a name. 
It once had a woolen factory and saw mill, but the latter fell into ruin and the 
former burned down, as stated above. 

Two quarries have been opened in Fairview, one at Manchester and the 
other on Trout Run, just below the depot. From the Manchester quarry, some 
of the stone were taken for the locks of the canal. The material is not very 
good, however, and neither of the quarries has proved of much value. Most 
of the stone used in the township and borough comes from Howard's quarry 
in Franklin. 



746 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



BOROUGH OF FAIR VIEW. 

The borough of Fairview was incorporated in 1868, covering an area of 
one mile square, and including a population at that time of some 400. It 
stands on the first rise of the lake shore plain, twelve miles west of Erie, a 
mile and a half south of the lake, and a half a mile from the railroad station. 
The Ridge road forms its main street, and Trout Rvin winds through its limits. 
The churches of Fairview are Presbyterian, Methodist Episcopal, Lutheran 
and German Evangelical, the first being of brick and the two others of frame. 
Its schools are all held in one large two-story building erected in 1866. It 
has three apartments, and the schools are graded. Two teachers are employed. 
The first schoolhouse in the village was erected by the people some time prior 
to 1838. The manufacturing concerns of the place are Henry Kreider's steam 
planing and saw mill, James H. Glazier's steam cider mill, J. Galyard's steam 
cider, sorghum and jelly mill, S. J. Fargo & Gardner's wagon shop, and three 
or four blacksmith shops. The mercantile interests embrace one diy goods store, 
one grocery, one clothing store, two hardware stores, one millinery store and 
one drug store. The hotel is known as the Monitor House. The borough once 
boasted of two military companies — the Fairview Guards, organized in 1858, 
with J. Beckman as Captain, and another with O. H. P. Ferguson as Captain. 
By the United States census, Fairview Borough had a population of 480 in 
1870 and 425 in 1880. The assessment of the latter year gave the following 
results: Real estate, $165,081; horses, 64; cows, 35; personal property, $4,- 
011; trades and occupations, $9,155; money at interoBt, $35,435. 

EAKLY INCIDENTS. 

The first settlers upon the site were the Messrs. Sturgeon, in honor of whom 
the place was long known at Sturgeonville. The first tavern, a small log 
building on the bank of Trout Run, along the Ridge road, was built and kept 
by "William Sturgeon. This was closed some years, when Mr. Sturgeon erected 
another tavern near by, of which W. W. Warner was long the landlord. The 
present Monitor House was erected by S. C. Sturgeon, and has been kept at 
periods by John Clemens, of Erie, S. N. McCreary, and others. Following 
the tavern came a stox-e, a blacksmith shop, etc. On the death of William 
Sturgeon in 1837, he directed that after the demise of his wife some fifty 
acres of land and twenty town lots should go to the Presbyterian Church of 
Fairview. A church was to be organized and a building erected within one 
year from the time specified in the will, otherwise the property was to be 
donated to the Presbyterian Board of Publication. In the year of Mr. Stur- 
geon's death, the general assembly of the church separated into New School 
and Old School, and both branches found ardent friends and advocates in the 
Fairview congregation. Each side made haste to get up edifices in time to 
avail itself of Mr. Sturgeon's legacy, and as a matter of course the question as 
to which it belonged had to be settlied by the courts. After a short legal tussle, 
the court below decided in favor of the Old School branch, and, on appeal to 
the Supreme Court, that body affirmed the decision. The union of the de- 
nomination in November, 1869, did away with the need of two buildings, and 
both of the contending branches now worship together in harmony. The 
building at present occupied was built in 1874, and cost $11,000. It occupies 
the same lot on which both the Old and New School edifices stood during the 
days of contention. Rev. Mr. De Witt, installed in 1879, is present incum- 
bent. The first Old School church in Fairview was replaced by another, 




m^. 



p. 






1 . 











FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP. 



749 



which burned down. The New School building was removed and is now 
occupied by another denomination. 



OTHER CHURCHES. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church is the outgrowth of a class formed in the 
house of Justice Osborne b}* Rev. John P. Kent in 1817. It consisted of 
Justice Osborne (leader), wife and daughter, Giles Badger and wife, Alexander 
Nicholas and wife, and Mrs. Odell. As early as 184:1, the appointment was 
on McKean Circuit, to which it belonged until 1860, when Fairview Circuit 
was foi^med. A. Bashline was pastor in 1881, 1882 and 1883. The first church 
edifice was built in 1836 and stood outside of the village. The second building 
was erected in 1854, costing $600. 

Mt. Nabo Church of the Evangelical Association owes its orgin to the 
early missionary labors of Rev. J. Siebert, who began preaching in Erie 
County in 1833. Following him in this field were Revs. Stoevers, D. Brickley 
and J. Noecker. Preaching was held at private residences and later in school- 
houses. The congregation was on Erie Circuit until 1877, since which time it 
has been on Fairview Circuit. The church building of the society was formerly 
occupied by the Presbyterians, of whom it was purchased in April, 1872. 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the village was organized in 1856, 
with less than a dozen members. This congregation and the one at St. Jacob's 
on the Ridge road were originally one and the same church society, but at 
the date given above became separate bodies, owing to some difficulties which 
arose between the membership and pastor. The Rev. Michael Kuchler became 
the first pastor of this society. The first house of worship was built in 1857, 
on the outskirts of the borough, and used until the present one was erected in 
1878. At present the congregation is without a pastor. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 

The Fairview Cemetery, on the northwest edge of the borough, covers a tract 
of fifteen acres, and has been in use about sixteen years. The first body 
interred was that of Mrs. Milton Sturgeon, and the second that of a five-year 
old daughter of George Waidler. 

Mrs. Sarah Green, who was living at Fairview in February, 1883, was 
claimed to be one hundred and two years old, and able to go about and do 
all kinds of housework. The wife of Casper Doll died in February, 1883, 
aged ninety -seven years and ten days. 




750 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER IX. 

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 

OPRINGFIELD is the northwestern township of the county, and has 
iO an area of 21,788 acres. It was one of the original sixteen. The 
township is bounded on the north by Lake Erie, on the east by Girard 
and Conneaut, on the south by Conneaut, and on the west by Ash- 
tabula County, Ohio. Up to the year 1835, the south line was a mile 
or so further north than now, but by an arrangement with Conneaut the 
latter ceded that portion of her territory lying beyond the creek, on condition 
that Springfield should pay one-half the expense of maintaining bridges along 
the boundary. The east line of Springfield extended to Miles Grove, parallel 
with that of Conneaut and Elk Creek, until 1832. when the township was re- 
duced by the formation of Girard. The first officers of the township were 
elected in 1811. Springfield contained 896 inhabitants in 1820, 1,520 in 1830, 
2,344 in 1840, 1,916 in 1850, 1,742 in 1870, and 1,792 in 1880. Its greatest 
length is about seven and a half and its greatest width about six and a quarter 
miles. The villages are East Springfield, West Springfield and North Spring- 
field, all of which have post offices of the same name. The old State line of 
Pennsylvania, before the purchase of the Triangle, terminated on the farm of 
Joseph Hewitt, in Springfield, between four and five miles east of the Ohio 
boundary. 

LANDS, ETC. 

The lake shore plain is about three miles wide in Springfield, and while there 
is a good deal of high broken land in the south part, the township is less marred 
bv gullies than is the case further east in the county. The best portion of 
the township is conceded to lie along the Ridge road, in the vicinity of East 
Springfield. A mile or less west of that place, on the same line, the quality of 
the land deteriorates, though some excellent farms are found at and around the 
village of West Springfield. In the eastern part of the township, the lake 
shore lands are generally good, but in the neighborhood of Raccoon Creek they 
become sour, and from there on to Ohio are below the average of the county. 
Numerous stretches of sand are met with that hardly pay for cultivation, and 
other parts are cold, swampy and difficult of drainage. Back of the Ridge 
road, and from there to Conneaut Creek, the soil is usually clay, with here 
and there a sand hill, which forms a curious feature of the topography. As 
there are exceptions to all rules, so there is to this statement. A valley com- 
mences just south of West Springfield and extends clear into Ohio, with a width 
ranging from a half a mile to a mile, which is one of the best portions of the 
township. Wheat and other grains are raised everywhere, but the back 
country is best adapted for grazing. Great quantities of potatoes are pro- 
duced, and many carloads are shipped annually from Cross's Station and 
North Springfield. The lake shore farms are valued at $30 to $100 per acre, 
the Ridge road at $40 to $100, and the back country from $30 to $70. 

The bank of the lake is bold and abrupt along the front of Springfield 
Township, ranging in height from 'fifty to sixty feet. The Moravian grant 
embraced 2,797 acres in Springfield and Conneaut, extending from the lake to 



SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 751 

a short distance south of Conneaiit Creek, and taking in a strip about a mile 
wide, except at the Ridge road, where it narrowed to fifty or sixty rods. 
The reason for this diversion was that the surveyors encountered a formidable 
beaver swamp at that point, which has since been mostly reclaimed bv drain- 
age. William and James Miles were long the agents of the Moravians. The 
tract was bought in a body by N. Blickensderfer and James Miles in 1849, 
who sold it out in pieces from 1850 on. The Eidge road is closely settled be- 
tween East and West Springfield, and many of the farmhouses are large, neat 
and pleasant, giving an impression of wealth and comfort. Several of the 
buildings are brick, and nearly all are surrounded by pretty grounds. Some 
deligfhtful homes are also to be seen oh the road from the lake to East Spring- 
field^: 

The assessment for 1888 gave the following results: Value of real estate, 
$941,410; cows, 558; value, $13,947; oxen. G; value, $340; horses and mules, 
448; value, $28,660; value of trades and occupations, $9,750; money at 
interest, $34,860. 

EAELY SETTLERS. 

The first settler in the township was Capt. Samuel Holliday, of Franklin 
County, who came on in 1796, located 700 acres at the mouth of Crooked 
Creek, built a cabin, and returned to his former home in the fall of the year. 
Soon after his arrival, he was joined by John Devore, of Bedford County, 
John Mershon, of New Jersey, and William Mclntyre and Patrick Ager, natives 
of Ireland, but residents for a time in Eastern Pennsylvania, all of whom 
became permanent settlers. Capt. Holliday married in Franklin County in 
April, 1797, and the young couple started immediately on a wedding tour to 
their new home, Mrs. H. riding on horseback and her husband walking ]\y her 
side with his gun over his shoulder. Their route was by a trail through the 
woods from Pittsburgh to Erie, and from there along the beach of the lake to 
the mouth of Crooked Creek. Their goods came some time after, in boats up 
the Allegheny and French Creek to Waterford. During the year 1 797, the 
little colony was increased by the arrival of Oliver Cross, from Vermont, and 
of Thomas and Oliver Dunn, from Ii-eland. The Dunns remained but a few 
months, when they changed to McKeau, where they settled permanently. Other 
pioneers reached the township as follows: In 1798, Nicholas Lebarger, of Bed- 
ford County; in 1800, Matthias Brindle, of Franklin County, and a Mr. Bruce; 
in 1801, Robert McKee, of Cumberland County, and Oliver Smith, from Massa- 
chusetts; in 1802, Isaac, Jesse, John D. and Thomas R. Miller, John Eaton and 
John Law, all of Franklin County, Henry Adams, of Massachusetts, John 
Hewitt, of Connecticut, and John Rudd, Jr.; in 1803, Andrew Cochran and 
Abraham Eagley. of Dauphin County, George Ferguson, of Cumberland 
County, and William Ferguson, of Ohio; in 1804, Samuel Rea, of I'ranklin 
County, and John Rudd, Sr. . and family; in 1806, John Hall, of Mifflin 
County; in 1808, Erastus DeWolf, of New York; in 1810, Joseph Ware, of 
Vermont; in 1813, Zachariah Thomas, of Vermont; in 1815, William Gould, 
of Chautauqua County, N. Y., Anderson Hubbard, of Ohio, and Luke Thayer, 
of Massachusetts; in 1816, Benjamin Carr, of Essex County, N. Y. : in 1817, 
John Albert, of Cattaraugus County, N. Y. ; in 1818, David Ellis, of Massa- 
chusetts, and Derby Walter and Ezekiel Currier, both of Lyme, N. H.; in 1819, 
Andrew and Henry Mai lory and Thomas Ivory, all of New York; in 1820, 
James. Benjamin and Lucius Bond, of Massachusetts, John S. Sherman, of 
New York, and James Anderson, of Virginia; in 1824, A. Whiton, of Ashta- 
bula County, Ohio; in 1826, John Monell, of Otsego County, N. Y., and Peter 
Simmons; in 1829, Geo. Simmons, of Saratoga Countv, N. Y, ; in 1830. Lo- 



752 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

renzo Harvey, of New York, William H. Townsend, of Washington County, 
N. Y., and Selah Walbridge, of Vermont; in 1831, I. Pond, of New York, 
and Seymour Devereaux, of North East; in 1832, Scott Keith, of Girard, 
Penn., Stephen Warner, of Genesee County, N Y., and Matthew Gray, of 
Loekport,N. Y. ; in 1833, R. R. Robinson, of Sparta, N. Y. ; in 1834, William 
Marsh and E Smith, both of Wyoming County, N. Y. ; in 1835, Clark Bald- 
win, of Vermont, Thomas Potter, of New York, and E. R. Hedden and Will- 
iam Church, both of New Jersey; in 1836, Thomas Webster, of Washington 
County, N. Y.; in 1839, T. S. Gowles, of Connecticut; in 1840, C. Lindsey, 
of New York; in 1841, Joseph Strong, of Massachusetts; in 1842, Gilbert 
Hurd, from Rock Stream, N. Y. ; in 1846, L. W. Savage, of Genesee County, 
N. Y.; in 1854, Joel Day, of Wyoming County, N. Y''. ; in 1863, Humphrey A. 
Hills, of Conneaut Township. Mr. Brindle, like Capt. Holliday, first came on 
in 1803, lo3ated lands, went back aad brought his family the nest spring. He 
was a soldier of 1812, and the father of thirteen children. Jesse Miller 
removed to Mercer Couaty in a few years, and remained there the balance of 
his life. Mr. Smith reached the county by an open boat from Canada, where 
it was his original purpose to locate. 

INCIDENTS OF THE PIONEERS, 

Mr. Mclntyre died in 1867, at the ripe age of ninety-live. He brought the 
drst potatoes planted in the township, carrying them in a sack thrown over 
his back the entii'e distance from Pittsburgh. In 1802, a barrel of salt cost 
Robert McKee fifty Spanish dollars; it had to be brought from Buffalo to Erie 
in a small boat, and from the latter place to Springfield on pack horses. In 
1800, the only route to Erie was along the beach of the lake or by a bridle 
path through the woods. At that period, there was a wide beach along the 
whole lake front of the county. Andrew Cochran was Captain of a company of 
soldiers during the last war with Great Britain, who volunteered for the pro- 
tection of our coast, and remained in service till the declaration of peace. It 
was attached to the command of Col. Wallace, at Erie; was frequently called 
out, but was never actually in an engagement. Some time during the campaign, 
a rumor reached the township that the enemy had landed at the mouth of Con- 
neaut Creek, which created the utmost consternation in the infant settlement. 
Several families fled, and others had preparations made for a hasty departure. 
Luckily, the report proved to be false. The first female white child was Eliz- 
abeth Holliday, born May 14, 1798; the first male white child was Joseph 
Brindle, born March 1, 1800; and the first funeral is said to have been that of 
the wife of Isaac Miller, whose grave, some assert, was the first in the old 
Presbyterian Graveyard. This is disputed, however, by one of the old resi- 
dents, who is positive the interment of a Mr. Davis took place earlier. Mr. 
Simmons is the oldest man who has ever resided in the township, and one of 
the oldest in the county. He was still living in 1881 in his ninety-eighth 
year. 

STREAMS, MILLS AND FACTORIES. 

The chief stream of Springfield is Conneaut Creek, which forms its entire 
southern boundary. The stream does not receive a single tributary in the 
township; on the contrary the high but tillable hills which border its 
channel, are the head-waters of two or three creeks which flow northward 
to the lake. Next in importance to Gonmeaut Creek is Crooked Creek, which 
rises within the borough limits of Lojkport, runs in a general northwesterly 
course, through the southern portion of Girard and the northeastern of 
Springfield, and falls into the lake about a half a mile beyond North Spring- 



• SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 753 

field, having a length of some ten miles. Raccoon Creek heads on the farm 
of J. Cross, near Conneaut Creek, and flowing north, after a course of about 
ten miles, reaches the lake at Eagley's Grove. Turkey Run takes its rise on 
the Gleason farm, a little south of West Springfield, and flows about four and 
a half miles within the township and a mile or more in Ohio. It falls into the 
lake east of Conneaut harbor. Two or three small streams run into the lake, 
which are not of sufficient importance to have a name. The channel of Crooked 
Creek, from the Girard line to the lake, is wide and deep, but the banks are 
less precipitous through the lake shore plain than those uf Elk and Walnut 
Creeks. Five substantial covered bridges span Conneaut Creek, built, owned 
and maintained by the two townships. The Lake Shore Railroad culvert and 
embankment over Crooked Creek at North Springfield is one of the most solid 
and costly pieces of work in the county. The embankment is ninety feet above 
the water, and from 700 to 800 feet long. It was through this culvert that a 
house was washed in the fall of 1878, during the greatest flood ever known on 
the stream. The manufacturing concerns of Springfield Township are Porter's 
grist and saw mill, on Conneaut Creek, half a mile north of Cherry Hill; H. 
V. Lines' grist and saw mill, on the Ridge road, a mile east of East Spring- 
field; J. M. Strong's grist and saw mill, a mile north of East Springfield; 
Reed's saw mill, on the Ridge road, half a mile west of W^est Springfield: a 
cheese factory at the latter place and an extensive tile works. Lines' and 
Strong's mills are both in the valley of Crooked Creek, and propelled by the 
water of that stream, in connection with steam. The Porter Mill was built by 
Comfort Hay about 1823, and the West Springfield Tile Works were started 
in 1869. The cheese factory at the latter place was established in 1874, has 
run successfvilly from the first, and is still well patronized. The Strong Mills 
were built by Andrew Cochran about 1820, and rebuilt by Thomas Webster, 
about 1841 or 1842, who ran them till his death, in 1860, when they fell into 
the hands of Joseph M. Strong. He has recently overhauled them, and they 
are in as good condition as any similar property in the county. The first saw 
mill where Lines' mills are was built by Amos Remington and Oliver Cross 
about 1814, and rebuilt by Nathan Cass about 1824 or 1825, who managed 
it jointly with Willard Pope. The firm sold the property to Mr. Case, who 
built the grist mill about 1832. After Case, the mills changed owners fre- 
quently, being sold in succession to Tucker & Woodruff, Justin Nash. Will- 
iam Cross, Scott Keith and Walter and Henry Keith, who rebuilt them in 1857 
or 1858. Two or three years after they were put up at Sherifi's sale, and bid 
in by Judge Cross, who gave the title to Jonathan Keith: from him they passed 
into the hands of Oliver & Brecht, of Mr. Finkinger, and finally, about 1870, 
of Mr. Line. They were burned in 1871 and rebuilt in 1872. The very first 
mill owner in the township was Capt. Holliday, who built a saw mill about 
1801 or 1802, and a grist mill in 1803, near the mouth of Crooked Creek, both 
of which have gone down. This grist mill was erected a little later than the 
Silverthorn Mill in Girard, contrary to the usual belief. 

BUEIAL PLACES. 

The cemetery at East Springfield is the principal burying place of the 
township, though small graveyards are attached to the Christian Church in the 
same village, at West Springfield, at the Town House, and in other localities. 
The inclosure takes in eighteen acres of high and dry gravel and loam on the 
north side of the village, is tastefully laid out, contains some fine monuments, 
is carefully kept, and is deservedly the pride of the people. It was originally 
the burial ground of the Presbyterian Church, to which other land was added 



754 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

by purchase. The cemeteiy was surveyed and graded in 1864, John H. Millar 
being the engineer and Robert P. Holliday the contractor. The tirst sale of 
lots was in October of that year, and the first body interred was that of Henry 
Keith, w'aich was placed in the inclosure in August, 1864, before the work was 
completed. The original officers were: William Holliday, President; I. New- 
ton Miller, Secretary; T. Webster, Treasurer; William Cross, Samuel Holli- 
day, Henry Teller, J. M. Strong and Samuel H. Brindle, Managers. Judge 
Cross was elected President in January, 1878, and still retains the position. 
Messrs. Miller and Webster have been officers from the day the cemetery orig- 
inated to the present hour. Funerals come from Girard, Elk Creek and Con- 
neaut. In the northeast part of the cemetery are still to be seen traces of one 
of the series of ancient earthworks, four in number, which extended from the 
wesfcorn part of Girard to the southern portion of Springfield. The other 
mounds in Springfield are on the M. Oney farm, about a mile southwest of 
East Springfield, and on the Thomas McKee place, half a mile further west. 
They are ail in a direct line from northeast to southwest, and are similar in char- 
acter, each one covering over half an acre, being circular in form, and having 
earthen embankments two to three feet high by sis feet thick at the base. 

During the war for the Union, Springfield sent about 150 men into the 
army. Every one of the departed patriots has a headstone at the township 
expense. 

PUBLIC MEN. 

The following is a list of citizens of Springfield who have held State and 
county offices; Assembly, Thomas R. Miller, 1836; David A. Gould, 1843 
and 1846; I. Newton Miller. 1870. Associate Judge, William Cross, Novem- 
ber 22, 1861, to November 8, 1866; elected without opposition, his name be- 
ing on the Union and Republican tickets. Prothonotary, Mai. S. V. Holli- 
day, January 2, 1882-85. County Superintendent of Public Schools, L. W. 
Savage, 1860-63. Register and Recorder, Samuel Rea, Jr., November 17, 
1863, to November 16, 1866; Henry G. Harvey, November 16, 1866, to No- 
vember 19, 1872. County Treasurer, Thomas J. Devore, December 23, 1858, 
to December 20, 1860. County Commissioner, Thomas R. Miller, 1831-34; 
Richard Robinson, 1852-55. Directors of the Poor, Thomas R. Miller, 1840- 
42. John Spaulding was elected in 1856, but refused to serve. County Aud- 
itor, John Eagley, 1848-51. Mercantile Appraisers. Samuel Rea, Jr., 1858; 
Perry Devore. 1862. County Surveyor, Robert P. Holliday, November 5, 
1863, to November 12, 1866, and February, 1869, to November 11, 1872; 
George M. Robison, January, 1879, to May, 1879. Hon. Humphrey A. Hills, 
County Commissioner from 1847-50, Deputy Marshal for taking the census in 
1850, Commissioner to fix the boundary between Erie and Crawford Counties 
in the same year, and Assemblyman in 1852-53, has been a resident of East 
Springfield since 1863, moving there from Conneaut, his foi'mer home. E. 
B. Ward, the Detroit millionaire, was a native of the township, where he be- 
gan life as a fisherman and sailor. The citizens of Springfield who have be- 
come residents of Erie City are Samuel Rea, Jr., Col. E. P. Gould, Carl Wal- 
bridge, Joseph Patterson and A. E. Sisson. 

ACADEMIES AND SCHOOLS. 

The township possesses no less than three Academies, one each at the vil- 
lages of East, West and North Springfield. The first of these, at West Spring- 
field, was founded in 1853, and had a hundred and sixty-five pupils in 1855, 
with four teachers. Among its Principals were John A. Austin, W. H. Heller, 
Joseph H. Colt and C. C. Sheffield. It was burned down in December, 1859, 



SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 755 

tind rebuilt of brick two or three years subsequently. The East Springfield 
Academy, once an institution of high repute, opening with 150 scholars, grew 
out of the rivalry between the two villages, and was built in 1856. The first 
Principal was B. J. Hawkins, and L. W. Savage held the position in 1858. 
Neither school has been maintained distinctly as an academy for some years. 
The one at East Springfield is now used wholly as a public school, and the 
West Springfield one as a select and public school, the former having two and 
the latter three teachers. The North Springfield academy was established in 
1866, after the two others had run down, and is still maintained as a select 
school. The other schools of the township are the Depot, at North Spring- 
field; Anderson, on the Lake road, three quarters of a mile north of Strong's 
mill; Weed, two miles south of East Springfield, on the Albion road; Bald- 
win, on the Ridge road, a mile west of East Springfield; Moon, on the road 
from West Springfield to Albion; Center, near the Town House; Brockway, 
one mile north of the Town House; Brindle, on the Lake road, a mile and a 
half west of North Springfield; Deveraux, near Deveraux Corners; Hubbard, 
on the Ridge road, beyond West Springfield; Blickensderfer, on the Lake 
road, one mile west of Raccoon Creek, and Hewett, in the southwest. One 
of the first schoolhouses was built at an early day on the Joseph Eagley place, 
near the lake. The material was logs, with chimney of stones and sticks. In 
1818, a log schoolhouse was standing in what is now the village of East 
Springfield, fn which James Porter was teaching school. William Clark, a 
Mr. West and a Mr. Smith were other early teachers in the East Spring- 
field settlement. About the year 1822, Louisa De Wolf kept a school in a vacated 
log cabin located in the Ferguson neighborhood, about three miles southwest 
of East Springfield. Not long after this, another school was held in a similar 
building, probably a mile east of East Springfield, in the summer by Jane Fer- 
guson and in the winter by W^illiam Bi'anch. About the year 1827, a frame 
schoolhouse stood in the Vandeventer neighborhood, some two and a half miles 
southwest of East Springfield. Hiram Dixon was one of the early teachers in 
this house. 

KAILROADS, COMMON KOADS AND HOTELS. 

Springfield has the advantage of two through lines of railroad — the Lake 
Shore and the Nickel Plate — which cross the township from Girard into Ohio, 
the first at a disance of half a mile to a mile from the lake, and the second farther 
south. The Lake Shore has a station at North Springfield, and the Nickel Plate 
one each for East and West Springfield. The Erie & Pittsburg Railroad branches 
off from the Lake Shore in Grirard Township, half a mile from the Springfield 
line, which it follows southward into Conneaut, at about the same average dis- 
tance. Crosses' Station, in Girard Township, a mile and a half from East 
Springfield, was established for the accommodation of the township. 
The principal common thoroughfares are the Ridge road, which runs 
nearly through the center of the township, forming the main streets of 
East and West Springfield; the Lake road, which is half a mile from the 
water at North Springfield, and follows the lake front to the Ohio line; 
the Middle Ridge, which leaves the Lake road not far from North Springfield, 
runs southwest and strikes the Ridge road a mile beyond West Springfield; 
the Kingsville, which branches off from the Ridge road two-thirds of a mile 
west of East Springfield and continues to Kingsville, Ohio; and the roads from 
East and West Springfield to Albion, which come together at Sherman's Cor- 
ners, near Conneaut Creek, in the southeast. 

From the close of the last war with 'Great Britain to the opening of the 
railroad, the travel on the Ridge road was very extensive, requiring numerous 



75t) HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

public houses on the route. Scott Keith opened a house at East Springfield 
for the accommodation of the public in 1832, which became one of the most 
famous and popular between Erie and Cleveland. It is still open. In 1822, 
William Doty removed to East Springfield from North East, and took charge 
of the old Remington stand, which he kept till his death in 1864. The Keith 
House is still kept open. The East Springfield Post Office, the first, in the town- 
ship, was established many years ago. The post office at West Springfield was 
established in 1838 or 1839,\vith Samuel Castle as the first Postmaster, and the 
one at North Springfield some time after 1 860. That at West Springfield was 
long kept by Riley Potter. On the night of the 6tb of December, 1874, this 
office was broken into and robbed, set on fire by the burglars and destroyed 
with the store to which it was attached. Two of the guilty parties were caught, 
convicted and sent to the penitentiary. 

CHURCHES. 

The churches of the township are Presbyterian, Methodist Episcopal and 
Christian at East Springfield, and Methodist Episcopal, Baptist and Univer- 
salist at West Springfield. The Universalist and the two Methodist Episcopal 
buildings are brick: all the rest are frame. The Methodist congregations are 
one charge, having their parsonage at West Springfield. John Mershon was 
married to Miss Bathsheba Brush, of Greene County, in January, 1799, three 
years after his settlement in this county. When the bride came to her new 
home she brought with her a church letter from the Methodist minister at the 
place of her former residence. By her inducement. Rev. Joseph Bowen, a local 
preacher of the denomination at Franklin, Penn., held services in the Mershon 
house in September, 1800, and later in the same year he came again. These 
were the first Methodist services in the county. In the spring of 1801, a class 
was organized by James Quinn, near Lexington, and in 1804 a church building 
was erected about a mile south of West Springfield, which was long known as 
the Brush Meeting-house. During the latter year, nearly a hundred persons 
were converted under the ministry of Rev. Andi-ew Hemphill. In July, 1810, 
nearly forty persons were awakened through the instrumentality of a powerful 
sermon preached by Rev. John Gruber, Presiding Elder. A second society, 
with fourteen members, was formed on the 7th of January, 1815, at the house 
of Mr. AVebber, in what is now Girard. but was then a part of Springfield, 
which has since been known as the Fair Haven Church. This congregation 
divided in 1821, in consequence of a personal difficulty between two of the 
leaders, and twenty-one of the members formed what they styled a "Reformed 
Methodist Church." In 1825, a fourth society was organized in the east part 
of the town, which was the beginning oP the church at East Springfield. The 
Cottage Chiirch. which stood on the Ridge road, about half a mile west of West 
Springfield, was commenced iti 1830, but was not finished till 1836. The 
present church at West Springfield was built in 1854, and the one at East 
Springfield about 1866. The second parsonage in Erie Conference was built 
at Springfield. S. Ayers and J. C. Avers were the first pastors in 1830, and 
latterly E. M. Kernick, 1882-88. 

The first Presbyterian edifice was a small log structure which stood on the 
old portion of the cemetery grounds. A preaching point was established at 
Springfield in 1804, by Rev. Robert Patterson, of North East, who was then the 
only regularly settled minister in the county, and the building referred to was 
put up the same year. The congregation was organized in 1806, by Rev. J. 
Eaton, pastor of the church at Fairview. who assumed the same relation to the 
Springfield Church Jane 30, 1808. His relation with the Springfield Church 




Cl//^^^^^^0^^ c>^ 



SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 759 

continued until November 8, 1814. The original congregation consisted of 
about thirty members. Isaac Miller, James Blair and James Bruce were the 
first Elders. The pi-esent church edifice was built in 1844, at a cost of 
14.000. 

The Christian Church at East Springfield was organized with twelve mem- 
bers in 1826 by Rev. Asa C. Morrison, and had Rev. Joseph Marsh for its 
first pastor. The church was built in 1839, and cost $700. A graveyard is 
attached to it, from which the bodies are gradually being removed to the cem- 
etery. Elder H. Crampton is the present incumbent. 

The Baptist congregation was organized in 1826, and erected a church in 
1833, which cost $1,600. This building, which stood on the Ridge road, about 
two and a half miles west of East Springfield, was sold to the township, and a 
new one was erected at West Springfield in 1858, at a cost of $1,600. Rev. 
Asa Jacobs was the first pastor of the congregation. The old edifice is used as 
a Town House. The present pastor is Elder Telford, who has served the con- 
gregation for three years. 

The Universalist congregation at West Springfield was organized January 
10, 1848, and built a house of worship in 1850. The pastors of the congrega- 
tion have been as follows: Revs. P. P. Fowler, J. S. Flagler, B. F. Hitch- 
cock, A. J. Patterson, C. E. Shipman, I. George, H. S. Whitney, and the pres- 
ent incumbent, C. L. Shipman. 

VILLAGES. 

The village of East Springfield occupies a high and beautiful site along 
the Ridge road, three miles south from the lake, two and a half from North 
Springfield, on the Lake Shore Railroad, one and a half west of Cross's Station, 
on the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad, four and a half southwest of Miles Grove, 
five west of Girard, and twenty- one by common road from Erie. The country 
around is the best portion of the township, and the village is the largest set- 
tlement. East Springfield comprises three churches, one academy, one hotel, 
one general store, two groceries, one hardware store, one millinery store, one 
drug store, one harness shop, one tailor shop, one meat market, one wagon 
shop, one furniture store and undertaking establishment, one cider mill, three 
blacksmith shops, and about forty buildings. The population in 1880 was 102. 

West Springfield has grown up at the junction of the Albion with the 
Ridge road, three miles east of the Ohio line, four west of East Springfield, 
and twenty- five by common road from Erie. It is not as large aS its sister 
village, but contains some neat residences and other buildings. The insti- 
tutions of the place are three churches, an academy, a cheese factory, hotel, 
general store, tile works and two blacksmith shops. The village sustains one 
physician and one minister. The old cemetery has fallen pretty much into 
disuse and the bodies are being removed to the more attractive burial ground 
at East Springfield. 

North Springfield has sprung up within the last thirty years on the Lake 
Shore Railroad, just west of the Crooked Creek embankment, about half a mile 
south of Lake Erie, and twenty by railroad from Erie. The railroad company 
have at this place a station house, two water tanks and an engine house to 
pump the water up from Crooked Creek. Besides these there are an academy, an 
old hotel building, now used as a boarding house, a general store, a grocery and 
a public school. The village consists of perhaps twenty buildings and sixty 
inhabitants. It stands mostly on a portion of the John Holliday farm. 
The station was established in 1852, the year the railroad was opened, groiind 
for the purpose being given by Samuel and John Holliday. 



760 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

On the M. H. Gould farm, neai* the residence of Seymour Ware, in the 
valley of a branch of Turkey Run, is a famous salt spring, the water of which 
is so strongly impregnated with the mineral that the cattle on the place need 
no salting. Some sixty years ago Judge Gould drilled a well at this spot to 
the depth of 200 feet, but in putting the well down a fresh water spring was 
struck which diluted the salt water to an txtent that rendered it valueless. 



CHAPTER X. 



CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF ALBION. 

CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP is one of the original subdivisions of Erie County. 
It is the extreme southwestern township of the county, and contains 25,- 
540 acres. The population was 631 in 1810; 1,324, in 1830; 1,746, in 1840; 
1,942, in 1850; 2,118, in I860; 1,538, in 1870, and 1,545, in 1880. The de- 
crease between 1860 and 1870 was due to the incorporation of Albion as a 
borough in 1861. The township is bounded on the north by Springfield and 
Girard, on the east by Elk Creek, on the west by Astabula County, Ohio, and 
on the south by Beaver and Spring Townships, Crawford County. Its great- 
est length is about eight and three- fourths miles from east to west, and its 
greatest width six and one-fourth from north to south. Conneaut contains the 
villages of Cherry Hill, Keep ville, Tracy and Albion Depot, all of which have post 
offices except the last. The township received its title from Conneaut Creek, 
its principal stream. The word Conneaut is of Indian origin, signifying 
" snow place," from the fact that the snow used to lie longer upon the ice of 
Conneaut Lake, Crawford County, than anywhere else the country round. 

The appraisement for 1883 gave the following results: Value of real es- 
tate, $686,536; number of cows, 574; valae, $14,250; number of oxen, 16; 
value, $995; horses and mules, 423, value, $23,240; total value of personal 
property assessed, $38,485; value of trades and occupations, $8,820; amount 
of money at interest. $6,378. The census returns for 1880 show that there 
were 433 houses occupied by 453 families. 

THE FIRST SETTLERS. 

The first settler within the bounds of the township was Jonathan Spauld- 
ing, who reached there from New York in the year 1795. Two years after the 
Population Company sent Col. Dunning McNair on as agent, who established 
his headquarters at what became known as Lexington, and with a corps of 
assistants surveyed the country, laid out roads, and made preparations for dis- 
posing of the property. In 1798, Abiather Crane and his brother Elihu, from 
Connecticut, located near Col. McNair, but neither remained long, the former 
moving to Mill Creek in 1809, and the latter to Elk Creek in the spring of 
1800. Abiather first went into Conneaut as a surveyor in 1797, but did not 
^ , locate there until the ensuing year. The arrival of other pioneers was as 
^- follows: In 1800, Matthew Harrington, from Vermont; George Griffey and 
Andrew Cole, from Onondaga County, N Y. , and Stephen Randall and his son 
Sheffield, from Rensselaer C/ounty, N. Y.; in 1801, Robert McKee, from Cum- 
berland County, Penu. : in 1802, Henry Ball from Fredericksburg, Va. , Pat- 
rick Kennedy, his son Royal, and William Payne, from Connecticut; in 1803, 



CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 761 

Marsena Keep and son Marsena, from Montgomery County, N. Y. ; in 1804, 
Joel Bradish and brothers, from New York; in 1800, Lyman Jackson, from 
Otsego County, N. Y. ; in 1810, Michael Jackson, son of Lyman, who remained 
bat a few months, returned to New York and came back five years later. The 
following persons settled iu the township at a later date: In 1815, George Stuntz, 
from Barclay County, Va., and his son E. W. Stuntz; in 1816, Medad Pomeroy, 
from Massachusetts, with his sons, Nathaniel, Uriah, John, Lyman, James, George 
and Horace, and three daughters, together with James W. and G. Spicer, from 
New York; in I8l7, Benjamin Sawdy and Isaac Pomeroy, from Massachusetts; 
in iSlS, David Sawdy, from Massachusetts, Abijah Barnes, from Cayuga 
Count), N. Y., and Samuel Bradish; in 1819, Noah Kidder and son Francis, 
Edward DeWolf and Daniel Rossiter, from New York, and Samuel Sawdy 
(father of David and Benjamin), with his sons John, Job and Daniel, from 
New Bedford, Mass. ; in 1820, Kodolphus Loomis, from Chautauqua County, 
N. Y.; about 1824 or 1825, Harrison Parks; in 1829, Jonas Lewis; in 1831, 
Thomas Bowman, wife and family (including Ralph), from Oneida County, 
N. Y. ; in 1832, William Cornell and John Curtis; in 1833, Chester Morley 
and Andrew and Silas Morrison; in 1834, Christopher Cross, Edward Dorrence 
and Hiram Griffis; in 1837, Andrew Swap, Daniel Waters and Joseph Tubbs; 
in 1838. Isaiah and Johnson Pelton; in 1839, Marcus A. Bumpus. Among 
those who went in about the commencement of the century, are Bartholomew 
Forbes, Howard, John, Nathan, David and Charles Salsbury. Thomas Sprague, 
James Paul. James Whittington, Thomas Alexander, John Stuntz, Giles Bad- 
ger, Ichabod Baker and Jacob Walker. A large portion of the settlers whose 
former homes are not given were from New York, principally from the cen- 
tral counties. Henry Bali was a Captain in the war of 1812, and several of 
the others seiwed against the British as privates. Jonathan Spaulding's sons, 
David, John and George, were born in the township, the first in 1802, the 
second in 1806, and the last in 1816. William Harrington, the oldest son of 
Matthew, was born in 1805. William Paul went into Elk Creek with Mr. 
Culton in 1797; returned to Connecticut, and came back about 1816. George 
Stuntz was a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Noah Kidder 
and son went to Springfield in 1817, but moved to Conneaut two years after. 
Medad Pomeroy settled on Conneaut Creek, about a mile north of Albion, 
where he owned several hundred acres, extending into Elk Creek Township. 
The first male child was Henry Wood, born about 1798. The first female 
children were Ruth, daughter of Elihu Crane and wife, and Eli/a, daughter 
of Abiather Crane and wife, who were born in the same house near Lexington, 
on the same day, April 20, 1799. Ruth Crane married Isaac Pomeroy, and 
became the mother of two sons — Alden aud Jerome — and seven daughters. 
Her cousin, Eliza, became the wife of James Love, Jr., and moved to Mill 
Creek. The first recorded death was that of Mrs. Thomas Alexander, who ex- 
pired in 1801, and was buried " at a point between two runs, about half a mile 
north of Albion." The oldest lady who has ever lived in the township was 
Mrs. Thomas Bowman, who died in the fall of 1862 aged nearly ninety-two 
years. 

CREEKS AND BEIDGES. 

The chief stream of the township is Conneaut Creek, which rises below 
Conneautville, in Crawford County, flows in a general northerly course to the 
S]>ringtield line, then turns abruptly we.stward, and continues into Ohio. After 
changing its course, it forms the boundary line between Conneaut and Spring- 
field, the former lying on the south and the latter on the north. In Ohio, it 
continues westward nine miles to Kingsville, then makes another sudden bend 



762 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

to the east, and comes back eight miles to Conneaut, where it turns again to 
the north, and after a further course of about a mile empties into the lake a 
mile and a half from the boundary of Pennsylvania, forming Conneaut Har- 
bor. It is the most crooked of the lake shore streams, the length from head 
to mouth by its windings being from seventy to seventy five miles, while the 
distance by an air line is not more than twenty- five miles. The valley of the 
creek forms the route of the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad through Conneaut 
Township, and was utilized for the same purpose in la^'ing out the old canal 
from Albion southward. Its length across the township is fully twelve miles. 
The "West Branch of Conneaut Creek rises in Crawford County, near the Ohio 
line, runs in a general northeasterly direction through the south part of the 
township, and unites near Keepville, after a course of between nine and ten 
miles. The East Branch heads in Crawford County, below the Elk Creek line, 
runs past Wellsburg and Cranesville, and enters Conneaut Township a mile or 
so northeast of Albion. It has a length of not far from ten miles. At Wells- 
burg, it is joined by Frazier's Run, and at Albion by Jackson's Run. The lat- 
ter takes its rise on the Conneaut and Elk Creek line, near Crawford County, 
flows north, then northeast, and is from four to six miles long. After receiv- 
ing Jackson's Run, the East Branch continues about half a mile further, before 
merging with the main stream. Marsh Run heads in the west, flows eastward, 
and empties into the Conneaut about a mile from Albion Depot, having a 
length of four or five miles. The dividing ridge between the waters of the 
lake and the Allegheny turns to the south in Fairview Township, and follows 
nearly the line of Conneaut Creek into Crawford County. The frequent streams 
and their unusual ci'ookedness are a source of heavy expense to the tax-payers, 
the number of bridges and the cost of keeping them up being undoiibtedly 
greater than in any other township of the county. Not to name those on the 
branches, there are, on Conneaut Creek alone, the Law, Griffith, Porter, Perry 
and Salsbury bridges, along the Springfield line, and the Pomei'oy, Kennedy, 
Silverthorn, Keepville and Spaulding within the township proper. These 
include the public bridges only, besides which the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad 
Company have two more, known as the Sawdy and Kennedy second. All of 
the township bridges are built of timber with stone abutments. 

The valley of Conneaut Creek from Crawford County to Springfield varies 
in width from a quarter of a mile to a mile, and consists of a sandy loam, 
which is very fertile, producing everything that can be raised along the lake 
shore. West of Lexington, along the Conneaut and Springfield line, there 
are occasional small spots of bottom land, but generally speaking the hills run 
almost to the water's edge. A large tract of country, in the southwest, near 
the Ohio and Crawford County line, still remains in forest, being owned by 
the Pennsylvania Lumber Company. Fruits of nearly all kinds are grown 
readily. The price of land varies greatly, being as low as |15 an acre in some 
localities and as high as $65 in others. 

LAND, LITIGATION AND PRE-HISTOKIC REMAINS. 

John B. Wallace, of Philadelphia, made his home in Meadville at an early 
day, to act as attorney for the Holland Land Company. In that capacity he 
located tracts in various places, among them being one of 10,000 acres in the 
western part of Conneaut Township. This property was sold by Sherift' Wol- 
verton, on an execution against Mr. Wallace, in 1825, and purchased by or in 
behalf of Stephen Girard, of Philadelphia. It was Mr. Girard's design to 
make extensive improvements by erecting mills, opening roads, etc., but while 
his agent was arranging to carry out his plans, news came in January, 1832, 



CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 763 

of the great millionaire's death. By Mr. Girard's will, the Conneaut lands, 
with a large quantity of others, were left in trust to the city of Philadelphia 
as a perpetual fund for the maintenance of a college for orphans. After the 
death of Mr. Wallace, in 1838, his heirs claimed that the Conneaut lands had 
been wrongfully sold, because the title was in Mrs. Wallace, instead of her 
husband. Suit was brought by Judge Thompson and Benjamin Grant in the 
name of the W^allace heirs to recover the property, when a verdict was ren- 
dered for the plaintiffs. The Moravian grant embraced between 400 and 500 
acres in the northwestern corner of Conneaut, extending over from Sprino-. 
Held, where the most of the " Hospitality tract " lay. 

On the John Pomeroy place, upon the second flat of Conneaut Creek, are 
the traces of an ancient mound, such as exist in Girard, Springfield, Harbor 
Creek, Fairview, Wayne, and other townships of the county. It is circular in 
form, inclosing about three-fourths of an acre. The embankment, whea the 
country was cleared up, was about three feet high by six feet thick at the 
base, with large +rees growing upon it. One of these trees, a mammoth oak, 
when cut down, indicated by its rings an age of five hundred years. Beneath 
the tree the skeleton of a human being was taken up which showed to a verity 
that giants lived in those remote ages. The bones measured eleven feet from 
head to foot, the jawbone easily covered that of a man who weighed over 200 
pounds, and the lower bone of the leg, being compared with that of a person 
who was six feet four inches in height, was found to be nearly a foot longer. 
Another circle of a similar character existed on the Taylor farm— now owned 
by J. L. Strong. On the John Pomeroy place is also a peculiar mound, 
about 100 feet long, 50 wide and 25 high. It stands on the south side of a 
small stream, upon flat land, and is wholly detached from the adjacent bluff. 

RAILROAD, CANAL AND COMMON ROADS. 

The Erie & Pittsbui'gh Railroad, the only one in the township, runs 
through its whole width from Girard Township on the north to Crawford 
County on the south. The ridge between Crooked and Conneaut Creeks is 
overcome by a deep excavation that is usually known as Sawdy's Cut. 
After that the road follows the valley of the latter stream through the town- 
ship to its head in Crawford County. The road crosses the creek twice with- 
in Conneaut Township, first by the Sawdy bridge, and second by the Kennedy 
bridge near Albion. The Sawdy bridge has a span of about 100 feet and a 
till of about fifty or sixty rods; the one near Albion, a span of equal length, 
and a trestle work of some twenty rods. Albion depot is the main station of 
the township. The Pennsylvania Erie Canal — now one of the things of the 
past — entered Conneaut from Elk Creek at a point between Cranesville and 
Albion, and continued south by nearly the same route as the railroad, but at a 
higher elevation. The once noted Eleven Mile Level, the longest on its line, 
reached from near Lockport, through Albion, to Spring Corners, Crawford 
County. North of Albion, the canal crossed the East Branch by a culvert 
forty-one feet high, with a span of between thirty and forty feet, which still 
stands and is used as a roadway. The main avenues of the township are the 
Lexington road, from the latter place to Girard, opened about 1797; the 
State road across the north pai-t of the township, from Elk Creek to Ohio; the 
Meadville road, from Lexington into Crawford County; the Albion and 
Cranesville road; the Albion and Wellsburg I'oad; the road from Albion due 
west to Conneaut Center; the Albion & Keepville; " Porky street," from Cherry 
Hill south; and the Creek I'oad from Pomeroy's bridge to Crawford County. 



764 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

SCHOOLS, MILLS AND BURIAL PLACES. 

No record remains of the earliest schools in the township. A winter school 
was held in a cabin on the farm of Nathaniel Pomeroy, about one and a half 
miles northwest from Albion about ]822. by Rodolphus Loorais. Anna Ran- 
dall taught a summer term at the same place. About 1 823, a log schoolhouse 
was built in that neighborhood, at which Mary Randall and John Spaulding 
were early teachers. A school near the site of Thornton's grist mill in Albion 
Borough was taught by Sophia Kennedy. Others taught here, and the school- 
house burned down about 1824. Among other early teachers at Albion, was 
David Powell, whose parents were residents of Crawford County. 

Following is a list of the schools of Conneaut Township: Bowman, on the 
old State road, in the L; Valley, on the Creek road, near Albion; Bumpus, on 
the Conneautville road, to the southeast; Keepville; Kidder's Corners; Har- 
rington, on the AVest Branch; Cherry Hill, a little east of the village; Center, 
a little south of the Town House; Brown, on the State road, west of Cherry 
Hill; Brock, on the southwest; and Kimball, on the Ohio line. 

The manufacturing establishments of the township are Spalding's saw mill, 
on the West Branch; Brown's cheese factory, on the State road, east of Cherry 
Hill (^opened May 11, 1874); Kennedy's brickyard and tile factory, near Ken- 
nedy's bridge; Robinson's blacksmith shop, and Brewster's and Case's wagon 
shops, near Kidder's Corners; a blacksmith shop near Albion; and a number 
of poi-table saw mills which have no permanent location. The Penn Lumber 
Company, about two years ago, erected a large saw mill in the extreme south- 
west corner of the township. The company owns 2,800 acres of land, has built 
a four-mile railroad track to the E. & P. Railroad, and is extensively engaged 
in sawing lumber, handles, etc., and shipping them to the market. Tracy is 
the post office name of the settlement. 

There is an old graveyard at Saulsbury's bridge, where a number of the 
early settlers are buried, and others at Keepville and on the Creek road, near 
Kennedy's bridge. The oldest man known to have lived in the township was 
the father of ex-County Commissioner Garner Palmer, who died several years 
ago, lacking but little of a hundred. 

VILLAGES. 

The village of Aibiun Depot is on the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad, twenty- 
six miles from Erie City, and about a mile west from Albion Borough. It 
embraces, besides the depot building, a grocery and twelve or fifteen houses, 
most of which are occupied by employes of the railroad. Keepville consists of 
a post office, store, Methodist Episcopal Church, schoolhouse, cheese factory, 
shingle mill, and several residences, at the intersection of two roads, near 
Conneaut Creek, two and a half miles southwest of Albion Borough. It was 
named after Marsena Keep, Sr., who settled there in 1803. Keepville AVes- 
leyan congregation was organized, with about fourteen members, in 1854, 
Rev. John L. Moore being the first pastor. The church building was erected 
the same year, at a cost of $1,500. In 1866 or 1867, a Methodist Episcopal 
society was organized from the Wesleyan society, and now has for its pastor 
Rev. Fiddler. The charge belongs to Spring Circuit, most of the appointments 
of which are in Crawford County. The Wesleyan society still survives, but 
is quite small. The cheese factory was built in 1873 by Amos K. Keep. H. 
Stoddard and Josiah J. Pelton, costing §1. 500. A Methodist Episcopal Church, 
schoolhouse, two'general stores, a blacksmith shop and twenty to thirty houses 
constitute the village of Cherry Hill, on the State road, about half a mile south 
of the Springfield line, and five miles west of Albion. Porter's grist and saw 



CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 765 

mill, on Conneaut Creek, in Springfield Township, are a little north of the 
village. Cherry Hill stands on high ground, and the country about the village 
is cold, hard to work, and not very productive. The church was organized 
with about fifteen members, by Rev. J. W. Wilson, in 1858, and the buildiuc 
was erected the same year at a cost of $1,250. The society was attached to 
Albion Circuit till Lockport Cii-cuit was formed, to which it now belono-s. 
When Col. McNair established his agency for the Population Company, in 
1797, he laid out a town plat of 1,600 acres, at the big bend of Conneaut 
Creek, near the present Springfield line, which he expected to become a place 
of a good deal of importance. At the suggestion of one of his surveyors, who 
was a Kentuckian, he gave it the title of Lexington. Koads were laid out, 
and, being the center of the company's operations in the west, Lexington in 
time became a village of no little pretension. At one period it had a store, 
schoolhouse, hotel, distillery, and several residences. A post office was estab- 
lished in 1823, with David Sawdy as Postmaster. Not a vestige of Lexington 
is now left. Its site is covered by the David Sawdy and L. R. Strong farms. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The original line of Conneaut extended westward parallel with the south- 
ern line of Girard Township to Ohio, taking in Conneaut Creek and more than 
a mile of country north of that stream. This threw the whole burden of build- 
ing and maintaining bridges upon Conneaut, and about 1835 she ceded the 
territory north of the creek to Springfield, in consideration of the latter town- 
ship paying one-half of that item of expense. Springfield made a considerable 
gain of land, and Conneaut relieved herself from burdensome taxation. 

Following is a complete list of the citizens of Albion and Conneaut who 
have been elected to Legislative and county offices: Assembly — David Sawdy, 
1838; Humphrey A. Hills, 1853-54 (now residing at East Springfield); Orlan- 
do Logan, 1875-76. Commissioner — Abiather Crane, 1803 to 1805; John Sals- 
burv,1825 to 1828; David Sawdy. 1841 to 1844; Humphrev A. HillB.1847 to 1850; 
Garner Palmer, 1862 to 1865, and 1869 to 1872. County Auditor— W. J. Brock- 
way, 1875 to 1878. Mercantile Appraiser, Liberty Salsbury, 1872. Hon. George 
H. Cutler lived in Conneaut Township for a time, and taught school in Albion. 
He moved from there to Girard, and served the county as State Senator from 
1873 to 1876. 



BOROUGH OF ALBION. 

The borough of Albion occupies an elevated site at the junction of Jack- 
son's Run with the East Branch, near the Elk Creek line, a mile east of Albion 
depot, and twenty-seven miles southwest of Erie by the E. & P. Railroad. The 
first settlers at Albion were Thomas Alexander, Patrick Kennedy, William 
Paine, Ichabod Baker and Lyman Jackson. Michael Jackson, son of Lyman, 
who built the first saw mill, did not become a permanent resident until 1815, 
although he spent a few months there five years earlier. William Sherman 
settled at Albion in 1827, coming fi'om Herkimer County, N. Y. He died on 
the 1st of February, 1883, aged seventy-eight years. Thomas Thornton came 
from England at an early age, and settled in Abion about 1857. Amos King 
built the first grist mill and Lyman Jackson taught the first school. The town 
was long known as Jackson's Cross Roads, and the post office name has been 
successively Jacksonville, Juliet and Albion. It is one mile from Albion to 
Cranesville and Wellsburg (the three places forming the points of an equilat- 



766 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

eral triangle), sis to East Springfield, eight to Girard, six to Spring and nice 
to Conneautville. The canal passed through the place, and to the business 
that grew out of it Albion owed most of its growth. The Denio Fork and 
Handle Factory was located at Albion until its destruction by fire in 1873, 
which resulted in the removal of the business to Miles Grove. Of the promi- 
nect residents of the place, E. W. Stuntz settled there in 1815, coming from 
Kingsville, Ohio; Dr. J. S. Skeels, in 1848, from Spring, Crawford County; 
Dr. P. D. Flower, in 1855, from Harbor Creek; Dr. L. D. Davenport, in 1850, 
from Ellington Center, N Y., and Jeduthan Wells, in 1857, from Wellsburg. 
Albion was incorporated as a borough in 1861, taking in a section of Con- 
neaut Township exactly a mile square. It then contained 443 inhabitants. 
The population in 1870 was 452, and 433 in 1880. The first borough officers 
were elected in March, 1861, Perry Kidder being chosen Burgess. The re- 
ligious denominations are Methodist Episcopal, Disciple and Catholic. 

CHURCHES. 

The first Methodist Episcopal Church in this vicinity stood about three- 
fourths of a mile west of Albion, and was built more .than fif[y years ago. It 
was occupied until about 1855, when the society was disbanded and the build- 
ing removed. At Albion, a society had been formed previous to the dismem- 
berment of the above class. It held services in the academy until about 1855, 
when the present church was built. It cost $2,000 and was dedicated by Rev. 
Calvin Kiugsley. The society was a part of Springfield Circuit until 1854, 
when Albion Circuit was formed. It embraces the societies at Albion, Wells- 
burg, Cranesville and Pageville. The first pastor was I. O. Fisher in 1854-55, 
and latterly C. W. Foulke, 1881-82. The society now numbers about eighty 
members. 

Catholic services have been held at Albion for many years in McGuire's 
hall and the Disciple meeting-house. Thirty years ago, the society was an old 
one. The membership includes about twenty-five families. This charge was 
supplied at first by priests from Crossingville, but more recently they come 
from Conneautville, Crawford County. 

A Disciple congregation was organized in the spring of 1880 by Rev. Clar- 
ence J. Cushman. He remained in charge two years. The class is small but 
has a frame church edifice in process of coQstruction. 

BUSINESS, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES. 

The business establishments of the borough consist of a hotel — the Sherman 
House — three dry goods and grocery stores, two confectionery, one drug store, 
two hardware stores, two shoe shoj^s, two millinery stores, two barber shops, 
feed store, clothing store and tailor shop, paint shop and two blacksmith shops. 
The Sherman House was built in 1828 by Benjamin Nois. It passed into the 
hands of William Sherman some time after, who continued as its proprietor 
some fifty years. The house is now managed by his son, Mott Sherman. 

The borough contains a good two-story school building and a Masonic Hall. 

Albion Lodge, No. 376, I. O. O. F.,'was instituted September 14. 1849, 
with the following eight charter members: Calvin Chaddock, William Sher- 
man, Orsan O. Potter, John Clark, James McKendry, Ira S. Barber, Alonzo 
Sherman and E. E. Stone. The lodge now has a memlaership of fifty-two. A 
fire in 1851 destroyed its hall, charter and books. A second hall was erected, 
which also burned down on the night of February 10, 1884, together with one 
store. Meetings are regularly held every Saturday evening. 

Western Star Lodge, No. 304, F. & A. M, was chartered December 1, 
1856. Its charter members were C. W. Cross, Stephen Munger, William W. 




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^^Ui^^t 



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CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 769 

Skeels, B. H. Galpin, John Turner, James Cross, Joseph Towner, A. B. Crumb 
and E. Jackson. It owns the second floor of the building, built in 1874, in 
which the meetings are held. The lodge now numbers fifty-six members and 
meets the tii'st and third Tuesdays of each month. 

Albion Lodge, No. 88, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was instituted 
March 10, 1875, with about twenty members. Its charter officers were Georo-e 
Nash, P. M. W.; W. J. Brockway, M. W. ; George Runyan, G. E. ; S. D. 
Sawdy, E. ; E. W. Randall, Recorder; C. C. Carter, Financier; C. S. Younc, 
Receiver; J. M. Sherman, G. ; A. H. Wells, I. W.; G. N. Sawdy, O. W. The 
membership is forty-nine, and regular meetings are held the second and fourth 
Saturdays of each month. 

Albion Union, No. 101, Equitable Aid Union, was chartered with thirty-one 
members May 27, 1880. Its first officers were Dr. O. Logan, Chancellor; 
Mrs. Mary A. Sherwood, Advocate; S. A. Sanders, President; Moses Williams, 
Vice President; H. H. Adams, Auxiliary; B. E. Keep, Secretary; L. H. Salis- 
bury, Treasurer; E. B. Hathaway, Accountant; Mrs. S. S. Keep, Chaplain; J. 
H. Carpenter, Warden; Edward Froby, Sentinel; C. V. Lick, Watchman; O. 
P. Mosier, Conductor, The Union now contains ninety members, and meets 
the first and third Fridays of each month. The two last named orders are 
beneficiary in their object. 

The school building was erected in 1868, at a cost, inclusive of furniture 
and apparatus, of $7,000. Previous to that the borough schools were held in 
the academy, built in 1838. 

FACTORIES, NEWSPAPERS, ETC. 

The manufacturing establishments are Thornton's grist and woolen mills. 
Wells' oar factory, and Van Riper's horse rake and wooden ware factory. 
All of these use steam. The water-power, once quite good, has become 
unreliable since the clearing up of the country. The flouring mill was 
built in 1828, by Amos King, and is now owned by Joshua Thornton. The 
woolen mill was erected by W. H. Gray, in 1840, burned in 1876, and rebuilt 
in 1880 by Thomas Thornton. Its present owner is William Thornton. 
Michael Jackson built the rake factory in 1846. It has been completely over- 
hauled and much extended by George Van Riper & Co. The oar factory 
was built by Henry Salisbury and Reuben McLallen in 1859. It burned down 
on the 1st of March, 1868, and was rebuilt by Frank Wells the same year. 
Jeduthan Wells is the present owner. 

A newspaper, the Erie County Enterprise, was started June 15, 1877, but 
failed in 1880 for want of support. Its publishers were J. W. Britton and 
F. J. Dumars. The Albion Blizzard, a weekly newspaper, was established by 
two of the young business men of Albion Borough — E. C. Palmer and E. F. 
Davenport — May 25, 1882. The first four numbers were published as a two- 
column folio, at which time the Post Office Department refused to allow it to 
pass as second-class matter. After a week or two of suspension, the Blizzard 
was enlarged to a quarto, June 29, 1882, and was entered properly in 
the mails as other newspapers. Near the close of Volume I, the outlook was 
that the paper must cease to exist, but the publishers made a canvass and re- 
ceived such encouragement that they bought a new cylinder press and enlarged 
their paper to a seven-column folio, issuing the first number July 12, 1883. 

The borough has a general cemetery, which might be made a handsome 
place of burial. The appraisement for 1883 showed the following results: 
Value of real estate, $88,205; cows, fifty-two; value, $1,040; horses and mules, 
sixty-four; value, $3,825; value of ti'ades and occupations, $6,705; money at 
interest, $4,997. 

40 



770 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XL 

ELK CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

THE first settler in Elk Creek Township was Eli Colton, fathnr of George 
W. Colton, the well-known politician. He was a native of Granby, Conn., 
and went into the township early in 1797. In the spring of 1798 or 1799 the 
settlers were George Haybarger and his brother-in-law, John Deitz, from Mary- 
land, who were followed by their families in the succeeding fall, in charge of 
Arnestes Deitz, father of John. Mr. Colton married a daughter of the elder 
Deitz in 1800 or 1801. Mr. Haybarger changed to Mill Creek in 1810, where 
his descendants remain. In 1800, Elihu Crane took up the tract on which 
Craneville stands, where he remained until his death. He was from Connec- 
ticut, and settled in Conneaut Township in the spring of 1798, from which 
place he changed to Elk Creek. During 1800, or a little before, numerous 
parties located in the township, among whom were David Randall, Daniel 
Akers, Mr. Odell and Mr. Harrington. In 1802, David Sherrod arrived from 
Susquehanna County. James McCammon, with his sons, James and Robert, 
came from Ireland early in the century, locating first at Philadelphia, then at 
Meadville, and finally in Elk Creek. A man by the name of Wallace became 
a resident of the township nearly at the same time. Other early settlers were 
Jabez Clark, Charles Scott, Maxon Randall and the Shieldses and Spragues. 
Among the later settlers were the following: In 1815, Daniel Winchester, from 
Stafford County, Conn., and Samuel Wells, with his sons, Otis, Obed, Frank- 
lin, Samuel and Julius, from St. Albans, Vt. ; in 1818, Josiah Steward; in 
1824, the Stewarts, Rodgerses and Brookses from New York; in 1831, Thomas 
Bowman; in 1832, Levi and William Joslin, from Oneida County, N. Y. ; 
Edmund Goodenow, from the same county ; Sylvester Hubbard, from 
Tompkins County, N. Y. ; Samuel Sherman and family, from Herkim.er 
County, N. Y. ; John Warner, from Massachusetts; and Wilson Cole, from 
Chautauqua County, N. Y. ; in 1833, John Stafford, from Augusta, Oneida 
County, N. Y., and William Vorce, from Chautauqua County, in the same 
State; in 1834, Orange and Perley Miller; in 1835, Jeremiah Crowley, a native 
of Ireland, and Noah Almey; in 1836, David Smith, from Vermont; in 1838, 
Hiram Irish, from Vermont, and Burr L. Pulling, from Saratoga County, N. 
Y. The growth of the township was slow until 1830, but it filled up rapidly 
from that date to 1840. Samuel Sherman took up a large body of land, which 
he divided among his boys. In 1840, Harley Sherman, son of Samuel Sher- 
man, opened a grocery store at Wellsburg, where he lived until his death. 
The forefathers of the Shermans came to America from England, in 1634. set- 
tling in New England, from which section their descendunts have spread into 
every State of the Union. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

The township is one of the original sixteen, and received its title from 
the stream of Elk Creek, several branches of which rise in its northern 
portion. It originally extended north to a point parallel with the south line of 
Fairview, and was then nearly square. In 1832, the north part was sliced off 
in the formation of Girard, leaving a short handle which now constiutes a part 



ELK CREEK TOWNSHIP. 771 

of Franklin. When the latter township was created in 1844, another piece 
was taken from Elk Creek, reversing the shape of the township, and causing it 
to stand in its present form, which is exactly that of a gothic L. The origi- 
nal area was 35,840 acres, which has been reduced to 20,696 acres. Ey the 
assessmeiit of 1S80, the valuation was as follows: Eeal estate, $464,915; horses 
$371; cows, $623; oxen, $40; value of personal property, $34,044; value of 
trades and occupations, $10,175; money at interest, $25,582. 

Elk Creek is bounded on the north by Girard and Franklin, on the east by 
Franklin and Washington, on the south by Cussewago Township. Crawford 
County, and on the west by Conneaut. The population was 288 in 1820 562 
in 1830, 1,645 in 1840, 1,535 in 1850, 1,462 in 1870, and 1,564 in 1880, in- 
clusive of Wellsburg. The villages are Wellsburg, Cranesville and Pageville 
and the post offices are Lundy's Lane (Wellsburg) and Elk Creek (Cranesville). 
Elk Creek Township has had but four county officials, viz.: Stephen J. God- 
frey, County Commissioner from 1866 to 1869, and Mercantile Appraiser in 
1871; C. C. Taylor, County Superintendent of Public Schools from 1869 to 
1878; Richard Powell, County Commissioner from 1881 to 1884; and Gforge 
Manton, County Auditor from 1881 to 1884. George W. Colton, Clerk to the 
Commissioners from 1852 to November, 1863, and Prothonotary from his res- 
ignation of the latter office to 1867, is a native of the township, but removed 
to Erie before he Avas chosen to the first position. O. H. Irish, Superintendent 
of Government Printing at Washington, was also a native of Elk Creek. The 
latter died in January, 1883, after having been proi^inent as a public man for 
many years. 

The Elk Creek lands are generally rolling, with a clay soil, except a narrow 
belt of gravel along the East Branch of Conneaut Creek and its tributaries. 
The hill lands, which include about two-thirds of the township, are quite flat 
when the summit is reached, and. are well watered, being the sources of nu- 
merous small streams. Land ranges in value from $20 to $40, according to its 
proximity to the villages. The township contains two cheese factories— the 
one at W^ellsburg, and Kingsley's, in the southeast. Much timber remains, 
but it is fast disappearing. There is no railroad in the township, and the 
nearest station is that of the Erie & Pittsburgh road at Albion. A mile east 
of Wellsbiirg was a deposit of bog iron ore, from w^hich a large share of the 
stock used in Vincent, Himrod & Co.'s old furnace in Erie was drawn. The 
ore has been used of late years in making mineral paint, being first applied 
to that purpose by Winton & Williams. In Glen Frazier is a mineral spring 
which has become famous over the western part of the county for its medical 
virtues. 

KOADS AND STREAMS. 

The main thoroughfares are the road from Albion, through W^ellsburg, to 
Edinboro; the old road from Girard, through Cranesville and W^ellsburg. to 
Meadville; and the Crane road, from Albion, through Cranesville and Franklin 
Township, to the Edinboro Plank Road. A hack runs several times a day, each 
direction, between Wellsburg, Cranesville and Albion Station, carrying pas- 
sengers and the mails. Elk Creek has no large streams, the most important 
one being the East Branch of Conneaut Creek, which falls into the latter about 
half a mile west of Albion. The East Branch rises in Crawford Coiinty, just 
across the line. It is joined by Frazier's Run at Wellsburg, by Crane Run near 
Cranesville, by Mormon Run at Thornton's dam, near Albion, and by Jackson 
Run within the latter borough. Mormon Run received its name because used as 
a place of baptism by that sect, who were once quite numeroiis in the vicinity. 
The West Branch of Elk Creek has its source near the center, and runs north 



772 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

into Girard, where it connects with the main stream a little below " The Devil's 
Backbone." In the southeast are the head-waters of the Cussewago, which 
pursues a southerly course, and, joining French Creek near Meadville, helps 
to make the Ohio and Mississippi. Forty years or so ago, there were twelve 
or fifteen saw mills on the East Branch, as well as several on other streams. 
The water-power was very fine in the early days, on account of the steady 
flow of water and the heavy fall in the streams. 

CHURCHES. 

The charches of Elk Creek are a Free-Will Baptist, Methodist Episcopal 
and Universalist at Wellsburg, Methodist Episcopal at Cranesville, Free-Will 
Baptist and Methodist at Pageville, United Brethren on the Meadville road 
between Cranesville and Lockport, and Union United Brethren. 

The Little Brick, or Randall United Brethren Church, holds services about 
a mile north of Cranesville, in a neat brick structure which was formerly a 
schoolhouso. The society was organized about 1853 by Rev. Michael Oswald. 
Rev. C. Z. Dilley is at present pastor in charge. The society contains about 
thirty members. It is embraced in the Erie Circuit, which besides the Randall 
appointment includes Branchville in McKean Towuship; Bethel, Fairview 
Township; Foy Schoolhouse, Franklin Township; Miller, Giraa-d Township; 
and Union, in the south part of Elk Creek Township. The last named ap- 
pointment is quite and old class, has about twenty members, and meets in a 
schoolhouse. 

There is a considerable Catholic population in the south part of the town- 
ship, who worship mainly at the chui'ch in Cussewago, Crawford County. 
They are mainly of Irish nativity or descent. 

SCHOOLS. 

Probably the first school in the township was taught by Maxon Randall, 
in his log cabin about a mile north of Cranesville. about 1815. About one and 
a half miles south of Wellsbarg, stood a log schoolhouse, wherein Miss Becky 
Reese, who was afterward Mrs. William Monroe, taught about 1817. Samuel 
Clark, the son of an early settler of this township, held a school in the same 
cabin about 1818, and, following him, David Mathews conducted a term. 
Immediately south of Wellsburg a Mr. Higgins, an old bachelor, taught 
about 1820. The Sawdy Schoolhouse, in the northwest corner of the town- 
ship, was built about 1823, and for many years subserved its educational pur- 
poses. Henry Miller, one of the first settlers, taught here. Betsy Colton, 
who became Mrs. Hiram Bradley, and Zachariah Tolbit were oiher early 
instructors at Sawdy. At Cranesville, on the corner now occupied by the post 
office, was a diminutive log structure in early days, where Matilda Eldridge 
and John Braddish were among the first teachers. The following is a list of 
the present schools: Sawdy, two miles north of Cranesville, on the Lockport 
road; Wellsburg (graded), Cranesville, Bowens, one mile from Cranesville, 
on the Crane road; Kingsley, a mile and a half south of Wellsburg, on the 
Meadville road; Union at Cold Spring, three miles south of Wellsburg, on the 
Meadville I'oad; Pleasant Valley, two miles east of Wellsburg; Pageville, 
Miller, six miles east of Wellsburg. and an independent school of Elk Creek 
and Franklin Townships. 

WELLSBURG. 

The village of Wellsburg, in the narrow valley of the East Branch of Con- 
ueaut Creek, is situated at the crossing of the Girard & Meadville by the 



ELK CREEK TOWNSHIP. 773 

Albion & Edinboro road. Samuel Wells, after whom it was named, settled 
at this point with his live sons in 1815, and at an early day his son Frank- 
lin built a grist mill and several saw mills. Samuel drilled a salt well about 
a mile south of Wellsburg, on the Clark farm, and for a considerable period 
the neighborhood was supplied by him with a home made article. This con- 
tinued until the opening of the canal, when cheaper salt was furnished from 
Onondaga, N. Y. , by way of Erie, which caused the abandonment of the well. 
The village, which was laid out by Otis Wells, did not make much progress 
until some six or ten years ago, when a brisk competition among the mer- 
chants led to low prices, a heavy trade from the adjacent country, new manu- 
factories, and a general and most marked spirit of enterprise. Wellsburg is 
twenty-five miles from Erie, nine miles south of Girard, one each from Cranes- 
ville and Albion, and two miles from Albion Station. The mercantile estab- 
lishments consist of three dry goods stores, one grocery and hardware store 
and one millinery store. A new schoolhouse was erected about two years ago, 
at a cost of over $5,000. The McLellan House is a large new hotel. The man- 
ufacturing interests of the village are unusually extensive, as will be seen by 
the following list: Long, Wells & Go's., new steam and flouring mill, the old 
Spires Grist Mill, Wells & Sons' tannery, Ralph Bowman's steam saw mill, J. 
R. Snyder's steam furniture and cofiiu factory, Frank Ziegler's broom factory, 
the Elk Creek Co-operative Cheese Factory (in operation about eleven years), 
Emanuel Ziegler's carriage, wagon and blacksmith shop, Purcell Bros', spring 
bed factory, one cooper shop and two other blacksmith shops. Its population 
by the census of 1880 was 256, about half of whom have been added within 
a few years. Wellsburg has become the principal trading point for most of 
Elk Creek, a portion of Conneaut, the western portion of Franklin, the south- 
ern portion of Girard and even a section of Crawford County. Its post office 
name is Lundy's Lane. The office was established in 1852, when Gen. Scott 
was running for President, and named in honor of one of his battles during 
the last war with Great Britain. A telephone line connecting Wellsburg with 
Albion Station was put up in 1879. In addition to the salt well of Samuel 
Wells, another was drilled further up on the East Branch, on the farm now 
owned by S. A. Deriar. It was known as the White Well, but was never put 
in operation. On the same tract there had long been a strong show of pe- 
troleum. Boring was done to secure the oil, bat only a small quantity was 
obtained. In 1861, during the height of the oil excitement, two wells were 
drilled on the farm of Harley Sherman, east of Wellburg. A large yield of 
gas was secured but not enough oil tu pay. 

The Free- Will Baptist congregation, the largest in the town, was organized 
on the 5th of May, 1839, Rev. Willard Stickney, of Washington Township, 
being the first pastor, and Asa Lichfield, clerk. Its later pastors have been 
Revs. Frank Wells, David Winton, Chauncey Joslin, E. R. Anderson, Rufus 
Clark, J. B. Page and Rev. Boynton, the present incumbent. Julius 
Wells and John W. Prescott were the first and only Deacons. The congrega- 
tion has a commodious building, surmounted by a steeple and bell tower with 
a fine bell. A Sabbath school was established over thirty years ago, and has 
been in continuous operation. The membprship of the church is about forty. 

The Universalist Church at Wellsburg was organized in June, 1838, with 
twenty-five members by Rev. Edson Beals, who was the first pastor. The 
first meetings were held in the academy, which stood in the park on the site 
of the Universalist Church. The latter was erected in 1855 at a cost of $1,500, 
and was thoroughly repaired in 1871. Rev. A. J. Patterson, now of Boston, 
Mass., was pastor at the time of the church erection. After the pastorate of 



774 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Rev. Beals, the following served as ministers: Revs. Joseph Sargent, 
Ami Bond, Fowler, A. J. Patterson. Luce and Charles L. Shipman, of Girard. 
No regular services have been held for two years past. The numerical streno-th 
of the church is about sixty. 

A Methodist Episcopal society was organized at Wellsburg in very early 
times. About 1835, it erected a frame meeting house on the summit of the 
hill between Wellsburg and Cranesville, the lot being the donation of Lyman 
Jackson. Formerly services had been held in an old blacksmith shop, con- 
verted into a schoolhouse and church. The church building became old and 
unlit for services. In 1875, or shortly before the society divided, a portion 
going to Cranesville and a portion to Wellsburg, the latter held services for 
a short time in the schoolhouse; then the Pleasant Valley Church building, 
several miles south of Wellsburg, was removed to the latter village, and is 
now used as the house of worship. Pleasant Valley was an old society organ- 
ized in 1833, by Rev. William Todd. Its church edifice was erected in 1854, 
at an expense of $1,300. Wellsburg Church is small, containing about 
twenty members. It formerly was a part of Springfield Circuit, but when 
Albion Circuit was formed, became and has since remained a part of it. 

The Wellsburg Cemetery, an inclosure of about ten acres, on a knoll in 
the north part of the village, is the principal burying ground of the township. 
The Shermans have a family burial place of about two acres. 

CRANESVILLE. 

Cranesville was founded by Fowler Crane, son of Elihu Crane, the first 
settler on the site, who laid out the village, and put up a hotel, store and ash- 
ery. In lies in the valley of the East Branch of Conneaut Creek, a mile north 
of Wellsburg. and a mile northeast of Albion, at the crossing of the Crane 
I'oad by the Girard & Meadville road, and almost on the Conneaut line. The 
valley at Cranesville widens out more than at Wellsburg, and the village 
stands chietiy on the upland overlooking the stream, in rather a pleasant loca- 
tion. The old Erie Canal passed through the village, and is watered by Crane 
Run. It entered Elk Creek Township a little south of Lockport, and about 
half a mile east of the Conneaut Township line, and continued to Cranesville, 
where it diverged into Conneaut, having had a course of about two and one-half 
miles in the township. The culvert between Albion and Cranesville, by which 
the canal crossed the East Branch — an excellent pile of masonry — is now used 
for a township roadway. After Wellsburg got its start and the canal had 
been abandoned, Cranesville rather de~clined, but of late it has commenced to 
improve. The village embraces a Methodist Episcopal Church, one general 
store, one grocery, Robert Wait's planing mill, two blacksmith shops, paint 
shop, schoolhouse, about thirty-five dwellings and perhaps 150 people. The 
church building was erected at a cost of $2,000, in 1874, Rev. Mr. Williams 
being the first pastor. About the same time the old church that stood on the 
hill between Cranesville and Wellsburg was removed to Springfield. Cranes- 
ville society was detached from Wellsburg about 1874, and belongs to Albion 
Circuit. The old hotel was torn down in the summer of 1878, more attractive 
houses at Wellsburg and Albion having robbed it of its custom. A sandstone 
quarry was formerly worked between Cranesville and Lockport, near the Pop- 
ulation road, from which material was taken for the locks of the canal. The 
post office name of Cranesville is Elk Creek. Its nearest railroad station is 
Albion. 

PAGEVILLE. 

Four miles southeast of Wellsburg, at the forks of the Crossingville road, 



McKEAN TOWNSHIP. 775 

ie*the village of Pageville, consisting of a Free-Yv^ill Baptist Church, a school- 
house, a saw mill, and a few scattered dwellings. This remote place was once 
the scene of extensive manufacturing operations. Being on the edge of a vast 
forest of ash and oak, E. Page selected it as the site of his oar factory, one 
of the most extensive in the country. The factory gave employment to some 
twenty-hve men and its wares were sent to all parts of America and Europe. 
On its suspension the workmen found other homes, and the place declined to 
an ordinary cross roads collection of houses., The Baptist congregation was 
organized by Rev. Willard Stickney, the first pastor, in 1839, the same year 
as the one at Wellsburg. Rev. Carey Rogers preached here for many years, 
and Rev. Boynton is the present pastor. Services were held in the schoolhouse 
until 1875, when a church was erected at a cost of about $1,200. Rogers' 
steam saw mill occupies the site of the old oar factory. A Methodist Episcopal 
society worships in the Baptist Church. It is small, but quite old, and is at- 
tached to Albion Circuit. 



CHAPTER XIT. 
McKEAN TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF MIDDLEBORO. 

McKEAN was organized as one of the original townships. Its limits were 
much larger when the township was established, but were reduced by 
the taking off of a slice for Franklin in 1844, and another for Summit in 1854. 
These curtailments of its territory account for the odd and irregular shape of 
the township. McKean is bounded on the north by Fairview, Mill Creek and 
Summit, on the east by Summit and Waterford, on the south by Waterford, 
Washington and Franklin, and on the west by the latter township and Fair- 
view. It has a breadth in the widest part of about eight miles from east 
to west, and about seven from north to south. The old State line, before 
the purchase of the Triangle, ran a little north of the center, and cuts the 
borough limits of Middleboro into two almost exact halves. It also forms the 
north and south lines of many of the farms, and its location is as familiar to 
many of the residents as their own homes or the course of the public roads. 
The township was named in honor of Gen. Thomas McKean, one of Pennsyl- 
vania's most distinguished soldiers in the Revolution, and second Governor of 
the State, after Independence, serving three terms, from 1796 to 1808. The 
township has given Erie a number of its best known citizens, among whom 
may be mentioned Hon. Joseph M. Sterrett, the four Crouch brothers, the four 
Minnig brothers, and the Stancliff brothers. By the United States census, 
McKean had a population of 440 in 1820, of 984 in 1830, of 1,714 in 1840, 
of 1,921 in 1850, of 1.600 in 1860, of 1,426 in 1870 and of 1,394 in 1880. 
The assessment of 1883 gave the following results: Number of acres, 21,517; 
value of real state, $632,065; number of cows, 932; of oxen, 10; of horses 
and mules, 526; value of the same, $52,788; value of trades and occupa- 
tions, $9,480; money at interest, $78,696. 

STEEAMS AND LANDS. 

McKean is wholly watered by Elk Creek and its branches, with the excep- 
tion of a small district in the south containing the head-waters of Big and Lit- 
tle Conneauttee Creek, which empty into French Ci'eek below Edinboro. Elk 



776 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Creek rises in Tamarack Swamp, in the western portion of Waterford Town- 
ship, and flowing nearly though the center of MeKean, across the southern 
portion of Fairview and the northeastern portion of Girard, falls into the 
lake a short distance north of Miles Grove, having a length of between thirty 
and thirty-five miles. Its general course is westerly till it reaches the Girard 
Township line, where it turns to the northwest. A branch of Le Boeuf Creek 
has its origin in Waterford Township, near the head of Elk Creek, the two 
streams running in opposite directions, the one to the Gulf of Mexico, the 
other to the Atlantic Ocean. The South Branch of Elk Creek rises in Wash- 
ington Township, near the line of McKean, and flowing directly north, unites 
with the main stream at Middleboro. At one time there were within the town- 
ship eight sawmills and two grist mills on the chief stream, and two saw mills 
and one grist mill on the South Branch: now, all that are left are four saw 
mills and one grist mill on the former and a single grist mill on the latter. Its 
valley is generally narrow, but it begins to spread out just above Middleboro, 
near the crossing of the Edinboro road, reaching a breadth of about two miles. 
Below that it is from a quarter of a mile to half a mile in width. 

McKeau is one of the elevated townshijjs of the county, and its surface is 
hilly, with numerous deep" gulfs along the streams. The valley lands are 
first-class, and grain is easily raised. Off of the streams the country is natur- 
ally cold and clayey, but cultivation makes it fairly productive. In the south- 
east portion is a ridge known as South Hill, which is said to attain an altitude 
of 800 feet above the lake. The township contains two quarries of good 
stone, one on the place of David Dunn, in the north east section, the other on 
that of Albert Lampson, in the south part. Land ranges in value from $25 
to $75 per acre. 

MILLS AND SCHOOLS. 

^ The grist mills of McKean Township are Sterrett & Barron's, on Elk Creek, 
at Sterrettania, and Wiswell & Hilliker's, at Branchville, on the South Branch. 
The first named, which is one of the largest in the county, was built by David 
S. Sterrett, in 1839. and has always done a flourishing business. A mill was 
built on the site of Hilliker's some thirty-five years ago. It burned down, was 
twice re-built and each time was destroyed by fire. The last fire occurred 
early in the morning of October 19, 1882, causing a loss of about $5,000, on 
which there was no insurance. The miller's house burned down at the same 
time. The first saw mill in the township was built in the summer of 
1812 on Elk Creek, by Oliver Dunn, near where his son, James Dunn, 
now resides. The mill was operated about twenty years before it was aban- 
doned. The second mill was built by Eber and Lemuel Stancliff on the 
South Branch of Elk Creek, about a mile south of Middleboro, about 1827; it 
was operated about twenty-five years, during which time it changed name and 
ownership repeatedly. The saw mills propelled by water are owned by 
Edmund Wood, Charles Osborn, August Decker and Sterrett & Barron. There 
is a steam saw and cider mill near the Plank road, a mile or so north of Mid- 
dleboro, owned by A. T. Leland's heirs. W. W. Reed, of Erie, owns a cheese 
factory in the western portion, established about nine years ago, and another 
owned by William A. Bean, just outside of Middleboro, was started in 1872. 
There are three tanneries in the township — the Sterrettania, erected by Will- 
iam Potter about 1843: Chisholm's, a mile east of Sterrettania, established in 
1864 in a building formerly used as a woolen factory, and Charles Rappold's, 
at Sterrettania, built in 1858. The township contains five cider mills, owned 
respectively by A. T. Leland's heirs, Henry Hauck, Henry Smith, William 
Wiswell and John P. Wagner. Several of these make apple jelly in large 
quantities. 



f^'ig^ 'C'Pv 




McKEAN TOWNSHIP. 779 

The first school in McKean Township was taught during the winter of 
1811-12 by Seth Spencer, who hailed from Fredonia, N. Y. , and returned 
thither soon after completing this primal school. Among his pupils were Seth 
Stancliff, still living at Erie at the age of ninety years, Joseph Weldon, who 
lives at West Springfield, this county, and who was the first male white child 
born in McKean Township; Anna Standi ft, living in California, at the age 
of eighty-eight years; Levi Grant, Eunice Joiner and others. Betsy and 
Sally Aldrich, sisters, from near Boston, Mass., were two of the earliest teach- 
ers. For several years, from about 1820 to 1825, they taught schools in 
the vicinity of Middleboro. They afterward married and settled in Spring- 
field Township. Hiram Bumphrey taught for five terms at Sterrettania. com- 
mencing about 1828. He afterward became editor and proprietor of the Roch- 
ester {N. Y.) Democrat and was a prominent man. Ansel and Liidim Crouch, 
who hailed from Peru, N. Y., were early noted pedagogues in the region about 
Middleboro. Polly Chambers taught at Sterrettania about 1830. Other com- 
paratively early instructors of the township's youth were Frank Lampson, 
Orrin Reed and David Stanclifi". The township schools are thirteen in 
number, as follows: The Union, in the Marsh neighborhood (used jointly by 
McKean and Waterford); the Aubrey, in the Grant settlement; the Dunn, in 
the Dunn neighboi'hood ; the Glazier, on the plank road; the South Hill, on 
South Hill; the Marsh, in the Stancliff settlement; the Branchville, at the 
hamlet of the same name; the Harrison, in the Harrison district; the Barron, 
in the Barron neighborhood; the Sterrettania, in the village of that name; 
the Roher, in the north part of the township, and the Wagner, on the farm 
of Alex Wagnei'. 

CHURCHES, CEMETERIES AND ROADS. 

There are three church buildings in the township, viz. : United Breth- 
ren at Branchville, and Methodist Episcopal at Sterrettania and on South Hill. 
The South Hill Church was dedicated on December 9, 1880, and cost $1,400. 
The land on which it stands was donated by O. Reed. Previous to the erec- 
tion of the church building, the congregation held services in the schoolhouse. 
It forms a part of the McKean Circuit. 

The Sterrettania Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1842. The 
society was organized years before, and worshiped in the schoolhouse. 
Among its earliest ministers were Revs. Aurora and Nathaniel Callender, 
and Rev. J. Chandler. This charge was attached to the McKean Circuit, 
until 1880, when it was made a part of Fairview Circuit, which embraces be- 
sides this appointment Fairview and Fair Plain. The church building was 
erected in ])art by a Presbyterian congregation, which had met previously in 
the schoolhouse. Soon after the church was built, it became a Congregational 
society, and a few years later passed out of existence. 

The United Brethren Church at Branchville is a neat and modest fi-ame 
structure, which was built about 1865. The society existed for a number 
of years previous and met for worship in the schoolhouse. It is now 
greatly reduced in membership, scarcely a half dozen remaining, but regular 
services are still maintained. Rev. Lewis is the present pastor, 1882-83. 

A cemetery, used by the township in common, has long been established on 
the Waterford & Girard road, a short distance east of Middleboro; another 
on the plank road, about a mile south of the same village; one at Sterrettania; 
ooe attached to the old Catholic Church north of Middleboro, and a small one 
on South Hill. The Wiswells, Dunns and others have private burying grounds. 

The main roads of McKean are the Erie & Edinboro plank, running 
through nearly the whole width of the township from north to south, and the 



780 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Waterford & Girard road, which crosses the township from east to west, fol- 
lowing the valley of Elk Creek. The township has a post office at Sterrettania 
and forriaerly had one at Branchville. A mail route was established between 
Erie and Edinboi-o in the winter of 1835-36, Ansel Crouch being the con- 
tractor. 

VILLAGES. 

The villages of McKean are Sterrettania and Branchville. Sterrettania is 
on Elk Creek, near the Fairview line, in the extreme western portion of the 
township, twelve miles from Erie. It received its name from the numerous 
Sterrett family living in the village and vicinity. Robert Sterrett, the pioneer 
of the flock, came from Cumberland County and located there in 1804, remain- 
ing three years, when he sold out to his brother James. Of the seven sons and 
two daughters of James, all are dead except Hon. Joseph M. Sterrett, of Erie. 
The village contains a Methodist Episcopal Church, a schoolhouse, a large 
grist mill, a saw mill, two tanneries, one cider and jelly factory, one wagon 
shop, one store, one blacksmith shop, one shoe shop and one tailor shop. The 
private residences number fifteen or twenty, and the population is about eighty. 
Thomas Sterrett, a resident of Sterrettania, is one of the wealthiest and most 
influential men in the county. The Sterrettania School was taught at various 
times by Hon. George H. Cutler and William Benson, afterward two of the 
leading members of the Erie County bar. 

Branchville is a small collection of houses along the plank road, in the 
south part of the township. It embraces a United Brethren Church, a school - 
house, a grist mill, a blacksmith shop and about a dozen residences. The 
South Branch of Elk Creek runs througfh the hamlet, orivinsr it its name and 
lurnishmg water-power to the mill. 

EAKLY SETTLERS. 

The flrst settler within the present limits of McKean was James Talmadge, 
who came from Genesee County, N. Y. , in 1795, and located in the Dunn 
neighborhood, near the east line, in the valley of Elk Creek. During the 
season of 1795, Mr. Talmadge ran a sail boat between Buflalo and Erie, which 
carried passengers and freight; among others, he brought in Col. Seth Reed 
and family, and Amos Judson, of Waterford. On settling in McKean, his 
wife and father accompanied him. Mr. Talmadge brought in the first bushel 
of wheat sown in Erie County. Thomas and Oliver Dunn, who had gone first 
to Springfield, moved into McKean in the fall of 1797, having been preceded 
by Stephen Oliver; Lemuel Stancliflf, a New Englander, settled a mile south 
of Middleboro in 1799; Benjamin Grubb, a Lancaster County man, on the 
John Pefi"er farm, in 1800; Benjamin Grant, from Connecticut, in what is still 
known as the Grant neighborhood, in March of the same year; Robert Sterrett, 
at Sterrettania, in 1804, and James Aubrey about 1806. Eliachim Cook, who 
accompanied Mr. Grant, located in what is now Summit Township, but re- 
moved to Waterford in 1809. In 1807, after Mr. Sterrett sold his McKean 
property to his brother James, he removed to the bank of the lake, five miles 
west of Erie. John Evans, father of Robert and Thomas, came from Mary- 
land in 1802, and first took up land on the present Mill Ci-eek and Summit 
line, but removed to Mill Creek in 1811, to the farm now owned by his son 
Robert. Among other early settlers were Russell Stancliff, Rufus Trask, Ben- 
jamin Collum, David Weldon, Joseph S. Bush and theDunlaps. The Staffords, 
a New England family, settled around Middleboro about 1815, and with the 
Stanclifl's laid the foundations of the Methodist society in that village. Ansel 
Crouch went in from New York, in 1817. He was a soldier in the war of 



McKEAN TOWNSHIP. 781 

1812. Hannah, daughter of James Talmadge, was the first white child born 
in the township. The event occurred in 1798. David Sterrett, son of Robert, 
settled on the homestead farm He was the father of Robert W., Thomas, 
James and Andrew J., and of Mrs. Wright, Norton, Brockway and Hall. 
James Aubrey's father was a Surgeon in Wolfe's army at the storming of 
Quebec. Stephen Oliver enlisted in the American Army at the outbreak of 
the Revolution and served until its close. He died January 14, 1857, ao-ed 
ninety- seven years. 

Lemuel Stancliff, one of the first settlers referred to, was a soldier in 
Washington's army at the time of Arnold's treason. Among the other earlv set- 
tlers were the following:In 1809, Ira Glazier, from Oneida County, N. Y. , and 
Ezra White; in 1825. the Washburns, from Massachusetts; about 1826, Benja- 
min P. Morey, of Berkshire, Vt. ; in 1831, John Drown, of Lyons, N. Y. ; 
about 1835, the Marshes, from Nova Scotia, and Peter J Barron, from France ; 
in 1837, Oren Reed, from Otsego County, N. Y.; in 1810, Lorenz, Antony and 
Daniel Hauck, all from Germany. 

PUBLIC OFFICERS. 

The State and county officers fromMcKean Township hive been as follows: 
State Senate, Joseph M. Sterrett, 1837 to 1811 Associate Judge, Joseph M. 
Sterrett, 1850 to 1856. Assembly, Stephen Skinner, 1840 and 1842. County 
Commissioners, Joseph M. Sterrett, 1829 to 1831; Stephen Skinner, 1834 to 
1837; Thomas Sterrett, 1837 to 1839 (died in office); Thomas Dunn, 1850 to 
1853. Clerk to Commissioners, A. J. Sterrett, 1863 to 1881. Directors of 
the Poor, David Sterrett, 1847 to 1850; John Parmeter, 1852 to 1855; James 
Dunn, 1874 to 1877; Seymour Washburn, 1877 to 1880. Steward of the Alms- 
house, Thomas Dunn, 1858 to 1863. Jury Commissioner, William Grant, 
1873 to 1876. County Surveyors, Hiram Bumphrey, 1833; Stephen Skinner, 
1836 to 1839. County Auditors, Thomas Dunn, 1810 to 1821, 1822 to 1825; 
Eli Webster, 1829 to 1832; Oren Reed, 1852 to 1855, 1863 to 1865; Elias 
Brecht, 1857 to 1860. Joseph M. Sterrett left his father's house in McKean 
when a boy, to learn the printing trade. He founded the Erie Gazette, and 
ever after resided in Erie. A. J. Sterrett wat born in McKean, but left home 
at an early age. 



BOROLGH OF MIDDLEBORO. 

Middleboro was incorporated as a borough in 1861, embodying about two- 
thirds of a mile square. It had a population of 126 in 1870, and 210 in 1880, 
being the smallest election district in the county in point of numbers. The 
village is situated on the plank road, nearly in the center of the township 
(which gave it its name), at the junction of the South Branch with the main 
stream of Elk Creek, ten miles south of Erie and eight north of Edinboro. 
Benjamin Cullom built the first house in Middleboro in 1810, on the site of 
Hartley Lampson's. He died in McKean Township in May, 1883, at the age 
of ninety-six years. Middleboro contains a Catholic and a Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, a schoolhouse, one hotel, two dry goods stores, one grocery, one 
drug store, four blacksmith shops, one harness shop, one wagon, carriage and 
sleigh factory, two wagon shops, one saw mill, one saw, planing and shingle 
mill, two millinery stores and one shoe-maker shop. The public hall of the vil- 
lage is in the upper story of Peck's Block. W. A. Bean's cheese factory is 
situated just outside the borough. The post office name of the borough is 



782 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

McKean Corners. A shovel-handle factory was erected at Middleboro by- 
Francis Lampson in 1861, burned in 1868, rebuilt the same year by A. H. Lamp- 
son, and moved to Leipsic, Ohio, about 1873. 

The McKean Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by Rev. Russell 
Stancliflf in 1819, at the hewedlog house of Lemuel Stancliff, about a half 
mile south of Middleboro, with the following members: Job Stafford and 
wife, Lucy Stafford, Polly, May and Deborah Irish. The next fall a revival 
was held, which added a number of others to the class. The meetings were 
held in various schoolhouses until 1837, when a substantial frame meeting- 
house was erected. It was extensively repaired and enlarged in 1869, and 
still serves the congi'egation. Among the earliest ministers were Revs. Eddy, 
Alfred Bronson and Mack. Latterly, Rev. G. W. Staples, 1881-82. The cir- 
cuit is composed of Middleboro, Lawrence Schoolhouse (Summit Township), 
South Hill and McLane. Preaching takes place at each point once in two 
weeks. 

St. Francis Catholic Church at Middleboro was built in 1876, at a cost, in- 
cluding bell and furniture, of $3,400. It superseded an old frame building, 
which stood two miles north of Middleboro, and was dedicated in 1833. The 
congregation was organized a few years prior to the building of this first 
church. The earliest Fathers of this congregation were Revs. Steinbaugh, 
Hartman and Joseph Oberhofer. Edward Hasse is the present priest. The soci- 
ety includes about fifty-four families. Services are conducted in both the 
English and the German languages. 

Bates Post, No 83, G. A. R., was organized at Middleboro, August 21, 
1880, with thirty-three members. Its first officers were: N. N. Newell, Com.;. 
J. G. Grimier, S. V. C; E. W. Davis, J. V. C. ; L. W. Eastman, O. D. ; Will- 
iam A. Herrick, Chaplain; John Weigel, Q. M. ; J. W. Jarvis, Sergt. ; P. A. 
Myers, Adjt. The post now numbers about seventy members and meets each 
alternate Saturday evening. 

Diligent Lodge, No. 183, A. O. U. W., was instituted November 5, 1880, with 
eleven charter members, as follows: D. R. Waggoner, P. M. W. ; G. W. Ney- 
land, M. W.; David Rohrer, F.; F. G. Weigel, O.; John Weigel, Guide; C. F. 
Schuetz, Fin.; C. M. Morey, Receiver; F. M. Gould, Recorder; Henry Soety, I. 
W. ; George Schuetz, O. W., and George Stancliff. The present membership 
is forty-two, and the lodge meets every Thursday evening at Weigel's Hall. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 

THE township of Greenfield, one of the sixteen establislied when the county 
was organized, is bounded on the north by North East, on the east by 
Chautauqua County, N. Y., on the south by yenango, and on the west by Har- 
bor Creek and Greene. Its boundary lines are all straight, with the exception 
of a jog of about an eighth of a mile, commencing at the J. C. Prindle place, 
on the west side, and extending to the T. C. Plumb farm on the south. As 
originally established, Greenfield was considerably larger than now, a long, 
wedge-shaped strip having been taken off of its northern part in 1841 and 
added to North East. The township as thus reduced is about seven miles in 



GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP, 783 

length from east to west, about four and three-quarters in breadth from north 
to south, and embraces 19,723 acres of elevated ridge and table land. The 
loftiest elevation is at the farm of F. B. Brown, in the southwest, and about 
half a mile southeast from that, in Venango, is said to be the highest point in 
the county. By the United States census report, Greenfield had a population 
of 281 in 1820, 664 in 1830, 862 in 1840, 731 in 1850, 880 in 1860, 1,039 in 
1870, and 1,020 in 1880. The assessment of 1880 gave the following results 
Value of real estate, $358,977; number of horses, 253; cows, 684; oxen, 6 
value of personal property, $24,711; value of trades and occupations, $1,400 
money at interest, $200. 

The surface of Greenfield Township is mainly hilly, but there are some fine 
flats along French Creek and upon a tributary of that stream which comes in 
from New York at the southeast corner. The valley lands range in width 
from a half mile to a mile and a half. They are mostly of a gravelly loam, 
and produce corn, oats, some wheat and all kinds of fruit, except peaches, but 
are much troubled with frosts. The hill lands, which are less affected by the 
frosts than the valleys, are a clay loam, and yield good crops of corn, oats and 
potatoes, but are best adapted for grass and grazing. A great many cattle are 
raised in the township, and many tons of butter are made and sold annually. 
Land ranges in price from $20 to $40 an acre, according to its location. 

BEGINNING THE SETTLEMENT. 

Remote as it is at present on account of its distance from a railroad, 
Geeenfield was one of the first townships to be settled. After the restoration 
of quiet along the border, the Triangle became a favorite field for settlement. 
Among those who were impressed with its advantages was Judah Colt, a native 
of Lyme, Conn., who came on in 1795. Believing the country would fill up 
rapidly, he made the Population Company, which claimed most of the lands 
in the county, an offer of $1 an acre for thirty thousand acres off of the east end 
of the Triangle, which they declined. They were so much pleased with his 
energy and shrewdness, however, that they appointed him their agent for Erie 
County. Mr. Colt took up a permanent residence in 1797, having been pre- 
ceded by Elisha and Enoch Marvin (his brothers-in-law), Cyrus Robinson, 
Henry and Dyer Loomis, Charles Allen, Joseph Berry, John and William Wil- 
son. James Moore, Joseph Webster, Philo Barker, Timothy Tuttle, Silas and 
W^illiam Smith, Joseph Shadduck and John Daggett (each accompanied by his 
sons), and John Andrews. All of these were hardy and intelligent New En- 
gland people. Mr. Colt established his headquarters at what came to be known 
as Colt's Station, around or near which most of the emigrants settled. The 
same year, Mr. Colt cut a road through fi'om the lake at Fi*eeport to the Station, 
the first in the county after the old French road, as an avenue for supplies, 
which were brought by lake from Buffalo. This road was extended in 1798 t» 
French Creek, near what is now " Little Hope, " or Greenfield Post Office, 
where Mr. Bissell had established a landing, and later in the season Mr. Colt 
and William Miles continued it to the forks of French Creek. The eastern 
road from North East to Wattsburg was opened about 1800; the one from 
Colt's Station to W^aterford, by way of Phillipsville, in 1804 or 1806; and the 
Station road, from Wesleyville, by way of Colt's Station to Mayville, in 1813. 

Mr. Colt brought his wife on in May, 1798, who remained with him till 
his removal to Erie. In 1803, James Taylor, with wife and one child, coming 
from Rockbridge County, Va., settled in the township, locating about two miles 
northeast of Colt's Station. Here they remained until 1812, when they re- 
moved to the State of New York, near the boundary line between that State 



784 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

and Pennsylvania. Henry Taylor, a relative of the above named, settled in 
the township at the same time. He was a man of family, and several years later 
purchased land in North East Township, adjoining the borough, upon which 
he resided for some years. He figured conspicuously in the war of 1812. He 
was made Captain of the first military company at North East; subsequently 
removed to Michigan, and there died. The inducement that took Mr. Colt and 
his colony to Greenfield was the belief then generally disseminated that the 
hill lands were preferable to those of the lake shore, which were densely wood- 
ed, swampy and well-nigh impenetrable. In a short time, Mr. Colt saw his error, 
and in 1804 he removed to Erie, where he remained the balance of his life. He 
died suddenly October 11, 1832, aged seventy-one years and three months. 
Mrs. Colt survived till March 13, 1834, dying at the age of sixty-six. They 
left no children, and the large estate Mr. Colt had acquired passed into the 
hands of relatives. On Mr. Colt's departure, the greater portion of the colony 
left also, scattering in various directions, and most of them making amends 
for their blunder by taking up some of the choicest lands in the county. Enoch 
Marvin became the company's agent in the Beaver Valley, where he died and 
was buried. His brother Elisha was one of the few who remained, and he and 
his wife both died at Colt's Station, the first in 1829 and the second in 1858. 
Their son, William E., continued to reside at Colt's Station till ttie decease of 
his mother, when he made his home in North East. 

OTHEE MATTEES. 

The first Protestant religious service in Erie County was held at Colt's 
Station on the 2d of July, 1797, shortly after the arrival of the colony from 
New England. About thirty persons assembled, from Greenfield, North East 
and Venango, to whom a sermon was read by Mr. Colt. The old graveyard, 
on the Erie & Mayville road, a little east of the Station, was the earliest 
(1801) of which any recoixl has been preserved in the county. Elisha Marvin, 
was buried there, but his remains were taken up and removed to North East 
after the death of his wife. The first celebration in Erie County of the Na- 
tion's Independence was near Colt's Station, on the 4th of July, 1797. The 
first military company in Erie County was organized in Greenfield, in 1801, 
It had eighty members. Elisha Marvin was Captain. 

While Mr. Colt remained at the Station, it was a busy place, being the 
depot of supplies for all the country round. For a year or two, the line of 
travel from the lake was ihrough Colt's Station to French Creek, and then on 
to Pittsburgh, which lasted until a good road was opened between Erie and 
Waterford. After Mr. C.'s departure, the glory of the Station faded. Col. 
Joseph Selden opened a store there in 1820, which was continued by other 
parties until a few years ago. Morrow B. Lowry clerked in this store when a 
boy of sixteen, and B. F. Sloan spent a portion of his youthful years in the 
locality. A tavern was established about fifty years ago, and kept up till 1860 
or 1805. The old tavern has been converted into a farmhouse, and there is 
nothing there besides but a schoolhouse, a liberty pole and two small dwellings. 

STEEAMS AND MILLS. 

The chief stream of Greenfield is the West Branch of French Creek, which 
receives many small tributaries in the township. It heads in Findley's Lake 
or " pond," about two miles from the State line, in Chautauqua County, and 
running across Greenfield from the northeast to the middle, and through the 
entire width of Venango from north to south, joins the East Branch in Amity, 
just below Wattsburg, after a course of eighteen or twenty miles. The head- 



GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 785 

waters of Six Mile, Twelve Mile, Sixteen Mile and of a branch of Twenty Mile 
Creek, are all in Greenfield, the first two flowing into the lake in Harbor Creek, 
and the second two in North East. They have their rise on the ringe north of 
the West Branch of French Creek, and not more than a mile or two from that 
stream. Some of the tributaries of the West Branch head within a few rods 
of the sources of the lake shore creeks. 

The first saw mill was built by Leverett Bissell, at or near Little Hope, in 
1799, being among the earliest in that county. Another was put up in 1824, 
by John Whiteside, in the sonth part of the township. The present manufact- 
uring concerns are two portable saw mills near Shadduck's Corners, in the west 
portion; another near H. Kaymond's, close to the New York line; T. Ray- 
mond's saw mill on French Creek, about a mile below Little Hope; a grist 
mill, saw mill and cheese factory at Little Hope (the mills were established 
by Whiteside and Messer over a half century ago, and the cheese factory was 
built by a company about ten years ago); and A. Mosemau's cider mill, on the 
Wellman road, near the Greene line. Formerly there were two grist mills and 
two saw mills near Raymond's, but all have been abandoned. 

VILLAGE AND CHURCHES. 

The only settlement in the township which approaches the dignity of a vil- 
lage is Greenfield, on the West Branch of French Creek, just off from the middle 
road between North East and Wattsburg. The place is better known by its 
nickname of Little Hope. The site of the place was taken up about 1796. by 
Leverett Bissell, on a soldier's right of 400 acres. He built a saw mill and a 
landing on the creek, where batteaux came up loaded with supplies from the 
lower country. The original settler left the place in 1805 or 1806 in charge 
of his son Cyril, who located there and died about 1848. The present village 
embraces a grist mill, saw mill, cheese factory, store, blacksmith shop, school- 
house and twenty or thirty houses. There is a cemetery just at the outskirts 
of the village, and a Methodist Church at the corners, not far distant. The 
old Miller Graveyard, a few rods to the east, is no longer used for burial pur- 
poses. Greenfield was long the only post office in the township. Besides the 
burial ground referred to, tlDere is an old one on the Gilson place, in the eastern 
part of the township. The Methodist Episcopal Church near Little Hope was 
organized in 1836, and occupies a commanding position at the junction of the 
Wildman and Wattsburg I'oads. It has a parsonage attached, built in 1868. 
This society was the outgrowth of a class that worshiped at an early day. in 
what was known as Ihe Campfield Schoolhonse, located about one mile south 
of the present church building (in Venango Township), and subsequently 
in the Miller Schoolhousp. The church building was erected about the year 
3850. The appointment has been on the North East. Wattsburg and Green- 
field and Mina Circuits respectively, the latter being formed in 1868. since 
which period the pastors of the charge have been as follows: J. K. Menden- 
hall, J. Allen, W. H. Hoover, L. E. Beardsley, A. Bashline, J. Akers, Z. W. 
Shadduck, G. Collier, 1882-83. What is known as the Second Greenfield 
Union Free-Will Baptist Church was organized at the date of the building of 
their present church edifice, situated in the western part of 'the township, in 
1881. This organization was made up of the two congregations which had 
previously worshiped, the one at the Union Schoolhouse in North East Town- 
ship, and the other at Shadduck's Schoolhouse in Greenfield Township, both 
of which had been in existence a number of years. Among the ministers who 
have preached for the congregations may be mentioned Revs. Chauncy 



786 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Burch, Morton, Losee and J. L. Higby, the latter preaching the dedicatory 
sermon in the church in the spring of 1882. 

The United Brethren Congregation at Shadduck's Schoolhouse was organ- 
ized with less than a dozen members by Rev. J. W. Clark about eight years 
ago. It was placed on Harbor Creek Circuit, of which it is now a part. 

SCHOOLS. 

Among the early schools of the township may be mentioned one that was 
taught in a schoolhouse which stood about two miles east of the present Miller 
Schoolhouse, as early as 1816, and at about that time A. Young was 
the " master." In the eastern part of the township, John Griswold taught an 
earlier school. In this portion of the township other early teachers were Will- 
iam Leonard, George Selkregg, a Miss Phillips, and Miss Mary A. Piatt. 
There was a log schoolhouse at Colt's Station, in which school was held in the 
winter of 1820-21, by Porter Rogers. Lorenzo Rogers, a brother to Porter, 
and Asa Hall, were teachers in this building. Another of the early-built 
schoolhouses for this section stood in Venango Township. 

The present schools are the Wilson, in the southeast, at the crossing of the 
Findley's Lake and North East & Wattsburg roads; the Davis, in the north- 
east, on the last-named road; the Miller, at Grreentield Village; the Colt's Sta- 
tion; the Parmenter, near the North East Township line; the Moore, in the 
south, at the crossing of the Waterford and Wildman roads; the Wildman, in 
the southwest, near the Greene line; the Prindle, on the road from Hiram 
Shadduck's to Harbor Creek; and the Shadduck, on the Colt's Station road, a lit- 
tle west of Shadduck's Corners. The township also pavs half the expense of the 
Union School in North East Township, just over the line. 

ROADS, ETC. 

The main thoroughfares are the east road between North East and Watts- 
burg, and the middle road, through Colt's Station, between the same points; 
the Station road from Wesley ville to Mayville; and the road from Greene past 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and Greenfield Village to Findley's Lake. All 
of these w«re laid out on a straight line, but had to diverge in order to sur- 
mount the ridges. The township never had a plank road, and the nearest 
railroad station is at North East. The first marriage in the township was that 
of Joseph Shadduck to Betsy Willard, and the first child born was their son Ira. 
Greenfield has furnished but three county officers, viz. , County Auditor, Mark 
Baldwin, 1833 to 1836; County Commissioner, William E. Marvin, 1845 to 
1848; William Parker, 1853 to 1856. The first frame barn ever built in 
Greenfield Township is still standing at Shadduck's Corners. It was built by 
Joseph Shadduck abput 1815. The third oldest man of whom there is any 
recollection in Erie County, was James Davis, of Greenfield — the very oldest 
having been Michael Hare, who died at Waterford in 1843, aged over a hundred 
and fifteen years, and whose remains are interred in the cemetery at that bor- 
ough. Davis was born in Taunton, Mass., and resided in Greenfield at a hud- 
dle of cabins known as Log City, a mile or two toward North East from Colt's 
Station. When about one hundred years old, he moved to Michigan, where he 
died in the one hundred and fifth year of his age. 

At what is known as Shadduck's Corners, a special post office was estab- 
lished June 15, 1883, with Daniel Hunt as Postmaster. The office is desig- 
nated Hornby Post Office. 




/^/i-? 




GREENE TOWNSHIP. 789 



CHAPTER XIV. 

GREENE TOWNSHIP. 

THIS township— one of the original sixteen — was known as Beaver Dam 
until 1840, when the present name was adopted in honor of Gen. Nathaniel 
Greene, of Revolutionary memory. Its western boundary has been twice 
changed — first, by adding a piece to McKean, and second, by the erection of 
Summit in 1854. Greene Township is bounded on the north by Mill Creek 
and Harbor Creek, on the east by Greenfield and Venango, on the south by 
Waterford and on the west by Summit and Mill Creek. Its greatest extent is 
seven miles from north to south, and six from east to west. It has an area of 
22,020 acres, and contained 140 inhabitants in 1820, 448 in 1830. 1,081 in 
1840, 1,542 in 1850, 1,450 in 1860, 1,395 in 1870, and 1,531 in 1880. By 
the assessment of 1883, the valuation of real estate was $560,517; the number 
of horses, 428; of cows, 795, and of oxen, 28; the value of personal properiiy, 
$40,100; and the amount of money at interest was $19,023. 

FIRST SETTLERS. 

The earliest settlers in Greene Township were Peter Himebaugh and Con- 
rad Wineman, two Pennsylvania Germans, who took up lands in 1800 along 
Le Boeuf Creek, and remained there the balance of their lives. About 1802, 
Jacob and Samuel Brown, Thomas Bunnell, and John and Ambrose Coover 
settled in the Le Boeuf Valley. In the spring of 1802, Thomas Hinton, with 
five sons and two daughters, made their homes in the northeast, in what has 
ever since been known as Wales, from their native country. The Browns 
built mills on the creek, and for a long period supplied a good portion of the 
timber used at Erie. In the Welsh settlement, the Hintons were followed by 
the Joneses, Knoyles, Morgans, Wilkinses and others of their countrymen. 
From 1804 on, a number of persons went in and left, and the tide of emigra- 
tion did not commence again until 1816. Between that year and 1818, a colony 
of New England people located in the township, among whom may be named 
Cyril Drown and sons, Martin Hayes and sons. Isaac and David Church, Ben- 
jamin Gunnison, Roger Root, David Edwards and S. T. Rockwood. Weed's 
Corners was settled in 1828 by William B. Weed and William Yaple, who 
went there when the country south of Hayes's to Lake Pleasant was a con- 
tinuous forest. The first German emigration was in 1833, when the Hirts, 
Pringles, Kellers and others settled on and near the Wa4;tsburg road. Mr. 
Kuhl and sons removed from Mill Creek in 1835. The Irish began settling 
in the township about 1836, mostly on the Kuhl road. Among their number, 
the Barry s, Gallaghers, Morrisons, McManuses, Cosgroves and McGinneses 
were first on the ground. H. L. Pinney bought a farm in Greene in 1843, 
and moved there the next year. E. O. Pinney first rented a farm in 1843, and 
purchased in 1846; and Martin Pinney made the township his home in 1851. 
The first two are cousins of Martin Pinney and his brother Elisha Pinney, of 
McKean. Their fathers were twins, and looked so much alike that they could 
scarcely be told apart by their wives. Elijah, the father of H. L. and E. O., 
located in Harbor Creek in 1835; Elisha, the father of Martin and Elisha, Jr., 

4r 



790 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

in McKean in 1886. Griffith Hinton, one of the sons of Thomas, above re- 
ferred to, died at the residence of his son-in-law, Sumner Bemis, on the 15th 
of March, 1880, at the advanced age of ninety- six years. The Hinton family 
came from Wales in 1801, but did not settle in this county till the next year. 
Griffith Hinton served in the vs^ar of 1812. He removed from Greene Township 
to Harbor Creek in 1834. 

LANDS. 

Greene is one of the most elevated townships in the county, containing the 
dividing ridge from which the waters of Mill Creels, Walnut Creek, Four Mile 
Creek and Six Mile Creek flow into the lake, and of Le Boeuf Creek to the 
south. The main body of the land is clay and gravel, best for grazing, and 
fifreat numbers of cattle are raised, and cheese and butter produced. There is 
a good valley along Le Boeuf Creek, in the southwest, ranging from half a 
mile to a mile in width, which is somewhat damp, but is rich in its yield of 
grass. Wheat is raised to some extent, but the valley is rather frosty for corn. 
Greene Township produces big crops of oats and potatoes, and fruits of all 
kinds are as certain a yield a'> in any other section of the county. The value 
of laud is from $30 to $50 and acre. A considerable area of forest land still 
exists, and the township may be said to be the main supply point of Erie for 
firewood. The township post offices are West Greene, East Greene, Hamot and 
Six Mile Creek. 

STREAMS AND MILLS. 

A.S before stated, Greene is the fountain-head of no less than five Erie 
County streams, viz., Le Boeuf Creek, Mill Creek, Walnut Creek, Four Mile 
Creek and Six Mile Creek. Le Boeuf Creek rises on the south edge of the 
township, and empties into French Creek below Waterford; a branch of Mill 
Creek starts on Jacob Lilleman's farm, in the northwest ; Four Mile Creek on 
R. Zimmer's farm, about a mile northeast from St. Boniface ; Six Mile Creek, 
on the farm of Mrs. Sarah Filley, a short distance south of Wales, and Wal- 
nut Creek, near the Greene and Summit line, a little northeast of Whiteford's 
Corners. The great gully of Four Mile Creek begins nearly at the head of 
the stream, about three and a half miles south of the Harbor Creek line, and 
continues to the crossing of the Station road, below Cooper's mill. The mills 
of the township are the saw and feed mill of Miles Brown, on Le Boeuf Creek; 
Kane's saw mill, near the north boundary, and David Ripley's sawmill, back 
of St. Boniface Church, both on Four Mile Creek, and two saw mills on Six 
Mile Creek, north of Wales. The first, last and only grist mill in the town- 
ship was built by Jacob Brown early in the century, and ran until 1872. when 
it burned down. Formerly there was another aawmill on Le Boeuf Creek, one 
near the Lake Pleasant road, a third near John Evans', and a fourth at Bogus 
Corners, but all have been abandoned. 

ROADS AND RAILROAD. 

The leading thoroughfares are the Wattsburg Plank Road; the old road to 
Wattsburg by way of Phillipsville, which branches oflf from the plank road 
at the Seigel place; the Lake Pleasant I'oad; the road from Harbor Creek to 
Waterford, through West Greene; the old Shunpike, from Augustus Graham's,' 
in Summit, to Waterford, and the road from the Shunpike to West Greene. 
The Wattsburg plank was completed ic 1853, and given up as a toll road in the 
spring of 1865. The Lake Pleasant road was opened from Erie to the Mar- 
tin Hayes place in the winter of 1821-22, and extended to French Creek in the 
winter of 1826-27, through what was, for a good part of the way, a dense 
wilderness. Both of these roads traverse the entire width of the township 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 791 

from northwest to southeast. The Shunpike was laid out in 1827-28 to avoid 
the Waterford Turnpike, growing out of a quarrel between its owners and the 
stage company over the rates of toll. The Harbor Creek & Wattsburg road was 
opened in 1810, and the one which branches off from the Shunpike has been 
in existence thirty to forty years. The only railroad in Greene is the Phil- 
adelphia & Erie, which crosses about a mile of its southwest corner, between 
Summit and Waterford. It has no station in the township, and the nearest are 
at Belle Valley, Lai^gdon's and Jackson's. The railroad bridge over Le Boeuf 
Creek is at the line between Greene and "Waterford. 

HAMLETS AND CHURCHES. 

Greene Township has no incorporated towns, and no settlements that can 
strictly be called by the name of villages. There are, however, several thickly 
settled localities which have been honored with special names, such as AVest 
Greene, St. Boniface, Wales, Bogus Corners, Weed' Corners arfd Six Mile Creek. 
Wales, in the northeast, on the Venango line, derives its name from being 
first settled by Welsh, of whom the Hintons were the pioneers. The district 
known as Wales includes a Presbyterian and Methodist Church, a schoolhouse 
and a few farmhouses. The Presbyterian congregation was organized in 
1849 by Rev. G. W. Cleveland, its first pastor, and erected a building in 1851 
at a cost of $800. The succeeding ministers have been Revs. Steele, William 
H. Adams and John McMaster. The latter is now in charge, and the congre- 
gation is weak. The Methodist congregation has been in existence some thirty- 
five years. Rev. J. O. Osborne was pastor 1881-82. Tlie circuit includes 
Phillipsville, West Greene and Wales. 

St. Boniface is a German settlement on the Wattsburg Plank Road, seven 
miles from Erie, which derives its name from the Catholic Church there 
located. The congregation was organized in 1857 by Rev. J. A.Oberhofer, with 
a congregation of some forty families. Rev. Oberhofer remained in charge of 
the church until 1867, and again in 1871 became its pastor, and sustained 
that relation with the congregation until the summer of 1873. Since then, 
the pastors have been as follows: Fathers Maloney, M. Apple and Edward 
Hasse, the last of whom is now in charge. The post ofl&ce name is Hamot 

A church was erected in 1857, which burned down in 1867, and the present 
elegant building was erected in 1873, at a cost of $4,000. Meantime a sepa- 
ration took place between the German and English speaking members of the 
congregation, which led to the construction of another edifice by the latter in 
1870, at a cost of $400. This building, known as St. Peter's Church, was sub- 
sequently removed to Kuhl's Hill, A Catholic school, a parsonage and a grave- 
yard are attached to St. Boniface Church. Both congregations have the same pas- 
tor and get along now in harmony. Besides the church buildings, the settlement 
contains a grocery, wagon shop, blacksmith shop and a few residences. East 
Greene Post Office and a schoolhouse are situated near Bogus Corners. The Cor- 
ners are at the intersection of a cross road with the Wattsburg plank, not far from 
the center of the township. The East Greene Post OfiBce was established about 
1829, with N. M. Manly as Postmaster. Half a mile west are a German Luther- 
an Church and graveyard, a grocery and a saloon. The congregation erected 
its building in 1857, at a cost of $600. It is known as St. Paul United Luther- 
an and Presbyterian Church, and was organized several years previous with 
twenty-two members, by Rev. Michael Kuchler, of Erie, and, until the construc- 
tion of the church, worshiped in a schoolhouse. At present, a temporary va- 
cancy exists in the pastorate. The membership is about thirty-five. Weed's 
Corners, at the inters>ection of the road from West Greene with the Lake 



792 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Pleasant road, is nothing more than a few farmhouses. It derives its name 
from William B. Weed, who was the first settler. West Greene consists of 
a small collection of buildings at the meeting of two roads in the south part of 
the township. Besides the post office, there is a Methodist Church, a cheese 
factory, store, blacksmith shop and schoolhouse. The cheese factory was 
opened May 12, 1873, and the church building has been up about twenty years. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at West Greene was organized in 1827, 
by Rev. Knapp, with five members — Nathaniel Brace and wife, John Brace and 
wife and Mrs. William B. Weed. Originally, this appointment formed a part 
of North East Circuit, which embraced Erie City, Waterford, Wattsburg, 
North East, McKean, Russellville and other charges; at present it belongs to 
Greene Circuit, which includes three charges — Phillipsville, West Greene and 
Center Chapel — in this township. Rev. J. O. Osborne is the present pastor. 
The early meetings were held in dwellings and schoolhouses until about 1848, 
when a large frame church was built at a cost of $800. It was superseded in 
the autumn of 1883 by a new frame structure, erected on the site of the old 
church, a short distance north of West Greene, at a cost of $1,500. 

About 1848, a church was built at AVest Greene and occupied for a number 
of years by a Free- Will Baptist congregation. After the dismemberment of the 
society, the building was removed to a farm. 

*In addition to these churches, the United Brethren have one on the Lake 
Pleasant road, just above the head of the lake, on the line between Greene and 
Venango, the congregation of which was organized in 1871, by Rev. John A. 
Thomas. The building was erected in 1872, at a cost of $1,300. 

Six Mile Creek, about a mile north of Wales, consists of two or more saw 
mills and a few houses. There has been a post office at this point for several 
years. In the northwest part of the towns bip is an old United Brethren so- 
ciety, which has been meeting for twenty-two or twenty-three years at the resi- 
dence of David Ripley, Sr. Formerly it held services in the Lawrence School - 
house. The class forms a part of Harbor Creek Circuit. 

PUBLIC MEN. 

The public officers furnished by Greene Township are Capt. Thomas 
Wilkins, Collector of the Port of Erie from 1861 to 1869; Jonas Gunnison, a 
prominent Erie attorney and a member of the Assembly in 1859; Rodney Cole, 
County Commissioner from 1851 to 1854; William B. Weed, from 1867 to 
1870, and Albert B. Gunnison, from 1875 to 1881; Ora P. Gunnison, Deputy 
Sheriff for a few months; Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue for a long 
term; Acting Collector of Internal Revenue from October 8 to November 8, 
1875; Mercantile Appraiser in 1879, and Clerk to the County Commissioners, 
from 1881 to 1883; Horace L. Pinney, Jury Commissioner from 1870 to 1873; 
E. O. Pinney, Trustee of Erie Academy from 1875 to 1878, and William E. 
Hayes, County Auditor from 1874 to 1880. Rev. Martin Hayes, for forty years 
a prominent minister of the Presbyterian denomination, and C. A. Hayes, a 
lawyer in Chicago, are natives of Greene. 

SCHOOLS. 

According to William B. Weed, in 1825 no schools were held in what is 
How Greene Township. Soon after 1825, however, a schoolhouse was built on 
Lot 184, in the east part of the township. A second was erected about two 
miles farther south, and a third was built un the farm of William B. Weed. 
One of the first teachers was Mrs. Brace. She was a pioneer woman of the 
township, hailing from Connecticut. Below is a list of the school buildings: 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 793 

Kuhl, on Kuhl Hill; Drown, on Wattsburg road, near Hosea Drown's; Bogus 
Corners; New, at John Evans, near Wales; Weed, on Lake Pleasant road, 
near Weed's Corners; Lawrence (the voting place), on Lake Pleasant road, near 
the center; West Greene; and Brown near LeBoeuf Creek, in the southwest. 
Pleasant Independent District, embracing parts of Greene, Summit and Mill 
Creek, has a building on the Lake Pleasant road, in the Pinney and Hayes 
neighborhood. Lake Pleasant Independent District takes in the southwest 
part of Greene and adjacent corners of Amity, Waterford and Venango. 



CHAPTER XV. 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP AND BOKOUGH OF EDINBOKO. 

IN the organization of Erie County, the territory now embraced in Washing- 
ton Township, together with portions of Waterford and Franklin since 
taken off, was given the title of Conneauttee, after its lake and principal 
streams. The name was changed to Washington in 1834, to correct 'the in- 
convenience caused by two very similar township names in the same county. 
In 1844, a large slice was cut out of the west side in the formation of Frank- 
lin Township, and another reduction was made at a later period by taking a 
piece from the northeast corner and adding it to Waterford. The original 
jurisdiction covered 31,360 acres, but the township limits have been reduced 
to 27,473 acres, with a width from north to south of six and three-fifths miles, 
and a length from east to west of eight and a half in the widest part. The 
township is bounded on the noi'th by McKean, Waterford and Franklin, on 
the east by Waterford and LeBoeuf, on the south by Venango, Cussewago and 
Cambridge Townships, Crawford County, and on the west by Elk Creek and 
Franklin. It contains three small villages — McLane, McLallen's Corners and 
Draketown — all of which have post offices except the last named. The popu- 
lation of the township was 438 in 1820, 743 in 1830, 1,551 in 1840, 1,706 in 
1850, 1,943 in 1860, 2,744 in 1870, and 1,880 in 1880. The assessment of 
1880 gave the following results: Value of real estate, $734,836; number of 
horses, 473; of cows, 1,133; of oxen, 50; value of the same, $46,763; money 
at interest, $48,731. 

FIRST SETTLEES. 

In the year 1796 — the whole of Erie County being at the time an unbroken 
wilderness, excepting trifling settlements at Erie, Waterford, North East, 
McKean, Harbor Creek, Fairview and Mill Creek — Alex. Hamilton and Will- 
iam Culbertson, both of Williamsport, Lycoming Co., Penn., visited the site 
of Edinboro and selected lands with the design of establishing a colony. 
They returned to their home in the fall and spent the winter along the West 
Branch of the Susquehanna enlisting settlers. In the spring of 1797, they 
came back, and were soon followed by Job Eeeder, Samuel Galloway, Simeon 
Dunn, John and James Campbell, Mathias Sipps, John McWilliams, Phineas 
McLenathan, Matthew Hamilton, James, John, Andrew and Samuel Culbert- 
son, Mrs. Jane Campbell (a widow), two of her sons and daughter Hannah, 
and the wives of Alex. Hamilton and William Culbertson. Other parties ar- 
rived later in the season, making about fifty colonists during the year 1797. 



794 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The Widow Campbell retraced her way to the Susquehanna in the fall, and re- 
turned the next spring, bringing her other three children. She and her 
family took up over 1,000 acres, embracing the properties now owned by John, 
Samuel and Moses Reeder, Elias Mc Williams, P. Crane and R. B. McLaugh- 
rey. building several cabins so as to hold the land. James Culbertson located 
on the Hardman farm; John on the Lick, Webster and Giles places; Samuel 
on the old Perry farm, and William on the old Kinter farm. The latter soon 
changed to the tract now covered by Edinboro, and proved himself to be the 
most enterprising man of the party. He built the lii-st house in Edinboro and 
the tirst grist mill and saw mill on Conneauttee Creek; was Justice of the 
Peace for forty years. Mr. Culbertson's earliest residence was on the site of 
F. C. Vnnk's house, from which he moved to a building on the site of R. C. 
McLaughrey'n store. 

Alexander Hamilton took up 600 acres, including what is now the Martin 
Pratt farm; Phineas McLenathan settled on the west side of the lake, where 
his grandson John lives; and Mathias Sipps near the Waterford road, not far 
from the center of the township. Following are as nearly as can be ascertained 
the years in which other pioneers settled in the township: In 1798, Peter 
Kline; ISOO, James Graham; 1802, Daniel Sherod; 1805, John Tanner and 
Davis Pifer; 1814, Simeon Meacham; 1816, Judah Welis; 1817 or 1818, Rob- 
ert McLallen, James Port and Nathaniel Etheridge; 1819, Isaac Taylor; 1819 
or 1820, Nathaniel Gardner; 1825 or 1826, Jesse Lewis; 1827, Henry R. 
Terry; 1828, Jacob Lefevre; 1832, Sherman Greenfield and L. B. Goodell; 
1833, George Sweet, Evi Twichell and Willard Wellman; 1834, J. J. Comp- 
ton, Benjamin White, Jesse Tarbell, Wanton Slocum, the Hawkinses and M. M. 
McLaughrey; 1835, John White, the Proudtits and the Potters; 1836, the 
Shieldses. Mr. Sweet was from Cayuga County, N. Y., and Mr. Compton 
from Delaware County, N. Y. Dr. J. C. Wilson made his location in 
1856, coming from Bucks County, Penn. Among the early settlers in the 
Little Conneauttee Valley were Zopher Davis and John Sherwood, both of 
whom located in 1819; Walter Palmer, Henry Drake, Russell Stancliff, Ralph 
D. Phelps and Theo. Phelps. Jacob LeFevre was the second Justice of 
the Peace, receiving his appointment from Gov. Wolf in 1832, and serving till 
1840. The first marriage was that of Job Reeder to Nancy Campbell, March 
1, 1800; the tirst death that of Mrs. William Culbertson in 1804. Jane Cul- 
bertson was the tirst female child, born in 1799, and John Augustus Culbertson 
the tirst male child, born in 1800, though thir^was disputed by William Board- 
man, of Union City, who claimed to have tirst seen the light in the Little Con- 
neauttee Valley in 1796. 

There vvas no road in the county nearer than Waterford, and a dense wilder- 
ness extended on both sides from the Allegheny River to the far West, so the 
early settlers had to travel to Waterford on foot or horseback for their supplies. 



The leading highways of Washington Township are the Erie & Edinboro 
Plank Road, with its extension to Meadville, by way of Venango; the plank 
road from Waterford to Drake's Mills, Crawford County; the oJd Waterford 
road, the road from Cranesville to W^aterford, the State road from Lockport 
through McLane to Waterford, and the SheiTod Hill road from Edinboro to 
Cussewago. The old Waterford road was established about 1802. The Erie 
& Edinboro Plank Road Company was formed in 1850, with Judge John Gal- 
braith as President; and in the same year the Edinboro & Meadville Company 
was organized, with Judge Gaylord Church as President. Both roads were 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 795 

completed in 1852, and simultaneously abandoned about 1868 or 1869. The 
plank road from Waterford to Drake's Mills, built about the same period, was 
allowed to fall into the hands of the township authorities when the others 
were abandoned. 

There is no railroad in the township, and the nearest railroad station is at 
Cambridge, in Crawford County, where most of the freight to and from Edin- 
boro is received and shipped. 

STREAMS, LAKE AND LANDS. 

Few townships in the county are better watered than Washington is by Con- 
neauttee and Little Conneauttee Creeks and their branches. The East Branch 
of Conneauttee Creek rises near McLane, and the West Branch in a cran- 
berry marsh in Franklin Township, about two miles from the Washington line. 
After coursing through the western and central portions of Washington Town- 
ship from the north, they unite their waters at the head of Conneauttee Lake. 
Flowing through the lake, the stream continues some eight miles further 
to a point near Cambridge, where it joins French Creek, after a total length 
of about fifteen miles. Pratt Creek unites with the East Branch about a mile 
north of the lake, and Herbert Creek runs into the main stream two miles 
below the outlet. The Little Conneauttee rises in McKean, perhaps a mile 
north of the township line, runs across the eastern portion in a southerly 
course, and empties into the Big Conneauttee a short distance above its mouth, 
having a length about equal to its more prominent namesake. Besides the 
above mentioned streams, the north part of the township contains the head- 
waters of the South Branch of Elk Creek, which joins the main stream at 
Middleboro. Lake Conneauttee was originally about three- fourths of a mile 
long by half a mile wide, but was somewhat enlarged by the construction of 
the dam for Culbertson's mill across the outlet. 

The lands of Washington Township will average as well as any of the 
southern districts of the county. There are no abrupt hills or precipitous 
gullies, and nearly t he whole face of the country is susceptible of cultivation. 
A broad, fertile valley extends from the McKean line across the entire town- 
ship, along Big Conneauttee Creek, and the valley of the Little Conneauttee, 
though narrower, is equally productive. Both valleys are good grain land, 
but that of the Big Conneauttee is marred by swamps, which are difficult of 
drainage. A high chestnut ridge, rising gradually from the valleys, lies be- 
tween the two streams, which produces grain, but is best for dairying. There 
is another ridge on the west side of the township, extending from Franklin to 
the Crawford line, which is the exact counterpart of its eastern neighbor. The 
price of land is from $25 to $50 an acre, averaging perhaps $30. 

VILLAGES AND CHURCHES. 

The village of McLane lies upon the Erie & Edinboro Plank Eoad, at the 
crossing of the State road, on the summit between the head- waters of Big Con- 
neauttee Creek and the South Branch of Elk Creek, fourteen miles south of the 
city and four miles north of Edinboro. It consists of a Methodist and Baptist 
Church (both frame), two stores, one blacksmith, wagon and carriage shop, 
one shoe shop, a schoolhouse, and about a dozen houses. The name was 
changed from Compton's Corners to McLane, in honor of Gen. John W. Mc- 
Lane, the gallant first Colonel of the Eighty- third Regiment. There is a 
union cemetery at the village, and a private race course a little south. 

The McKean Baptist congregation at McLane, until the erection of their 
church edifice, held services in McKean Township. James Steadman, Jr., and 



796 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

James Steadman, 3d, Margaret Steadman, Sarah Thompson, Zera Crouch, 
William Crouch and Phidina Crouch met at the house of Martin Stancliff De- 
cember 7, 1838, to consider the propriety d organizing a Baptist Church, and 
on the following Saturday Elders McCumber, Alford and R. Cheney were ap- 
pointed a council for that purpose. The congregation met at the South Hill 
and Branchville Schoolhouses until 1866, when the present church building at 
McLane was erected. It cost about $2,000, and was dedicated January 23, 
1867. Eev. Phelps' pastorate closed in 1882, and at present there is no regu- 
lar minister in charge. 

The Methodist Episcopal society at McLane was organized in 1863, with 
six members, by Rev. L. D. Bi-ooks, its first pastor. The church building was 
erected in 1867, at an expense of $1,800. The membership is now about 
thirty. The society is attached to McKean Circuit. 

The village of McLallen's Corners is on the Little Conneauttee. at the 
crossing of the Waterford & Drake's Mills Plank Road by a road leading to 
Pollock's bridge in Le Boeuf Township. It embraces a Christian Church, a 
cheese factory, a schoolhouse, a store, a blacksmith shop and several houses. 
One of the oldest residents of McLallen's Corners was Abel Trow, who died in 
1881 at the age of ninety. The Christian Church was organized in the spring 
of 1828 with six members by Rev. Simeon Bishop. Services were held in the 
schoolhouse for twenty years; during the pastorate of Rev. Asahel Fish, 
who had charge of the congregation for about sixteen years, a church was 
erected, which has now been in use for thirty-five years. Succeeding Rev. 
Fish, the pastors have been Rev. William Bullock, Elders Jesse E. Church, 
Gardner Dean, G. W. Sherman, Stephen Washburn, Aaron Cornish, J. 8. 
Johnson, G. W. Sweet, Philip Zeigler, J. H. Carr, A. M. Letts and Joseph 
Weeks, who now serves this charge. Rev. Eli Halliday came in 1857. The 
present membership is about 100. 

Draketown, on the Little Conneauttee Creek, about two-thirds of a mile 
south of the State road, is nothing more than a thickly settled farm region. 
Besides a few houses, there is a Christian Church, a schoolhouse, a store and 
a blacksmith shop. The Christian Church was organized in January, 1877, 
by Elder G. W. Sweet, who is still its pastor. The church building, a neat 
frame, had been erected the previous summer. The membership of the con- 
gregation is about seventy. 

There is a Methodist building at Ash's Corners, north of Draketown, and 
another of the same denomination at Sherrod Hill, in the southwestern part of 
the township. The building at Ash's Corners was erected in 1867, at a cost of 
$1,600. An old society had previously existed in this locality and met for 
worship in the Draketown Schoolhouse. the one at Phelps' Corners, one mile 
east of the present edifice, and the Ash Schoolhouse. The charge is a portion 
of Waterford Circuit, which besides this and Waterford appointments has a 
class at Sharp's Schoolhouse. The membership of the Ash congregation is 
small. Rev. John Graham was first pastor in charge after the new building 
was erected. 

The Methodist Episcopal congregation at Sherrod Hill, several miles west 
of Edinboro, is in a prosperous condition and owns a substantial frame build- 
ing. It is attached to the Edinboro Circuit. 

The cemetery at Edinboro is the common burial ground for town and town- 
ship, but there are a number of graveyards scattered about the country. The 
most prominent are those at McLane and Draketown. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school in the township was taught by William Buckley on the 





^z^i^- ^ ^ 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 799 

west side of the ConDeaiittee Creek in what was known as the old Plank 
Schoolhouse. This building was also used for religious services. About 1819, 
Miss Barna Crosette taught a school in a room in Isaac Taylor's cabin about 
one and a half miles southeast of Edinboro. Soon after, a log schoolhouse 
was built on the east line of Mr. Taylor's farm, and besides the Taylor chil- 
dren, the families of Philip Kinter, of Joseph Walker and of John Tanner 
and others received instruction. Miss Crosette, who afterward married Samuel 
Perry, and resided near Edinboro, taught also in this log schoolhouse durino- a 
summer term or two. Horace Powers, from Massachusetts, was the first to hold 
sway here during the winter. He died many years after near Edinboro, aged 
seventy-six. The first schools were held in the southeast portion of the town- 
ship. The northern part was later settled and held its first schools in the 
cabins of its pioneers. A large schoolhouse stood in Edinboro in 1821, and 
had been erected years previous. It was used for both educational and relig- 
ious purposes. Hiram Powers gave instruction here as early as 1821. Probably 
a year later, Matthew Simpson presided at the teacher's desk. Amos Bailey, a 
New Yorker, taught the next winter, and soon after took his departure from the 
neighborhood. Capt. Samuel Beede, who hailed from New Hampshire, and 
dwelt at Compton's Corners, was the pedagogue about 1824 and 1825, and was 
followed by John Hodges, who died recently at the advanced age of over 
nin^ety years at his residence about eight miles east of Edinboro. Mr. Fuller- 
ton was also an early teacher at Edinboro. A schoolhouse was built in early 
times on the Perry farm, about a mile east of Edinboro. Following is a list of 
the school buildings and their locations: Greene, on the Greene road, in the 
southwest; Sherrod, on Sherrod Hill road, near the west line; White, on same 
road, two and a half miles from Edinboro: Gibson, on Gibson Hill road, a 
mile and a half from Edinboro; Wellman, on Greene road, a mile and three- 
fourths from Edinboro; Swift, at the Wellman cheese factory; Gillaspie, at 
junction of Erie plank and Crane roads; McLane, in the village of that name; 
Ash, at Ash's Corners; Macon, on road from Crane road to the State road; 
Draketown, in that village; Gleeton, on the Waterford road, two miles east of 
Edinboro; James McLallen, on the same road, half way between Edinboro 
and Waterford; McLallen's Corners, in that village; Cummings, on the Wa- 
terford plank, at the crossing of the Kinter Hill road; Kinter, on the Kinter 
Hill road, two miles southwest from Edinboro — making sixteen in all. Besides 
the above, the township is interested in three union schools, viz. : One in 
Franklin Township, near the west line; and two in Cussewago Township, 
Crawford County, near the south line. 

FACTORIES AND MILLS. 

The factories and mills of Washington Township are as follows: Wait & 
Ensign's steam saw mill and shingle and lath factory, north of McLane; Well- 
man's cheese factory, steam saw mill, shingle and lath factory, on the Crane 
road, about two and a half mihis northwest of Edinboro; St. John's tannery, 
in the Conneauttee Valley; a cheese factory and cider mill, near McLallen's 
Corners; M. G. Gardner's steam saw mill, on the Little Conneauttee, near 
Draketown; Edwin Beach's saw mill, on the same stream, below McLellan's 
Corners; Jesse Lewis' carding and fulling mill, and J. F. Wade & Bros.' saw 
mill and shingle and lath factory, on the Conneauttee, about three-fourths of 
a mile south of Edinboro; J. F. Wade & Bros.' planing mill, sash and door 
factory, on the same stream, a short distance below; I. R. Reeder's saw mill, 
on the same stream, still lower down; N. White's factory, on the Kinter road 
and Giles Run; Anderson's cider and jelly mill, one and a half miles west of 
Edinboro. 



800 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



BOROUGH OF EDINBORO. 

The borough of Edinboro was incorporated by act of the Legislature in 
1840, and includes some 500 acres of high, gravelly land at the foot of Lake 
Conneavittee, twenty miles south of Erie, seven miles north of the New York, 
Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad at Cambridge, and two miles north of the Craw- 
ford County line. The valley of the Conneauttee is about a mile wide at this 
point, and the country around the borough is one of the finest sections of Erie 
CouDty. The corporate limits, which cover a portion of the lake, are about a 
mile from north to south, and about two-thirds of a mile from east to west. 
The population was 232 in 1840, 368 in 1850, 474 in 1860, 801 in 1870, and 
876 in 1880. The first officers were: Burgess, William Kellison; Council, 
James Stancliff, L. B. Goodell, Abel Whitney, Daniel Shryock, Simeon Mea- 
chem; Assessor, Abel Whitney; Collector, Cornelius Graham. By the assess- 
ment of 1880, the valuation of the borough was as follows: Real estate, $193,- 
422; number of horses, 81; of cows, 49; value of the same. 85,510; value of 
trades and occupations, $16,450; money at interest, $48,225. 

The third grist mill in Erie County — one each having been previously built 
at Union and Walnut Creek — was erected on the outlet of Lake Conneauttee, 
very nearly on the site of the present mill, in 1801, by William Culbertson, 
one of the first settlers, who added a saw mill in 1802. The property fell into 
the hands of Isaac R. Taylor and James Reeder some thirty years ago, who 
built new mills, which are among the most extensive in the county. The estab- 
lishment of the mills may be said to have laid the foundation of the town. 
By degrees quite a number of houses sprung up around them, and Mr. Cul- 
bertson finally concluded to survey the site into lots, to which he gave the 
name of Edinboro. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

Edinboro has four churches, two hotels, one bank, six doctors, one lawyer, 
one normal school, several halls, societies of the Masons and United Workmen, 
and a variety of manufactories. Of the latter, the principal are J. T. Reeder 
& Co.'s grist mill; M. Phelps' cheese factory, established in 1868; Taylor & 
Reeder' s pump factory and planing mill. The village also contains three dry 
goods stores, five groceries, two drug stores, two hardware stores, two furniture 
stores, one clothing store, one jewelry store, three boot and shoe stores, three mil- 
linery stores, one saloon, two livery stables, four blacksmith shops, one carriage 
shop, one wagon shop, two harness shops, one tailor shop and one cooper shop. 
The buildings of the borough are of wood, with the exception of Isaac R.Taylor's 
fine residence, and Normal Hall, which are balloon frame brick structures, and 
Dr. Hotchkiss' brick residence. Town lots range in value from $125 to $500, 
averaging probably $300. The hotels of Edinboro are the Robinson House 
and the Cutler House. The first named was built in 1843, on the site of one 
that burned down, and was run by A. Robinson from 1852 to 1883, when he 
sold it to W. Bennett. The Cutler House is of recent date. 

The cemetery of the borough, in a pretty location, on a knoll near the foot 
of the lake, and overlooking its whole extent, embraces three acres, the gift of 
AVilliam Culbertson for the purpose. It has been in use perhaps seventy years. 

CHURCHES. 

The religious societies of Edinboro are Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, 

Close Communion Baptist and Advent, all of which have neat frame buildings. 

The Presbyterian Church of Edinboro was organized in 1829 by Revs. 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 801' 

Samuel Tait and Pierce Chamberlain. A Presbyterian congrecration had 
been organized here prior to 1819 by Rev. Mathews. From about 1821 to 1824, 
Eev. Bradford Marcy, of Venango Township, Crawford County, preached at 
Edinboro once in four weeks. Rev. Chamberlain, after the organization, sup- 
plied the church for several years. He resided at Rockville, Crawford County. 
Rev. Jared Spicer was probably the first resident minister. He came about 
1837, and remained only a year. During his pastorate, the congregation sep- 
arated into New School and Old School branches. The former employed Rev. 
James F. Reed at first; he remained seven years, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Ottinger for one year; Rev. E. W. Beebe followed, and remained many years. 
The Old School division secured the services successively of Alexander Cun- 
nino-ham and J. W. Dickey. In 1865, the two branches re-united, and were 
served twelve years by Rev. William Grasse. Rev. Bush was pastor from 
1878 to 1880, when Rev. R. G. Williams, the present minister, took charge. 
In 1886, the congregation erected the first church in the village. In 1854, the 
New School branch erected a new house, and the year following the Old School 
branch also constructed a new church, which in 1871 was sold to the Baptist 

Church. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Edinboro was organized about lo'zy, 
prior to which date, however, Methodist preaching had been held in the vitdn- 
ity by Rev. Russell Stauclifi" and others. Revs. Job Wilson, Mack Callender and 
Butt'Barris were among the first ministers. The second church in the village 
was built by the Methodists in 1838, and now constitutes the Town House. 
The present building was erected in 1863. 

The Edinboro, formerly Washington, Regular Baptist Church was organ- 
ized, it is thought, about 1838. Rev. E. C. Rogers was minister in charge 
about twenty-five years. He was succeeded in 1874 by Rev. H. H. Phelps, 
•who preached to the congregation for five years. Revs. Norman Thomas and 
J. R. Pendell each maintained the pastoral relation for about a year. In 
April, 1882, Rev. Phelps was recalled, and now supplies the congregation, 
which is small. Services were held in the schoolhouse until 1871, when the 
society purchased the Old School Presbyterian Church. 

The Advent Christian Church of God was organized at Edinboro in 1863, 
with about thirty members, by Rev. H. L. Hastings, of Boston, IVIass. 
Services had been held irregularly for twenty or more years previoubly by 
members of this faith who resided here. Rev. J. D. Brown was the first pastor. 
He came in the autumn of 1864 and remained six years. After a vacancy of 
four or five years. Rev. G. W. Stetson became pastor, and continued m charge 
for seven years. A vacancy now exists in the pulpit. The membership is 
about eighty. The church edifice was erected in 1864 at a cost of $1,200. 

SECRET SOCIETIES, NEWSPAPERS AND POST OFFICES. 

The charter for Oasis Lodge, No. 417, F. & A. M., was granted March 4, 
1868, and in the following autumn the lodge was organized with the follow- 
ing eight charter members: John W. Goodell, Charles Buruham, Martin Cor- 
nell, Job Taylor, A. J. Proudfit, George Proud, H. D. Rogers and C. C. Roberts. 
The present membership is about fifty. The lodge owns the third floor of the 
Stanford building, which constitutes their hall. It was dedicated October 12, 
1875 

Edinboro Lodge, No. 80, A. O. U. W., was chartered September 10, 1877. 
Its first officers were: W. B. Skelton, P. M. W.; William B. Green, M. W. ■ 
T. H. Goodrich, G. F.; W. W. McWilliams, O. ; O. H. Durham, Recorder 
William P. Burchfield, Financier; E. H. Austin, Receiver; M. V. Cornell, G. 
D. Burrows, I. W.; N. T. McLallen, O. W. 



802 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

In 1855, Edinboro boasted of three newspapers — the Native American, a 
monthly, and the Oem and Museum, weeklies, of which latter Mr. Lewis was 
editor. The Native American and Gem died natural deaths in 1856, and the 
Museum was moved to Waterford, where it led a struggling existence for sev- 
eral years under the name of the Enquirer. Henry Lick established the Ex- 
press in 1859, which lived until December 29, 1860, when the material was 
sold to Mr. Clute, and used in establishing a journal at Three Rivers, Mich. 
The Edinboro Independent was started in February, 1880, by the Cobb broth- 
ers. They sold the paper December 1, 1881, to James T. Armstrong, Rev. 
J. R. Pendell became editor and proprietor in the spring of 1884. 

The post route to Erie and the post office at Edinboro were established in 
1837. Dr. Stranahan was the tirst postmaster. 

STATE AND COUNTY OFFICEES. 

The following is a list of the public officers furnished by Edinboro and 
Washington Townships: Auditors, Russell Stancliff, 1834 to 1837; James H. 
Campbell, 1845 to 1848; Samuel Reeder, 1851 to 1853; John W. Campbell, 
1856 to 1859. Commissioners, Russell Stancliff, 1840 to 1843; William 
Campbell, 1846 to 1849; Josiah J. Compton, 1855 to 1858. Treasurer, Mor- 
timer Phelps, 1855 to 1857. Prothonotarv, C. P. Rogers, 1866 to 1869. 
Assemblymen, John W. Campbell, 1859; E.'C. Twichell, 1862-63; Chauncey 
P. Rogers, 1872; E. H. Wilcox, 1873-74;. Sealer of Weights and Measures, 
William P. Buttertield, 1883. 

THE NORMAL SCHOOL. 

The most conspicuous institution in Edinboro, and the one which has con- 
tributed most to its advancement, is the Normal School. This prosperous seat 
of learning grew out of an academy which was opened in 1855. The Normal 
School was built by subscription in 1856, was erected at a cost of |3,200, and 
was used as an academy in 1857-59. Prof. J. R. Merriman and Prof. Sears 
were engaged as instructors. Owing to the large attendance of scholars, 
two additional buildings, now known as the Assembly Hall and the Ladies' 
Boarding Hall respectively, were erected in 1858, at an outlay of $11,000, 
also raised by subscription. The State Superintendent, Dr. Hickok, on ex- 
amining the school, pronounced the accommodation insufficient to justify him 
in accepting it as a State Normal School. During the winter of 1859-60, 
$10,000 were raised by subscription, and in 1860 a fourth building was 
erected, now known as the Gentlemen's Boardiug Hall. On January 26, 
1861, the institution was formally recognized by the State Sviperintendent as 
a State Normal School. The buildings connected with the school are as fol- 
lows: Literary Hall, the original academy, built in 1857, and rebuilt in 1880; 
Dormitory, built in 1858; Library, built in 1858, rebuilt in 1880; Normal 
Hall, built in 1875; Dormitory, built in 1860; Music Hall, built in 1878; 
Recitation Building, built in 1880. Normal Hall and the Recitation building 
are brick clad, all the other edifices are wholly of frame. They stand on a 
tract of twelve acres, on the southeast edge of the borough, which has been 
planted with trees and laid 'Out with walks. The Normal School has a good 
scientific apparatus, and the best collection of apparatus for teaching common 
schools in the State. It owns a library of 4,500 volumes. The teachers num- 
ber twelve in the Normal department, and four in the Model School. Prof. 
Cooper, Principal, came to the school in 1861 as an assistant, and was pro- 
moted to the general charge in 1863. 



CONCORD TOWNSHIP. 803 



CHAPTER XVI. 

CONCORD TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF ELGIN. 

UP to the year 1821, all of Erie County from the eastern boundary of 
Union and Amity to the Warren County line was known as Broken- 
straw Township. In that year, the name was changed from Broken- 
straw to Concord. This continued until 1826, when the township was 
divided, the northern portion receiving the name of Wayne and the south- 
ern retaining the old title. The three names, Union, Amity and Concord 
were all suggested by William Miles. In the act of April 11, 1807, Broken- 
straw and Union were constituted one election district, to be known as 
No. 10, and the house of John Taylor was designated as the election 
place. This relation continued until 1821, when each township became a sep- 
arate election district. As constituted in 1826, Concord contained 25,590 
acres, but its size has been reduced to 19,624 by the taking off of a slice for 
Corry Borough in 1863; of another in 1866, when that place was incorporated 
as a city, and of a third by the creation of Elgin Borough in 1876. Concord is 
the extreme southeastern township of the county. It is bounded on the north by 
Wayne and Corry; on the west by Warren County; on the south by Craw- 
ford County; and on the east by Union. The assessment of 1873 gave the 
following results: Value of real estate, $467,119; number of cows, 582; of 
oxen, 86; of horses and mules, 278; value of same, $30,587; value of trades 
and occupations, $2,075; money at interest, $26,365. The only settlement 
within the township that can lay any claim to be styled a village, since Elgin 
was made a borough, is the small collection of buildings at Lovell's Station, 
which is also the sole post office. The population of Concord was 83 in 1820, 
225 in 1830, 652 in 1840, 882 in 1850, 1,255 in 1860, 1,112 in 1870, and 1,171 
in 1880. 

COUNTY OFFICERS. 

The only county officers Concord has been favored with have been Simeon 
Stewart, County Commissioner from 1849 to 1852, and David Nash and Will- 
iam H. Belknap, County Auditors — the first from 1858 to 1861, and the second 
from 1860 to 1863. Mr. Stewart was the Commissioner under whose supervis- 
ion the present court house at Erie was planned and erected. While the town- 
ship has been treated so sparingly in the bestowal of official honors, it has 
evened the matter up, in a certain sense, by turning out more attorneys than 
any other in the county. Its representatives in the legal profession are A. W^. 
Covell, of Erie; H. W. Blakeslee, late of Erie, but now of Bradford; H. A. 
Baker, C. L. Baker, C. G. Olmstead and C. L. Covell, of Corry; and F. G. 
McClintock, of Union. In medicine it claims Frederick Beebe, of Findley's 
Lake, and Cisco Stewart, of Iowa; and in the editorial fraternity it is repre- 
sented by F. S. Heath and D. M. Colegrove, of Corry. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first settlers in Concord were William Miles and his brother-in-law, 
William Cook, who came from the Susquehanna Valley with their families in 
June, 1795. They first located on what is now called the Wilber Webb farm. 



804 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

just north of the Crawford County line, and secondly a short distance south 
of the line in Sparta Township. Mr. Miles moved to Union in 1800, and Mr. 
Cook the year after. No other permanent settlements were made until 1800, 
when James and Robert McCray. natives of Ireland, took up homes for them- 
selves in the township, and Joseph Hall, a Virginian, who had gone to Beaver 
Dam in 1797, moved over to the present site of Elgin Borough. From that 
date, no evidence exists of any additions to the colony until 1822 or 1823, 
about which time a brisk emigration set in from New York. Among the first 
of this class of settlers was Elder Jeduthan Gray, a Baptist minister, who, 
with a family of grown-up children, located on or near the William Gray 
place. The section was long known as the Gray settlement, and a post ofSce 
by that title was kept up for a number of years. Deacon Graves went in at 
the same time or shortly after, and was followed within the period between 
1825 and 1835, by Ezekial Lewis, Jesse and Heman Heath, Simeon Stewart, 
William Bugbee, Abner Lilly, John B. Chase, James Crowelj, Eussell Dar- 
row, Hiram Cook, Paul Hammond, Stephen Hollis, Buckingham Beebpi, Elijah 
Pond, Oliver D. Pier and others. G. J. Stranahan, founder of the well-known 
family of that name, settled in Concord in 1836, having formerly resided in 
Herkimer County, N. Y. His sons, John D. and P. G. Stranahan, moved to 
Le Boeuf, the former in 1849 and the latter in 1850, from which place, P. G. 
changed to Union in 1859. Oliver D. Pier, one of the pioneers of the town- 
ship who is still living, though totally blind, was, in his day, a famous hunter. 
With a single gun, he claims to have killed 1,322 deer, besides a number of 
wolves, bears and other wild animals. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

Concord is in general a hilly township, but contains very little waste 
land. Bordering French Creek, there is a good valley, ranging from eighty 
rods to half a mile in width, south of Corry, and spreading out to one and two 
miles between that city and Union. The soil of the valley is much better 
than that of the high ground, but the farmers are more troubled by the frosts. 
Corn and oats are produced in all parts of the township, and most of the farm- 
ers raise their own wheat. The great industry, however, is dairying, for 
which the country is better calculated than for grain. All kinds of fniits are 
raised, except peaches. The value of land varies from $25 to $80 per acre, 
according to its situation and quality. The loftiest elevation is on the Darius 
Walton place, where a view is afforded into two States and four counties. 

THE STREAMS. 

The chief stream is the South Branch of French Creek, which rises on the 
James Bell farm, in the southeast, runs to the western edge of Corry, then 
turns abruptly to the west, flows in a westerly direction across the northern 
part of the township into Union, and joins the main stream a few rods below 
the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad bridge in Le Boeuf. It has a course of fully 
fifteen miles in the township, and a total length of about thirty miles. Its 
valley forms the route of no less than three railroads, the Oil Creek, P. & E., 
and N. Y., P. & O. The tributaries of the South Branch in Concord Town- 
ship are Scotch Run, Slaughter Run, Spencer Run, Baskin Run, Spring Brook, 
Lilly Run and Beaver Dam Run. Scotch Run rises on the J. Aiken place, 
and unites in the public highway, at the foot of Stewart Hill, on the W. W. 
Covell place, having a length of over two miles. Spring Brook is made by a 
number of large springs on the line of Concord and Wayne, and falls into the 
South Branch on the place of A. Palmer, after a course of perhaps a mile. 



CONCORD TOWNSHIP. 805 

The State Fish Hatching Pond, west of Corry, is at the source of this stream. 
The head of Lilly Run is on the J. D. Hammond place, and it terminates 
near Elgin, having a course of four miles. Beaver Dam Run takes its rise in 
the south part of Amity, flows through the southwestern corner of Wayne, 
and combines with the South Branch near Elgin Borough, through which it 
passes. Its length is not far from live miles. Slaughter, Spencer and Bas- 
kin Runs all come in from Wayne, between Elgin and Corry. In addition to 
these streams, the township is the starting place of several tributaries of 
Spring Creek and Oil Creek, which rise on the highlands and flow to the east 
and south. The head-waters of Oil Creek, French Creek and Spring Creek 
are all within a few rods of each other, near the summit of the Oil Creek 
Railroad, in the southeast. 

The township has only two bridges of any importance, both at Lovell's. 
They were built at a cost of S500 to «6U0. 

RAILROADS, COMMON ROADS, ETC. 

The N. Y., P. & O. and the P. & E. Railroads run through the northern 
section of the township from Corry to the Union line, following the valley of 
the South Branch. From Corry to Lovell's, the tracks run side by side, but at 
the latter place they diverge somewhat and continue at a short distance apart 
to Union. Below Union they separate entirely, the N. Y., P. & O. running to 
the west, and the P. & E. to the lake at Erie. The old Oil Creek Railroad, now 
the Buffalo, Titusville & Pittsburgh, follows the upper channel of French 
Creek from Corry to the Summit, crossing the township into Crawford County. 
This road has no station in Concord, and Lovell's is the only one on the other 
roads. Of the common roads, the main ones are the Meadville & Columbus 
— the first opened in the township — the Union & Corry, which passes through 
Elgin, the Elgin & Sparta, the Corry & Spring Creek, and the Corry & 
Titusville. Lovell's Station, on the N. Y., P. & O. and P. & E. roads, three 
miles west of Corry, and thirty- four east of Erie, consists of a few h(juses 
only. A water mill was started at this point by James Crowell at an early 
date, which ran down; a machine shop, a saw mill and a planing mill were 
built and destroyed by fire. The present saw mill was built by D. J. Crowell 
about 1879. Tlie village post office supplies a number of the people of Con- 
cord and Wayne. 

SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES 

The public schools of Concord are as follows, all the buildings being plain 
wooden structures: Fay, on Ox-bow Hill; Hemlock, near E. J. Ormsby's; 
McCray, near Lovell's Station; Stewart (1st), near E. A. Hammond's; Hays, 
near F. S. Heath's; Stewart (2d), near A. H. Bower's; Pine Wood, near E. 
Hatch's; Lewis, near Samuel Lewis; Mofi'at, near W. Young's; Chafi'ee, near 
Corry; Lindsley, near C. Pier's, and Cook, near the south line. The town- 
ship is also interested with Sparta Township, Crawford Coimty, in the Harbor 
School. Daniel Sackett, then of this township, was one of its first pedagogues. 
He taught, about 1823, in a log schoolhouse, the first in the township, which 
stood on the site of the present Cook School building. Andrew Aiken and 
Joseph Gray and wife afterward taught in this primitive schoolhouse. 

The church buildings are the Wesleyan and the Methodist Episcopal. The 
Wesleyan was built on the McCray place, about a mile south of Lovell's Sta- 
tion, about 1840. The class was organized several years before by Rev. John 
Broadhead, besides whom Revs. J. E. Carroll. Thomas Savage, Gr. M. Hardy 
and Rev. Dempsey have been prominent among the ministers. Rev. Thomas 



806 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Burrows, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now preaches to this congrega- 
tion, the membership of which is about fifty. 

The Methodist Episcopal building, also a frame, was dedicated in July, 
1879. soon after this society was formed. It stands near F. S. Heath's. The 
present membership is about thirty-five. The society is connected with Spar- 
tansburg Circuit. Rev. C. M. Coburn was the first minister, succeeded in 
1881 by J. B. Darling, and in 1883 by S. W. Douglass. 

A graveyard is attached to the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and the Stew- 
art burial place is on the farm of A. Bowers. Most of the interments take 
place in the cemetery at Corry. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The township is without a grist mill since the incorporation of Elgin 
Borough. The saw mills are "William Young's and David Crowell's. A cheese 
factory has been in operation for some years near Wilbur Webb's, almost on 
the Crawford line. Several wells have been put down for oil, but the precious 
fluid has never been discovered in a profitable quantity. Large quantities of 
hay are packed and shipped to the oil region. 



BOROUGH OF ELGIN. 
Elgin Borough was incorporated in the winter of 1876, with territory 
about a mile square taken out of the western part of Concord Township. A 
grist and saw mill were established by Joseph Hall, on Beaver Dam Run, at 
an early day, and as the settlement grew it became known as Hall Town. A 
grocery was started about 1856, but the village did not amount to much until 
the opening of the Philadelphia & Erie road, when its name was changed to 
Concord Station. The title was again altered when it was made a borough, 
and that of the post office was changed about the same time. Elgin consists 
of a Methodist Church, a schoolhouse. a barrel factory, a grist mill, a saw mill, 
two groceries, one general store, a hotel, one blacksmith shop, one wagon 
shop, one shoe shop and perhaps forty private residences. Its population in 
1880 was 154. Beaver Dam Run passes wholly through the town, and the 
South Branch of French Creek cuts through one corner. Elgin has the ad- 
vantage of two railroads, the N. Y., P. & O. and the P. & E. The borough 
possesses a neat cemetery. Elgin gets considerable of its trade from western 
Wayne and Concord. It is thirty-three miles east of Erie, six east of Union, and 
five west of Corry, by railroad in each case. A Christian or Disciple Church 
was erected at Elgin about 1868. largely through the efforts of Mrs. Yost, of 
Corry, and the contributions of the citizens of Elgin gen^-ally. A society of 
this denomination was shortly before formed at the village, and attained a 
membership of about sixty. Revs. Walker and Way were its first ministers. 
The membership soon decreased through removals, and in a few years the so- 
ciety ceased as an organization. A Methodist class was organized at the school- 
house one mile south of Elgin, in 1854 or 1855, by Rev. Josiah Flower, then 
of the Wattsburg Circuit, with S. D. Lewis as Class Leader. In 1858, it 
changed the place of meeting to the Elgin Schoolhouse, and there continued until 
two years after the Christian Church was built, in which the meetings have 
since been held. The society was a part of the Wattsburg Circuit until 1877, 
when it was attached to Spartansburg. The pastors have been J. W. Wilson, 
1877; C. M. Cobm-n, 1878, 1879 and 1880; J. B. Darling, 1881 and 1882; S. 
W^. Douglass, 1883. The membership of the Elgin congregation is fifty. 



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CITY OF CORRY. 809 



CHAPTER XVII 

CITY OF CORRY. 

ON almost the last page of Miss Sanford's history of Erie County, published 
in 1862, appears the following modest paragraph: "At Junction, in Con- 
cord Township, where the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad intersects the 
Philadelphia & Erie, quite a cluster of buildings has arisen in the woods 
within the last three months." Few persons at that date could have been made 
to believe that the humble backwoods settlement thus described would, in less 
than ten years, become a bustling city of nearly 7,000 inhabitants, the name 
of which would be as familiar to a large part of the business world as hun- 
dreds of places that had been in existence since the beginning of the century. 
Looking down upon Corry from the high hills which overshadow it, three val- 
leys are seen extending in as many separate directions, the (me to the west 
being that of the South Branch of French Creek, the one to the north that of 
Hare Creek, and the one to the east, which is the widest and most important, 
that of the Brokenstraw. The central portion of Corry is built on the 
summit land between these streams, but the residence and manufactur- 
ing sections have spread out east, north and west, until they reach into 
each of the valleys. The South Branch of French Creek almost touches the 
southwestern edge of the city, while the Brokenstraw is two or three miles 
beyond its eastern boundary. Bear Creek — so named from the number of 
those animals that gathered in the swamp on the northwestern verge of the 
city — flows through it from west to east, rising in Wayne Township, and emp- 
tying in Hare Creek. The latter stream, which cuts across the northeastern 
corner of the city, was named from Michael Hare, who was one of the pioneers 
of Wayne Township, and died at Waterford, at the most advanced age attained 
by any citizen of the county. It rises in French Creek Township, Chautau- 
qua County, N. Y., crosses Wayne Township, and joins the Brokenstraw in 
Columbus Township, Warren County, about three miles east of the city. 
Hare Creek was once navigable for rafts as far up as Corry. A smaller stream 
than any of the above rises on the high land, in the south part of the city, and, 
flowing through the depot grounds, enters Hare Creek on or near the north- 
eastern boundary. 

HOW THE CITY STARTED. 

Corry owes its origin and growth to the circumstance of its being adopted 
as the point of junction for the Philadelphia & Erie, the Atlantic & Great 
Western, the Oil Creek and the Cross Cut Railroads. The P. & E road (then 
Sunbury & Erie) was opened from Erie to this point in 1858, and to Warren 
in 1859. In June, 1861, the A. & G. W. (now the New York, Pennsylvania & 
Ohio) was completed from Jamestown to the junction, and the next year it was 
continued through to Ohio. The Oil Creek road, with a broad gauge track 
to correspond with the A. & G. W., reached Corry from Titusville in 1862, 
and the Cross-Cut road was built to Brocton in 1867. These twu roads have 
since been consolidated under the name of the Buffalo, Pittsburgh & Western. 
For awhile, in 1861, the little huddle of shanties that sprung up at the inter- 
section of the P. & E. and A. & G. W. roads was known as " Atlantic & Erie 

42 



810 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Junction." In October of that year, a piece of land was purchased by the A. 
& G. W. Raih-oad Company, from Hiram Corry or Cory, who owned the tract 
at the junction, and, in consideration of his liberal dealing, Mr. Hill, General 
Superintendent of the road, changed the name of the station to Corry. 

The first building was a small, wedge-shaped ticket office and eating house, 
directly in the angle between the P. & E. and A. & G. W. Railroads, on the 
east side. Beginning at this point, the settlement spread out during 1861 
a.'ong Main street, and to some extent along Cross street. There was little 
or no improved land in the immediate vicinity, and a good part of the tract 
since covered by the city was a swamp, covered with immense pine and hem- 
lock trees. A less promising location for a town than Corry was at that time, 
could not be conceived by the most lively imagination. 

RAPID GROWTH. 

Although the settlement grew with more than average rapidity in 1861, its 
era of amazing energy did not fairly commence till 1862. Samuel Downer, 
a wealthy Boston oil refiner, had conceived the shrewd notion that by erecting a 
refinery at some point, at or adjacent to the oil fields, and convenient for ship- 
ping, he would possess an immense advantage over his rivals, who had to carry 
the crude oil over hundreds of miles of railroad. With this end in view, W. 
H. L. Smith was sent from Boston in the summer of 1861, to prospect for a 
favorable site. His choice fell upon the junction, and he promptly purchased 
fifty acres from Mr. Corry, for what would now seem a " mere song." This 
tract he laid out in town lots, and it was cleared under the superintendence of 
Eugene Wright, of Boston. By fall, a frame building had been put up, as the 
office of the Downer Oil Company, a post office had been established, with C. 
S. Harris as first Postmaster,'and a small refinery, known as the " French- 
man's," had been put in operation, in the rear of the present Downer 
works. By this time the Oil Creek road was under contract, and it had 
dawned upon the minds of a good many people that Corry was destined 
to become a place of more than ordinary importance. The summer of 1862 
witnessed the opening of the Oil Creek road, the erection of the Downer & 
Kent Oil Works, several other factories, the Boston Hotel and Gilson House, 
and a large number of store buildings and residences. People from every 
section flocked in by the thousands, many of them men of uncommon dash 
and fertility of resource. Money was plenty and real estate sold readily. 
The founders of the town realized a fortune from the sale of lots, and several 
parties who owned land adjoining the plot were also made wealthy. From 
that period on to the panic of 1873, Corry continued to grow at a rate that 
encouraged its citizens to think that it would some day be a formidable com- 
petitor with Erie for the leading position in the Northwest. 

The town as laid out by Mr. Smith did not cover more than a third of its 
present dimensions. Since then, additions have been made which render the 
city lines about two and a half miles in width from east to west, and nearly 
three miles in length from north to south. The original owners of the land, 
besides Mr. Corry. were Amos Heath, H. D. Francis, Mr. Crandall, Anson 
Johnson, Hollis King, Lorenzo Dow and Mr. Dunham. In laying out the 
place, a portion was taken from both Wayne and Concord Townships, the 
straight portion of Smith street marking the old boundary between them. 
Those who are curious to know something of the history of these townships 
are referred to the sketches elsewhere. 

BOROUGH AND CITY. 

Corry was organized as a borough in 1863, and the first election was held 



CITY OF CORRY. 811 

on the 18th of August, of that year, a few less than 100 votes being cast. 
The first borough officers were the following: Burgess, S. A. Bennett; Treas- 
urer, H. N. Kansom; Clerk, S. A. Beavis; High Constable, E. W. E. Baker; 
Council, Eugene Wright, H. N. Ranson, F. H. Parkman, James Lewis and O. 
B. Vincent. A city charter was obtained in 1866, which took off an addition- 
al area from Concord Township and a strip about a mile wide by two and a 
quarter in length from \Yayne Township, making the "VVarren County line the 
eastern boundary of the corporation. Two wards were created by the charter, 
the dividing line being the track of the A. & G. W. Railroad. The first city 
election was held in the spring of 1866. The Mayors of the city with terms 
of service have been as follows: W. H. L. Smith 1866-67; S. A. Bennett, 
1867-68; R. H. Palmer, 1868-69; F. S. Barney, 1869-70; M. Crosby, 1870- 
72; F. A. Phillips, 1872-73; A. F. Kent, 1873-74; B. Ellsworth, 1874-75; 
T. A. Allen, 1875-79; F. Stanford, 1879-81; J. D. Bentley, 1881-82; T. A. 
Allen, 1882-88; Isaac Colegrove, 1883-84. 

The census of 1870 and 1880 showed the population to be as follows: 

1870 1880 

First Ward 3,559 3,758 

Second Ward 3,250 2,519 

Totals 6,809 5,277 

The following were the valuations of the two wards in 1883: 

First Ward. Second Ward. 

Real estate $500,740 $538,375 

Personal estate 5,841 11,115 

Trades and occupations 86,070 33,010 

Money at interest 16,200 34,642 

$558,851 $617,142 

Total $1,175,993 

THE CITY IN GENERAL. 

Those who only know Corry by what they see at the depot or by passing 
through in the cars have no proper conception of the place. Having sprung 
up in the woods, as if by magic, it has always labored under some disadvan- 
tages in appearance, which are not incident to old and regularly developed 
communities. It is only recently that the main streets were cleared from 
stumps, and the outside thoroughfares still contain frequent remnants of the 
forest. Yet it is wonderful how much has been done in the short space of 
twenty years to build up a snug and progressive city. Many tasty private res- 
idences have been erected, and some of tbe public buildings would be a credit 
to larger cities. The stores are generally large, well stocked and apparently 
Mberally patronized. A park of three acres has been laid out and planted with 
trees, which gives promise of being a real ornament. It is true that the side- 
walks are still principally of plank and that the streets remain unpaved, but 
improvement in these regards will come in due season. 

As a railroad center and shipping point, Corry has few equals and no su- 
periors among our inland cities. With three great railroads passing through, 
giving direct connection with the oil regions, the anthracite and bituminous- 
coal fields and the markets east, west, north and south, the city possesses rare 
advantages as a manufacturing point, and it is not surprising that enterprising 
men have availed themselves of the fact to a considerable extent. Freight 
trains go through every few minutes, and twenty-one passenger trains leave 
daily in the winter and twenty-five in the summer. As long as the railroad 
system exists, Corry must be an important distributing point and a leading 



812 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

center of business. Property is low compared with other places that are ad- 
vantageously situated, and choice sites are still to be had on reasonable terras. 
It is stated in the report of the Board of Trade for 1881 that every manufac- 
tory started in Corry has been "eminently successful." 

OIL WORKS. 

As mentioned before, it was to the establishment of the Downer Oil 
Works that the city owes its origin. The Downer Oil Works, located 
between Washington street and the railroads, were erected in 1862. The 
owners are the Downer Kerosene Oil Company of Boston, the members of 
the company having remained unchanged since the works were built. W. H. 
L. Smith was sent out from Boston as manager, which position he held until 
1868. C. A. Murdock succeeded, and, in 1872, T. A. Allen, the present man- 
ager, was appointed to the position. Until about 1872, all grades of illu- 
minating and lubricating oils were refined from the crude petroleum, but of 
later years the business has been directed to the production of " heavy ends." 
which are then shipped to the Boston refinery. The Corry works consist of a 
number of substantial brick buildings, the main one being 27x313 feet, two 
stories high, containing oflfice, shops, loading tanks, etc. The still house is 
52x200 feet, the pump room, 26x87 feet, the boiler room, 27x76, and other 
buildings are of various dimensions. Fifteen tanks have a combined capacity 
of 441,400 gallons, and the distilling capacity is about 60,000 barrels of heavy 
oils annually. About twenty-five men are employed. 

One of the most successful and enterprising business firms of Western 
Pennsylvania is Clark & Warren, of Corry, manufacturers of all the finer 
products of petroleum. The members of the firm are R, C. Clark and M. H. 
Warren. They commenced business as producers and refiners of oil at Graf- 
ton, Ohio, in 1875. Two years later, they removed to this State, and became 
one of the pioneer firms in producing oil in the Bradford field, erecting works 
at Sawyer City, three miles from Bradford. Not content with the old processes 
of refining, these energetic men instituted a series of experiments on distilla- 
tion and refining with the aim of obtaining better results than the old methods 
afforded. Success crowned their efforts, and, in 1881, they commenced the 
erection of works at Corry in accordance with their new and improved plans of 
distillation. The complete success of their operations is attested by the contin- 
ued enlargement of the capacity of the works. At present the firm use 500 
barrels of crude petroleum daily, and arrangements are now being made to 
increase the capacity to 1,000 barrels per day. The products of the works 
include all the finer grades of lubricating oils, coal test filtered cylinder oils, 
filtered cylinder stocks, illuminating oils of 120 degrees, 150 degrees and 300 
degrees fire test, fine neutral oils and the various grades of petroleum, formerly 
known as vasaline. cosmoline, etc. The products of the works are sold 
through the Pennsylvania Oil Company (limited), of which Mr. Warren is 
President, and Mr. Clark, Vice President. The products have almost a world- 
wide reputation, and the sales are largely European. The Oil, Paint and 
Drug Reporter, in a recent issue editorially, compliments the works of Messrs. 
Clark & Warren as one of the best appointed oil refineries in the United 
States, and speaks at length of their painstaking efforts and improved methods 
to manufacture superior oils. The firm holds patents upon the construction of 
stills, the heating of stills, the construction of filters, the heating of filters 
and for renewing bone black, all their own inventions. The extensive works 
are located in the western part of the city at the junction of the N. Y. , P. & 
O., P. & E. and B., N. Y. & P. Railroads, where employment is given to about 
sixty men. 



CITY OF CORRY. 81S 

OTHER LEADING INDUSTRIES. 

The Corry "Wooden Ware Manufactory owes its origin to Wilder & Howe, 
who in 1865-66, built a pail factory on East Main street. It burned down in 
1867, and was rebuilt on the present site, ihe corner of Washington and East 
Wayne streets, in 1868. In 1869, the Corry Manufacturing and Lumber Com- 
pany was organized, and operated the works until succeeded by D. H. Wilder. 
A. M. Kent & Co. , the present owners, assumed control in 1878. Lard 
and butter packages, tubs and pails are manufactured, at the rate of about 
2,500 pieces per day. The lumber, mostly pine, is obtained from Warren 
County, and about 3,000, 000 feet are annually consumed. The wares are shipped 
to all parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York, to West Virginia, Maryland 
and other States. Employment is given to 100 hands. 

Harmon, Gibbs & Co., manufacturers of steam engines, erected their shops- 
on the west side of Center street, immediately north of the railroad in 1877. 
The building is 50x105 feet and three stories high. Steam engines and boil- 
ers of from 10 to 150 horse-power are manufactured, besides a general line of 
machine and foundry work. Their Ajaxoil engine is a specialty, and the de- 
mand for it equal to the capacity to supply. Employment is given to twenty- 
five skilled machinists. The firm is composed of C. G. Harmon, L. L. Bliss, 
C. H. Bagley and the estate of George H. Gibbs. 

The Corry City Iron Works were established at the northwest corner of 
Main and Concord streets in 1880, by P. I. Lynch. Soon after, he admitted 
G. D. Gilbert into partnership, and the proprietors were successively Lynch 
& Gilbert, P. I. Lynch and the Corry City Iron Company, of which George N. 
Barnes is President, P. I. Lynch, Treasurer and manager and C. B. Ely, 
Secretary. The engine shop is 4:5x65 feet, two stories high. Boilers 
only were manufactured until June, 1882, since which date in addition port- 
able and stationary engines for agricultural purposes have also been produced. 
When running at full force, about seventy-five men are employed. 

The Corry Novelty Works, located on East Pleasant street, were erected in 
1870 by King, Shafer & Co. The main shop is a two-story brick building, 
32x62. Mr. Shafer retired in 1873, and the firm has since been H. King & 
Sons, succeeded by H. King & Son, present proprietors. For several years, 
a general machine and repair business was continued, then the manufacture 
of King's patent portable engine was commenced, and has ever since been con- 
tinued with success. 

An important manufacture, recently started at Corry, is that of the cali- 
graph, by the American Writing Machine Company, of which T. A. Allen is 
President; C. G. Harmon, Treasurer; G. W. N. Yost, Secretary, and A. A. 
Aspinwall, Manager. Mr. Yost, having perfected the Remington Type Writer, 
invented the caligraph. Its manufacture was commenced in New Y^ork, but 
in the spring of 1883 the works were removed to Corry. The instrument is 
meeting with a wide and extensive sale, and an increase in the capacity of the 
shops has already been made; about 150 employes are usually at work and six- 
ty-five caligraphs are made per week. 

George N. Barnes, in June, 1883, started the Corry Lounge Factory in the 
basement and first floor of the Opera House building, where he gives employ- 
ment to from fifteen to eighteen workmen and manufactures about one hundred 
lounges of various patterns per week. 

In the same building Murray M. Raymond in January, 1883, commenced 
the manufacture of the baby jumper and swing, of which he is the inventor. 
This novel invention is meeting with wide and favorable reception, and the 
business of Mr. Murray is increasing. At present 150 jumpers are manufact- 
ured weekly. 



814 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

One of the largest industrial establishments of Corry was the Gibbs & 
Sterrett Manufacturing Company recently suspended. The manufactures were 
the Climas mowers and reapers, steam engines and boilers, mill machinery etc. 
The buildings are large brick structures, and at one time about two huudred 
men were employed. (These works have since resumed). 

The large steam tannery of Emanuel Weisser. on East Wayne street, was 
erected by C. A. Auer in 1862, and the present owner purchased it in 1871, 
and has since greatly enlarged the buildings and capacity of the tannery. About 
thirty men are employed, and 80,000 hides are annually tanned. Mr. Auer in 
1872 erected another tannery on Turnpike street, and still ojDerates it. 

Other manufactories of the city include a bedstead factory, thi'ee planing 
mills, four carriage shops, one cigar box factory, two cooper shops, one brick 
yard, one broom factory, one mitten factory, one sucker-rod factory, one oil 
cup factory, three flouring mills, one sausage factory, two breweries, three bot- 
tling works, three patent medicine manufactories, nine cigar factories, one saw 
and shingle factory, one saw mill, one candy factory, one brush factory, one 
-brush block .factory, one handle factory, one cider and vinegar factory, one 
feed mill, one wood pump factory, one bedspriug factory, one drain tile works, 
one foundry, one meat refrigerator factory, one fruit cooler factory, and one 
nickel plating works. 

GENERAL BUSINESS FEATURES. 

A special advantage that Corry possesses is the convenience for procuring 
■coal, lumber and stone. Bituminous coal reaches the city at a low charge by 
way of the B. , T. & W. and the N. Y., P. & O. roads from Mercer and Butler 
Counties, and the latter road and the P. & E. give it the benefit of competi- 
tion in securing anthracite from the Eastern Pennsylvania fields. Large bod- 
ies of timber still stand near the city, and a good quality of building stone in 
inexhaustible quantity is found a few miles down the Brokeustraw. There is 
also plenty of good clay for making brick, and sand for building purposes is 
found in ample quantities in the vicinity. 

The mercantile houses of the city embrace the following different lines of 
business: Wholesale — Groceries, 2; hardware, 2; confectioneries, 1; tobacco and 
cigars, 9; oysters and fruits, 3; illuminating oil, 1; pork packing, 1; drugs, 1; car- 
riages, 2. Retail — Groceries, 19; dry goods, 12; clothing, 5; millinery, 6; drugs, 
7; meat markets, 7; variety stores, 4; leather, 1; fruits and confectionery, 3; boots 
and shoes, 7; furniture, 2; merchant tailors, 3; bakery and confectionery, 4; news 
depots, 3; harness, 3; jewelry, 2; hardware, 5; stoves and tinware, 2; hats, 1; 
feed stores, 2. 

The city has intimate business relations with a wide scope of country, em- 
bracing, besides Wayne and Concord Townships in our county, several town 
ships each in Warren, Crawford and Chautauqua Counties. The farming pop- 
ulation tributary to Corry is really more extensive than that which helps to sus- 
tain Erie. The post office at Corry distributes mail matter over a territory ex- 
tending perhaps ten miles in every direction, the sale of stamps and stamped 
envelopes alone amounting daring the year 1880 to some $10,000. The finan- 
cial institutions of the city are the first National Bank and the Corry National 
Bank, both established in 1864, with a capital in each case of $100,000. A 
good index to the business of the city is shown in its hotels, which number 
fourteen, of which four are equal to the average in places of the size. 

CITY GOVERNMENT. 

The city is governed by a Mayor, and Council of three members for each 
ward. The latter body is presided over by the Mayor, who also appoints the 



CITY OF CORRY. 815 

Committees. The expense for the year 1881 was a little over $17,000. 
The city tax was thirteen and a half mills on the dollar. The Fire 
Department consists of a Chief Engineer and two assistants, two engineers 
and fireman for the two Silsby steamers, three hose companies and a hook and 
ladder company. The value of the Department property is estimated at 
$11,840, and the annual expense is between $2,000 and $3,000. For a place 
that is largely built of wood, there has been a remarkable freedom from fires. 
The school system is under the control of a Board of Directors, consisting 
of three members for each ward. The schools are graded, and a superior high 
school is maintained, which includes in its course a thorough training in 
book-keeping. Including the Superintendent, there ai'e nineteen teachers. 
The school term is eight months. The schoolhouses are five in number, three 
of them being capacious and handsome brick buildings, and two frame 
buildings. 

SCHOOL BUILDINGS. 

Directly after Corry was incorporated as a borough, an election was held 
August 18, 1863, for a School Board, which resulted in the election of the 
following Directors: For three years, G. H. Coney and R. Morgan; for 
two years, W. H. Doan and J. L. Hatch; for one year, L. J. Tibbals and 
L. Rockwood. A schoolhouse which had been erected on Concord street the 
year previous by the School Board of Concord Township was transferred to 
the borough, and the first schools under the dispensation of the Borough Board 
were taught in the winter of 1863 by J. L. Hatch and Miss Mary Doud, 
Commencing in 1864, the Catholic schools were under the control of the 
Board for several years. In 1865, the rapidly increasing population necessi- 
tated more accommodations. An acre of ground was purchased at the corner 
of Washington and Essex streets for $1,350, and the schoolhouse thereon was 
designated the Union Schoolhouse, completed by Henry Drake in March, 1866. 
Vincent Moses, a theological student from Clymer, N. Y., was its first Princi- 
pal. In 1865, however, the Board leased a building on East Main street, near 
the Philadelphia & Erie crossing, where school was held until 1870. When 
Corry became a city in 1866, the schools were yet ungraded, so rapid had 
been the increase. In that year the old red schoolhouse on the Columbus 
pike became city property; it was re-named Wayne School, No. 4, and used 
until the completion of the Hatch School. In 1869, a course of instruction, 
compiled by H. J. Manley, then President of the School Board, was adopted, 
and the schools were regularly graded and classified. The same year a school 
building was leased on Pleasant street. This school was suddenly burnt down 
in March, 1869; but a room was engaged on the corner of Main street and Second 
avenue and the school re-commenced in a few days. It was continued until the 
completion of the Fairview Schoolhouse. In 1869, a tax was levied to erect a new 
brick schoolhouse on the corner of Second avenue and Fairview street, the lot 
having been purchased two years previous. The contract was let to Henry Drake 
for $14,580. The building was dedicated April 2, 1870. A new frame build- 
ing was erected in 1869 on Concord street for the accommodation of primary 
pupils, and lots were purchased between Congress and Bond streets, east of 
Wright, for the erection of a large brick edifice. The necessary expenditure 
exceeding the amount that could be levied by tax, a special act of Legislature 
was obtained in 1870 authorizing an additional tax of seven mills. The con- 
tract was awarded to S. L. Leach for $21,500. The building was completed 
in 1871, and, including heating, seating and furnishing, cost $30,000. It was 
named in honor of J. L. Hatch, who had been a member of the board since 
its first oro-anization. The Union Schoolhouse on Washington street^was 



816 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

totally destroyed by lire December 12, 1871, having an insurance of $6,000. 
A temporary structure of three apartments was forthwith constructed, and the 
schools continued in this building iintil it was replaced in 1882 by a neat 
brick edifice of four rooms, at a cost of $6,000. 

The school property at present consists of three handsome brick structures, 
known as the Hatch, Fairview and Washington Street Schools, and two small 
frame buildings on Concord street. At the Concord Schools are three teach- 
ers; at the Washington, three; at the Fairview, four; and at the Hatch, in- 
cluding Superintendent, Principal and Assistant of high school, nine. The 
schools are divided into primary, secondary intermediate, junior and grammar 
grades of two years each, and high school of three years. The high school 
permits the selection from three courses — Latin and English, German and 
English, and commercial. Ten classes, aggregating 148 members, have com- 
pleted the course. Frederick Hooker was elected Principal of the schools in 
1869; resigning the same year, he was succeeded by James McNaughton, wbo 
gave up the charge of the schools in May, 1871, and Miss G. M. Kent was ap- 
pointed to act as Principal of the High School. A. J. Crandall was elected 
Principal in 1871. The following year, A. B. Crandall, a member of the 
board, acted as District Superintendent. In 1873, V. G. Curtis was elected 
Principal and Superintendent, remaining ten years. His successor, A. D. 
Colegrove, is now serving his first year. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

Corry sustains three newspapers, the weekly Telegraph and the daily and 
weekly Herald. The Telegraph was established in 1865 by Joseph A. 
Pain, who still owns and edits it. The earliest newspaper ventxire in the 
place was by Stebbins & Larkins, who put forth No. 1 of the Corry City News 
on the 22d of October, 1863. Within less than two years, this journal changed 
managers four times and names twice, finally appearing as the Telegraph, when 
it fell into the hands of Mr. Pain. The latter gentleman published a daily 
edition of the Telegraph for about a year after getting control of the estab- 
lishment, and again he battled courageously for nine years, but unsuccessful- 
ly, in trying to keep up the Daily Blade. The Herald is to a certain extent 
the successor of the Union Mills Star, first issued in 1866, removed to Corry 
in November, 1867, and the name changed to the Republican. Its editors and 
owners have been Horace G. Pratt, Dan Scott, W. B. Gallegher, Henry C. 
Eddy, Pratt & Gail, S. Colegrove, W. A. ,Moore, and others. The weekly, 
which received its present name in 1877, was purchased by F. S. Heath De- 
cember 1, 1880. The daily edition was started February 5, 1883. Among journals 
that have died out, after a lingering illness, as the obituary writers say, were 
the daily and weekly Review, Commercial Advertiser, Democratic Press, Demo- 
crat, Daily Itemizer, Daily Whetstone, Temperance Vindicator, Daily Republi- 
can, and Enterprise. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Probably no city of the same size in the United States equals Corry in the 
number of its secret societies. Almost every secret organization in the Unien 
is represented, as will be seen by the following list: 

Jonathan Lodge, No. 685, I. O. O. F., was instituted January 19. 1870, 
with the following nine charter members: H. L. Wyman, A. P. Friesman, J. 
W. Chipman, S. H. Johnson, Thomas Blackburn, J. H. Armstrong, T. P. Ober, 
A. O. Watson and E. W. Buss. The present membership is 111. Meetings 
are held each Wednesday evening. 

Corry Encampment, No. 241, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 26, 1873. 




i£j^ 



CITY OF CORRY. 819 

The charter members were J. E. Stubbs, W. M. Arnold, H. O. Mackres, Will- 
iam Mulkie, H. D. Clemons, H. O. AVatson, D. W. Nutting and Charles Striek- 
er. Many others were initiated the evening of institution. The present mem- 
bership is about forty. The second and fourth Monday evenings of each month 
are the appointed times for meeting. 

Corry Lodge, No. 365, F. & A. M. , was chartered March 19, 1866. The 
membership is now 100, and meetings are held the first Tuesday of each 
month. 

Columbus Chapter, No. 200, R. A. M., was instituted at Columbus, War- 
ren County, May 10. 1866, and removed to Corry January 13, 1870. It has 
fifty-five members, and meets Thursday evening, on or before the full moon. 

Clarence Commandery, No. 51. K. T., was instituted January 22, 1874, 
with sixteen charter memlDers. Forty-four is the present membership, and the 
second Tuesday of each month the regular date of meeting. 

Corry Union, No. 2, Equitable Aid Union, was organized May 2, 1879, with 
about eighty members, now reduced to seventy-five. Meetings are held on the 
first and third Monday evenings of each month. 

J. J. Andrews Post, No 70, G. A. R. , was instituted in June, 1867, with 
about twenty- five members. It now numbers 140, and meets every Friday 
evening. 

Cony Grange, No. 55, P. of H., was organized December 23, 1873. It 
meets the first and third Saturdays of each month, and now has a membership 
of about 140. 

Corry City Lodge, No. 470, K. of P., was instituted October 16, 1880, with 
forty charter members. The active membership is now ninety, and meetings 
are held every Tuesday evening. 

Lincoln Council, No. 75, Royal Arcanum, was instituted April 10, 1878, 
with fourteen members. Sixty-one is the present membership, and the first 
and third Wednesdays of each month the regular evenings for meetings. 

Teutonia Lodge, No. 148, D. O. H., was organized August 17, 1867, with 
twenty members, now reduced to nineteen. Meetings are held each alternate 
Thursday. 

St. Joseph's Branch, No. 4, C. M. B, A., was organized April 24, 1878, 
with sixteen members. There are now about sixty members, and meetings are 
held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. 

Ahaveth Sholem Lodge, No. 160, B'nai Brith, was organized May 30, 1871, 
and now has a membership of twenty- nine. Meetings are held each alternate 
Sunday. 

Bliss Council, No. 3, R. T. of T. , was instituted in April, 1879, and now 
has about 200 members. Meetings are held every Wednesday evening. 

Hope Council, No. 55, R. T. of T., was instituted March 15, 1880. with 
about twenty-two members, now increased to fifty. Tuesday evening is the 
date of meeting. 

Ely Lodge No. 45, K. of H., was instituted in November, 1874, and now 
has a membership of sixty-one; meetings ai-e held the first and third Mondays 
of each month. 

Humboldt Lodge (German), No. 51, K. of H., was instituted in February, 
1874, with about twenty members. The membership has not materially in- 
creased since. Meetings are held each alternate Tuesday. 

Washington Lodge, No. 2, A. O. U. W. , was organized in January, 1870, 
and has 137 members. Meetings are held every Saturday evening. 

La Fayette Council, No. 2, Guardian Knights, was instituted December 8, 
1879, and now numbers sixteen in membership, The first Tviesday of each 
month is the date for regular meetings. 



820 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Evening Star Lodge, No. 24, K. & L. of H., was instituted irj March, 
1878. It meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month, and has now a 
membership of about tifty. 

Gei-mania Lodge, No. 26, K. & L. of H., was organized March 26, 1878, 
with eighteen members. For a time the lodge met witli Evening Star Lodge, 
but it procured the old charter, and meets the first and third Saturdays of 
each month. The membership is small. 

" GAS, GAS WELLS, PUBLIC HALLS. 

Gas is furnished by a company with a capital of $50,000. Several quite 
extensive gas wells have been struck in the effort to find oil, but the supply 
gave out too soon to enable them to be utilized to any extent worth speaking 
of. There are two public halls, the Academy of Music, with a seating capac- 
ity of 1,000, and the Harmon Opera House, estimated to accommodate about 
700. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The city is well supplied with churches. They include two Methodist 
Episcopal, two Catholic, one Presbyterian, one Baptist, one Congregational, 
one Episcopal, one United Brethren, one German Lutheran and one Jewish. 
There is a Universalist society, but it has no building. 

The first Methodist Episcopal congregation was organized in September, 
1862, by Rev. George F. Reeser. The early meetings were held at private 
houses and at the schoolhouse until the erection at the southeast corner of 
Concord and Pleasant streets, during the summer of 1865, of a frame meeting 
house at a cost of $10,000. The building was dedicated October 27, 1865, 
and is now in use. The pastors at Corry have been as follows: 1S64 and 
1865, J. W. Wilson and G. W. Staples; 1866 and 1867, J. S. Lvtle; 1868-69 
and 1870, J. C. Scofield; 1871 and 1872, W. F. 'Wilson; 1873, W. H. Mose- 
man; 1874 and 1875, A. S. Dobbs; 1876 and 1877, N. Norton; 1878, A. S. 
Goodrich; 1879, J. W. Wilson; 1880-81 and 1882, A. G. Merchant; 1883, 
James G. Townsend. The present membership of the church is about 290. 

St. Thomas Catholic Church dates its origin back to 1860, in which year 
Father Thomas Lonnergan came from Warren, Penn., and organized a small 
society. The early meetings were held at private houses until 1862, when a 
frame church was built on the southeast corner of Church street and Fourth 
avenue. It was dedicated in September, 1862, by Bishop Joshua M. Young, 
and has since been twice enlarged. Father Lonnergan has been the only 
pastor; his assistants have been Revs. J. Delaroque, J. M. Dunn, B. McGiv- 
eney, J. Brady, J. Meher and B. Donohue. The present membership includes 
about 200 families. The congregation has almost completed a handsome 
brick church structure, the cost of which will exceed $30,000. Its corner- 
stone was laid in 1872, and five years later the foundation was completed. 
It was placed under roof in 1883, and will be ready for occupancy it is ex- 
pected in 1884. The building stands on Washington street near the foot of 
First avenue. 

The first Baptist services at Corry were held in the unfinished second 
story of a dwelling on the northwest corner of Washington and Wayne streets 
November 28, 1862. The congregation was organized with seven members 
October 18, 1863; Rev. J. R. Merriman became pastoral supply, and services 
were held in a hall on Main street until February, 1865, when the hall was 
rented to the Disciples. The Baptists were without a place of worship till 
later in the same spring when their present church edifice on the southwest 
corner of Second avenue and Pleasant street was built. It was first used April 



CITY OF CORRY. 821 

19, 1865, for the public memorial services of the martyred President, and was 
dedicated April 26, 1865. Rev. A. D. Bush became pastor in April, 1864; Rev- 
W. R. Connelly succeeded in Augast, 1868; Rev. A. C. Williams in October, 
1870: Rev. S. K. Boyer in March. 1872, remaining live months. The church 
vpas then without a pastor till September, 1873, when Rev. John Trowbridge 
was elected. He was succeeded in April, 1875, by Rev. J. B. Vrooman, who 
remained two years. Rev. E. F. Crane then served about two years and his 
successor, Rev. M. W. Dillingham, the present pastor, iias officiated three 
years. The membership of the church is about 225. 

The First Presbyterian Church of Corry was organized January 18, 1864, 
with the following nine members: Mr. and Mrs. E. S. O-sgood, Charles Boyle, 
Mrs. Martha Boyle, Asel M. Davis, Mrs. Mary A. Davis, Mrs. Ellen M. Ben- 
nett, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Gridley and Miss Nancy J. Knight. Rev. J. Odell 
was engaged as temporary supply and served the church about one year; in- 
creasing in the membership to twenty- one. Rev. Hutchens acted as temporary 
supply for a few months, and in October, 1865, Rev. John C. Taylor became 
stated supply, remaining until March, 1867; when he left, the church member- 
ship was sixty-one. Rev. Alvan Nash then became stated supply, and died at 
the expiration of one year's service. In November, 1868, Rev. S. G. Hopkins 
was installed the lirst pastor, resigning in March, 1876, to accept a call to the 
Westminster Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Ohio; Rev. D. V. Mays then 
served as pastor from June, 1876, to November, 1877, and was succeeded in 
the following December by Rev. B. M. Kerr, who remained two and a half 
years. Rev W. N. Sloan, the present pastor, entered upon his official rela- 
tions in October, 1880. The first Elders were E. S. Osgood and Charles Boyle; 
the present ones James Turner, T. A. Allen, Lewis L. Bliss and George H. 
Humason; the present Deacons are C. H. Bracken and Levi P. Hurd. The 
membership now numbers about 200. Services were held in the Concord Street 
Schoolhouse, JMcKenzie's Hall and Cook's Hall successively, until the winter of 
1865-66, when the congregation erected near the corner of Church and Center 
streets a neat, frame edifice which was enlarged two years later. During the 
winter of 1883-84, a handsome skeleton brick structure was reared on the 
southwest corner of Pleasant and Center streets at a cost of $10,000. 

The first services of Emanuel Episcopal Church were held July 10, 1864, 
in McKenzie's Hall. They were conducted by Rev. Calvin C. Parker, a Mis- 
sionary of the Board of Missions of the Diocese of Pennsylvania. The first 
Vestrymen were James Foreman, H. L. Wyman, O. S. Reynolds, F. A. Phil- 
lips, George H. Coney, S. A. Bennett and E. W. R. Buker. During 1865-66, 
the church edifice was erected. It was 100x45 feet in size and stands on the 
southwest corner of Center and Smith streets. The lot cost $500, the building 
$4,000. When the corner-stone was laid in September, 1865, there were but 
twenty communicant members. Rev. Parker resigned June 1, 1866. He was 
succeeded by Rev. John T. Protheroe, who resigned in May, 1871. Dur- 
ing that year the church was enlarged by the addition of side aisles, organ 
chamber, etc., at an additional expense of $5,000. Subsequent rectors have 
been Rev. Thomas Bell from October, 1871, to August, 1872; Rev. Robert \Y. 
Grange, June, 1873, to November 16, 1874; Rev. William G. W.Lewis, April, 
1875, to August 31, 1877; Rev. Thomas A. Stevenson, January, 1878, to Au- 
gust, 1881; John L. Taylor, the present rector, who took charge in June, 
1882. The present communicant membership is 110. The present Vestrymen 
are O. C. Holden, Senior Warden; J. B. Davis, Junior Warden ; Charles Mid- 
dleton, Augustus Harrington, Frederick Stanford, R. C. Dawson and E. M. 
Bonnell. 



822 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

In 1864, Rev. John W. Clark, preaching on the Bear Circuit, organized a 
small United Brethren class at the Little Red Schoolhouise. and in 1865 com- 
menced building on the corner of Pleasant and Lemon streets a frame house 
of worship. The year following, during the pastorate of Rev. J. Hill, the site 
of the building was changed and the unfinished structm-e was taken down, re- 
moved to the turnpike, and there completed at a cost of about $2,000. This 
building was destroyed by fire in 1872, and immediately another was erected, 
at an expense of $2,500, on North Center street, where services are now held. 
The membership of this society is about fiftv. Its pastors since Rev. Clark 
have been J. Hill, 1865; W. Rittenhouse, 1866; O. Badgley, 1867; W. Cad- 
man, 1868-69; L Bennehoff, 1870-71; J. Holmes, 1872; H. H. Barber, 1873; 
J. Hill, 1874; P. Butterfield, 1875; A. Peckham, 1876; S. Evans, 1877; W. 
Cadman. 1878; N. R. Luce, 1879; J. P. Atkins, 1880; L. L. Hager, 1881- 
82; D. C. Starkey, 1883. Corry is a mission station. 

About forty years ago, a Methodist Episcopal class was organized, and 
held meeting in a schoolhouse in Wayne Township; in 1860, it erected a meet- 
ing-house about one and a half miles noi-th of Corry, and in 1870 the society 
was x-e-organized by Rev. J. W. Wilson, with about thirty- five members, and the 
house of worship was removed to Pike street, Corry, and has since been the 
home of the North Corry Methodist Episcopal congregation. The society is 
attached to Columbus, Warren County, Circuit. Among its pastors subsequent 
to 1870 have been A. A. Horton, A. S. Goodrich, S. S. Burton, William Rice, 
Rev. Fordon and Rev. Adams; Rev. J. W. Wilson is the present pastor. The 
membership is about sixty. 

The first Congregational Church of Corry was organized in 1874. The 
early meetings were held in the Christian Church, located on the northeast 
corner of Fourth avenue and Pleasant street. This handsome building was 
purchased by the Congregational society in 1878, and it has since remained 
its place of worship. It is a brick structure, the dimensions of which are 
about 50x100 feet, its original cost being about $15 000. It was repaired in 
1882 at an expense of $4,000. The Christian congregation, now defunct, formerly 
owned a frame meeting-house on the site of the above brick structure. It was 
destroyed by fire, and replaced, through the munificence of G. W. N. Yost, by 
the brick church. The pastors of the Congregational Church have been Rev. 
Joseph Adams, who remained two years; Rev. J. B. Davidson, three years; 
Rev. E. A. Squier, eighteen months; a temporary vacancy now exists. The 
membership is about 100. 

St. Elizabeth (German) Catholic Church was established in April, 1875, 
with about twenty-eight German families who had formerly been connected 
with St. Thomas' Church. Under the management of a building committee, 
consisting of H. L. Spiesman, J. Franz, J. Rehrich, Martin Huffman, Frank 
Rosboch and Henry Heineman, the congregation at once proceeded to the erec- 
tion on Pleasant street of a fine brick church, which was completed in 1876 
at a cost of $7,000. It was consecrated in September, 1876. The society owns 
a parsonage, school and cemetery. Rev. F. Winters, the first pastor, remained 
in charge till October, 1883, when Rev. Reck succeeded him. The society num- 
bers about forty families. 

The German Lutheran Church, a skeleton brick structure, 26x40 feet in 
size, located on the northeast corner of Concord and South streets, was erected 
in 1876-77, at a total cost of $2,140. It was dedicated June 3, 1877. The 
society was organized several years previous, by Rev. M. Kugler, the first pas- 
tor, and services had been held in various places. Rev. Kugler was succeeded 
in the autumn of 1877 by Prof. Herman Gilbert, of Thiel College, Greenville, 



CITY OF CORRY. 823 

who has since conducted services here each alternate Sunday, and is present 
pastor. The church membership enrolls about fifteen families. 

The Hebrew congi*egation at Corry was organized about ten years ago and 
has a small membership. Its first rabbi was Rev. Galen, who was succeeded 
by Kev. Bernstein. Rev. S. Fielchenfield then took charge about seven years 
ago, and still serves the congregation. Meetings have been held in various 
buildings. In the autumn of 1883, the congregation purchased the old Pres- 
byterian Church. 

The Universalist Church of Corry was organized with thirty-three members 
March 7, 1877, by Rev. Aaron A. Thayer, who remained in charge about three 
years. The first officers elected were A. A. Aspinwall, Moderator ; W. Ed Marsh, 
Clerk ; C. G. Harmon, Treasurer ; L. Hammond, H. A. Baker and G. W. 
Pardee, Standing Committee. The membership increased to about eighty-five, 
but for a year past no services have been held. The congregation owned no 
place of worship, and met last in the Congregational Church. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The city has three cemeteries — Pine Grove, St. Thomas (Catholic) and the 
Jewish. The first named embraces a tract of ten acres near the northern ter- 
minus of Center street, purchased by a corporation of Amos Heath for $2,000 
in 1866. About $8,000 have since loeen expended by the company in improve- 
ments. St. Thomas' Cemetery is in the southwestern part of the city, and 
covers about two acres. The Jewish Cemetery is a small inclosure in Wayne 
Township, near the north line of the city. 

The following is a list of the citizens of Corry who have held elective 
State and county ofQces : Associate Judge, Hollis King, November 8, 1866, to 
November 17, 1871; Delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1873, C. O. 
Bowman; Assembly, C. O. Bowman, 1869; AY. W. Brown, 1872 to 1874; 
Isaac B. Brown, 1881-82, and 1883-84; County Commissioner, W. T. 
Brown, 1872 to J875; Mercantile Appraiser, L. E. Guignon, 1875; William T. 
Brown, 1880; Director of the Poor, S. A. Beavis, 1869 to 1872; Jury Com- 
missioner, D. L. Bracken, 1879 to 1882. 

AV. W. Brown moved to Bradford, and was elected to Congress from 
the McKean District in 1882. 

The following Corry physicians had registered at the Court House in Erie 
in 1882: A. S. Bonsteel, Be'ilevue Hospital and Medical College, N. Y., 1872; 
C. B. Kibler, University of Buffalo, 1870; H. O. Mackres, University of Buf- 
falo, 1867; M. Pickett, University of Buffalo, 1869; D. Storer, practice of 
medicine since 1844; G. A. Elston, Medical Department University of New 
York, 1880; Emma L. Jordan, Eclectic Medical College, Philadelphia, 1879; 
John B. Chace, American Medical College, Cincinnati, 1855; S. R. Breed, 
practice of medicine since 1856; D. E. De Ross, Eclectic Medical College, 
Cincinnati, 1875; J. E. Weeks, Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Mich., 1881; 
B. H. Phelps, Cleveland Medical College, 1871; H. S. Tanner, Cincinnati Ec- 
lectic Medical College, 1859; Mrs. F. H. Stanford, Boston University School 
of Medicine, 1878. 



824 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 

XTP to the year 1821, that section of the county now embraced in AVayne 
J and Concord was known as Brokenstraw Township, a name given to it 
in the act of organization. In the year stated, the title was changed to Con- 
cord, through the influence of William Miles. Wayne was set off from Con- 
cord in 1826, and was named after Anthony Wayne. Wayne embraces a por- 
tion of the Donation lands. The township of Brokenstraw (of which Wayne 
formed a part) constituted with Union one election district until 1821, ranking 
as No. 10 of Erie County. 

Wayne is bounded on the north by Chautauqua County, N. Y., on the east 
by Columbus Township, Warren County, on the south by Corry City and Con- 
cord Township, and on the west by Amity and Union. It has been twice re- 
duced in size, first in 1863 by the creation of Corry as a borough, and second 
in 1866 by the act elevating that place to the dignity of a city. The char- 
ters of Corry took off a strip about one mile wide by two and a quarter long, 
from the southeastern corner, but what the township lost in territory has been 
more than made up in the increased value given to the balance by the 
growth of the city. The South line of the township is nearly uniform with the 
straight portion of Smith street in Corry. Wayne has an average width of about 
six miles, and a length of about eight, with a pei'fectly regular line on the 
north side, two slight jogs on the east and west, and more considerable ones 
on the Concord and Corry sides. The boundary between Pennsylvania and 
New York, which forms the north line of the township, was established by 
Commissioners on the part of the two States in 1785, who completed their work 
in 1787. They surveyed the entire boundary between the Delaware River and 
Lake Erie, marking each mile with stones on which figures were cut, showing 
the distance from the first-named stream. Their report was confirmed by the 
Legislature in 1789. The eastern boundary of the township was marked out 
in the act of 1800, incorporating Erie and Warren Counties. Wayne Town- 
ship contained a population of 197 in 1830. 738 in 1840. 1,122 in 1850, 1.224 
in 1860, 1,295 in 1870, and 1,306 in 1880. There is but one post 
office within its limits, Wayne (at Beaver Dam). Before Corry grew to 
importance, Beaver Dam and Columbus. Warren County, were the trading 
places of the township. The assessment of 1883 gave the following results: 
Number of acres, 22,480; value of real estate $522,048; number of cows, 773; 
of oxen 26, of horses and mules, 320; value of the same, $35,462; value of 
trades and occupations, $3,935; money at interest, $21,577. 

LANDS AND THEIR VALUE. 

In general, Wayne is a hilly township, but it contains some handsome and 
fertile valleys along the South Branch of French Creek and Hare Creek, and 
Scioto, Beaver Dam and Spencer Euns. The hills attain an elevation of 200 to 
400 feet above the French Creek Valley, and are cut by deep ravines especial- 
ly in the southern portion, which, however, have generally sloping sides, ad- 
mitting of easy cultivation. The summits of the ridges are irregular, but 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 825 

there is little waste land in the township. The character of the soil adapts it 
best for grazing, and butter-making and cattle-raising are the staple industries 
of the township. It used to be thought that wheat could not be raised to ad- 
vantage, but of late a considerable amount of that grain has been harvested, 
and its cultivation is steadily on the increase. The principal timber is beech, 
maple and hemlock, though considerable tracts of pine, oak and chestnut once 
existed in the south part of the township. Much of the timber has been cut 
oflf, and what remains will soon disappear at the present rate of consumption. 
Apples bear profitably, pears give a fair yield, a few peaches are raised and 
fruits of other kind correspond with the average southern townships of the 
county. The price of land ranges from as low as $20 to as high as $50 per 
acre, being most valuable for farming purposes in the vicinity of Beaver Dam. 

THE STREAMS. 

The streams of Wayne Township are Brokenstraw Creek, with its tributary, 
Hare Creek; Bear Creek, Francis Run and Scioto Run, branches of the latter; 
and Spencer Run, Baskin Run, Slaughter Run, Beaver Dam Run and Spring 
Brook, tributaries of the South Branch of French Creek. The latter stream 
does not enter Wayne at all, but courses along in Concord, a few rods Ei'om 
the south line of the former township, which does not take in more than a 
third of its valley. It will be seen from the number of these streams that 
Wayne is a finely watered township. The Brokenstraw heads in Clymer 
Township, Chautauqua County, N. Y. , runs through the northeast corner of 
Wayne Township into Warren County, and joins the Allegheny River at 
Irvineton, after a course of fifty to sixty miles, only a small part of which is 
in Erie County. Hare Creek rises in French Creek Township, Chautauqua 
County, N. Y., flows across the entire width of Wayne Township, and empties 
into the Brokenstraw in Columbus Township, Warren County, about three 
miles east of Corry. It runs throvigh the latter city for a short distance, and 
has a length of about fifteen miles. Bear Creek and Scioto Run, tributaries 
of Hare Creek, rise, the first on land of Uriah Benjamin, and the second on 
the Greeley farm. Bear Creek falls into Hare Creek within the limits of Corry, 
and Scioto Run on land of D. C. Kennedy, north of that city. Each stream 
has a length of perhaps five miles. Francis Run rises about three miles north- 
west of Corry, and empties into Bear Creek within the city limits, after a 
course of about three miles. Spencer Run heads near Carter Hill, Baskin 
Run near the New York line, Slaughter Run in the northwest corner of the 
township, and Beaver Dam Run in the southeast part of Amity, all uniting 
with the South Branch in Concord, the first named a little west of Corry, the 
second at Lovell's Station, the third about a mile above Elgin, and the fourth 
within that borough. The length of these streams is from seven to nine miles. 
Spring Brook is a sparkling stream formed by a number of fine springs that 
burst out of the hillsides at the State Fish Hatching Establishment, a short 
distance west of Corry, near the line of Concord and Wayne. It unites with 
the South Branch after a course of probably half a mile. Two or three large 
beaver dams existed in early days a mile or so north of Elgin, which gave 
name to Beaver Dam run. 

VILLAGE OF BEAVER DAM. 

The only village in the township is that of Beaver Dam (Wayne Post 
Office), situated near the extreme southeastern corner, on the run of the same 
name, at the jiinction of the Erie and Warren with the Wattsburof and Spar-- 
tansburg roads, one and a half miles north of Elgin, six west of Corry, twenty^ 



826 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

six by common road southeast of Erie, and thirty- four by the railroad. The 
valley of Beaver Dam Run at this point is broad and beautiful, making one of 
the finest stretches of country in Erie County. The village is supposed to owe 
its origin to John Bunker, who started a store and ashery at the cross roads at 
an early day. This was followed by another store by Mr. Foot, and the place, 
about 1840, boasted, in addition, two taverns, one kept by Mr. Crook and the 
other by Mr. Ellis. The stages between Erie and Warren and Jamestown ran 
through the village daily. The building of the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, 
and the growth of Corry and Union, had the effect of drawing all the travel and 
most of the trade from Beaver Dam; the taverns were abandoned, and only one 
store is left. The village consists at present, besides the store, of one black- 
smith shop, two wagon shops, one undertaker shop, one cheese factory (opened 
in the spring of 1866, and now owned by Kincaide & Howard), one school - 
house, three churches (Methodist Episcopal, United Presbyterian and Presby- 
terian), a public hall, one vacant business stand, and some twenty frame resi- 
dences, with a population of about 100. All of the buildings are frame. Th-e 
village cemetery is neatly laid out and contains some tine monuments. 

At Beaver Dam is a frame Presbyterian Church, erected in 1867 at a cost 
of $3,000. An Associate Reform congregation was organized here about 
1820, with fifteen members, by Rev. Robert Reid, but in a few years the organ- 
ization afiiliated with the Presbyterian denomination. The earliest meetings 
were held in dwelling houses; in 1830 a church building was erected on 
the site of the village cemetery. It was superseded by the present structure. 
William Gray and William Carson were the Elders when the Presbytei'ian 
organization was effected. Rev. Absalom McCready was the first settled pastor. 
Revs. Stright and Rice followed, and of late years the ministers have been 
supplies. The society is now small, and no regular services have been held 
for several years. 

The United Presbyterian congregation at Beaver Dam was organized with 
twelve members by Rev. David Love in 1859. Rev. J. L. Aten was the first 
regular pastor, and was succeeded successively by Revs. John Jamison, 
Allen (supply), A. S. Abbey and H. H. McMaster. No regular services have 
been held during the past year. The membership is twenty three. The church 
edifice, a substantial frame edifice, was erected in 1872 at a cost of $3,000. 

The first class of the Methodist Episcopal denomination in Wayne Town- 
ship was formed in Warren Palmer's log cabin in the Donation District in 
1832. It consisted of eight members, and had Rev. Hiram Kinsley for pastor. 
In 1838, a congregation with twenty members was organized at Beaver Dam 
by Rev. William Patterson, who acted as first pastor. The congregation was 
without a church building till 1839, when one was erected by voluntary con- 
tributions. A new and more imposing edifice was erected in 1872, at a cost of 
$3,200. The old building still stands. Until 1877, excepting three years 
when it was connected with Asbury, Union Township, Church, this society 
was a part of Wattsburg Circuit. It was then annexed to Spartansburg Cir- 
cuit, the ministers of which have since been: John W. Wilson, 1877; C. M. 
Coburn, 1878-80; J. B. Darling, 1881-82; S. W. Douglass, 1883. The pres- 
ent membership is thirty-nine. 

North of Beaver Dam a short distance is the " Wayne Valley Church of 
United Brethren," built in 1870 at a cost of $1,500. The congregation was 
organized the same year, with twenty-one members, having Rev. Daniel Dean 
for the first pastor. It numbers about forty members, and now has Rev. A. 
Meeker as minister. It is attached to Wayne Circuit. 

The earliest white inhabitants at Beaver Dam were Samuel Smith and Will- 



^^m 4'-*^ 










WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 829 

iam Gray. The latter subsequently removed to Waterford. In the old Aboli- 
tion times, the village was an important station of the "underground rail- 
road." Mrs. Elizabeth Smith died at the residence of her son-in-law, 
James D. Snnth, in Beaver Dam, on the 6th of August, 1875, in the ninety- 
ninth year of her age, being one of the oldest women known to have lived 
within the county. She emigrated to this country from Ireland with her 
father, John Wilson, and sister, in 1798, the party settling in what is now 
Union Township. In 1799, she was married to William Smith, of Wayne, 
their wedding being the first in the county south of the Triangle. About 
1816, they removed to Waterford, where Mr. Smith died in 1855, after which 
she made her home as above. Mrs. Smith was the mother of three sons and 
eight daughters. 

A temperance society was formed at Beaver Dam as early as 1832. No 
drinking place has ever been maintained in W^ayne Township, except in 1840, 
v/hen one of the hotels of the village received a license. Marl was found near 
Beaver Dam many years ago, and burned for lime. 

CARTER HILL AND HARE CREEK. 

Carter Hill consists of a schoolhouse, cheese factory building, Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and several farmhouses at a cross roads in the northern 
central part of the township. It derives its name from Elijah Carter, who 
moved there from Greenfield when the countx-y was still a wilderness. The 
cheese factory was put up during the flush times of that business, and is not 
now in operation. The Carter Hill Post Office was abandoned in 1883, 
About a mile south is the town house of the township. The Carter 
Hill Methodist society has held meetings in private houses and the school - 
house for nearly fifty years. During the autumn of 1883, it erected a neat 
frame house of worship at a cost of ^1,000. The membership is about thirty. 
This appointment has been at different times attached to various cii'cuits, in- 
cluding Beaver Dam, Wattsburg and Columbus. It is now connected with 
Columbus Circuit, of which Rev. Mr. Wilson is pastor. 

Quite a bustling little settlement has sprung up within a few years on Hare 
Creek, four miles north of Corry. It consists of a Christian Church, Mutual 
Protective Hall, schoolhouse, saw mill and about a dozen residences. The 
Christian Church was dedicated in August, 1880. The society was organized 
several years before, and held its first meeting in the adjoining schoolhouse. 
Rev. B. Mason was the first minister. His pastoral relation terminated in 
1883. The Dutton Graveyard is near the church. 

SCHOOLS, MILLS, ETC. 

The first educational instruction in Wayne was given by Mrs. Elizabeth 
Smith, wife of the pioneer William Smith. At her cabin, she taught her own and 
a few of her neighbors' children for several years, commencing about 1^8. 
A Mr. Kelley, of near Titusville, held a term or two in a cabin at Beaver Dam, 
then called Brokenstraw, about 1822, and the first schoolhouse was built there 
several years later. The schools of Wayne are thirteen in number, and the 
township is interested besides in one union school on the New York line. The 
buildings are frame, and are located as follows: Beaver Dam, in that village; 
Donation, near John Whitney's; Hill, near Gordon Belts'; Carter Hill; 
Spencer, near G, W. Spencer's; Clark, near the New York line, on the Watts- 
burg & Corry road; Fitch, near O. D. Fitch's; Mclntire, opposite the Chris- 
tian Church; Greeley, on land of Erastus Cleveland; Plank Road, on Columbus 



830 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

& Clymer road; Scioto, on land of J. Brewer; Kincaide, near the P. Miller 
farm. 

The mills and factories not otherwise mentioned, are a woolen factory, saw 
mill and two shingle mills on the Brokenstraw ; two saw mills on Hare Creek, 
and one shingle mill and one saw mill on Slaughter Run. Other saw mills 
were in operation years ago, but have either burned down or been aliandoned. 
The only railroad is the Bufifalo, Corry & Pittsburgh, better known as 
the " Cross-cut," which runs wholly acroBS the township in its eastern part 
from Corry to Brocton, N. Y. The Philadelphia & Erie and New York, Penn- 
sylvania & Ohio (formerly the Atlantic & Great Western) roads extend through 
Concord almost on the south line of Wayne, but nowhere enter the latter town- 
ship. The main common roads are the Erie, Waterford & Sugar Grove Turn- 
pike, which passes through Corry, Beaver Dam and Union; the Erie & War- 
ren road, which runs through Carter Hill and Wattsburg; the Corry & French 
Creek, N. Y., up Hare Creek, and the Corry & Clymer, up Scioto Creek. 
The township owns two good bridges, one across the Brokenstraw, in the 
northeast, and one across Hare Creek, just outside the city limits of Corry. 
All of the rest are ordinary structures. The graveyards not previously named are 
the old Smith, near G. W. Spencer's, and the Jewish Cemetery of Corry, on 
the Corry road, near the north line of the city. Most of the burials take place 
in the cemeteries at Corry and Beaver Dam. 

THE STATE FISH HATCHERY. 

About a mile west of Corry, on the road leading to Elgin, is the State Fish 
Hatching Establishment, now, and from the date of its opening, in charge of 
Seth Weeks. A number of strong springs burst out of the hillside, furnishing 
a regular supply of cold, pure and healthy water. Several thousand fish of 
various kinds and sizes may be seen here at all times, swimming about in the 
little ponds and lakes. The eggs are hatched under the care of Mr. Weeks, 
and when the young fish attain a proper size they are sent to different parts of 
the State and put in the streams to which they are adapted. The common- 
wealth owns nine acres of land at this point, embracing all of the springs that 
are used for the hatchery, 

A little east of north of the fish establishment, on a slight hill upon John 
Hatch's land, the early settlers found the traces of one of those pre historic 
mounds, reference to which has been made in other township sketches. It has 
been plowed down, and no sign of it is any longer apparent. About half a mile 
west, on the right hand side of the road from Cox*ry, upon the O'Neill place, is 
another, the outlines of which are still readily followed. It consists of a cir- 
cular embankment, with a trench on the outside, from which the dirt was evi- 
dently dug, and embraces about three acres, being something like a third larger 
than the easterly one. 

THE PIONEERS, 

It has been generally represented that William Smith, who emigrated 
from Ireland, was the first settler in the township, but this statement is 
contradicted by an old resident, who says the earliest white inhabitants were 
Messrs. Hare, Rihue and Call. The first mentioned of these pioneers was 
Michael Hare, who died in Waterford at the age of one hundred and fifteen 
years eight months and twenty-two days, and was buried in the cemetery at 
that place. He and his wife Betty lived in a cabin on the east side of Hare 
Creek, about a mile north of Corry. It was from him that Hare Creek was named. 
Hare, Rihue and Call left before the country was cleared up, the former 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 881 

making his home finally at Waterford. Call's location was on the farm owned 
by Amos Heath, and Rihue's where Mayor Stanford has his brickyard in Corry. 
During 1797, a man by the name of Prosser went in. Joseph Hall settled at 
Beaver Dam, in the same year, but afterward changed to Elgin. The settlers 
in 1798, were William and Samuel Smith and Daniel Findley; in 1800, Will- 
iam Carson and John Kincaide. with his five sons, several of whom were grown; 
in 1806, William Gray, who changed to Waterford; in 1817, Joseph Grant (a 
native of New London, Conn. ), who moved to Wesley ville late in life; from 1820 
to J 824, Daniel Yeager and Messrs. Perkins, Childs and Doud. The Messrs. 
Smith were followed at an early date by their brothers, James and Eobert. 
Samuel located originally opposite the E. Perkins' place, James in the valley 
of the South Branch, near the fish establishment, and Robert on the hill near 
where O. Abbey lives. John Heath, father of Amos, purchased what is 
now the G. W. Spencer place, in 1827 or 1828, when Amos was a boy of four 
or five. A Mr. Miller had previously lived on the farm and built a saw mill 
on the run farther up, which was the first in the township. Matthias Spencer 
moved to what is known as the Spencer place in March, 1831. He was born 
in East Haddam, Conn. ; changed from there to Columbus, Warren County and 
then to Wayne Township. In 1865, he went to Erie to live with his son. Dr. 
H. A. Spencer, where he remained until his death. Isaac Kennedy, father of 
D. C, settled on the farm where his son resides in 1834. Chauncey G. Kicker- 
son, a native of Windham, Conn., moved into the township in 1835. Eobert 
Osborne, fi'om Beaver County, located on the farm where L. and E. M. Miller 
live in 183.9, his son R. J. being fourteen years of age at the time. D. W. 
Howard made his location in 1840, and Philander Miller about the same time. 
The township did not fill up rapidly till after 1830. John W^. Smith, son of 
William, was the first white child born in the township, the year of his birth 
being 1800. Joseph Grant commenced in the valley of Beaver Dam Run, near 
the "United Brethi-en Church, where his son Benjamin, the famous Erie lawyer, 
was born in a log house, which has been destroyed. E. Perkins went in on 
foot with a pack and an ax. 

PROMINENT MEN. 

The citizens of Wayne Township who have been honored by election to 
State and county oflBces are few in number, as will be seen by the follow- 
ing list: Director of the Poor, John G. Kincaide, 1876 to 1879; County Com- 
missioner, L. M. Childs, 1865 to 1871; Assembly, Samuel E. Kincaide, in 
1876 and 1878, for two years each time. Amos Heath, Dr. Osborne and D. 
W. Howard have been frequently nominated by the Democrats for county po- 
sitions, and D. C. Kennedy has served as a delegate to the Democratic State 
Convention. Four of the sons of Matthias Spencer became professional men, 
viz. : Two physicians, Dr. H. A. Spencer, of Erie, and Dr. E. V. Spencer, of 
Mt. Vernon, Ind. ; and two attorneys, John W. Spencer, of Rising Sun, Ind., 
and Elijah M. Spencer, of Mt. Vernon, Ind. Both of the latter have been 
members of the Indiana Legislature, and John W. was a Judge at the time of 
his death. 

THE GEEELEYS. 

The most prominent name associated with the history of Wayne Township 
is that of Horace Greeley, the great editor and politician. Zaccheus Greeley, 
the father of Horace, commenced life as a farmer on a small scale in Vermont. 
Becoming embarrassed, his farm was sold by the Sheriff, and he worked for a 
time as a laborer in New Hampshire. In the year 1825, having saved a small 
sum of money, he started to search out a home in the wilds of Pennsylvania, 
making his way to Wayne Township, near the New York line, where his 



832 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

brothers, Beujamin and Leonard, had gone some two years before. He there 
purchased 200 acres of land, to which he afterward added 150 acres more. 
Returning to New Hampshire, he brought his family on in 182G, the party 
consisting, besides iMr. and Mi-s. Greeley, of Barnes, their oldest son, and 
their three daughters, Esther, Arminda and Marguerite. Horace, who had 
apprenticed himself in a printing office at Poultney, Vt, did not accompany 
the family, although pressed hard to do so. During the ensuing four years, 
he visited them twice in their wilderness home, walking most of the way, and 
remaining about a month each time. In 1830, he came on again, and after 
remaining home awhile, found employment for a short period at Jamestown, 
and in the Gazette office at Erie. Some time during the summer of 1831 he 
left^Erie, called to see his parents in Wayne for a few days, and then started 
on foot for New York, where he arrived on the 17th of August, with exactly 
$10 in his pocket. Years after, when he had made a reputation through the 
New Yorker, he again paid a visit to the township, remaining for a brief pe- 
riod only. It was dui'ing this stay that he wrote one of his best poems, " The 
Faded Stars," beneath the trees near the home of his parents. Zaccheus 
Greeley and Mary, his wife, both lived the balance of their years on the farm 
in Wayne and were buried near by. Mrs. Greeley's death occurred about 1854. 
The father died in 1867, at the age of eighty-seven. Horace Greeley was born 
on the 3d of February, 1811, in Amherst, Vt., and died in Pleasantville, N. 
Y., November 29, 1^72. Esther, his sister, married Orester Cleveland, long 
a partner in the New York Tribune. Barnes remained on the homestead farm. 
Arminda was wedded to her cousin Lovell, and Blarguerite united herself to 
a writing master named Bush, from whom she parted. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

AMITY TOWNSHIP. 

THE township of Amity was created out of Union in 1825, and embraces 
16,149 acres. Amity had a population of 385 in 1830, 560 in 1840, 739 in 
1850, 1,016 in 1860, 924 in 1870, and 1,033 in 1880, of whom all were whites 
and few if any of foreign birth. The township lines are straighten all sides. 
Its length from east to west is about six and three-quarter miles, and breadth 
from north to south about four and one-fourth miles. The township is 
bounded on the north by Venango, on the east by Wayne, on the south by 
Union, and on the west by Le Boeuf and Waterf ord. Its post offices are Hatch 
Hollow and Lake Pleasant (Milltown). The township ha^ no settlements of 
any size, the only places that can be called villages, even by courtesy, being 
Milltown and Hatch Hollow. There is no railroad within the township, and 
the nearest atation is at Union. The main portion of Amity was embraced 
within the Tenth Donation District. The assessment of 1^3 gave the follow- 
ing results: Value of real estate, $365,329. Number of cows, 678; of oxen, 27: 
of horses and mules, 279; value of the same, $28,252; value of trades and 
occupations, $2,351; money at interest, 11,660. 

STREAMS AND BRIDGES. 

The chief stream of Amity Township is French Creek, of which all the 



AMITY TOWNSHIP. 833 

others within its limits are tributaries. The East and West Branches unite 
on the north line, just outside the borough limits of Wattsburg, and'' the 
joint stream flows across the township in a southwesterly course into Water- 
ford, leaving a triangular strip of territory on the upper side known to the in- 
habitants as "Canada." Its total length within thej township is nearly seven 
miles. The most important tributaries on the north side are the outlet of 
Lake Pleasant, Jones' Creek and Henry Brook; and on the south side the 
Hubbell Alder Eun, the Hatch Hollow Alder Eun, Deerlick Eun and Dun- 
combe Eun. The outlet of Lake Pleasant rises in the lake of that name 
in the southwest corner of Yenango, has a length of about three miles, and 
empties into French Creek on the farm of L. A. Stow. Jones' Creek heads 
near the south line of Venango, and falls into the chief stream on the Thomas 
Ashton place, having a course of about four miles. Henry Brook also takes 
its rise in Venango, is about two miles loDg, and joins French Creek on the 
farm of L. Northrop. The Hubbell Alder Eun begins on land of the 
late J. G. Hiibbell, at the Wayne line, flows about five miles and ends 
near Wattsburg, after a course of some five miJes. On the farm of W. 
C. Maynard it receives Lowe Brook, a small stream which rises in the 
northeast. The Hatch Hollow Alder Eun heads in Union Township, and 
becomes a part of French Creek on the G. W'. Baldwin place, close to the 
month of the outlet of Lake Pleasant. It has a length of about five miles. 
Buncombe Eun takes its rise on the S. W. Hayes farm, directlj south of 
Wattsburg, and falls into French Creek on the place of W. T. Everson. The 
head of Deer Lick Eun is on the north edge of Union, and its length is not 
far from four miles. It unites with the main stream on the farm of C. E. 
Duncombe. The only bridge over French Creek proper, within the township, 
is the iron one at Baldwin's Flats, which has a span of 100 feet and cost 12,- 
840. Another iron bridge, with eighty feet span, crosses one stem of the East 
Branch near Wattsburg, built at a cosh of |l,439. Both of the above are 
open bridges. Those over the other streams are ordinary in character. 

MILLS AND EOADS, 

French Creek once gave power to several mills in Amity, but all have been 
abandoned. Those on the other streams are as follows: On the Hubbell Alder 
Eun, Schoaf 's steam saw mill, near the Wayne line; on the Hatch Hollow Al- 
der Eun, Doolittle & Chaffee's steam saw mill, and Wheeler's water saw mill; 
on the outlet at Miiltown, Donaldson's steam saw mill and water shingle mill; 
Eichard's water grist mill and saw mill, Cox's steam saw mill. W. E. Palmer 
has a creamery just south of Wattsburg, which was built in 1872. John 
Ellethorp has a blacksmith shop, and Mr. Williams a wagon shop at Miiltown. 
There is also a blacksmith shop at Hatch Hollow. There is no store in the 
township. The fii'st saw mill in Amity was put up above Miiltown on the stream 
which runs through the Eaton Gross place and empties in^o the outlet of Lake 
Pleasant. The second mill was erected by Capt. James Donaldson on the out- 
let at Miiltown in 1822 or 1823. It was a grist and saw mill combined. 

The main roads are the Waterford & Wattsburg, along the south side of 
French Creek; the Lake Pleasant ^ Wattsburg, which is merged into the 
former on Baldwin's Flats; the Union & Wattsburg, passing through Hatch 
Hollow; the Beaver Dam & Wattsburg; the Corry & Wattsburg; the Lake 
Pleasant & Union; and the Lake Pleasant, Hatch Hollow & Union. The Erie 
& Lake Pleasant road terminates at the Stow bridge on French Creek, and is 
designated above that as the Lake Pleasant & Wattsburg. 



834 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The township schools are the Young, in the southeast; Inman, on the Ve- 
nango Hub, in the northwest; Hubboll, near the mouth of Lowe Run; Ladd, 
near Wattsburg; Hayes, on the Union & Beaver Dam road; Hatch Hollow, in 
that settlement;. McGree, on the line between Union and Amity; Hill, near the 
northwest corner of Wayne Township; Phillips, near Wattsburg. on the line 
between Venango and Amity; Duncombe, on French Creek, in the southwest; 
and Baldwin, on Baldwin's Flats. The Ladd building is used as the town 
house and election place. The McKee School is maintained jointly by Amity 
and Union, and the Phillips by Amity and Venango. In addition, there is a 
school at Milltown, belonging to the Lake Pleasant District, which embraces 
the corners of Amity, Waterfoi'd, Greene and Venango. Of the early schools 
of the township, mention may be made of a log schoolhouse that was built 
abotit the year 1825 by the neighborhood, and stood probably one-half of the 
distance between the residence of J. Chaffee and the borough of W^attsburg. 
The first teacher in this building was James White, and the next was Margaret 
Rouse. Some years later, a schoolhouse was built at Hatch Hollow. Polly Berry 
and Sallie Chaffee were the early teachers in this house. This was the first school- 
house at Hatch Hollow, the one now located there being the second. In 1835, 
a small log: schoolhouse was standing: on Baldwin's Flats, near Alder Run. in 
which, about this date, a summer school was taught by Mrs. Lucetta Bald- 
win. She had been preceded by Miss Polly Donald. The winter following 
the sttmmer school of Mrs. Baldwin, A. Duncombe tatigbt in the building 
named. Later, this house was burned, and another (of frame) was erected on 
nearly the same site. Both were built by subscription. Artemus Tracy and 
Robert Middleton were early teachers in tlie latter building. This building 
also burned down after a few years of service. Another was built near Bald- 
win's soon after, which was used until the erection of the present one there. 

LANDS, VILLAGES, ETC. 

Amity is in general a hilly township, but there are some magnificent flats 
along French Creek, the outlet of Lake Pleasant, the Hatch Hollow Alder Run 
and Deer Lick Run. The valley of French Creek ranges from half a mile to 
two and a half miles in width, reaching its greatest extent at the outlet of 
Lake Pleasant. The township as a whole is more suited for grazing than any- 
thing else. Great quantities of butter are made, and the raising of cattle is 
an important industry. It is doubtful whether as much wheat is reaped as the 
people consume, but oats, corn and potatoes are produced in excess of home 
needs. Apples thrive vigorously, but other fruits do not succeed so well. 
Valley lauds are held at as high a rate as $75 an acre, but some swampy spots 
are not valued at more than $20. On the hills, the price of land ranges from 
$30 to $40. Perhaps one-third of the township is still in a wild state and 
covered with timber. 

Milltown is a place of about thirty buildings, and nearly a hundred 
people, situated on the outlet, about a mile and a half below Lake Pleasant, 
and fourteen and a half from Erie. It got its name from the number of mills 
located there. The settlement possesses a schoolhouse but no church. Its 
post office title is Lake Pleasant. Half a mile west in Waterford Township, is 
a Baptist Church, of frame, which was built in the summer of 1877. Until re- 
cently, there had been an organization of the United Brethren in Christ, on 
Baldwin's Flats, which society was formed about the year 1857, by Rev. Mich- 
ael Oswald, but was disbanded in the summer of 1883. 

Hatch Hollow, in the valley of the lower Alder Run, on the Union & 



GIRARD TOWNSHIP. 835 

Wattbburg road, is a place of less size than Milltown. In addition to 
the mills and schoolhouse, there is a Methodist Episcopal Chui'ch, a frame 
structure, which was completed and dedicated in 1859. The congregation 
was organized some years prior to 1835, and has, excepting a short period, 
been an appointment on the Wattsburg Circuit, of which it now forms a part. 
It was for a time connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Union 
City. Hatch Hollow derived its title from the numerous Hatch family in the 
neighborhood. It is the post ofldce of the south part of the township. 

The cemetery at Hatch Hollow embraces about three acres. It has been 
in existence about twenty-five years. There is a burying ground of about an 
acre on the T. Ashton farm, and a number of family graveyards are kept up 
in various parts of the township. 

William Sanboi-n was elected to the Assembly in 1846 and 1847, and Fran- 
cis F. Stow, County Auditor in 1867. 

EARLY SETTLEES. 

The first lands taken up in Amity Township were by William Miles, the 
founder of Wattsburg, who located 1,200 acres on the outlet of Lake Pleasant, 
in 1706, but made his home in Concord. About the same time John Fagan 
cleared up a piece of land near Hatch Hollow, and a man named McGahan 
went in the same year. Fagan remained until 1807, when he changed to 
Mill Creek. Hazen Sheppard and wife located in the township in 1812; the 
old lady was still living in 1880, at the age of ninety-two. John Carron is 
said to have been the first permanent settler, but the year he went in is un- 
known. In 1816, Benjamin Hinkston settled in Greene Township from Ver- 
mont, but changed to Amity in 1818. In 1819, Charles Capron moved in 
from New Hampshire, and was joined the same year by Seth Shepardson and 
Timothy Reed. Capron's father and mother accompanied him. James Mc- 
Cullough and Capt. James Donaldson became residents of the township in 
1820, the latter locating near Lake Pleasant. Capt. Donaldson was from 
Cumberland County. He went first to the P. H. Yost place in Venango, where 
he lived with his family a number of years. From there he moved to Mill- 
town. Other settlers went in as follows: In 1829, Jabez G. Hubbell, of Otse- 
go County, N. Y., with his wife and sons, Hiram and David, Royal D. Mason 
and Jacob Rouse; in 1830, the Duncombes, Pliny Maynard and Elias Patter- 
son; in 1831, William B. Maynard, son of Plinyf in 1833, George W. Bald- 
win; in 1847, John Allen, from Otsego County, N. Y. 



CHAPTER XX. 



GIRARD TOW NSHIP AND BOROUGHS OF GIRARD AND LOCKPORT. 

THE township of Girard was carved out of Elk Creek, Fairviewand Spring- 
held in 1832, receiving its name from Stephen Girard, the Philadelphia 
millionaire, who owned a large body of land in the adjoining township of 
Conneaut, on which he had arranged just before his death to put up mills and 
make other important improvements which were expected to benefit the whole 
country around. The old line between Fairview and Springfield ran through 
the township parallel with the present line dividing Elk Creek and Conneaut. 



836 HISTORY OF ERIE COUMTY. 

Girard Township is bounded on the north by Lake Erie, on the east by Fair- 
view and Franklin, on the south by Conneaut and Elk Creek, and on the west 
by Springfield. In the widest part it is six and a quarter miles from east to 
west, by seven and three-eighths from north to south. The population was 
2,060 in ]840, 2,443 in 1850, 2.453 in 1860, 2,018 in 1870, 2,338 in 1880, 
inclusive of Miles Grove and West Girard, and 1,732 exclusive of those vil- 
lages. The only post olfice is Miles Grove. Most of the trading is done in the 
latter place and Girard Borough. 

The United States census of 1880, Jacob Bender enumerator, gave the fol- 
lowing results: With the exception of one person, a mulatto, the population 
is all white. In sex it is singularly evenly divided, there being 1,168 males 
against 1.170 females. 

The acreage in tilled land is 13,845; permanent meadows, pastures, orchards, 
etc., 2.920; woodland and forest, 3,582; total, 20,347 acres. The principal 
crops are wheat, oats, barley, corn, buckwheat and potatoes. Total value of 
farm productions of all kinds, $217,080, divided among 240 farms. 

The appraisement of 1883 gave the following results: Value of real estate, 
$1,354,587; of personal property, $47,523; money at interest, $51,355. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first settlers within the limits of the township were William Silver- 
thorn and his son, Capt. Abraham Silverthorn, w^ho came in 1798 from Fay- 
ette County. About 1799, Robert Brown, of Northumberland County, located 
at the mouth of Elk Creek, but in 1804 he moved to Weigleville, and from 
there to Erie. He was the father of William A. Brown and Mrs. George A. 
Eliot, of Erie City. These parties were followed in 1800 by Robert Porter, 
Isaac Miller and John Kelley. Mr. Kelley, who was from Mifflin County, 
moved to West Mill Creek in 1802, and died there the next year. In 1801, 
Jacob Coffman came from Somerset County, and located on the site of Lock- 
port; and about the same time Patrick Ward settled on the Lake road. Mr. 
Coffman, who was from Somerset County, was accompanied by his four sons. 
Conrad, one of the boys, went back to Somerset County about 181^, married 
there, and did not return until 1836, when his son J. C. was a young man of 
seventeen. The family were intimate in Somerset County with the famous 
Judge Jeremiah S. Black. William and Samuel McClelland and William 
Crane, natives of Ireland, took up lands in the northeast part of the township 
in 1802; John Miller, from Fayette County, and George Kelley, from Mifflin 
County, in 1803; Joel Bradish and brothers, from Saratoga County, N. Y. , and 
James Blair, from Fayette County, Penn., in 1804; Martin Taylor, from Chau- 
tauqua County, N. Y., in 1813; William Webber, from Genesee County, N. 
Y., in 1814; Cornelius Haggerty, in 1815; Samuel Jenner and his son Peach, 
from Vermont, Justus Osborn and his son Philip, from Fredonia, N. Y., Abner 
Boder, from Connecticut, and Scott Keith and wife, from Pittsford, Vt, in 
1816; Elijah Drury, from Genesee County, N. Y., in 1817; Ethan Loveridge 
and Nathan Sherman, from Oneida County, N. Y., in 1818; Joseph Long, from 
Massachusetts, in 1825; Matthew Anderson, from Chenango County, N. Y., in 
1830; George Traut, from Cohimbia Coimty, N. Y., in 1831; James Miles, 
from Union Township, and Titiis Pettibone, from Wyoming County, N. Y., in 
1832; and William Kirkland, in 1833. Among other early settlers, the date 
of whose arrival is not ascertained, were Messrs. Taggart, Pickett, Badger, 
Martin, Wells, Clark, Laughlin and Wolverton. The last four were the earliest 
who located on the site of Girard Borough, Mr. Wells having owned most of 
the land embraced within the corporate limits. James Silverthorn located 





'Ae^ 



f^f 



GIRARD TOWNSHIP. 839 

among the first, and Thomas Miles about 1801. John Ralph kept a sort of 
tavern at the mouth of Elk Creek in 1804. John R. Ward was the first male 
child, and the late Mrs. George A. Eliot, of Erie, the first female child born in 
the township. The country does not appear to have been cleared up very rap- 
idly, as, according to Mr. Loner, there was no road along Elk Creek when he 
reached there in 1825. The remains of William Miles and those of his wife 
and oldest son Frederick are interred in the family graveyard, north of Miles 
Grove. The old gentleman resided with his son James, near the mouth »)f Elk 
Creek, from 1841, the year of his wife's death, until his own demise in 1846. 
Girard Township can claim the honor of having had the second oldest person 
in the county — Patrick Ward, who died at the age of one hundred and five. 
WheQ one hundred and three years old, he walked from his residence to Girard 
(three miles), for the purpose of voting. 

LANDS AND ROADS. 

It is a common I'emark that the land between Walnut Creek, in Fairview, 
and Crooked Creek, in Springfield, is the best along Lake Erie, and of this 
choice section Girard Township is claimed by its citizens to be the very cream. 
The lake plain is from three to foar miles wide, running back by a succession 
of steps which give a pleasing variety to the country. Near the lake the soil 
is sandy., but on the ridge it becomes gravelly, and is very productive. Back 
of Girard Borough the land continues to rise, is much broken, and, except 
along Elk and Crooked Creeks, where there are some fine valley farms, is bet- 
ter adapted to grazing than grain, though this is to be stated with some nota- 
ble exceptions. The whole township is a splendid fruit country, and many 
acres have been planted to grapes and strawberries. The strawberry crop is to 
Girard what the gi'ape crop is to North East, vast quantities being raised an-, 
nually and shipped to all points of the compass. The farm improvements will 
average better than any other part of the lake shore, and the taste shown in 
some instances would be creditable to any locality. Land is valued at from 
$100 to 1125 per acre along the Ridge road, from S60 to $100 along the Lake 
road, and from $35 to $60 in the south part of the township. During the 
construction of the canal, there was a sandstone quarry — a hovelty for Erie 
County — at Elisha Smith's, east of Girard Borough, from which a quantity of 
stone was taken for the locks of the canal. 

The main thoroughfares of Girard Township are the Lake road, the Ridge 
road — both running direct to Erie — the two roads between Miles Grove and 
the borough, the road through Lockport and Cranesville toMeadville, and the 
Lexington road into Conneaut Township. The Ridge and Lake roads are 
thickly settled, and the first named especially is unquestionably the finest in 
the county, having a fine row of shade trees on both sides almost the entire 
distance from Girard to Fairview. The stage company had extensive stables 
at West Girard, which were burned in January, 1832, with the loss of fifteen 
out of sixteen horses. After the opening of the railroad in 1852, few persons 
cared to travel by coach, and the stage line was soon abandoned. 

KAILROADS AND CANAL. 

The Lake Shore Railroad traverses the whole township from east to west, 
crossing Elk Creek a short distance west of Miles Grove. The old wooden 
viaduct over this stream, built for the use of the railroad in 1852, was 115 feet 
high and 1,400 feet long. It was replaced in 1858 with a splendid culvert 
and extensive filling. The only station of this road is at Miles Grove, or Gi- 
rard Station as it is more generally known to travelers. The Erie & Pitta- 



840 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

bnrgh Kailroad intersects the Lake Shore ahiiost a mile west of Miles Grove, 
and runs southward across the township, parallel to and not far fi'om the 
Springfield line. Aside from Miles Grove, it has but a single station in the 
township, the one known as Cross's, at the north end of Crooked Creek bridge, 
a long and uncomfortable looking piece of trestle work. This station is the 
depot for the village of East Springfield, from which it is a mile and a half 
distant. The railroad office is the only building at the station. Judge Cross, 
of Springfield, from whom it received its name, once lived there, and still owns 
800 acres of land in the vicinity. The New York, Chicago & St. Louis Rail- 
road traverses the entire width of the township from east to west, crossing the 
Elk Creek Valley by a splendid iron bridge, within sight from Girard Borough. 
Its station is between the borough and Miles Grove, a little east of the latter 
place. The old Erie Canal entered Girard on the east from Fairview, along 
the foot of the first rise, cut through the ridge to Elk Creek, crossed that 
stream by an aqueduct ninety-six feet above the water, and 500 long, and fol- 
lowed the valley of the Lockport Branch southward. 

STREAMS, ETC. 

The chief stream of Girard is Elk Creek, which comes in from Fairview, 
flows nearly through the center of the township from east to northwest, and 
empties into the lake about a mile and a quarter beyond Miles Grove, after a 
length of thirty to thirty-five miles. The West Branch rises in Elk Creek 
Township, runs north eight or ten miles and unites with the main stream near 
the Fairview line. Hall's Run flows through Lockport and falls in a little 
south of Girard Bo)'OUgh. Brandy Run heads in Fairview Township, 
about a mile further south; and Spring Run west of Miles Grove — each of 
them being uf sufficient size to furnish water-power for one or two mills. The 
valley of the chief stream is narrow and precipitous in the eastern portion of 
the township, but fui'fcher west it widens out, with steep, but beautiful bluffs 
on both sides. At the junction of the West Branch there is a high peak, re- 
sembling part of a Roman profile, with its base at the water's edge, which has 
received the peculiar title of "The Devil's Nose." A short distance south is 
the striking natural curiosity, famous over the western portion of the county 
as " The Devil's Backbone." The West Branch runs along the base of an 
almost perpendicular hill for a quarter of a mile, then rounds the bluff and 
comes back to a point opposite the one which it left, forming a sort of a loop. 
At the narrowest place, the crest or backbone is not more than two feet across, 
and the height being over a 100 feet, it is a severe test of a person's nerves to 
walk along the lofty pathway. The spot is a favorite resort of the people for 
miles around. Not far from the "Devil's Backbone" is the fruit farm of 
Asa Battles, which contains 6,000 apple, 1,000 peach, 600 or 700 pear and 
many quince trees, besides fourteen acres of strawberries and five or six of 
grapes. The other streams of the township are Crooked Creek and several 
rivulets flowing into the lake in the northeast. Crooked Creek rises near 
Lockport, runs through the southwestern portion of Girard and the north- 
eastern of Springfield, and empties into Lake Erie about three-fourths of a 
mile beyond the village of North Springfield. It has a course of about ten 
miles and there are some good lands in its valley. 

MOUTH OF ELK CREEK. 

The mouth of Elk Creek figured extensively in the early plans of internal 
improvement, as well as in the courts of the county and State. When the 
canal was under discussion, there was a bitter strife as to the adoption of the 



GIRARD TOWNSHIP. 841 

©astern route by way of Waterford, or the western one by way of Girard. The 
Legislature, at length, by recommendation of the chief engineer in charge, 
adopted the western route. Next came a dispute as to whether the terminus 
of the canal should be at Erie or at the mouth of Elk Creek, which was finally 
settled in favor of the former. On the third of March, 1837, pending the 
discussion of the proper terminus, a contract was entered into between James 
Miles, of Girard, Thaddeus Stevens, then a member of Gov. Kitner's "Kitchen 
Cabinet," and Charles Ogle, a Congressman from this State, looking to the 
building of a city at the mouth of the creek. Miles was to dispose of 
200 acres of land on both sides of the stream to Stevens and Ogle, in con- 
sideration of 15,000. on the 1st of August ensuing, and $95,000 from the sale 
of lots, while Stevens was to work for the adoption of the site as the terminus 
of the canal, and Ogle was to obtain an appropriation from Congress for the 
improvement of the harbor. The project failing, Miles sued Stevens and Ogle 
for the $5,000. The case was carried to the Supreme Court and decided in 
favor of the defendants. Some very curious testimony came out in the course 
of the trial. While the country was being cleared, the mouth of the creek 
was considerable of a shipping place for staves and lumber. A. warehouse 
formerly stood on the lake shore for the convenience of trade. The water in 
the creek is probably deep enough at its m^uth to iioat any sailing vessel, but 
there is a wide bar in the lake, which will eifectually prevent its use as a har- 
bor until removed, which can only be done by a heavy expenditure of money. 
Quite a fishery is maintained there, and hundreds of barrels of fish are put 
up for shipment. A limekiln has also been maintained for some years, re- 
ceiving its stone from Kelly's Island. 

MILLS AND CHURCHES. 

The mills and factories of the township — not naming for the present those 
of Girard Borough, Lockport and Miles Grove — are as follows: On Elk Creek 
—Strickland & Nason's grist mill, at the mouth of Spring Run; the West 
Girard Grist, Saw, Cider and Plaster Mills, and a planing mill at the same 
place. On Spring Run, T. Thornton's woolen mill and Brown Bros.' hand 
rake factory and cider mill. A grist mill is said to have been established 
on this stream by Mr. Silverthorn, as early as 1799, being one of the first in 
the county. On the West Branch, Pettis" saw mill; on Brandy Run, Ros- 
siter's tannery; on one of the lake streams, Herrick's and Godfrey's saw mills. 
All of the above are run by water, but in some cases steam is also employed 
in the dry season. Pettibone & Morehouse have a limekiln on the lake road 
north of Girard. The first mill on Elk Creek, within Girard Township, was 
built at West Girard in 1814, by Peter Wolverton, and was owned successively 
by Dr. Rufus Hills, James C. Marshall and his brother-in-law, Addison Weath- 
erbee, George Rowley, L. S. Wright, Loomis & Horton and W. C. Culbertsou. 
During Mr. Rowley's term, the mill burned down and was rebuilt. 

The churches of the township are as follows: Methodist Episcopal, at 
Fair Haven, on the Lexington ro?id, in the southwest part of the township; 
organized originally, January 7, 1815, at the house of Mr. Webber, and re- 
organized by Rev. A. Hall in 1860; building erected in 1861, at a cost of 
$3,000. Prior to its attachment to the Lockport Circuit, this charge was an 
appointment with the church at Girard. Another of the same denomination 
at Fairplain, upon the farm of C. Ziesenheim, on the Lake road, organized by 
Rev. J. H. Whallon, its first pastor, in 1840; building erected in 1841 at a 
cost of $800. Until quite recently, this congregation was served by the pas- 
tors from Girard. It is now connected with Fairview Circuit. 



842 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Church of the United Brethren on the State road, near the Elk Creek 
Township line; organized in 1870 by Rev. D. Sprinkle, its first pastor; build- 
ing cost $1,700. 

The cemetery at Girard is the common burial place of the township, but a 
number of small graveyards occur in various sRctions. 

SCHOOLS AND MOUNDS. 

The schools are fifteen in number, as follows: Fairplain, on Lake r<:)ad east; 
Clark's, on Lake road, fai'ther west; jNliles' near railroad junction; Cuduej, on 
Eidge road west; Eobertson, on Ridge road west; West Girard, in that village; 
Girard Station, at Miles Grove; Osborne, on Ridge road east; McClelland, two 
miles southeast of Girard Borough; Porter Bridge, one mile south of West Gir- 
ard; Anderson, on Lexington road; Fair Haven, on same road further south; 
Blair, on Creek road three miles south of Girard Borough; Miller, on Old State 
road near Lockport; South Hill. Besides these there is a Union School 
on the Franklin Line, occupied jointly by that and Girard Township, 
Among some of the early schools of the township were the following: A log 
schoolhouse stood in the southwestern part of the township, in which school 
was taught in 1819 or 1820 by Miles Bristol. This schoolhouse was destroyed 
by fire and another erected in the same locality. Fifty years ago, there stood 
a log schoolhouse about three-quarters of a mile south of the village of Lock- 
port. About 1822, a school was taught in a frame building that stood on 
the Ridge road at the foot of the Girard Hill, by Nancy Kelly. Another 
school was held in a private house, situated one mile east of Girard, taught 
in about 1823 by Desdemona Fuller. 

Southeast of Girard Borough, the remains of an ancient mound are or were 
lately to be seen, which was one of a chain of four, extending m a south- 
westerly direction through East Springfield toward Couneaut Creek. These 
mounds are exactly alike, consisting of high, round earthwork inclosing 
a space Of about three -fourths of an acre, with apertures at regular intervals. 
Similar ruins are to be found in Conneaut, Harbor Creek. Wayne and Con- 
cord Townships. On a hill between Girard and Lockport was an Indian 
burial gi-ound. La 1882, the bones of a mastodon were plowed up on the farm 
of W. H. Palmer, many of which were in an excellent state of preservation. 
The size of the animal was estimated to have been fifteen feet long, exclusive 
of tusks, and about thirteen feet high. 

MILES GEOVE. 

The pretty and growing village of Miles Grove, or Girard Station, as it is 
known to the traveling public, is situated on the Lake Shore Railroad, a little 
over a mile east of the intersection of the Erie & Pittsbui'gh, one and three- 
quarter miles north of Girard, fifteen and a half west of Erie and eighty 
east of Cleveland. It is four and a half miles from the depot to Fairview 
Station, five to Fairview Borough, six to Lockport, five to East Spi'ingfield, 
four to North Springfield, ten to Cranesville, eleven to Wellsburg, eleven and 
a half to Albion and twelve to Franklin. The population of the village by 
the census of 1880 was 471. The site of Miles Grove is one of the most 
suitable for a town in Erie County. The country is extremely fine and closely 
settled — so close, indeed, between there and Girard that it will not be many 
years till they are one town. The place was named after Judge Miles, 
who influenced the erection of the depot, the ground for which was given by 
Austin H. Seeley, who laid out the lots. It grew slowly for some years, but 
received a new impetus by the completion of the Erie & Pittsburg I'oad, which 



GIRARD TOWNSHIP. 843 

caused it to be made a general stopping place for the trains. Another start 
was given to it by the location of A. Denio's fork and agricultural works, 
which furnish employment to about seventy persons. These works — now 
known as the Otsego Fork Mills — were brought to Miles Grove, part in 1874, 
and the balance in 1876, the citizens subscribing $4,000 to $5,000 to induce 
their removal. This important industry was established at Albion thirty 
years ago. The handle department burned down in the year of 1873, when 
the entire business was tranferred to Miles Grove, where a part of it was 
already in operation. The village contains, besides a good many fine resi- 
dences, an Episcopal and a Methodist Episcopal Church, a fine schoolhouse, 
with three teachers, an iron foundry, a hotel — built by A. M. Osborn in the 
spring of 1865 — five or six stores, an express office, two shoe shops and two 
blacksmith shops. The Methodist Episcopal Chui'ch was built in 1867. It is 
used in part by the Presbyterians, according to a condition in the subscription 
paper. James Sampson donated the land on which the building stands. The 
Methodist Episcopal Congregation has belonged to Girard charge ever since 
its organization. 

The Episcopal Church was erected in 1877 (mainly with a sum of money left 
by Mrs. Bell, a daughter of Judge Miles) on a tract of land donated by J. Rob- 
ert Hall, agent of the latter's estate. The first services of this congregation 
were held in I860, but no regular rector served the church until 1862. Rev. 
E. D. Irvine has been rector since June, 1877. The Lake Shore Railroad 
Company has valuable improvements at Miles Grove. These are a fine depot 
building, with tasteful parks east and west of it, a freight house, two water 
tanks, an engine house with four stalls, a turn-table and an extensive track 
yard for shifting freight trains. An enormous business is done in shipping 
potatoes, in which Girard and Fairview Townships are very fruitful, and great 
quantities of coal are sold from the line of the E. & P. Railroad. The home 
of the Miles family, in the hollow of Elk Creek, near its mouth, about a mile 
north of west from Miles Grove, is a stately brick mansion. "When Judge 
Miles died, he owned 1,600 acres in one body, extending two miles or more 
along the lake. He was born in Northumberland County February 16, 1792, 
and died March 27, 1868. For seventy or eighty years there has been an eagle's 
nest on the farm of Riley Pettibone, half a mile north of Miles Grove. It was 
there when the country was cleared, and has not changed its position, except 
that the original trees were blown down, and others near by were chosen. Oc- 
casionally young eagles are captured, caged, and preserved as curiosities. 

WEST GIKAED. 

The ancient village of West Girard is in the valley of Elk Creek, after 
which it was originally named, mostly on the west bank of the stream, about 
half a mile from the borough of Girard. It was rather an important place in 
early days, being the site of one of the stage company's extensive stables, and 
a changing place for their teams. The village then boasted a number of stores, 
four taverns, two tanneries, an oil mill, distillery, and several smaller estab- 
lishments, all of which were allowed to run down. It received its worst blow 
by the building of the canal on the opposite side of the creek, which caused a 
transfer of the business to the present borough. Its principal establishments 
now are a lai-ge grist mill, a planing mill and sash and blind factory, a saw 
mill, a plaster mill and a brickyard. The village contains a schoolhouse, about 
thirty houses, and 135 inhabitants. An iron bridge over Elk Creek marks the 
site of two or three wooden structures which hnve been washed away by the 
destructive floods of that stream. 



844 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 



BOROUGH OF GIRARD. 

In the year 1814, at the close of the war with Great Britain, the site of 
Girard Borough was partly included in the farm of John Taylor, whose log house 
was the only building there. At a later date, the land was owned by Daniel 
Sayre, Sr., who purchased from Mr. Taylor. Mr. Sayre sold to Joseph AVells, 
who erected the first frame building within the borough limits. The original 
town was on the other side of the creek, now known as West Girard. When 
the caral was located on the east side of the stream, several far-seeing parses 
commenced building on the present site, and it was not long until a town was 
laid out. The name of Girard was given to it in honor of the township, of 
which it became — so to speak — the capital and center of trade. Tlie first 
buildings in the village were near the canal, and the first tavern occupied a 
site a little west of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1846, the village was 
incorporated as a borough. Its first officers were: Burgess, Mason Kellogg; 
Council, John McClure, Jr., Leffert Hart, H. McConnell, George H. Cutler; 
Clerk, L. S. Jones. The corporation covers 250 acres. The United States 
census gave Girard a population of 400 in !1850, 616 in 1860, 704 in 1870, and 
703 in 1880. The assessment for 1883 gave the following results: Value of 
real estate, $247,453; cows, 39: value. $1,380; horses and mules, 73; value, 
$6,110; personal property, $7,490; value of trades and occupations. $60,255; 
money at interest, $11,377. 

Girard occupies a pleasant site along the Ridge road, which constitutes its 
Main street, on high ground overlooking the lake shore plain and the lovely val- 
ley of Elk Creek, sixteen miles west by public road from Erie, ten east from the 
Ohio line, two and a half south of the lake, and one and three-quarters from the 
railroad station at Miles Grove, with which it is connected by the old depot road 
and Rice avenue. The latter thoroughfare, which was projected by Dan Rice 
while in the height of his prosperity, was opened in the winter of 1867-68, 
and is well built up, giving a stranger the idea of a continuous town. A char- 
ter for a street railroad on this fine avenue was pi'ocured some years ago, but 
the enterprise was never carried to completion. The old road is also rather 
closely built up, and both thoroughfares are among the most pleasant in the 
county. The Erie Canal passed through the borough by a deep cut, and two 
venerable warehouses still stand upon its banks, showing that a large trade was 
done there through the medium of that improvement. The town occupies the 
secnnd rise above the lake shore plain, in the midst of one of the most beauti- 
ful and productive countries in the Union. It contains every variety of stores 
incident to a community of the size, has many delightful residences, especially 
along the east end of the main street, which is finely shaded, and does an ex- 
tensive trade with the farming region around. 

CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, ETC. 

The borough numbers among its public institutions Pi'esbyterian, Methodist 
Episcopal, Catholic, Universalist and German Lutheran Churches. The Meth- 
odist Church, which has few superiors in the county for beauty of architecture 
and elegance of finish, was erected in 1868 at a cost of $30,000. The congre- 
gation was organized in 1815, by Rev. Ira Eddy, its first pastor, and built its 
first edifice in 1828. For many years the appointment was a portion of the 
Springfield Circuit. 

The Presbyterian Church is a substantial brick building erected in 1835, to 
which an old graveyard is attached. Its congregation was organized May 



GIRARD TOWNSHIP. 845 

16, 1835, by Rev. Pierce Chamberlain, the first Elders being Robert Porter 
and Philip Bristol. It was at first supplied by Rev. Edson Hart, who was 
stationed at Springfield. The present pastor, Rev. W. R. Moore, assumed the 
pastorate of the church in 1871. 

St. John's Catholic congregation was organized about the year 1853, and 
soon thereafter put up a church building. The congregation was attended by 
visiting priests for a number of years. Rev. Father F. Riordy has served this 
charge in connection with the one at North East since July, 1870. 

The Universalist society was organized some years previous to 1852, and 
in that year erected their present church building; the pastor of this church 
since 1864 has been Rev. C. L. Shipman; his predecessor was Rev. S. P. Car- 
rolton; Revs. E. Wood and C. B. Lombard had preceded Mr. Carrolton. 

St. Johannis congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church was organ- 
ized in 1866, and subsequently purchased the church building occupied by 
the Methodist Episcopal society prior to the erection of their present building 
in 1868. The pulpit of the church was filled for pei'iods by the pastors of the 
church of this denomination in Erie. For some years past, this congregation 
and the one in Fairview Township have been under one pastorate. Rev. 
Gavehling has been pastor of both these charges for the past four years. 

The Girard Cemetery, one of the handsomest burial grounds in the county, 
is a tract of ten acres, neatly inclosed, laid out in walks and containing many 
costly monuments. The organization was chartered in March, 1861, and the 
property was laid out the same year. 

The Girard Academy was built by subscription in 1850, and opened in 
1851, with 150 pupils. It had a students' boarding house attached, and for 
awhile was very successful. The property was transferred to the school board 
about twelve years ago, and has since been occupied by the common schools of 
the borough. These consist of a series of graded schools, managed by a Prin- 
cipal and three assistants. The schools opened in the fall of 1883, with an 
enrollment of 160 pupils under the superintendency of J. M. Morrison, who 
had three lady assistants. There are four departments, each of which is in ex- 
cellent condition. The schools were graded in the winter of 1872-73, by F. 
W. Knapp. The latter was succeeded by the present Principal, who is now 
(1883) beginning his fifth school year at Girard. 

The first school that was held in Girard Township was taught in what is 
now Girard Borough, by J. Swan, in the year 1809. He was then in his six- 
teenth year. The following year (1810) Mr. Swan taught a school in Mill 
Creek Township. 

In 1827, the village school was held in the lower floor of a log building 
that stood a little to the rear of the site of the drug store of Smith & Lowe on 
Main street; Tabitha Mashon was teaching about this time (the second floor of 
the building was used as the Masonic Lodge room). 

HOTELS AND FACTOEIES. 

The hotels of Girard Borough are the Avenue House, finished in 1879, and 
owned and kept by Peter H. Nellis, and the Martin House, which has been in 
operation thirty years, and is now kept by Alonzo White. Girard has been 
rather unfortunate in the matter of hotel buildings, the old Girard House, 
which occupied the site of the present Avenue House, and the Central House 
of Joshua Evans, which stood on the east side of the public square, having 
both been burned. In the days of stage coaching on the Ridge road, the local- 
ity was a famous one for taverns, there having been no less than eight, within 
two miles, in 1835. 



846 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

The most important manufacturing concern of the borough is the wrench 
factory. This concern was built by a corporation under the State laws, and 
erected in 1874, by the Walton Brothers, of Cleveland, Ohio, with a capital of 
$8,000, the people of Girard subscribing half the stock. It failed in 1875, 
and at Sheriff's sale was purchased by C. F. Rockwell, W. C. Culbertson, C. 
F. Webster and R. S. Battles. This company is under a limited partnership, 
but the business has been carried on successfully under this firm. The con- 
cern employ about seventy-five men. In the fall of 1883, a well was sunk near 
the mill for the purpose of securing gas for lighting purposes. After boring 
1,310 feet, and receiving an insufficient supply, the derrick was removed to a 
different locality and the second well is under operation at this writing. Be- 
sides this establishment, H. H. Waitman has a planing mill, and there is a small 
furniture factory. All of these concerns are run by steam. There is also a 
small bedspring manufactory owned by H. P. Malick. 

SQUARE, MONUMENT, ETC 

The public square of Girard was a gift from Joseph Wells, one of the own- 
ers of the land, when the village was laid out. It is surrounded by a number 
of fine buildings, but its pi-incipal objects of interest are the soldiers' monu- 
ment, and the Dan Rice residence, which occupies, with grounds, a full block 
on the north side. The monument is a splendid shaft of marble, designed by 
the celebrated Chicago sculptor, Leonard Volk, inclosed by an iron railing, 
and dedicated November 1, 1805. It cost $6,000, the whole of which was paid 
by Dan Rice. 

The Dan Rice property embraces two and a half acres, inclosed on three 
sides by a heavy brick wall, and ornamented with statuary, walks, arbors, and 
the choicest of trees, shrubbery and flowers. The mansion itself is a large 
frame building. Within the inclosure is a fine conservatory, and a brick barn 
which cost $26,000. The cost of the wall around the grounds was $3,000. Dan 
Rice's first purchase in Girard was in 1853, when he bought a piece of land 
with building on the northwest side of the square, from Col. John McClure, 
for $18,000. In 1856 he moved there, and from that date continued to add to 
his purchase until he had possession of the entire square, at a total cost of 
about $60,000. Financial embarrassments lost to Dan Rice this estate, and the 
present owners are the estate of Avery Smith, John Nathans and Dr. G. R. 
Spalding. 

PUBLIC MEN. 

Girard Borough and Township have furnished a goodly proportion of the 
public men of the county. Among the number have been George H. Cutler, 
State Senator from 1873 to 1875, Speaker of the Senate, then the second high- 
est office in the Commonwealth, from the close of the session in 1874, and Pres- 
ident pro tem. during the session of 1875; Theodore Ryman, member of 
Assembly in 1848; Leffert Hart in 1849; Henry Teller in 1860 and 1861; George 
P. Rea in 1868 and 1869; H. A. Traut, from 1883 to 1885; Myron Hutchin- 
son, Associate Judge, from 1841 to 1850; James Miles, from 1851 to 1856; 
S, E. Woodruff, District Attorney, from 1853 to 1856, and United States Reg- 
ister in Bankruptcy for the Congressional District from 1867 to 1879; James 
C. Marshall, Prothonotary, from January 13, 1839, to November 16, 1839, and 
Samuel Perley, from 1851 to 1854; Jeremiah Davis, County Treasurer, from 
December 1, 1856, to December 23, 1858; L. T. Fisk, County Superintendent 
of Public Schools, from 1866 to 1869; Myron Hutchinson, County Commis- 
sioner, from 1828 to 1830, and James Miles, from 1835 to 1838; D. W. Hutchin- 
son, Mercantile Appraiser, in 1877; William Biggers, Jui-y Commissioner, from 






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GIRARD TOWNSHIP. 849 

January 1, 1880, to January ], 1883; George Piatt, County Surveyor, from 
1872 to date; John Hay, Director of the Poor, from 1853 to 1857; James 
Miles, County Auditor, from 1840 to 1843, and Philip Osborn, from 1864 to 
1867. Senator and Secretary of the Interior Teller, of Colorado, was a 
resident of Girard Township while a boy. The Girard members of the bar 
are James C. Marshall, D. W. Hutchinsoo, S. E. & T. S. Woodruff, George 
H. Cutler and C. J. Hinds. Mr. Marshall moved to Erie in April, 1844, 
and the Messrs. Woodruff about 1872. Capt. Hutchinson was Chairman 
of the Democratic County Committee for several years, was a Delegate to 
the Democratic National Convention of 1872, and has represented the co^iinty 
frequently in State Conventions. In addition to the above officers, T. C. 
Wheeler was United States Assistant Assessoi', being appointed under Presi- 
dent Lincoln, and holding the office nine years. Mr. Osborn was keeper of the 
Marine Hospital at Erie, a State appointment, for several years, ending in 
1883. 

NEWSPAPERS AND BANKS. 

The first newswaper was the Girard Free Press, started about 1845, by S. 
D. Carpenter, who took Horace Greeley's advice, went West, and became a 
prominent politician, issuing a book at the commencement of the war, which 
furnished the texts for numberless Democratic editorials. The Express, its 
successor, was purchased by T. C. Wheeler and William S. Finch, November 
7, 1854, and the name was changed to the Republican. It bore the novel 
motto, " Independent on all subjects, rabid on none. " In 1855, Samuel Perley 
moved to Girard from Erie, merged the material of his city office with that of 
the Republican, and conducted a paper for several years. From that date, 
several futile efforts were made to establish a paper until 1868, when the 
Cosmopoliit entered the arena, as the successor of the Crisis, which had been 
founded at Conneautville, by T. G. Fields, under the auspices of Dan Rice, to 
advocate his election to the Presidency. Charles Stow became editor of the 
Cosmopolite, and iufused such a degree of vigor and ability into it that it got 
a reputation the country over. After a brief suspension, owing to commercial 
depression, it was purchased by Jacob Bender & Bro. in the spring of 1872. 
In the spring of 1873, Charles Bender went out of the concern, but returned in 
1876, and in 1880 he purchased the interest of his brother, who moved to Erie. 

The first bank organized in Girard was in 1859, under the firm name of 
Battles & Webster. This firm dissolved in 1876, since which time it has been 
carried on by R. S. Battles, and C. F. Webster, Cashier. The First National 
Bank was organized in 1863, by Henry McConnell, James Webster, Henry M. 
Webster, R. S. Battles, John Gulliford and L. S. Wright. Henry McConnell 
was elected President, which position he tilled to the close of his life, in 1871. 
James Webster succeeded him to this position, which he filled until the char- 
ter expired in June, 1882. R. S. Battles was elected Cashier, and occupied 
that position during the entire administration of the concern. A. W. Course 
was elected Assistant Cashier, and held the post till November, 1871. He was 
succeeded by C. F. Webster, who tilled the position to its close. Henry M. 
Webster was elected Vice President at the retirement of James Webster, and 
occupied this post until his death. During the panic of 1873, all other banks 
suspended payment in currency, while the two banks located in Girard paid 
all its demands in currency on presentation. The First National Bank was in 
a prosperous condition, and had passed successfully through all the periods 
of tinancial distress. The charter having expired prior to the passage of laws 
by Congress, it was necessarily closed. It paid off its stock-holders 120 cents 
on the dollar, and all its indebtedness inside of thirty days. 

44 



850 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The seci-efc societies of the borough are a Masonic Blue Lodge and Chapter, 
and two lodges of the United Workmen. A Grange flourished awhile, but 
has been disbanded. Exodus Lodge, L O. of G. T., was in existence in 1855; 
the (lirard Lyceum was founded in 1855; a Young Men's Literary Association 
in 1859; and the Girard Guards, D. W. Hutchinson, Captain, were organized 
in 1850. The Union Agricultural Society of Girard was instituted as an aux- 
iliary to the county society, July 15, 1856; had a fair that year, and continued 
to give annual exhibitions till the war. It is now defunct. 

The old State line passes through the borough, running within six feet of 
the northeast corner of the Avenue House. 

The adoption of Girard as the residence of Dan Rice had the effect of 
drawing other caterers to the public amusement there, and in course of time it 
became known far and wide as a " show town." Among the famous showmen 
who made it their residence were Dr. James L. Thayer, who started as an 
employe of Rice's; Charles W. Noyes, one of his pupils; Abe Henderson, 
Agrippa Martin and Seymour Pease, all at one period owners or part owners 
of extensive circuses. No less than live shows have been organized in the 
borough, viz., Dan Rice's, Thayer & Noyes', Rice &, Forepaugh's, Anderson & 
Co.'s and G. R. Spalding & Co.'s. Dan Rice wintered his shows there from 
1856 till the spring of 1875. Denmau Thompson, the popular comedian, is 
a native of Girard Township. Frank Drew, Sr. , the famous comedian, claims 
Girard as his home. Charles Stow, the editor and poet, has been a resident 
of the borough since 1867, and spends each winter there with his family. 



BOROUGH OF LOCKPORT. 

The post office name of Lockport is Platea. The town started about 1840, 
during the construction of the canal, and derives its appellation from the fact that 
there were twenty-eight locks within a distance of two miles. These had an 
average lift of six and one-half feet, and were used to overcome the rise from 
the lake shore plain to the valley of Conneaut Creek. The thickly settled 
portion of the borough is situated in the valley of Hall's Run, a tributary of 
Elk Creek, about four miles from Girard Borough, three from Cross's Station 
and five from Albion. The town owes its origin to the enterprise of Silas 
Pratt, who had the contract for building the locks and who owned the laud. 
Foreseeing that a town must grow up along the locks, he started a store and 
built a church, hotel and several houses. Mr. Pratt failed in 1848 or 1849, 
and was prevented from fully carrying out his projects. The canal caused a 
considerable trade to spring up, and the town was once quite a flourishing 
place, containing two hotels, two churches, three stores, an oar factory, a tan- 
nery, foundry, planing mill, printing office, three blacksmith shops and a har- 
ness shop. Ezekiel Page, who invented a way of turning the blade and handle 
of an oar together, erected a building four stories high and 180 feet long by 
80 wide. He became embarrassed about 1855, went South, and was found 
dead in the woods of Florida, having probably lost his way. The factory 
building was moved to Erie after the war, and placed on the Anthracite Coal 
and Iron Company's dock near the land lighthouse. A fire in 1871 swept 
away the hotel and barn owned by W. B. Andrews; some two years later the 
foundry was burned, and in 1876 the second and last hotel fell a prey to the 
same destructive element. These successive conflagrations, joined to the 
abandonment of the canal, seemed to have prostrated the town forever, but it 



FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 851 

has taken a fresh start lately, and bids fair yet to become a place of some im- 
portance. 

Lockport was incorporated as a borough in 1870, taking in about seventeen 
hundred acres, of which the chief portion is farming land. Its population 
then was estimated at 500, but had been reduced to 345 in ]880. The terri- 
tory included in the borough limits was originally a portion of Elk Creek 
Township, and, after the organization of Girard Township, formed its extreme 
southern part. The borough covers a space of some three miles from east to 
west, by one mile and a third from north to south. The farming land is gen- 
erally clay, with some patches of gravel. Wheat is a sure and good crop, and 
all kinds of fruit common to the lake shore do well. By the appraisement of 
1883, the value of real estate within the borough was $87, 189, and of personal 
property $6,423. The amount of money returned as drawing interest was $7,- 
628. The eleven mile level of the canal commenced at the head of the 
locks at Lockport, and extended to Spring Cornei's, in Crawford County. 
Crooked Creek, which empties into Lake Erie in Springfield Township, rises 
in Lockport Borough. 

The borough contains two churches — the Disciple and the Methodist Epis- 
copal — both built in 1878. 

The Disciple Church was organized in the winter of 1877 by Elder Cush- 
man, who became the regular pastor of the congregation and served it some 
two yeai'8. The present pastor is Elder Wright. A Sabbath school, number- 
ing 100 scholars and teachers, is carried on, superintended by J. P. Sherman. 
Before building their church edifice, the congregation worshiped in Tyler 
Hall. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized about the year 1843, and 
soon thereafter a church building was erected about a quarter of a mile west 
of Lockport. This was torn down and partially removed to the village and 
used in the construction of the present edifice at that place. Prior to 1865, 
the charge was connected with Girard. Rev. N. W. Jones was pastor in 
1881, 1882 and 1883. 

The business institutions are a cheese factory (established in 1876), an oar 
factory, a tannery, planing mill, saw mill, cider mill, two stores, a wagon 
shop, three blacksmith shops, two shoe shops and a harness shop. The tan- 
nery was started by William Aldrich in 1848, and the oar factory by Mr. Row- 
ley in 1860. There is a public school with two grades and two teachers. The 
town is unfortunate in its distance from a railroad, the nearest station being 
Cross's. It has had no hotel since the last tire. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 

THE township of Franklin was established in 1844 out of portions of Mc- 
Kean, Washington and Elk Creek, and named after the printer patriot of 
the Revolution on the suggestion of Hon. John H. Walker. J. P. Silverthorn 
was the main person in circulating petitions and working for its creation. The 
Viewers were Robert Porter and Elijah Drury, of Girard, and Thomas R. Mil- 
ler, of Springfield. Franklin is exactly five miles square, and contains 16,896 



862 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

acres. The population was 686 in 1850, 979 in 1860, 994 in 1870, and 1,020 
in 1880. Franklin is bounded on the north by Fairview and McKean, on the 
east by McKean and Washington, on the south by Washington and Elk Creek, 
and on the west by Girard and Elk Creek. The only village is Franklin Cen 
ter, which is also the sole post office. The assessment for 1883 gave the fol- 
lowing result: Value of real estate, $364,547; number of cows, 595; value, 
$16,884; oxen, 62; value, $8,355; horses and mules, 280; value, $21,692; 
value of trades and occupations, $4,820; money at interest, $25,814. 

FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 

The remoteness of Franklin Township from the main lines of travel 
delayed settlements till a later period than in any other portion of the county. 
A few adventurous parties located on the State road when it was opened, about 
1802 or 1803, but they found so little to encourage them and so much that was 
discouraging that they all left. From that date till 1829, when L. D. Ruuse 
went in fi'om Connecticut, it cannot be learned that any permament settlement 
was made, and as late as 1835 the country remained almost an unbroken forest. 
During 1832, the colonists were William and Levi Francis, from New York; 
James P. Silverthorn, from Girard Township; Henry Howard, from Grafton, 
Yt. ; and Messrs. Goodban and Longley, from England. To these were added, 
in 1833, Thomas Spence and Thomas McLaughlin, from Ireland; William 
Verse, from Chautauqua County, N. Y. ; Allen Mead, from Saratoga (bounty, 
N. Y. ; Ezra Milks and his son Amos, from Rennselaer County, N. Y. ; Curtis 
Cole and father, from Unadilla, N. Y. ; and Andi'ew Proudfit, from York 
County, Penu. Isaac Fry, from Vermont, and John Tuckey, an Englishman, 
took up land in 1834; John Lo3^er, from Eastern Pennsylvania, in 1835; Levi 
Howard, from Vermont, in 1840; and James B. Robinson, from Pompey, N. 
Y., in 1844. Levi Silverthorn also v/ent in during 1844, the year the 
township was created. John Gilbert was born in Sonerset County, Penn. 
His father moved into Waterford Township in 1826. John married Elizabeth 
Gregory on the 22d of January, 1846, and the young couple immediately set- 
tled in Franklin, on the farm where they now live. Among other early settlors 
were Messrs. Webster, HntT, Gibson and Perry, all from W^arsaw, N. Y. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

The whole country is high, rolling laud, with few of the ravines and broken 
ridges which prevail in the other summit townships. The soil is a clay loam, 
varied by a few patches of gravel. Some grain is raised, but the land is best 
adapted for grazing and stock-raising, in which regard it is unsurpassed. 
Apples and some other fruits yield handsomely. But little good timber re- 
mains, and that is fast being cut ofl". Land varies in price from $15 to $40 an 
acre. The buildings are principally new, and most of the houses are nicely 
painted. There are several bank barns in the township. 

Being on the top of the hills which have their bases in Washington, 
McKean, Fairview, Girard and Elk Creek, numerous small streams take their 
rise in Franklin, and flow into the creeks of those townships. Those in the 
north are all tributary to Elk Creek, and those in the south mainly to the Cus 
sewago, the dividing ground being about a mile and a half south of the center. 
Falls Run, the most considerable in the township, starts about a mile east of 
a cranberry marsh southeast of Franklin Center, and empties into Elk Creek, 
in Fairview. Below the cascade at Howard's quarry, the stream winds 
between high, steep and romantic banks to its junction with Elk Creek. The 
West Branch of the Conneauttee heads in the cranberry marsh above mentioned, 



FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 853 

and, after a short course within the township, crosses the line into Washing- 
ton. The Dearest railroad stations are at Girard and Fairview for the north, 
at Albion for the west, and at Cambridg*^ for the south and southeast. The 
chief public thoroughfares are the old State road, extending across the town- 
ship from Lockport to McLane; the Population road, on the line between 
Girard, Elk Creek and Franklin; the Crane road, from Cranesville to Edin- 
boro; the yterrettania road, from that place to Cussewago, Crawford County, 
and the Quarry road, from Franklin Center to Fairview. 

MILLS AND SCHOOLS. 

Franklin is without a grist mill, and most of the grain is taken to Sterrettania 
to be ground. J. R. Steadman built a cheese factory at the Center, which has 
been in successful operation since May 7, 1874. It is now owned and operated 
by F. T. Billings. In the southeastern portion, the milk is taken to the Well- 
man factory, on the Crane road, thi'ee- fourths of a mile over the line in Wash- 
ington. The saw mills are the Mohawk, on the Crane road in the southwest, 
built by D. Knight, and operated about fifteen years; Sweet & Alden's, on the 
State road, near the Washington line, built by J. P. Silverthorn, Daniel Mun- 
son and Charles Billings in 1854, but suspended about two years ago; Mish- 
ler's, on the State road, three fourths of a mile east of the center, about ten 
years. Harvey Mills has a planing mill across the road from Mishler's, estab- 
lished three or four years ago. Steam is the propelling agent of the above 
eslablishments. Lawrence's cooper shop is on the Harrison road, in the south- 
east. 

Franklin Township probably had within its limits none of the primitive 
subscription schools, for it was yet very thinly settled when the school law 
went into effect, and many years clasped before the population was sufficient to 
divide the township into districts. The first schoolhouse at Franklin Center 
was built about 1840, or perhaps a year or two earlier. It occupied the site 
of the present schoolhouse. The schools are the Foy, on the Crane road in 
the southeast; the Eureka, on the same road, near the Eureka Church; the 
Silverthorn, on the State road, two miles east of Franklin Center; the Frank- 
lin Center (which is used as the voting place and town house); the Howard, 
at the stone quarry, and the Goodban, on the Sterrettania road. Besides these, 
there are two joint schools within the township — the Billings, used by Frank- 
lin and Washington, and the Francis, by Franklin and Girard. There ia also 
a school in Elk Creek, which is maintained by the independent district, com- 
posed of portions of that township and Franklin. 

CHURCHES AND GRAVEYAEDS. 

The religious societies are a Methodist Episcopal and Lutheran at Franklin 
Center, the Eureka Methodist Episcopal on the Crane road, and the Elk Creek 
Baptist in the western part of the township. At Franklin Center is a Union 
Church, erected by the people of that locality in 1868, at a cost of $1,500. 
It is occupied by the Methodist Episcopal and German Lutheran congregations. 
The former was organized in 1866, with twenty-six members, by Rev. C. L. 
Barnhart. The membership is now about seventy-tive. The church is con- 
nected with the Lockport, Girard Township, Circuit. 

The Lutheran congregation was organized in 1871 by Rev. Schaeffer, with 
ten members. Rev. Zahn succeeded. The membership is yet small, and at 
present no regular services are held. 

The Eureka Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1867, with 
twenty-six piepabevs, by Rev. George Elliott, the first pastor. The church 



854 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

was liuilt two years later, at a cost (»f $1,800. The class is iiuw in good con- 
dition, and has ever since its organization formed a part of Edinboro Circuit, 
which includes appointments at Eureka, EdinVjoro and Sherrod Hill, the latter 
two in Washington Township. 

Elk Creek Regular Baptist Chiirch was erected in 1867 or 1868, at a cost 
of $1,400. It is located at the intersection of the Population and Crane 
roads, the former here forming the l)oundary between Franklin and Elk Creek 
Townships. The society was organized in 1866, with three members, by Rev. 
AVilliam Develin, the fii'st pastor. His successors have been Elders William 
Hughes, Hovey, Homer Clark, Thomas and Pierce, the last named now having 
charge. The membership is about thirty. 

I The Catholics in the southwest attend church at Cussewago, CraAvford 
County. 

A graveyard is kept up at the old Christian Church, and some private burial 
grounds are scattered over the township. The people in the southeast mostly 
bury at Edinboro, in the southwest at Cussewago, and in the north at Sterret- 
tania and Fairview. 

VILLAGE AND QUAKRY. 

Franklin Center, or Franklin Corners, as it is called in the post office 
directory, is on the State road, eight miles each from Girard, Fairview and 
McKean, five from Sterrettania, and seventeen from Erie. The village was 
founded by Oren G. Wood, who started a store, and induced others to settle 
around hini. John Tnckey, O. G. Wood and John Loyer were the original 
owners of the land. Franklin Center consists of two stores, a church, school- 
house, cheese factory, two blacksmith shops, a wagon shop, two shoe shops, 
about fifteen houses and probably seventy -five people. The village is the vot- 
ing and meeting place of the township. A mail is received twice a week by 
gig from Fairview. A grange was started in 1876, liut disbanded after an 
existence of some two years. 

So little stone is found in our county that any section better favored than 
its neighbors in that regard is actually to be envied. LeBoeuf, Franklin and 
Waterford enjoy the distinction of being the only townships that possess im- 
portant quarries of building material. The Howard Quarry, in Franklin, near 
the Fairview line, has been worked for thirty years, and furnished the stone 
for the Court House in Erie. This was for a long period the only quarry in 
the township, but in recent years others of equal merit have been opened. 
Oil has been running out of the rocks at Howard's quarry from the earliest 
settlement, and in former times was gathered to be sold for medicine. Three 
wells were put down along Falls Run, in confidence that a large deposit of the 
greasy fluid would be found, but only a trifling amount was got, and the pro- 
jects were abandoned. 



SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 855 



CHAPTER XXJI. 

SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 

SUMMIT is the smallest township in the county, and was the last one organ- 
ized. It was formed in 1854, out of the western part of Greene, the 
eastern part of McKean, and a small portion of Waterford. The name of 
Summit was given to it because it contains the dividing ridge between the 
waters of Le Boeuf and Walnut Creeks, the former flowing into the Gulf of 
Mexico, by way of the Allegheny, Ohio and Mississippi, and the latter into the 
Gulf of St. Lawrence, by way of the lower lakes and the St. Lawrence River. 
It has an area of 13, 143 acres, and had a popiilation in 1860 of 1,038; in 1870, of 
1,047, and in 1880, of 1,047. The township is bounded on the north by Mill 
Creek, on the east by Greene, on the south by Waterford and on the west by 
McKean. The north line dividing it from Mill Creek is the only straight one, 
and has a length of five and a half miles; the east line, including its numerous 
angles, is over six miles long; the south line three and a half, and the west 
line about five miles. By the assessment of 1883, the valuation of the town- 
ship was as follows: Real estate, $397,011; number of cows, 564; of oxen, 
26; of horses and mules, 331; value of the same, $37,684; value of trades and 
occupations, $3,700; money at interest, $1,825, 

THE PIONEERS. 

The first settler in the township was George W. Reed, a son of Col. Seth 
Reed, who located about 1796, but in a few years changed to Waterford, 
where he died in 1847. A tract of land was taken up in the Walnut Ci"eek 
Valley by Thomas Rees in 1797, but he never resided in the township. Oliver 
Dunn located in the western portion of the township the same year, bu.t after- 
ward removed to the valley of Elk Creek, within the present bounds of 
McKean Township. In 1800, James and Ebenezer Graham, with their families, 
came from Centre County and settled what has since been known as the 
Graham neighborhood. They were soon followed in the same vicinity by Eli 
Webster and Abijah Hiill. Eli Rockwell went in in 1801, and Daniel Lee in 
1802. Among other early residents were Thomas Rees, Jr. , and John Way. 
P. S. Woolley made his location about 1823, and James Jackson in 1825. The 
latter, who was originally from Herkimer County, N. Y., settled in Erie in 1818, 
and went from there to Summit. The original settlers were mostly Americans, of 
the Protestant faith. Within the last twenty years, a large influx of Irish and 
German Catholics has taken place, and that denomination now numbers fully 
a fourth of the population. William Dunn, the first child born in the' town- 
ship, in 1798, died on the 14th of April, 1880. 

RAILROADS AND COMMON ROADS. 

The Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, opened to business between Erie and 
Warren in 1859, and through to Sunbury in the summer of 1864, runs through 
the west side of the township almost its entire length from north to south, 
entering from Mill Creek Township and leaving through Waterford. To 
reach the township it crosses the summit between Mill Creek and Walnut 



856 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

Creek, by a very heavy grade. paBHing inttj the valley of the latter stream at 
Langdon's Station. From there it follows the Walnut Creek Valley to the 
main summit at Jackson's, where it enters the valley of Le Boeuf Creek, which 
it follows to Waterford. The summit of the road at Jackson's is a little over 
650 feet above the level of the lake. The distance by railroad to Langdon's 
is nine, and to Jackson's thirteen miles from the old freight depot at Erie 
Harbor. These were the only stations in the township in 1882. The main 
piiblic roads of Summit are the Waterford Turnpike, running over the hill s 
almost through the center of the township; the Waterford Plank Road, on the 
west side, following the valleys of Walnut and Le Boeuf Creeks, and the 
Edinboro Plank Road, which passes through its northwestern corner. The old 
road, by which the French transported goods from Presque Isle to Waterford, 
and over which the army passed that defeated Braddock near Pittsburgh, in 
1755, crossed the township from north to south, and most of it is still used as a 
public thoroughfare. Summit Township has no villages, and but one post 
office. A post office was kept at Jackson's Station some years after the open 
ing of the railroad, which was moved to Whiteford's Corners. After a linger- 
ing existence, it was abandoned about eight years ago, and again revived 
under the name of Godard in 1882. Another was maintained for a time a 
the White Church, on the Edinboro Plank Road, in the northwestern section 
of the township, but it, too, proved a failure. 

STREAMS AND VALLEYS. 

The only streams of the township are Walnut Creek and the West Branch 
of Le Bceuf Creek, with their numerous small tributaries. Walnut Creek 
rises on the western edge of Greene, a little northeast of Whiteford's Corners, 
runs diagonally across Summit in a general northwestern direction, and cross- 
ing the southwestern portion of Mill Creek, flows through Fairview into the 
lake at Manchester, after a coarse of al>out twenty miles. The West Branch of 
Le Boeuf Creek has its source on the farm of W. A. Bean, but a few feet from 
a tributary of Walnut Creek, and. flowing through the township in a general 
southeastern course, unites with the East Branch in Waterford Township, a 
little north of Waterford Station. Le Boeuf Creek, measuring from its usually 
reputed head, on the edge of Greene and Venango, to its mouth at French 
Creek, has a length of eighteen or twenty miles. The Walnut Creek lands are 
the cream of the township. The valley has an average width of about three 
fourths of a mile, and produces everything that can be raised on the lake 
shore. The Le BcBuf Valley is about a mile and a half wide, and the culti- 
vable land is perhaps equally good with that of the Walnut Creek Valley, but 
there are numerous swamps. On the hills, the land of the township is best 
for grazing, and large quantities of butter are produced. The whole town- 
ship is a good fruit country. The price of land runs from $25 to $60 an acre. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The church buildings of Summit are one Methodist Episcopal, one Cath- 
olic, one United Presbyterian, and one of the Evangelical Association. The 
Hamlin Methodist Episcopal Church, on the road from Whiteford's Corners to 
W. A. Bean's, was organized in 1837, and the building was erected in 1852. 
This charge has always been on McKean Circuit. 

The United Presbyterian Church at Five Points was organized in January, 
1842. with some twenty-tive members. The Ruling Elders were Oliver Dunn, 
Robert Dunn. Thomas Duun, John Reid and Alexander Russell. At this time 
the congregation was designated the Elk Creek Church, and later as McKean. 




^^ &f^^ 



SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 859 

The Rev. John J. Findlev began stated labors with this church and the con- 
gregation at Waterford the 1st of January, 1842, preaching at the latter place 
three-quarters of the time. He was ordained and installed pastor of these 
congregations May 12. 1842. He remained pastor of the two congregations 
until November 22, 1858. His successor was Rev. Thomas Love, who was 
ordained and installed November 15, 1854, his time being divided, as was that 
of his predecessor. He remained in this connection with the two congregations 
until May 3, 1864. Subsequent to this period the two appointments were no 
longer together. This charge grew quite weak and was for a period without 
a pastor. The congregation was re-established in 1873, and Rev. G. C. Brown 
installed as pastor. Mr. Brown's death occurred in April, 1874, and the Rev. 
S. M. Black became his successor. Rev. A, S. Abby the present stated supply 
commenced his labors with the congregation in 1878. The church building 
was erected in 1848. United Presbyterian services are also held in the school- 
house at Whiteford's Corners, every two weeks. The congregation was organ 
ized in 1876. 

Emanuel's Church of the Evangelical Association had its origin in a 
manner similar to Salem Church of Fairview Township, but at a little later 
period (1838). It was originally on Erie Circuit, but is now an appointment 
on Fairview Circuit. The church building was erected in 1863. 

St. Matthew's Catholic Church building, near the Hamlin Methodist 
Episcopal Church, was erected in 1867, on land deeded to the society by 
George Reynolds. The congregation was formed at this time, since which i 
has been connected with the congregation at Beech Woods. 

SCHOOL HISTORY. 

In the early period of this country's history, vacated cabin houses and 
barns or stables frequently constituted the temples of learning. We have 
illustrations of this in Summit Township. Some two miles east of the present 
dwelling of Squire Webster stood one of these houses, \vhich had been occu- 
cupied by Abijah Hall and by him vacated, in which was taught a school in 
1819 by a Mr. Huff. William Graham probably taught in the same building 
in 1818. Eli Webster was a resident of the same neighborhood, and his 
house was located on a cross road which intersected the French road. This 
dwelling was vaca'ed and school held in it in the winter of 1820-21 by Moses 
D. Morey. The following summer, school was taught in the same 
building by Almira Drown. As yet there had been no regular schoolhouse 
built in what is now Summit Township. The next winter, Eli Webster kept a 
school in a house formerly occupied by John Highland,'which stood on the 
present site of Hull's Corners. The summer following, Miss Almira Drown 
taught on Graham Hill in the same neighborhood. In 1822, the neighbor- 
hood built a substantial schoolhouse, probably within 100 rods of the former 
places, which was planked and weather -boarded, and in this house Squire 
Webster taught in 1833. In the winter of 1841-42, and the following winter 
school was taught about one mile east of the Webster farm by the venerable 
Squire before alluded to. The old planked and weather- boarded schoolhouse 
was attended by scholars probably from a radius of three miles, and for years 
constituted the schoolhouse for the territory now embraced within the bound- 
aries of Summit Township. The township schoolhouses are at present the 
Hill, near A. O. Hill's; the Whiteford, at Whiteford's Corners; the Way, in 
the Way neighborhood; the Stone, near the Catholic and Methodist Churches; 
the Hamilton, on Walnut Creek; the Robinson, on the turnpike, at the inter- 
section of the crosH road from the Lake Pleasant road; the Murphy, on the 



860 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY. 

turnpike, near the Waterford line; the Five Point.B, in the southwest; and the 
Hershey, near N. Hershey's — nine in all. 

MILLS, QUARRY, ETC. 

Summit Township had at one period as many as four saw mills on Walnut 
Creek, all of which have been abandoned. There are now two saw mills in the 
township, one near W. A. Bean's, owned by Joseph Topper & Son, and one 
near Jackson's Station, owned by Mr. Haibach. At Whiteford's Corners there is 
a grocery, schoolhouse and a neat collection of buildings. Close by is a favorite 
picnic grove, on the line of the railroad. The township contains two cheese 
factories, the Excelsior, near the railroad, on the public road from the Lake 
Pleasant road to the AVaterford Plank Road, and Bean's, near the residence of 
William A. Bean. Both have been in operation about nine years, and do a tine 
business. The nearest stone quarry to the city of Erie of much account is the 
one known as Reynold's quarry, near the Catholic Church, now owned by 
Thompson Lininger. It has been in operation many years, has furnished large 
quantities of good stone, and an abundance is still left. Many years ago, Col. 
Norris gathered considerable oil as it exuded from the rocks at the quarry and 
sold it for medicine. This circumstance led to the drilling of a well on the 
premises, but, although plenty of gas poured out, oil was never found in pay- 
ing quantity. In addition to the Reynolds Quarry, William Liddell has a 
small one near the turnpike. A small brewery has long been run in the north 
part of the township, near the'Mill Creek line. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Summit has furnished but two county oflScers- both County Auditors — viz.: 
Eli Webster from 1829 to 1832, and John L. Way from 1849 to 1852, and 
from 1859 to 1862. 

In 1821, James McKee was convicted of murdering a mariner near the brew- 
ery, and was sentenced to seven years' solitary confinement in the Philadelphia 
Penitentiary, but died after a few months' imprisonment. John A. Hans, also 
at one time a resident of the township, but who removed to Erie, was convicted 
of causing the death of his wife, at the corner of State and Second streets, in 
that city. He was sentenced to the Allegheny Penitentiary, served out his 
term, returned to Erie and died soon after. 



PART V. 



lOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ERIE AND CORRY. 



Biographical Sketches, 



CITY OF ERIE. 

JOHN ABELL, meat market, 431 State St., Erie, was born in Columbia Co., N. Y. 
in 1839; when eleven years old, he came here with his people, who settled in Erie City. 
He began his present occupation with his father when fifteen, and when twenty-four, estab- 
lished himself in his present business, with which he has since been .successful!}^ identified. 
He was united in marriage, in Harbor Creek Township, in 1861, with Josephine, daughter 
of Thomas and Sarah Appleby, pioneers of Erie County. Mr. and Mrs. Abell have 1 
daughter living — Nellie Laura, a literary and classical graduate; and a son and daughter de 
ceased (John Webb and Zillah), who are buried in the Erie Cemetery. Our subject has been a 
member of the Masonic fraternity for 16 years, and a Knight Templar for 18 years. He 
and his wife are earnest members of the Pre.sbyterian Church. 

F.F. ADAMS, of the firm of The F. F. Adams Co., manufacturers of wringers, step lad 
ders etc., cor. of 15th and Cherr}^ Sts., Erie, was born August 6, 1830. in Amherst, N. H.. 
son of Levi and Lucy (Farrar) Adams; the former, who was a farmer and merchant, was a 
native of N. H., the latter of Vt. The father died when our subject was three years of 
age, lived with his mother till nine years old, and then in the State of Vt. ; he was 
reared on a farm till he was twelve years old, and at eighteen built a steam saw mill in 
Waterford. For 4 yeais he was engaged in mercantile business, in Walerford, and this he 
sold out and moved to Erie in 1860, where he carried on a wholesale grocery concern for 
1 year, in company with Johnson & Bro. ; was also in bakery business for several years. 
In 1871, he established the manufacture of wooden articles. His first contract was for 
60,000 washing machines. In Dec, 1880, the factory was consumed by fire, but in a short 
time was replaced by a more substantial structure, and the business became known as tlie 
F. F. Adams Co. The productions of the establishment are the Keystone wringers and 
washing machines, step and extension ladders, and all kinds of household articles; 300 
hands are employed. Mr. Adams was married in 1854 to Martha A., daughter of William 
Lowell, a native of Jamestown, N. Y. To this union have been born three children: C. F., 
one-fifth partner in the firm of The F. F. Adams Co. and Jennie F., at home attending the 
high school; Frankie, who died when six mouths (jld. 

DR. CHAS. AlCHNER. 16'30 Sassafras St., Erie, was born in Switzerland in 1829. 
After absolving the Gymna.sium, he took up medicine when twenty years old, in the 
University of Basle, graduated in the year 1856, and practiced his profession in his native 
land until 1860. when he located at Erie, Penn., and has since been very reputably connected 
with the practice of his profession. He married in Erie, in 1860, Louisa Blass, a native of 
Bavaria, who has borne him four sous and five daughters— Caroline, Charles, Olga, Emma, 
Oscar, Eda, Otto, Elma and Gustave. 

GEORGE A. ALLEN, attorney at law, Erie, Penn., was born Dec. 31, 1839, near Pu 
laski, Mercer (now .Lawrence) Co.. Pcau. He is the sole surviving child of Maj. Wm. 
and Mary (Steel) Allen, the former of whom died June 6, 1881. the latter May -38, 1856. 
Mr. Allen is of Scotch-Irish lineage, his ancestors settling near C!arli,sle. Penn., from Ire 
land in the year 1787. Shortly afterward they removed to Mahoning Co.. Ohio, where his 
father, Maj. Wm. Allen, was born Aug. 21, 1803. After his marriage, in 1828, he moved to 
Pulaski, Lawrence Co., where he lived about 17 years. In 1843. he sold his farm in Mer 
cer Co., purchasing what was then known as the McGarvey Mills, in the village of Water- 
loo, Venango Co., Venn., where he lived until the close of his life, excepting a period of 
about 6 years, during which he lived near Meaiville, Penn. George A. Allen's early edu 
cational advantages were onlj' such as the common schools of that time and place afforded. 
In the course of time, however, he spent 2 years at the Clintonville Academy and 1 year 
at the State Normal School at Edinboro, Penn. He still continued to pursue his classics 
and mathematics, under the private tutorship of Prof. Wm. Burgwin, a graduate of Alle 
gheny College, and a teacher of rare skill and experience. Having studied law with W. 



864 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

R. Bole Esq., of Meadville, Peun., he was admitted to the Crawford Co. bar ia June, 
1868. Shortly afterward he came to Erie, where he has siace practiced his profession. In 
1870, he was the Democratic candidate for the office of State's Attorney, and in 1872 he was 
sent as a delegate to the State Convention held at Reading, which nominated Charles R. 
Buckalew for Governor. In this year he was likewise appointed City Solicitor; he was 
again a delegate to the Democratic State Convention held in Erie in 1875. In 1878, he 
was the Democratic candidate for Congress from the Twenty-seventh Congressional Dis- 
trict. In 1880, he represented his district as delegate to the Democratic National Conven - 
tion at Cincinnati, when Gen. Hancock was nominated for the Presidency. Mr. Allen was 
married. July 18, 1865, to Miss Phebe A. Burlingham, of Edinboro, Penn. She died April 
1, 1881, leaving her husband with 4 children to mourn her irreparable loss. 

WILLIAM P. ATKINSON, business manager of Herald Printing & Publishing Co. 
(limited), Erie, was born in the county of Durliam, England, June 10, 1843, son of James 
and Ann (Patterson) Atkinson, natives of England ; James Atkinson was a miner in his 
native country, and came to America with his family in 1844. Our subject, who was second 
in a family of 9 children, received his education in Pottsville, Penn., in which town he 
learned the trade of printer, and worked for several j^ears on the Pottsville Minera' Journal. 
He next published the St. Clair Sentinel 2 years. In 1862, Mr. Atkinson enlisted in the 
48th P. V. I., Co. G, serving 2 years and 5 months; was engaged in 5 battles, viz., 
Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chantilly, South Mountain and Antietam ; while on 
detached service, he published a paper called the Kentucky Loyalist for 9 months in 
Lexington, Ky. On retiring from the service, our subject returned to Philadelphia, 
resumed his trade, and, in 1867, came to Erie City and took charge of the Dispatch office 
till 1879, when he purchased the Daily Republican; this he sold out in May, 1870, to J. E. 
Ashby ii Co., in whose employ he remained in charge of the office till Nov., 1880. Mr. 
Atkinson then purchased the "Economy Printing House," which, in Oct., 1882, merged 
into the Herald office. Our suVjject was united in marriage July 17, 1867, with CJaroline, 
daughter of Joseph Jackson, of Philadelphia, who bore him 7 children, 5 now living 
— Annie C, Harry J., Tillie E., Sarah J. and Josephine. Our subject and wife aie 
members of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church, of which he has been Treasurer. He has 
acted 3 years as Select Councilman ; is a member of the Masonic order, G. A. R., and A. 
O. U. W. Since 1872, Mr. Atkinson has published annually a very creditable director}' of 
Erie City. 

P. A. AUSTIN. Supervisor No. 1 of the P. & E. R. R., Erie, was born in this city 
Nov. 11, 1848; son of Augustin Austin, a native of Mass., and a silversmith by occupa- 
tion. Our subject was reared in Erie and vicinity, and at twenty began merchandising. 
In the spring of 1872, he took up railroading as clerk in superintendent's office, and as 
such remained until May, 1881, when he received his present appointment. Mr. Austin 
was united in marriage m 1878 with Clara A., daughter of Jacob and Sophia Mooney. 
They are the parents of one son — Herbert D., and a daughter — Edith P. Mr. and Mrs. 
Austin are members of the First Presbyterian C'hurch. 

ELIJAH BABBITT, attorney at law and Member of Congress, was born in Provi- 
dence, R. I., July 29, 1795; his father was a mariner, and during many years served as 
captain of sundry merchant vessels engaged in commerce between New England and the 
West Indies, and subsequently served as Lieutenant in the continental army during the 
Revolutionary war. Some time after tlie close of that war, he moved to the State of New 
York with his family, and there died, leaving his son, Elijah, in his minority. After the 
decease of his father, our subject went to reside in Northumberland Co., Penn. Having 
acquired an academic education, he studied law in the office of Samuel Hepburn, Esq., 
an eminent and leading attorney in the central portion of the State ; was admitted in 
March, 1824, to the bar in Northumberland C!o., Penn., and commenced practice there, 
where, in due time, he obtained a fair and increasing business. But tiiinking Erie, Penn., 
in many ways offered inducements more in affinity with his aspiring aml)ition, our subject 
moved there with a well-selected law library. By the aid of a spring wagon and team of 
horses, the journey (a distance of 230 miles), over rough and mountainous roads, was 
accomplished in nine cold winter days. That was before the advent of railroads. The 
same journey may now be accomplished in nine hours over the Philadelphia et Erie R. R. 
Mr. Babbitt arrived at Erie, January 26, 1826. He very soon rented a suitable office on 
the west side of French street (then the principal business street), near the corner of 
Fourth street, put his library on the shelves and hung out his law sign. Erie was then a 
town of about 900 inhabitants. Mr. Babl)itt was admitted as an attorney at the first court 
held in Erie after his arrival, and was admitted at each court next thereafter held in the 
Sixth Judicial District, composed of the counties of Erie, Warren, Crawford, Venango 
and Mercer, and in due time raised himself to the position of one of its leading attorneys. 
On Nov. 28, 1827, our subject was married to Caroline Elizabeth, daughter of John Kelso 
(deceased), one of i^rie County's pioneer settlers. She is still living. Mr. Babbitt was for 
many years a Trustee of the Erie Academy ; also attorney for the borough, and subse- 
quently for the city of Erie, and drew its charter of advancement from a borough to a 
city. In 1834 and 1835, he was Prosecuting Attorney for the commonwealth ; he was a 



CITY OF ERIE. 865 

member of the House of Representatives of Penn. in 1835 and 1836, and was elected 
a member of the Penn. Senate for a term of 3 years in 1844, and while discharg- 
ing the duties of these offices was largely instrumental in affecting and hastening the 
completion of the Penn. State Canal to the harbor of Erie. In 1858, the friends 
of Mr. Babbitt nominated him for Representative in Congress of the Twenty-fifth Con- 
gressional District of Penn., composed of the counties of Erie and Crawford; and, 
after an ardent contest, with an able and popular opponent, he was elected by a major- 
ity of over 1,500 votes. In 1860, he was, after a like contest, re-elected to the same 
office by a majority of about 2,500. Our subject was among the first (after the slavehold- 
ers had inaugurated their war for the destruction of the Union) to advocate on the floor of 
the House, the immediate emancipation of slaves, and their employment as soldiers in the 
army of the United States. His Congressional record shows him to have been a strict 
economist in all things, except in those designed for the speedy suppression of the great 
rebellion, all of which found in him a liberal and constant supporter. Hon. Mr. Babbitt 
is now in his eighty-ninth year, in good health, but retired from the practice of his pro- 
fession. He siu'vives every attorney, judge, law officer, physician and clergyman who 
were living in Erie when he arrived there, over 58 years ago. He is parent to 7 living chil- 
dren and has 8 grandchildren. In 1828, Mr. Babbitt aided in the organization of the parish 
of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church in Erie. It was the first organization (with one 
exception) of a church of that faith in Northwestern Pennsylvania. It gathered about 
half a dozen members, and a few others who desired to become such. Mr. B. has ever 
since been among its constant supporters. It now has about 860 communicants. In 1849 
and 1850, our subject joined with others in advancing money to secure for burial purposes 
75 acres of beautiful forest land adjoining this city, on which the Erie Cemetery is located, 
and in procuring the charter which dedicates it forever to the purpose for which it was 
purchased, without distinction of religion, class or color. 

FRANCIS P. BAILEY, banker, Erie, was born in Pelham, Mass., Nov. 36. 1820, son 
of Rev. Winthrop and Martha (Stanwood) Bailey, former a minister of the Unitarian 
Church, native of Mass., latter of Me. They were parents of 8 children. Our subject 
received his education in Deerfield Academy, of which his father was Principal at the time 
of his death in 1835. On leaving school at the age of fifteen, Mr. Bailey was employed 
for several years as clerk in a general store, and was a partner in the printing business 2 
years before coming to Erie in 1850. He was then engaged as book-keeper for a foundry 
firm for a time; he also acted in the same capacity in Williams & Wright's Bank in 1852; 
4n 1853, became a partner in that institution, and the style of firm became C. B. Wright & 
Co. This terminated in 1858, and Mr. Bailey, in 1860, became a partner of the firm of 
Vincent, Bailey & Co., which continued 5 years, when the business merged into the Ma- 
rine National Bank, of which he has since been manager. Mr. Bailey was married, in 
Jamestown, N. Y., to Caroline Pier, who died in 1859. In 1861, he married Martha E. 
Pier. He has 3 children living. 

ISAAC BAKER, of the firm of Baker, Ostheimer & Co., clothiers and merchant 
tailors, Erie, was born in Baden, Germany, Aug. 22, 1846. In 1848, he came to America with 
his parents, Bernhard and Barbara Baker, who first located in Girard, Erie Co., but subse- 
quently settled in this city. Their familjr consists of Isaac, Henry and Emma, wife of 
Jacob Ostheimer, of the above firm. The subject of our sketch was reared to his father's 
business, merchandising, and at seventeen was admitted a member of the firm. Besides 
engaging actively and profitably in this business, he has also engaged in real estate trans- 
actions. He was married in N. Y. City to Bertha Einhorn, also a native of Germany. 
They have 2 sons and 3 daughters— Clara, Alfred, Bella, Eddie and Florence. The family 
are members of the Jewish Synagogue. Mr. Baker is a member of the Harugari; he has 
always been interested in the development of the social and industrial life of this city. 

PETER BARKEY, physician and surgeon, Erie, was born in Ontario Co., Canada, 
March 19, 1848, son of Daniel and Barbara (Pike) Barkey, natives of Canada, whose pro- 
genitors came from Saxony, Germany, about 200 years ago. Daniel Barkey is a prosperous 
farmer living in Canada. Our subject was reared on the farm, and educated at Albert 
University, Canada. After a (mrrieulum of seven years, he graduated in 1869, and was 
subsequently examined and passed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 1870, 
the Doctor attended lectures in Philadelphia, and had charge of the University Hospital 
in that city. Finally our subject came to Erie City in 1871, and has been in successful 
practice ever since. In 1872, he was appointed City Ph^^sician. He is a member of the 
Methodist Church; in politics, is a Republican. 

H. R. BARNHURST, general manager and treasurer Stearns Manufacturing Co., 
Erie, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., Sept. 3, 1846; sou of William Barnhurst, one of 
the first iron and steel umbrella frame-makers in the United States; he was a native of 
England, and came to America in 1810. Our subject received his school training in Phil 
adelphia High School; clerked in a dry goods store a short time, then engaged in coal 
mining and shipping, which he carried on until 1879, in which year he came to Erie and 
entered the manufacturing industry. Mr. Barnhurst was married, in 1869, in Philadelphia, 
to Emily, daughter of I. N. Gregor}\ Two children have been born to this union — Effie 



866 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and Harry. Our subject and wife are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Cliurch in Erie 
City; politically, he is a Democrat. 

CAPT. WM. J. BATES, ship carpenter, Erie, was born in Goderich, Ontario, March 
24, 1839. At twenty, he moved to Buffalo, N. Y., where he learned his present business, 
and after following it there for 4 years came to Erie; he was united in marriage, Dec. 11, 
1860, with Mary Ann Klein, who was born uud reared in New London, Conn. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Bates have been born 9 sons and 4 daughters — Charles Henry, Alice M. (wife of 
Samuel Berringer, a merchant of Erie), Wm. J., Jr., Edwin John, Walter Edward, Norman 
Everett and Mary Elizabeth living. The deceased are George Francis, Nellie Capitola, 
Francis Albert, an infant and twin boys, Frederick Charles and Francis Earl, born Jan. 
7, 1884; the former died Jan. 14, 1884, and the latter Feb. 25, 1884. The family belong to 
the Episcopal Church. Mr. Bates is an active member of the K. of. P., A. O. U. W. and 
I. O. O. F. societies. 

F. BAUSCHARD, son of F. Bauschard, Sr., was born in Bouxwiller, Alsace, France, 
July 10, 1842; came to Erie with his father's family in the latter part of 1854. F. Bau- 
schard, Sr., was a native of Bouxwiller, Alsace, France; he was married, in his native 
coimtry, to Miss Catherine Anna Hans, by whom he had 7 children, 5 of whom survive, 
viz.: Frederick, married to Mary Anna, daughter of Jacob Guckes, Esq., of Erie, July 11, 
1867, have had the following children — Frederick Edward, Jacob, Catherine Louisa, Emil, 
George, Philip, Anna, Margaret Mary, deceased, and Anna Mary; George, married Frances 
Lichfeinger, of Erie, Sept. 5, 1878, have 3 children— John George and William; Edward, 
married, in Erie, June 21, 1883, Elizabeth Leib, have one child — an infant; Charles, mar- 
ried, in Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 16, 1868, Miss Priscilla, daughter of William and Ann Jer- 
man, have 4 children — Clara Anna, Charles Edward; Emma P. and Edward Wilmout; 
Henry, married, in Erie, April 9, 1874, Miss Mary Anna, daughter of Jacob Newbauer. who 
died Nov. 19, 1875; he re-married, in Erie, May 2, 1878, Miss Margaret, daughter of John 
Hartleb, have had 2 children— John Henry and Rudolph H., deceased. F. Bauschard 
is the recognized head of the firm of F. Bauschard & Bros., and to his supervision and 
financial ability the success of the concern is mainly due. He has been a member of the 
City Council, and was elected in 1882 a member of the City School Board, which ofiice he 
now holds. 

GEORGE W. BAXTER, manager of the American District Telegraph Company, Erie, 
was born in Fort Plain, N. Y. His father, Silvester Baxter, railroad engineer, and promi 
nent in connection with that profession in the West as pioneer, was a native of Mass., and 
a descendant of the Baxters of that State. The subject of our sketch began life for him 
self as a telegrapher, which profession he followed for 25 years. He served in the U. S. 
Mil. Tel. Dept. during the war, and afterward in what is known as the Western Union 
Extension, and joined Collins' expedition to Siberia, Asia. After many adventures and 
hardships he returned to Erie in 1868, and assumed a position in the "Western Union," 
subsequently becoming its manager. This he resigned to assume his present position. In 
1874, he was married, in Buffalo, N. Y., to Cornelia A. Hammond, of a pioneer familj' of 
New York State. They have one girl— Ruby. 

CAPT. JOHN J. BAXTER, inspector of instruments and line repairer of the Ameri 
can Dist. Tel. Co., Erie, a brother of Geo. W. Baxter, was t)orn in Utica, N. Y. He learned 
and followed.blacksmithing until the breaking-out of the war, when he enlisted in Com- 
pany I, 28th Mich. Vol. Inf., and served 2 years. After the war he came here and engaged 
in the carpentering business, whii'h he ft)llowed 12 years. He assisted in organizing Com- 
pany B, 16th Reg. Penn. Nat. Guards, and was sub.sequently elected its Captain. He mar 
ried, in Erie, Catherine Quieu, of Erie, whose family came from Germany and settled here 
several years ago. This union has been blessed with 1 daughter and 2 sons — Annie S., 
Willie H., Gus. A. Mr. Baxter is an active member of the K. of P., and of the G. A. R., 
Post 67. 

PHILIP A. BECKER, grocer and wholesale liquor dealer. Mayor of Erie, was born in 
Germany, April 10, 1835, son of Jacob and Mary (Bierle) Becker. The foimer was a high 
school teacher in Germany. They reared a family of 7 children (of whom Philip A. was 
the only son), and came to America in 1852. Our subject came in 1851. He received a col- 
legiate education, and upon leaving college engaged as clerk until the fall of 1852, when 
he embarked in the grocery aud wholesale liquor trade. In 1858, he was married to Eu- 
genie L., daughter of Jacob Young, and a native of Germany. This union has been bles.sed 
with 2 children — Emil A. aud (Hto, both clerks in their father's store. The family are 
members of the Lutheran Church. In politics, Mr. Becker is a Democrat. He has been a 
member of Erie City Council for 9 years, and in 1883 was elected Mayor by a majority of 
1,645 votes. He is a Freemason and member of the I. O. O. F. For several years he held 
the position of Secretary of the German Banking Institution. 

C. R. BEECHLING, agent for Domestic sewing machines, Erie, was born in Hesse- 
Cassel, Germany, Nov. 7, 1836, and at fourteen learned cabinet-making there. When seven- 
teen years of age, he came to America and located in Erie, engaging in the cabinet business 
until 1872, when he started in his present industry, with which he has since been success- 
fully connected. Mr. Beechling was married in 1862 to Rebecca, daughter of Amos and 







"■- ''^ ■'5 - «S"' 



<2C^ 




^ik^-ZTcr^^^ 



CITY OF ERIE. 869 

Mary (Greer) Stone, of North East. She departed this life the following year, and was 
buried in the cemetery at North East. She left one daughter— Carrie R.," who followed 
her mother to the grave the next year. On Nov. 7, 186(3, our subject was married to Mrs. 
Dollie M. Caldwell, a daughter of Calvin Poole, of Conneaut. Ohio. Three children have 
blessed this union — Hattie, Callie, and Rosetta (deceased). The family are members of the 
United Presbyterian Church, in which he has been chorister for 27 j'ears. During the war 
he did active service in Battery H, Penn. Ind. Art. for one year, and was honorably dis- 
charged. He is a member of the K..of P.. a Royal Templar and Chaplain of Post 67, 
G. A. R. 

E. SHERLOCK BELKNAP, retired miller and merchant, Erie, was born in Otsego 
Co., N. Y., Aug. 16, 1822, son of David Belknap, a descendant of a pioneer family of N. Y. 
State. Tlie subject of our sketch was reared to merchandising, and when twenty-five 
years of age he came toFairview and engaged in the drug business, in which he continued 
for several years. He then was actively engaged in the milling business for several years. 
Mr. Belknap v.'as united in marriage in 1863 to Adeline Nicholson, daughter of Alex 
Nicholson, and grand-daughter of George Nicholson, a pioneer of Fairview Township. 
They are members of the Episcopal Church. Our subject has always worked actively in 
developing the social and industrial life of this citv since coming here. 

E. C. BENNETT, retired, Erie, was born in Shoreham, Addison Co., Vt., Aug. 12, 
1804, son of Ephraim and Sybil (Care}^ Bennett, natives of Conn., of English descent. 
The former was bj^ trade a mason. Our subject acquired his education In his native 
county, and chose the occupation of wheelwright and carriage-maker. He left his native 
place in 1827, and came to Erie in 1828, where he carried on carriage-making business 
until 1863, since which date he has not been actively engaged. He was married in 1829 to 
Nancy F., daughter of Andrew Norcross, of Mill' Creek Township, Erie Co. Six chil- 
dren have been born to them, two surviving, viz.. George C, carriage-maker, Erie City; 
A. F. left home 1867, last heard from in June, 1869; E. P. died in 1867; N. N. died in 1873: 
Sarah E., living, wife of Edward Sherman, carpenter in Erie; and Hemy Wilber, deceased. 
George C, the oldest, was married to Susan H., daughter of Porter Warren. Their family 
consists of W. W., jeweler in Erie City; H. P., salesman, and Nannie M. Our subject and 
wife are members of the first Presbyterian Church. 

REV. A. L. BENZE. pastor of St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran and Re- 
'formed Church of Erie City, was born in Germany, Sept. 18, 1833, son of Frederick and 
Eva Marj' (DePomalianski) Benze, the latter of whom was a daughter of a Polish nobleman. 
Having received a good education, and after two j'ears traveling in Europe, on the death of 
his father, who was a Prussian officer, and who held a position in the courts of Prussia 
similar to Sheriff in America, he left Germany, at the age of twenty-one, and attended 
for three years the university at Gettysburg, Penn., and for two years the theological semi- 
nary of that place, from which he graduated in 1864. In that year he was ordained by the 
Ev. Lutheran Ministerium of Penns.ylvania, at Pottstown, Penn., and took charge of the 
Lutheran Church in Warren, Penn.; here he remained eight years, and, in 1872, received 
a call to St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church. Rev. Mr. Benze 
was married, Sept. 8, 1864, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Kiehl, and a native of Ger- 
many. To this union were born Theodore, a German teacher in two of the public schools 
in Erie; Gustav, who graduated in June, 1884; Otto, who belongs to the class of 1881; 
Mary. Albert, Frederick and Emma, all members of their father's church. All the chil- 
dren of our subject prepare for the ministry or professional teaching. 

LUDWIG BIER, boot and shoe maker and merchant, Erie, was born in Hesse-Cassel, 
Germany, Oct. 29, 1845. and at fourteen learned the boot and shoe making, and followed 
this occupation there until 1865, when he came to America aud settled in Erie, where he 
has since been successfully identified with bis present industry. He married, in Erie, in 
1868, Katie Herring, wlio was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Oct. 26, 1847, and came to 
America with her people, who settled at Warren, Penn., where she was reared and edu- 
cated. Eight sons were born to this union, viz.: William George, John Frederick and 
Fred (both deceased), Charles Frederick, Ludwig Rudolf, Arthur Russell, Edward (deceased) 
and Frank Garfield. Mr. Bier and family are members of the German Evangelical Church. 
He is an active member of the K. of P. society. 

JOHN H. BLISS, Erie City Iron Works, Erie, was born in Fort Howard, Wis., Oct. 4, 
1833, son of John Bliss and Letitia M. EUicott; his ancestry on both sides is English. His 
father entered as Lieutenant in the regular United States Army in the war of 1812. and 
reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; he was engaged in some of the most severe battles 
of the war, and was wounded at Lundy's Lane; he died Dec. 22, 1854. Our subject was 
the only son that grew to manhood; he received his education in Cincinnati, studied civil 
engineering, and was for two years one of tlie corps who surveyed the Erie extension of 
the Penn. Canal; he afterward studied law in Little Falls, N. Y., and Buffalo, N. Y., and 
also attended one term of lectures at Harvard University; he was admitted to the bar at 
Albany, N. Y., Jan. 15. 1847. In 1855. he came to Erie City, wh^re he has since remained; 
he formed a partnership with George Selden in bending works, and continued for 3 years. 
Then commenced with him the manufacture of barrels for the oil regions . In 1864. they 



870 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

bought the Erie City Iron Works. At that time W. J. F. Liddell was a member of 
the firm. Mr. Liddell has since retired. George D. Seldeu, nephew of Geo. Seldeu, since 
became a member of tlie firm. They manufacture steam engines, boilers, circular saw mills, 
etc. The Erie City Iron Works are a monument of which the proprietors and the city may 
well be proud. Mr. Bliss was married, Oct. 1, 1850, to Ellen, daughter of Dr. Christie, a Sur- 
geon of the United States Navy. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss had four children, three now living — 
Anna, wife of Rev. S. D. McCounell, of the Episcopal Church at Philadelphia (have two 
children— Ellicott and Guthrie); Horace John (deceased), Louise, at home; George F., at 
home. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss are members of the Episcopal Church. The former's grand- 
father, Andrew Ellicott, laid out the city of Washington, D. C; he also laid out Erie 
City. In politics, Mr. Bliss is a Democrat. 

JACOB BOOTZ, Sec. and Treas. of Erie Manufacturing Co., Erie, was born in 
Weiler, Germany, April 10, 1828, son of Jacob and Ursheene (Tressler) Bootz, natives of 
Germany. Our subject was educated in Germany; came to America in 1840, and settled in 
Erie City, and early in life learned carpentering; he was the first boy acolyte to assist in 
the celebration of mass in this city, serving as such in both Catholic Churches for several 
years. Mr. Bootz has always taken an active interest in all that pertains to his religion; 
was one of the building committee of St. Mary's Church; has attended the Central Soci- 
eties; been a delegate to the General Assembly; served as Pres. of the St. George and St. 
Boniface societies, and is Vice Pres. of the U. S. Catholic Society. Our subject spent 13 
years on the road selling goods since his coming to Erie. He was united in marriage in 
Erie with Catherine, daughter of Joseph Geiner, of this city. 

MAXIMILIAN BOSCH, drugs, etc., 1026 Parade street, Erie, was born in Schloss 
Neresheim. Wurtemberg, Germany. In 1856, he came to America with his parents, John 
and Annie Bosch, who settled here in 1866, and who are both buried in the Lake View 
Cemetery. After completing his literary education, Mr. Bosch sustained a 9 years' 
reputable connection as a drug clerk, then established himself in business, and has since 
been prominently identified with the drug trade of Erie City; he is making a specialty of 
proprietary medicines, such as his " Wadsworth's Annihilator of Pain." Our subject was 
united in marriage in April, 1882, with Frances Kiehm, a lady of fine literary attainments, 
who was born and reared in Milwaukee, Wis. Thej"^ are both regular communicants in the 
Roman Catholic Church. 

JONAS BOWERS, pier contractor and builder, Erie, was born May 8, 1830, in Erie 
Co., and is a son of John Bowers (deceased), a carpenter and joiner, who settled here 
about 1804. Mr. Bowers was reared to his business, and has been successfully connected 
in the building of the public docks and other city improvements. He was married in 1854 
to Helen Dunlap, a daughter of James Dunlap, contractor and pioneer of Erie Co. To 
this union have been born four children — George, a builder; Frank, a student; Hattie. wife 
of S. Sullivan, in the dairy business in Erie; Mary, wife of J. Culva, in the oil business 
here. Our subject is an active member of the A. O. U. W., and has done much toward 
the development of the city; his father's family consists of Jonas; Isaac, a carpenter; 
Jane, wife of Martin Mellinger, an engineer on the river at Pittsburgh, Penn. 

JOSEPH BOYD, painter, Erie, was born near Newry, County Armagh, Ireland, Feb. 10, 
1835, son of Robert and Elizabeth "^Bittles) Boyd, who were parents of seven children— Samuel 
William, Joseph, Maria, Elizabeth, John and Adam. Our subject emigrated to America, 
and came to Erie City in 1851, where he has followed his trade of painter ever since. Mr. 
Boyd was married, in March, 1864. to Matilda Kennedy, who bore him eight children, 
seven of whom are now living —William Kennedy, Robert, Charles, Joseph Pressly, Frank, 
Samuel Edward (deceased), Harry Wilson and Clara Matilda. 

JOHN BOYLE, City Treasurer of Erie, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Jan. 23. 
1821. At seventeen he engaged as an apprentice to the blacksmithing trade, in Dauphin Co.. 
Penn.. but after foUowuig this occupation there for a few years, came to Erie and 
assisted in building the steamer " Michigan," and after its completion engaged upon it as 
its fireman, doing ship's armor duty, but after a few years retired, and soon after estab- 
lished himself in the black'^mithing business. He subsequently returned to the steamer 
Michigan, where he remained four years. Later he engaged in railroading on the L. S. & 
M. S. Ry., but retired from this at the end of seven years, when he carried on the hotel 
business for 12 years. He was married in Detroit. Mich., in 1846. to Elizabeth Boyle, 
who has borne him two sons and two daughters— Margaretta G. ; Henrietta, wife of AVm, 
Knoll, an insin-ance agent; John Edward, a journalist; and Joseph C, a literary student. 
Mr. and Mrs. Boyle are members of the Roman Catholic Church. The former has always 
been an active worker in developing the public and social life of this city. He served in 
the City Council, and has filled his present official position since the .spring of 1880. 

C. "BRANDES, physician and surgeon, office and dwelling 124 and 126 East 8th St., 
Erie, was born in Germany March 29, 1819, son of F. Brandes. The Doctor acquired his 
literary education in Germany, and took the degree of A. M. at Brunswick. He also 
obtained his medical education in Germany, and in 1845 came to America and to this city. 
where he has since resided. Here the Doctor immediately began the practice of his pro- 
fession, and has succeeded in establishing himself among the prominent physicians of Erie. 



CITY OF ERIE. 871 

GUSTAV F. BREVILLIER. retailed manufacturer, Erie, was born Sept. S, 1830, in 
Lichtenfcls, Bavaria. Germany. After attending a common and a hiirli school in Tliur- 
ingia till 1846, and the Polytechnic Institute at Vienna, Austria, until 1848, he came to 
this country, where he expected to tind ready employment as a draugiitsman or civil engi- 
neer, but failing in this, he concluded to learn a trade. He worked as an apprentice and 
as a journeyman soap-boiler, until the autumn of 1852, when, in compan}'^ with a lar<>e 
number of otiier young men he came West to seek his fortune. Arriving at Erie he con- 
sidered the location a good one, and commenced on a very small scale the manufacture of 
soap and candies, at the corner of Holland and 6th Sts. After about ten years of unre- 
mitting labor, the business assumed considerable proportions, and extended over a large 
territory. In 1871, on account of failing health, Mr. Brevillier retired from business, and, 
together with his family, matle a visit to Europe, and returned after an absence of four 
years. 3Ir. Brevillier was among the first manufacturers of Erie to utilize natural gas for 
heating and illuminating purposes. In 1854, he married Miss Johanna Stuebner, of Gera, 
German}'; this union has been blessed with nine children, live of whom survive. Mr'. 
Brevillier held, in former years, many honorary offices in different societies, and has 
acceptabl}' served in tlie Common Council and City School Board. 

C. M. BRIGGS, of the Erie Ice Company. Erie, was born Oct. 13, 1829, in Rome, N. nJ 
Y., son of Lyma n and Ascnith (Jefferson) Brigg s, natives of Vt., who came to Erie Co. in ^ 
1844; the former died there in 1869; his widow still resides in Erie City. They were par- 
ents of four children, our subject being the onl}' one now living. He received his education 
in N. Y State, and was married. Oct. 9, 1851, to Sarah, daughter of Iliram Slocum, 
and a native of Penn , born in 1832. To this union were born four children — Anna, wife of 
F. C. Lewis, have one child— Charles: Harriet A., William S. and Ida H. Our subject is a 
member of the A. O. U. W., the K. of H., and is a Knight Templar. 

W^ILLIAM A. BROWN, retired merchant, Erie, was born in this county March 20, 
1803, sou of Robert and Jane (Hayes) Brown, of German and English descent, (he latter a 
native of Penn. Robert Brown was a Virginian, hotel-keeper by'occupation, and came to 
Penn. in 1795, settling near the head of Elk Creek, in Erie Co. He was a soldier in the 
war of 1812. Our subject's maternal grandfather, James Hayes, was a Captain in tlie Rev- 
olutionary war. William A. Brown was educated in the subscription schools of Erie, and 
for a time clerked in a store. At the age of twenty, he embarked in business for himself, 
carrying on a general store for several years. He then received his brother-in-law, George 
A. Elliott, into partnership, which existed until the hitter's decease. Mr. Brown has been 
a resident of Erie City since 1842. Besides his mercantile business, he worked a farm for 
several years. In 1842, he was united in marriage with Helen Euing, adopted daughter 
of Thomas Reese. Mr. Brown has been Township Trustee and City Councilor. He and 
his wife are members of the Episcopal Church; in politics, he is a Republican. 

COXARD BROWN, deceased, was a native of this county, born in 1812, son of Con- 
ard Brown, who came to Erie Co. about 1790. He and his father were traders and farm- 
ers, and early pioneers of Erie Co. Our subject spent most of his life on a farm in Mill 
Creek Township (now within the corporation of Erie City), where he died in 1869. He was 
married to Elizabeth Ann Barr, a lady of Scotch descent. They were parents of eight chil- 
dren — Washington, killed in 1861, during the war; he was Captain of Compan}' I, 145th 
P. V. I., organized by himself in Erie County; Mary L., at home; Kate, wife of J. B. 
Cessna, of Bedford Co.. Penn.; Elizabetli A., deceased; Conard, Jr., resident of Erie 
City; M. M., born in Erie Co. in 1852, he graduated from Rochester, N. Y., Uni- 
versity in 1878, and at present is engaged in brokerage business in this city; Ella N., at 
home, and Hattie L., deceased. Our subject at the time of his decease was owner of 175 
acres valuable land, and other real estate. He was a member of the Lutheran Church; 
Mrs. Brown is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. 

S. H. BROWN, Erie, was born in this county March 24, 1816, son of Geo. and Marga- 
ret (Brewster) Brown, former a native of Penn., of German descent, latter a native of Ire- 
land. Geo. Brown was a farmer, came to Erie Co. in 1803, and resided in Mill Creek Town- 
ship. He served his country in the war of 1812; was parent of seven children, tliree 
still residing in Erie Co. Mr. Brown worked on a farm in his native county until he 
was twenty-one years old, and then learned the brick-laying trade, which he followed for 
some time in this city. On Jan. 27, 1857, lie married Mary Ann P. R., only daugliter of 
Jolin Rice, of Harbor Creek Township. She was born in Erie Co. Sept. 21, 1824. My this 
union was born, in Harbor Creek, Marcli 19, 185'^. one child— Rees R., a dealc;r in hoots 
and shoes in this city; he was a graduate of Iron City College in 1877, and then followed 
book-keeping two years. In 18S0, he embarked in the boot and shoe business with I. W. 
Geusheim.'r. uud^r firm name — G^nsheiiner & Brown. Our subject and wife are members 
of Simpson M. E. Ciiurch. In politics he is a Republican. 

R. B. BROWN, editor and publisher of the dail\- and weekly Observer. Erie, was born 
in Huntingdon Co., Penn., Nov. 9, 1837, sou of J. D. and Jane (Porter) Brown, the for- 
mer, wlio hatl been a school teacher, was a native of Ireland; the latter a native! of Penn., 
of Scotch-Irish descent. Our subject acquired a common school education in his native 
county, and also attended the Cumberland Valley Institute, Penn. Choosing the occupa- 



872 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

tion of printer, he served his apprenticeship in the Olobe office, Huntina:don, and then 
taught school for several years; was for four years editor of the Brownsville, Fayette Co. 
Times, and in 1863 sold out and bouglit the Clarion, Penn., Democrat, which lie continued 
to publish until 1877. In 1862, Mr. Brown enlisted in the 155th P. V. I., Co. E, and was 
promoted to Second Lieutenant; he also served in a Penn. regiment during Morgan's raid. 
In 1868, he was elected to the Lower House of Legislature from the district composed of 
Jefferson and Clarion Cos., and was re-elected in 1869. At the commencement of his 2d 
term, he received his party support for Speaker of the House. In 1872, served as Chairman 
of the Democratic State Convention; was Presidential Elector in 1876 from his district. 
Coming to Erie City in 1878, he bought the Weekly Observer, a paper started in 1830; he 
established the i)rt«7^ Observer in. \S'6\. Mr. Brown gives his personal attention to every 
department of the office, and publishes a paper satisfactory to its patrons. 

DAVID BROWN, Jr.. tonsorial parlors and bath rooms, Erie, was born in this city, 
and is a sou of David Brown, Sr., wlio was born and reared in Germany, coming to Erie 
about 40 years Ago. Our subject was reared here, and when sixteen years old commenced 
his profession, which he followed as a journeyman until 1880, Avhen he established his 
present busines.s, which he has since conducted very successfully, introducing in the year 
1883 the fashionable Langtry bang into Erie City. He was united in marriage, in 1878, 
with Julia Byrne, who was born in Barrie, Province of Ontario, Canada, but reared 
here. Three children have been born to this union, viz., James David, Robert Frederick 
and Catherine Mary. Mr. Brown and wife are members of the Roman Catliolic Church; 
he is a member of the C. M. B. A. Society. 

G. W. BRUBAKER, contractor and builder, Erie, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., 
Nov. 27, 1821. son of Benjamin Brubaker, who was a weaver and farmer, and settled here 
about 1829. His family consists of three sous and three daughters — Mary, wife of J. Evans, of 
Mich.; Levi, a carpenter in Fairview; Anna, wife of Walter J. F. Liddell. a machinist at 
Charlotte, N. C; Peter, a carpenter and builder at De Pere, Wis.; Margaret, wife of Jo- 
siah Haybarger, of Girard, and G. W. The Brubakers were originally from Germany, and 
were pioneer settlers of Penn. Our subject wasreared and educated in his native place. At 
nineteen, he began life for himself as a carpenter and builder, and, as specimens of his 
work, may be mentioned the Seventh Street M. E. Church, Wayne Hall, Academy of Mu- 
sic, Farrar Hall, in Erie, and many other public buildings throughout his county and State. 
He was married, in North East, May 7, 1846, to Mary Bliss, born in North East, daughter 
of James L. and Ruth Bliss (deceased). The former was a boot and shoe merchant of tliat 
place, and is descended from a N. Y. State pioneer family. Mrs. Brubaker departed this 
life March 23, 1849, in full communion with the M. E. Church, and is buried in the Erie 
Cemetery; she left one daughter — Alice. Our subject, Dec. 25, 1849, was married to Abbie 
H. Bliss, a sister of his tirst wife, who bore him six sons and three daughters — Edwin E., 
builder; Eugene Benjamin, commercial traveler; Frank B., commercial traveler; Fred C, 
butter manufacturer; Mamie E., wife of J. G. Wilds, a. merchant tailor, Utica, N. Y. ; 
Laura; Everett E., merchandising; Jennie fj. and Willis Grant. They are active members 
of the M. E. Church. Mr. Brubaker has filled many of the municipal positions of Erie. 

J. ls\. BRYANT, Collector thirteen years for Erie City, born in Franklin Co., N. Y., 
April 24. 1819, son of Philip and Sophia (Sheppard) Bryant, the former a farmer bj' occu- 
pation and a native of Conn., of Irish descent; the latter a native of Vt. of Scotch 
extraction. They came to Erie from N. Y. in 1834; were parents of nine children. Our 
subject, who is 5th in the family, was reared on the farm and educated at the common 
schools. He chose the trade of carpenter, followed it, with the exception of eight j'ears spent 
in 111., from the age of fifteen to fifty. Mr. Brj^ant was married in 1845, to Mary L. Mack- 
encumber, a well-known school teacher of Erie City and County, wlio died in 1855, leav- 
ing two children, one now living — C. M., conductor of passenger train on the Nickel 
Plate R. R. Mr. Bryant's second wife was ]\Iary J. Henry, whom he married in 1862. 
They are members of the First M. E. Church, of which he is Trustee. He is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity and of the I. O. O. F. of long standing. 

DR. J. BRYCE, surgeon and proprietor of Bryce's veterinary surgery on French 
street, between 4th and 5th streets, Erie, w^as born and reared near Brantford, Ont. He 
received a good literary education in the schools of Mt. Pleasant, and engaged in a preliju- 
inary apprenticeship of horse-shoeing; then entered upon the stud}' of veterinar}' surgery 
and after a 3 years' course, graduated fromthe Ontario Yeterinar}' College, at Toronto, in 
1870. He practiced for one j'ear in the land of his nativity, thence came to Erie, where he 
has since followed his profession. In 1880, Dr. Bryce enlarged his establishment by add- 
ing a livery, and has now as good a stock as there is in the city. He is a member of the 
Royal Arcanum. 

' GEORGE BURTON, wholesale commission merchant, and dealer in produce and 
fruit, Erie, was born in N. Y. Sept. 24. 1829. son of David S. and Maria S. (Brown) Bur- 
ton, natives of Conn., of English descent. They were parents of eight children, of whom 
George is 6th. Our subject came to Erie Co. in" 1843, and clerked in the drug store of his 
brother, John H. (who had come into the county snme years before), till 1853. when the 
latter died. George then took entire charge until 1856. in which year he went to Iowa, 



CITY OF ERIE. 873 

where he carried on same business for nine years. Returning to Erie in 1865, he embarked 
in the grocery business, and in two years founded a wholesale grocery in New York City. 
This lasted also two years, and Mr. Burton's next venture was a copartnership in the gro- 
cery business with George P. Griffith, which terminated at the end of two years. Our 
subject was also in business with Capt. Ben Wilkins for six years. Subsequently he took 
up his present business in Erie City. Mr Burton was married in Erie, in 1853, to Mary 
J., daughter of Capt. Thomas Wilkins. She died in 1877, leaving 3 children— liiciiard H., 
in Chicago, 111.; George H., in Newark, N. J.; Mary A., wife of \V. H. Price, in Chicago. 
Mr. Burton took for his second spouse, in 1880, Mrs. J. B. Brawley, daughter of Hon. G. 
J. Ball, of Erie City. Our subject and wife are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 
in which he has held the office of Warden and is now Vestryman. He is a member of the 
School Board; in politics, is a Republican. 

A. P. BURTON, funeral director and general furnisher, Erie, was born in Erie City 
Sept. 4, 1836, son of David and Elizabeth (Erwin) Burton, the former of Scotch extraction, 
the latter a native of Penn., of German descent. David Burton came to Erie about 1810-11, 
and for many years was a wagon-maker, butcher, extensive dealer in cattle from 1863 to 
1869, and was also a prominent coal dealer. He served in the war of 1812, and assisted in 
building Perry's fleet. Our subject was educated in the common schools and in Erie 
Academy. At the age of fourteen, he commenced life in the printing business, in which 
he was occupied seven years previous to engaging in the coal trade with his father in 1863. 
For two and one-half years he was clerk for Judge Sterrett in the post office at Erie. In 
1876, he commenced his present business which he has since carried on with considerable 
success. ]Mr. Burton was married in 1857 to Susan M., daughter of George W. Precht, a 
farmer of Erie Co., of which she is a native. To this union were born six children, five 
living — Charles H., George D., Lewis E., Harry and William Ramsey. Mr. and Mrs. 
Burton are members of the First M. E. Church, in which he has been Trustee, Steward 
and Class Leader. Our subject was at one time a Whig, but is now a Republican. Has 
been Councilman of Erie City two years. 

LEWIS BUSH, meat market, Erie, w^as born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1824. 
He came to America in 1846, locating in New York City, but afterward went to Schuylkill 
Co., Penn., and carried on a meat market until 1876, when he came here and established 
his present business. Our subject was united in marriage, in 1851, with Catharine 
Schneider, who was born and reared in Northumberland Co., Penn. This union has been 
blessed with four sons and three daughters — Charles F., Aaron F., H. Astor, Elmer Louis, 
Mollie, Helen and Katie. The family are members of the German Lutheran Church. 

JAMES CAMPBELL, proprietor of the Morton House, Erie, was born in Ireland in 
1835, and came to America and to Erie Citj^ when fifteen years old, with his mother, his 
father having died in Ireland. He attended school in Ireland, and, on coming to America, 
those in Erie City. After being employed about the Union Depot for four years, subject 
embarked in the grocer}^ trade, which he continued for four years. He then entered hotel 
business, opening on State street, but soon afterward, in 1866, built the Eagle House, 
which he kept till 1879, when he purchased the Morton House, which he has successfully 
conducted since. This hotel contains forty-one rooms. In 1857, Mr. Campbell was united 
in marriage with Mary, daughter of Thomas Shaughnessy, and a native of Ireland. By 
this union were born ten children — M- F., clerkingin his father's hotel; Nellie, wife of 
Joseph Epley; James, Peter, John, William, Charles, George, Mamie and Libbie. Our 
subject and wife are members of the Catholic Church. In politics, he is a Democrat. 

C. M. CARLSON, owner of the Nickel Plate Hotel, and dealer in groceries, corner 20th 
and Peach streets, Erie, was born in Sodermanland, Sweden, in 1836, and was raised there 
to the farming business. In 1873, he came to America, and settled here, and worked at 
the manufacturing business till 1877. when he engaged in his present business, which he 
has since successfully conducted. He was married m Sweden, in 1857, to Charlotte Erick- 
son. They have one sou and six daughters— Charlotte Amelia (wife of A. Anderson, of 
Erie), Clara Matilda, August C, Anna. Jennie, Nellie and Ada. Mr. Carson is an active 
member of the A. O. U. W. and I. O. O. F. societies. 

DR. JOHN S. CARTER, druggist and apothecary, opposite West Park, Erie, was 
born in Gettysburg, Adams Co.. Penu., June 13, 1808, son of Samuel and Nancy (Paxton) 
Carter, natives of Penn., of Irish lineage: the former was a mechanic. Our subject 
received a common school training, and co'mmenced the study of medicine under Dr. Jack- 
son, of Northumberland Co., Penn., and here he was engaged in the drug business for a 
time. In 1836, he removed to Erie City and clerked in the drug store of C. F. Perkins 
one year, when he bought the latter out, and in 1840 moved into the Reed Block, where he 
remained 19 years. His brother, who died in 1861, was a partner with him till that date. 
Since then. Dr. Carter has conducted the business in his own name, and has been contin- 
uously engaged in trade, probably longer than any other one now in actual business in 
Erie City. In 1859, he and his brother built a handsome store room, 4 stories in height, 
on North Park Row, filled with a stock of pure drugs. Tlie Doctor was married in 1836 
to'Julia E., daughter of Squire John D. Haverstick! Of the children born to this union 
but two survive — Mary, wife of Hon. E. C. IngersoU, of 111. (deceased); and Samuel, a resi- 



874 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

dent of N. Y. Cit}% and Pres. of the Carter Medicine Co. Mrs. Carter dying in 1845. our 
subject married, in 1852, Ruth, a daughter of Rev. John Ingersoll, and sister of Hon. E. 
C and Col. Robert G. Ingersoll. This lady died in 1881. Tlie Doctor consciously taking 
no part in politics, professes to be a Christian of the primitive order, but is connected 
with no society or organization. 

JAMES CASEY,'^ retired R. R. Contractor, Erie, was born in Ireland Dec. 24, 1814, 
son of Thomas, a farmer, and Joanna (McCarty) Case_y, natives of Ireland. They came 
to Canada with their family in 1821, and there spent the remainder of their days. Our sub- 
ject, the eldest of seven children, was reared on the farm, and received a good education. 
His first engagement as Contractor was on the Welland Canal, in Canada; this terminated 
in 1848, and he then secured a contract for the construction of the N. Y. & Erie R. R., 
and subsequently contracts on the N. Y. it Buffalo and State Line R. R., G. W. R. R. of 
Canada, L. S., E. & P., C. & R. I., and C. S. He came to Buffalo, N. Y.. in 1835, and to 
Erie City in 1838. Mr. Case)' was married, in Canada in 1835. to Marj', daughter of Rich- 
ard Delaney, a native of Ireland. To this union were born eight children, tive now living — 
Mary, wife of Richard O'Brien, agent E. & P. R. R., Erie City; Joanna, wife of Dr. Dun- 
nigan, of this city; James F., Private Sec. for his father; Very Rev. Father Thomas A. 
Casey, V. 6., and Sister Mary Inez. The family are all members of the Catholic Cliurch. 

VERY REV. THOMAS A. CASEY, V. G.. Rector St. Patrick's Cathedral. Erie, was 
born in ^t. Catharines, Out., Jan. 1, 1846. seventh in the familj- of James and Mary (De- 
laney) Casey, natives of Ireland, the former a wealthy and influential citizen of Erie City, 
and widely known as : railroad contractor. Our subject received his education at the Col- 
lege, Niagara Falls, from which he graduated in 1868. He was ordained a priest in 1869, 
and appouited to the charge of the church at Tidioute, Penn., where he remained till 1870, 
in which year he came to Erie City to fill the position of Rector of St. Patrick's Cathe- 
dra.. Rev. Mr. CasejMs brother to Sister Mary Inez. All the family are devout members 
of the Catholic Church, and our subject has well proved himself a bold soldier for the 
faith, and stands in the highest respect in the whole commuuit}'. 

PROF.A. H. CAUGHEY, of firm of A. H. Caughey & Sou, booksellers and stationers, 
Erie, was born in this county, Nov. 1, 1827; son of x\udrew and Martha (Canon) Caughey, 
natives of Penn., of Scotch-Irish descent. Andrew, who was a farmer, was born in 
Penn. in 1792, and came to this county in 1803. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and 
died in 1865. His family numbered five children: three reside in this county. Our sub- 
ject who is the youngest, received his education in Washington (now Washington and 
Jefferson) College, Penn., where he graduated in 1849. lie first studied law in Erie and 
was admitted to the practice of liis profession in 1851, but after a time, not having much 
inclination for the pursuit of Blackstone and his compeers, he abandoned law, and, enter- 
ing the field of newspaper enterprise, bought out the office of the Commercial Advertiser, 
afterward called the Crescent, and latterly the Constitution, which he carried on success- 
fully for five years. From 1855 to 1867, he was Secretary of the Erie Canal Co. ; assisted in 
establi.shing the book store of Caughey, McCrear)' & Co. in 1864; Avas elected Principal 
of the Erie Academy in 1868, where he remained six years; and was Adjunct Professor of 
Latin in LaFayette College from 1875 to 1879. In 1880, the Professor re-entered the 
book business, in company with his son, which he has carried on ever since with much 
success. Mr. Caughey was united in marriage, in 1851. with Elizabeth, daugliter of Will- 
iam W. Reed, Sr., and of English descent. By this union there is one child living, Reed, 
now married. Mr. Caughey is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and his wife a mem- 
ber of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He was Deputy Collector of Customs in Erie City in 
1883. In politics, is a Republican. 

CAPT. E. F. CHRISTIAN, of the Anchor Line, Erie, was born in the Isle of Man in 
1834, and was reared to a seafaring life. At nine, he engaged in the English Merchant Ma- 
rine service, remaining till seventeen years old. when he came to America, and went on 
the lakes. In 1864. he retired from this, and embarked in merchandising as a grocer and 
ship chandler, and did an extensive business for four years. He then engaged in vessel 
agency, insurance business, and invested vessel property, in which he continued till 1876, 
when he took up his present industry, with which he has since been identified. For sev- 
eral years during this time he operated largely in oil lands. Our subject was married, in 
1852, to Elizabeth G. Moran, a lady of fine literary attainments, and a native of N. Y. 
City. To this union have been born four children, viz.. Charles E. andWm. L. S.. manu- 
facturers in Dubuque. Iowa; Miranda, wife of Benjamin F. Pierce, a hardware merchant 
of Erie; and Marion Josephine, a college graduate, now teaching. The family are mem- 
bers of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Christian is an active member of the Masonic order. 

COL. DAVID S. CLARK, retired merchant. Erie, was born near Shippensburg, Cum- 
berland Co., Penn., June 10, 1816; son of George and Anna (Sterrett) Clark, natives of 
Penn., of Scotch-Irish descent, both deceased. Our sul)ject worked on his father's farm until 
fifteen years of age. In 1831, he came to Erie City, and lived with his brother, James S. 
Clark, four years, and then followed mercantile business until 1852. in which year he retired, 
and soon after occupied himself in the building of the First Presbyterian Church. From 
1860 to 1864, he devoted himself to oil refining in partnership with George Seldon and John 



CITY OF ERIE. 875 

H. Bliss. For two years following, he operated the oil refinery by himself. In 1840, Mr. 
Clark was elected Maj. of the 104th Reg. Penn. Militia, and in 1843 was elected by the 
votes of the regiment, and commissioned by Gov. Porter to the Colonelcy. Our subject, 
in 1839, was united in marriage with Jane Ann, daughter of Robert T. Sterrett, a prom- 
inent pioneer farmer of this county. The Colonel and wife are members of the First 
Presbyterian Church (he since 1843); he was Pres. of the Board of Trustees three years, and 
in 1857 was elected Elder ; was also Manager of the Erie Cemetery several years. In pol- 
itics, is a Democrat. 

WILLIAM CLARK. Capt. of U. S. Life Saving Service, Erie Station, was born in 
Denmark Feb. 15, 1838, son of Andrew Clark, a millwright. Our subject was educated in 
his native land, and, when a boy, was brought to N. Y. by an uncle. At the age of fifteen 
he went to sea, and was on the ocean fifteen years, eight of which he acted as second officer. 
In 1867, he came to Erie City, and sailed on the lakes for six j^ears, and in 1877 was appointed 
to his present position. Capt. Clark has had frequent occasions of displaying his bravery, 
and that of his crew, in rescuing lives from drowning. In 1880, three vessels were foundering 
during the same dark night near Erie, and the life-saving crew, headed by their Captain, 
at imminent risk of their lives, succeeded in saving many nearly perished mariners. For 
this our subject received many complimentary notices, and a handsome Bible from the 
President of the Bible Society. Capt. Clark was married in Liverpool, England, in 1869, 
to Lucy Downing, who bore him two children— Edward William and Dawson. Mrs. Clark 
is a member of the Catholic Church, and Capt. Clark of the Lutheran Church. 

H. V. CLAUS, grocer and wholesale liquor dealer, Erie, was born in Germany, Nov. 
6, 1840, son of John and Hedwig (Kuestner) Claus, natives of Germany. The former was 
a school teacher who came to America in 1853. Our subject was fifth in a family of seven 
children, and received his education in Germany. He was on a farm for several years after 
coming to America; clerked six years in Philip A. Becker's grocery, and one year for F. L. 
Siegel. In 1863, he embarked in business for himself, and by industry and enterprise suc- 
ceeded in building up a trade amounting to $150,000 per annum. Mr. Claus enlisted in 
1865, in Co. K, 98th Reg. P. V. I., and served till the close of the war. He was united 
in marriage, in 1870, with Frances, daughter of Squire F. Curtze. who bore him the fol- 
lowing-named children — Frederick, Adolph, Anna and Herman. Mrs. Claus is a member 
of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. 

JOHN CLEMENS, manufacturer, Erie. Prominent among the enterprising men who 
have metamorphosed this once "sleepy borough " into the brisk, ambitious city of to-day, 
is John Clemens, Esq., President of the Erie Malleable Iron Works. Like a score of others 
who are now conspicuous for their identification with the leading business enterprises, his 
chief capital on starting in life was pluck and a progressive .spirit, and his capital he put 
at the best interest. Mr. Clemens has realized practical results from a practical experience. 
He remained with his parents upon the farm until he attained his full majority, when he 
began business on his own account in Fairview as hotel-keeper and countrj- merchant; here 
he remained eight years; thence he migrated to Girard Township, and engaged in general 
merchandise for four j^ears, and in 1854 opened up as wholesale grocer in this city, which 
he continued for fifteen years, after which he became a prominent dealer in lumber, and 
finally, in 1880, concentrated his capital and energies toward the estat)lishment and build- 
ing up of the large manufacturing establishment over which he presides. Self-reliance 
and quiet determination, together with close application and steadiness of purpose, are 
leading characteristics belonging to Mr. Clemens. Our subject's father, John Clemens, 
born in 1760, was married, in 1801, to Mary Irwin, who was born in 1782, and died in 1870; 
he preceded her in 1833. Their family consisted of Letitia, deceased; William I., deceased; 
Sally; Robert, deceased; Mary Ann, deceased; Elizabeth, Amelia, Sophia R. and John 
Clemens, Jr., who was born Aug. 16, 1819. and married, in Dec. 1843, Lydia Hutchinson, 
born Oct. 18, 1833, by whom he had two children— Rinaldo Eugene, born Oct. 9, 1844, and 
Frances Eliza, died in 1863. Rinaldo Eugene was married, in 1874, to Anna Ha5'es, by 
whom he has John Hayes, born Feb. 6, 1875, and Hays Hutchinson, born Jan. 13, 1884. 

F. A. CLEMENS, proprietor of the Fulton Market, Erie, was born in Germany Nov. 
14, 1847; son of Nicholas Clemens, a weaver by trade. Our subject's parents came to 
America in 1856; settled in Erie and reared three children. F. A. Clemens, the eld- 
est, received a common school education, and commenced life for himself, first at printing 
and then in the fruit and oyster trade, then adding groceries to his fruit and 05'ster trade 
at his place, 908 State St., Clemens Block. He was married, in Erie, early in 1868, to Eva, 
daughter of Joel Barnbard, who is connected with the Star Oil Co., and a native of Vt., 
cf English descent, by whom he has one child — Lena. He is doing a successful business, 
supplying the wants of his many customers at reasonable rates. 

WASHINGTON LA FAYETTE CLEVELAND, of the firm of Cleveland & Co., 
manufacturers of mill and machinery castings, Erie, was born in the State of N. Y. Dec. 
21, 1835; son of Israel and Sally (Tuttle) Cleveland, of English descent, the former a native 
of R. I., the latter of Conn. Our subject was brought up on a farm, and received his early 
education in the old log schoolhouse. At the age of .seventeen he received a certificate ena- 
bling him to teach countr}' schools, a vocation he followed for eight winters from the time 



876 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

he was seventeen years old. In the summer months he worked on the farm. At the age 
of twenty-one he learned the carpenter trade, serving a regular apprenticeship, and worked 
at it till he was thirty-five years of age. While he was a resident of Steuben Co., X. Y., he 
acted in the capacity of Deputy Sheriff. When the oil excitement broke out in Penu. our 
subject' started an oil refinery in Erie City, which business he followed six years; he after- 
ward invested in oil lands, with moderate success, and tlien embarked in his present man- 
ufacturing interests. In 1851, Mr. Cleveland was married to Julia, daughter of Jonathan 
O. Stidd. a native of Penn. To this union were born three children — F. F. (of the firm of 
Cleveland & Hardwick, Erie City), Delia F. and Jennie R. Our subject and wife are 
members of the Methodist Church, of which he has been Steward, Trustee and Sabbath 
School Superintendent. In politics, he is a Republican. Residence, corner Peach and 8th. 

FRANK F. CLEVELAND, Cleveland it Hardwick, manufacturers, Erie, was born in 
the State of New York Jan. 11, 1853; son of W. L. and Julia (Stidd) Cleveland, whose 
sketch appears above. Our subject is the only son, and was reared in Erie City. For a 
time he acted as clerk in the Marine National iBank, and in 1880 embarked in his present 
business, under the existing firm name. In 1874, he married Catharine Maus, daughter of 
Louis Maus, who bore him two children — Gertrude and Robert Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Cleve- 
land are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Erie City. He is a member of the 
K. of H.; is a Knight Templar; in politics, is a Republican. 

JOHN COATES, proprietor of the Hydraulic Iron and Engine-repairing Works, Erie, 
is a native of England, born Jan. 11, 1829. son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Bernley) 
Coates, natives of England, who came to America, settling in Erie Co. in 1832. Benjamin 
was a mechanic and pattern-maker, and was at one time foreman of Johnson & Sen- 
nett's foundry, the first in Erie Co.; and was foreman for Vincent, Himrod & Co. when 
he died in 1850. He made the first pattern for a casting in this count}'. They were par- 
ents of five children, three living — John, Samuel and Benjamin, all of whom reside in Erie 
City. Our subject completed his education in this county ; is a practical mechanic, 
and, having devoted his whole life to his trade, thoroughly understands its fullest details. 
He was in the employment of Vincent, Himrod & Co. fifteen years; also worked for Sennett 
& Barr for a short time; he founded his present business twenty-five years ago, and has met 
with reasonable success.^Mr. Coates manufactures water motors, and has two patents of his 
own, employing from four to six men. One of his inventions is "The Little Giant 
Organ Blower," a most perfect water power for operating the bellows of church organs. 
Our subject was married in Erie Co., May 28, 1863, to Lucinda, daughter of Joel Weigel, 
a pioneer farmer of this county. To this union were born five children— -Clara, Gertrude 
Howard, Florence and Delia. Mrs. Coates is a member of tiie Central Presbyterian 
Church, as also are Clara. Gertrude and Howard. 

ROBERT COCHRAN (deceased) son of John and Sarah (Lattimore) Cochran, was born 
at Milton, Northumberland Co., Penn., Aug. 10, 1T98, and removed with his fatlier's fam- 
ily to Erie in 1809, and lived the greater part of his life in Erie and its immediate vicinity 
In his youth he was employed as a clerk in the Land Office of the State, when the seat of 
government was at Lancaster, and, on its removal to Harrisburg, he continued in that posi- 
tion, his father being the head of that office under the administration of Gov. Snyder. 
He was thus early in life brought in contact with the leading men of the State, and in 
after life received from them proofs of their appreciation of his capacity and fidelitj' in 
public position, by having conferred on him important posts of honor and profit. He was 
Postmaster at Erie twelve years, being appointed through the friendship and influence of 
Pres. Buchanan, who, living in the same city with him in his youth, was an early observer 
of his fitness for public position. Mr. Cochran was a man of decided and honest charac- 
ter, and never encountered meanness and dishonesty without denouncing them in terms 
consistent with his own honorable impulses ; he was a man of more than ordinary clear- 
ness of mind and business capacit}^ and in the various positions held by him — the post 
oflBce at Erie, and the several useful local offices of his neighborhood — he always proved 
himself a capable and accommodating officer. He marriecl Eliza Justice, a native of N. 
J., Oct. 20, 1822, and had nine children — Sarah and Rebecca, twins; Mary, Matilda, Mar- 
tha, Eliza, John, Harriett and Henrietta; of these, Eliza and Matilda are now deceased. 
Rebecca married Dr. A. Thaj-er, and had threechildren— Frank. Hattie and Jessie (deceased). 
Martha married Edwin Willis (deceased); has two children— John C. and Edwin B., who 
married Miss Minnie Welden, of Battle Creek, Mich., and has two children — Jessie Thayer 
and Vera. :Mrs. Cochran died April 19, 1863, and he died Dec. 9, 1869. The Hon. John 
Cochran was Associate Judge of Erie Co., and built and operated some of the first mills 
erected in the county ; he had, besides our subject, one other son — George Cochran, who 
was born Feb. 4, 1792, and died on the Erie homestead when about thirty-six years of age. 

J. R. COCHRAN, deceased, was among tlie first bankers of Erie Cit}', Penn. ; he was 
born in N. H. March 30, 1814, son of John and Mary (Butler) Cochran; his parents were 
both natives of N. H. He came himself in 1840 to Erie, where for a time he was engaged 
in the marble business; lie afterward engaged in banking business in Erie City; he was a 
successful business man, of great energy and force of character, and was highly respected for 
his good morals and sound sense. At his death he left many friends and but few, if any. 



C'lTY OF ERIE. 879 

enemies; he took a great interest in schools, and was Director of Erie Academy for many 
years. For two terms he represented Erie County in the State Legislature, with honor to 
himself and credit to his constituents; he was in full sympathy with the Union cause in 
the late war, and after the battle at Gettysburg he left his business for the battle-field to 
take care of the wounded, to which many Erie soldiers can testify; he succeeded in accumu- 
lating a handsome fortune; his religious belief was with the Universalist Church; in poli- 
tics was a Republican. He was united in marriage. May 5, 1839, to Sophia Curtis, daugh- 
ter of P. Curtis, and of English descent — an amiable, Christian lady. This union was 
blessed with a family of five children, all are now living, viz.: Vinne M., wife of Henry 
D. Young; Laura, wife of James Bliss; Ella M., at home; George R., in the West; and 
Clara E., at home. Mr. Cochran died in 1878 in Erie City, where his widow still resides. 

JUDAH COLT, deceased. This worthy pioneer, one of the 1795 men who ventured 
to Erie in that year to see what inducements the ccmntry offered, cast his anchor and spent 
the remainder of his life in Erie. Mr. Colt was born in Lynn, Conn., but his early life 
was spent in xientral N. Y., where, in 1789, he was engaged as a surveyor. In 1795, he 
was appointed Sheriff of Ontario Co., on its organization, by Gov. Clinton. In the sum- 
mer of that year he was so much pleased witli Erie Co., that he proposed to purchase a 
large amount of land in the' triangle. The Penn. Population Company selected him as 
general agent for all their lands in the triangle, and in 1796 he made his location in what 
is now Greenfield Township. He opened a land office which has ever since been known 
as "Colt's Station." In folHwing year, he opened a road from Lake Erie at the mouth 
of Si.vteen Mile Creek (now Freeport), to his station, over which to convey supplies for the 
settlers. In 1803, Mr. Colt removed to Erie, where for thirty years, to the day of his death, 
he was an active leading spirit in building up the place. At his decease, he was the larg- 
est real estate owner of any resident in Erie. He and his worthy lady were earnest sup- 
porters of religion. At the organization of the First Presbyterian Church of Erie in 1815, 
Mr. and Mrs. Colt were among the most vigorous workers in that society. While there 
was no place of worship, Mr. Colt erected a frame building with a pulpit and pews, which 
was long known as the Yellow Meeting House, on Sassafras street. He was one of the 
first elders elected to that church, and this office he filled until his death, which occurred 
in Oct., 1832, after a residence in this county of thirty- seven years, and a residence in 
Erie of thirty years. 

GEORGE P. COLT, of the firm of Ball & Colt, bankers, No. 730 State St., Erie, was 
born in Erie City, Penn., March 7, 1834; son of Thomas G. and Catherine A. (Kelogg) Colt, 
natives of Mass., of English e.xtraction. Thomas G., a merchant, was brouglit up bj'' 
Judah Colt, and received a good English education. He reared two children— George, our 
subject, and Marion E., wife of A. T. Loomis, a brick manufacturer of Erie City. Our sub- 
ject acquired his education in Erie Academy and private schools. He commenced life 
as a clerk, in the private bank of Wm. C. Curry, of Erie City, at the age of twenty years, 
and continued with him four years. He then went to Chicago, 111., where he was 
engaged in a bank four years. At the expiration of that time he embarked in the grain 
business, in Chicago, in which he continued six years. In 1857, he returned to Erie City, 
and associated himself with P. H. Ball, as the firm of Ball & Colt, bankers. He was 
married, in 1861, to Nancy I., daughter of Rev. Bennett Glover, formerly rector of St. 
Paul's Episcopal Church in Erie City. Mrs. Colt was born in Erie City, and of English 
descent. Mr. Colt has been a member of the School Board six years. He and his wife are 
members of St. Paul's Church. He is Supt. of Grace Mission Sabbath school. Our sub- 
ject's father was a prominent man in Erie City, and one of the first settlers. He was the 
first ruling officer when Erie changed from a borough to a city, and was immediately elected 
Mayor of Erie City. He was also a member of Council of Erie City many years. He was 
a regular attendant of the Episcopal Church. He died in Erie, in 1861, honored and 
respected by all. 

GEORGE W. COLTON, Gov. Supt. of Pub. Bldgs., Post Office, Custom House, etc., 
for Erie City, Erie, Penn., was born in Elk Creek Township, this county, Dec. 3, 1819, 
son of Eli and Elizabeth (Deitz) Colton. The former, a farmer, was a native of Conn., of 
English descent; the latter of Maryland, of German lineage. They were parents of fifteen 
children, twelve of whom are living. Our subject, the eleventh, was reared on a farm, 
received a good education in the English branches, and follow^ed farming till nearly thirty 
years old. He was appointed Clerk of County Commissioners, Erie Co., in 1853, remain- 
ing as such till 1863, when he was elected Prothonotary of same count3^ after serving in 
this capacity three years, he went to Washington, D. C, and clerked in the House of 
Representatives till 1868, when he was elected Secretary and Treasurer of Erie Dime Sav- 
ing and Loan Co. (Bank) then went to Harrisburg, Penn., as clerk in the State Treasurer's 
Office and office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth till 1883, when he was appointed to 
his present position by President Arthur. Mr. Colton w^as married, in 1853, in Erie Co., to 
Mrs. Benedict, whose maiden name was Adelia Shepard. They have a pleasant home in 
Erie City, where they have been residing since their marriage, until Feb. 8, 1878. when Mrs. 
Colton died. In earlj^ life, Mr. Colton was a Whig, but has voted with the Republican 
party since its organization. 



\ 



880 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

C. M. CONRAD, brewer and maltster, Erie, was born in Germany, Feb. 36, 1841. His 
father was at one time a Protestant clerg3'raan in Germany, but concluded to join the Gatholic 
Church. This being distasteful to his wife, a divorce ensued. The latter having a brother 
for some years a book-keeper in Erie City, came to America and to this city with her two 
sons in 1849. Our subject at that time was eight years of age. He had but three months' 
schooling in the common schools of Erie City; learned the brewing business and was 
engaged the greater part of his life in it. He took possession of the brewery in 1863. (In 
that year his step-father, Jacob Fuess, died), and since that time the business has been con- 
tinually increasing, so that he is about to extend the brewery buildings. Mr. Conrad was 
married in 1867, in this city, to Dora Dieffenbach, a native of Erie City; eight children 
were born to this union, of whom Kate, Eda, Dora, Flora and Clara are living. Our sub- 
ject and wife were members of tlie German St. Paul's Protestant Chiirch. She died Jan. 
29, 1883, in her thirty-fourth year, greatly beloved and respected by all who knew her. 
Mr. Conrad has been a member of Erie City Council; in politics, is a Republican. 

JOHN CONSTABLE, retired contractor, Erie, was born in England Jan. 11, 1811, son 
of Robert and Harriet (Perkins) Constable. He came to America in 1833, remaining in 
Buffalo, N. Y., four j-ears, and from there went to Fla., where he was engaged in the 
arsenal. At the expiration of a year, he returned to Buffalo, and in 1840 came to Erie. He 
at once contracted for the building of the Park Presbyterian Church, and along with Mr. 
Ramsey built also the " Scott Block." These buildings are among the most prominent of 
our subject's many contracts. Mr. Constable was twice married, on first occasion, in 1839, 
to Elizabeth Pettit, by whom he had five children, two now living — Thomas and Washington. 
George was drowned* in the Ohio in 1874. Mrs. Constable dying in 1835, our subject mar- 
ried, in 1838, Mrs. Eliza (Culp) Reinliardt, a widow lady who had, by her first husband, one 
son named William. To this union were born four children, all living— Edward, Charles, 
Louise and Herbert. Mr. and Mrs. Constable are members of the Baptist Church, of which 
he has been Trustee. He was a City Councilor for several years; is the oldest member of 
the I. O. O. F. and Encampment. He is not at present engaged in active business, but 
assists his sons who are extensively engaged in their sash, door and blind factory. Mr. 
Constable had five sons in the late war. Thomas, one year in the navy, then in the 83d P. 
V. I.; John died from disease contracted in service; William, also in the 83d P. V. I.; 
Washington, in the 145th P. V. I., was taken prisoner and confined in Libby Prison. 

MILTON COURTRIGHT was born in Susquehanna Co., Penn., in 1811. He came 
to Erie in 1846, with his wife and two children, riding in a carriage the entire distance. He 
at that time occupied the position of assistant resident engineer of the Erie Extension 
Canal, then building. After its completion, he occupied the position of its Superintendent, 
which he filled for several years. Aliout 1850, he formed a partnership with John A. 
Tracy, and the firm became heavy contractors both in the U. S. and Canada. They built 
the Erie <k North East R. R., and were interested in a number of mammoth enterprises. 
The firm existed about ten years. Mr. Courtright was one of the original and most active 
workers in building the Chesapeake tfe Albemarle Canal, and was for some years consult- 
ing engineer of the N. Y. elevated railroads. In 1863. he was the Democratic candidate 
for Congress, lacking but 500 votes of being elected, the district being at that time about 
1,750 Republican. While in Virginia engaged in constructing a railroad from Norfolk to 
the Atlantic coast, where he contemplated building up a watering place, he was attacked 
with pneiUTionia, which resulted in his death Apr. 35, 1883. Mr. Courtright was educated 
at Gambler College, Ohio, and was by profession a civil engineer, ranking among the best 
in the country. He was one of the leading and most prominent citizens of Erie for many 
years, and his name was a synonym for honest integrity and square dealing. Among the 
older residents of Erie he was a leading spirit and his death caused a deep feeling of re- 
gret. The surviving familj- consists of Mrs. Courtright, Mrs. Eben Brewer and Mrs. Dr. 
R. K. Valentine, of Brooklyn, N. Y. 

^ A. W. COVELL, attorney at law, Erie, was born in N. Y. Nov. 33, 1847, son of Will- 
iarn W. and Ellen E. (Barber) Covell, the former a farmer and carpenter, the latter a 
native of N. Y. and of English descent. They came to Erie Co. in Jan., 1853. settling in 
Concord Township. They were parents of eight children, four boys and four girls. Our sub- 
ject, who was oldest in the family, acquired his education in Westfield College, from which 
he graduated in 1864. At one time he followed farming pursuits and learned the carpenter 
trade, but preferring the profession of law, he commenced study with Hon. C. O. Bowman 
& Baker, Corry, this count}'. In 1870, he was admitted to the practice of law in Erie Co. ; 
in 1877, to the U. S. Court and the Supreme Court. His examiners were Col. Grant, J. 
Ross Thompson, C. B. Curtis and Wm. Benson. In 1871, Mr. Covell was married to 
Mabel H., of English extraction, daughter of J. H. Rathburn, Warden of Erie County 
Prison. Mrs. Covell is a consistent member of the Presb3^terian Church. 

MAJ. JOHN CRAINE, wholesale and retail crockery merchant of Erie, was born in 
County Cork, Ireland, on June 6, 1843 ; when ten years old he came to America with his 
people, who settled in Vermont, where he learnt the wood and marble finishing trade. 
In 1857, he went to Milwaukee, Wis., following the same business there until 1863, when 
he removed to Chicago, 111., where he remained until 1871. In consequence of the great 



CITV OF ERIE. 881 

fire, the Burdett Origan Co. removed to Erie, and he came with them, and has since been 
prominently identified with different industries here. In 1880, he ceased working at his 
trade, and engaged in the crockery business ; he has also successfully speculated in real 
estate, both here and in Chicago. Mr. Craine was united in marriage in Milwaukee, in 
1863, with Margarette Hayes, a well-educated lad_y, born in Limerick, Ireland, but reared 
in this country. This union has been blessed with a family of four sons and two daughters, 
viz., C. George, manager of the firm of Hanlon & Craine ; William, in mercantile business; 
Mary Frances, a student at Chestnut Hill College ; Julia, John, Jr., and Owen. Mr. and 
Mrs. Craine are members and regular communicants of the Roman Catholic Church. Since 
locating here, our subject has been actively engaged in developing the public, social and 
industrial life of Erie ; he has also taken an active part in military affairs, and was com- 
missioned Capt. of the Sheridan Guards by Gov. Hartranft in 1876, serving in that capacity 
until the Pittsburgh riots, when he was promoted to the position of Major of the Guards. 

C. G. CRAINE, of the firm of Hannon & Craine, dealers in china, glassware and cut- 
lery, Erie, was born Dec. 27, 1863, in Milwaukee, Wis.; son of Maj. John and Margaret 
(Hayes) Craine, natives of Wis., of Irish descent. Our subject received a good English 
education, and in 1881 embarked in his present business. Mr. Hannon, our subject's part- 
ner, has been a resident of Erie for many years ; the firm are doing a good trade, and have 
been successful in business. Mr. Craine is a member of the Catholic Church, and one of 
the rising young men of the city. 

EDWARD CRANCH, M. D., homoeopathic physician and surgeon, Erie, was born in 
New York City, Oct. 16, 1851, son of John and Charlotte (Appleton) Cranch, the former a 
native of Washington, D. C, the latter of Baltimore. Md., both of English descent. John 
Cranch was by profession an artist, and his father, William Cranch, was Chief Justice of 
the District of Columbia for fifty years, having been appointed by his uncle, Pres. John 
Adams. Our .subject, whose parents resided many years in Washington City, obtained his 
classical education there, and graduated from Columbia University in 1871, with degree of 
Phil. B. ; he also graduated from the Medical Department of Georgetown University in 
1873, and was a regular graduate of New York Homoeopathic College in 1875. The Doc- 
tor commenced the practice of medicine in 1871, and the same year enlisted in the U. S. 
Army, and was at once appointed Hospital Steward, serving in the Surgeon General's of- 
fice three years, then lor one year he was in charge of the Homa?opathic Hospital of New 
York. In that citj^ he practiced till 1875, when he came to Erie City, where he has since 
resided. In 1875, our subject was married, at Washington, to Roueite F. Hunt, born near 
Boston, Mass., of English descent. By this union are three children— Charles E., Arthur G. 
and Raymond G. Dr. and Mrs. Cranch are members of the New Church (Swedenborgian), 
of Washington, D. C. In politics, he is a Republican. He is Treasurer of the Interna- 
tional Hahnemannian Association, and member of the American Institute of Homceopath5^ 

CAPT. A. F. CRANE, Inspector of Erie City water works, was born in this coimty, 
the 18th of June, 1835, son of Elihu and Nancy (Carlin) Crane, former a native of Mass , 
of Scotch descent; latter, a native of Penn., of Irish extraction. Elihu Crane, a farmer, 
came to Erie Co. in 1798; enlisted in the war of 1812; he was parent of seven children; his 
father, Elihu Crane, served all through the Revolutionary war, and was wounded while 
Sergeant under Gen. Washington. Our subject, fourth in the family, was educated in the 
common schools of Erie City. In 1855, he was appointed to superintend the building of 
the Pittsburgh & Erie R. R. ; was married, Jan. 8. 1859, to Laura E. Stearns, daughter of 
Sidney Stearns, of Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. In 1859, was made Supt. for O. O. 
Ticknor & Co., lumber dealers in Conneautville, Crawford Co., till 1862. He enlisted the 
20th of Aug., 1862, at Conneautville, Co. H, 145th P. V. I. ; was engaged in the battle of An- 
tietam and other engagements; was wounded on the 20th of Oct., 1862, in right limb at 
Harper's Ferry, while on picket duty; again wounded on Dec. 12, 1862, in the charge on 
Mary's Heights, Fredericksburg, and lost his left limb. It was amputated m the field hospital 
Feb. 16, 1863, and again amputated at Campbell Hospital, D. C; was discharged from 
there Feb. 16, 1863; engaged in boating for own account in 1863 and 1864; the spring of 
1865 was employed as Supt. of Rawl Richards & Co. line of canal ])oats for shipping coal 
and iron. Resided at Sharon, Mercer Co.; was delegate to Republican Co. Convention at 
Mercer, Penn., in 1866. In 1867, was appointed Supt. of Conneautville and Lockport Divi- 
sions of Erie Extension Canal; was a resident of Springboro; remained there till close 
of canal; 1871, was elected Burgess of Springboro, Crawford Co.; twice chosen delegate to 
Crawford Co. Convention. In^he year 1872, was candidate for Sheriff of Crawford Co. 
on Republican ticket; was beaten bj' Orlando Reed by forty-four votes. In 1872, moved 
to Erie; was foreman of construction of Erie Rolling Mills. The .spring of 1873 was ap- 
pointed Supt. of Rawl Nobles blast furnace at Erie. In 1875, was Inspector of Customs at 
port of Erie. In 1877, was made inspector of Erie City Water Department, the position he 
now holds. His wife, Laura E., dieclNov. 15, 1880, leaving four children, three sons and one 
daughter — Gertrude M., wife of L. L. Bruder; Andrew F., Reed and Charles. Capt. Crane 
is an active Republican. 

JAMES P. CRAWFORD, County Treasurer, Erie, was born in North East, Penn., 
Dec 21, 1837, son of James and Mar}- (Rogers) Crawford, the former a native of Penn., of 



882 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Dutch descent, the latter of Vermoat, of English lineage. James Crawford, Sr., was a far- 
mer and miller; he was parent of eleven children, live surviving; his father was a soldier in 
the war of 1813; his mother is now living in North East. Our subject was reared on the 
farm, and received a good education. At the age of sixteen he went to North East and 
cleriied till 1860, when he came to Erie City and re-engaged as Clerk. In 1861, he enlisted 
in the 16th Penn. Cav., Company C; was appointed Quartermaster-Sergeant. In I860, 
was made Orderly Sergeant, serving as such until Sept., 1864, when he was promoted to 
Second Lieut. ; and Dec. 13, 1864, to First Lieut. He was wounded at Ream's Station 
Aug. 35, 1864, and was discharged July 34, 1865. Mr. Crawford was married, Sept. 1, 
1869, to Helen J., daughter of M. B. Mills, a pioneer farmer of Erie Co. She is a native 
of N. Y. State, of English descent. To this union were born J. Mills, Allison D., 
Harrj' C. and Helen M. Mrs. Crawford is a member of the Methodist Church. Our sub- 
ject acted as clerk in the Prothonotary's office in Erie City from 1873 till 1880, and was 
elected to his present position in 1880. In politics, he is a Republican. 

JOHN CRONENBERGER, grocer. Erie, was born in Rhine-Pfalz, Germany, Feb. 8, 
1838, and came to America with his people in 1833. His parents, John and Barbara Cron- 
enberger, are buried in the Erie Cemetery. Their cliildren were Jacob, Barbara, Eliza- 
beth, Peter, Cornelius, Charles, Joseph (deceased); Catharine, Andrew and John, Jr., 
are living. The subject of our sketch learned the trade of molder here, and followed it 
for 16 years. In 1857, he engaged in merchandising, and has been very successfully 
connected with it here since. He married here, in 1851, Elizabeth Loesch, also a native of 
Rhine-Pfalz. They have four sons and six daughters living — George, Mary, Louisa, 
Emma, Minnie, William, John, Lizzie, Annie and Charles, and have buried their second 
son — Antony — in Erie Cemetery. 

P. CROUCH, of the firm of Crouch Bros., proprietors of Merchant Mills, Erie City, 
was born in McKcan Township, Erie Co., Penn., May 31, 1837 ; son of Ansel and Nancy 
(May) Crouch, the former born in Vt., the latter in N. H., both of Welsh descent; his 
father was a teacher in early life, in later life was a farmer ; he came from Clinton Co., 
N. Y., to Erie Co., Penn., in 1830, and raised a family of seven children. Subject was the 
second child and oldest son; he received a common school education; at the age of fourteen, 
he had the honor of carrying the first mail bag that passed from Erie to Edinboro, which 
contained but one letter. When quite young, he learned the trade of miller, which he con- 
tmued to work at till 1857, when he came to Erie. In 1858, he and his brother, O. E., 
purchased the Fairmount Mills on Eighth street, between German and Holland, where 
they continued the business which increased to such an extent that, in 1871, they found it 
necessary to build, and accordingly erected a merchant mill, corner of R. R. and Holland 
streets Our subject and brother are energetic business men, employingon an average about 
fifteen men. Mr. Crouch served four years as Select Councilman of "Erie City, three years of 
"which time he was President of the Board; served for sixteen consecutive years as a mem- 
ber of the School Board of Erie City, of which he was President most of the time. He 
was married in Ohio, in 1850, to Annie F., daughter of Judson Landon, and of English 
descent. Mr. and Mrs. Crouch have five daughters — Emma, wife of W. S. Jenkins, an attor- 
ney in Buffalo, N. Y. ; Julia ; Flora and Hattie, both attending the Wellesley College, 
Wellesley, Mass.. in the senior class, and Mary, a student in the High School, Erie. Mrs. 
Crouch is a member of the Methodist Churcli. Mr. Crouch started in business for himself 
■without a dollar, and the first •'^1,000 he earned, he generously gave to his father, who had 
failed in business. In politics, he is a Republican. 

THOMAS CROWLEY (deceased), late Chief of Police, Erie, was born in East Mill 
Creek, this county. May 34, 1830 ; son of Michael and Mary (O'Neal) Crowley, the former 
a native of Ireland, and the latter of Erie County, N. Y., of Irish extraction. Michael 
Crowley, who'w^as a farmer, emigrated from Ireland to America, coming to Erie County 
and settling in Mill Creek Township in 1836 ; here he died Aug. 38, 1854 ; he was the par- 
ent of tw^o children, of whom Thomas is the oldest. Mary, the youngest, was accidentally 
killed while riding to school on a wagon with a neighbor. Our subject attended the com- 
mon schools and Erie Academy ; was reared on a farm, and followed that pui'suit till 1860, 
when he wert into the oil business for three years. Being elected Chief of Police of Erie 
City, he served as such from 1863 to 1870 ; then as private detective from 1870 to 1876, and 
seven months at the "Centennial" as a detective. In 1877, was re-elected Chief of Police. 
Mr. Crowley was twice married, and had one child by each wife, viz., Michael, engineer on 
P. & E. R. R., and Clara Bell, at the graded school, Erie. In politics, our subject was a 
Democrat. 

A. J. CULBERTSON, foreman painter in the E. & P. R. R. shops, Erie, w^as born in 
Buffalo, N. Y., Sept. 34, 1833, son of James and Betsy (Huntley) Culbertson, former a 
native of Penn., of Scotch descent, latter of Vt. of J^nglish lineage. James Culbertson 
followed the occupation of merchant tailor for many years in Erie City. Our subject came 
to Erie with his parents in 1841, received his education in Erie Academy and learned his 
trade, that of painter. He was engaged in mercantile busine.ss from 1856 to 1859; went to 
Colorado in 1861, remaining three years, then toMontanafor three years; then commenced 
work in the E. & P. R. R. shops, this city. He has been now fifteen years so employed, 



CITY OF ERIE. 883 

eleven as foreman. Mr. Culbertson was united in marriage, in 1855, with Laura R. Apple- 
bee, daughter of Thomas Applebee, of Harbor Creek Township, this county. In politics, 
our subject is a Reput)liean. 

SAMUEL CU:MMINS, contractor and builder, Erie, was born April 5, 1819, in this 
city; son of James and Mar}' Cummins, natives of Penn., parents of eight children, four 
now living — George; Mary, wife of J. Lytle (have eight children); Nancy, wife of J. Cron- 
erberg (have four children); and James. The parents came to this county in 1812-13, settling 
in Erie City, where they died. Our subject was brought up as a mason, contractor and 
builder, which occupation he followed for many years; was also proprietor of a grocery, 
from which he is now retired. Mr. Cummins was married, July 14, 1842, to Mary M., 
dauffliter of Daniel Hathawaj', a native of N. Y. State and carpenter by trade, who came 
to Erie in 1832, and was the father of the following cliildren: Edward, C. N., Jane 
(now Mrs. Y'ager), MaryM. (now Mrs. Cummins) and Sarah (now Mrs. L. Herd). Our sub- 
ject andwife had a family of four children, all deceased, viz.: MaryM., Eliza J., Josephine 
L. and Annie M. The last named was the wife of H. G. Warner; she died October 30, 
1880, leaving five children — IVIattie, Josephine, Eliza M., Henry C. and Samuel G. Mr. 
Cummins is a member of the Masonic order; has filled the position of Councilman. 

WILLIAM C. CURRY'' was a native of Oil Creek Township, Crawford Co., Penn. He 
came to Erie when but sixteen years of age and entered the store of his uncle, Mr. Chase, 
where he remained a short time as clerk. In 1837, he took a position in the branch bank 
of the U. S. at this place, first as teller and later as cashier, which position he held until 
the close of the institution. In the year 1840, when the parent institution in Philadelphia 
failed, he was appointed to settle the affairs of the branch in this city, in which position 
he remained until the final close of the in.stitution. He then went to Pittsburgh, Penn., 
where he entered into partnership with Joseph Hill, Esq., in the banking business, in which 
he remained four years. His success in business there was such that he would perhaps have 
remained in that city during life, but for the continued ill health of himself and family. 
Returning to Erie in 1848, he commenced the banking business with M. Courtright, Esq., 
which they carried on until the passage of the National Banking Law, when with others he 
organized the Second National Bank of Erie, in which he was principal stockholder and 
cashier up to the time of his death. He was a courteous, pleasant gentleman, possessing 
remarkably sound judgment in commercial matters; and through his aljility as a finan- 
cier won for himself a large fortune and secured a wide and enviable reputation. Mr. 
Curry was married, June 16, 1839, to Miss Jones, of Erie, by whom he had three children — 
Frances, deceased; Elizabeth, wife of R. W. Russell, of Erie, and Charles, deceased. Mrs. 
Curry died in Erie in Feb., 1865. Mr. Curry was killed in the accident on the Hudson 
River R. R. Feb. 6, 1871. 

HON. CARLTON B. CURTIS (deceased) was born in Madison Co., N. Y^, Dec. 17, 
1811. Having received an academic education, his talents and taste led him to select the 
legal profession, and he entered the office of the late Judge Mullet, of N. Y. Soon after,, 
he moved to Pennsylvania, and there continued his studies with D. C. Barrett, of Erie, un- 
til his admission to the bar. In 1834, he settled in Warren, Penn., and engaged in the 
practice of his profession. In some features of legal knowledge he was almost without 
superiors, while his reading was so extensive and so carefully conducted that few jurists 
had a more profound knowledge of the general law. In 1836, then but twenty-five years 
of age, he was sent to the Legislature, and in 1837, also 1838, he was re-elected to the 
same po.sition. During his term of service he warmly espoused the cause of common 
schools. Upon leaving the Legislature, he resumed the practice of his profession, and was 
thus occupied until 1850, when he was elected to Congress on the Democratic ticket. Upon 
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise Act, in 1855, he changed his allegiance to his 
former party, and became a champion of Republican principles. In 1861, when the Pres- 
ident issued his call for troops, he disregarded his private interests, and directed his 
energies to the recruiting of soldiers for the Union. His efforts created the 58th Regt. 
of Penn. Vols., over whicli organization he was appointed Colonel. The regiment was 
soon ordered to the front, and did efficient service in N. C. for a lenghty period. On ac- 
count of ill-health, in 1863 our subject resigned and returned home. Regaining his health 
after a lime, he resumed practice at the bar with great success and profit. In 1872, he was 
unanimously nominated and elected to the Forty-third Congress, where he made an hon- 
orable record, and served with distinction as a member of the CJommittee on Territories 
and war expenditures. He was renominated for the Forty-fourth Congress in the "tidal 
wave " year of 1874, but was defeated by Dr. A. G. Egbert, by a majority of eleven on a 
total vofe of 20,765. He was one of the founders of the First National Bank of Erie, and 
one of the chief organizers and builders of the Dunkirk ik Venango Railroad, and in all 
public enterprises he was read}' to co-operate. He was married, in 1835, to Sarah Ann 
Sargent, of AVarreu. Penn., and died March 17, 1883. His remains were interred in the 
family lot at Warren. Penn. 

JOHN C. CURTIS, train dispatcher for the P. &. E. R. R., was born in Detroit, Mich., 
in 1853, and is a son of Joseph and Maria A. Curtis, who came to this country 50 j'ears 
ago. Our subject came to Erie with his pi ople in 1857 and was reared to his present occu- 



884 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

pation. At sixteen he engaged with the P. & E. R. R. Co. as a telegraph operator, con- 
tinuing as such until 1875, when he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Curtis was 
married, in 1880, to Maria E. Brennan, of Buffalo, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Bren- 
nan, natives of Ireland. They have no children. ^Ir. and Mrs. Curtis are members of the 
Roman Catholic Church. He belongs to the C. M. B. Association. 

SQUIRE FREDERICK CURTZE, retired, Erie, was born in the Principality of 
Waldeck, Germany, March 11, 1813, son of Rev. Ludwig Curtze, for many years a Lutheran 
clergyman. Our subject was educated in Germany, and is proficient in the Latin and 
French languages. He also learned the trade of silversmith there. He came to America 
in 1836, landing in N. Y., where he remained two years. Thence he went to Boston for 
one year, and from there to Philadelphia. In these cities he worked at his trade. In the 
spring of 1840, he went to Erie, Penn., and there formed the acquaintance of a manufact- 
urer of oil cloth, and engaged with him to make priming molds. This lasted five years, 
and our subject then went into the manufacture of oil cloth for his own account. After 
six years he quitted and bought a farm in Fairview Township, this county, on which he 
resided six years. In 1858, he moved to Erie City and taught a select school in the English 
and German languages; he was subsequently elected Justice of the Peace of Erie City, and 
re-elected at all elections for twenty-five years following. Squire Curtze mairied, in 1844, 
Mary A., daughter of Abraham Beckman, a farmer of Fairview Township, this countj'. 
She died in 1864, leaving six sons and six daughters, all now living, viz. : Caroline, 
wife of Louis AUright; Louise, wife of Capt. Jacob Ziegler; Frances, wife of Henry V. 
Claus; Herman, Charles, Adolphns, Felix. Julius, Oscar, Mary, wife of F. AVarnath. Sa- 
bine, wife of Frederick Mertens, and Adelaide. The family are all members of the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church. 

PROF. LORENZO D. DAGGETT, teacher of vocal music, Erie, was born in Girard, 
this county, July 19, 1845, son of Darius Daggett, a farmer of Girard. His grandfather, 
Sebra Daggett, was an early settler in Erie Co. The subject of this sketch early devel- 
oped a marked talent for music. At nineteen he engaged in the manufacture of musical 
instruments, and has since been prominently identified with this industry here, and has 
also gained a favorable reputation as a choir leader. Prof. Daggett was married, at Alex- 
andria, Minn., to M. Frank Reynolds, who was born at Grand Rapids, Mich. She is a 
graduate from the Winona State Normal School of Minn., and is also a musician. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Daggett have been born four children — Emma, Fred, Lorenzo Dow, Jr., and 
Aurora. Our subject is an active member of the First M. E. Church; is a member of the 
K. of H. During the late war he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, but was discharged on ac- 
count of ill health. 

WILLIAM R. DAVENPORT, Erie, was born in 1831 in Schuyler Co., N. Y., near 
Watkins Glen, son of William and Phylance (TracjO Davenport. Capt. Davenport, his 
father, was a native of Conn., and came to Erie City in 1839. He died in 1865, and is 
I well remembered b}' the older citizens of Erie as a gentleman who bore an unsullied repu- 
tation. William R., our subject, in 1846, when fifteen years of age, began his business ca- 
reer in this city, having for his capital a good name, an ordinary education, health, strength 
and ambition. He first served in a general store for five years, when the C. & E. R. R. Co. 
appointed him their local agent, which position he relinquished in 1868, in order to give 
more active attention to his business interests, created some two years previously in the for- 
mation of a partnership with John Fairbairn and Hon. Wm. A. Galbraith, for the manu- 
facture of car wheels and railroad castmgs; also to perfect the organization of the Erie 
Car Works. Mr. Davenport became the chief executive of the latter compan}^ a position 
he still maintains. In 1874, he organized the American Fusee Co. (limited), and in 1876 
came into existence the firm of Davenport & Co., coal dealers. In 1881, the firm of Dav- 
enport, Fairbairn &, Co. erected at St. Ignace, ]Mich., one of the most complete charcoal 
furnaces in the Union. The pig iron here made is all transported to Erie for manufacture. 
The wheel works have a capacity of 350 wheels per day; the car works can supply sixteen 
complete box cars per day, and the two concerns afford employment to nearly 1,000 men. 
Although our subject applies himself with close assiduity to business, yet he always finds 
time and means to devote to the formation of schemes having for their object the social 
and moral elevation of his fellow-man. For ten j'ears he has been President of the Y. M. 
C. A., and he and his entire family are members of the Central Presbyterian Church. Mr. 
Davenport was married, in June, 1856, to Elizabeth, daughter of David Shirk, a prominent 
manufacturer of Erie City. To this union have been born four children — Mary E. (wife of E. 
W. Sheldon), Charles W., Frank R. (deceased) and Helen L. (now attending La Sell Sem- 
inary, Auburndale, Mass.). 

WILLIAM H. DEMING, proprietor of planing mill and dealer in lumber, Erie, was 
born in Unadilla, N. Y., son of Josiah and Acenith (Mudge) Deming, who moved to War- 
ren Co., Penn., in Feb.. 1838. They were parents of ten cliildren, of whom eight are now 
living, viz.: Julia, now Mrs. Presho, in Yankton. Dak. (she was among the Indians dur- 
ing the massacre in 1863, but escaped unharmed); Sally, wife of J. P. Mather, residing in 
Council Grove, Kan.; Euphemia J., deceased, wife of Mr. MorrLson, deceased, many 
years Sheriff of Warren Co., Penn.; E. L., deceased in 1834, leaving six children; L. L., 



CITY OF ERIE. 885 

has one son and one daughter residing in Charleston, Kan.; Frances J., now Mrs. Thomp- 
son, also residing in Charleston, Kan., with two children; J. O., residing on the old home 
farm in Warren Co., with live children; ]Mar}% now Mrs. Donaldson, residing on tlie Don- 
aldson homestead with two children; A. J., in West Spring Creek, Penn., with three chil- 
dren; and W. H.. our subject, who was married, Aug. 2<S, 'l839, to Eleanor C, daughter of 
Robert Donaldson, born in Spring Creek, Penn., Sept. 26, 1818. Her father was an early 
settler of the county, and an extensive lumberman on the Broken Straw water; he was a 
soldier in the war of 1812, under Capt. Bonar. Our subject and his wife are parents of 
Augusta v., wife of H. Davis, have one son; Glenna W., Elmyra A., and W. W., married 
to Ella Jones, have three children — Clayton. Lina and Ethel. 

MATTHIAS DETZEL, restaurant, Erie, was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 25, 
1834, son of Adam Detzel, who was a farmer. Our subject was reared on a farm, and re- 
ceived a common school education in his native land. He came to America in 1856, land- 
ing at the port of Erie in Dec. of the same year. He first worked on a farm in Girard 
Township, but in a short time went to Summit Township, where he operated a saw mill for 
three years; then for five years farmed in Mill Creek, and finally, in 1865, came to Erie City 
and embai'ked in the grocery trade, in partnership with a brother-in-law. Mr. Detzel is a 
thoroughgoing business man, and for years has been identified with the best interest of 
Erie City. For several years he took contracts for city work, and laid the pavement on 
Parade street, a number of sewer pipes, besides building several bridges. He served as 
Superintendent of the First and Second Wards; was for two years City Superintendent. Our 
subject was married, April 12, 1857, to Adeline Detzel, by whom were twelve children, viz., 
Mary Ann., deceased; F. G., a merchant in this city; Margaret, wife of Frank Glick; Eliz- 
abeth; William, a molder; Joseph, in F. G.'s store; Eugene, a molder; Caroline, at home; 
John, Adam, Ida and Peter. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church, 
this city. Politically, Mr. Detzel is a Democrat. 

PHILIP DIEFENBACH, Alderman 6th Ward, Erie, was born in Erie City, Nov. 21, 
1840 ; son of Philip Diefenbach, a native of German}^, and a tailor by trade, who immi- 
grated to Erie, where he still resides, in 1838. He has reared five children, our subject being- 
the eldest. He acquired his education in Erie City, and worked with his father, who was 
manufacturing oil cloth, till 1864, when he embarked in the grocery business, which he 
conducted until 1878. Mr. Diefenbach was elected Alderman in 1872, which office he still 
holds ; is a prominent member of the German societ}\ Erie City ; in politics, is a Repub- 
lican. His father was leader of the German St. John's, and afterward of the German St. 
Paul's Church choir. 

E. DIEFENDORF, manager of Humboldt Iron Works, Erie, was born in Montgomery 
Co., N. Y., Nov. 13, 1829, son of Abram G. and Mary (Limbeck) Diefendorf, natives of 
N. Y., of German descent. Abram G. was a Methodist minister for over half a century 
in the State of New York. Our .subject was educated at the common schools of the Em- 
pire State ; commenced clerking in a dry goods store when sixteen years of age ; worked 
there seven years. In 1856, he embarked in trade for himself, carrying it on till 1866. which 
year he came to Erie City, and opened in same line of business in the "Reed Block," 
where he remained till the building was destroyed by fire. He then opened out on State 
stiieet. and continued for over eight years. For fifteen years, our subject was identified as a 
prominent business man of this city. In 1882, he took his present position. Mr. Diefendorf 
was married in the State of N. Y., in 1852, to Lucinda Gross, a native of N. Y. She 
died in 1872, and our subject then married, in 1876, Emma, daughter of E. Goodrich. By 
this union are three children — Harry G., Edward and Fred (twins). Mr. and Mrs. Diefendorf 
are members of the First M. E. Church, of which he is Steward, and for four years was Su- 
perintendent of Sabbath school ; he was also Trustee of same church fifteen j^ears. 

CONRAD DIEHL, merchant tailor, Erie, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, 
Dec. 5, 1832 ; he learned tailoring in his native country, and came to America in 1851, and 
prosecuted same business in Rochester, N. Y., for several years, and in Lockport, same 
Slate, for twelve years. Mr. Diehl came to Erie in 1867, and has since been actively engaged 
as a merchant tailor. He was married at Lockport, N. Y., 1856, to Mary S. Southwortli, of 
Middleport. To this union have been born two sons and three daughters, viz., Mary, wife of 
Jacob Harr, baker ; Emma, wife of John Kwiatkouski. baker : and George A., who is a 
merchant tailor ; and a son and daughter, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Diehl are members of 
the M. E. Church ; he is a member of the Odd Fellows. Encampment (branch), and A. O. 
U. W. ; he is an active member of the City Council ; is President and Chairman of the 
Fire, Health and Hospital Committees, and of the Water and Market Committees. 

CAPT. DANIEL DOBBINS, deceased, was born in Lewistown, Mifilin Co., Penn., 
Jan. 5, 1776, and was married to Miss Marv West, near Caunonsburg, Penn.. April 1, 
1800. She was born Oct. 26, 1779. They had eight children— William W., decensed; Jane S., 
deceased wife of the late John A. Tracy, of Erie; Stephen Decatur, deceased; Mary Ann; 
David Porter; Leander; Eliza M., wife of the late Capt. John Fleeharty; and Marcus, de- 
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins came to Erie on horseback in company with Squire Rees' 
party of surveyors in the year 1795. Soon after his arrival Capt. D. engaged in the mer- 
chant service, and was part owner and master of the schooner Harlequin, which he sailed 



-+ 



886 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

for some time. In July, 1812, he sailed the schooner Salina, and while he was lying at 
Mackinac the British landed on the island, took possession of the fort, captured his vessel 
and took him and his passengers, Rufus S. Reed and Wm. W. Reed, of Erie, prisoners 
They were all soon after released on parole, and returned to their homes in Erie, This 
was their first intimation that war had been declared. Capt. Dobbins' experience in lake 
navigation, and his thorough knowledge of the harbors on the lake rendering him well 
qualified for the position, he was appointed by the Government, in 1813, sailing master in 
the U. S. Navy, and given the superintendency of the construction and equipment of the 
fleet of war vessels then being built at Erie (an account of which appears in another part 
of this historj'), and it was through his efforts and indomitable perseverance that Erie was 
made the U. S. Navy station. While connected with the navy he was also engaged in the 
merchant service. He had command of the schooner Washington in 1816, which the same 
year conveyed troops to Green Bay, and his was the first vessel to enter that harbor, it 
then being considered a difiicult task to navigate it. On his first visit some of the harbors 
in that locality were named, and still retain the names given them, by Capt. Dobbins and 
the army oflicers who accompanied him. In 1826, he was ordered to sea in a vessel 
fitted out to bring home the remains of Com. Perry, and resigned his commission. In 
1827, he was engaged in constructing piers at Ashtabula, Ohio. In 1829, Gen. Jackson 
appointed him to the command of the revenue cutter Rush, and he was re-appointed in 
1845 by President Polk to the command of the revenue cutter Erie. He left active serv- 
ice in the revenue department in 1849. Capt. Dobbins possessed many sterling qualities, 
and having been a close observer was enabled to relate many interesting and exciting in- 
cidents connected with the early navigation of the lakes and life on the frontier. Capt. 
Dobbins died in Erie, Feb. 29, 1856, aged eighty years. His wife died Jan 27, 1879, in her 
one hundredth j'ear. The remains of both now lie buried in the Eric Cemeterv. 

JOHN DOLL, druggist, Erie, is a native of this city, born May 30, ls42.'son of Mar- 
tin and Anna M. (Fre.shcorn) Doll, natives of German}-, and who were married after em- 
igrating to America. Martin Doll is a shoe-maker by trade, and is now in business in Erie. 
Our subject, the second of a family of four, received his education in the public schools of 
his native place. After clerking for some time in a dry goods store in Erie, he commenced 
a drug business, in 1866, under the firm name of Wilkins <fc Doll, under which title it re- 
mained until 1873, when Mr. Doll disposed of his interest to H. L. W^ilkins, his father-in- 
law, who continued the business until his death in 1881, when our subject again became 
its proprietor. Mr. Doll was married, Sept. 4, 1866, to Margaret C. E., daughter of H. L. 
Wilkins. In politics, he is a Republican. 

TRUMAN DOWNER, of Downer & Howard, ale brewers, Erie, was born in Benning- 
ton, Vt., Jan. 10, 1801, son of Avery and Pattie (Allen) Downer, natives of Vt., of English 
descent. Our subject received his education in Jefferson Co., N. Y., where his father and 
motlier died; was reared on a farm, and avers that, until he was twenty years of age, he 
"never saw an Irishman or a Dutchman." Having learned the distilling business, he 
worked at it in Onondaga Co., N. Y., and invented many improvements that were adopted 
in the distillery. Our s"ubject was at one time in business in N. Y., in Cleveland, Ohio, 
and in Chicago during the great fire, bj' which he lost considerable property; he lost $22.- 
000 also by going security for several parties. Coming to Erie Co. in 1876, he embarked 
in his present business. Mr. Downer was twice married; on first occasion, in N. Y.. to 
Remember Nye, who bore him three children, one of whom, Martha A., is wife of H. B. 
Bemis, of Downer, Bemis & Co., Chicago. Mrs. Downer dying, our subject married jNIary F. 
Smith, of Oswego, N. Y. To this union were born the following-named children: Arthur 
M., in Iowa; William, in Meadville, Penn.; Mary C, wife of E. J. Howard, partner with 
our subject; and Henrietta 6. Mr. Downer has never given testimony or sat on a jur\' m 
his life; has never been aSiliated with anv secret oro-anization. 

JEROME FRANCIS DOWNING, youngest member of a family of thirteen brothers 
and sisters, was born March 24, 1827, in Enfield, Hampshire Co., INIass., to which place his 
father had moved from Boston in 1804. Like many others who have achieved success in 
life, he was obliged to experience in his youth the " rough and timible " incident to fortunes 
of most poor boys, compelled to struggle with poverty, and dependent upon his own re- 
sources and exertions to conc£uer difficulties. Bj' laboring on the farm, in the factory and 
in the machine shop, mone,y was earned and saved for the acquirement of a lietter educa- 
tion than the common district school afforded. To accomplish this was his first and supreme 
ambition. School daj's over, he became interested, for a short time, in editing and pub- 
lishing a weekly newspaper in his native State, and during 1851 served as editor-in-chief 
of the Troy (N. Y.) Daily Post, taking the place of the regular editor (who was also one of 
the proprietors of the paper) during his absence that year. Although the editorial profes- 
sion possessed many attractions, and his friends, among whom were Thurlow Weed and 
George Dawson, of the Albany Evening Journal, complimented him highly on his success 
as an editor of a political journal, Mr. Downing determined to carry out tlie ambitious 
purpose of his youth and become a lawyer. To this end, he engaged in teaching school 
for a few years, becoming, in the spring of 1853, the Principal of the Male High School in 
Carlisle, Penn. He continued in that position two years, studying law in the meantime under 



'>-. m 



y* 





^ i^j^-^-^wr- 



I 



CITY OF ERIE. 889 

the direction of Wm. B. Penrose, Esq., then a leading member of the Carlisle bar. Having 
been admitted to the bar in Carlisle, Mr. Downing came to Erie in the fall of 1855, to 
establish himself in the practice of the law. In 1863, he was elected District Attorney for 
the county of Erie, and was fairly started in his profession. The following year, however, 
he was offered the position of Gen. Agt. and Manager of the " In.surance Co. of North 
America," of Philadelphia, for the Western States, which position was finally accepted, 
but not without some misgivings as to ihe expediency of the new departure, after having 
struggled to secure a foothold in the legal profession, and the hardest part of the battle 
apparently won. As the new undertaking was regarded by Mr. Downing as an experi- 
ment, it was agreed that he should make his headquarters at Erie, for the time being, an 
arrangement that would enable him, in case the duties of his new position .should be unsuited 
to his abilities and experience, to go back to the practice of law in the place where he was 
acquainted. Nearly all of the prominent fire insurance companies doing an agency busi- 
ness in the Western States and Territories have their Western offices in Chicago; but the 
"Insurance Co. of North America" forms an exception to the rule in this respect, and for 
the reason that the Gen. Agt. and Manager, when first employed, had his home in Erie. 
The Western Department of the company having been established at Erie, under the cir- 
cumstances above named, it now became a fixture, and one of the important business enter- 
prises of the city. The business done is not exceeded in extent by any branch fire insur- 
ance office either in Chicago or elsewhere, and the net earnings of the business have been 
entirely satisfactory to the company, as well as to their Western Manager. However suc- 
cessful Mr. Downing might have been, had he followed the law, he has certainl}^ developed 
a special fitness for the profession of fire underwriting, in which he holds a rank .second to no 
one occupying a similar position. In 1872, the " Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Co.," another 
favorite Philadelphia institution, secured the services of Mr. Downing as their Western 
manager, and the business of that company has grown to large proportions under his ex- 
perienced and energetic management. Erie may well be proud of the fact that .so popular, 
so extensively knowai and so prominent a branch office for fire insurance exists in her midst. 
But Mr. Downing has not simply been a successful business man: he has always taken an 
active interest in promoting the growth and prosperity of the city where his home has 
been for nearly thirt}" years; investing liberally in manufacturing enterprises, and in 
the erection of a large number of fine dwellings amd other buildings, his new oflice 
building, just completed, being one of the finest of the kind in the State. As School 
Director and member of the City Councils, he has done his share of public duties, but his 
influence and example, whether in or out of office, are always on the side of progress and 
improvement. Being a forcible and ready public speaker, his voice has often been heard 
in earnest advocacy of questions of public interest. Possessed of talents which eminently 
fit him for legislative halls, he has no ambition for office, and a decided aversion to all 
office seeking. In politics, he was first a Whig and then a Republican, but is not a strong 
partisan, holding to no extreme views on any of the leading political questions of the day. 
Mr. Downing has long been a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and a liberal sup- 
porter of that society, as well as of the charitable and benevolent enterprises connected 
with it. The same may be said of his contributions generally for objects of benevolence 
of public interest, they have been liberal but unostentatious. In early life, he married 
Miss Henrietta Bagg, of South Hadley, Mass., and by this union has had seven children, 
all now living save one daughter. 

J. C. M DRAKE, M. D., 201 West 8th St., Erie, was born in Panama, Chautauqua 
Co., N. Y., and reared in Westfield, same county. His father was Col. J. C. Drake of the 
112th N. Y. S. v., and he is a lineal descendant of an ancient family of that name. 
After receiving a good literary education al Grej^lock Institute, Mass., he entered Cornell 
University, taking a thorough literar}^ and scientific course when twenty years of age; 
after two years he entered Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, graduating in 1880, when 
twenty five years of age. After practicing a year at Westfield, in connection with Dr. 
Geo. W. Seymour, he came here and has since been identified with the practice in this 
city. He has worked actively for the development of the social life of Erie City. 

MARTIN DRIGGS, passenger car conductor of the L. S. & M. S. Ry., Erie, was born 
in Genesee Co.. N. Y., Oct. 14, 1838; son of Anson Driggs, who came from Conn, and 
located in N. Y. State. The subject i»f our sketch was reared and educated in Portland, 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and in 1860 began train work in the railway business with the L. 
S. Ry., and has been serving for this line twenty years as a conductor. He was married in 
1851," in Westerfield, N. Y., to Caroline E. Thayer, an estimable lady, born and reared in 
Portland, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Driggs have two children — Chas. T., chief clerk of freight 
dpt., L. S. Ry., Erie; and Ruby E., a graduate of the Erie High School. Mrs. Driggs is a 
member of the Simpson M. E. Church. Mr. Driggs, since coming here, has taken an active 
part in d'iveloping the social and industrial growth of the city. 

JOHN M. DIJ MARS, architect and builder, Erie, was born and reared in Erie Co. 
He began the carpentering business when fifteen years old, and early developed a marked 
talent for architecture. He employed his spare minutes in this study, and became profi- 
cient in it, though he has rather retired from it professionallv. preferring to devote his 

46 



890 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

time exclusively to the building industry, in which he has taken a prominent part in this 
city. His grandfather of same name, was an early settler in the county, and carried on 
farming in Mill Creek Township. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. John R. 
Du Mars, the father of our subject, has been prominently connected with the building 
interests of Erie City. 

CAPT. JAMES DUNLAP, Erie, was born in Erie Co., Penn., March 17, 1801 ; son of 
James and Rebecca (Meach) Dunlap ; the former, a carpenter by trade, was born in Ireland; 
the latter was a native of Dauphin Co., Penn. They were married in the latter county 
in 1794, and three years later came to Erie County ; reared a family of five, of whom our 
subject is the only survivor ; he received his education, necessarily limited, in the old log 
schoolhouse in this county ; then farmed till 1823, since which time he has been a resident 
of Erie City. The Captain owns a farm of 100 acres, valued at .$10,000, which his father 
received for living on same five years, according to the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. 
Our subject filled large contracts, building docks, etc., and at one time was worth over 
$30,000. Though he has lost considerable through his sons' unfortunate investments, he 
has still a comfortable competence left ; he lately gave over $1,000 to the Baptist Church, 
in which he has been Trustee and Deacon for a number of years. Our subject received 
his commission of Captain of the Militia, in 1837, from Gov. Porter ; was member of City 
Council for six years; for several years was Harbor .Master, Erie City. Capt. Dunlap was 
married in 1828 to Mary Boyd, and has reared three children — John D., Helen, wife of 
John Bowers, and James J. 

C. H. EADES, grocer and saloon keeper, Erie, was born in the village of Greenfield, 
Erie Co., Penn., son of William and Betsy (Wallace) Eades, natives of JsTew York; the 
latter of German descent ; the former, a farmer, of English lineage, came to Erie Co. in 
1849, settling in Greenfield. Our subject, who was fifth in a family of seven children, was 
reared on a farm, and attended the common and high schools of his native county ; he en- 
gaged as book-keeper for a time, but from 1873 to 1883 followed farming. In December of 
the latter year he embarked in his. present business, corner of 18th and Parade streets, 
and has been very successful. Mr. Eades was married, in 1875, to Annetta J., daughter of 
William Baybrooks, and of English descent, by whom there is one child — Conydon Byron. 
Mrs. Eades is a member of the M. E. Church ; he is a Republican in politics. 

PROF. JOHN ECKERT, teacher of instrumental and vocal music, and composer of 
music, 420, 7th street, Erie, was born in N. Y. City on July 8, 1847, and at an early age 
showed marked musical talent, and when only ten years of age took active part in con- 
certs ; he continued the study of music in Cincinnati (whither he had removed) until he 
was sixteen, when he went to Europe and took a thorough musical course at the Leipsic 
Conservatory, graduating in April, 1868 ; he then returned to Cincinnati, and was promi- 
nently identified with his profession there for some time ; he subsequently accepted a posi- 
tion at Ironton, Ohio, in connection with the public schools of that city as music instruc- 
tor, and, after a reputable engagement there of a short duration, joined the Magill & 
Strong Concert Troupe, with whom he remained until the summer of 1876, when he 
located in Westfield, N. Y. Prof. Eckert came here in 1881, having previously been pro- 
fessionally connected here. Since his coming, he has always taken an active interest in 
the social development of the city ; he is an active member of the Masonic order. Royal 
Arcanum and K. of H. societies. He was married at Westfield, N. Y., in 1881, to 
H. Blanche Smith, a finely-educated lady, and a daughter of one of the leading business 
men of the city. 

JOHN ELIOT, manager German Savings Bank. Erie, was born March 7, 1825, son of 
George Augustus Eliot, who died March 3, 1829. The latter was a lawyer in Erie City, 
Penn.; married Nov. 12, 1818, Sarah, daughter of Robert Brown, of Erie, Penn. She was 
born March 12, 1800. They were parents of two children — William H., born June 14, 1823, 
died Oct. 7, 1845, and John, our subject. The father was a native of Conn., of English 
descent, and the mother a native of Penn., of Scotch-Irish descent. George Augustus 
Eliot was a graduate of Yale College. He left Conn, for Cincinnati on horseback, but ran 
short of money, and arriving at Erie City, he remained three years with Robert Brown, his 
future father-in-law, who practiced law fifty years in Erie City, and died there in 1870. Our 
subject was educated in Erie Academy, where he graduated in 1845. His father owned 
a mill, and with an ej^e to business, sent John to Ashtabula, Ohio, to learn the milling 
business, which he did, and on his return took charge of his father's mill, running it suc- 
cessfully, for twenty years. This mill is now inside tlie corporation limits of Erie City. Mr. 
Eliot embarked in the banking business under firm name of John Eliot & Co. This firm 
existed for fifteen years. He then assumed the position he now holds. Our subject was 
twice married; on first occasion, May 16, 1854, to Elizabeth Johnston, of Pittsburgh, Penn., 
who bore him two children — Sarah M., wife of Harry Richards, in Dakota, and Ruth. Mrs. 
Eliot dying in 1861, Mr. Eliot took for his second spouse, in 1863. the widow of Dr. Tris.sler. 
She is a native of Buffalo, N. Y., daughter of Joseph Kelsey. Mr. Eliot traces his gene- 
alogy back to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. In politics, he is a Republican. 

MAJOR ANDREW ELLICOTT (deceased). The subject of this sketch devotrfjd a 
long life to the service of his country, and illustrated in an eminent degree the valuable 



CITY OF ERIE. 891 



intelligence and learning can render in the settlement and civilization of a new country; 
7as born in Bucks Co., Penn., Jan. 24, 1754. His attainments in science soon drew 



aid int 

he was 

public attention to him, and from the Revolution to the day of his death he was employed 
in the fulfillment of trusts conferred by the General or State Governments. Though be- 
longing to the society of Friends, he commanded a battalion of ]Maryland Militia in the 
Revolution. In 1784, he was employed on behalf, of Virginia in fixing tlie boundary line 
between that State and Penn. In 1786 he was commissioned by theSupreme Executive 
Council of the State to run the northern boundary line of Penn., and in 1788 he was 
directed to make a survey of the islands in the rivers Allegheny and Ohio within the 
bounds of the State. In 1789 he was commissioned by the U. S. Government to locate 
the western boundary of N. Y. State, and ascertain the validity of the claim of that State 
to the site upon which Erie now stands. He located the line, after much hardship and 
trouble, some 20 miles east of Presquelsle; his valuable service in this important and 
responsible survey seems to have been duly appreciated by Washington, for he writes in 
the year of its completion: "General Washington has treated me with attention. The 
Speaker of Congress and the Governor of the State have constantly extended to me most 
flattering courtesies." Thus we find that this city was laid out or originally surveyed by 
Maj. Andrew Ellicott. In 1790 he was employed by the U. S. Government to survey and 
lay out the District of Columbia and Washington City ; in 1796, he was appointed by Washing- 
ton Commissioner to fix the boundary line between the United States and the Spanish posses- 
sions. One important trust succeeded another, and for more than 40 years, and up to the time 
of his death, he was constantly employed in some public capacity. His high character and 
superior intelligence elevated liim without special effort; he had an exalted sense of duty, and 
a well-sustained conception of personal responsibilities. In March, 1801, he was appointed 
by JefEerson Surveyor General of the United States, which office he accepted upon conditions 
imposed by himself. Sept. 1, 1813, he was appointed Professor of Mathematics in the Military 
Academy at West Point, and removed the same year to that place with his family, and here 
died, Aug. 28,1830; he left a widow and nine children. Col. JohnH. Bliss, of this city, is his 
grandson. Pres. Hale, inhismemoirof Maj. DavidBates Douglass, theson-in-law of Andrew 
Ellicott, says : ' ' The memoirs of the late Andrew Ellicott, when written, will form a valuable 
addition to the history of our country, taking us away from the beaten ground of battle- 
fields and Senate Chambers and Cabinets to the services which science can render in the 
settlement of a new country in a civilized age." Extracts from a sketch of Maj. Andrew 
Ellicott in Stuart's Civil and Military Engineers of America. 

JOSEPH ERHART, No. 710 State street, Erie, jobber in saddlery hardware, harness, 
trunks, etc., was born in Girard, Erie Co., Penn., Sept. 9, 1841, and is a son of Stephen 
and Catherine (Hemmerlin) Erhart. Stephen was born in Baden, Germany, Dec. 15. 
1817, and his parents, Magnus and Mary Erhart, came with him to the U. S. in 1832, and 
the following year settled in Erie, where lioth died. Stephen Erhart learned the harness 
trade with his brother, Wolfgang, who located in Erie in 1828. On the 6th of Sept., 1840, 
he married Catherine Hemmerlin, a native of Alsace, France, born April 23, 1822, whose 
parents, Dominick and Anna Hemmerlin, settled in McKean Township, Erie Co., Penn., 
in 1828, and there died. To this union were born four children — Joseph, Mary J., deceased; 
Helen A., deceased, and Edward F. M. From 1837 to 1844, Stephen Erhart carried on the 
harness business at Girard, Erie Co., then returned to Erie, and entered into partnership 
with his brother Wolfgang. He continued in the successful prosecution of the harness 
and saddlery business at Erie until 1883, when he sold out to his sou Joseph, with whom 
he had been in partnership since 1866, and retired from active life. Joseph Erhart learned 
the business with his father, became a partner in 1866, and sole proprietor in 1883. On the 
11th of Aug., 1868, he was married to Mary M. Zones, a native of Newark, N. J., born Oct. 
13, 1846, and a daughter of Christian and Mary A. (Sterlin) Zones, he a native of Prussia 
and she of Alsace, France. Mrs. Joseph Erhart is the mother of three children, viz. : An- 
nie M., born May 25, 1869; Mary M., born Aug. 7, 1873, and Aloys J., born Sept. 20, 1878, 
all of whom are living. Politically, Mr. Erhart is a Democrat, and the whole family are 
faithful adherents of the Catholic Church. 

W. C. EVANS, M. D., physician and surgeon, Erie, w\as born in Franklin, Venango 
Co., Penn., April 13, 1829, son of Col. Jolm Evans of Franklin Co.. Penn., for many vears 
editor and publisher of the Venango Herald and High Sheriff of Venango Co. Our^ sub- 
ject acquired a literary education in Harrisburg, Penn., read medicine with Dr. B. Gillett 
and graduated from the Western Reserve Medical College in 1854. He commenced the 
practice of medicine in the city of Franklin, Penn. In 1863, he came to Erie Co., settling 
in North East, where he remained five years. Afterward he accepted a professorship in 
Kansas City College of Physicians and Surgeons. In that city he resided until 1876; during 
the last two years spent there, he had charge of the City Hospital. The Doctor returned 
to Erie City in 1876, and has been engaged in the practice of medicine liere ever since. In 
1849, he was married to Kate C, daughter of Luke Turner, of Penn. By this union were 
born Arthui', deceased in 1863, and Alfred. Dr. Evans was Lieut. Col. on Gov. Packer's 
staff, Penn. In politics, he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Central Presbyterian 
Church; Mrs. Evans of the Episcopal Church. 



892 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

JOHN FAIRBAIRN, of the firm of Davenport, Fairbairn & Co., manufacturers of car 
wheels and raih'oad castings, Erie, was born in England January 21, 1836, son of 
Stephen Fairbairn, a druggist in England, who reared six children. Our subject, who is the 
eldest, received a common school education, and early in life learned the iron molder's 
trade. He came to America in 1846, settling in this city, where he worked at his trade for 
some time. He has been successful financially; politically, is a Republican. Our subject 
was married, in 1847, to Elizabeth Hubbard, of English descent, by whom he has six chil- 
dren — Ann, wife of William B. Vance, of Mich.; Frank, superintendent of car wheel shop 
and foundries; John C, foreman in the foundry; Blanche, wife of Merrick Gunnison, also 
foreman in foundry; Florence and Oscar at school. Mr. and Mrs. Fairbairn are members 
of the Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church, in which he is an Elder. 

W. T. FARRAR, of The F. F. Adams Co., manufacturers, Erie, was born near Water- 
ford, this county, July 29, 1853, son of-F,. F. and Maria S. (Warner) FajtTai'- former born in 
Vermont in 1821, the latter also a native of that State, of English descent. F. F. Farrar 
was in the wholesale grocery business in Erie City, in partnership with A. H. Gray for a 
period of twenty years. In 1869, he entered manufacturing business in Pittsburgh, Penn., 
and moved to Waterford in 1875 ; has now retired. He had a family of four children — 
Ida, born in 1861 (deceased) ; Charles W. a manufacturer in Dubuque, Iowa; W. T. (our 
subject); and Minnie, wife of Wm. Arbuckle, of this city. Our subject acquired his educa- 
tion at Erie Academy, and the Academy at Chambersburg, Penn. He superintended his 
father's acid factory business in Titusville for five j^ears. In 1878, he entered into his pres- 
ent partnership with The F. F. Adams Co. Mr. Farrar was married in Pittsburgh, Penn., in 
1876, to Eleanor, daughter of H. Blackstone, and of English descent. Their family num- 
bers three children — Louis, Harry and Marion. Mrs. Farrar is a member of the Christian 
Church. In politics, our subject is a Republican. 

WILLIAM FAULKNER, physician and surgeon, Erie, was born July 4, 1819, son of 
Dr. Peter, and Rebecca (Merrick) Faulkner, of German descent, the former a native of N. 
Y., the latter of Md. Our subject's paternal grandfather was a physician and surgeon in 
the war of 1812, and died while in the service. Dr. Peter Faulkner came to Erie from N. 
Y., in 1824, resided for a time in Crawford Co., Penn., but returned to Erie Co. in 1844, and 
died in this city. He was twice married, and had two children by each wife. Morgan L., the 
eldest, is a physician in Crawford Co., Penn.; subject is the second; Robert, first child by 
the second wife, is a physician in Erie City; and Sarah, the youngest (deceased), was wife of 
Col. Grant, an attorney of Erie City. Dr. William Faulkner received the rudiments of 
his education in Wellsburg Academy. In 1842, he graduated from Geneva Medical College 
and commenced practice in 1842. After practicing some years, he managed to take, as a rec- 
reation from his professional duties, two full courses of lectures in Philadelphia, and when 
his father moved to Erie from Crawford Co., he went to the latter county, bought his fa- 
ther's property, and there practiced till 1858, when he moved to Waterford, Erie Co., remain- 
ing there till 1872, in which year he came to Erie City. When the rebellion broke out, 
the Doctor joined the 83d P. V. I., as Surgeon, serving one year. He was compelled to resign 
on acco\int of illness, brought on by exposure. He was twice married, on first occasion, in 
1843, to Sarah Kaerns, who ])ore him five children, all living, viz.: Elizabeth, wife of J. Sax- 
ton; Emma, wife of P. D. Smiley; Rebecca, wife of James H. Bosard; William and Peter. 
Mrs. Faulkner dying in 1865, the Doctor married in 1866 Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel 
Vincent, of Waterford, Penn., and to this union was born one child— Clay Vincent. The}' 
are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, the Doctor is a Republican, formerly 
a Whig. 

J. R. FERGUSON, Chief of Police, Erie, was born in the Keystone State Aug. 24, 
1817, son of Israel and Hannah (West) Ferguson, natives of New York, of Scotch descent. 
Our subject was reared on the farm, and early developing a love for the horse, made that 
animal his studj^, so that when a mere lad, he was recognized as a good authority on the 
diseases of horses, and being skilled as a veterinarj' surgeon he pursued that profession 
for several years. He was a secret detective also for fifteen 3'ears and made so many cap- 
tures of criminals and others in that time that he became established as a regular detect- 
ive and is favorably known in that capacity far and wide, both in the Union and in Canada. 
During the war our suljject was engaged on salary by several United States Marshals to 
arrest deserters, and thereby he sent more men into the army than anv one else in the 
States. In 1884, he was appointed Chief of Police of Erie City by Mayor Becker. Mr. 
Ferguson was married in 1840 to Elizabeth Walker, a native of Pennsylvania. She died 
in 1873, leaving five children — William, Frank, Henrietta, Mattie and George. 

JOHN FERRIER. Alderman Second Ward, Erie, was born on the Atlantic Ocean, 
near tlie banks of Newfoundland, June 24, 1819, son of Robert and Martha (Armstrong) 
Ferrier, natives of County Derry, Ireland, and who came to Canada in 1819, where they 
passed the remainder of their lives. Robert Ferrier was a farmer. Of a family of eight chil- 
dren, our subject is the only survivor; he was taught the trade of tailor in Canada. In 
1849, came to Erie Co. and taught school for twent}' j-ears in both Erie City and the county, 
occasionally clerking in stores. In 1876, he was elected Alderman of the Second Ward, 
this city, which position he still occupies. Mr. Ferrier was married in Canada, in 1848, 



CITY OF ERIE. 893 

to Catherine O'Brien, of Irish descent. Our subject and wife are members of the Catholic 
Church. 

H. G. FINK, proprietor of the Steam Bending AVorks, Erie, born in Erie Co., Penn., 
Sept. 14, 1848, son of John Jacob and Caroline (Leopold) Fink, natives of German}', who 
came to America in 1847, settling in Erie County. Our subject was brought up on the 
farm, and attended school in McKean Township and the State Normal School at Edin- 
boro, after which he underwent a thorough commercial education at Bryant & Stratton's 
Business College at Albany, N. Y.. from which he graduated in 1866. He then bought 
and sold cattle for eight years (in Eastern and Western States); going to Texas in 1872. Mr. 
Fink dealt largely in stock there; at one time he drove 8,400 head for 600 miles, requiring 
a force of 28 cowboys. In 1874, he returned to Erie City, and bought the Erie Steam 
Bending Works, which he is successfully operating at present date, being now the largest 
felloe mnfg. works in the world; capacity 350 sets of bent felloes per day. Our subject was 
married in"l876 to Ellen M., daughter of Joseph Station and a native of England. One 
child, Alice C, was born to this union. Mrs. Fink is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal 
Church. In politics Mr. Fink is a Republican. 

ADDIS FINNEY, firm of O. C. Thayer & Co., manufactvu-ers of stoneware, sewer 
pipes, fire brick, etc., Erie, was born in Akron, Ohio, in 1857, only surviving child of 
W. C. Finnej% a native of Me., of Irish descent. Our subject was reared in Ohio, edu- 
cated in the high school of his native county, and was employed as clerk for five years 
while a resident of Ohio; he afterward went to Wis., and was employed as P. O. clerk till 
1882, when he*came to this city. Soon after he formed a copartnership with O. C. Thayer 
& Co., Erie City Pottery. This firm uses nothing but the finest clay from South Amboy, N. 
J. Mr. Finney was married in Ohio to Sarah D., daughter of H. B. White. By this 
union is one child. Our subject's grandfather, Caleb Finney, lived to the patriarchal age 
of ninety-three, and his grandmother, Susannah Finney, died at the age of eighty-nine. 
His father, W. C. Finnev, who is foreman of the pottery, is fifteenth in a familv of sixteen. 

CONRAD FLICKINGER, hardware dealer. No. 408, 18th street, Erie, was born in 
Germany, Feb. 20, 1845 ; his father, George Flickinger, came to Erie City in 1851 from 
Germany, brought over his family in 1852, and here worked at his trade (brick-making) for 
many j^ears. Our subject, who was the eldest of five children, attended the Erie schools, 
and early in life learned the tinner's trade ; he was prudent, and in 1866 started in business 
for himself on a small scale. At the end of three years, he built a store on Peach street, 
between 22d and 23d streets, where he remained till 1872, when he moved to his present 
place of business ; he is attached to his business, and well deserves success. Mr. Flickin- 

§er was married, in 1867, to Anna Shafers, born in Germany, and a daughter of John 
hafers. They are parents of six children — Emma, Hattie, Elizabeth, George, Freddie and 
Laura. Mr. and Mrs. Flickinger are members of St. John's Protestant Church in Erie 
City. Our subject is a Republican in politics ; has been a member of the Board of Elec- 
tions a number of years ; is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. ; G. A. R., A. O. U. W. 
and Select Knight of A. O. U. W., the latter a society just organized in this city, which 
bids fair to be a success ; he has been the principal mover in its organization. 

JEREMIAH FOGARTY, blacksmith, Erie, was born on the sea, during the voyage of 
his parents, Patrick and Mary Fogarty, to this country. They settled in Toronto, Canada, 
and there our subject learned his trade ; he subsequently came to this count3^ eventually 
settling here in 1870. Mr. Fogarty has been twice married; on the first occasion to Eliza- 
beth Bolster, of Cork County, Ireland, who bore him two children— Thomas and Eliza- 
beth ; she is now deceased. Mr. Fogarty was again married in 1870 to Mary Kelly, a na- 
tive of County Tyrone, Ireland. No children have been born to this union. They are all 
members of the Roman Catholic Church. During the late war, our subject did active 
service in the United States Navy in the South Atlantic Squadron, for nearly four years, 
and received an honorable discharge. 

COL. THOMAS F0RSTER,s6n of John Forster; born near Harrisburg,Penn.,May 16, 
1762; brought up as a surveyor; served during the Revolution in defense of the frontier; 
was a Colonel of volunteers during the whisky insurrection; appointed A.ssociate Judge of 
Dauphin Co. in 1793; member of the Assembly one term; came to Erie Co. as agent of the 
Harrisburg & Presque Isle Land Company in 1796 or 1797; moved his family to the county 
in the spring of 1799, settling in Erie; commissioned Collector of the port of Erie March, 
1799, a position he filled until his death in 1886; meanwhile acting as Government Agent 
for the construction of the breakwater in Erie Harbor; serving as Captain and Brigade In- 
spector in the war of 1812, and holding numerous town and county offices. He married, 
Oct. 5, 1786, Sarah Pettit, daughter of Rev. Joseph Montgomery, who was a Chaplain iu 
the Revolutionary army, and the first member of Congress from Lancaster Co. under the 
Constitution of the U. S. She died in Erie Julv 27, 1808. Among her children were 
the wives of Gen. E. V. Sumner, Gen. Geo. W. Wriglit, Col. John Harris, Maj. Herron 
and Capt. Bailey. U. S. Army. Col. Forster and Rev. Mr. Montgomery were both educated 
at Princeton College, New .lersey. 

THOMAS FORSTER, JR., son of Col. Thos. Forster and Sarah, his wife; born near 
Harrisburg, Penn., in 1796, came to Erie with his father; carried on a forwarding and 



894 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

commission business at Erie Harbor several years; Captain of a military company, and ves- 
tryman of St. Paul's Church; moved to Dunkirk, N. Y., about 1828, from wliich date he 
was Government Agent for the construction of breakwaters at the various harbors on Lake 
Erie, between Erie and Buffalo, until his death; moved to Westfield, N. Y., about 1862, 
where he died in 1864. He married, in 1821, Juliet M., daughter of Hon. William Bell, of 
Erie, a settler of 1800, officer in the Revolutionary war, State Senator, Associate Judge, 
and uncle of Hon. John Bell, candidate for President in 1860. Mrs. Forster died in West- 
field in 1866. Their children were as follows: John H. and Sarah P., residents of Michi- 
gan; William T. ; Theodore M. ; Annie M. and E. S., residents of Erie City. 

EDWIN SUMNER FORSTER, son of Thomas Forster, Jr.; born in Dunkirk, N. Y., 
in 1833; educated at Fredouia Academy; learned the printing business in Dunkirk; lived 
at various times in Dubuque, Iowa. ; Janesville, Wis., and the copper regions of Lake Supe- 
rior. Married, May 14, 1867, Miss Mary E., daughter of Wm. B. and Carrie A. Hays, of 
Erie; settled in Erie in 1871, engaging in mercantile business. Mr. and Mrs. Forster have 
had but one child— William Hays Forster, born Jan. 28, 1872. 

FREDERICK FRANZ, foreman of the Chicago & Erie Stove Works, Erie, was born 
Feb. 23, 1839, in Germany, son of Casper and Barbara Franz, who came to America with 
their family in 1852, settling in Erie City. Our subject was first employed in a foundry in 
Erie for a few months, and then engaged with the Chicago & Erie Stove Works Company, 
in whose employment he has been continuously since 1854. Through untiring energy and 
close application to business, he has graduallj^ grown into such favor and confidence of the 
firm, that for past ten years he nas had charge of tlie molding department. In 1860, Mr. 
Franz married Emma, daughter of Philip Scliwap. By this union were born eight chil- 
dren—Jacob C, Frederick R., Francis J., Henry J., Kiddon C, Catharine, Theresa and Jen- 
nie C. 

A. A. FREEMAN, M. D., physician and surgeon, Erie, was born in Crawford Co., 
Penn., July 4, 1850, son of Arold Freeman, who came to Crawford Co. in 1816, following 
farmmg. His family numbered eight children, seven living. Our subject was raised on the 
farm, and attended the common schools till he Avas nineteen years old. In 1872, he grad- 
uated from the State Normal School, located at Edinboro, then taught school, and while 
so employed studied medicine. He afterward read medicine with Dr. Heard, now of North 
East. Dr. Freeman regularly graduated from the Medical Department of the University 
of Buffalo, N. Y., in 1876, and same year he commenced the practice of his profession in 
Erie City. This he continued till 1881, when with the view of entering the legal profes- 
sion he abandoned it. He was elected Alderman of the city in 1881, which office he still 
holds. The Doctor was married, in this county, in 1876, to Josephine L., daughter of N. 
L. Finn, now of Saginaw Co., Mich. To this union were born two children — Arold Ray 
and Robert Todd. 

JACOB FRITZ, grocer, Erie, was born in Heimersheim, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, 
Sept. 9, 1841, and canie to America when ten years of age with his people, who settled 
here. He is a son of George John Fritz, who has the following famih': Elizabeth, wife of 
Lawrence Koster, a merchant of this city; John and George, farmers of West Union, Iowa, 
and Jacob, the subject of this sketch. Jacob, at fourteen, began cabinet-makmg, which 
he followed for four years, when he began merchandising, and has since been successfully 
connected in the grocery trade here. He was united in marriage, in 1865, with Elizabeth 
Althoff, born in Eringshausen Kreis, Koblenz, Prussia. They have three sons and five 
daughters — Helen, Martha, Kate, Elizabeth, George, Florence, Jacob, Jr., and Frank 
Fenner. The family are members of the German Lutheran Church. Mr Fritz has always 
taken an active part in developing the social and industrial life of Erie City. 

GEORGE E. FRY, plumber and gas-fitter, Erie, was born and reared in N. Y. City. 
At seventeen, took up his present business there, and followed it successfully for seventeen 
years. In 1866, he came to Erie City and established himself in business. He has been 
prominently identified with that industry in this city and Erie Co., evidences of which re- 
main in many of the public works of the city. He married Miss Elizabeth Mapes, of 
Springfield, Ohio. 

RICHARD GAGGIN, deceased, was born at Bandon, Ireland, in 1803. He was 
reared to the woolen manufacturing in his native countrj% and at Leeds, England, whither 
he went with his father. He came to America in 1836, and for a year carried on business 
in N. Y. City, and is believed to be the first manufacturer of sealette goods in this country. 
He subsequently came to Erie, and in 1843 took an active part in establishing the Erie 
Woolen Mills, and was engaged in same as long as thej^ existed. He was a practical chem- 
ist, and turned his attention to different industries, establishing the starch manufacturing 
here in 1850. When petroleum was discovered, he built the first complete refinery, which 
he carried on during several j-ears. He was empro5'ed in the U. S. Internal Revenue serv- 
ice, and was surveyor of distilleries throughout the country for a long period, visiting all 
parts of the U. S. ; he served as County Coroner one term, and filled several minor offices. 
Mr. Gaggin was the first member of the I. O. O. F. in Northwestern Penn., and was in- 
strumental in establishing the Order in Erie and adjacent counties, and at the time of his 
death was its oldest member in Penn. He was a man of fine education, and had scientific 



CITY OF ERIE. 895 

attainments of a high order. Mr. Gaggin died in 1882 at the home of his daughter, in 
Conneaut, Ohio, and is buried in the Erie Cemetery. 

R. F. GAGGIN, civil engineer, Erie, the eldest son of Richard Gaggin, was born in 
Leeds, England, in 1832, and came to this country with his parents in 1836. He was edu- 
cated at Erie Academy and studied liis profession under John H. Millar, County Surveyor 
and Engineer. For a few years he was engaged on the Ohio & Miss. Ry., and in 1856 
became chief engineer of the road between St. Louis and Vincennes, Ind., remaining as 
such until its completion; he subsequently built railways in Mo. and 111. in connection 
with Col. Thos. M. Wallier, of Erie. Mr. Gaggin returned to Erie in 1860 and was ap- 
pointed City Engineer, which position he resigned to enter the U. S. Customs service, in 
which he was Deputy Collector and Collector of Customs for seventeen years. From 1874 to 
1877, he was employed in gold and silver mining in Colo. He was married, in 1866, to Ger- 
trude P., daughter of Dr. Jas. L. Hall, of North East, and has a family of three sons and 
two daughters. 

JOHN GALBRAITH. The Penn. Galbraiths came of the Scotch-Irish stock so 
prominent in the early history of the commonwealth. James Galbraith, the founder of 
the family in this State, emigrated from the North of Ireland, and settled at Donegal, in 
what is now Lancaster Co., in 1712; he bought large tracts of land from Wm. Penn, pro- 
prietary; his son, James Galbraith, Jr., married, in 1735, Elizabeth Bertram, who, with her 
father, Rev. William Bertram, came from Edinburgh, Scotland. These people were all 
Presbyterians in their religious faith, and the old stone church at Donegal, where they 
worshiped, has in its churchyard the bones of many of the family. Jas. Galbraith, Jr., 
was elected Sheriff of Lancaster Co. in 1742; he was made Judge of the Common Pleas in 

1745, and was for many years a Justice of the Peace ; he removed to Cumberland Co, in 
1760, and in 1763 was appointed Judge in that county. He took an active part in the 
French and Indian war in 1755-56, and during the Revolution in 1777, was appointed 
Colonel for Cumberland Co., being then seventy-three years of age; he was obliged, how- 
ever, to resign after a twelve-months' service, on account of his advanced years and bodily 
infirmities. In Egle's history of Penn., the writer says: " The Galbraiths of Cumberland 
Co. all came from James Galbraith, Jr. ; every one of his sons became prominent in the 
Revolutionary war on the side of the patriots. Bertram Galbraith, First Lieutenant in 
Lancaster Co., was his son, and did noble service in the cause of his country. Andrew 
Galbraith, another son, served with distinction as an officer in the Revolution. Chief Jus- 
tice John Bannister Gibson married one of his daughters. John Galbraith, the youngest 
son, was a soldier of the Revolution; he was taken prisoner at the battle of Long Island, 
and, with many others, suffered great hardships in the British prisons in New York City. 
After the war he removed to Huntingdon Co., and from there to Butler Co., where he re- 
sided until his death. In the southwest corner of the old Derry Churchyard, on the line 
of the Lebanon Valley Railroad, at Derry Station, is a stone slab, bearing the following in- 
scription: ' Here lieth the remains of the Rev. Wm. Bertram, first pastor of this congrega- 
tion, who departed this life ye 2d Feb., A. D. 1799, aged eighty-five years.' Immediately 
beside it is another slab with this inscription: ' pfere lieth the remains of James Gal- 
braith, who departed this life ye 23d August, 1744, aged seventy-eight years, also James 
Galbraith, Esq., the younger, on ye 11th June, 1787, aged eighty-three years, who dwelt 
beloved by all, in rational piety, modest hope and cheerful resignation.'" Andrew Gal- 
braith, brother of James Galbraith, Jr., was the first Coroner of Lancaster Co. In 1730, he 
was appointed one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, a position he held until 

1746. He was created a member of Assembly in 1730, and for eight consecutive sessions 
thereafter. In 1732, when a candidale for Assembly, he had a most extraordinary canvass; 
his wife, mounting her mare Nelly, with spurs strapped to her heels, rode out among the 
Scotch-Irish in Donegal and collected more than 100 voters, at whose head she rode into 
Lancaster Borough, where the elections were held, and in Penn Square harangued them with 
such effect that her husband was returned elected by two or three votes. This incident is 
thus referred to in a biographical sketch of Madame Patterson Bonaparte in Lippincott's 
Magazine for Sept., 1877. Mrs. Patterson, Madame Bonaparte's mother, being the grand 
daughter of the successful feminine electioneerer. "Mrs. Patterson came of that sturdj', 
independent Scotch-Irish race that has peopled Penn.'s prosperous valleys. Her grand- 
mother, Mrs. Galbraith, was of considerable force of character, taking a prominent part 
in Revolutionary stir, and on one occasion traversing on horseback the then almost wil- 
derness, to canvass votes for her husband's election to the Assembly, which she won, 
whether by robust arguments or in the felicitous way of the beautiful duchess of Devon- 
shire, is not recorded." Robert Galbraith, one of the sons of James Galbraith, Jr., was 
appointed Prothonotary for Bedford Co. March 21, 1777; he was also Justice for the same 
county. In 1778, he removed to York, and there practiced law; he was a member of the 
Assembly from that colmt3^ and was appointed agent to sell the confiscated estates of 
the Tories; he returned to Bedford Co. in 1784, and was in 1788 appointed President Judge 
of the Court of Common Pleas of Huntingdon Co. ; he was an officer in the Revolution, 
and served with honor to himself and countr}^ John Galbraith, the immediate subject of 
this sketch, son of the John Galbraith above referred to, was born at Huntingdon, Penn., 



896 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in 1794. His father moved to Butler Co., this State, about the beginning of the 19th cen- 
tury, where the son grew up on a farm. Long before he was of age he was in charge of a 
school, and in due time served an apprenticeship to the printing business in the same office 
in Butler, where James Thompson, afterward Chief Justice, was employed. Tiring of 
printing he studied law with Gen. Wm. Ayres, of Butler, and was admitted to the bar at 
the age of twenty-three or twenty-four. Soon after he married Miss Amy Ayres, daughter 
of Rev. Robert Ayres, an Episcopal minister, long resident at Brownsville, Penn., brother of 
Gen. Ayres. About the same time he moved to Franklin, Penn., where he rose rapidly, 
both in his profession and in popular esteem. His first official position was as a member of 
the Assembly, to which he was elected three times; was elected to Congress as a Democrat 
in 1832. 1834 and 1838, where he served on important committees and made several striking 
speeches. In 1837. he moved to Erie, and was ever after a resident of that city. On retir- 
ing from Congress he practiced law until the fall of 1851, when he was elected President 
Judge for Erie, Crawford and Warren Cos., running as Democratic candidate in a district 
which usually gave about 1,100 Whig majority. His death occurred on the 15th of June. 
1860, before the expiration of his term. Judge Galbraith was one of the foremost men in 
promoting the various public enterprises that gave the first strong impulse to Erie Co. ; he 
was the pioneer in building the railroad from Erie to the Ohio line, was the largest stock- 
holder in the Erie tt Edinboro Plank Road, and aided greatljMn reviving the long projected 
railroad from Erie to Sunbury. One of his favorite ideas, the establishment of a reform 
school for youthful offenders, has been adopted by the State in the institution at Hunt- 
ingdon and elsewhere. Mrs. Galbraith died in Philadelphia, March 2, 1868. Their chil- 
dren were William A., now President Judge of Erie Co., and Elizabeth Ann, intermar- 
ried with William S. Lane, for some time a practicing lawyer in Erie, and now in Phila- 
delphia. 

WILLIAM AYRES GALBRAITH, son of Judge John Galbraith and Amy (Ayres) Gal- 
braith. was born in Franklin, Venango Co., Penn.. May 9, 1823, and came to Erie with 
his parents in 1837. He was educated at Allegheny College, Meadville, and at the academy 
in Erie, and studied law with his father, being admitted to the bar May 9, 1844, on his 
twenty-first birthday. In September of the same year, he entered Dane Law School of 
Harvard University, of which Profs. Joseph Story and Simon Greenleaf were the instruct- 
ors, from which he graduated in 1845. Returning home, he immediately commenced the 
practice of law in company with his brother-in-law, Wm. S. Lane, opening an office in 
what is now the Beatty building. On the 25th of May, 1846, he was married to Miss Fan- 
ny, daughter of Capt. Wm. Davenport, of Erie. The same year he was appointed Dep- 
uty Attorney General for Erie Co. (an office equivalent to the present one of District Attor- 
ney) bv Judge Kane, then Attorney General of the State, and continued until 1850, under 
John M. Reed and Benjamin Champneys. His practice grew so large that his health 
failed, and about 1856, under the advice of his physician to engage in outdoor occupation, 
he took an interest with Gen. Herman Haupt and other Philadelphia parties in theHoosac 
Tunnel, the building of which required his absence for a good share of two years in the State 
of Mass. Returning in 1858. he was appointed attorney for the Sunbury & Erie R. R., 
and Quickly re-entered upon a large practice. From the beginning he took an active part 
in politics. He was a Delegate to the Democratic State Convention in 1846, and of nu- 
merous others. He was a Delegate in the Democratic National Conventions at Charleston 
in 1860, and at Chicago in 1864. In 1861, he was nominated as a Union candidate for State 
Senator, against M. B. Lowry, the regular Republican nom.inee, and was only defeated by 
about 100 votes in Erie Co., which had given 3.700 Republican votes the year previous. 
In 1876. he was elected President Judge of Erie Co., as a people's nominee, though the Re- 
publican candidate for President had some 2,600 majority. He was Director of the rail- 
road to the Ohio Line, a Director of the Sunbury & Erie R. R. Co., and active in pushing 
forward that enterprise, and aided largely in establishing the car works, the car wheel 
works, and the Burdett Organ Factory. Judge Galbraith and wife have been blessed with 
four children, one of whom died in infancy; the surviving are Fanny (married to Dr. 
Arnold P. Gilmoi-e, son of the late Judge Gilmore, of the Washington, Penn.. District, who 
resides in Chirairo). John W. and Davenport. 

DR. HENRY F. GAREY. oculist and aurist. Erie, was born near "St. Louis. Mo., 
Julv 22. 18.54. son of Henry F. and Edna (Force) Garey. former a native of Baltimore. Md., 
of Irish descent, latter a descendant of a Huguenot family, who fled to Va. during the 
persecutions nf that sect. Henry F. Garey. Sr., was a lawyer, and served in the capacity 
of Supreme Judge in the Baltimore courts" from 1867 till 1882; he is now retired, and lives 
in Baltimore, Md. Our subject, who is the only son. received his education in the common 
schools and the colleges at Rockhill and Ellico'tt City, Md. He then attended Washington 
Medical University at Baltimore City; he was assistant eye and ear surgeon in the hospital 
where Edffar Allan Poe died. The Doctor remained there three years, then came to Erie 
City to practice his profession, having graduated in 1876. In 1883, he was elected eye and 
ear surgeon of the Hamot Hospital, Erie City, which was organized in 1880. Our subject 
was united in marriage, in 1878, with Clara, daughter of Edmond Uttley, and of English, 
descent. Bv thi« union are two children — Edna Force and Anna E. Dr. and Mrs. Garey are 
members of the Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Democrat. 




> ' 



CITV OF ERIE. 899 

DR. GEO. A. GARRIES, physician and surgeon, East Eleventh, between German and 
Parade streets. Erie, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1846. When eight years old, he 
came to America with his people, who settled in Erie. At the age of seventeen, he en- 
listed in Co. E, 63d P. V. I., and remained in active service until the battle of Spottsyl- 
vania Court House; he received four bullet wounds, and remained two days on the field 
of battle before he was taken to the hospital. After convalescence, he joined the Veteran 
Corps, and continued in Provost duty until the end of the war. He then prosecuted his 
literary education at St. Vincent College for three terms, subsequently engaging in the study 
of medicine, and graduating from the Cleveland Medical College, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1881. 
The same year he was married to Anna E. Zinnserly, a finely educated lady, and located 
here, where he has since continued in his profession. The Doctor and his wife are active 
church members. The former is a member of and examining physician for the C. M. B. A. 
and F. G. F. B. societies, and of Post 67, G. A. R. 

JOHN W. GENSHEIMER, firm of Gensheimer & Brown, dealers in boots and shoes, 
715 State street, Erie, was born in Fairview Township, Erie Co., Penn., March 13, 1849; 
son of Joseph and Mary (Brown) Gensheimer; the former, who was a tailor by trade, was 
a native of Germany; the latter, born in Lancaster Co., Penn., was of German lineage. 
Our subject acquired an education in common schools and at Iron City College, from 
which he graduated May 3, 1866. He clerked in a dry goods store from 1870 to 1874, then 
embarked in the boot and shoe trade, which he has since successfully carried on. He was 
married, in Defiance, Ohio, to Ida R. Phelps, a native of Ohio. To this union were born eight 
children, five living— Una I., Karl V., Cora E., Harry P. and Mollie N. Mr.' Gensheimer 
and wife are members of the Simpson M. E. Cliurch, in which he has been Steward, and 
for four years Clerk of Finance Committee. He is an enterprising citizen, deeply interested 
in the moral and mental development of this city. 

M. V. B. GIFFORD, money order clerk, Erie P. O., was born in Venango Township, 
this county, July 31, 1837, son of William L . and Sidney (Allison) Gifford ; the former, a 
farmer, was a native of Vt., the latter oFPenn., of English descent.~They were parents of 
nine children, six living, all residents of Erie Co. Our subject was seventh child and fifth 
son ; attended common school and Waterford Academy ; he was reared on the farm, and 
in early life taught school till the late war broke out, when he enlisted in the three-months' 
service, Erie Reg. ; he next enlisted in the 83d P. V. I., Co. K, and was soon after appointed 
Orderly Sergeant ; from Sept. 12 to Oct. 1, 1862, he served in that capacity in Co. A; 
was then promoted to 1st Lieut, and, in 1864, to Capt. ; he was in all the engage- 
ments his regiment participated in, and was several times wounded, on the first occasion 
at Fredericksburg. James E., his youngest brotlier, died from the effects of a wound re- 
ceived at the engagement at Malvern Hill. From 1866 to 1869, our subject was engaged 
in mercantile business in Erie City, and in 1870 moved to Colo., where he was engaged 
ten years in farming and stock-raising. Returning to Erie in 1880, he received his appoint- 
ment to his present position. Capt. Gifford was married in 1866 to Amelia A., daughter of 
William Allison, farmer, Erie Co. Two children, boys, have been born to this union 
— Willie Pitt and Pearl Vincent. Our subject and wife' are members of the Central Pres- 
byterian Church of Erie. In politics, he is a Republican. 

CHARLES GILMORE, yard master of the P. & E. Ry., Erie, was born in County 
Antrim, Ireland, Feb. 2, 1831, and came to America in 1849 ; he located in Pittsburgh, 
where he engaged in railroading with the Erie Extension until the following spring, when 
he took up sailing. From this, he retired in a few years, and was employed by the Erie 
& Northeastern, and then by the L. S. & M. S. R. R. until 1858, when he engaged with 
the P. & E. R. R. Co., with whom he has since been reputably connected. Our subject 
was married in Erie to Anna Jane Carey, of Erie, Penn.; he had seven sons and one 
daughter— Charles, Jr., Russell, William, John Clayton, Harry, Warren, Alice Jane and 
one son, deceased. Mrs. Gilmore departed this life in 1878, in full communion with the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, and is buried in the Erie Cemetery. Our subject subse- 
quently married Mrs. Eliza F. Cotton, a sister of his first wife. There is no issue to this 
marriage. The family are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He is an active 
member of the K. of 'H. and A. O. U. W. societies. 

JOHN M. GLAZIER, editor and proprietor of the Erie Advertiser, Erie, was born in 
Clarion, Clarion Co., Penn., Jan. 15, 1842; son of Jacob and Henriette Glazier, who came 
here in 1847, the former being one of the first merchant tailors in this city. Our subject 
began life for himself when only ten years old, and at thirteen took up type setting in the 
office of the Observer, and remained three years. Just before completing his apprentice- 
ship, he accepted and for two years filled the position of manager in the office of the Titus- 
ville Reporter, at Titusville. He then for two years engaged in the oil refining business, at 
the end of this period returning to journalism, and for six or seven years acted as fore- 
man in the office of the Daily Dispatch. He next organized a stock company, and pub- 
lished the Erie Evening Republican. After one year's time he retired from this, and ac- 
cepted the superintendence of a department in the Government Printing Office, Washing- 
ton. After a connection of nearly two years, he went to Pittsburgh as manager of the 
Diamond Ink Co., remaining until its dissolution in 1873, when he came to Erie and estab- 



i- 



900 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

lished the present journal, which he has since carried on successfully. Our subject was 
married in 1862, to Lizzie, daughter of Richard and Eliza Gaggin, of Erie, a lady of fine 
literary attainments. They have two sons living — George Montgomery and Wm. Varien. 
Mr. Glazier and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is a member of the A. 0. 
U. W., K. of H. and a Royal Templar ; he is at present an efficient member of the School 
Board of Erie. 

EMANUEL GOODRICH, manufacturer of brick, and proprietor of Humboldt Iron 
Works, was born Oct. 11, 1816, in Otsego Co., N. Y. His parents, Ashbel and Louise 
(Northrop) Goodrich, were natives of N. Y. State, but of English descent. In early life, 
the subject of this sketch received the common school education of half a century ago, 
and at the age of fifteen commenced the battle of life as a laborer in a brickyard in the 
city of Buffalo, N. Y. The means thus obtained were spent to obtain a liberal education. 
At the age of twenty, he entered Allegheny College, Meadville, Penn., and remained there 
the greater part of the academic year; he subsequently figures in the role of the school- 
master, and taught school for three winters in Erie Co., Penn. In 1837, he came to the city 
of Erie, and became foreman of Daniel Young's brickyard. Three years thereafter, he 
embarked in the brick-making business as proprietor, and located his yard between what 
t- is now 26th and Peach streets, in this city. The business has steadily grown under his 
, management, until now it is run with steam power, and employs a force of 20 men. Mr. 
Goodrich married in 1843 Nancy, daughter of .loseph Henderson (see sketch). To this 
union were born two daughters, Emma and Mary. The younger daughter is still living at 
home; the elder, Emma, is the wife of E. Diefendorf, Manager of Humboldt Iron Works; 
has three children— Harry G., and the twins, Frederick and Edwin. Mr. Goodrich is em- 
phatically a self-made man, and his business success is based upon the sterling qualities of 
his character — industry, integrity and executive ability. In politics, he is a Republican. 

E. P. GOULD, member of the firm Gould & Gilson, attorneys-at-law, Erie, was born 
in Springfield Township, this county, March 6, 1834, son of Nathan' and Margaret (Nich- 
olas) Gould, natives of N. Y. ; former a farmer, of English descent, born in Dec, 1818, died 
in Erie Co. in 1879; latter born in Dec, 1807, of Welsh extraction. They had seven chil- 
dren, five living, three in this county, two in Minn. Nathan Gould was the eldest 
son of Judge William Gould, and came to this county in 1815. Our subject was reared on 
the farm till he was nineteen years old, when he taught school one year. He graduated 
from Rochester University, N. Y., in 1859, and studied law in that city. In 1861, he en- 
listed in the 27th N. Y. I., Co. E, and was soon promoted to 2d Lieutenancy, 1st Lieuten- 
ancy and Captainc}^ He was present at the first battle of Bull Run, and received special 
mention from Gen. Slocum for gallant conduct on the field of action. He also participated 
in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged till the expiration of his term of serv- 
ice. From 1863 to 1865, he had charge of the recruiting service in Western N. Y. State. 
After engaging in business two years in Rochester, N. Y., he resumed his law studies, and 
having passed examination, practiced his profession in that city until 1872, when he went 
to Albany. N. Y., and for two years filled the position of Chief Clerk in the office of Sec. of 
State. In 1875, he came to Erie City, and here established himself as an attorney. Mr. 
Gould was married, in this city in 1868, to Mary E., only daughter of D. P. Ensign, of 
Erie City. He and his wife are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. In politics, he 
is a Republican. 

FRANK W. GRANT, attorney at law, and U. S. Commissioner, was born in this city 
in 1852. He had the advantages of the best schools in Penn., and is a regular graduate of 
Washington and Jefferson Colleges; he studied laAv with his father. Col. Benjamin Grant, 
was admitted to the bar in 1874, and has practiced in Erie City ever since. Col. Benjamin 
Grant was born April 24, 1822, in Wayne Township, this county, son of Joseph P. Grant, 
a farmer of that township; he received his education at the Waterford 'Academj^ and 
taught school for several years to obtain means to enter upon the study of law, which he 
commenced with Galbraith & Graham in Erie, and having completed his course was ad- 
mitted to the Erie bar Oct. 28, 1845. In 1849, he formed a partnership with Judge Thomp- 
son, which continued until a short time before the latter' s election to the Supreme bench. 
In all his extended and successful professional career in the several Federal and State 
Courts, Col. Grant's ability as a lawyer, skill as a pleader and fidelity to his clients were 
conspicuous as well as widely and most favorably known; he had also a strong taste for 
military matters, and was long one of the most efficient members of the Wayne Guards, 
and upon the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion he was equally active in association 
with the late McLane in raising the Erie Reg., of which he was Lieut. Col., and with 
which he served until it was mustered out of service. On returning from camp, among 
other literary efforts he prepared the reports known as "Grant's Cases," a standard work 
among the legal fraternity of Penn. The Colonel was for many years Chairman of the 
Erie Co. Law Library; was Sec. of Erie Gas Co.; nearly all his active life a vestryman of 
St. Paul's Church; in politics, a Democrat. He built the block on West Park, near Peach 
street, and with Mr. Metcalf twice erected the block on French street known as Wayne 
Hall; he died Nov. 24, 1877. aged fifty-five years seven months; his father was born Feb. 18, 
1793, married, March 22, 1821, to Clarissa Loomis; came to Erie City soon after the war of 



CITY OF ERIE. 901 

1812, in which he served as a commissioned officer, and died in 1868. Our subject is a 
member of the Select Council of the city of Erie, and in politics is a Democrat. 

A. H. GRAY, of the Taper Sleeve Pulley Works, Erie, was born in Union Township, 
this county, Sept. 2, 1828, son of F. B. Gray, whose father, Matthew Gray (deceased in 
1814), was an early settler of Union Township, having come with his family 100 miles on 
horseback in 1792. They were of Scotch-Irish descent, members of the Presbyterian 
Church, and their new home, by being made a place of worship for those of that denomi- 
nation in the neighborhood, became the germ of the Presbyterian Church in Union City. 
Our subject's mother, Jane Gray, was a daughter of William Gray, brother to Matthew. 
William settled in Beaver Dam in 1806, and had following family: William, Matthew, Robert, 
John, Sarah, Jane and Anna. Our subject had four sisters, all married, and four brothers, all 
of whom are dead. He was brought up on the farm and educated in the common schools and 
the academy at Waterford. When in his senior year, he embarked in mercantile business 
in Waterford, and there he remained several years. He came to Erie Citj^ in 1856, and 
carried on same business for about sixteen years. He then undertook his present business, 
which he has since continued. Mr. Gray was twice married, on first occasion, in 1852, to 
M. S., daughter of R. T. Sterrett. By this union were following children: Lillie J., E. 
W. and A. H., Jr. She dying in 1865, Mr. Gray married, in 1867, in Erie City, E. C. Triss- 
ler. In politics, our subject is a Republican. 

T. H. GRAY, physician and surgeon, Erie, was born in Beaver Dam, this State, Mar. 
21, 1842, son of Mathew and Hester (Smith) Gray, the former a farmer, of English descent, 
tl^e latter of Irish lineage. Our subject was eighth in a family of eleven children. He received 
a common school and normal school education in Edinboro. His medical tuition was ac- 
quired in the Michigan State University, from which he graduated in 1871. After practic- 
ing two years in Lansing, Mich., he came to this city in 1873, where he has followed his 
profession ever since, with success. In the same year, he was married to Annie, daughter 
of Melvin Kelso, and grand-daughter of Gen. Kelso. The Doctor was County Physician 
from 1875 to 1879. He is a member of the County, State and U. S. Medical Societies. In 
1864, he served as Commissary Sergeant in the army. In politics, he is a Republican. 

G. W. GRAY, foreman Standard Oil Co., Erie, was born in Washington Township, 
this county, son of Elimuel and Diadame (Gordon) Gray, the former a native of Mass., the 
latter of N. Y. Slate. Elimuel Gray was twice married; three children by his first wife are 
now living; by his second wife were — our subject. Hannah and Perry, both deceased in 
infancy; Otis, a soldier during the late war under Capt. Stevans, was discharged in 1863, 
and died in Canada same year; Carson G., married Miss Ray, have two children; Elsinos 
married, has three children; Ezra,married to Miss Drake, have a family; Leonard, a soldier 
in the late war, died of a wound received at battle of Gettysburg. George W. Gray, subject 
of this sketch, was married to Jane A., daughter of James Russell. One son was born to 
this vmion — Arthur G., traveling agent for the Standard Oil Co. Our subject is a member 
of the A. O. U. W. and the I. O. O. F. 

GEORGE P. GRIFFITH, attorney, Erie, was born Oct. 29, 1837, in Mayville, Chau- 
tauqua Co., N. Y., son of Stephen and Susan (Perry) Griffith. The former, who was of 
Welsh descent, was born in Pomfret, near Fredonia, N. Y., in 1812, and for most of the 
time resided in Fredonia and Dunkirk until the spring of 1846, when he moved with his 
family to North East. Here he started a hat factory, erecting for the purpose the build- 
ing lately occupied by Hammond & Co. Afterward, he was in business with Judge Greer 
and W. A. Ensign. He was a Justice of the Peace from 1860 to 1865, and was a prominent 
member of the M. E. Church, and for many years Supt. of the Sunday school. He was 
married, in 1835, in Fredonia; died of pleuro-pneumonia May 31, 1883, in North East, Erie 
Co. His widow, and four children— Geo. P., J. W., Mrs. S. R. Remington and Ben. P. — 
survive him. Our subject was man-ied, Oct. 6, 1864, to Ella C, only daughter of Capt. 
Thomas Richards, o1^ this city. By this union were born two sons — Geo. P. and Thomas A. 
R. Mr. Griffith was edvicated at Fredonia, N. Y., Academy, and commenced the study of 
law in 1861. He was admitted to the bar in 1864, and formed a partnership in 1870 with S. 
A. Davenport. 

THE GUNNISON FAMILY. The Gunnisons of Erie Co. trace their genealogy to 
Hugh Gunnison, who came from Sweden some time before 1631, and finally settled in Bos- 
ton, Mass.; he was born about 1610, and died at Kittery, Me., Sept. 21. 1658. Among his 
descendants was Wm. Gunnison, who was the immediate progenitor of the Erie Co. Gun- 
nisons. He had two wives, and was the father of twenty-two children. Ebenezer Dearing 
Gunnison was the eighth child of William by his first wife, Hannah Grant, and was born at 
Kittery, March 27, 1790. Hiseducation was mainly obtained at Salisbury (N. H.) Academy, 
where he was a fellow pupil with Daniel Webster,Levi Woodbury and John A.Dix. He was 
trained for a surveyor, but taught school in N. H. several years. On the 14th of Feb., 
1815, he married Miss Sophia Baker, and in Oct. of the same year, accompanied by his 
wife and brother Benjamin, he came to Erie. Here he was employed as a school teacher 
for ten years, a year and a half of the time as Principal of the Erie Academy. In 1825, he 
was elected Justice of the Peace, and held that position until 1840; in the meantime, he 
also did business as a merchant. The financial revolution of 1837 stripped him of most of 



902 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

his earnings. In 1839, he was appointed Register and Recorder by the Governor; in 18 40, 
he was clerk to the engineer ou tlie canal; in 1841-43, was book-lieeper for Walker, Will- 
iams & Co.; in 1843, he was chosen as confidential business agent for the Reed estate, a 
place he held during the balance of his long life. He was one of the original members of 
the First Baptist Church of Erie, and was always one of its leaders. Mr. Gunnison died 
March 17, 1873; his widow Aug. lo of the same year. Their children were as follows: So- 
phia Elizabeth, born July 3, 1816, married Dr. Clias. T. Sage July 20, 1845 (Dr. Sage died 
Nov. 18, 1874, they had four children— Eugene J., Mary Jane, Eben C. and S. Minnie); El- 
vira Jane, born July 32. 1818, died Feb. 13, 1835; Mary Baker, born Oct. 28, 1820. married 
George J. Morton Sept. 30, 1845 (Mr. Morton died Feb. 28, 1868, they had three children- 
Sylvia Cook, Blanche and George Jjilius); George W., born May 8, 1823, a prominent edu- 
cator, died in Boston May 14, 1878 (he was twice married, first to Sarah L. Pattison, second to 
Harrietta L. Boynton, ami was the father of six children); John B., born April 16, 1826, ed- 
ucated at Erie AcademjC learned the trade of tanner and currier at Hay's tannery in Erie, 
was in the book trade a number of j-ears, in 1859, associated with his brother Charles E., 
built and has ever since operated the Gunnison Tannery in Erie, has served in the School 
Board and City Councils, and held various other public trusts, married Eleanor Spafford 
Feb. 5,1851 (the}^ have had four children — Charles, Alfred, Anna and Rolla — Charles married 
May Evelyn Gunnison March 12, 1878, Alfred married Josephine Springer July 12, 1877, 
Anna is the wife of Chas. L. Thayer and resides in Minn.); Charles E., born Aug. 9, 1839, 
educated at Erie Academy (in his early years was engaged in a general store; clerk in 1851 
in the banking house of J. H. Williams, afterward Williams & Wright, Cashier of the 
Southern Bank of Ind. in Terre Haute in 1853, partner in the Banking House of C. B. 
Wright & Co., from 1854 to 1859, Assistant Cashier Marine National Bank of Erie from 
1866 to present time; married Jane T. Welsh, Sept. 1,1852; they have had three children — 
Emma, Harry and Carrie— Emma married Dr. D. H. Strickland Oct, 16, 1878, have two 
sons— Clyde C. and Chas. G.— Carrie married Frank T. Kimball, Sept. 8, 1881); Annette 
Julia, born Dec. 31, 1832, married Gen. David B. McCreary. Sept. 17, 1851; they 
have had three children — Sophia Gertrude. Annette and Wirt — Sophia Gertrude married 
Henry Alden Clarke, July 18, 1878, Annette died Oct. 16, 1854. Wirt is a naval cadet at 
Annapolis. Benjamin Gunnison, brother to Ebenezer, w^as born at Kittery, Me., May 24, 
1796, and came to Erie at tlie same time. He first settled on one of the Love farms, in 
Mill Creek Township, but in two years removed to Greene To-wnship, where he continued 
on the same farm 35 years. He tlien moved to Erie, but in six years went to Mill Creek; 
remaining there twelve years, he again returned to Erie, where he died Aug. 18, 1879. He 
was married July 1, 1819, to Miss Clariuda, daughter of Jonas Parker. Their children were 
three sons as follows: Ora Parker, born April 27, 1822, married Elmira, daughter of Cyril 
Drown, of Greene Township, April 30, 1848; the}" have had no children. Mr. Gunnison 
has been a farmer, Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue, Deputy Collector and Collector 
of Internal Revenue, and Clerk to the County Commissioners. Jonas, born Dec. 25, 1824, 
married Charlotte A. Spaiford, May 9, 1847, died July 21, 1871 (their children were— Frank, 
Nerr, Clara, Mary and Marion— Nerr died Nov. 20, i851, and Mary, Feb. 24, 1863). Jonas 
Gunnison was educated at the Erie Academy; studied law with John Galbraith and was 
very successful in his practice; for a number of years was associated with Gen. D. B. Mc- 
Creary; served in the Select Council of Erie; was a member of the Legislature in i860; for 
many years was Trustee of the Erie Academy; frequently represented Erie Co. in Repub- 
lican State Conventions, and on the Republican State Committee. Frank, onlj^ living son 
of Jonas, born in Erie, Feb. 2, 1848, married Lila, daughter of Hon. M. B. Loway, Sept. 5, 
1872, by whom he has had two children — M. B. and an infant son ; studied law with his father ; 
admitted to practice in 1870 ; was associated for a time with Gen. McCreary ; is a member of the 
Select Council of Erie, and Trustee of Erie Academy. Albert B.,born Sept. 1, 1830, married 
Olive A. Low May 19, 1853; their children have been May Evelvn, Albert, Merrick Low, Ora 
C, Paul, Olive Albertine, Mary Edith and Jessie Clarinda. Albert died March 21, 1856, and 
Paul Jan. 27, 1863. May Evelyn married Charles.son of J.B.Gunnison,March 12, 1878; have two 
children— Arthur and Carl. Merrick Low married Blanche Fairbairn in April, 1879. have one 
child — Florence; Ora C. married Mar}^ Loyer in 1883. Mr. Gunnison started in life as a 
farmer; then commenced the manufacture of wooden pumps and pipes, in which he is still 
engaged. He has been Road Commissioner and County Commissioner, and has long been 
prominent in public life. He also deals in lumber, W. W. Love being his partner. 

LA.WRENCE HAIBACH. of the firm Haibach Bros., meat market, etc., 918 Parade 
St., Erie, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1850, and came to America with his people, 
who settled in Erie. When twenty-one years of age, our subject began his present busi- 
ness with his father, taking entire charge of same when twenty-one, and which he has 
conducted successfully. He was united in marriage, in 1873. with Mary Haas, of Erie, 
and has one son and fo<u- daughters — Lawrence, Jr^, 5lary, Tillie, Lizzie and Lena.- He and 
wife are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Besides his extensive meat 
market and slaughtering business, Mr. Haibach is also interested in milling, carrj'ing on 
three large factories, with an annual business of over |100,000. 



CITY OF ERIE. 908 

DR. PETER HALL, successor to Hall & Warfel, druggists, 630 State St., Erie, was 
born in Washington Co., N. Y., Nov. 4, 1820, son of Harvey (a farmer) and Sarah (Hull) 
Hall, natives of New Haven, Conn., of English extraction, dating back to the landing of the 
pilgrim fathers. They were parents of fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity, 
our subject beingihe youngest. The father came to Crawford Co., Penn., in 1821, remaining 
a few months, then went to Erie Co., Penn., where he resided till 1831, then moved to 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he resided till 1851, in which latter year he came to Erie 
City, Penn., where he spent the remainder of his days, dying in 1863, at the advanced age 
of eighty-three years. His widow died in 1868, at the patriarchal age of ninety-one. Our 
subject received his education in the Waterford Academy and the Geneva Medical School, 
N. Y., where he took two full courses. He came to Erie in 1843, where, ever since 1844,he 
has been actively engaged in tlie drug business, making him the oldest representative of 
continuous trade now in actual business in Erie. In 1861, Martin Warfel became associ- 
ated with him, and until 1882 the firm was known as Hall & Warfel. Since then Dr. Hall 
has conducted the business in his own name. The Doctor has made a close study of human 
ailments, which has resulted in his discovering and manufacturing some well known and 
highly prized remedies, among which may be named Dr. P. Hall's cough remedy, discov- 
ered by him in 1848, and Dr. P. Hall's catarrh remedy, in 1876, which reaches the seat of 
disease by absorption. The Doctor was married, in Erie City, in 1852, to Catharine A., 
daughter of Martin Warfel, an early settler of this county. To this union were born seven 
children, three living — Ahce, wife of Walter Scott, of Erie City; Edward P. and Charles 
B., both with their father. Dr. Hall's reputation as a business man is of the most correct 
type, and his integrity is rigid and of sterling quality. 

JACOB HALLER, merchant, Erie, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1845, and 
came to America in 1856 with his mother, Magdalena flaller, who settled in Canada, and 
is now buried in Roseville Cemetery, near Paris, Ontario. Our subject, when fifteen years 
old, came to Erie Co. and followed farming for three years. He then took up merchandising, 
and for nine years was a clerk in awholesale business. He subsequently established himself 
in the business which he has since successfully conducted. Mr. Haller was united in mar- 
riage, in Erie, in 1867, with Mary Eberhardt, who departed this life in 1870, leaving no 
issue, and is buried in the Erie Cemetery. Our subject's second marriage in Oct., 1871, 
was with Sophia P. Schiller, of Erie Co. .who dying Nov. 20, 1880, left three sons— Chas. J., 
Frank A. and Eddie. He was then united in matrimony in Canada with Mary Otto, of 
Waterloo, Ontario, who has borne him one daughter — Cora A. The family are members 
of the German Evangelical Church. He is an active member of the K. of H. society. 

P. S. V. HAMOT. deceased, was born in Paris, France, November 28, 1784. His father 
was a Captain in the French Army and a Royalist, and left France for Russia, where he 
resided during the " reign of terror." Returning to France, after the establishment of the 
" Republic," be offered to procure for his son a Lieutenancy in the army, but such a position 
not being in accordance with his tastes, his attention having been turned to the New Re- 
public of the west, he preferred to come to America and try his fortune in a new and 
strange land. His father consenting, he came to Philadelphia, in 1803, with the French 
Consul, as "L'Homme de Confiance," as expressed in his passport. The Consul died soon 
after his arrival, leaving Mr. Hamot, a friendless youth, and among a people in whose 
language he was little versed. His self-reliance, peculiarly a trait of his character, did 
not allow him to despond. A mercantile situation offering, he started for the West, as the 
clerk of a French house, in charge of a stock of merchandise. The vessel on the route was 
wrecked on Lake Ontario, but. with the goods recovered, he opened a store at Niagara, 
Canada, and from thence removed to Lewistown, and in 1805 to Erie. In 1810, he formed 
a partnership with Messrs. E. & D. Alvord, of Salina, who dealt largely in salt. This busi- 
ness connection continued many years. He was also engaged in general mercantile busi- 
ness on his own accovmt, and was one of the first and most successful merchants of the 
place. Mr. Hamot held responsible and honorable ofllces under the Government; being at 
one time Canal Commissioner of the State, and at another, Superintendent of U. S. Public 
Works at Erie. He was the first Cashier of the Erie Bank, and one of the principal Stock- 
holders. As a business man he was fortunate and noted for his activity and energy in the 
prosecution of his plans, and for sound judgment. He engaged warmly in politics, his sym- 
pathies and feelings being with the Democratic party, being one of the founders and prin- 
cipal stock-holders in the Erie Observer. His politeness and hearty hospitality won for 
him many attached friends. Mr. Hamot was twice married; to Adeline Woodruff of Lew- 
iston, N. Y., in 1818, who died in 1821; and to Elizabeth Coltrin, widow of Dr. Asa Col- 
Irin and daughter of George Keefer of Thorold, Canada, in 1825. Mr. Hamot died in Erie, 
Oct. 17. 1846. 

JOHN HANLEY, foreman of Erie Gas Works, Erie, was born in Cork, Ireland, May 1, 
1830, and reared and educated there. At twenty-three he came to America, and, after 
spending two years in N. Y. State, came here in 1855, engaging in railroading for a year. 
He then obtained his present position where he has been ever since. He was married in 
Buffalo in 1856, to Mary Lane, born in 1837, and reared in Ireland. To this marriage have 
been born 14 children — Julia; Minnie, wife of Jno. Burgoyne, of Erie Co.; James, Asst. 



904 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Ticket Agt. L. S. Ry. ; Daniel, Wm. (deceased); Kate, wife of J. Dillon, a machinist of 
this city; Rose, John (a plumber); Joseph, Daniel, Eddie, Jennie, Nellie, Ag^ie and Clara. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hanley are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Since his coming, Mr. 
Hanley has always been interested in the social and industrial life of Erie. 

THOMAS HANLON, City Clerk, Erie, born in Otonabee, Peterborough Co., Canada, 
June 2, 1844 ; son of Michael and Margaret (Sullivan) Hanlon, natives of Ireland. They were 
pioneer settlers of Peterborough, Ontario, arriving there in 1825, and experiencing ail the 
hardships and privations incident to forest life ; his mother, brother and sister are still re- 
siding tliere. The Hanlon family has, from the beginning, been identified with all the 
important public improvements of that now prosperous city, and their history embraces 
the history of Peterborough. Our subject had a common and separate (Catholic) school edu- 
cation in Canada, and a commercial college training in this city. In Canada, he w^as sales- 
man in a grocery store in 1865 and 1866. On coming to Erie, he embarked in the grocery 
business in comJDany with his brother, which was carried on till the death of the latter, in 
1874, and subsequently until 1876. He was elected City Clerk in 1871, which office he 
creditably fills up to the present time, having been elected fourteen times in succession. 
He has been a Notary Public for eight years. In 1876, Mr. Hanlon married, in Erie City, 
Jennie A., daughter of J. E. Hawk, and a native of Canada; her parents were of American 
and Irish descent. To this union were born Loretta, Beatrice and Mary Mabel. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hanlon are members of the Catholic Church. 

WILLIAM HARD WICK, of the tirm Cleveland & Hardwick, Erie Engine Works, 
Erie, was born in England, Dec. 1, 1847 ; son of John and Ann Hardwick, natives of En- 
gland, who emigrated to America in 1852. Our subject acquired a common school educa- 
tion, and chose the trade of machinist, which he commenced to learn at eleven years of 
age. At one time he had charge of the Bay State Iron Works, and was for nine years fore- 
man of the shop. In 1879, he inaugurated his present business in Erie City. The firm 
employ about sixty hands, and are doing a successful business. Our subject is a thoroughly 
practical and experienced mechanic, and is eminently qualified to fill his position as super- 
intendent of the Engine Works. Mr. Hardwick was married in West Mill Creek, to Mary 
A., daughter of John H. Carter, a farmer of West Mill Creek Township. Two children 
were born to this union— John W. and Luanna May. Our subject and wife are members 
of the First M. E. Church, of which he has held the office of Steward, and is Trustee. 
He has been a member of Erie City Common and Select Council four years. In politics, 
he is a Republican. 

JOHN HARLOW, dealer in fish, etc., Erie, is a native of Ireland, born in County 
Wicklow, Nov. 9, 1832, and came to America with his parents— James and Catherme Har- 
low (the former a painter) who settled here in 1837. They had five children, viz., James 
and Wm. in Erie ; Edward, out West ; a daughter and John, our subject. Our subject 
started in life at an early day as a sailor, which occupation he followed for several years ; 
he then embarked in merchandising here, in which he has continued to the present. Mr. 
Harlow was united in marriage in 1874 to Helena Allen, one of the Aliens of Erie County. 
This union has been blessed with one son and two daughters — E. John, Mabel and Edith. 
The family are members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Harlow is a member of the A. O. 
U. W. and K. of P. societies. 

MATHIAS HARTLEB, merchant. Among Erie's most respected citizens is Mathiaa 
Hartleb, Esq. ; he was born in Albig, Germany, Dec. 4, 1823. While in Germany, he mas- 
tered his trade (shoemaker), and married Magdalena Fisher, his present wife. At twenty- 
four years of age, he had crossed the ocean, and located at Erie. With youth, and health 
and a determined purpose to push him along, he at once engaged at his trade, and for six 
years pegged away on his march toward success; he accumulated enough to open a store, 
and for more than thirty years Mr. Hartleb's credit and standing in commercial circles has 
been in the highest degree reputable; he was the senior member of Hartleb, Metz & Co., 
the firm that established the Steam Bending Works, and operated them with .success for 
seven years, when the interest was disposed of to H. G. Fink, Esq., the present propri- 
etor. Our subject early manifested an intelligent interest in American politics; he has 
always been a Republican of the Fremont school; his first suffrage was cast with that 
partJ^ and he has persistently allied himself with it to this day. In the war of the rebel- 
lion, he served the country of his adoption by sending to the front a substitute in arms. 
This was simply an act of patriotism, as Mr. H. had not been drafted; he has had many 
evidences that he is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. For twelve years, he was a 
member of the City Council, and while a member of that body most of the important 
public improvements of Erie have been made; he was conspicuously identified with the 
erection of the magnificent reservoir that supplies the city with its water. From 1865 to 
1868, he was Auditor of the County, and four years, from 1876 to 1880, was the custodian of 
the city's funds. Mr. Hartleb's immediate predecessor in the Treasury was a defaulter for 
a large amount, and his successor likewise abused his trust. Under Mr. H. , the office was 
administered with fidelity and ability. He was also for considerable time an active mem- 
ber of the School Board, and in many other capacities has been, and is at this writing, an 
active, reliable, useful and progressive citizen; his life presents a record which conclusively 



CITY OF ERIE. 905 

shows that success is surely achieved by unceasing application, and undeviating integrity. 
Daniel Hartleb, the only child of our subject, was born in Erie Nov. 17, 1848; he is well 
prepared by education and practical home training to succeed his father in usefulness; he is 
agraduate of Iron City College, Pittsburgh, also of the Union Business College, Philadelphia; 
he kept books at the Erie Dime Savings Bank seven years before embarking in business 
on his own account. At present, he is one of the leading grocers of the city; he was mar- 
ried, Sept. 9, 1873, to Elizabeth Guckes, daughter of Philip Guckes, Esq., of Philadelphia. 
They liave one child, Elizabeth Margerette, born Aug. 12, 1882. Like his father, Daniel 
is respected for his sagacity, integrity, energy, and under all circumstances his gentlemanly 
demeanor. 

C. H. HARVEY, Doctor of dental surgery, Erie, was born in Ames, Montgomery Co., 
N. Y., Oct. 17, 1849 ; son of Rev. C. H. Harvey, a prominent minister in the Baptist 
Church in Penn. The subject of this sketch early developed a talent for dentistry, begin- 
ning its study when ten years old ; he obtained a good literary education at Maysville 
Academy, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. ; he subsequently graduated from the Penn. College of 
Dental Surgery at Philadelphia. After practicing in Sharon for a time, he located here, 
and has since followed his profession. Mr. Harvey, since coming here, has taken an act- 
ive part in developing the social, industrial and musical interests of the city. During the 
wai', he served as a drummer boy in the 36th N. Y. Reg. He has obtained a reputable 
prominence here as a cornet soloist, and is connected with the Governor's Guard Band, 
and with other musical interests of Erie. Mr. Harvey has also taken part in athletic 
amusements, and his many well earned medals testify as to his skill as an oarsman. He 
was united in marriage in 1872, in Erie, withAlliene V., daughter of Capt. James Dunlap, 
of Erie. She departed this life in 1879, and is buried in Erie Cemetery. She left one 
daughter — Lulu. Our subject next married Jan. 1, 1883, Georgia Strauss, of Meadville. 
He is an active member of the A. O. U. W., and of the State Dental Association. 

IRA G. HATCH, tallow oil refiner, Erie, was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1820, and 
is descended from a Conn, pioneer family ; he began life for himself at seventeen, engag- 
ing in woolen manufacturing until 1845; he then, until 1859, distilled liquors in Wajme Co., 
N. Y. ; then came to Penn., and in 1860 located here, and has been principally in the oil 
business since, establishing his present business in 1881. Mr. Hatch was married in Seneca 
Co., N. Y., in 1842, to Mary C. Stewart, a descendant of one of the pioneer families of 
her native State. Of their family, the following children are living — Albert, in the oil 
business ; Frances, wife of David Kennedy, in Erie ; Horace, a telegraph operator and 
stenographer. Catherine E., wife of Moses Parsons, is deceased ; her daughter — Winifred 
— is residing with her grandparents. Mrs. Hatch is a member of the Episcopal Church. 

WILLIAM E. HAYES, of the firm of Patterson & Hayes, merchants, Erie, was born 
in Greene Township, Erie Co., Penn., April 22, 1846 ; son of Lester and Marj^ (Graham) 
Hayes ; the former, a farnier,.a native of Conn.; the latter of Erie Co., Penn. They were 
the parents of eight children, of whom Wm. E. is the youngest. Lester Hayes was born in 
1800, and in 1815 walked from Conn, to Erie Co. Our subject received his education in 
this county, and followed farming pursuits till 1879, when he came to Erie City and em- 
barked in his present business. He was married in 1870 to Adella, daughter of Thomas 
Perrin, for many years a lake captain. To this union were born Clemnia B., Arba W. and 
Gertie A. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes are members of the (Jentral Presbyterian Church. He has 
been Justice of the Peace five years, and auditor of Erie County several years. 

VALENTINE HEIDT, undertaker, No. 1711 Peach St., Erie, Penn., was born in 
Germany, Oct. 30, 1830; son of Francis and Maria E. (Malthaner) Heidt, natives of Ger- 
many, who came to America in 1851, settling in Erie. The former was a lumber dealer, 
and reared five children. Our subject, who was the fourth, acquired his education in his 
native land, and learned cabinet making, at which he worked from 1847 till 1852. In the 
latter year he came to this city, where he has since carried on his trade in connection with 
undertaking; being also, at one time engaged in the manufacture of oil cloth. Mr. Heidt 
was married March 30, 1854, to Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas Stritzinger. They have 
five children — Anna C, Francis J., Frederick W., Katie and Julia. The family are mem- 
bers of the Roman Catholic Church. 

JOSEPH HENDERSON (deceased), was born near what was long known as "Brad- 
dock," in Allegheny Co., Penn., near the Monongahela River, in 1798. His father moved 
to Erie Co. early in the commencement of this century, and resided some years at Wa- 
terford, where -Joseph went to school. They then returned to Allegheny Co., where 
Joseph learned the carpenter trade, of which he became a master. He returned to Erie 
Co., and was married in the spring of 1821. For a number of years he was the leading 
carpenter and joiner of Erie. In 1823, after the Court House was burnt, the contract to 
rebuild it was let to MehafEey & Henderson, and a most excellent job they made of it, 
creditable to themselves and to the county. He had charge of the public works at the 
piers, at this place, at Cleveland and other points on the lake, for the U. S. Government. Mr. 
Henderson was strictly honest in every sense of the word, and always did his duty con- 
scientiously toward God and man. No one ever lost a dollar by him, for "strict justice" 
was his motto. In politics, he was a Whig and Republican, always ready to give rca- 



906 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

sons therefor aud always ready to cast his vote for what he thought right. He was 
elected County Commissioner iu 1842, and again in 1859, creditably tilling the office for six 
years. For over thirty years, he resided in the Walnut Creek Valley, where Kearsarge is 
now located, and there he died in the eighty-sixth year of his age. He reared a family of 
eight children— viz., Nancy, wife of E. Goodrich, Esq.; Wm., residing on the homestead; 
George (deceased): Charles (deceased); Anna, wife of H. C. Dunn; Joseph, Jane and 
James. Three of them reside in Erie City. Joseph, the fifth child, was born in Erie City, 
Oct. 31, 1837, and there received his education. He was in the employ of the Lake Shore 
R. R. for ten years; was in the American Express Co. also. In June, 1879, he was elected 
as one of the Directors of the Poor, which office he still fills. He was united in marriage 
in Erie Co., with Catherine, daughter of Cyrus and Mary Wolf, the former a farmer in 
Mill Creek Township. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have four children — Edgar, plumber in Erie 
City; Ross Clinton, learning plumbing trade; George William and Margie Irinee. Mr. 
and Mrs. Henderson are members of the Chestnut St. Presbyterian Church. He has been, 
and is at present Trustee of that denomination. 

PROF. ROBERT HENKLER, teacher of vocal and instrumental music and har- 
mony, Erie, was born in Dantzic, Germany, Jan. 8, 1852. When nine years old, he showed 
evidence of musical talent, and made a study of music. When eighteen years old, he en- 
tered the military service of his country in the Franco-Prussian war, and continued in 
reputable connection with it for fourteen months ; he then retired, and after recuperating his 
health, which had been depleted by constant study and war service, entered the Berlin 
Conservatorjr of Music when twenty-one. After a year of hard study, he came to America, 
locating in New York, and took an active part in the musical profession there for two years. 
In 1877 Mr. Henkler came to Erie in the interests of a music journal, and subsequently 
engaged in his profession. He is the present leader of the Erie " Liedertafel" and of the 
" Teutonia Maennerchor." and is also actively engaged in class-teaching. 

P. HENRICHS, of Henrichs & Churchill Exhibition Show Case Co., Erie, was born 
in Prussia, Germany, Feb. 16, 1839, son of Joseph and Margaret (Armbruster) Henrichs, 
natives of Germany, who were parents of five children. They came to America in 1845, and 
located for three years in Cincinnati, Ohio, thence moved to Covington, Ky. Our subject, 
their eldest child, acquired his education m these two towns, and in 1852 came to Erie City, 
and was engaged as salesman for six years. He then, together with Mr. Jacob Gabel, em- 
barked in the dry goods business. After six years, he bought out his partner, and con- 
tinued the business successfully until 1872, when he patented a combination baby chair, 
formed a company for its manufacture, to which he subsequently sold his interest, and who 
are manufacturing it, paying him a royalty; then for two years Mr. Henrichs manufactured 
cloaks. In 1877, he patented the exhibition and sectional show case, and embarked in its 
manufacture in this city. In politics, he is a Republican. Our subject was married, Jan. 
12, 1860, to Catherine Preuss, a native of Prussia, by -whom he had ten children, nine liv- 
ing — Edward N., Amelia, Rosa, Cornelia, Virginia, William, Eugene and Nora (twins), 
Katie and Edith. Tliey are members of the Catholic Church. 

JOHN S. HENRY, division operator and assistant train master Penn. Ry. Co., Phil- 
adelphia & Erie Div., Erie, was born in York Co., Penn., Jan. 31, 1850, his ancestors be- 
ing pioneers of the same. At thirteen, he took up telegraphing at Hanover Junction, on 
the N. C. Ry., and completed learning his profession there, and subsequently joined a 
literary class at York Academy. He came here when seventeen years old, and accepted a 
position as telegraph operator for two years; was then promoted to train dispatcher, hold- 
ing same j-eputably for twelve years; was then appointed to his present incumbency. Mr. 
Henry was married in Erie, Sept. 9, 1879, to Ella J. Hughes, a daughter of Thomas and 
Caroline Hughes, pioneers of Erie Co. 

BENJAMIN HERSHEY was born in Mill Creek Township, Erie Co.. Penn., June 15, 
1827, and is a son of John "and Salome Hershey, natives of Eastern Penn., and of Swiss 
descent, their ancestry having come to this country about 1700. Our subject grew up and 
received his education in Erie Co., subsequently following farming; he also studied and 
practiced medicine a short time. "Just enough," says Mr. Hershey, ''to know thatexer- 
cise, good nursing and cheerfulness of disposition are far more efficacious than medicines 
of any sort." Since giving up practice, he has carried a fair share of the burdens com- 
mon 10 inventors, and in that field has work enough laid out to last him the remainder of 
his days. He says: " In choosing Mary J., youngest daughter of Jacob and Mary Miller, 
for a wife, I did one of the few sensible acts of my life, as she has been a true helpmeet 
in the walk and work of life." Mrs. Hershey is a' native of Erie Co., and was married 
April 10. 1852; three daughters— Celestia J., Susan I. and Mary A. are the fruits of this 
union. Mr. Hershey .'says: "Theologically, we are Christians; denominationally, Method- 
ists; and politically, Republicans; and do not care to change them for anything not so 
good." 

PETER C. HEYDRICK, oil dealer, Erie, born Sept. 12, 1834, in the Keystone State; 
son of Charles H. aud Mary (Adams) Heydrick. The first of this family to take up his 
home on American soil was Balthasar Heydrick, who came from Silesia. Germany, in 1734, 
and settled in Penn. One son — Abraham, was a merchant in Chestnut Hill, now a part of 







I\ 





i}^j2/. --^^'/W im 



CITY OF ERIE. 909 

Philadelphia. Another son (the eldest) named Christopher, was a doctor, and his son — 
Charles H., was our subject's father. Peter C. Heydriclj; received his education in Alle- 
gheny College, and early in life entered the oil business; he lived in Oil City five years, and 
in 186(5 bought a farm in Crawford Co., Penn., where he resided until 1874, in which year 
he came to Erie City. He has been engaged in the oil business uninterruptedly, and is 
now owner of several productive wells. Mr. Heydrick was married in Meadville, Penn., 
to Margaret A., daughter of James Doughty, and a native of Crawford Co., Penn., of En- 
glish descent. To this union were born three children — Charles, studying law, James D. and 
Kate E. at school. Our subject and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. He has 
served two years as member of Erie City Council ; in politics, is an extreme Democrat of 
the Jefferson school. 

CAPT. JOHNC. HILTON. Register and Recorder, Erie, was born in Erie Co., Dec. 5, 
1840 ; son of A. C. and Abbie (Cook) Hilton. The former a native of Albany, N. Y., died 
in Erie years ago ; the latter, a native of this county, is living with Capl. Hilton in her 
eighty-fourth year. She has been a member of the Presbyterian Church in Erie 45 years; 
her father, E. Cook, came from Conn, to Erie Co. in 1795; settled in Waterford, and fol- 
lowed farming. Our subject's father was an early settler of Erie, filling several offices of 
trust; was three years Deputy Sheriff of Erie County, afterward Collector of Port, Erie City. 
Our subject is the fourth of a family of five children, and. acquired his education in Erie 
Academy. At the age of fourteen, he learned the printing trade, working at it until 1861, 
when he enlisted in the 145th P. V. I., Co. K. After a short service, was promoted to Second 
Lieutenant, then First Lieutenant, and finally Captain ; he was wounded Dec. 18, 1862, at 
the battle of Fredericksburg, and lost his leg at the battle of Gettysburg, July 3. 1863; was 
honorably discharged, after being promoted to Major. On his return home, our subject 
engaged in the coal business with E. W. Reed for eight years; then chief clerk in Erie City 
Post Office four years, and in 1879 was elected to his present position. The Capt. was mar- 
ried to Ellen, daughter of M. R. Barr, at one time Collector of Port in Erie City, and now 
Indian Inspector. By this union are three children — Abbie (deceased), Ruth and Louise. 

EDWARD F. G. E. HITZE. watchmaker and jeweler. Erie, was born in Prussia, 
Germany, Feb. 3, 1844, son of Edward Hitze, a Doctor of Theology and a Government 
Sec, Prussia. Our subject attended Posen College, and early in life learned the watch- 
maker's trade, at which he served a regular apprenticeship; came from Germany to America 
in 1870, and settled in Erie City, and was employed by Messrs. Jarickis; after remaining 
with them five years, he embarked in business for himself as watclimaker and jeweler, in 
which he has since continued; he is a good business man, and has made wliat he has bj-- 
his own exertions. Mr. Hitze was married, in this city in 1881, to Theresa, daughter of 
Andrew Wiesbauer, and a native of Erie City, of German descent, by whom he has one 
son, Edward Charles. In politics, he is a Republican. 

JOHN J. HOGAN, contractor and builder, Erie, was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., 
Oct. 25, 1843, son of Isaac and Polly Ann (Finch) Hogan, the former a contractor and 
builder in Schoharie Co., N. Y., and a descendant of the Hogans, who were early pioneers 
of N. Y. State, and the latter a native of Greene Co., N. Y. They were parents of twelve 
children, all living. Our subject was brought up to his present business, and at twenty- two 
years of age came to Corry, this county, where he spent two years, then came to this city 
and engaged at once in the business, with which he has since been prominently identified; 
he has also, in the meantime, done considerable business in his line throughout N. Y., 
Penn. and Ohio in connection with public buildings, and also operated extensively in con- 
nection with the Nickel Plate R. R. Depot Building. He married, in Erie Cit)', Dec. 23, 
1868, Minnie S. daughter of Darius Lovell (deceased), late of Crawford Co., Penn. To 
this union were born two sons and two daughters: Bertice P., born Feb. 26, 1871 ; Ada Kate, 
Dec. 18, 1872; Effa M., Aug. 24, 1874; and Jay J.. May 12, 1879. Our subject is a Knight 
Templar and a member of the K. of H. ; he has served several years in the Common Council 
of the city, and one term (1875) in Select Council. 

SAMUEL V. HOLLIDAY, prothonotary. Erie, was born Oct. 20. 1841, in Spring- 
field, this county, son of William and Fannie E. (Post) Hollida}% former a native of this 
county, latter of Conn. Our subject's grandfather, Samuel HoUida.v, came to Erie Co. in 
1795, was a farmer and owner of mills in Springfleld Township. These mills were burnt 
down in 1836. Our subject's great-grandfather, James HoUiday, was murdered by Indians 
in the early settlement of Penn. Subject's father had four children — Samuel V., Eliza J. 
(wife of D. M. Richardson). James C. and William P. Oursubject attended the academies 
in Erie Co. from 1853 to 1858, entered third class in college in 1859, and graduated in 1861. 
From that year, he was engaged in farming till 1864, when he was appointed additional 
Paymaster U. S. A., Washington, D. C. In 1865, was ordered to Fort Monroe, Va.. and 
afterward to Norfolk and Richmond, Va. ; same year was appointed Lieut. Col. of Vols., 
by Brevet, and on Dec. 1 was mustered out of service. In 1866, Mr. Holliday was engaged 
in farming and stock-raising, a business he continued in till 1882. On Nov. 10, 1864. he 
married Margaret S- Gould, of Springtield, Penn. To this union were born William Mor- 
ris, Anna G., Evan Lee and Fanii}' L. Our subject was elected prothonotary of Erie Co. 

47 



/■ 



910 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in 1881; he is P. E. C. of Cache Commandery, No. 27, K. T., Conneaut, Ohio. Iti politics, 
he is a Republican. 

W. S. nOSKINS, dealer in choice groceries, canned goods a specialty, Erie, was born 
in Jefferson, Ohio, Dec. 24, 1859; son of S. D. and Mary D. (Webster) Hoskins, of English 
descent. The latter a native of Ohio. The former born in N. Y., is a carpenter and con- 
tractor, now in the lumber trade, Erie. They have 3 children living, viz.: Olive, wife 
of L. G. McNutt, of Warren Co., Penn.; W, S., and May I. Our sub.iect was educated in 
Warren Co., and coming to Erie City in 1877, clerked in a store till 1883, when he bought 
out S. Cummins' grocery store, 4th and Chestnut streets; he is an enterprising young man, 
and is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church of this city. 

HENRY J. HOWE, of the firm Howe, McClure &. Co.. Wooden-ware Works, Erie, 
was born in Vt., Nov. 20, 1832, son of Rufus and Susan D. (Stuart) Howe, the former a 
carpenter and joiner, of English descent, the latter of Scotch lineage. They had a family 
of four boys and four girls. Our subject, who was the second son, was raised in Mass. by his 
uncle, Reuben Stimson, of that State, and received a common school training till fourteen 
years of age. In 1861, he enlisted in the 10th P. R. V. C, Co. I, and was promoted twice for 
gallant conduct in the field, on the occasion of the battle of the Wilderness to Brevet Major, 
and was wounded at the battle of South Mountain; he retired from the army with rank of 
Brevet Major. Four days after his discharge he was appointed manager of the pail fac- 
tory in Pittsburgh, where he remained from 1804 to 1873, when he came to Erie City and 
engaged in his present business. In 1856, Mr. Howe married GeorgianaHolden, of English 
descent. Three children, Edward, Mead and Grace, were born to this union. Mrs. Howe 
is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church. Our subject has been a member of the 
Erie City Council; is Commander of G. A. R. Post of the city; in politics, a Republican. 

BERNARD HUBLEY, retired coppersmith, Erie, was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., 
Jan. 7, 1811; son of Samuel and Jane (McCord) Hubley, the former of German descent and 
whose ancestors came to America before the Revolutionary war, settling in Pittsburgh, 
Penn., where our subject received his education, and learned the trade of his father, that 
of coppersmith. Mr. Hubley was twice married, on first occasion in 1834, to Margaret 
McCullough, by whom were five children, three now living. She dying in 1843, our suljject 
chose for his second wife, in 1847, Mary W. Wasson, born March 4, 1814, in Crawford 
Co., Penn., daughter of David and Elizabeth (White) Wasson, natives of Penn., of Ger- 
man and Irish descent, and who came to Erie Co. in 1815, settling on a farm which is now 
inside the corporation of Erie City. Mrs. Hubley is the only member of her family now 
living. She is the mother of three children — Elizabeth J., deceased in 1872, wife of John 
C. Zeller (had one child — Mary H.); Sarah S., teacher in Erie City Graded Schools, and 
David, engaged in the oil business in Oil City, Penn. Mrs. Hubley's father died in Erie 
City at the patriarchal age of ninety-six. Her mother died in 1840. The family are mem- 
bers of the United Presbyterian Church of Erie City. 

THOMAS HUGHES was born in Ireland in 1766, and there grew to manhood; immi- 
grated to the U. S. when about twenty-one years of age, and located in Pittsburgh, where 
he followed his trade of brick layer and stone mason. In 1795, he came to Erie with the 
troops to assist in erecting the garrison and fort at this point. In 1796, Gen. Anthony 
Wayne on his way East stopped off at Erie, and remained sick at the garrison until his death 
in Dec. of that year. During his illness he was much annoyed by a smoky chimney, and 
one day becoming very angry, inquired who built it. On being informed that it was Mr. 
Hughes, he sent at once for that gentleman, and asked him if he had built the smoky 
chimney, and on his replying in the affirmative, " Mad Anthony" ordered him under ar- 
rest at once, exclaiming ''I'll have you shot, sir!" Some of the officers interfered in Mr. 
Hughes' behalf, and the death of Wayne soon after ended the affair, Mr. Hughes assisting 
in digging the General's grave. After the death of Gen. Wayne, Mr. Hughes went back 
to Pittsburgh, and about 1800 again returned to Erie. In Jan., 1804, he married Martha 
Richards, a resident of Union Township, Erie Co. Penn.; she was a native of Lancaster 
Co., Penn., of Irish descent, and bore him nine sons and one daughter, viz., John, James, 
Jane, Alexander, Thomas, Robert, William, George W., Perry and David R. Of these Jane 
and George W. are the only survivors. Thomas was married and leaves a widow and 
one child, a daughter, Mrs. J. S. Henry, who resides in Erie. Robert was lost on the steam- 
boat Erie, which was burned on lake Erie, on the 9th of Aug., 1841, when over 200 lives 
were lost. His body was recovered and brought to Erie and interred. Mr. Hughes owned 
half the block lying between State and Peach and Seventh and Eighth streets. His first 
residence was a small log cabin on Seventh street, but he subsequently erected the first 
brick house built in Erie. He also assisted in erecting the first court house in Erie Co., 
and when the building was nearly completed, he met with an accident that broke his 
wrist, which never fully regained its former strength. In 1810, he built a carding and 
fulling mill on the west bank of Mill Creek, close to its mouth, which he operated until 
1824, when it was burned down. During a portion of this time he was also engaged in the 
manufacture of brick and lime. Upon the destruction of his mill he removed to a farm, 
previously purchased, in McKean Township, where he resided nine years; thence in 1833 
returned to Erie, and died March 14, 1837, in the seventy-first year of his age. Mr. 



CITY OF ERIE. 911 

Hughes possessed a vigorous constitution, but during tlie Latter part of his life suffered 
much from a painful cancerous affliction, which he always endured with meekness and 
Christian resignation. Both he and wife were members of the Associate Reformed Pres- 
byterian Church of Erie, of which he was an Elder from its organization until his death, 
liis widow survived him some ten years, dying Aug. 18, 1847, aged sixty-one years. Mr! 
Hughes and family were closely identified with the growth and prosperity of Erie, and he 
always supported the character of an honest Christian man. 

GEORGE W. HUGHES, retired merchant, was the eighth in the family of ten children 
of Thomas and Martha Hughes, and was born in Erie, Aug. 24, 1831. He was educated in 
the Erie Academy, and soon after reaching manhood engaged in the dry goods business. 
For many years he has lived retired from the active duties of life, solely attending to the 
private affairs of the family. He and his sister Jane reside on West Eighth street, Erie, 
in a comfortable home, enjoying life in a quiet, unostentatious way, yet satisfied and con- 
tented with their choice. 

JAMES HUGHES was born in Erie, Penn., Dec, 13, 1806, and was a son of Thomas 
and Martha (Richards) Hughes, pioneers of this county. Our subject soon after reaching 
manhood became Postmaster of Erie and subsequently entered mercantile trade which 
he followed successfully until about 1859, when he retired from business, and henceforth 
devoted his attention to his private affairs. On the 31st of Jan., 1833, he married Emily 
Carmack, eldest in a family of three children of Jacob and Ann (Cummins) Carmack, the for- 
mer of whom was a Captain in the war of 1812-15. John Cummins, father of Mrs. Jacob 
Carmack, served as a Captain in the Revolutionary war. To Mr. and Mrs. James Hughes 
were born eight children — Anna, wife of O. C. Thayer, of Erie; Martha J., deceased; Emily, 
wife of R. H. Thayer, of Buffalo, N. Y. ; Robert K., deceased; James C, deceased; Will- 
iam, deceased; Thomas, who resides with his mother, and one who died in infancy. Mr. 
Hughes died at his handsome residence on west Eighth street March 4, 1875, after a useful 
life of nearly seventy years spent in the city of his nativity. 

F. A. JACOBS, proprietor of livery and feed stables rear of Morton House, Erie, was 
born and reared in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Our subject, in 1862, enlisted in 12th Penn. 
Cav., and did active service until the close of the war. He then located and carried on 
livery busine.ss on the Schaflfer farm, Venango Co., Penn., for a short time. He became 
identified with the oil refining until 1873, when he went into the hotel business in West- 
field and in 1874 came to Erie. He is an active member of the I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W. 
and G. A. R. societies. 

CHARLES W. JARECKI (deceased), was born in Prussia, Germany, received a com- 
mon school education there and early in life learned the jeweler's trade. He was married 
in his native land, and was parent of ten children, seven sons and three daughters. Our sub- 
ject came from Germany to Erie in 1852, and worked at his trade, with one of his sons (three 
sonspreceded him, settled in Erie and embarked in the jewelry business). Mr. Jarecki was a 
Republican in politics, and with wife a member of the German Lutheran Church. He de- 
parted this life in 1878. His widow still survives him. Charles Jarecki, Jr., the eighth in 
this family, is a member, also treasurer and secretary of the extensive manufacturing firm 
of Henry and Charles Jarecki (a description of their business will be found elsewhere in 
this volume). He obtained his education in Germany and when very young commenced 
to learn the trade of a machinist. He came to America, and in 1863 embarked in his pres- 
ent business; is a first class workman and a successful business manager. In politics, is a 
Republican. Mr. Jarecki was married in Erie City to a daughter of Jacob Becker, of 
German descent. They are parents of two children, viz. : Alexander and Freddie C 

GUSTAV JARECKI, President of the Humboldt Safe Deposit and Trust Co., Erie, 
established July 14, 1869, was born in Prussia, Oct. 21, 1829, son of Charles W. Jarecki, a 
life-long jeweler, who emigrated to America with his familj' in 1853, and settled in Erie Co. 
Charles W. was the parent of ten children, seven boys and three girls, who grew to maturity 
and now reside in Erie. The sons are all married and doing well. Our subject received his 
education in Prussia, both in the common and military schools, graduatmg from the latter. 
He served in the artillery three years as acting 2d Lieut. As an occupation he chose the jew- 
elry trade, and embarked in that business in Erie Cityin 1857, continuinff until 1869. Mr. 
Jarecki was elected to the Legislature from Erie City in 1878, serving two years. He was 
appointed U. S. Consul for Bavaria during Grant's administration in 1869,servina'four vears. 
He has been a member of the School Board eleven years. He organized and drilled an artil- 
lery company (known as Perry Artillery), during the rebellion, in 1861, but on account of 
ill health he was detained at home. He is President of the Jarecki Chemical Works, in 
Erie City, established in 1881; in 1869, he inaugurated the bank of which he is a charter mem- 
ber. Mr. Jarecki was married, in 1852, to Miss D. Engelhard, who has borne him six chil- 
dren — Alfred K., a chemist; Eddie, book keeper in the bank; Clara, Flora, Gustav, Jr. 
Emma. In politics, our subject is a Republican. 

JOHN F. JEFFERS, restaurant, Erie, was born in the State of N. Y., July 15, 1849, 
son of Michael and Bridget (Welsh) Jeffers, the former a laborer of Irish descent, the latter 
of English lineage. Our subject, who was the eldest in a family of five children, and ac- 
buired his education at Utica, Assumption Academy, from which he graduated in 1866. 



912 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

He then accepted the position of clerk in a hotel, where he remained till 1875. Then, till 
1878, he clerked in the Depot Hotel, Erie City, and since then has engaged in his present 
business. Mr. JefEers was married, in 1879, to Hannah Ledvvith, who is of Irish origin. 
They are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Jeffers is politically a Republican. 

JOHN JERGE, proprietor of the Central House, Erie, was born in Erie Co., N. Y.,in 
the year 1846, and in 1873 came to Erie, tliis county, and has since been connected with 
his present business. He was united in marriage, in 1862, in his native county, with Doro- 
thea Herold, who was born in Germany, and reared in Erie Co., N. Y. This union has 
been blessed with six sons and two daughters, viz., John, Jacob, Joseph, Mary, Charles, 
Philip and Michel. Mr. Jerge and wife are regular communicants of the Roman Catho- 
lic Church. He is a member of the C. M. B. A. Society. 

R. M. JOHNSON, proprietor of liverj- stable, French and Seventh streets, Erie, was 
born June 20, 1842, in this city, son of John and Matilda (Burton) Johnson, natives of 
Pennsylvania, originally of Connecticut stock, who came to this county about the year 
1808, settling in Erie City, where they lived a few years, and finall}^ went on a farm in 
Summit Township. They were parents of the following children: William, who died in 
the West; Hannah, widow of Horace Olds; Charlotte; Henrietta, wife of Albert W. Gra- 
ham; and our subject, who was married, in Sept., 1866, to Mary B., daughter of 
William Buss, and a native of England. To this union were born two children — Willie F. 
and Florence May, who died at four years of age. Mr. Johnson located in Erie City about 
1866, and embarked in the livery business. He is the proprietor of a commodious brick 
stable, located on the corner of French and Seventh streets, and keeps up a first-class stock. 
He is courteous and accommodating, and is very attentive to his business interests. 

D. M. JOHNSON, proprietor of the Reed House, also the Union Depot Hotel, Erie, 
was born in N. Y., June 23, 1845, son of James and Cyrene (Huffman) Johnson, former, 
hotel keeper and farmer, a native of Conn., of English descent, latter a native of N. Y., of 
German extraction. Our subject received his education at the academy of Johnstown, N. 
Y. After assisting in his father's hotel for a time, he was engaged as clerk in a dry 
goods store in New York three years, and then in the Congress Hall Hotel, Albany, N. Y. 
Following that he became manager of tlie Manhattan Democrat Club. Being induced by 
Com. Vanderbilt to open a restaurant at one of his railroad stations, our subject started 
the Butterfield House at Utica, N. Y. This he sold out in 1875, and removed to this citj', 
occupying the Union Depot Hotel, and in 1883 taking charge of the Reed Hotel, the latter 
of which has been refitted at an expense of about $40,000. Mr. Johnson was married to 
Fannie, daughter of A. L. Woodruff, of New York. By this union are three children — Will- 
iam, Tom and D. M., Jr. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Episcopal Church. 

JOSEPH JOHNSON, a native of Ireland, came to this country with his father's family 
in 1793 and located at Milesburg, Centre Co. this State. He located in Erie Co. on a farm 
in Summit Township, where he settled with his brother James. He was married about 
1814 to Miss Fanny Graham, who died about 1860. They raised a large familj-; James died 
in Michigan; John died at Mobile, Ala.; Robert died at Louisville, Ky. ; William residing 
in Chicago, 111.; Mrs. Hugh Rutherford, of Erie; Joseph, Jr.; Orville died at Erie 
in 1873; James died in Summit, and G. N. who was District Attorney, and died Feb., 1857. 
Joseph, Sr., re-married in 1864, Mrs. George Gallagher, who survives. He was of great 
energy and industry, cleared and worked a large farm, and for many years carried on the 
transportation business between Erie and Pittsburgh and Bellefonte. About twenty years 
since he relinquished the active duties of farming and removed to Erie where he quietly 
passed the evening of his life. He was an active Whig and Republican; a member of the 
First Presbyterian Church and a devoted friend of his old pastor. Dr. Lyon. Joseph 
Johnson was born in Summit Township Maj- 8, 1822. He remained with his father's family 
until 1853. when he removed with his wife to Erie where he entered the grocery business 
witli his brother Orville, as partner under firm name, Johnson & Bro. About 1862, F. 
Brevilller was admitted into partnership when the style of the firm became Johnson & 
Brevillier. At the death of Orville Johnson in 1873, the remaining partners, Jas. Johnson 
and F. Brevillier, purchased his interest, the firm continuing, and are now doing business 
under the old name. About 1858, their store was destroyed by fire, but they immediately 
resumed business in the same line, which was continued for about twelve months in the 
Reed House, when the retail branch was dropped upon the removal to the Rindernecht 
Block on State street, where they continued in the wholesale business three years, then 
removed to French street, a few doors from their present premises. After remaining there 
about eight years, they moved to 105 and 107 French street. In 1865, Mr. Johnson pur- 
chased his lot on the corner of Fourth and Peach streets, and erected his beautiful resi- 
dence, which is heated and illuminated with natural gas. Mr. Johnson served as Select 
Councilman eighteen years. In 1884, was chosen as delegate to the National Republican 
Convention at Chicago from the Twenty-seventh Congressional District. This race was 
ve.y exciting, but Mr. Johnson's friends complimented him by a large and unexpected 
majority. He was married in Le Boeuf Township, Oct. 17. 1850, to Margerett. daughter 
of Robert Robinson, Esq. They have no children of their own. but have raised four, 
three girls and one boy, viz.: Anna, wife of E. S. Rice, Esq., of Chicago (have two chil- 



CITY OF ERIE. 913 

dren, Freddie and Margerett); Emma died at twenty years of age; Jennie at home, and 
Charles Funk, residing in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Johnson and wife are memhers of the 
First Presbyterian Church; lie has always voted the Republican ticket, and has always 
been extremely successful both in public and private life. 

DAVID T. JONES, manager of the Union Oil Co., Erie, was born in Marion Co., 
Ohio, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Thomas) Jones, natives of Wales, who came to Amer- 
ica in 1807, settling in Penn. Thomas Jones was a manufacturer during his lifetime. Our 
subject attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, Del., took a scientific course of three years, 
and graduated in 1847. Sub.sequently, he entered the hardware business in Champaign 
Co., Ohio, carrying it on from 1848 till 1860, in which latter year he came to Erie City, and 
built the first oil refinery here, corner of French and Sixteenth streets. The firm was then 
known as W. P. Murray & Co., of which Mr. Jones was manager for thirteen years. At 
another time the style of the firm was O. C. Thayer & Co., our subject being manager four 
years; afterward merged into the present Star Oil Company. Mr. Jones was married, in 1847, 
to Mary, daughter of George Millice, a native of Virginia, and of French and German descent. 
To this union has been born one child — Cassius E. Mr. Jones is member and Sunday School 
Superintendent of St. John's Episcopal Church, of which he has been Vestryman seventeen 
years. He served two terms as Mayor of Erie City, and was Mayor of Mechanicsburg, 
Ohio, four years. Has been a member of the Masonic order since he was twenty-one j^ears 
of age, and is a Knight Templar. In politics, he is a Republican. 

HUGH JONES, carpenter and contractor and builder, dealer in real estate, Erie, was 
born in North Wales Feb. 15, 1812, son of John Hughes, a native of Wales. Our subject 
received his education in his native land, and chose the occupation of carpenter and house 
builder. In 1832, he was married to Eleanor Hughes, and same year emigrated with his 
young wife to America, remaining for some years in N. Y., where he worked at his trade 
until 1836, when they moved to Erie City, staying in Buffalo on their way. Our subject 
worked in the latter city and Erie as ship joiner, and finally set up as contractor and 
builder. He also operated a planing mill from 1848 till 1875. Mr. Jones has proved hitn- 
self a successful mechanic and business man; is owner of about 50 dwelling houses in 
Erie City. He has been a member of Erie City Council; in politics, is a Republican. Our 
subject andlwife are parents of three' children — Elizabeth, wife of Charles W. Griest; Ellen, 
wife of George W. Slocum; and Hugh Jones, Jr., dealer in sash, doors and blinds. 

HENRY S. JONES, Superintendent of Schools, etc., Erie, was born in Rochester, N. 
Y., July 9, 1832. His parents, Smith and Nancy (McGinley) Jones, were natives of the 
same State, and in their genealogy represented on the father's side Welch and Pilgrim 
stock, and on the mother's, Irish and German. They had seven children— Webster H., Sarah 
M., Henry S., Celeste A.,ArthurT., Homer C. and Emma E., four of whom (Webster, Henr}^ 
Celeste and Emma) at this writing are living. Homer fell before Atlanta in the war for 
the Union. In 1834. the family moved to Michigan, the father engaging in mercantile 
pursuits and farming. Formerly a teacher, as was his father, he took a great interest in 
the education of his children and the development of the educational system of the State, 
serving on Boards of Education, as Town Clerk, and as School Inspector or Examiner of 
Teachers and Schools, for a number of years. Hence, at an early age, the attention of the 
subject of this sketch was often turned toward educational questions concerning school 
systems, qualifications of teachers, etc., and after passing through the best schools of his 
own vicinity, and teaching district school twoterms,he entered the Michigan Normal School, 
and began the work of studying teaching as a profession. Besides the advantages of the 
professional and the classical course of the institution, Mr. Jones in his student days en- 
joyed the instruction and lectures of Dr. Bugbee, an English naturalist and microscopist 
of considerable note; Dr. Zoelger, a Prussian refugee, celebrated as well for his rare schol- 
arship in the history of the growth of nations as for his prominence in opposing despotic 
measures of the rulers of the fatherland; and Dr. Charles Davie, the well-known author, 
and the leading teacher of mathematics at West Point for over twenty years. After serving 
as Principal of the Schools of Three Rivers, Mich., for nearly two years, and of Dowagiac, 
of the same State, for one year, he was called in July, 1858, to take charge of the West Ward 
Schools of Erie. This position he filled until July, 1865, when he was chosen as principal 
teacher of the East Ward and the West Ward Schools, embracing the whole city. In 
1867, under the new law enabling board of school directors in cities of 10,000 inhabitants 
or over to elect a Supt. of Schools, Mr. Jones was elected as Supt., and duly commis- 
sioned by the State Dept. This oflice he has held continuously, making twenty-six years of 
service up to July, 1884, as an educator in the schools of Erie. Our subject is known through- 
out the State as an educational lecturer of force and originality. He has served as Pres. of 
the State Teachers' Association; as Sec. for several j^ears of the National Association of 
Supts. ; and is a member of the U. S. Council of Education, a society composed of the 
leading educators of the country. In 1881, Mr. Jones received from La Fayette College, 
Penn., the degree Ph. D. Mr. Jones is connected with the Park Presbyterian Church, 
having been a member of its session for a number of years. He has been an active mem- 
ber of the Young Men's Christian Association from the time of its organization, serving 
as Supt. of its Mission Schools, and has held the office of Librarian of the City Library 



^14 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

for sixteen years. He was one of tbe organizers of the Natural Historical Society, and is 
one of its working members. In Aug., 1862, he married one of his teachers, Miss Caroline 
A. Ames, daughter of Enos J. and Jane Ames, of Erie. This union has been blessed with 
ten children, eight of whom are living, viz., Jessie Lincoln, Byra Belle, Bertha Celeste, 
Ruby Jane, Mary Ames, Emma Mansfield, Arthur Kelley and Esther Abbott. 

JACOB KALTENBACH, proprietor of Farmer's Restaurant, Erie, was born in 
Erie March 23, 1849. His parents, Egnetz and Catharine Kaltenbach, settled here about 
forty years ago. The former was a native of Baden, and the latter of Prussia. They were 
married here and reared a family of three daughters and one son — Barbara, wife of 
Joseph Einhillig, a tinsmith of Erie; Elizabeth, wife of Louis Mack, a. blacksmith and 
farmer at Geneva, Ohio (both Barbara and Elizabeth were children of his first wife); 
Jacob, and Mary, wife of John Siegrist, of Erie. The subject of our sketch learned har- 
ness-making M'hen fourteen, and followed this occupation for twenty-one years, when he 
retired from it and took up his present business. He was married in 1876 to Barbara 
Schloss, who was born and reared in Bavaria, Germany. They have two sons and two 
daughters — Rosa, Anna, Frank and George. They are members and regular communicants 
of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Kaltenbach is at present a member of the City 
Council, and has filled other official positions. 

JOHN M. KALVELAGE. manager of the Eagle Brewer}^ Erie, was born in Erie City 
Dec. 17, 1858, and is a son of J. H. and Josephine (Felix) Kalvelage, natives of Germany, 
who were married in New York, whence they came to Erie City in 1846, and were parents 
of ten children, seven of whom are living. J. H. Kalvelage is a prominent citizen of this 
city. For many j-ears after coming to America he sold goods for a New York firm. He 
has been a member of the City Council for several years, and member of St. Joseph's So- 
ciety, Refonn Association, Sangerbund and Erie Maennerchor, and National Brewing As- 
sociation. Our subject was educated at St. Benedict Academy, Erie, and was married in 
1878 to Rosalea, daughter of Michael Oberkirch, and of German descent, by whom there 
are three children — George J., Robert J. and Bertha. Mr. and Mrs. Kalvelage are members of 
St. Joseph's Church, and the former is a member of St. Alphonsius and C. M. B. A. so- 
cieties; is a Democrat in politics; was a delegate to the County Convention in 1881; is a 
member of the City Executive Committee, Judge of Elections in Sixth Ward, and was 
Collector of taxes in Second Ward in 1880. Adam B. Kalvelage, brother of our subject, 
was educated in Canacius College, Buffalo; was book-keeper to bi'ewery for one year, and 
then took charge of the brewery as foreman. In Jan., 1881, he was taken ill with quick 
consumption, and died the following March. 

JOSIAH KELLOGG (deceased) was born in Trey, N. Y., Dec. 16, 1792, son of Josiah 
and Affia (Holcomb) Kellogg, the former of whom departed this life in 1808, aged forty- 
five; the latter, who was born in 1767, died aged ninety years. Our subject was born while 
Washington was serving his first term as President, and had therefore lived under the ad- 
ministration of everj^ President of the U. S. He remembered when there was not a 
canal, no steam power (therefore no steamboats or railroads), telegraphs, telephones, elec- 
tric lights or oil used in this country, and also when Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated at 
Waterloo. Our subject spent his early life as clerk in N. Y. City; was drafted during the 
latter part of the war of 1812, but as his mother and sister were dependent on him, a com- 
panion went as his substitute. Mr. Kellogg came to Erie in 1818, embarked in mercantile 
trade, in which he was very successful; his competitors in this business were Seth Reed and 
P, S. V. Hamot. He was married, Maj^ 10, 1 832, to Catherine Ramsey, by whom he had four 
children, viz., Josiah H., a resident of Chicago, 111., who was a graduate of West Point, 
Col. 17th Reg. P. V. I., now on the retired list; Albert R., with J. B. Lj^on & Co., grain 
dealers in Chicago; and Wainwright, a Lieut, in the U. S. Navy; William R., the oldest, 
departed this life in 1843, and Mrs. Kellogg in 1875; she was a member of the Presbyterian 
Chm-ch, as is also our subject. Josiah Kellogg, our subject, died March 21, 1884, in full 
possession of his faculties. 

SIDNEY M. KELLOGG. Assistant Postmaster, Erie, was born in Sheflield, Mass., 
July 29, 1820, son of George and Cynthia (Merrill) Kellogg, the latter a native of Mass. of 
English descent. George Kellogg was a merchant, and came to Erie Co. with his familj' 
in 1827. Our subject is one of eight children, five of whom are still living, George H. Kellogg 
and Charles W. Kellogg in San Francisco, Cal. ; Mrs. C. H. De Forest and Emily A. Kel- 
logg in Birmingham, Conn. He was educated in Erie Academy, worked on a farm four 
years; afterward clerked in a store in Erie City, where he remained several years; he was in 
the South two years, and served as salesman in a warehouse in Mich, two years Returning 
to Erie City, he was employed in the post office in 1849 as clerk, and appointed Assistant 
Postmaster in 1850; he has been under Postmasters Robert Cochran, Sill, Sloan, Judge 
Sterrett, I. B. Gara, Thomas Walker, Isaac Moorhead and E. W. Read. Mr. Kellogg 
was married in Erie City to Rachel McCarter, by whom are three children : Nellie, wife of 
David P. Jones, Engineer in the U. S. Army; Sidnej', a salesman, and Harry. Mrs. Kellogg 
died in 1871; she was a member of the Presbj terian Church. 

GEN. JOHN KELSO, deceased, was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., in 1766, son of 
William Kelso, of the same county. He was reared on a farm, attended the common 



CITY OF ERIE. 915 

schools of his native county, and came to Erie Co. in 1798, settling in Erie about 1800. He 
was a land agent, and for many years Associate Judge; also occupied the position of Pro- 
thonotary of Erie Co. During the war of 1812, he was Brigadier General and oflScer in 
charge at Erie. The General was married in Dauphin Co., Penn., to Sarah Willis Carson, 
born in 1776,died in Fairview, Erie Co., in 1842. To this union were born seven children, 
three now living — Albert J., a farmer in Mill Creek Township, this countj^; Caroline E., 
wife of Hon. Elijah Babbitt, of Erie, and William C, an influential Attorney-at-law in 
Erie. The General, who died in 1819, left a name truly honored and highly respected. He 
was free and upright in all his duties, and bore a character well worthy of emulation. 

E. J. KELSO, deceased, second sou of Gen. Kelso, was born April 10, 1800, in Fair- 
view Township, this county. He was brought to Erie a boy, and as his father was in the 
discharge of public trusts, he was early instructed in the modes and duties of official rou- 
tine. It was with experience thus in advance acquired, that he accepted the position of 
Prothonotary and Register and Recorder, to which he was appointed by Gov. Shultze in 
1824, upon the death of Thos. Wilson. These duties were abljf and satisfactorily performed 
for about twelve years, when relieved by a change of administration in 1835. In 1836, he 
was appointed by President Jackson Collector of the port at Erie, to succeed Col. Thomas 
Forster, who then died, after filling the position of Collector for thirty-five years. Mr. 
Kelso thus made the second Collector of the port, and having been re-appointed by Pres- 
ident Van Buren, held the office till 1841, when displaced by a change of parties. Since 
then he has held no office. For some years he was engaged in the foi'warding business at 
Erie, wherein his large and early acquaintance was utilized. Mr. Kelso was married, in 
1828, to Miss Malvina Atkins, of Buffalo, whose elegant tastes and genial manners, as 
evinced in her surroundings, will be kindly remembered by our readers. Mrs. Kelso died 
in 1871. The inheritor of a large landed property in and near Erie, and connected, as we 
have stated, with its public business, prominent as a citizen, and a leading politician, Mr. 
Kelso became widely known and was largely trusted. He was an earnest and conspicuous 
member of the Democratic party, shared in its triumphs, yet was as loyal to its teachings 
under adversity, as in its palmier days. To have filled his public positions satisfactorily, 
to the appointing power and to the people, to have been faithful to all these trusts; and to 
have laid down his functions without a stain upon his record, was the pleasing contempla- 
tion of Mr. Kelso during the evening of his life. He died Feb. 10, 1879, leaving two 
daughters — Emma S., married in 1865 to C. C. Eddy, a resident of Erie Co., Penn., they 
live on the old homestead; and Marj^ at home, an intelligent young lady, and out of re- 
spect to her father and grandfather, this volume finds a place in her library. C. C. Eddy, 
Emma's husband, was born in R. I., Jan. 27, 1829, son of Sylvester and Thamer 
H. (Luther) Eddy, natives of R. I., of English extraction. Mr. Eddy enlisted in the U. S. 
Navy in N. Y. in 1862, and in the same year was appointed Second Lieut. He served five 
years and six months on the U. S. steamer Michigan during the civil war. In 1878, he re- 
signed his position, and embarked in the lumber business; is a Democrat in politics. 

ELI KENDIG, commercial traveler, Erie, was born in Lancaster, Penn., Feb. 12, 
1831, son of Henry and Sarah (White) Kendig, natives of Penn., of German descent, and 
parents of ten children. Henry Kendig was a farmer and came to Erie Co. with his family 
in 1831, dying in 1882. Our subject was brought up o,n a farm, receiving a common school 
education, and at the age of nineteen commenced the milling business, which he followed 
eight years. Subsequently he entered the wholesale grocery business in company with C. 
Siegel & Co., in which he remained three years, chiefly in the capacity of traveler for the 
firm. He was also engaged in the retail trade for several years in Erie. He was married in 
Erie, in 1860, to Mary L., daugliter of G. W. Colton of this city. By this union were 
born— George C, Anna G., J. F. and F. W. Mrs. Kendig is a member of the Universalist 
Church, he of the I. O. O. F. and Knights of Pythias. 

S. B. KENNEDY, Depot Master, Erie, was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Feb. 8, 1837, 
son of Hugh and Harriet (Bell) Kennedy, natives of Penn. The former a steamboat cap- 
tain, was of Irish descent, the latter of Scotch extraction. Our subject received his 
education in Brownsville, Penn., and at the age of sixteen, entered the service of the Penn.; 
R. R. Co., in capacity of brakeman, one year; freight train conductor, three years; pas- 
senger train conductor, one year; afterward promoted to yard master at Pittsburgh, Penn. 
was train master for the Cumberland Valley R. R. Co. in 1862, and subsequently train 
master of the Mountain Division P. R. R., where he remained till 1863, when he was ap- 
pointed by Thomas A. Scott to take charge of a prospecting party in the West. This 
terminated in 1865, in which year he was appointed yard master for the P. & E. and Oil 
Creek R. R. at Corry, Penn. In Oct., of same year, he was assigned to the position of 
depot master of the Union Station, Erie. And in addition to these duties was appointed 
general yard master at Erie, Penn., in 1879, which position he is now filling for the L. S. 
& M. S. R. R. Co. Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage, Feb. 12, 1856, with Martha, 
daughter of Daniel Eicher, merchant of Pittsburgh, Penn. To this union were born: 
William, Samuel B. and Kate Luella. Our subject and wife are members of the first 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Erie, of wliich he has been Trustee ten )'ears. Mr. Kennedy 
has been U. S. Mail Agent at this point since 1870. 



916 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

BALTHASAR KERN, saloon and restaurant, 2420 Peach street, Erie, was born in 
Rhinepfalz, Germany, June 2, 1829, and learned weaving there. He came to America in 
1856. locating here and engaging in merchandising until 1862, when he went to Ohio, and 
continued in the same business until 1870. He then returned to Erie and established his 
present occupation, which he has carried on successfully. He was united in marriage, 
Oct. 19. 1861, with Lovina Brown, of Summit Co., Ohio, whose parents were natives of 
Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Kern have a family of four sons and three daughters living, viz.: 
John Henry, Mary S., Ida, Frank, Clara, Michael and Frederick. The family are mem- 
bers of the Roman Catholic Church. 

CHRISTIAN KE8SLER, grocer, wholesale liquor dealer and ship chandler, 401 and 
403, corner State and 4th sts., Erie, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 21, 1842; son of 
Henry and Elizabeth (Backfish) Kessler, natives of Germany. Henry was engaged in the 
stone quarries in Germany. On coming to this country was a farmer. He was father of 
six children, four living and residents of Erie Co. Our subject, the youngest, obtained his 
education in Germany, and in Greene Township, Erie County; then for six years clerked 
here; subsequently engaging in the grocerj'^ business, in which he has since continued very 
successfully. Mr. Kessler was married here, in 1868 to Helen Bloeser, a native of Erie City; 
he had eight children, seven surviving, viz., Elizabeth, Helen D., Anna K., Mary j., 
Clara L., Christian H. and Florence E. Mrs. Kessler was a member of the Lutheran 
Church; she died May 4, 1883. Our subject belongs to the same denomination; is a Dem- 
ocrat in politics; has served two years in Common Council; and for four years was a mem- 
ber of the Select Council of Erie City; also on License Board in 1875, the only liquor man 
ever appointed in the City of Erie. 

HENRY KESSLER, grocer, W. 18th street, Erie, was born in Bavaria, Germany, 
Aug. 12, 1856; son of Henry Kessler, a stone cutter by trade, and father of six children. 
Our subject, who was the eldest, came to America in 1872 ; he acquired his education in 
his native land, and at the Erie High School ; he then clerked for C. Kes.sler in the grocery 
business till 1878, when he entered into partnership with his employer. This continued 
till 1882, since which time he has been alone. Our subject married in Erie City, in 1880, 
Juditha, daughter of Martin Riedinger. Mr. and Mrs. Kessler are members of St. John's 
German Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church, 23d and Peach street. Mr. Kessler 
has been remarkably successful, and by his own unaided efforts has made all he now pos- 
sesses; he is a Republican in politics. 

L. KESTER, liveryman, Erie, was born in Erie Co., N. Y. In 1851, when twenty-one 
years old, he left his native place and went to Meadville, Penn., where he engaged in the 
dry goods business ; he then for eleven years was connected with the N. Y. Central R. R., 
and subsequently with the L. S. & M. S. R. R. at Erie. He retired from railroading in 
1881, and engaged in his present business, which he had previously established. Mr. 
Kester was rnarried at Meadville in 1854, to Betsy E. Sharp, who has borne him two sons 
and two daughters — F. J.. Clara E., Minnie and Charles. 

CAPT. ROBERT KING (deceased), grandfather of Alfred King, whose sketch follows 
this, was one of the earlj' pioneers, and the first actual settler of Erie Co., Penn., haviug 
come here in Julj-, 1794, by way of the West branch of the Susquehanna and over the 
mountains, nearly on the route of the P. & E. R. R. to the Tionesta River, near Sheffield, in 
"Warren Co. The following is taken from Mr. B. Whitman's History of Le Boeuf Town- 
ship, Erie, Penn. "First "land was selected in Le Boeuf, in 1794, by Capt. Robert King, 
w^ho took up 400 acres at the present Ford Bridge." " Capt. King retiring to his home in 
Lycoming Co., he brought his family along in the spring of 1795." * * * * 
" Capt. Robert King, the pioneer of the township, had been an officer in the Revolutionary 
war, and also rendered the State important service in securing treaties with the Indians; 
as a reward for which the Legislature of Penn. voted him 400 acres of land, west of the 
Allegheny River. It was to take advantage of this bounty that he first visited the town- 
ship. In companj' with his hired man he crossed the mountains from Lycoming Co. 
through an almost impenetrable forest to the present site of Sheffield, Warren Co., Penn., 
where he built a canoe in which they descended the Tionesta and Allegheny, to where 
Franklin now stands. From there, they poled the canoe up French Creek 80 miles, to the 
site of the Captain's future home. On returning to Lycoming Co.. they took a different 
route eastward from the Allegheny, and when they came back with Capt. King's family, 
of five sons and six daughters, it was by way of Pittsburgh." He and his family arrived at 
their new home May 15, 1795, and here the grand old patriot and soldier remained until 
the day cf his death, which occurred about 1826. The Captain was a brave and accom- 
plishecl soldier and officer, and served his country with honor and credit throughout the 
Revolutionarj' war. He was personally acquainted with Gen. La Fayette. "When La 
Fayette," .says Mr. Whitman in his History of Le Bceuf Township, "returned to visit 
this county, and was at Waterfora, the Captain, who had a personal acquaintance with 
him, during the struggles and hardships of the Revolutionary war, called to pay his 
respects to the eminent and patriotic Frenchman. Gen. La Fayette saw him when several 
rods away, and speaking out said: ' There comes Capt. King,' and advanced eagerly to 
meet the veteran." 



*f.-^ 









CITY OF ERIE. 919 

ALFRED KING, U. S. Customs, Erie, was born in Waterford, Erie Co., Penn., son 
of Tlios. King, of same township, and a grandson of Capt. Robert King, of Revolutionary- 
war fame, and one of the early settlers of Erie Co. Our subject was educated at the 
Academies of Waterford and Erie, graduating from the latter. He then taught for a few 
years, in the meantime reading law with a view of adopting that profession. Subse- 
quently he was appointed Deputy Prothonotary and Clerk of the courts of the county, 
and remained as such for six years; he was then elected Treasurer of the count}', and filled 
that office for three years; after this was elected Mayor, and served two consecutive terms. 
During his last term was elected Prothonotary and Clerk of the Courts, filling this incum- 
bency three years. During his public life he engaged extensively in manufacturing here, 
and also dealt largely in grain (particularly in barley), and was instrumental in giving Erie a 
prominence as a grain depot. His connection with the above industries has extended over 
thirty-five years. He has also been interested in real estate, both here and in the West, 
evidences of which can be seen in the place known as King Town, which he planted and 
has built up. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and has been connected with the order for over 
thirty years, and is also an active member of the K. of P. society. He married in Living- 
ston Co., N. Y., in 1845, Mary Kenedy, a lady of fine literary attainments, a sister of the 
Hon. Archabald Kenedy, of that county. They have three sons — Kenedy, in railway 
business at Minneapolis, Minn. ; Josiah Holdship, First Lieut, in the Eighth U. S. Cav. ; 
and A. H.. commission merchant of Erie. The family are members of the U. P. Church. 

MOSES KOCH (deceased), born in the Palatinate of Bavaria, Dec, 1811. At twenty years 
of age he came to America, learning the language of his adopted country very quickly. He 
engaged in mercantile pursuits immediately on his arrival, living in Pine Grove, Schuylkill 
Co. March 9. 1837, Mr. Koch was married at Philadelphia to Miss Matilda Ulman, eldest 
daugkter of Simon Ulman. The young couple settled in Rome. Lancaster Co., Penn., 
where Mr. K. first embarked in business on his own account. After residing there about 
a year, they went to Pittsburgh, living with Mrs. Koch's parents a short time, but finding 
the smoky atmosphere of that city detrimental to his health, he subsequently located in 
Franklin, Venango Co., Penn., remaining three years. Mr. Koch was one of the principal 
merchants there; was a great favorite, and his departure was universally regretted. In 
1843 he came to Erie, bringing his wife and young son with him; he opened a dry goods store 
in the Hughe's Block. Later he occupied a store in the Reed House Block for a short time, 
after whicTi he purchased the property on the southeast corner of Fifth and French streets, 
erecting thereon a large and substantial brick block, in which he carried on an extensive 
business for many years. The building burned down several years ago, and was never 
rebuilt. It had formerly been the site of Col. Forster's family mansion during the war of 
1812. The original building, a log house, was standing at the time Mr. Koch purchased the 
propertJ^ and in tearing it down numerous letters and relics were found. Mr. K. also 
erected several other substantial buildings, he always taking a great interest in the general 
development of the city. Immediately on his arrival he took a leading place in business 
and social circles, and his cheerful disposition made him many warm friends, who clung 
to him during life. Jan., 1865, Mr. Koch removed with his family to Philadelphia, but 
not liking city life, returned to Erie, April, 1871, and resumed business. He retired from 
active pursuits in the year 1878, his health having failed in the meantime, and died Sept. 
2. 1881, after an illness of four days' duration. Mr. Koch was the pioneer Israelite of Erie, 
and one of the founders of the Jewish synagogue; he was also one of the corporators and 
most liberal subscriber to a fund for purchasing land for the Jewish Cemetery, in which his 
remains are deposited. His was the leading spirit of the Jewish Church, and to his energy 
and perseverance it owes its present growth and prosperity. He was an active member of 
the Masonic fraternity, served several consecutive terms in the councils of the city. In 
politics, he was a stanch Democrat, voting that ticket to the day of his death. As a man, 
Mr. Koch was kind hearted, generous to a fault and extremely charitable. He was con- 
spicuous for his enterprise, perseverance, excellent judgment and strict honor and integrity 
in business dealings. Possessed of a vigorous constitution, with an active mind and body, 
he earnestly engaged in extensive business undertakings, leaving many monuments to 
testify to his usefulness and worth. As a husband, he was attentive and affectionate, as a 
father, kind and indulgent, as a neighbor, genei'ous and sympathizing, as a citizen, active, 
honest and true. In short, in all the relations of life, whether as a friend, neighbor or 
citizen, he exhibited a commendable spirit of interest in the welfare alike of his people, 
family and city. Mr. Koch leaves a family consisting of his esteemed widow, four sons and 
two daughters and two grand-daughters — Simon C, broker in Calcutta, India; Jacob and 
Cauffman. of Erie, and Mark, also a broker in Calcutta; Lillie, now Mrs. Albert Doeblin, of 
Philadelphia, and Emma Augusta, residing at home. Herman, second son, is buried with 
his father in the cemetery at Erie. The children of Mrs. Albert Doeblin consist of two 
daughters — Eva and Matilda. 

JOSEPH KOHLMILLER (deceased), was born in Germany in 1827, and there learned 
his trade, that of a dyer. In 1854, he was united in marriage with Walberga Christel, a na- 
tive of Germany, born in the year 1828. Of the family born to them, three sons and three 
daughters are living, viz., Walberga, wife of Frank Boelte; Elijah, a dyer, was marrii^'d in 



920 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Detroit, in 1880, to Minnie St. Amour, who was born and reared in Detroit (she departed 
this life June, 1883, leaving a son Frank; her remains lie in Erie Cemeter}^; Theresa, wife 
of Henry Runzer, a carpenter; Julius and Henry, also dyers, and Louisa. Mr. Kohlmiller, 
Sr., came to Amei'ica about 29 years ago, and departed this life May 9, 1883, and is buried- 
iu the Erie Cemetery. 

C. KOLB, retired, Erie, was born in Frankenthal, Germany, May 17, 1816, son of 
Casper Kolb, a Government officer in Germany. Our subject received a good education, 
and learned the comb-making and hairdressing trades in his native land. Immigrating to 
Buffalo, N. y., in 1835, he came to Erie City in 1838, on Sept. 1st of which year he was 
married in Erie Co. to Elizabeth Zwibf . To this union were born nine children, eight now 
living, viz., Elizabeth M., widow of John B. Suerken; Josephine; Frederick (accidentally 
killed at a fire in Erie City in 1879); Henry; John, proprietor of the city bottling establish- 
ment (who was born in this city, received his schooling here and at the business college, Buf- 
falo, N. Y. ; established his present business in Erie in 1875; emplo3's four thoroughly prac- 
tical men, has four wagons on the road, and his trade is constantly on the increase); Charles 
C, Sophia, Fredericka Caroline and Helen, a teacher in the public schools, organist and 
leader of the choir in St. Paul's German Evangelical Church. Our subject was one of the 
first to found that church, and has been a member of the choir ever since it was organized, 
in 1848; he has been an Elder man}' years, and was Secretary and Treasurer when the 
church was built; has been a member of Erie City School Board ten years, and of Erie City 
Council two years; was the principal mover in organizing the first brass band in Erie City 
in 1839. In politics, he is a Democrat. 

LAURENCE KOSTER, merchant, Erie, was born in Luxemburg, in Europe, Oct. 27, 
1827; son of Matthias and Lena (Demoling) Koster, natives of Germany; the former a 
farmer. Our subject was reared on the farm, received his schooling in his native land, and 
there learned wagon-making; he came from thence to Erie in 1847, and for the first three 
years was a ship carpenter on the ship Michigan; he subsequentl}^ engaged in this occupa- 
tion for ten years, when he came to Erie City and worked at his trade for three years, 
when he embarked in the dry goods business, in which he continued successfully for fifteen 
years, when he gradually drifted into the carpet, wall papering and window curtain trade. 
Mr. Koster was married in Erie City, 1849, to Elizabeth, daughter of George Fritz, and of 
German descent. To this union have been born ten children — Lena, John, Elizabeth, 
Maggie, Daniel. Mary, Katie, Annie, Minnie (deceased) and Clara. Mrs. Koster and the 
family are Protestants; Mr. Koster is a Catholic; in politics, he is a Republican, and has 
been a member of the Erie City Council. 

JOHN PHILIP KRAFT, grocer, Erie, was born in Niederhausen, Hesse Darmstadt, 
Germany, May 1, 1834, and was reared to sash making there. At nineteen, he came to America 
and located here, following carpentering for sixteen years ; he had in the meantime 
engaged in the grocery business. Mr. Kraft was married in Erie, Sept. 15, 1857, by the 
Rev. Mr. Farber, of St. Paul's Church, to Justina Sendlinger, who was born in Metzingen, 
Germany, June 14, 1882, and came to this county about 1850. Two children have been 
born to this union — Margaret Katharine, wife of Wm. Flickinger, insurance agent, Erie; 
and Chas. Frederick, a machinist. The family are members of St. Paul's Church. Mr. 
Kraft is an active member of the Odd Fellows, being a member of the Encampment, and 
of the A. O. U. W. He is at present Inspector of Elections in this city, which oflSce he 
has held for fifteen years; he has also filled minor official positions, one of which was 
that of Census Enumerator in the Fourth Ward. 

CHARLES AUGUST LANG, grocer, Erie, was born in Erie in 1849. His parents, 
"William and Maria Lang came here from Saxony in 1846, William Lang having been one 
of the pioneer book-binders of this city. The subject of this sketch, when thirteen, began 
the molding business, but after two years abandoned it and took up merchandising, as a 
clerk. In 1871, he established himself in business, and has since carried it on successfull3^ 
He was married in 1870 to Louisa Schaeffer, of Buffalo, whose ancestors came from Wur- 
temberg, Germany. Two sons have blessed this union — George William and Charles 
August, Jr. The family are members of St. John Evangelical Church. Mr. Lang is 
an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1880, he served as Dis- 
trict Deputy Grand Master of the District of Erie Co.; also served three terms as represent- 
ative to the Grand Lodge of Penn., and is at present Sec. of Erie City Lodge No. 871. 

J. P. LEAHEY, proprietor of the Bon Ton Restaurant, Erie, was born in Ireland, 
August 22, 1852; son of John M. Leahey, a miller by trade, who came with his family to 
America, in 1854, to Erie City, and was in the employ of the Michigan and Lake Shore 
Railroad, till his death, which occurred March 20, 1871. John P. Leahey, who was the 
youngest in a family of six children, accjuired his education in Erie City and at a college 
in Illinois. He then learned printing, serving four years, and followed this occupation from 
1865 to 1874; then worked for one year in the Burdett Organ Factory; since then has been 
engaged in his present business. Our subject was married, August 22, 1876, to Ellen E., 
daughter of Michael Crowley, an early settler and a prominent farmer of Erie Co. 
Mr. Leahey and wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church. The former, in 
politics, is a Democrat, has been a member of the Executive Committee, Clerk of Sheridan 



CITY OF ERIE. 921 

Guard, has been President for two years. Mr. Leahey is a fluent writer, was appointed 
Recording and Corresponding Secretary for ilie Reform Association, and drew up its con- 
stitution and by-laws. 

♦ ADDISON LEECH, farmer and real estate dealer, Erie, was born in Butler Co., 
Peun., Feb. 20, 1834, son of David and Rhoda (Findley) Leech, who were natives of York 
Co., Penn., and of Ireland respectively, and of English descent. The father accumulated 
a large fortune in the transportation business, being a pioneer of this industry in this part 
of the country, residing at Leechburg of which town he was the founder. Addison 
Leech received his education at Allegheny College, Penn., and early in life engaged in 
the transportation business with his father, with whom he remained till his death, which 
occurred in 1858; then continued in the same employment with an elder brother who died 
in 1863. Since then our subject has not actively engaged in this business, though he still 
retains an interest in extensive lake investments. Mr. Leech is largely interested in real 
estate. Going to Dakota in 1881, he bought 35,000 acres of land, which he has put into 
the hands of his sons, but resides in Erie, Penn. He is a member of the Masonic fratern- 
ity; in politics is a Republican. Mr. Leech was united in marriage at St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 
3, 1852, with Mary I., daughter of John S. Watson, by whom he had nine children, eight 
living, viz., John W., W. Findley, Addison, Jr., Mary (at home), Isadore (wife of Chester 
Bliss, of Boston, Mass.), Isabella (at home) Ella and Louise. Harry L. died 1880, aged ten 
years. Mrs. Leech is a member of the Episcopal Church. 

MICHAEL LIEBEL, Water Commissioner, was born in Germany, June 17, 1843; son 
of John and Barbara (Hammer) Liebel; latter a native of Germany. Our subject received 
his education mainly in the common schools. He came to America when he was about four- 
teen years of age and learned shoe-making in Erie City. He embarked for himself in the 
boot and shoe-making business in 1863, carrying it on five years. Since then he has been in 
business of various descriptions. He was married in Erie City in 1865, to Clara, daughter of 
John Uhr, by whom he has three sons — Eugene, clerk in hardM'are store in Erie City; Fred- 
erick W. and M. at school. Mr. Liebel and wife are members of the Catholic Church. In 
politics is a Democrat. Mr. Liebel was a Councilman in Erie City for seven years, and for 
a time President of the Select and Common Council, was elected Water Commissioner seven 
years ago last May; served one year as President. He has been sufficiently successful in 
business to enable him to accumulate a comfortable income. He has been engaged in var- 
ious speculations in Erie City, 

WILLIAM LOESCH, real estate dealer, stock dealer and butcher, Erie, was born in 
Erie City, Penn., Aug. 17, 1837; son of Laurence and Margaret (Doub) Loesch, natives of 
Germany, who came to Erie from there in 1836. The former, a butcher, was in business 
here from 1840 till his death, which occurred in 1865. He reared a family of seven children. 
Our subject, the youngest, was educated in Erie schools and naturally learned his father's 
trade. In 1867, he started an omnibus route, which was subsequently merged into the 
street car line; then for a time, he conducted and owned an extensive livery stable here; in 
1874, he built a large packing house in Erie, and met with a heavy loss 1)y its being blown 
down during a storm. Mr. Loesch was married in this city, 1857, to Margaret, daughter 
of Peter Simons, a native of Germany. She was born on the ocean, during her parents' 
voyage to America. To this union have been born Joseph, in butchering business in Erie 
City; Ida, wife of Fred Miller, plumber in Erie City; Edward with his father; and Mary 
A., wife of Harry Ross, an employe of the P. & E. R. R. Mrs. Loesch is a member of 
the Protestant Lutheran Church; he is a Democrat in politics; has been a member of the 
Council, Erie City, for seven years. 

A. T. LOOMIS, manufacturer of bricks, and real estate agent, Erie, was born in North 
East, Erie Co., Penn., Jan. 4, 1837, son of Rufus and Sarah (Tuttle) Loomis, natives of 
Penn., of English descent, the former a builder and contractor. They were married in 
Erie Co., and reared three children— A. T., John J. and Ella May. The mother and children 
are still living in North East, the father died in 1873. Our subject was educated in North 
East Academy. For eight years he clerked in a store, and then came to Erie City, where he 
was apartner in Brown's Hotel for three years; he next engaged in the manufacture of bricks, 
which he carried on successfully for ten years; he at present deals in real estate. In 1868, 
he married Marion E. Colt, a native of Erie City, of English descent, and daughter of 
Thomas G. Colt, first Mayor of Erie City. To this union were born two children — George 
Colt and Mabel T. Mrs. Loomis is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. In politics, 
Mr. Loomis is a Republican. 

JOHN P. LOREI, firm of Lorei & Efi3ey, dry goods, Erie, was born March 28, 1853, 
at Erie, son of Michael, a blacksmith, and Amelia (Walter) Lorei, natives of Germany, 
who came to Erie City about 1839, were parents of nine children, all reared in this city. Our 
subject, the second in this family, attended Erie High School from the time he was able to 
go to school till 1870, when he became salesman in a dry goods store. In 1878, he embarked 
in the dry goods business on his own account in company with his present partner; he 
possesses good business qualifications, and has been very successful. Is, politically, a 
Democrat. 



922 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ARTHUR S. LOVETT, physician and surgeon, Erie, was born June 9, 1849, at Clymer, 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., sou of Joseph and Sarah Ann (Dutton) Lovett, the latter a native 
of N. Y., and of English extraction. Joseph Lovett, who was a native of Me., and of Scotch 
descent, was a merchant tailor by trade, but in early life was connected with the Thespia,*i 
art as an actor of some repute; he and Wilices Booth were students together for dramatic 
life under the father of J. W. Booth. When twenty-six years of age he retired from the 
stage and married. Our subject, the second in a family of six children, received a liberal 
education, and began reading medicine with Dr. G. Thickstun,of Wattsburg,ErieCo.,Pcnin.; 
he afterward attended a course of lectures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, N. Y. 
City, and also the State Medical University, Mich., from which he graduated March 29, 
1871, and in May he commenced the practice of his profession in Waterford, Erie Co., 
Penn. In May, 1872, he moved to the city of Erie. On June 1, 1876, the Doctor married 
Fannie E., daughter of John J. Zimmerly, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Lovett are members 
of the Central Presbyterian Church; he is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; was elected Re- 
cording Secretary of Erie Co. Medical Society July 6, 1875; re-elected in 1876, 1877 and 
1878; represented that society in the American Medical Association in 1876, and Aug. 1877, 
was appointed member of the Board of Pension Examining Surgeons. Jan. 1, 1881, he 
was appointed Physician and Surgeon of Erie Co. Alms House, and re-appointed in 1882, 
1883 and 1884. In 1881, he was elected Councilman, and re elected in 1882. While exper- 
imenting with antiseptic gases and electricit}' in 1882, Dr. Lovett discovered a process for 
embalming, by the use of which human bodies may be kept free from putrefaction, and 
with natural appearance for a long time — he at present (June, 1881) having a subject in his 
office that died in Aug. 1882. Investigations which led to this discovery -were conducted 
upon the germ theory of putrefaction advocated so ablj^ by Louis Pasteur, of Paris, and 
Dr. Lovett considers' the remarkable results obtained by himself in this direction as another 
proof that the germ theory of putrefaction is the correct one. 

WILLIAM H. LUCE, proprietor Erie Furniture Co., Erie, was born in N. Y. July 21, 
1830, son of Hiram and Maria (Saeger) Luce, natives of Mass., of English extraction. The 
former was a Methodist clergymari, and traveled through the State of Penn. on horseback 
and afoot to meet his appointments. They were parents of five children, our subject being 
the only one in this county. He was educated at Meadville, Penn., came to Erie Co. in 
1853, and choosing the profession of dentistry opened an office in Erie City in that year, 
and practiced until 1862. Subsequently he was in the employment of the railroad com- 
pany in Erie City as agent for six years; he then engaged in the furniture business with 
his father-in-law under the firm name Ayres & Luce. This partnership was discontinued 
in 1874, when our subject went to California for two years. On his return he again em- 
barked in the furniture industry, this time for his own account. Mr. Luce was married, 
in Erie City, in 1860, to Carrie C, daughter of J. W. Ayres, and a native of this city. 
To this union were born Wilson A., with Mt. Hickory Iron Co.; Kate, Carrie and Helen. 

REV. GEORGE ARMSTRONG LYON, D. D., was born in Baltimore, Md., March 
3, 1806. He was the son of Samuel and Betty W. (Brown) Lyon, daughter of the Hon. Ja- 
cob Brown, of Philadelphia. His ancestors came originally from Scotland and England, 
but his grandfather, William Lyon, emigrated to Pennsylvania from the North of Ireland, 
and in connection with Gen. Armstrong, whose sister he married, surveyed and laid out 
the town of Carlisle. Dr. Lyon was early left an orphan, and made his home with his 
uncle, George A. Lyon, for whom he was named, a prominent citizen and lawyer of Carlisle. 
He was educated at Dickinson College, where he graduated in 1824, at the age of eight- 
een. He then entered the theological seminary at Princeton, and after finishing hi.s course 
of study, was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Carlisle, on the 9th of April, 1828. 
During the summer he crossed the Alleghany Mountains on horseback, and spent the fol- 
lowing winter between Fredonia, N. Y., and Erie, Penn. Receiving a call from the Pres- 
byterian Church in each place, for reasons unknown to the writer, he decided to accept the 
one to Erie, and on Sept. 9, 1829, was ordained by the Presbytery of Erie, and installed 
pastor of the church there. In this capacity he remained the balance of his life, a period 
of over 41 years, his death having occurred March 24, 1871, at the age of sixty-five. " He 
was brought into the ministry just before the great spiritual harvest time of 1830 to 1832, 
and entered in as a vigorous "and earnest and prayerful reaper, and came forth rejoicing, 
bringing many sheaves with him. The church was greatly edified, and other churches sprang 
from its roots and grew from its richness." He was a wise and zealous minister, and his undi- 
vided time and talents, as well as his own private means, were cheerfully given to advance 
the purposes and institutions of the Gospel in the county and elsewhere. As a preacher, he 
was distinguished for the grave, affectionate and instructive nature of his sermons, for his 
logical force, a clear perception of the truth, clearness in stating it, and pungency in ap- 
plying it. He was also distinguished for the aptness of his pra3^ers, as all who remember 
them will testify, and for his ready sympathy for his parishioners and friends when in sor- 
row or trouble. His warm and practical charity was manifested repeatedly in both public 
and private actions; his whole soul was in his work, and he loved to preach the great cen- 
tral truths of the Gospel; at the same time he kept his heart close to the throbbing pulses 
of humanity, and his interest in all local and national questions which involved the ever- 



CITY OF ERIE. 923 

lasting principles of truth and equity was always keen and strong. He died at Avon 
Springs, N. Y., whither he had gone hoping to recuperate his failing health. On Tues- 
day, March 28, 1871, his funeral services, which were very solemn and impressive, were 
held in the church in which he had so long ministered, and his body was consigned to the 
tomb in the Erie Cemetery. The funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Richard Craig- 
head, of Meadville, formerly of Carlisle, Penn., though in the services many of his brother 
ministers of various churches in the city participated. 

JAMES LYTLE (deceased) was born in Waterford, this county, Feb. 17, 1808; son of 
John and Sally (Anderson) Lylle, natives of Penn., former of French, latter of English 
descent. John Lytle was a farmer for many years and a member of the Legislature from 
this county. Our subject was reared on the farm, and in early life learned the tailor trade. 
He was m"arried, in Erie Cily, Sept. 19, lb30, to Kezia Dunn, born in N. Y. Dec. 12, 1809, 
daughter of James and Sarah (Harned) Dunn, latter a member of the Friends' Society or 
Quakers. To this union were born ten children, seven of whom grew to maturity, viz.: 
Lucinda, wife of Spencer Booth, Chicago; Sarah, widow of Sidney Booth; Susan, widow 
of Henry Sherman, in Wis.; John, deceased; Clayton, who rose from private to Colonel of 
17th P. V. I. during the war of the rebellion, he was a prisoner about a year, died in Erie 
Sept. 26, 1876; Martha K., wife of Daniel Jones, a commercial traveler, and Viola V. H., 
wife of Samuel Jacobs, in employ of railroad company in 111. Mr. Lytle was at one time 
Collector of Port of Erie City; was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of which 
he was Elder for many years. He died in Erie March 31, 1876. Mrs. Lytle, his widow, 
still resides in Erie City. 

W. W. LYLE, contractor, Erie, was born in Montgomery Co., Penn., June 1,1839, son 
of Francis and Louise (Bruner) Lyle, natives of Penn., the latter of German descent,, the 
former of Scotch-Irish lineage. A house plasterer b}- trade, was at one time a merchant, 
but in later life a hotel keeper. He reared seven children. Our subject, who was the 
eldest, was educated in the seminary, Montgomery Co., Penn. He was united in marriage, 
in Erie City, with Elizabeth, daughter of L. L. Lamb. To this union have been born five 
children, viz.: Kittie, Lyman L., WalterW., George M. and Francis. Mr. Lyle has fol- 
lowed various occupations through life, and accomplishes whatever he undertakes. He is 
a member of the Erie City School Board; in politics, he is a Democrat. 

JOSEPH McCARTER, President Second National Bank, Erie City, was born in 
Franklin Co., N. Y., March 20, 1829. He is the son of Joseph and Isabella McCarter,both 
natives of N. Y., and of Irish descent. At the age of ten our subject began to battle with 
life's realities as a store clerk in Erie, in which service he remained until 1853, when he 
opened a grocery store on his own account, andconducted it with success for eight years. In 
1860, he entered into partnership with W. J. Little, in the establishment of the iron works, 
which in 1864 were disposed of to Selden & Bliss, the present proprietors. In the same year 
he built the Erie car works — manipulated his interest with profit for two years, when be 
sold out to the Pittsburgh & Erie R. R. Co. With others, he, in 1867, erected the Erie City 
elevator, a structure of great value to the city. In 1869, this property passed into the hands 
of the Penn. R. R. Co. by purchase. In 1870, he served as Vice President and general 
manager of the Second National Bank, and eleven years later was elected to the Presidenc}\ 
which position he still holds. From 1881 to 1883 he acceptably filled the olfice of Mayor of 
the city. In politics, Mr. McCarter identifies himself with the Democratic party. He was 
married. April 15, 1857, to Eliza J. Morehead, by whom he has had two children — Cora, 
wife of Lieut. John M. Bowyer, of the U. S. Navy, and Wm. J. 

R. T. McCLURE, of the firm Howe, McClure & Co., proprietors of Wooden Ware 
Works, Erie, was born in Allegheny County, Penn., in 1842, son of Robert and Elizabeth 
McClure, natives of Penn., of Scotch-Irish descent. Our subject received a common school 
education in his native county, and followed the profession of accountant from 1856 till 
1873. In latter year he came to Erie City, and embarked in his present business. Mr. 
McClure was married, in 1881, in Pittsburgh, Penn., to JenetteBrankston, anative of Pitts- 
burgh, andamember of the United Presbyterian Church. The business of the firm Howe, 
McClure & Co., is well conducted; the two partners named have charge of the manufact- 
uring department, and the third partner, T. W. Shacklett, has full charge of the office, 
books, and the buying and selling. Our subject graduated from the Iron City Commercial 
College in 1858. In politics, he is a Republican. 

JOHN C. McCREA, pork-packer, Erie, was born in N. Y. in 1850, son of James Mc- 
Crea and brother of E. J. and James McCrea, well known pork-packers of Cleveland, Ohio. 
The greater part of his early educational training was acquired in his business experience. 
His grandfather and father having been in the pork-packing industry, our subject followed 
their footsteps, and at the age of twenty-one embarked in business with his brothers, under 
firm name McCrea Bros., pork-packers, Cleveland. Ohio, remaining there till 1880, when he 
came to Erie City, and opened business on his own account. From seven to fourteen men 
are employed during the season, and the business transacted is large and steadily increas- 
ing. Mr. 5lcCrea is also proprietor of three delivery wagons that do business through the 
city. His facilities and business connections enable him to carry on a flourishing trade. 



924 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

GEN. D. B. McCREARY, attorney-at-law, Erie City. There will always attach an in- 
terest to the pioneer families, which will never probably belong to others who came at a 
later date, as they have laid the foundations of our social and material status, and coming 
generations can only modify and develop that which they, by their energy and persever- 
ance, established. By their strong arms were the forests felled, the undergrowth cleared 
away, and the sod broken; by them were the primitive cabin, the log schoolhouse and the 
church erected. Later inhabitants make further and higher advancement in all these, and 
proceed to further develop the embryo foundings of the pioneer. To the latter class be- 
longs the subject of this sketch, born Feb. 27, 1826, in INIill Creek Township, Erie Co., 
Peun., to Joseph F. and Lydia (Swan) McCreary, natives of Penn., and the parents of nine 
children, viz.: Samuel S., Richard S., Selina C, John J., Mary E., Jackson, D. B., Lydia 
A., Martha S. The father came to Mill Creek Township in 1800, from Lancaster Co., 
Penn., and was a farmer during his life. Gen. D. B. McCreary was brought up subject to 
the duties of the farmer's life; \vhen a mere lad his tastes inclined to science and literature, 
which has increased with his years. In his boyhood days he made the best use of such 
educational advantages as the public schools of his native township afforded, and the 
limited means of his family would allow. He also attended the "Erie Academy " and the 
Washington, Penn., College; afterward taught school at Erie; was principal of the Win- 
chester, Ky., Seminary from 1851 to 1853. While teaching at Erie, he read law with Judge 
John and W. A. Galbraith, and in 1853 began practicing law, forming a partnership with 
J. B. Johnson. In 1855, w^as appointed aid to Gov. Pollock with the rank of Lieut. Col. 
His connection with Mr. Johnson closed in two years, when he joined Jonas Gunnison and 
continued until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he was attached as 1st Lieut, of Co. 
B, in what was known as the Erie Regt. He was prominent in the organization 
of the 145 Regt. Penn. Vols., of which he was appointed Lieut. Col., and subsequently was 
commissioned to the rank of Colonel, and later breveted Brig. Gen., and held the position 
until the close of the w;,r. He was confined in Libby, Macon, Charleston and Columbia 
Prisons for ten months. On his return from the war he resumed the practice of law, and, 
like all who love their profession, has been successful. In 1866, as a token of the esteem 
in which he was held by the many friends of his resident district, he w^as elected to the 
Legislature, and served'with credit to himself and his constituents for two terms. In 1867, 
he was appointed Adj. Gen. under Gov. Geary, and served three years. In 1870, he was re- 
turned to the Legislature. He served six years as a State Manager of the Dixmont Asylum. 
It is a pleasure to record him as a gentleman of fine natural endowments and acquired 
abilities, enviable reputation, professional and social. He adheres strictly to the princi- 
ples of the Republican party, and his eloquence, as a political speaker, is sought in various 
parts of his resident State. He is one of the founders of the Park Presbyterian Church of 
Erie; was married, in 1851, to Annette Gunnison, daughter of E. D. Gunnison, one of the 
early settlers of this county. This union has resulted in two children, viz.: Sophia, wife 
of Ilenry A. Clark, a prominent attorney of Fall River, Mass., and Wirt, who graduated, 
June, 1884, with honor as Cadet Midshipman at the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, 
Md. 

JOHN McMAHON, lake engineer, Erie, was born in Erie City, March 27, 1857, son 
of M. and Mary (Lehan) McMahon. natives of Ireland; the former, a sea-faring man, came 
to America in 1854, and here followed R. R. contracting for several years. He reared a 
family of six children, viz. : Bridget, John (our subject), Daniel, an Alderman, Fourth 
Ward, this city; P. H., a Captain, sailing on Lake Erie; Katie and Mary. The family are 
members of the Roman Catholic Church. Our subject was united in marriage, in 1878, 
with Anna Bow-ers, a native of Erie City, and a daughter of Isaac Bowers. This union has 
been blessed with two children: Josephine and John. Mr. McMahon is a Democrat in 
politics. 

DANIEL McMAHON, Alderman of the Fourth Ward, Erie, was born at Jackson 
Station, Erie Co., Penn., Jan. 10, 1859, son of Michael McMahon, who came to America 
from Kilrush, Limerick, Ireland, about 1851, when twenty-one years old, and settled here 
about 1854. He married Mary Lehan, of Bantry, Ireland, who came to this country about 
1852, at eighteen years of age. Their familj^ consists of three sons and three daughters — 
Bridget, John, a lake engineer; Daniel, our subject; Patrick, alake captain; Catherine Agnes 
and Mary Frances. Our subject began life for himself, when thirteen, as a cabin boy on a 
lake steamer, and after three years shipped as a sailor, and at twenty-one became a licensed 
pilot, and as such remained until the present year, when he engaged in the study of law. 
He is an active enterprising citizen, taking much interest in the social and industrial devel- 
opment of this city. 

CLARK McSPARREN (deceased) was born in Erie, Penn., July 2, 1810. second son 
of Archibald and Margaret (McKay) McSparren. of Scotch-Irish descent. Archibald Mc- 
Sparren came to Erie Co., in 1802' and for years carried on his business, that of a mer- 
chant tailor in Erie. He was here during the war of 1812, and made some of the uniforms 
for the officers of Perrj-'s fleet. Our subject received his education in Erie and at the 
Waterford Academy, from which he graduated in 1829. He then clerked for three years in 
dry goods store. In 1883, he was appointed Cashier of Erie Bank, which position he re- 



CITY OF ERIE. 925 

tained as long as the institution existed. He, with a brother, then built the Erie City 
Mills; he subsequently bouglit his brother's interest and continued the milling business 
alone till 1859, when he rented the mill. He was considered a good judge of real estate, 
and dealt in it extensively with more than average success. He married, Sept. 10, 1835, 
Mary Ann, daughter of Chester and Sarah (Steel) Jones, of English descent, and a native 
of Conn. Her family moved in a wagon, drawn by an ox team and one horse, from Conn, 
to Penn. in 1816. Five of the children born to this union are living — Albert J., a book- 
keeper; Frank, with Stearns Manufacturing Co.; William Clark, with Union Oil Co.. 
Buffalo, N. Y. ; Charles; Archibald. Secretary and Treasurer of Art Novelty Co. (limited); 
Marj'^ Emma (Locke). Mrs. Clark McSparren is a member of the Universalist Church of 
Erie. Mr. McSparren departed this life April 18, 1875, in Erie. He was a Republican in 
politics, and for nine years was a member of Erie City Council. 

JAMES C. MARSHALL, retired attorney, Erie, was born July 27, 1799, in Franklin 
Co., Penn. His parents moved to a farm in Weatherstield, Trumbull Co., Ohio, in the 
spring of 1805. Our subject attended a country school until March, 1813, then went to 
select school taught by Elias Grover, until May, 1816. Mr. Grover and he went to Win- 
chester, Frederick Co., Va., and there jointly engaged in teaching school for one year. 
Mr. Grover desiring to return to Mass., his native State, Mr. Marshall took a school alone 
and continued in that profession until the spring of 1820, in which year he returned to Ohio, 
and soon after entered the academy in Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, remaining in that insti- 
tution four years. In April, 1824, he entered the office of Hon. Thomas D. Webb, and com- 
menced the study of law ; was admitted to the bar in that town, June 15, 1826. Soon after his 
admission he entered into partnership in the practice of law, with Hon. RufusP. Spalding, 
late one of the Supreme Judges of the State of Ohio. At that time there were four counties 
in one circuit — Trumbull, Portage, Geauga and Ashtabula, and Mr. Marshall was a regu- 
lar attendant on them all. One winter he met Don Carlos Barrett at court in Ashtabula 
Co., who proposed to him to go to Erie and form a partnership with him. Mr. Barrett 
was a gentleman of fine address, and a fluent speaker, so Mr. Marshall concluded to try it 
for a year. Consequently, on the 1st of May, 1828, he planted himself in the borough of 
Erie, Penn., entered into articles of copartnership with Don Carlos Barrett for the term of 
one year; when the year expired he declined to renew the partnership. He then opened 
an office on his own hook. In Nov., 1829, our subject married Eliza Weatherbee, niece of 
Judge Freeman, of Warren, Ohio, and at once brought his young wife to Erie, settling 
down permanently. In the winter of 1830, James C. Marshall, Jonathan Weatherbee and 
Alexander Wilson bought out a mercantile establishment, together with the lease of a 
flouring mill and distillery. Mr. Marshall then moved from Erie to Girard to take charge 
of the financial part of the business, Weatherbee and Wilson being experienced merchants. 
In the winter of 1832, our subject sustained a severe compound fracture of the leg, and 
Mr. Weatherbee died. Mr. Marshall soon afterward sold out his interest to Mr. Wilson, 
and devoted his time and attention to the practice of law. About Jan. 1, 1839, he was ap- 
pointed Prothonotary and Clerk of several Courts of Erie Co. by Governor Porter, but 
owing to certain disputes as to the validity of David R. Porter's election for Governor, 
Mr. Marshall did not obtain the keys of o'ffice till May 1, that year. He was appointed 
Postmaster at Girard under President Van Buren's administration, an office he held until 
after the election of Gen. Harrison. He remained in Girard until April 1, 1844, when he 
removed to Erie and entered into partnership in the practice of law with the late Chief 
Justice James Thompson. When the latter was elected to Congress in the fall of 1844 or 
1845, the partnership was mutually dissolved. Mr. Marshall was appointed Revenue Com- 
missioner in the spring of 1848, to represent Erie, Crawford and Warren Cos., serving the 
term required by law. A partnership in the practice of the law by the Hon. John P. Vin- 
cent and James C. Marshall, May 1, 1849, for the term of five years was mutually dissolved 
at the expiration of that period. A partnership was then entered into between James C. 
Marshall and his son Francis F. Jan. 1, 1861, which continued until the former gave up the 
practice in the spring of 1881. Our subject has held the office of President of the Erie Co. 
Mutual Insurance Co. since March, 1859; was elected President of the Marine National Bank 
of Erie on Jan. 19, 1867, and has been re-elected every year since; was one of the Trustees 
of the Erie Academy from 1847 to 1856. Mr. Marshall's father and grandfather (James 
Marshall) died in Trumbull Co., Ohio, each in his eighty-fifth year; his mother died aged 
eighty-seven. Our subject has four children, two sons and two daughters. His oldest son, 
James, is a fruit grower in the county of Solona. Cal.; Mary W. is the widow of Com- 
mander James W.Shirk, U. S. Navy (she has three children, all living in Philadelphia); 
Francis F.. a lawj^er living in Erie (has a wife and three daughters), and Laura O., wife of 
S. E. Norris, of Philadelphia (thej' have no children, having lost two)." 

F. F. MARSHALL, attorney at law, Erie, was born in Girard, this county. May 21, 
1835; son of James C. and Eliza (Weatherbee) Marshall, the former of whom was a prom- 
inent lawyer of Erie City. Our subject received his education at the Erie Academy, and 
Yale College — was a member of the class of 1856. He commenced the study of law with 
his father in 1855, and was admitted to practice his profession in 1856. The Committee of 
Examination before whom he passed were Chief-Justice Thompson, Judge Galbraith, E. 



926 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Babbitt and John H. Walker. In 1864, Mr. Marshall was admitted to the United States' 
and Supreme Courts. He was appointed United States Commissioner under Pres. Lin- 
coln's first administration in 1861. Mr. Marshall was married, in 1862, to Fannie, daugh- 
ter of Col. Camp, civil engineer, Erie City. Their children are Florence C, Laura and 
Mary. Mrs. Marshall is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church; in politics he is a 
Democrat. 

ELISHA MARVIN, eldest son of Elisha Marvin and Elizabeth Selden, his wife, was 
born at Lyme, Conn., Nov. 22, 1768; brought upon a farm. About 1792, in company with 
his brother-in-law, Judah Colt, and his brother Enoch, he settled in Canandaigua, N. Y. In 
1796. Mr. Colt having been appointed agent for the Population Company, both brothers 
removed with him toErie Co., and settled at Colt's Station, in Greenfield Township, where 
Elisha bought a large tract of land. He was Justice of the Peace in Greenfield for many 
years, and long one of the most prominent survej'ors and farmers in the county. He mar- 
ried Minerva Prendergast, of Jamestown, N. Y., May 13. 1812; died Sept. 29, 1829. Mrs. 
Marvin, who was a woman of more than usual culture, died April 1, 1858. Their children 
were "William E., born March 21, 1814; and Elizabeth Susan, born Nov. 29, 1818, died in 
the fall of 1873. 

Enoch Marvin, brother of Elisha, was born in Lyme. Oct. 19, 1774; after spending a 
number of years at Greenfield and Erie, he went to Beaver Co., Penn., as agent of a land 
company, where he died March 31, 1840, leaving a large estate, much of which was in Erie 
Co. He married Eliza Hull in 1820. She survived him a number of years. They had 
one child which died in infancy. 

Elihu Marvin, j^oungest brother of Elisha and Enoch Marvin above named, was born 
at Lyme, Conn., Aug. 1, 1791. He earl}^ developed a taste for business pursuits, and be- 
came associated with Gen. David Humphreys, of Derby, Conn., in the woolen manufact- 
ure. Sept. 10, 1813, he married Ann Humphreys, a niece of the General. After several 
years of active prosecution of the woolen business, his health failed and he withdrew from 
the concern. About 1823, he moved to Ripley, N. Y., where he purchased a farm and de- 
voted himself to agricultural pursuits. In 1842, changed to Erie, living for a number of 
years on a farm which included the site of Marvintown. About 1854 or 1856, he laid out 
part of his farm in town lots, and sold off a large number. About 1864, he built a resi- 
dence on Tenth street, where he resided until death. He was influential wherever he lived, 
but had a great repugnance for holding office; was an enthusiast in favor of schools and as 
a fruit grower; a liberal giver to the Presbyterian Church, with which he early associated 
himself. Mrs. Marvin died April 30, 1875. Mr. Marvin died Aug. 29, 1878, having ac- 
quired an extensive property. They had two children — Susan, born in 1816, died in 1834; 
Sarah, born Jan. 29, 1820, married Rev. L. G. Olmstead Dec. 20, 1838, died May 25, 1843, 
leaving an only child — Sarah L., born May 18, 1840, who married Matthew Griswold, Jan. 
8, 1866, and died Feb., 1871, leaving two sons, viz., Matthew Griswold, Jr., and Elihu Mar- 
vin Griswold. 

SELDEN MARVIN, City Recorder and Attorney, Erie, only child of Dudley and 
Mary (Whalley) Marvin, (brother of Elisha, Enoch and Elihu) was born in Canandaigua, 
N. Y., J(me9, 1819, named after his grandmother, who was of the Connecticut familj* of 
Seldens; received his education mainly at Canandaigua Academy, and at Jefferson College, 
Cannonsburg, Penn.; spent one year in printing otfice in Boston. Parents moved to New 
York City in the summer of 1837, where he read law until 1841 in the otfice of his father, 
who was one of the most distinguished attorneys in the State, and for eight years a mem- 
ber of Congress. In 1841, removed to Ripley, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he was ex- 
clusively engaged in farming until 1846; in the latter year entered upon the practice of 
law at Jamestown. In 1847, was married to Miss Sarah Wilson Dinsmore. of Ripley, and 
returned to the farm. A year or so later formed a connection with Hon. Geo. W. Parker, 
now of the city of New York, and resumed the legal profession at Westfield, N. Y. ; in the 
fall of 1852, was elected Special County Judge, and in 1855 County Judge of Chautauqua 
County, serving in the latter position until Jan. 1, 1860; moved to Erie in June, 1860; be- 
came a member of the firm of Spencer & Marvin, and practiced law until 1877. Was the 
Democratic candidate for Assembly in 1862; Democratic nominee for Congress in 1870, 
coming within 500 votes of an election; Democratic candidate for Elector at Large in 1872; 
Mayor of Erie City in 1877; the same year elected City Recorder for five years which 
office, by re-election in 1882, he still holds. The marriage of Judge Marvin and his wife 
has been blessed with five children, three of whom survive, viz.: Charles Dinsmore Mar- 
vin, engaged in the banking business in the city of New York; Anna Humphreys, wife of 
William D. Lewis, and Elizabeth Selden Marvin, wife of Robert W. Neff, of Boston, Mass. 

MART MAUER, wholesale confectioner, Erie, was born in Germany Sept. 13, 1849, 
son of Jacob Mauer, a farmer. Our subject was reared on the farm imtil 1867, when he 
came to America, settling in Erie City. Here he clerked in a gmcery store till 1869, in 
which year he entered on his present enterprise, and with the increase of facilities in mak- 
ing confectionery by steam power, the business, which has a bakery in connection, is 
steadily increasing, and he is soliciting trade all over the United States, as Mr. Mauer fully 
understands the wants of his customers, and the necessity of keeping in stock, of his own 




(y^o^fi^^'^THj^^i^z^ 



CITY OF ERIE. 929 

manufacture only, a class of goods fresh and pure. He was married to Annie Mary Von 
Busich, a native of Erie, Penu., wlio bore him four children — Frederick W. J., Laura, 
Ella and Charles A. Our subject and wife are members of the Protestant Church. 

GEORGE V. MAUS, general agent Penn. R. R. Co., and President of the Board of 
Trade, Erie City, was born in Pennsylvania July 29, 1841, son of Lewis H. and Elizabeth 
(Vance) Maus, natives of Pennsylvania. L. H. Maus in early life was a manufacturer, but 
latterly a farmer, and is now a resident of Harbor Creek Township, this county. Our 
subject received the rudiments of his education in Columbia Co., Penn., and completed his 
tuition in Philadelphia. In early life he embarked in the commercial business, which he 
carried on for some years, and in 1862 accepted a position with the Penn. R. R. Co. in 
Philadelphia. Since 1870, Mr. Maus has been general agent for that company in Erie, 
Penn. At the commencement of the late war he was in Georgia, and there drafted into 
the Confederate army, but managing to get North, was drafted into the Federal army, and 
fought the South by proxj'. In 1862, our subject was married to Harriet M., daughter of 
Reuben Marcy, and b.y this union were born Frank G., Annie W., Bessie V., Robert S. 
and Clara L. Mr. and Mrs. Maus are members of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Erie 
City, of which he has been Vestryman for several j^ears. He holds other offices in connec- 
tion with benevolent societies, etc. He has taken 32^ in Masonry; is a member of the 
Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania. He owns valuable property in Erie City, and sev- 
eral farms in Erie Co., and is an admirer of and interested in raising valuable blooded 
horses and cattle. 

DR. GEO. J. MEAD, dentist, 728 State street, Erie, was born in Chesterfield, New 
Hampshire, in 1844. At the age of seventeen he began the study of his profession in the 
office of Drs. A. A. and G. L. Cooke, able dental practitioners at Milford, Mass., where he 
continued until 1864, when he enlisted in the 4th Mass. CavalrJ^ with which he served un- 
til the close of the war. He subsequently located at Meadville. Penn.. but came to Erie in 
1867, where he has since been in the practice of his profession. In 1871, he was united in 
marriage with Anna M. Wilhelm, of Mishawaka, Ind. Of three children born to them 
only one survives^Edwin Bradley, born in 1875. 

' FRED C. MEISER, meat market, Erie, was born in Prussia, Germany, July 9, 1849; 
son of Charles and Elizabeth (Rhode) Meiser, who were also natives of Germany. Our 
subject naturally following the occupation of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather, 
became a butcher. He came to America, landing in Erie City, in 1865. For the first six 
months he just managed to make his board, then after working for four and a half years 
by the day and month, he and a brother joined and started a butcher shop, which he has 
conducted successfully since. For a time Mr. Meiser ran two places of business, but gave 
up one, preferring to keep the business so that he could attend to the minutest details per- 
sonally. He was married in Erie City to Sophia Bach. Of the five children born to this 
union, four are living, viz. : Henrietta, Augusta, Martha and Alfred. Mr. and Mrs. Meiser 
are members of St. Paul's Church, this city; the former is a member of the A. O. U. W., 
and of the D. O. H. societies. 

PRESCOTT METCALF. Prominent among the self-made men of Erie who have 
taken an active part in the development of the city is Prescott Metcalf, Esq. No one 
individuality is more indelibly stamped upon the communitJ^ He is the son of the late 
Joseph Metcalf. the evening of whose life was spent in Erie, and was born in Putney, 
Windham Co., Vt., Jan. 25, 1813; he was one of thirteen children, and at the age of eight 
years commenced to provide for himself by his own labor, being employed by an uncle, 
with whom he remained for a number of years. During this period, he attended for three 
months in the year, through three years, the common schools of the neighborhood, at that 
time of the commonest sort. At the age of twenty-two, he came to Erie and engaged 
with his brother-in-law, Ira W. Hart, as manager of the livery business on 5th street, east 
of French street, where he remained five years. While thus employed, he attracted the 
favorable notice of Rufus S. Reed, the leading business man and capitalist of Erie — then 
in the zenith of his career — whose intuitive judgment of the character and capacity of 
men was seldom at fault. Mr. Reed engaged him to take charge of a particular branch of 
his immense business. Soon afterward, the position of steamboat agent at Erie became 
vacant, which by the request of his employer was added to Mr. Metcalf's other duties. 
Having for some years successfully performed these double duties, he was then entrusted 
with the general management of their entire shipping and'vessel interests at Erie. These 
trusts were discharged with fidelity, and to the satisfaction of his employer. This was so 
manifest, and his services so indispensable to his employer, that when another situation 
with increase of salary was offered to Mr. Metcalf. Gen. Reed candidly admitted that it 
was. out of the question to dispense with his services, that he could make his salary what- 
ever he might choose to. Mr. Metcalf drew for years $2,500 per annum, a sum more than 
equivalent to $5,000 at the present day. He remained in Gen. Reed's employ for twenty-two 
years, from 1840 to 1862. This embraced the closing j^ears of Rufus S. Reed's career, and 
the most important part of Gen. C. M. Reed's. In these years, their steamers and sailing 
vessels ran on all the lakes from Buffalo to Chicago, all to be built, equipped, provisioned 
and overseen, their cargoes to furnish, and all to be kept afloat and made to pay. Steamers 

48 



930 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of national repute, as the Pennsylvania, Jefferson, Madison, Erie, Buffalo, Missouri, Niag- 
ara, Ohio, Louisiana, Keystone State and Queen City, with the brigs Clarion, America, 
Susquehaima,St.Paul. St.Anthonj', etc.allof which were run in the course of this period, and 
nearly all built by the Reeds in those years. It will be remembered that there were no railroads 
in operation to Erie until January, 1852. The canal, left unfinished by the State from Erie to 
Beaver, was taken up and completed, Mr. Reed being President, and Gen. Reed contrac- 
tor, and when completed he entered upon an active business, in which the building, equip- 
ment and running of boats became necessary; the railroad from Erie to New York State 
line, in the building of which Gen. Reed was President, and contractor for the ironing of 
the whole, the Erie Bank, with numerous farms, and mill, and all the details of a business 
unequaled by any one in this region. In 1843, Gen. Reed was elected to Congress, which 
made his absence necessary. While absent, the health of his father, R. S. Reed, forbade 
his active participation in 'business, so that Mr. Metcalf was required to take active super- 
vision of the whole. Though, in 1862, Mr. Metcalf went into the coal business for himself 
and left Gen. Reed's employ, yet for years he was consulted by him constantly on matters 
of importance. During and since his connection with the Reeds, he has been identified 
with many important enterprises, both in and out of the city. Of these we may name the 
running of a line of stages between Erie and Pittsburgh from 1840 to 1843; the construc- 
tion of *the Northern Canada Railroad, in which he was associated with Gen. Reed and 
Milton Courtright; the Erie Extension Canal; the Erie & North East Railroad, in which he 
was a Director^'for some years; the Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad, of which for many years 
he was a Director; a corporator and one of the originators of the Erie Cemetery, in the 
purchase of the grounds for which he, with others, gave his personal guarantee. To him, 
as one of the principal projectors of the Erie Gas Works, in which he has always been a 
large stockholder, is the city mainly indebted for the Gas Works, carrying the stock when 
it paid but one per cent on the investment. He was manager for the oil shipments for 
various railroads during the early years of that trade. He was one of the organizers of 
the Dime Savings Bank, Trustee of Erie Academy, Director of Public Schools, and Mayor 
of the city from 1862 to 1865; and an organizer. Trustee and liberal contributor to the Park 
Church. Among other of his enterprises, was the erection of the Burdett Organ Factory, 
begun Jan. 2, 1872, and in ninetv days occupied by 120 mechanics in the manufacture of 
organs. Since its erection, 3,000 of its instruments have been completed and shipped, to 
the value of millions of dollars. In 1880, associated with John Clemens as equal partner, 
he built the Malleable Iron Works, giving employment to over 180 mechanics. With Col. 
Benjamin Grant, he built Wayne Block, in 1860, on Front street, and rebuilt it after its 
destruction by fire in 1868. In 1872, he built the block on the west side of State, between 
7th and 8th streets, and in 1866 his elegant residence corner Sassafras and 9th— his home 
for the last eighteen years; also purchased residences for his sons on adjacent lots, and 
other residences in the city and on his several farms. His domestic surroundings have 
been exceptionally happy. He was married, June 9, 1846, to Miss Abigail R. Wilder, a 
schoolmate, from Putney, Vt. They have had five children— Joseph P., William Wilder 
(deceased), Frederic W., Nellie (deceased) and George R. His father, for about 
twenty years, made his home with his son where, in 1868, at the age of ninety-four, 
he died, being then reputed to be the oldest Mason in the United States, his body 
having been taken to Vermont for interment. This venerable man, a type in habit 
and deportment of the old school, was a link connecting us with the past, for he remem- 
bered distinctly some of the events of Shay's insurrection in 1794. In politics Mr. 
IVIetcalf acted with the Whig party during its existence, and then with the Republican. 
Into his party associations, he brought all of his characteristic force and energy. While 
never a candidate for other than a municipal oflice, he has exerted a marked influence, 
bringing to the support of his favorite candidate all of his intensity of purpose and energy 
of action. The war, with its large levies of men for the army and navy, furnished him full 
scope for the exercise of his versatile abilities. Here his zeal was manifested, and the large 
reinforcements sent forward from Erie during his occupancy of the Mayor's office were 
much augmented by his ceaseless efforts. He had three brothers who were in business in 
Erie— Samuel H., who died some fourteen years since; Charles, long in mercantile and 
banking business, now in Toledo, Ohio, and James, deceased. He had also three .sisters, 
Eliza, wife of IraW. Hart who died in 1839, Lucy (Mrs. Hart) who died in 1842 and Mary, 
the esteemed widow of Joseph D. Clark, deceased, who resides in Erie with her family. 
Of all these, he has been the counselor and firm friend, and has managed with success 
numerous trusts confided to his charge. Such has been the career, such the record of a 
busy, active and successful life. If to do the work of five men could be called busy, then 
it may be so denominated; and if to acquire wealth and to know how to use it for the en- 
joyment of himself and the happiness and employment of otiiers, and to lend a helping 
hand to all those enterprises which in church or State may merit assistance, and havmg 
projected to aid them through, then Mr. Metcalfs life may indeed be called a success; and 
now in the fruition of all these objects, surrounded by a family of prominence and useful- 
ness, and in a community which appreciates his services and worth, Mr. Metcalf, still act- 
ive and useful, is enjoying the evening of a life, old in years, but still erect, vigorous and 
active, apparently good for a score of years of labor, usefulness and success. 



CITY OF ERIE. 931 

JQSEPH P. METCALF, manufacturer. Erie. Prominent amougErie City's business 
men is the gentleman wliose name heads this slvetch. He was born and reared here; son 
of Prescott and Abigail R. (Wilder) M etcalf . natives of Vermont, and of English extrac- 
tionT^O^iu- subject received a good "EJuglTsh education at Erie Academy, Erie Cit}% and 
dwelt in the place of his nativity till 1870. wlien he emigrated to the West, and after en- 
gaging in the banking business at Nebraska City for two 3"ears returned to Erie City and 
was in business with his father until 1880. Since that time he has been a member of the 
firm of Erie Malleable Iron Co., limited, occupying the position of Secretary and Treas- 
urer. Mr. Metcalf is an intelligent, energetic business man; was married in the State of 
New Jersey, in 1877, to Celia Fletcher, a native of New York, of English descent, by 
whom he has had three children, two surviving — Frances and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Met- 
calf are members of St Paul's Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Republican. He is ai 
member of the Council of Erie. 

P. A. MEYER, of the late firm Marks &. Meyer, merchant tailors, Erie, was born in 
Germany, Oct. 5, 1844; son of Ludwig Meyer, a leading medical practitioner of Posen, 
in Prussia, where he died. Our subject was partly educated in his native land, and on 
coming to New York State in 1858, attended school theye for a time. He then clerked in 
a merchant tailor's establishftient in Schenectady. N. Y., eight years. In 1856, he came 
to Erie and formed a partnership with Charles S. Marks. Marks & Meyer carried on 
business for seventeen years at the same stand on State street. March 15, 1884, the firm 
dissolved, Mr. Meyer at that time starting for himself in the manufacturing and sale of 
clothing. Our subject was married, in this city, in 1870, to Louise, daughter of Christian 
Sexauer. To this union were born Emma, Aida, Ludwis: Garfield and Otto Blaine. 

GEORGE R. MILLER, assistant engineer Erie City Water Works, Erie, was born 
near Hamilton, Ontario, in 1853, where he was reared until thirteen years old, when he 
came to this country with his people. His father, William H. Miller, a farmer, settled at 
North East. Our subject, when eighteen, engaged in railroading and took charge of the 
Harbor Creek Depot for two years, when he engaged in his present business here, with 
which he has since been reputably identified. Mr. Miller was married in 1876 to Nellie 
Connells. of Canandaigua. N. Y. Two sons and one daughter have blessed this union: 
George C, Elgin and Marietta Maud. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are active members of the 
Baptist Church. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. 

GOTTLIEB MISCHLER, grocer. No. 518 Fourth street, Erie, was born in Switzer- 
land, March 1, 1844, son of John and Elizabeth (Walden) Mischler, natives of Switzerland, 
who came to America and settled in Erie in 1855. Our subject is a self-made man begin- 
ning with a quarter of a dollar capital. He first cleaned fish, gradually working himself 
into a successful fish trade which he carried on for ten years, and in 1863, embarked in the 
grocery business, in which he has since continued. He was married here to Kate Berry, a 
native of this city, and a daughter of Jacob Berry, who is a railroad engineer. To this 
union have been born six children, viz. : Edward, "Etta, Charles, Arthur, Lillie and Katie. 
Mr. and Mrs. Mischler are members of the Lutheran Church. 

DAN MITCHELL, Captain of Police, Erie, was born in Jamestown, N. Y., March 23, 
1841, son of Harlow and Louise (Bidwell) ]VIitchell, natives of Vermont, the latter of Eng- "^ 
lish-French extraction. The former, who wa^rarmiller, and in later life a farmer, was of 
Scotch-German lineage. He came to Pennsylvania in 1850, and died at "Mitchell's Cor- 
ners " in Erie Co. in 1871. Our subject is the third in a family of four sons and one 
daughter, latter deceased. He obtained a good school training, and choosing the occupa- 
tion of engineer, when quite young, ran an engine for fifteen years. In 1861, he enlisted 
in Co. C, 83d P. V. I., serving for a time as wagon-master. June 30, 1863, he was taken 
prisoner, sent to Libby Prison till exchanged, and was discharged in 1863 for disability. 
From 1873 to 1875, he served on Erie City police force, and for five years was County De- 
tective. In 1881, Mr. Mitchell was appointed to the Erie City police force, and in 1883, 
was elected Captain. Our subject was married in March 16, 1875 to Jennie A., daughter of 
Robert Hamilton, of Meadville, Penn. Their family numbers three— Jessie, Dean and 
May. In politics Mr. Mitchell is Republican. 

CHARLES JENKINS MITCHELL. Mate of the steamer Schuylkill. Anchor line, Erie, 
was born in Padstow, Cornwall. England in 1845. He was reared a sailor, serving in the En- 
glish Merchant Marine until 1861, when he joined the United States Navy under Capt. C. 
H. Wells, of Admiral Farragut's fleet. Gulf Squadron, and after a year's service was honor- 
ably discharged. He afterward re-enlisted in the Navy, serving principally in the trans- 
port service till the end of the war when he was honorably discharged. He subsequently 
engaged in the American Merchant Marine where he continued until 1873, when he took 
up lake service. He was married in Brooklyn, N. Y., Dec. 6. 1876, to Mary Ann, daughter 
of George B. and Mary Marshall Jones, natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell belong 
to the Episcopal Church. He is a member of the K. of P. society. 

R. S. MOFFETT, dealer in crockery and glassware, Erie, was born in the Empire 
State, Aug, 14, 1844; son of Jairus and Almira (Brainard) Moffett. The former, who had 
been a merchant in early life and afterward Sheriff of Wyoming Co., N. Y., was a native 
of New York State, where he died in 1879. The latter was a native of Vermont, of Scotch 



932 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

descent. They were parents of two children, our subject being the youngest. He was 
educated in the academy at Perry and for seven years served as clerk in a dry goods store, 
afterward, in 1862, launching out in the same business for himself in Perr}', N. Y., in 
which he continued till 1869, when he came to Erie City and opened an extensive whole- 
sale and retail crockery, china and glassware room, which is 28x155 feet in dimensions. 
Mr. Moflett was married in Perry, N. Y., to Ruth, a native of Perry, N. Y., of Scotch de- 
scent, and daughter of Josiah Andrews. To this union was born one child — Allen, at 
school. Our subject and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church. In pol- 
itics he is a Republican. 

JOHN MOORE, retired sailor and business man, Erie, was born in Waterford Town- 
ship, Erie County, Penn., Nov. 20, 1812; son of John Moore, a hotel keeper, who came 
to this county in 1798 and carried on business at Waterford; he was a scfldier in the war 
of 1812, and reared five children. Our subject obtained his education in the common 
schools, when eleven years old going as a sailor on Lake Erie, where he continued most 
of the time till 1850; was for years clerk on a boat. During this period he also engaged 
in business in Erie City. 

R. S. MOORHEAD, Clerk of Erie County Courts, was born in Moorheadville, Har- 
bor Creek Township, this county, June 3, 1844; son of Joseph M. and Harriet E. (Scott) 
Moorhead, the former a farmer; they were natives of Pennsylvania, and both of Irish 
descent. Our subject was brought up on the farm and educated in the common schools. In 
1862, he enlisted in the 145th Reg . P. V. I. Co. D, serving as Regimental Postmaster until 
1865, when he was discharged. On his return home he followed farmmg until 1873, in 
which year he was appointed Inspector of Customs, which position he held until 1879, 
when he was elected Clerk of the Erie County Courts. In 1879, Mr. Moorhead married 
Mary Carroll, who bore him two children — Florence B. and Emma M. Mr. and Mrs. 
Moorhead are attendants of the Presbyterian Church. His grandfather, Col. James M. 
Moorhead, was with Perry on the occasion of his victory on Lake Erie. 

W. A. MORAND, photographer and artist, Erie, was born Sept. 29, 1842, in New York 
City, and is a son of the late George H. Morand, who :was the first photographer in that 
city. He attended school in his native city, and early in his boyhood days showed a decided 
talent and taste for painting, and his father enabled him to obtain a thorough art education 
in the studios of the most noted artists of the day in New York. For over twenty j'ears his 
mind and hand have been active in the profession he loves so well, and the result of his un- 
tiring efforts is his competency to cope with the best artists of this country. He makes 
portraits in oil and crayon a specialty, and finishes pictures in India ink and paints mini- 
atures in water colors. Mr. Morand is a photographer and artist not only in name but in 
education, one who understands the rules of art and chiaroscura, and the application of 
art principles in lighting, and posing his subjects, for herein lie the true merits of a pho- 
tographic portrait. Many of the engravings that appear in this work were copied from 
photographs taken bj'' him. He came to Erie in 1877, and merited a large patronage; was 
married, in 1862, to Marie Antoinette George, of Watertown, N. Y. ; the result of this un- 
ion has been two children, viz., W. A. (deceased) and Inez E. 

JOHN A. MOSER, Chief Engineer of Fire Department, Erie, was born in the Borough of 
Hoerdt, Bavaria, Germany, Oct. 15, 1838; son of George Moser, a hotel-keeper in Hoerdt. Our 
subject received his education in his native land, and came to America in 1851, settling in 
Erie City, where he served a regular apprenticeship as a molder three years; subsequently as 
a carpenter, at which occupation he worked for seventeen years. On May 15, 1877, he was 
elected Chief of the Fire Department, Erie City; is also Fire Inspector and Superinten- 
dent of the Fire Alarm. Mr. Moser married, in 1862, Maria Magdalena Hemmerlie, whose 
father was a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte, and, on coming to America in 1832, was 
one of the first settlers of Erie Co., where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 
1880. Mr. and Mrs. Moser are the parents of six children, all living. Our subject was a 
member of Erie City Council in 1874 and 1875; also a member of the License Board in 
1877. 

F. W. MULLER, contractor and builder, Erie, was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 27, 
1829. His father, a government ofBcer, followed Lafayette and served under him in this 
country in the war of Independence. He however returned to his native land, was en- 
gaged in the Government service, and is buried there. The subject of our sketch learned 
cabinet-making in his native land and at eighteen came to America. After spending two 
years in Ohio he came here and worked at his trade for a few years, but eventually took 
up building business, with which he has since been prominently identified. He was mar- 
ried, here, in 1851, to Barbara Speiser, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1829. 
To this union have been born four sons and seven daughters — Frederick William, a con- 
tractor and builder; Minnie, wife of John Sapper, a tinsmith of Erie; Mary; John, a car- 
penter; Joana, wife of Edward Mehl, a merchant of Erie; Henry, a carpenter; Emma; 
Chas., a carpenter; Elizabeth; Louisa and Katherine. The family are members of the 
Lutheran Church. He is a member of the Oddfellows and Harugari societies. 

D. T. MURRAY, manager for the W. U. Tel. Co., and L. S. & M. S. Ry., Union De- 
pot, Erie, is a native of Erie and a son of Thomas and Bridget (Foley) Murray, the 



CITY OF ERIE. 933 

former of whom was born and reared in County Tipperaiy, Ireland, and came here about 
1850, among the pioneer railway people who settled here. The mother was also a native 
of Ireland, born in County Waterford. Four of their sons and two daughters are living — 
D. T., J. C, Thomas, Jr., Mary, Daniel and Josephine. The subject of this sketch was 
reared to railroading, and when seventeen became a telegrapher, and when eighteen years 
old took charge of an office with same telegraph line, and in 1874 located here and has since 
been reputably connected with same line of business. He was married, in 1883, to Ellen 
Frances Hannon, a native of Erie Co. They are both members of the Roman Catho- 
lic Church and regular communicants. Mr. Murray is an active member and President of 
Branch 20 of the C. M. B. Association, and the Y. M. C. Lyceum, and he is President of 
the Board of Directors of that association; also a Common Councilman of the Municipal 
Government. 

HENRY NEUBAUER. of the firm of H. Neubauer & Son, Arcade Hotel, Erie, was 
born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany in 1825, and there learned shoe-making. He came to 
America in 1850, and located in Erie, where he carried on this business very successfully 
until 1860, when he engaged in merchandising, continuing in the same until 1878, when he 
took up his present business, having previously (1870) built his handsome hotel. He was 
united in marriage in 1851, with Elizabeth Lederer, of Bavaria. This union has been 
blessed with four sons and one daughter — John A., merchant, Frank, a member of the 
firm, Edward, Alfred and Anna. Mr. Neubauer is a member of the Erie City Benefit 
Association, Harugari and the Odd Fellows societies. 

JOHN F. NEUBAUER, retail liquor dealer, Erie, was born in Erie City, Penn., Sept. 
30, 1847, son of Jacob and Barbara (Fisher) Neubauer, natives of Germany, who came from 
thence to Erie in 1846. They were parents of ten children, five boys and five girls, all but 
two of whom are living. Our subject received his education in Erie City, then for a time 
worked at upholstering, but. on account of weak eyes, was compelled to give uphischoSen 
avocation. _ He then clerked in a furniture store. In 1881 Mr. Neubauer embarked in his 
present business, in which he has since continued. He is a member of the Lutheran 
Church; is a Republican in politics, and is a prominent member of the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen, Erie City. 

WILLIAM NICHOLSON, retired farmer, Erie, was born April 7, 1800, irv Fairview 
Township (then Allegheny Co.), now Erie Co. ; son of George and Jane (McKee) Nicholson, 
natives of Ireland, who came to this county in 1783, and purchased 200 acres of land of Sur- 
vey 315, surveyed by Thomas Reese. The land is now held by Mr. Marcus Lewis on a 
life lease, and eventually falls back to the Nicholson heirs. William Nicholson is the 
only one of his father's family now living. He is one of several lads who boarded one of 
the ships built for Commodore Perry's fleet, the Lawrence or the Niagara, the day they were 
launched, he being about twelve years of age. He remembers having heard Gen. La Fay- 
ette make a speech in Erie. June 4, 1825, and Maria C. Ball, she that was afterward Mrs. 
William Nicholson, was taken by the General and kissed, and this she remembers. She 
also well remembers many a time sitting on the knee of Red Jacket, the great Indian 
Chief, in her father's jewelry shop in Buffalo. William Nicholson's parents were among 
the earliest settlers of the county. He is the oldest man born in the county now living, 
while his only son is now twenty-seven years of age. Mr. Nicholson is a remarkable man 
for his years — eighty-four. He has been a thorough business man in his day, and has ac- 
cumulated much property and wealth. He is possessed of all his faculties, and can read 
very fine print without spectacles, and has the history of the county well fixed in his mind. 
He was married, Aug. 27, 1849, to Maria C, daughter of the late Sheldon Ball. They had 
three children, of whom only one son is now living — Walter V., who is at home with his 
parents, and is a promising young man. William Nicholson is said to resemble Gen. 
Jackson by all who have seen the General's portrait. His wife's father was one of the first 
jewelers and engravers in the city, some of his work surpassing anything of later day en- 
graving. 

WILLIAM F. NICK, druggist, Erie, was born in Germany, Sept. 6, 1845, son of G. F. 
W. and Louise (Teubner) Nick. Mr. Nick, Sr., also a druggist while in Germany, was hon- 
ored with a visit from Horace Greeley, when the latter was traveling in Europe, and was 
induced to emigrate to America in 1848 He came to Erie City in 1849, and is still active- 
ly engaged in business on State Street. Our subject has been in business in Erie City since 
1859. His premises, which are in the Scott Block, the finest building in the city, occupy a 
floor space of 20x165 feet, with an L frontage on Tenth street, of 20x40 feet. This, with 
a cellar under the entire building used for storing surplus stock, makes the largest drug 
store in the city of Erie. The business was established in 1862, and the firm was formerly 
composed of W. F. and H. C. Nick, but is now, since 1882, carried on by our subject, who 
graduated in pharmacy in New York. He was married, in 1868, to Matilda K. C., daugh- 
ter of Frederick Von Buseck, a resident of Erie Co. To this union were born Ida, Louise, 
William and Rachel. 

ORANGE NOBLE, founder and President of the Keystone National Bank, Erie, was 
born April 27, 1817, at Whitehall, N. Y. ; son of Salmon and Betsy (Delamater) Noble. 
The former, who had been a farmer, was a native of Massachusetts, but in early life moved 



934 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

to Washington Co., N. Y. ; the latter was a native of Xew York. They were parents of 
seven children — Orange, Laura, Horace W., IMar}' Ann, Helen C, Amelia and Carissa. 
Our subject remained on the farm with his father till he was twenty-three years of age, 
and was educated at the common schools and the Academy in Washington Co., N. Y. Jan. 
1, 1840 he married Minerva Reed, who bore him two children— Theodore F. and George H. 
Early in 1858 Mr. Noble moved to Crawford Co., this State, when he entered into partner- 
ship with his relative, G. B. Delamater, in merchandising and farmmg, as well as oil pros- 
pecting, and by 1863 they had made their fortune. In that year, the " Noble well " — the 
noblest in the world— yielded more than 2,000 barrels per da3\ In 1864 Mr. Noble became 
a resident capitalist of Erie City. In 1865 he purchased the Bay State Iron Works, and 
is to-da^^ its chief owner. At a cost of $135,000, he erected the Noble Block in this city, 
and in 1867 he and others erected the first elevator at this harbor, and in 1869 he became 
a large owner in the Blast Furnace. He was the original stockholder in the Burdett Organ 
Factory, the Dime Savings Bank and the Second National Bank, sole proprietor of ^he 
Noble Sewing Machine Company, and connected with many minor enterprises. He was 
founder of the Keystone National Bank and has been President of same for twenty years. 
Mr. Noble has been twice elected to the Mayoralty of Erie City, and once to a seat in the 
General Assembly. In politics he is a strong Republican. 

LYSANDER STERRETT NORTON, attorney at law, Erie, was born in Forestville, 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Jan. 26, 1845. His paternal ancestrj^ settled in Connecticut in 
1640; the branch from whicii he sprung removed to New York State about 1780, finallj" 
locating in Pennsylvania in 1830. His father. Rev. Niram Norton, devoted more than forty 
years to the ministr^^ and was a prominent divine among the Methodist clergy of his day. 
His mother, Ann M. Sterrett, was a niece of Judge Jo.seph M. Sterrett, whose sketch 
appears elsewhere in this volume. Our subject acquired his education in various schools 
and academies, including Allegheny College, Meadville, Penn., where he graduated at the 
age of nineteen in the class of 1864. He also graduated in the law department of Harvard 
University, class of 1808. Having acquired a thorough literary and legal education, he was 
admitted to the bar at Meadville in Oct., 1808. He "immediately entered upon the active 
practice of his profession at Erie, where he has since resided. In 1873 he formed a law 
co-partnership with Col. C. B. Curtis, which was continued until the latter's death in the 
spring of 1883. 'Mr. Norton enjoj's a line practice, and is regarded as one of the leading 
attornej^s at the bar. He was married, June 12, 1873, to Miss Mattie L. Curtis, young- 
est daughter of Col. C. B. Curtis, by whom he has one child — Carlton Curtis, born July 
20, 1876. 

RICHARD O'BRIEN, agent Pennsylvania Company operating Erie ct P. R. R., Erie, 
was born Feb. 25, 1825, at Dromig, County Cork, Ireland, sou of Richard and Ellen (Am- 
brose) O'Brien. He emigrated to Quebec, Canada, in 1847, and moved to Erie, Penn., the 
same year, where he acted as Clerk and book-keeper in the commercial and commission 
business at the harbor for nineteen j'ears. When the E. ct P. R. R. was completed in 1866 
to the harbor, he was appointed its agent, a position he has since continued to fill in an 
efficient manner. During the last thirty-seven years, from 1847 to 1884, he has been inti- 
mately associated with the lake business and the commerce of the harbor as employe, em- 
ployer, vessel-owner and railroad agent. He was married in Philadelphia in 1852, to Mar- 
garet, daughter of Denis McCarthy, who also emigrated from Ireland and was his com- 
panion from childhood. To this union were born four children— Catharine Annie, Joseph 
P. (an attorney at law), Ellen I. and Fannie. His first wife dying in 1868, Mr. O'Brien 
married in 1873, Mary, daughter of James Casej', of Erie. B}^ this union were born two 
children — Agnes Annie and jNIary. Mv. O'Brien is a member of the Catholic Church. 

ARTHUR O'DONNELL, livery and feed stables, on French between Fourth and 
Fifth streets, Erie, was born in 1846 in County Cavan, Ireland, and came to America in 
1862, locating at Norwalk, Ohio, where he remained several years: thence came to Erie in 
1871, and subsequently engaged in his present business. He was married here, Oct. 8, 
1878, by Rev. Thomas Case};, in St. Patrick's Cathedral, to Ellen Sarah, daughter of Will- 
iam ar.d Johana Delaney, natives of Ireland. Mrs. O'Donnell was born in Erie Co.; 
on Dec. 1, 1881, she departed this life in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church, 
and is buried in Trinitj" Cemetery beside her two infant daughters — Mary Frances and 
Johana, who had preceded her. 

JOHN O'HAGAN, chief clerk of the P. & E. Ry. Shops, Erie, was born in Newry, 
Blair Co., Penn.. June 24, 1844; son of Peter O'Hagan, a native of Ireland, who came to 
this country about 1823, and settled in this State. He was a merchant, and our subject 
was reared to the same industry, but at twenty- two took up railroading with which he has 
been since connected in this State. He came here in 1867 as a clerk for'the P. & E. R. R. 
Our subject was married in 1872, in his native place, to Maggie Mahoney, born in Blair 
Co., Penn.*, who has borne him three daughters — Lulu, Mary and Kate. She is a member 
of the Roman Catholic Church and a regular communicant. Mr. O'Hagan is an efficient 
member of the School Board of this city,' and has always been interested in the develop- 
ment of its social and industrial life. 



CITY OF ERIE. 935 

LEWIS W. OLDS, proprietor of the Wood Pump and Pump Log Factory, Erie, was 
born in East Mill Creek, Erie Co., Penu., July 21, 1823, sou of Asa Gilbert Olds, a native 
of Alstead, N. H., born Nov. 15, 1793, and who when a child was taken to Williamstown, 
Vt., where he resided until the spring of 1816, when he came to East Mill Creek, this 
county. Here he died Dec. 8, 1871. He married, April 17, 1821, Lucy Church, a native of 
Winchester, Conn., who bore him tive children, all now living, viz.: Lewis W., our sub- 
ject; Nelson, married and living in Greene Township, this county; Erskine, married and 
residing on the old homestead in East Mill Creek; Clarissa E.. married to Isaac Keeler 
May 2, 1882 (they together publish a monthly religious paper, called the Banner of Love, 
now at Washington^ D. C), and Emily J., teacher in the public schools, Erie City. John 
Church, father of Lucy (Church) Old's, enlisted when eighteen years of age during the 
Revolutionary war, at Saybrook, Conn., and went with Arnold to the Siege of Quebec in 
1776. He was present at the battle of Saratoga, and assisted Arnold off his horse when 
there wounded. Our subject received a part of his early education in a small log school- 
house in the country, with a slab bench for a seat. He finished his academic course at the 
Erie Academy, and was married in Erie City, May 9, 1848, to Louisa E. Ackerly, born in 
Middletown, N. Y., March 11, 1826. To this union were born Inez L., married to EugeneM. 
Tayntor, now live in Brooklyn, N. Y.; Clark, who graduated from the University of Michi- 
gan in 1870 after a four years' course, and when under twenty years of age; for several years 
he was in the United States Topographical Corps of Engineers, engaged in a survey of 
the upper lakes; having resigned, he went to Germany, and studied for a time at Leipsic 
University, and on his return to Erie he studied law, and is now practicing at the Erie bar; 
he married, Dec. 13, 1876, at Cortland, N. Y., Elizabeth L. Keator (have one son— Romeyne 
K. Olds); Nettie, an artist by profession, and now attending the Cooper Institute, New 
York; Phila, a graduate of Erie High School, at present at home; William C, married in 
Spence Creek Valley, Huntingdon Co., Penn., Jan. 9, 1884, to Mary Porter Brown, live in 
Erie, Penn. ; Florence, now at home, and Charlotte Marion, also at home. Mr. Olds com- 
menced the manufacture of pumps in East Mill Creek in 1844, and moved his pump works 
to Erie in 1853, and was the first man in the United States, and probably in the world, to 
reduce the old log pump to an article of commerce, and has stood in the front ranks of 
manufacturers ever since. His pumps have had an extensive sale in all parts of the 
country. 

WM. O'LONE, First Assistant Engineer Water Works, Erie, was born in Quebec Oct., 
1843. He remained in his native land until thirteen years old, when he went to New Or- 
leans, and began life for himself as a fireman on a steamboat, and as such continued until 
the breaking out of the war, when he came North, and located in Erie. He then became 
a local engineer for the E. & P. Ry., where he continued until 1876, when he was appointed 
to his present position. Our subject was married, Dec. 27, 1865, in Jamestown, Mercer 
Co., Penn., to Joan Conway, born in County Kilkenn3% Ireland, in 1848, and who came to 
this country with her parents, Michael and Mary Conway, of Jamestown, Penn. Nine 
children have blessed this union— Michael, Thomas, William F., John Henry, Mary Cath- 
erine, Letitia G., NeUie C, Josephine, Maggie and Agnes. Mr. and Mrs. O'Lone are mem- 
bers and regular communicants of the Rodman Catholic Church. Since coming here, our 
subject has served as a member of City Council; has been a member of the Executive 
Committee for several vears, and has occupied minor oflices. 

JACOB OSTHEIMER, of the firm of Baker, Ostheimer & Co., merchant tailors, Erie, 
was born Jan. 22, 1839, in Baden, Germany. He came to America when sixteen, and fol- 
lowed mercantile business in New York and Pennsylvania until 1860, when he located 
here, and engaged in merchandising, with which he has since been identified. He was 
united in marriage, March 8, 1860, with Sarah, daughter of P. Baker, of Erie. She was 
born in Germany, and departed this life here in 1872, leaving one son and a daughter- 
Isaac and Clara. She is buried in the Erie Cemetery. Mr. Ostheimer subsequently mar- 
ried a sister of his wife, Emma Baker, who has borne him a son and a daughter— Mortimer 
and Mamie. Mr. and Mrs. Ostheimer are members of the Synagogue. The former has 
served in the City Council and minor offices. 

CAPT. DOUGLASS OTTINGER. This gallant gentleman, now four score years of 
age, and Senior Captain (now retired) of the U. S. Revenue Marine Service, was born in 
Germantown, Penn., Dec. 11, 1804. His father was an officer in the Revolution, on the 
side of the patriots. Capt. Ottinger was educated at the common schools of Philadelphia, 
and when but a boy, entered the Commercial Marine Service, being rapidly raised to the 
command of a trading vessel. When the Revenue Marine Service was reorganized in 1832, 
he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of a revenue cutter, bj^ Andrew Jackson, and did 
service first on the cutter •' Benjamin Rush" and twelve months afterward was transferred 
to the cutter "Erie." As he early gave considerable attention to the invention of life- 
saving appliances, for the use and rescue of ocean travelers, he was appointed by the Gov- 
ernment, in 1848, to establish and equip the first life-saving station built on our coast, and 
in a short time there were established, under his direct supervision, eight of these stations 
on the New Jersey coast. At the petition of a commercial organization of gentlemen, he 
was granted by the Government in 1849, a furlough, without pay. and he entered the serv- 



936 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ice of the company, his first duty being to navigate their ship to the Gate City, on the 
Pacific coast. Reaching California, he was employed by the company to explore the coast, 
and while so engaged, he discovered and named Humboldt Bay, promptly apprising the U. 
S. Government "of the fact. He remained in the employ of this company only a few 
months; about two years as commander on the Pacific mail line of steamers, between the 
■ Isthmus of Panama and San Francisco. This was a highly lucrative position, which he 
relinquished at the request of the Government, to take command of the revenue cutter 
"Lawrence," at a salary of $1,200 per annum. He proposed to resign his commission, but 
was informed by the Secretary of the Treasury that it was his services, not his resignation 
that the Government desired. Patriot that he was, he obeyed the request, and from 1851 
to 1853, he commanded the cutter " Frolic;" his duty being to patrol the Pacific coast, in the 
interest of the revenue, from Oregon to San Diego, and also to act as police protector to 
the harbor of San Francisco, his being the only authority efficient to protect the shipping, 
some 400 vessels, and city from the general disposition to lawlessness that was at that time 
so prevalent'on the Western coast. From 1853 to 1856 he was stationed in the Gulf of 
Mexico, and afterward ordered to Lake Erie. When 'hostilities between the North and 
South began, he successfully navigated the revenue fleet of five vessels, from the lakes 
down the St. Lawrence, and around to Boston. This occurred in mid-winter, and in no 
part of Capt. Ottinger's experience were the qualities of an intelligent commander put to 
a severer test. In 1863 he commanded the revenue fleet off North Carolina. In 1864 he 
was directed to construct, according to his own model, a vessel for the revenue service. As 
a result, he gave to the department the " Commodore Perry," a vessel of uncommon speed 
and sea- worthiness. In 1870 he was made one of the commissioners to decide on the class of 
vessels best adapted to this branch of the service. Subsequently, he commanded the " Com- 
modore Perry," en Lake Erie. Capt. Ottinger is made historical on account of his invention 
of the life car, a peculiar appliance to rescue persons from stranded vessels in storms where 
lifeboats would be swamped. Through its use, on its first trial, it was the means of saving 
from the British ship " Ayrshire," stranded on the New Jersey coast Jan., 1850, 201 lives, 
and shortly afterward, through its use on the same coast, during a fearful gale, there were 
rescued from the ship "Georgia" 271 passengers; and thousands of lives have been saved 
by its use on our own shores and in Europe, and the apparatus he put at the 
first life-saving stations of the United States; he gave it free of tax for patent. The 
whole world "and all are free to manufacture and use this car. Capt. Ottinger 
receives no royalty except the consciousness of having created an implement 
that has already brought life and joy to thousands of his fellows, and bids 
fair to be employed in humane work so lontr as storms prevail upon the ocean. The Con- 
gress of 1858 recognized the value of this invention by voting to Capt. Ottinger the .sum 
of $10,000. In 1883 Capt. Ottinger visited Europe, and while in England he received 
many testimonials of respect. In 1830 Capt. Ottinger married Emily, daughter of Rev. 
Watkinson, of Pemberton, N. Y. ; their relations were most happ,y for the fiftj^ years or 
more of their married life. He was bereft of her Jan. , 1883. Capt. Ottinger has no children 
He is a genial gentleman, well preserved and very popular. He is a veteran sailor, and 
emphatically a Christian, being for many years Senior Warden of St. Paul's Episcopal 
Church at Erie, Penn. We present a fine steel portrait of Capt. Ottinger in this work. 

N. C. OUT WAIT, painter, Erie, was born in Boston, Mass., in 1833, son of Daniel 
Outwait, who was a ship-carpenter. Our subject was reared on the island of St. Thomas, 
West Indies, but at eleven went to sea, and followed the same for eleven years, when he 
took service on lake vessels for six years. Retiring from a sailor's life, he engaged in his 
present vocation, subsequently locating here, and has since been identified with the build- 
ing interests of the city. He was united in marriage, in 1858, with Victoria, daughter of 
Benjamin and Rachel'Morgan, who came from Wales and settled here over forty-five years 
ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Outwait have been born a family of four sons and four daughters — 
Ellabelle L., Benjamin A., S. Roger, N. C, Jr., Rachel B. and Sara I.; also Effort S. and 
Nannie M., now deceased. The family are members of the Central Presbyterian Church. 
Mr. Outwait is an active member in the Masonic, Odd-fellows and K. of P. societies. 

THOMAS PASKETT, proprietor of stone quarry, residence Erie City, was born in 
London, England, Sept.29,1841, son of ThomasandMary Ann (Booth) Paskett, natives of the 
same; the former a butcher. Our subject acquired his education and learned his father's 
business in his native land; there married, in 1863. Keziah, daughter of James and Mary 
Booth, natives of En^and. To this union have been born four children — Fannie J., Ada. 
Anna Elizabeth and Frederick C. Mr. and Mrs. Paskett are members of the Episcopal 
Church. Soon after their marriage (same year) they embarked for America, and after 
remaining in New York two years, came to Erie City, where he embarked in the butch- 
ering trade, in which he has been very successful; is owner of valuable propertj' in Erie 
City, and of stone and sand quarries in Le Bceuf Township, this county. He is a Repub- 
lican in politics; served two terms in the Common Council and one in the Select Council 
of Erie Citv. and has been a delegate to the Erie Countv Convention. 

JOSEPH E. PATTERSON, of the firm of Patterson & Hayes, merchants, Erie, was 
born in Springfield Township, Erie Co., Penn., July 25, 1841, son of Robert and Louise 



CITY OF ERIE. 939 

(Ellis) Patterson. The former a farmer, was a native of this county, of Irish extraction; 
the latter of Mass., of English descent. They were the parents of two children — William S., 
deceased in 1878, and Joseph E. Oursubject was educated in the common schools and Spring- 
field Academy. In about 1860, he entered mercantile business with his brotlier in Spring- 
field, this county, carrying it on for five years; in 1866, removed to Erie, and remained for 
two years further in same line of trade. Since then our subject has been engaged in the 
manufacture of galvanized ornaments, for beautifying the outside of buildings. This 
business is so extensive as to furnish employment for ten clerks. Mr. Patterson was mar- 
ried to Mattie M. Dyke, sister of Logan J. Dyke, who once served as Treasurer Erie Co. 
To this union were born— Georgia and Clyde. Our subject and wife are members of the 
Central Presbyterian Church. 

SETH TODD PERLEY, attorney at law and claim agent, Erie, was born in Erie City 
in 1840, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (McCartney) Perley, the former a native of Massa- 
chusetts, of English lineage, the latter a native of near Dublin, Ireland. They moved 
from New York to Erie City in 1840. Samuel Perley being a newspaper editor and pub- 
lisher, brought printing material with him and established the Erie Chronicle, which he 
continued until 1855. in which year he handed the paper over to his oldest son, Capt. James 
Perley, now in the Treasury Department, Washington, in which city Samuel Perley died 
in 1881. Samuel Perley was elected Prothonotary of Erie County in 1851, serving three 
years, but declined rcrclection. Of Samuel Perley's ten children, seven grew to maturity. 
Our subject, the only one of the family residing in Erie County, was educated in Erie and 
Girard Academies, and studied law under Col. Benjamin Grant and Hon. Edgar Cowan, 
the latter a United States Senator from Pennsylvania. Our subject has held several 
responsible positions in Washington; for four years he was in the Treasury Department. 
On his return to Erie, in 1865, he immediately engaged in his profession, and has pursued 
it ever since. 

THOMAS PICKERING, liveryman, Erie, was born at East Islington, Yorkshire, En- 
gland, in 1843. He removed with his people to Oakville, Canada, where he was reared and 
educated. At twenty years of age, he came to this couaty, locating in this city, but subse- 
quently engaged in oil operations in this State. He retired from this, and subsequently 
started in his present business, which he has since successfully conducted. Our subject 
was united in mai-riage, in 1865, in Erie, with Kittle Knoll, who is a fine musician. This 
union has been blessed with one son — Hutsey. Mr. Pickering is an active member of the 
A. O. U. W. societv. 

W. W. PIERCE, of the firm of W. W. Pierce & Co., hardware, No. 719 State street, 
Erie, one of Erie s successful business men, was born Oct. 27, 1842, in the Empire State; 
son of Seneca and Lucy (Pitcher) Pierce, natives of New York and of English descent. 
Seneca was a tanner, and reared six boys and six girls. Our subject received 
a district school education, and at eighteen commenced clerking in a hardware store. 
In 1863 he embarked in business at North East, this county, and in 1864 came to 
Erie, where he has since continued in the same business, with more than average 
success. His business house, one of the finest in the county, is a four-stoiy structure, 100x24 
feet, and is well, stocked. Mr. Pierce was married, in 1867, at North East, to Josephine, 
daughter of J. H. Haynes, a prominent man of that place. They have four children — 
William B.. Louise H., George S. and Howard H. Our subject is a Democrat in politics; 
has served as member of the City Council; is a member of the School Board, Knights of 
Honor, and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. 

HORACE L. PINNEY, deceased, was born in Connecticut in 1815, son of Elijah and 
Mahala (Grant) Pinney, the latter of Scotch extraction. The former came to Erie County 
about 1838, settling in Mill Creek Township with his father, who was a farmer. Our sub- 
ject taught schoolfor sixteen winters in early life, in this county, but by occupation was 
a farmer through life. In 1844 he moved to Greene Township, this county, where he was 
a Justice of the Peace twenty-five years. Our subject married, in 1842, Mrs. Sarah Shan- 
non, daughter of William SaUsman. To this union were born six children, five now living: 
A. S. andE. H., twins, the latter a resident of Michigan, dealer in real estate, owner of 
982 acres of valuable land: A. M., a farmer in Mill Creek Township; Rose E., at home; Kate 
M., wife of Dr. W. K. Byron, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. A. S. Pinney is a dealer in 
hardware, farming implements, wagons, carriages, etc., etjc., on Peach street, Erie. He 
was born in Erie County, March 23, 1845, and acquired his education in the Belle Valley 
School and Erie Academy. His first occupation was clerking, and he is now proprietor of 
a first-class hardware store, which he is eslimably well calculated to manage, having a 
practical knowledge of all its details. A. S. Pinney was married, in Erie City, in 1869, to 
Minnie Morse, born in New York State, daughter of A. A. Morse, a resident of Wisconsin. 
To this union there is one child — Nellie, born April 22, 1871. In politics Mr. Pinney is a 
Democrat. Our subject. Horace Pinney, died Feb. 20, 1878. In politics he was a Demo- 
crat. His widow is yet living in Erie County, now in her seventy-third year. She is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. 

S. T. POLLOCK, Tax Collector, Second Ward, Erie, was born Jan. 31, 1825, sou of 
Matthew and Hannah (McClure) Pollock, natives of the north of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish 



940 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

extraction. Thej^ came to America in 1817, remaining for a few j^ears in Lycoming Co., 
Penn., and in 1824 moved to Erie County, settling in Mill Creek Township. They were 
both born in the month of February, and both died in April, 1863, within a few days of 
each other. Matthew Pollock had been a farmer all his life. They were parents of Mar- 
garet, died in 18(55, wife of M. Reed, had one son, W. J. Reed; D. C, a farmer; H. J.; 
John, died in 1849; Alexandria, died in 1837; M. G., Mary C. and S. T. Our subject is now 
owner of the home place and a residence in Erie City. He is unmarried, and has his two 
sisters residing with him. After receiving a good education, Mr. Pollock farmed until 
1873, when he came to Erie City. In 1881 he was appointed Tax Collector for the Second 
Ward. The family are all members of the U. P. Church, of which their father had been 
a Deacon, and our subject is an Elder. Mr. Pollock and his brothers are Republicans in 
politics. 

REV. JOSEPH H. PRESSLY, D. D., deceased, was born April 15, 1817. in South Car- 
olina, son of John T. and Jane (Herst) Pressly, natives of South Carolina, of Irish descent. 
Our subject acquired his education in Washington and Jefferson College, where he took 
his degree of D. D. His father was Professor of the Theological Seminary iK Allegheny 
City, where our subject remained live years. After tinishing his course in theology, Dr. 
Pressly came to Erie City in 1845, to take charge of the United Presbyterian Church there, 
of which he was pastor twenty-nine years. Our subject was married, in 1847, to Anna E. 
Smith, daughter of Thomas and Margaret H. (Stewart) Smith, former a native of Ireland, 
latter of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. To this union were born nine chil- 
dren — John T., a farmer in Erie County; Joseph H., at Saginaw, Mich., in the employ of 
F. F. Adams & Co. (he married Hattie Waters, of Warren; their family consists of two 
children — Joseph H. and Ralph McDermit); Robert S., a farmer; Jennie, at home; William 
W., Maggie L., Mary M., Harry S. and Sarah Belle. Five of the children are members of 
the church. Rev. J. H. Pressly at first intended to pursue the study of medicine, but a 
quotation from the Bible, which his father used in a letter to him while at school caused 
him to devote his life to the ministry. He died Nov. 3, 1874, in Erie City, Penn. He was 
President of the School Board and Trustee of Erie Academy. In politics, he was a Repub- 
lican. 

GILES D. PRICE, Clerk in County Commissioner's office, Erie, was born in North 
East, this county, Aug. 23, 1838, son of Erastus and Jane (Cosper) Price; the father a na- 
tive of New York, of English descent, died when our subject was one year old. The 
mother was a native of Erie Co., of Dutch descent. Our subject received a common 
school training, and chose the occupation of salesman, which he followed from the age of 
sixteen to twenty-two. He then went to Pike's Peak and worked in the gold regions four 
and one-half years, when he returned to Erie Co. and engaged in the milling business 
in Venango Township, Erie Co., ten years. In 1875 he was elected Prothonotary of 
Erie Co., and re-elected in 1878, serving in that capacity till January 1, 1882, and in 
1883 was appointed to his present position. In October, 1866, he was married to Augusta, 
daughter of Henr}^ O. Chase, of North East, Erie Co., whose family history dates back 
200 years. To this union were born Harriet Jane, Olive Cosper, Mabel Gertrude and 
Eleanor Carr. Mrs. Price is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject was a 
Justice of the Peace while a resident of Venango Township. In politics he is a Republi- 
can. 

W. J. QUINN, embalmer and funeral director, Erie, was born in Ireland, July 30, 
1847, son of John and Mary Quinn, the former of whom died when W. J. was a child. In 
1855 our subject came with his mother to America, settling in Newport, R. I., where he 
learned the carpenter's trade. In 1861 he enlisted in the Ist R. I. Cav., Com. A, serving 
three years and participating in about tw^enty battles. Mr. Quinn was married, in New 
York City in April, 1883, to Sarah McMahon, of Irish descent, whose father was an officer 
in the Confederate aripy. Mr. and Mrs. Quinn are members of the Catholic Church. Our 
subject has been in business since 1878. 

CHRISTIAN RABE, Sk., wholesale wines and liquors and retail groceries and pro- 
visions, Erie, was born in Freienhagen, Waldeck, Germany, Aug. 1, 1830. He there 
learned the cooperage and brewing business. In 1857 he came to America, and subse- 
quently went to work in the brewing business in New. York State. In 1861 he came to 
Pennsylvania, and there followed coopering. In 1862 he came to this city, and carried on 
a cooperage establishment, doing a nice business. In 1864 he was drafted into mili- 
tary service, but on account of his young family he gave up all his hard earned accumula- 
tions in business for the purchase of a substitute, and continued at work. He subsequently, 
however, left off coopering and took up merchandising, and has by dint of steady and 
persistent industry secured a very handsome competence, and is carrying on a well pay- 
ing business. He married, in New York State, Euphrosyne Mayer, who was born in 
Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to this country about 1856. They have a family of four 
sons— Christian, Jr., William, Henry and Louis. Mr. Rabe is an active member of the 
Odd-fellows and Harugari societies. 

HUGH RAMSEY, contractoi-, builder and manufacturer, Erie, was born in Scotland, 
Jan. 9, 1829; son of Thomas Ramsey, who was a farmer all his life. Our subject was 



CITY OF ERIE. 941 

reared on the farm, and educated in the common schools of his native land. When 
eighteen years old he commenced learning the trade of a carpenter, at which he served 
four years. He emigrated to New Brunswick in 1863; after a year went to Canada, where 
he worked at his trade till 1865, when he came to Erie City. After working at the same 
occupation here for two years he formed a partnership with a Mr. Constable at manufact- 
uring and building. This was not a success, and Mr. Ramsey lost $17,000. He then 
engaged in contracting and building on his own account, and is now doing a prosperous 
business, employing on an average twenty men; is also engaged in manufacturing the Cap 
Sheaf feed mill, which bids fair to prove a success. In 1858 our subject was married at 
Ardrossan, Ayrshire, Scotland, to Margaret Alexandra, by whom he has the following 
children: Thomas, William (both assisting their father, the latter as a book-keeper), Nellie, 
Lillie, Hugh, Jr., and Florence. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey are members of the Park Presby- 
terian Church. 

DR. A. Z. RANDALL, Coroner of Erie Co., Erie, was born at Cold Creek, Allegany 
Co., N. Y^ Oct. 12, 1840; son of Dr. Thomas Jefferson Randall, a physician in that 
county, ana a graduate of Fairfield College, Herkimer Co., N. Y. In 1844 the Lamily 
located in Edinboro, this county, where Dr. T. J. Randall remained prominently identified 
with his profession until his death, which occurred Jan. 25, 1873. The subject of this 
sketch received his literary education in the State Normal School at Edinboro, and after 
completing a long course of studies there he commenced the study of medicine with his 
father as preceptor, after which he attended two full courses of lectures at the University of 
Michigan at Ann Arbor during the years 1862, 1863 and 1864. and finally graduating honora- 
bly at that institution on the 30th day of March, 1864. He then located at Wattsburg, where 
he practiced two years, thence came here, and, with the exception of nearly five years 
practice in Crawford Co., two years at Union City and nearly two years at Edinboro, 
has since been reputably connected with the medical profession here. He was appointed 
Health Inspector of the borough of South Erie in 1866, and Examining Surgeon of Pen- 
sioners in 1867, filling this important ofiice until 1873. During 1867 and 1868 he was Sur- 
geon for the P. «& E. Railway, and was appointed Vaccinating Physician of the city in 
1883. He was previously elected Coroner of the county in Nov., 1881, to serve three years, 
receiving a very flattering vote from his constituents. April 29, 1863, he married Ellen 
Lucy Congleton, of Edinboro, a lady of fine literarj^ attainments, and has three sons — 
Thomas Carlyle, Elmer Ellsworth and Grant Almont. Dr. Randall is an active member 
and Examining Physician of Garfield Lodge, No. 197, of the A. O. U. W., as well as a 
member of the Red Men, No. 252, Erie Tribe, and Examining Physician for the same. He 
has for years been a prominent member of the Erie County Medical Society, having held 
various offices in it while connected with the same, being at the present time one of the 
Censors. Politically he has always been a stanch Republican. 

GEORGE D. REAVLEY, druggist, 916 Parade Street, Erie, was born near Alnwick, 
Northumberland, England, in 1841, where he was educated to his present business. When 
twenty years old he came to America, and settled in Erie in 1873, where he has since been 
prominently identified with the drug trade. He was united in marriage, in 1873, with 
Emma McKenney, who departed this life in 1877, leaving a daughter, Mabel, and is buried 
in the Youngsville Cemetery. Our subject was again married, in Oct., 1880, to Mrs. Jen- 
nie M. (Carlin) Zurn, who has a daughter — May. During the late war, Mr. Reavley did 
active service on the U. S. steamer '"Curlew," of the Gulf Squadron, from which he was 
honorably discharged at the close of the rebellion. He is a member in the following 
societies: Odd-fellows, United Workmen, Sons of St. George and of the G. A. R. 

THE REED FAMILY.— A history of Erie Co. would be "like the play of Hamlet 
with Hamlet out," unless some account were given of the Reed family, who may be said 
to have been the pioneers in its development. Col. Seth Reed, the founder of the family 
fortune, was a physician at Uxbridge, Mass. When the Revolution broke out, he was given 
command of a regiment, and fought at Bunker Hill. At what date he removed is not 
known, but we next hear of him in Ontario Co., N. Y., where he became possessed of a 
tract of land eighteen miles in extent by a trade with the Indians. Becoming impressed 
in some way with the favorable location of the new tow^n of Erie, and believing that it 
would grow to be an important place, he sold out his Ontario Co. estate, and, with his wife 
and sons — Charles John and Manning — left for the frontier. At Buffalo he fell in with 
James Talmadge, who had fitted out a .sail boat to run between that place and Erie, with 
whom a contract was made to bring the party and the few goods they had along to their 
destination. They reached the harbor of Erie on the evening of the last day of June or 
first day of July, 1795, and camped on the peninsula for fear of the Indians. Thos. Rees 
and a company of State militia under the command of Capt. John Grubb, with some 
friendly Indians, were quartered upon the Garrison ground. On seeing the fire in Mr. 
Reed's camp they were greatly alarmed, thinking a hostile band had landed there prelim- 
inary to an attack. Sentinels were kept on watch all night, and the troops were ordered 
to be ready at any moment to meet the expected foe. In the morning a boat, with men 
well armed, carrying a flag of truce, and accompanied by a canoe-load of friendly Indians, 
was sent over to the peninsula to ascertain the cause of alarm. On landing, which they 



942 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

did with extreme caution, they were surprised to find a white man and his family, who 
were, if possible, worse scared than themselves. Mutual explanations ensued, and both 
parties were agreeably disappointed to find that those they had mistaken for foes were la 
reality friends. Soon after his arrival Col. Reed proceeded to the erection of a place of 
shelter for his family. This, the first building on the site of Erie, was a one-story log 
cabin, covered with bark, and located at the mouth of Mill Creek. It had no floor, and 
strips of bark were used for carpets. Col. Reed concluded to open a public house, and 
labeled his cabin the "Presque Isle Hotel." Martin Strong, who visited Erie about this 
time, says the house was provided "with plenty of good refreshment for all itinerants 
that chose to call." In Sept., Col. Reed's sons— Rufus S. and George — came on by way of 
Pittsburgh, with Mrs. Thos. Rees and Mrs. J. Fairbanks. The Colonel remained at the 
mouth of Mill Creek until the ensuing season, when, after putting up another and better 
building, which he placed in charge of Rufus, he moved to a farm that he had located on 
the flats of Walnut Creek, on the present site of Kearsarge. Here he remained, in a rough 
cabin, until his death on the 19th of March, 1797, at the age of fifty-three. His house was 
about forty rods west of the Waterford road, in the rear of Capt. Zimmerly's brick resi- 
dence. The body of Col. Reed was buried on the farm at Walnut Creek, there being no 
regular place of interment in the county. The remains were removed three times — first to 
the United Presbyterian graveyard, at the corner of 8th and Peach streets ; second, to the 
Episcopal graveyard, and lastly, to the family lot in the Erie Cemeterv. Hannah, his wife, 
died Dec. 8, 1831, in her seventy-fourth year. Chas. J. Reed went with his father to Wal- 
nut Creek, and occupied the farm after his death. He was joined in wedlock to Rachel 
Miller on the 27th of Dec, 1797. The event is notable as the first marriage in the county. 
The ceremony was performed in Erie by Thomas Rees, who had received a justice's com- 
mission, and the young couple rode to their Walnut Creek home in a plain sled kept at the 
fort. Mr. Reed died "in 1830, and Mrs. Reed in 1851. George W. Reed, another of the 
sons, went two miles further up the creek, in Summit Township, and located a farm. 
From there he moved to Waterford and opened a public house. In 1826 he changed to 
Erie, where he continued in the hotel business a number of years; he returned to Water- 
ford in 1844, and died there in 1847. Rufus S. Reed, the most prosperous and best known 
of the sons, always remained in Erie. He was born at Uxbridge, Mass., on the 11th of 
Oct., 1775. While the rest of the family took to farming, his taste was altogether for busi- 
ness, in which he was extraordinarily successful. He started a store in 1796, which did a 
big trade with the Indians, the soldiers and the settlers. In 1797 he began an extensive 
fur trade with the Indians, which proved to be very profitable. His boats were running 
constantly on the lake, loaded with store goods one way and furs the other. He secured 
large Government contracts for supplying the western posts with beef, pork, flour an d 
whisky. His business becoming too large for him to conduct alone, he associated Giles 
San ford in the mercantile branch, and the partnership continued many years. In 1817-18, 
he erected a grist mill and distillery on Parade Street, near Fifth. Seven years later he 
built another distillery on his farm, near the corner of Parade Street and the Buifalo road. 
He purchased large bodies of land and fed many cattle, which he either killed or drove to 
the Eastern market. He became an extensive owner of lake vessels, and was the foremost 
man in enterprise in the whole lake country. As a specimen of his genius, it may be 
stated that the law forbade the sale of ardent spirits to the Indians bythe gill, quart or 
barrel. Mr. Reed evaded the statute, and preserved the peace of his conscience by having 
a hollow stick made, and selling the liquid by the yard. Rufus S. Reed was married 
twice, his first wife being Dolly, daughter of Jonathan Oaks, of PalmsTa, N. Y. The 
ceremony was characteristic of the man. In 1798, lie left Buffalo by lake with a lot of 
goods in small boats. The party stopped in the evening at the mouth of Smoke's Creek 
(now Hamburg, N. Y.), where Mr. Reed informed the men that he had a matter of busi- 
ness to attend to some three miles back in the country. He was gone all night, and 
returned in the morning accompanied by his wife. She died the same year, and was buried 
by the side of Col. Seth Reed, at Walnut Creek. In 1801 he married Agnes, daughter of 
Gen. William Irvine, who bore him one son, the well-known Gen. Charles M. Reed. The 
marriage ceremony was performed by Thos. Robinson, a Justice of the Peace at North 
East. Rufus S. Reed died at the age of seventy, on the 1st of June, 1846. Jeavmg the 
largest fortune that had been accumulated up to tliat time in the lake shore region. Gen. 
Charles M. Reed, the only child of Rufus S. Reed, inherited his father's great business 
abilities. He was born in Erie in 1803; after receiving the best education the schools of 
the time afforded, he was sent to college at Washington, Penn., and from there went to 
Philadelphia, where he read law, and was admitted to the bar in 1821. Returning to Erie, 
he almost Immediately engaged in business with his father, and developed such aptitude 
for money making that it was a question which was the more skillful of the two. He early 
foresaw the advantage of steam in navigation, and became the largest owner of steamboats 
on the lakes. Some of his boats were fitted up magnificently, equaling the finest of the 
present day. While the canal was at the height of its prospeVit}\ he realized all the ben- 
efits of that enterprise, and wiien the time came for building railroads, he quickly grasped 
their importance. In his early years he was fond of military display, and became a Brig- 



CITY OF ERIE. 943 

adier General of militia. He served a year in the State Legislature and a term in Con- 
gress. In politics he was first a Whig and then a Eepublican. He died in the mansion 
at the corner of West Sixth Street and the park, on the 18lh of Dec, 1871, in the sixty- 
ninth year of his age. His fortune at the time of his death was variously estimated at 
from $5,000,000 to $15,000,000. None but the family and a few intimate friends know the 
exact amount, but it was certainly not less than the sum first named. Gen. Reed was 
married, in 1836, to Miss Harriet Gilson. of Watertowc, N. Y., who is still living. They 
had a number of children, of whom only two sons, Charles N. and Lloyd G., survive; 
Hattie, one of the daughters, married Hon. Henry Rawle, and at her death left'two chil- 
dren, who are heirs to their mother's portion of the large estate. It will be seen from the 
above that Charles M. and Lloyd G. are the fourth generation of the Reeds in Erie. All 
of the members of Col. Seth Reed's familj- are buried in the Reed lot in the Erie Cemetery. 
W. W. REED, civil engineer and railway contractor, was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, 
April, 1824. His father, W. W. Reed, was the first white child born within the limits of 
Erie City, the datebeingFeb. 20, 1797. His mother, Elizabeth J. Reed, now in her eighty- 
seventh year, resides with her son. To this couple were born eight children, W. W. being 
the second in order of birth. The other surviving children are: Elizabeth, wife of Prof. 
A. H. Caughey; E. W., the present Postmaster^of the city, and Sarah A., at home. Will- 
iam W. Reed, Sr., for a number of years was a prominent and successful merchant in 
Ashtabula, but meeting with financial reverses, the subject of our notice was forced to 
leave school at an early age and commence work. He shipped as cook on a schooner, and 
by strict attention to duty gained rapid promotion, ard in two years held the position of 
first mate, and made several trips with a vessel as acting master, before he was twenty 
years of age. Quitting the water he accepted a clerkship in a general store in Mercer Co., 
where he remained until the spring of 1849, when he obtained employment as civil engi- 
neer on the Erie & North East Railroad, which position he held for two years, when he 
accepted the appointment of resident engineer on the Northern Railroad in Canada. In 
1859 he was elected General Superintendent of the Pennsylvania & Erie Canal, and served 
in that capacity until the canal was 'abandoned. In 1867 he was chosen President of the 
Board of Water Commissioners, of Erie City, and served twelve years. In 1876, 1878 and 

1880, Mr. Reed w^as supported by a large majority of the Republicans of Erie Co. for the 
Republican nomination for Congress, in the Twenty-seventh Congressional District of 
Pennsylvania, but having incurred the hostility of the other counties in the district by his 
fight against the Pennsylvania system of giving all counties, large and small, the same 
number of delegates in a Congressional convention, he always failed to get the District 
nomination. Mr. Reed is an active, successful business man, and generally conducts his 
projects to a successful issue. He is unostentatious, but very liberal in dispensing charity. 
He has never married, but his attachment to his father's family is strong and beautiful; 
few are so faithful in the discharge of filial trusts. Though past three score years of age, 
Mr. Reed appears to be still in the prime of life. 

EDMUND W. REED, Postmaster of Erie City, was born at Ashtabula, Ohio, Sept. 8, 
1833, son of William W. and Elizabeth I. (Smith) Reed. Our subject acquired his educa- 
tion in Ashtabula High School and Erie Academy. Early in life he learned telegraphy 
and was an operator for three years. He also studied civil engineering and was employed 
with his brother, W. W. Reed, at this business for ten years. At the breaking out of the 
war, he promptly enlisted and was elected Second Lieutenant of Company K, 83d Reg., P. 
V. I. During the seven days' battle at Gaines' Mill, he was wounded in the breast, from 
the effects of which he has never fully recovered. He was discharged in 1863, on account 
of disability. For the first two years after his return home he was unable to do anything. 
Later he engaged in the coal business, which he still continues. He was appointed Post- 
master of Erie City, July 1, 1881, by James A. Garfield, and took charge of the ofiSceJuly 18, 

1881, and this position he still occupies. Mr. Reed was married, in Erie City in 1868, to 
Abbie P. Hilton, daughter of Maj. A. C. Hilton. To this union have been born four chil- 
dren— W. W., Archie Hilton (deceased), Rufus S. and Marion Winifred. Mr. and Mrs. 
Reed are members of St. Paul's Church, of Erie City. 

THOMAS REES, deceased. The subject of this sketch was a native of Northumber- 
land Co., Penn., and though he did not bring his family to Erie as early as some of the 
other pioneers, still he was the first to begin business in the lake region. Mr. Rees, after 
taking an active share in the stirring events of the Revolution, was appointed Deputy 
State Surveyor as soon as the northwest was thrown open to settlement. The commision 
was dated May 16, 1792. He opened an office in Northumberland Co., and in following 
year struck out through the forest and reached an Indian village on the banks of Lake 
Erie, a site now occupied by the city of Buffalo. In 1794 he visited Presque Isle, and 
made a survey on about four hundred warrants issued to him for survey. In the spring of 
following year, Mr. Rees went to his district with surveyors and others, who wanted to 
take up land. Mr. Rees was then agent for the Pennsylvania Population Company, and 
the first sales were all articled by him. He had a tent on the bank of the bay, which was 
the first real estate otfice ever established in Erie, and eighty-six years before J. W. Shan- 
non opened one on State Street in the Reed Block. Mr. Rees was the first Justice of the 



944 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Peace appointed in Erie Co. In 1802 he removed from Erie to his property in Har- 
bor Creek, discontinued the real estate agency, and laid out his lands into separate farms, 
which have ever since been known as the " Rees Reserve," on which he lived until his 
death, which occurred in May, 1848. 

DAVIS REES, General Freight Agent, P. & E. R. R., Erie, was born in Lewis Co., 
N. Y., Sept., 1843, son of Richard and Marj^ (Davis) Rees, former a native of New York 
of Welsh descent, latter a native of New Jersey, of Scotch lineage. Our subject's grand- 
father, William Rees, came from Wales to America in 1800, settling in Lewis Co., N. Y., 
and his great-grandfather, by his mother's side, Thomas Gordon, came to New York in 
1740. Richard Rees was amerchant up to the time of his decease in 1862. He came to 
Erie City in 1852; was at one time in business in Brooklyn, N. Y. His wife was a sister 
of Judge Gordon, and Peter Styker, late President First National Bank of Philadelphia, 
was connected with her family. Our subject is the only member residing in Erie Co., of a 
family of six children, one deceased. He acquired his education in his native county, at 
Lewis University, N. Y., and in Erie City he graduated in 1860 from Lewis University. 
Choosing the vocation of clerk, he worked for his father in the dry goods business until 
1863, since which date he has been in the employment of the R. R. Co., one year excepted. 
Mr. Rees is a Knight Templar. 

AVILLIAM F. RINDERNECHT, merchant. Prominent among the business men of 
Erie Co. is the senior member of the firm of AVilliam F. & J. J. Rindernecht, dealers in 
hats, caps and furnishing goods, 502 State Street; groceries and ship chandlery, 504 
State Street, Erie. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, January 8, 1818; son of F. B. 
Rindernecht, a weaver by trade, who emigrated with his family to America in 1832. His 
wife died when William F. was a small boy. They were parents of four children. Our 
subject received his education in the High School of his native place, and having studied 
Latin and Greek, is a proficient scholar. He graduated the same year he came to 
America (1832). On his arrival in the United States, he followed various occupations, 
worked on a farm two years, then on a canal ten months. He next came to Eagle Village, 
now known as South Erie, where he clerked in a general store for Jacob Hanson for three 
years. Mr. Rindernecht served as Constable of Erie City from 1841 to 1843. He then 
embarked in the grocery business, which he continued in from 1843 to 1866, with good suc- 
cess. In 1866 he formed a partnership with John Eliot in a private banking concern 
which existed four years, and our subject is now in the furnishing and grocery trade. Mr. 
Rindernecht was married in 1846 to Mary Eliza Justice, a native of this city, daughter of 
Capt. John Justice, an early settler of this county, by trade a carpenter and ship builder. 
To this union were born two boys, both deceased when young. Our subject and wife are 
members of the First Presbyterian Church. He has beeri School Director for .several 
terms and a member of Erie City Council four terms. In politics he is a Republican. 

C. F. ROOS, groceries and provisions, corner Eighth and Myrtle Streets, Erie, was 
born in Wurtemberg. Germany, in 1829. When fourteen years old, he came to America 
with his people, who settled in McKean Township this county, where his father followed 
farming. The subject of this sketch learned carpentering, which he followed for neai'ly 
thirty years, when he retired from it, and, in 1883, engaged in his present business. He 
was united in marriage, in 1855, with Rachael Hershey, of Erie Co., by whom he has had 
two sons and three daughters: Florence Eve (deceased); Henry F., in business with his 
father; Anna Amelia; Charles E. (in business with his father) and Calvin. The family are 
members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Roos has always taken a prominent part toward 
building up this city, and specimens of his workmanship can be found in many of the 
handsome residences and business houses of Erie. 

LOUIS ROSENZWEIG, of the firm Allen & Rosenzweig, attorneys at law, oflice 
Dim« Block, Erie, was born in Macon, Ga., April 25, 1844; son of Isaac and Bena(Backer) 
Rosenzweig, natives of Germany, and who came to America when children. Isaac Rosen- 
zweig was a general merchant and came to Erie City in 1845 or 1846. Our subject is a self- 
made man, having had his schooling at Erie City Public Schools prior to the age of four- 
teen. He clerked in his father's store till he attained his fifteenth year, when he took full 
charge of the business. Resolving to follow a professional career, he selected that of law 
and immediately entered on its study, devoting his evenings to it. In 1870 he entered 
the law office of E. Camphausen, Erie City, and was called to the bar of Erie Co. in 1872. 
July 23, 1874, he was admitted to the United States Courts and to the Superior Court of 
Pennsylvania in 1878; was appointed Notary Public and elected Alderman in 1871, and a 
member of the Erie Cit}^ School Board in 1880. In Jan., 1876, he formed the present law 
partnership with George A. Allen. Mr. Rosenzweig was married Oct. 19, 1864, to Minnie, 
daughter of Jacob Newburger, and of German descent. By this union were born four 
children— Grant, Etta, Hattie and Bert. Our subject and wife are of the Jewish faith. In 
politics he is a Democrat. 

FREDERICK A. ROTH, Chief Engineer of Erie City Water Works, Erie, was born 
in Rhine Bavaria, Germany, May 5, 1843, and at fourteen learned his trade, that of a 
machinist. In Jan., 1860, he came to America and located here. The following year he 
enlisted in Co. G, 6th U. S. Cav., and after three years' active service was honorably dis- 



CITY OF ERIE. 945 

charged. He soon after vi.sited his native country, but at the expiration of a year and a 
half returned here and engaged with the Humboldt Iron Works, where he remained for 
several years. In 1875 and 1876, he served as Assistant Engineer of the Water Works of 
Erie City, and in 1880 was appointed to his present position, which he has held since. Our 
subject was united in marriage here in 1866, with Lizzie Lochner, of same nativity as him- 
self. This union has been blessed'with three sons and two daughters— Louisa, Frederick, 
Jr., Otto, August and Clara. Mr. and Mrs. Roth are members of the Lutheran Church'. 
He is also an active member of the A. O. U. W. 

JOHN W. RYAN, farmer, Erie, is a native of this city, born Nov. 13, 1813; son of 
John, a hotel-keeper, and Lydia (Stewart) Ryan, natives of Dauphin Co., Penn. They 
were married in 1808, and came to Erie City in 1809; were parents of two children — John 
W. and Eliza Jane; latter married, in 1831, to Anthony Bailsman. Our subject acquired 
a school training in Mill Creek Township, and chose farming as a vocation! Being only 
four months old when his father died, he was left entirely on his own resources to make 
his way through the world. He is owner of a valuable farm inside Erie Citj^ corporation, 
with a handsome brick residence thereon. Mr. Ryan was married, in 1844, to Eliza A., 
daughter of John and Betsey (Harmon) Dodge, former a school teacher, native of Conn., 
latter of Maine. They are parents of five children, three now living — Charles W., dealer 
in agricultural implements, Toledo, Ohio; William, also dealer in agricultural implements, 
and Mary K., an artist. Alice, the youngest, is deceased. Edwin D., the eldest, who died 
in 1865, completed a thorough course at Yale College, graduating with honors. Mrs. Ryan 
is a member of the Universalist Church. 

GILES SANFORD (deceased), was born in Norwich Farms, now Franklin, New 
London Co., Conn., Sept. 18, 1783. He was descended from John Sanford, President of 
Rhode Island in 1655, and who had been disarmed in 1637 for his sympathy with Wheel- 
right. These with Coddington, Hutchinson and other eminent colonial men, had purchased 
Rhode Island, and resided at Portsmouth. On the maternal side he was descended from 
Richard Edgerton, who, in 1655, was one of the thirty-eight original proprietors of Nor- 
wich, Conn. Mr. Sanford came to Erie in 1810, and for many years was a partner of the 
prominent and successful business man R. S. Reed, Esq. They were the only merchants 
in this region during the war of 1812, Erie being then a naval station and the depot for 
supplies for the Upper Lakes. Great business talent' and energy were requisite to provide 
for the construction of Perry's fleet, with the country sparsely settled, the market for sup- 
plies distant, roads miserable and badly equipped, and almost no facilities for transporta- 
tion by water. The mercantile firm in his name, in 1823, had subsistence contracts with 
the Government for Fort Dearborn (Chicago), Mackinaw, Fort Howard (Green Bay) and 
St. Mary. Chicago had not even a name sixty years ago, providing sustenance for onlj^ 
100 men, and this was sent all the way from Erie ! In 1824, when a delegate at the Canal 
Convention which met at Harrisburg, Mr. Sanford was instrumental in giving mitiatory 
impetus to internal improvements, and was ever a generous and disinterested friend of all 
enterprises for the public good. He assisted substantially in the promotion of local agri- 
cultural and horticultural interests, and may truly be termed the father of our Natural 
History Society. Having been favored by the acquaintance and friendship of Hon. Henry 
R. Schoolcraft, and aiding him in one of his explorations in the mineral fields of the 
Northwest, an agreeable acquaintance and correspondence on literary subjects ensued, 
which continued for some years. Though not a professor of religion until middle age he 
was among the foremost in contributing to charitable and Christian objects. In conse- 
quence of his business connections, habits of observation and general information, he 
rendered valuable assistance in an excellent history of Erie Co., published by his daughter, 
Laura G. Sanford, in 1862, and from which our historian has derived much data. Mr. San- 
ford was married, at Aurelius, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Oct. 6, 1816, to Laura Goodwin, a lady 
of the first standing in every respect.' He died Feb. 13, 1866. His immediate descendants 
are Lavinia S., the wife of J. C. Spencer, President of the First National Bank, Erie; 
Laura G. and Myron Sanford, the latter for many years a private banker and for ten years 
Cashier of the First National Bank, Erie, one of "the first National banks (No. 12) organ- 
ized, which bank he established with the co-operation of Messrs. J. C. Spencer, the late 
Gen. Chas. M. Reed and others, in 1863. 

WILLIAM SALTSMAN (deceased) was born in Pennsylvania in 1777, came to Erie 
Co. in 1796 with Squire Rees, and assisted in surveying this county. His father, Anthony 
Saltsman, was killed by the Indians on the Susquehanna. He, with two other men, was 
on the ice on the river when they discovered they were pursued by the Indians. The 
others wore moccasins, and thereby escaped, but Mr. Saltsman had on a pair of new boots 
which prevented him from getting away, and so he met his death. William, our subject, 
was man-ied in 1800 to Jane Stephenson. They had ten children, only two living — Sarah, 
who married Samuel D. Shannon, and re-married to Horace Pinc}^ (deceased), now resides 
in Belle Valley, Erie Co. ; and Jane, the youngest daughter, also a widow. She married 
Andrew Scott, whose sketch appears in this volume. Mr. Saltsman received his education 
in the subscription school in Center Co. He permanently settled in Erie Co. in 1800 near 
Wesleyville, where he built a saw-mill and afterward a grist mill, which is still standing. 



946 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

He was successful in his pursuits; in politics was a Democrat. He died in Mill Creek 
Township in 1829. 

R. J. SALTSMAN was born in Erie Co., April 24, 1842, son of Jesse Saltsman (de- 
ceased), who was born in Erie Co., Jan. 6, 1814, son of William Saltsman. Jesse was a 
farmer and miller for manj^ years in Erie Co., where he died in 1876 on his farm. His 
wife, whose maiden name was Polly A. Shadduck, is still living. They had two children, 
R. J. and Rose J. Our subject was educated in Erie Academy, and also in Allegheny Col- 
lege. He was connected with the Lake Shore Railroad from 1862 to 1865. lie then en- 
gaged in the coal trade, which he has since continued with success. He was married, in 
Erie City, April 25, 1865. to Anna A., daughter of Thomas M. Austin, whose great-grand- 
father, also his father, were officers in the Revolutionary war. 

DAVID SCHLOSSER, of the firm Schlosser <k Fethiem, dealers in lumber of all 
kinds, Erie, is a native of C4ermany, born Dec, 1844, and son of Michael and Barbara 
(Copp) Schlosser. Our subject emigrated to America in 1865, settlingin Erie Co., where he 
embarked in mercantile and lumber trade. At the end of five years he abandoned the 
mercantile branch, and has since pursued the lumber business in partnership with Mr. 
Fethiem. Mr. Schlosser was man-ied in 1869 to Hannah, daughter of Henry Davis, de- 
ceased. Two children have been born to this union, Harry and Bennie. Our subject is a 
member of the Masonic order, and of the trade union. 

VALENTINE SCHULTZ, dealer in groceries and provisions, Erie City, was born in 
Germany Nov. 11, 1827, son of Valentine and Margaretta (Adams) Schultz. natives of Ger- 
many. They came to America in 1846, remaining for a time in Connecticut, and in 1847 
came to Erie City. Our subject was educated in his mother country. When he was nine- 
teen years old, he commenced to learn the trade of molder, which he worked at most of 
the time until 1857, in which year he embarked in his present business, which he has con- 
ducted ever since at the present stand. He is one of the oldest business men of Erie City, 
and by close attention to business, honesty in his dealings with his customers, he has 
become successful, and is well regarded as a merchant. He was married in 1852 to Mary 
Bootz, a sister of Jacob Bootz. They have the following children: William F. (in store 
with his father), Jacob, Frank D., George, Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. Schultz are members of 
the Catholic Church in Erie. He was Township Treasurer from 1862 to 1863; was one of 
the first members in South Erie Council; was a member three years. One of his sons was 
elected a member of the council of 1883, when he was not yet twenty-three years old, 
being the youngest Councilman in Erie City. Mr. Schultz has given his children the 
advantage of a good education, and most of them attended the business college at Buffalo, 
N. Y. 

FRED W. SCHUTTE, Constable, carpenter and contractor, Erie, was born Dec. 26, 
1886, in Germany; son of Christian Schutte, who died in 1849. Our subject came to Erie 
from his native land, and after receiving a common school education, learned carpenter- 
ing, in which he has successfully continued since. He was united in marriage in Erie 
City, in 1858, with Melvina Sanders, of German lineage, who died here in 1877. By this 
union were nine children, seven of whom survive. Mr. Schutte was next married in 1882, 
and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. He has made all he possesses 
by his own exertions; is a Republican in politics; has been a member of the Common 
Council, and is at present serving as Constable in the Fourth Ward, Erie City. 

JOSEPH S. SCOBELL, Train-master of the Western Div. of the P. & E. Ry., Erie, 
was born in Kingston, Canada, Feb. 1, 1850. At fifteen he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and 
took up telegraphing, but after a year returned to Canada, following the same occupation 
at Belleville and Brantford with the Provincial Telegraph Company. He subsequently 
came to Erie City, employed by the P. & E. Ry. In 1880 he was appointed to his present 
position. Mr. Scobell was married in Erie to Sarah C, daughter of Charles E. Midlam, of 
Erie. This union has been blessed by one daughter — Helen S. Our subject is an active 
member of the Masonic order. He is a Knight Templar; member of the Royal Arcanum; 
and is also a member of the A. O. U. W., and the Telegraphers' Association. Mr. Sco- 
bell is a stockholder in the American District Telegraph Company, and is acting as its 
President. 

ANDREW SCOTT (deceased) was born in Harbor Creek, this county. May 27, 1811, 
and became a resident of Erie City when fourteen years of age. Here he continued to 
reside, prospering with advancing years, but always' aiding with liberal hand and hearty 
effort anything calculated to enhance the public welfare. His private benevolence was as 
unostentatious as widespread; the poor and suffering appealed to nooneoftener, and never 
in vain; as a companion, his genial nature and racy humor were proverbial. He was High 
Sheriff of Erie Co. from 1838 to 1841, and Postmaster of Erie from 1841 to 1845; afterward 
and until his death he was actively engaged in commercial business at the harbor. He 
died Sept. 25, 1868, leaving his widow Jane (daughter of William Saltsman) two sons — 
Walter and John R. and three daughters — Isabel, Mary and Hattie. His remains lie in 
Erie Cemetery. His funeral was one of the largest and most profound and impressive 
denionstrations of public as well as private grief which has ever been witnessed in the city 
of Erie. In politics he was an old line Whig until the formation of the Republican party 



CITV OF ERIE. 949 

when he united with it. His father, Robert Scott, came as an early pioneer in 1800, and 
settled in Harbor Creek Township, this county. By occupation he was a farmer all his 
life. 

WALTER SCOTT, Secretary and Treasurer of the Erie Gas Company, and a member 
of the firm of Scott & Arbuckle, insurance agents, office No. 26, North Park Row, Opera 
House Block, Erie, was born in this city July 21, 1846; son of Andrew and Jane (Salts- 
man) Scott, natives of this county. He attended the graded schools and the Academy in 
Erie. He first engaged in the coal business with his father, in which he remained until 
1864, and then embarked in the wholesale grocery trade. This he carried on four years. 
After his father's death he took charge of the deceased's business until 1873, when he 
abandoned it, and entered the insurance business with Mr. Arbuckle, This firm, Scott & 
Arbuckle, represent fifteen good companies, fire, marine and accident. Mr. Scott was 
elected Cashier of Erie City Gas Works in 1879, and Secretary and Treasurer in 1883, 
which position he still holds. He was united in marriage, in 1880, with Alice, daughter of 
P. Hall, druggist in this city, and a native of Erie, Penn. This union was blessed 
with two children — Wi'ufield Hall and Carl Andrew. Mr. Scott has been a member of the 
Council of Erie for four years; was for one year Chairman of Common Branch, and now 
a member and Chairman of the Select Council. In politics he is a Republican. 

WILLIAM L. SCOTT was born in Virginia in July, 1828,.being the son of Maj. Robert 
L. Scott, U. S. A.; the father dying when his son was but seven years old, left the family in 
straitened circumstances; at an early age William was appointed a Page in Congress; 
while serving in that capacity he attracted the favorable attention of Gen. C. M. Reed, 
who induced him to locate in Erie in 1848; was employed by that gentleman as a clerk for 
two years; in 1850 engaged in the coal and shipping trade at Erie Harbor; first in partner- 
ship with M. B. Lowry and afterward with John Hearn; in 1861 he contracted to build that 
portion of the Erie & Pittsburgh R. R., which extends from Jamestown to New Castle, on 
the completion of which he built the link from the latter place to the Fort Wayne Road, 
becoming the principal owner of the same; soon after he was elected President of the Erie 
& Pittsburgh Company, a position he has held ever since; he also built the coal docks and 
establi^ed the coal depot at the mouth of Cascade Run. During the late war, Mr. Scott 
gave liberally to the Union cause, and rendered much service in the enlistment of troops; 
he is engaged in many of the most extensive railroad and other enterprises of the day, and 
is widely known as one of the wealtiiiest and most energetic men of the country. For 
some fifteen years past he has taken a prominent part in politics. He has twice filled the 
office of Mayor of Erie, first in 1866 and ne.xt in 1871. As one of the first Water Commis- 
sioners of Erie he aided in establishing the city water works. Mr. Scott was the Dem- 
ocratic nominee for Congress in 1866 and again in 1876. In 1876 and 1880 he was a del- 
egate to the Democratic National Conventions, on the last occasion being one of the four 
delegates-at-large from the State. He was also a member of the Democratic National Com- 
mittee from 1876 to 1884, and a frequent delegate to the Democratic State Conventions. He 
is also a liberal contributor to the campaign funds of his party. Mr. Scott married Miss 
Mary Matilda, daughter of John A. Tracy, of Erie; their children are: Minnie T., inter- 
married with Richard H. Townsend, of Philadelphia, and Anna Wainright, intermarried 
with Charles H. Strong, of Erie. 

WILLIAM SCOULLER, retired farmer, Erie, was born in Scotland Aug. 8, 1811, son 
of James and Mary (Beard) Scoulier. James, a miller, came to America in i833, 
where he farmed most of the time till his death; he reared a famil}' consisting of three 
sons and three daughters, and departed this life in 1858. Our subject received his school- 
ing in Scotland, and has been a tiller of the soil. He was united in marriage, in Mill Creek 
Township, with Sarah Davison, who was born and reared in this township. They are both 
members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Scoulier is a Republican in politics. 

GEORGE SEABROOK, Master Mechanic and Foreman of the L. S. & M. S. R. R. 
Shops, Erie, was born and reared in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1839. When eighteen years old, he 
began the trade of a machinist in the railway shops, and after a few years took charge of 
a locomotive as an engineer, and followed that pursuit for twenty-four years, during which 
time he lost his left leg while on duty. He retired from this position to take the one he 
has since reputably occupied. He was married, in Erie Co., N. Y., to Helen M. McDonald, 
of that county. They have three sons and one daughter: William George, in railway 
business; Charles H., a machinist; George A. and Helen E. Mrs. Seabrook is an active 
member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Seabrook and his oldest son, William G., are 
members of the Masonic order. 

GEORGE SELDEN was born in Hadlyme, New London Co., Conn., Sept. 28, 1790. 
When about fifteen years of age, he went to reside at Troy, N. Y., with his uncles, 
Charles and Joseph D. Selden, who were engaged in mercantile pursuits— the business he 
followed until his death, which occurred at Erie, Penn., May 23, 1857. In an address de- 
livered at the Semi-Centennial Celebration of the First Presbyterian Church of Erie, we 
find the following tribute to his memory; " He was tall, slender and dignified in his ap- 
pearance, and always commanded the respect of the community. He was mild and reticent in 
his manners, and, while an active business man, had always time to attend to the business 

49 



950 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of the church, and was alwaj's found in his place at the prayer meetings and other public 
services. Mr. Selden always impressed one as being a very good man, with a great 
wealth of sterling good qualities covered up beneath his modesty and retiring disposition. 
He was a valuable counselor. His judgment could always be relied on, not only in the 
interests of the church but in that of his friends. No doubt he was greatly missed when 
he passed away." He was elected Elder of the church Dec. 29, 1832, which position he 
held until his death. Mr. S. descended from good old Revolutionary stock. His grand- 
father raised the first company of volunteers in New London Co., Conn., and was elected 
Colonel of the regiment. He was taken prisoner and died in New York a short time be- 
fore the city was evacuated, from a wound he received while in the service. The family 
settled in Hadlyme, Conn., in 1650; some of the descendants still reside on land the title of 
which has never been out of the family name. George Selden was married, Oct. 14, 
1813, to Miss Elizabeth Grace Card, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Card, of Troy. N. Y. 
About the year 1819 he removed to Erie with his family, which then consisted of wife and 
two children. Mrs. Selden died- Sept. 26, 1827, leaving five surviving children — Joseph, 
Samuel, Elizabeth, John C. and George. His second wife was Miss Emily Marvin, to 
w^hom lie was married June 12, 1833. Children: Charles Townsend (deceased) and Jos- 
eph (deceased), who came with their parents to Erie. Joseph married Joanna L. Sill, 
daughter of Thomas H. Sill, Esq. They had four children, three of whom survive — 
Joanna Sill, George Dudley and Emma J. Joseph became associated with his father in 
business under the name of George Selden & Son in 1840, which copartnership continued 
until his death. Samuel (deceased) married Caroline Perkins, daughter of Dr. C. F. Per- 
kins, of Erie; they had five children — Mary L., Edward P., Caroline Ei, Charles C. and 
Samuel F. Samuel when a young man resided for several years in the Island of Cuba. 
On his return to his native land he married Miss Caroline Perkins, daughter of Dr. C. 
F. Perkins, and settled in the western part of the county and engaged in farming. In 
1865 he removed to Erie; was elected Elder in the First Presbyterian Church Jan., 1866. 
He embarked in business with his brother, John C, and Matthew Griswold under the 
name of the Selden & Griswold Manufacturing Company, and built up a large and suc- 
cessful trade in the iron business. Elizabeth M. married Samuel M. Fellows, of Troy, N. 
Y. Both deceased. John C. married Lydia M. Griswold, daughter of Matthew Griswold, 
of Lyme, Conn. They had two children— Marion (deceased) and Grace Card. George 
married Anna M. Lawton. deceased, daughter of Charles Lawton. of Pottsville, Penn. 
John C. Selden in early life went as a clerk in a store in Troy, N. Y., where he remained 
until 1830, when he joined his brother George in California. After undergoing the 
various vicissitudes of early settlers in California, he returned to Erie in 1853, soon after 
which he became associated with his father in a general merchandise business on French 
Street, w^hich was then the principal business street of Erie. This partnership continued 
a short time when he purchased his father's interest and changed to hardware business, in 
which he remained until 1872, when he retired. Since his withdrawal from regular busi- 
ness he has been more or less identified with various manufacturing interests in the city, 
and has alwaj^s maintained an enviable reputation for honesty and integrity. George 
Selden when a mere boy manifested a desire to see the world. He went to New York City 
where he shipped on a merchant vessel with Capt. Griswold for the East Indies and China. 
He continued his sea life until he became of age, soon after which he returned to Erie. 
He remained at home hut a short time when he left for California to join the searchers for 
gold, and like the majority of the pioneers of 1848 and 1849, he had his ups and downs. 
Returning to Erie in 1853 he then engaged in manufacturing, and soon became associated 
with his present partner, John H. Bliss, in the manufacture of barrels for petroleum, 
which they continued until 1861 or 1862, when they purchased the Erie City Iron Works, 
which they have since enlarged to an immense capacity. Mr. Selden is a man of great en- 
ergy and perseverance, and would be uninfluenced by obstacles which would discourage an 
ordinary business man. He has patented many improvements in engines and mill ma- 
chinery, and mainly through his ability as an inventor, the products of the works have 
attained a world-wide celebrity. He, like all other members of the family, is a member of 
the Presbyterian Church. 

J. T. SEVEN, of the firm of J. T. Seven & Son, art gallery and picture frame manu- 
factory, Erie, was born in Bavaria, Germany. Oct. 28, 1812, son of Frederick Seven,_ a 
school teacher. Our subject was educated in Germany and became a proficient scholar in 
Latin and French. After serving a four years' apprenticeship to the general turner trade, 
he came to America in 1845, and to Erie City Sept. 15, 1849, where he worked at his trade 
ten years, and then embarked in his present business. The art gallery is under his own 
immediate supervision, and the picture frame manufactory is conducted by his son, Theo- 
dore. Mr. Seven was married, in Germany, to Catharine, daughter of Andrew Albright, a 
cloth manufacturer in Germany. To this union were born seven children, viz. : Erencine, 
wife of Ernest Walclin; Elisit, at home; Caroline, wife of Jacob Erchorn, merchant tailor; 
Margaret, wife of Charles Wunschel; Lottie, wife of William Sherwood; Theodore and 
Henry. 



CITY OF ERIE. 951 

HENRY SHATTUCK, retired farmer, Erie, was born in Erie Co., Penn., March 4, 
1819, son of Spencer and Sally (Burton) Sliattuck, natives of Connecticut, the former of 
English descent, and the latter of Irish lineao^e. The3' were parents of five children, four 
of whom now reside in Erie City. Mr. and Mrs. Shattuck are both deceased, the former, 
a Universalist in belief, dying in 1853; the latter, who was a member of the M. E. Church^ 
departed this life in 1874. Our subject, who was the eldest child, wisely chose farming, 
his father's occupation; he at one time owned a grist mill in Mill Creek Township; has 
dealt extensively in live stock, and is owner of 369^ acres of land in Mill Creek Township, 
part of which is inside the corporation of Erie City. Mr. Shattuck has been twice mar- 
ried, on the first occasion, to Emily Parker, who bore him five children — Irene, wife of 
Henry Russell, a son of Capt. Willard Russell; William S., farming in Mill Creek; Austin 
and J. H., in the West, where they own a cattle ranch, and John who died in 1852. Mrs. 
Shattuck died in 1853, and our subject, in 1860, married Phebe, daughter of John Coover, 
by whom he has Lemuel, Elbridge and John. 

SAMUEL A. SHERMAN, shipping clerk for the American Fusee Co., Erie, was born 
in Wellsburg, Erie Co., Penn., Oct. 31, 1851, son of Charles and Olive (Powell) Sherman, 
both natives of New York, and of English descent, and a grandson of Samuel Sherman, 
one of the old pioneers of Erie Co., Penn. Charles Sherman, a farmer, and an early set- 
tler of this county, was parent of eight children, five of whom are residents of Erie Co. 
Our subject, the fifth in this family, was reared on the farm, and acquired his education 
in Wellsburg, and at Edinboro Normal School; for a time he acted in capacity of travel- 
ing salesman for the Wellsburg Spring Bed Co., but since 1874 has filled his present posi- 
tion. 

G. W. F. SHERWIN, Civil Engineer and Water Commissioner. Erie, was born July 12, 
1831, near Harbor Creek. His father. Dr. Ira Sherwin, phj^sician, was a native of Windsor 
Co., Vt., a graduate of Castleton Medical College, same State, and came to Harbor Creek 
Township at an early day, purchasing land in the forest known as Irvine's Reserve. Here 
he farmed, followed his profession, and for two or three terms taught in the first school- 
house built in the township. He married, Aug. 10, 1826, Sarah Wilson, born in Erie Co. 
Aug. 10, 1800, daughter of Wm. and Sarah (Barr) Wilson, natives of Mifflin Co., Penn., 
who bore him seven children, six living, viz.: Harriet E., wife of A. H. Tracy, of Mon- 
moutli, 111. (have six children — Josephine F., Wilson S., Rodliffe Z., George A.," Joseph P. 
and Harriet N.); John O., marriedto Elizabeth Anderson, resides in Nebraska (have five chil- 
dren — John O., Jr., Fred, McDowell, Sarah A. and Lucy); Sarah A., wife of S. N. West, 
of Traer, Iowa (have four children — John S., George M., William W. and Royal A.); Jo- 
sephine B., at home, has been Postmistress of Harbor Creek for eighteen years; Mary F., 
at home with the mother. Dr. Sherwin died in the fall of 1859. His widow resides in Harbor 
Creek; she has a wonderful memory, and clearly remembers when Perry and some of his 
force stopped at her father's house. G. W. F. Sherwin was reared on the farm, and 
attended the Erie Academy, and Keysville Academy, Ohio; there took a mathematical 
course, and at once lalmched into civil engineering. He began his profession in 1846, 
working at same during the summers and teaching during the winters. He then went to 
St. Louis, and surveyed for the North Missouri R. R., and later for the Belleville & Alton; 
was then chosen engineer in charge of Alton & St. Louis R. R., and made the first sound- 
ings for the bridge over the Mississippi River. In 1854 he was promoted Assistant Super- 
intendent and Paymaster on the Chicago & Alton Railroad, which he resigned in 1855; then 
went up the Missouri, and laid out Sioux City, Iowa, and Niobrara, Neb., in which were 
2,000 Indians at the time. He was chosen one of the original eleven Trustees of the 
Iowa Agricultural College, and was honorably appointed to deliver the dedicatory address, 
but was unable to attend the ceremony. Mr. Sherwin Was twice elected County Judge of 
Cherokee Co., Iowa. His father requested that on his death he should return to Erie and 
settle up his estate, which he did. He then served in this county three years as County 
Surveyor; five years as City Engineer; four as Water Commissioner, and is now President 
of tlie Board. Mr. Sherwin was married. Jan. 30. 1861, to Sarah J., daughter of Col. Jas. 
M. Moorehead, of Harbor Creek Township, by whom he has had five children: Josephine 
M., Anna F. and James M. ; two died in infancy. Our subject was one of the charter 
members of the Central Presbyterian Church of Erie, then numbering but forty-.six, but 
which has now 500 members, and has been Elder in same since 1873, and is also an earnest 
worker in the Sabbath-school. 

CHARLES C. SHIRK, of the Chicago & Erie Stove Co., Erie, is a native of Water- 
ford, this county, born Sept. 1, 1841, son of David and Mary (Whitehill) Shirk, natives of 
Pennsylvania, the former of German, the latter of English extraction. David Shirk was a 
tanner by trade, born in Lancaster Co.. Penn., in 1806. He came to Waterford, Erie Co., 
in 1888, where he carried on a tannery business until 1842, in which year he moved to Erie 
City. Here he engaged in the foundry business for thirtj^-three years. He was a member 
and for many years an Elder of the Presbyterian Church. In politics was a Democrat. 
His family numbered four children: James W., deceased in 1873, served in the United 
States Navy, entering as a cadet in 1849; his first active service was during the war of the 
rebellion, on gunboats; was promoted to a Captaincy in the fleet plying the Tennessee 



952 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

River; Elizabeth, wife of W. R. Davenport, whose biographical sketch appears elsewhere 
in this volume; Charles C, and Kate, at home. Our subject received his education in Erie 
City Academy. He embarked in business when a young man, and has been eminently 
successful, much being due to his strict integrity and close attention to his affairs. He is 
a member of the Central Presbyterian Church, of which he has been an Elder for seven 
years. Mr. Shirk was married to Louise, daughter of E. F. Wilson, and of English de- 
scent. To this union have been born Randolph, Margaret, Mary, Stewart and Davenport. 
Mrs. Shirk, who is a much esteemed lady, is a member of the Central Presbvterian Church 
of Erie City. 

HON. THOMAS H. SILL, lawyer and legislator, son of Capt. Richard L. Sill, of the 
Revolutionary war, was born at Windsor, Conn.. Oct. 11, 1783. He graduated from Brown 
University, Rhode Island, in 1804. After studying law with Hon. Jacob Burnet, of Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, he began practice in 1809 at Lebanon, Ohio. Failing health soon induced 
him to relinquish business temporarily; and, after traveling for a year he resumed law prac- 
tice, opening an ofRce at Erie, Penn., in 1813, being then the only resident attorney at 
that place, where he remained for life. Erie was then but a hamlet, the war being in pro- 
gress, and the brigs of Perry's fleet under construction in the harbor, so that u^jon his arri- 
val he joined the "Minute Men," who guarded the place in momentary expectation of an 
attack from the British, an apprehension happily dispelled by Perry's victory on the fol- 
lowing 10th of September. This service, with a subsequent term on the staff of Gen. 
Wallace, completed his military service. From 1816 till 1818 he was Deputy United States 
Marshal, and in 1819 Deputy Attorney-General, as such assisting at the first court in War- 
ren Co. In 1833 he was elected to the Legislature, and in 1826 to Congress. In 1838 he 
was again elected, being the only anti-Jackson member from Pennsylvania, which indi- 
cated his personal influence with his constituency. He declined nomination for the fol- 
lowing term, and in 1837 was made President of the United States Branch Bank at Erie, 
holding the position during the existence of the Institution. He served repeatedly as Bur- 
gess of Erie. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention to revise the Constitu- 
tion in 1837 and 1838, where among the able men who compo.sed that body he maintained 
a marked influence. In 1848 as Presidential Elector he voted for Taylor and Fillmore. 
From 1849 to 1853 he was Postmaster at Erie. He was an able and eloquent advocate, a 
careful and trusted counselor. Among contemporaries of the most respectable positions, 
he was a man of note and influence. While the qualities of his mind commanded the re- 
spect of all, the amiability of his disposition won tor him their affection. He took a live- 
ly interest in public matters, especially projects of public improvements, and the cause of 
education, serving as School Director, and for more than thirty years as Trustee of Erie 
Academy. To no one during his career was the public eye oftener turned at public meet- 
ings and associations for the promotion of reform; while as the representative of his fel- 
low citizens, old residents yet remember as models of composition and good taste his ad- 
dress at the reception of ex-Presidents Adams and Van Buren, and his eulogy upon Pres- 
ident Taylor. While his style was chaste, his bearing combined dignity with modesty. 
As a forensic advocate, he excelled, especially in his calm and logical addresses to juries, 
and in this respect he had few if any superiors in the circuit of his practice. An earlj' 
Republican and Whig, he had much to do in shaping the politics of this district. He lived 
to witness the dawn of Republican supremac}', for which he had labored, and the prosper- 
ity of a city in whose early struggles he had been so active. He died on the 7th of Feb., 
1856, "full of honors and of years." Court was then sitting, his contemporary and old 
friend Judge John Galbraith upon the bench. The announcement of his death by Geo. 
A.Elliott,Esq.,and the addresses of Messrs. Walker, Marshall and Kelso, with the resolutions 
adopted, and the feeling response of Judge Galbraith, made an impressive scene long to 
be remembered. Mr. Sill was married in 1816 to Joanna Boyleston, daughter of Rev. Amos 
and Joanna (Lanman) Chase. She was a native of Litchfield Co., Conn., and still survives, 
and resides in Erie. He had six children — Richard, who resides at Erie, Joanna Lanman, 
who married Joseph Selden (both are deceased; of their children, Elizabeth G. died in 
1864; George D., of the Erie City Iron Works, Joanna S. and Emma J, survive). Sarah 
Hale married Matthew Taylor, who died in 1854; (their son. Rev. Frank M. S. Taylor, 
Rector of St. Paul's Church, Alton, 111., is Archdeacon of the Diocese of Southern Illi- 
nois). Thomas Sill died unmarried; Joseph Sill resides at Union City, and James Sill, 
attorney at law and Senator, a notice of whom appears elsewhere. 

JAMES SILL, lawyer and Legislator, Erie, is a son of Thomas H. and Joanna B. Sill, 
and a native of Erie. After a course of study at the Erie Academy and in his father's law 
office, he graduated at the New York State and National Law School, and was admitted 
to the Erie bar, where he has since practiced. He was in 1857 elected District Attorney of 
Erie Co., serving three years; was presidential Elector in 1868, voting for Grant and 
Colfax, and City Solicitor of Erie in 1871 and 1873. In 1870, with Judge Greer and others, 
he organized the People's Savings Institution at North East; having secured the charter of 
the Union & Titu.sville Railroad, in conjunction with Titusville and Union parties, organ- 
ized the sanae as it was afterward constructed. He obtained the charter for and with 
others organized and for many years was a Director of the Humboldt Savings Bank, now 



CITY OF ERIE. 953 

one of the strongest institutions in nortliwestern Pennsylvania; elected to the State Sen- 
ate in 1880 for four years. At the session of 1881, under instructions from the Republican 
primaries, he supported G. A. Grow, and in doing so co-operated with the fifty-six inde- 
pendent Republicans. He served in that session on the Apportionment and General Judi- 
ciary committees and as Chairman of the Library Committee, and introduced and advo- 
cated a bill which became a law abolishing all distinction in color in schools; also an 
amendment to the Constitution relative to representatives in the House, and a bill tender- 
ing the marine hospital to the General Government for a soldiers' and sailors' home, which 
ultimately passed the Legislature of 1883. At the latter session he served on the Judiciary 
and Appropriation committees, and among the most important bills introduced by him at 
the latter session, there was enacted one to perfect the title to real estate of decedents, a 
bill to which he devoted much care, one of much importance to titles. In the extra session 
of 1883, he was active in his efforts to obtain apportionment bills; his last speech on this 
subject having been extensively circulated through the State, his resolutions for the res- 
toration of the land light-house, adopted by the Legislature, were generally approved by his 
constituents. His bill providing for the probate of wills during the life of testator, passed 
the Senate but was lost in House. He collated the first published history of Erie City, 
and delivered numerous historical and political addresses, and for many years contributed 
freely to public journals. Senator Sill has been an active party worker, having voted with 
the Whig party while it exist'id; he represented Erie Co. in the last Whig State Con- 
vention in 1855. Joining the Republican party in 1856, he was elected delegate to the 
Republican State Conventions of 1859, 1863, 1866, 1868 and 1878, several times a member 
of State Committee, and Chairman of Republican County Committees of 1861 and 1867, 
and of the city committees of 1866 and 1876, all attended with much labor and success. 
He declined the tendered appointment under President Lincoln of Provost Marshal for 
Nineteenth District in 1863. As mernber of the bar, much of the time with a large prac- 
tice, he was in 1875 President of the Erie Law Association, and as member of the Library 
Committee in 1871, initiated and carried out the placing of portraits of ex- Judges and de- 
ceased attorneys in the court room. As member of the City Council in 1857-58, upon a 
special committee, he proposed a number of reforms which were enacted in the charter 
for the classification and elongation of terms of councilmen, regulation of an increase of 
the power of the Mayor, etc., until the adoption of the Wallace Act. Upon his return 
from Harrisburg. Mr. Sill resumed practice at the bar. 

JAMES E. SILLIMAN, physician and surgeon, Erie, was born in North East, this 
county, June 10, 1844, son of John and Minerv;"! (Chapman) Silliman, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. John Silliman's father was a farmer, born in Ireland, who emigrated to America, 
settling in Erie Co., in 1800. John Silliman was also a farmer; he was parent of seven 
children, four now living, of whom Mrs. Dr. Griffin of North East is one. Our sul)ject ac- 
quired his education in Allegheny College, Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 
1871, with degree of A. B. ; three years after he obtained the degree of A. M. He after- 
ward graduated from Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, in 1874, in the regular 
course, and commenced practice in Erie City same year. He studied medicine under Dr. 
J. L. Stewart of this city. In 1878 the Doctor was married to Hattie J., daughter of Hugh 
P. Mehaffey and a native of Erie Co., of German and Scotch-Irish descent. Our sub- 
ject enlisted in 1865, in the 102d P. V. I., Company E, serving till close of the war. He 
is Assistant Surgeon of the 16th P. N. G. In 1875 he was elected Coroner, and served till 
1881; was appointed Secretary of the Board of Examining Surgeons of Pensions in 1877. 
He is a member of the Erie County Medical Society, and of the State Medical Society. 
Dr. Silliman and wife are members of the M. E. Church, of which he has been Steward and 
Sabbath-school teacher eight years. In politics he is a Republican. 

BENJAMIN F. SLOAN, youngest child of William A. and Esther (Crandall) Sloan, 
was born in Westfield, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., March 27, 1819, and moved with his parents 
to Fairview Township, Erie Co., Penn., about 1821. He attended the country schools until 
he was seventeen. -Entered the office of the Erie Gazette in 1836 as an apprentice and 
served four years. Visited the Southern States in 1841 and 1842, and worked in various 
offices in New Orleans and Louisville. Part of the latter year was connected with the 
Louisville Daily Gazette as night editor. In connection with A. P. Durlin, Esq., pur- 
chased the Erie Observer, and edited it till Jan. 1, 1861, when he sold the office and 
became a member of the grocery firm of Sloan, Booth & McCreary. Was engaged in the 
business of oil refining from 1863 to 1868. From 1868 to 1875 was editor of the Erie Daily 
Republican and the Titusville Daily Courier. Was Clerk of the Committee on Invalid 
Pensions of the House of Representatives during the 44th and the extra session of the 
45th Congress. Was appointed Secretary and Treasurer of the Erie Water Department 
Jan. 1, 1879, in which position he still continues. Mr. Sloan was married, March 27, 1845, 
to Miss Elizabeth M. Barr. They have had five children, of whom two are living— Clara 
Virginia (intermarried with H. D. McNaughton, of Rochester, N. Y.), and Charles H. 
Sloan, of Erie. 

JOHN M. SMITH, Master Carpenter of the Western Division of the P. & E. Rail- 
way, Erie, was born Sept. 37, 1828, in Ontario, Wayne Co., N. Y. At eighteen he 



954 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

engaged as a sailor in the whaling service, but after an eventful experience of a few j'ears 
retired from it and engaged in sailing on the lakes till 1865. He held the position of ves- 
sel master for several years. He next assumed the duties of a foreman carpenter in con- 
nection with railroading, and has been reputably connected with the same since. He 
married, in the place of his nativity, Nancy Jane Decker. There are no children. Mr. 
and Mrs. Smith are members of the M. E. Church, and he is- an active member of the 
K. of H. 

W. T. SMITH, Master Mechanic of the P. & E. .R. R. shops, Erie, is a native of 
Pennsylvania, born Oct. 10, 1838, son of H. L. and M. M. Smith; the former a pattern- 
maker by trade, was of German descent, the latter of Scotch-Irish. They were parents of 
three children. H. L. Smith came to Erie City in 1873, where he worked at his trade, and 
died in 1888. Our subject, who is second in a family of three children, received a common 
school training, and at the age of seventeen commenced the trade of machinist in Altoona, 
Penn., at which he continued till I860; between 1860 and 1866, he was in the employ of 
the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. and G. V. R. R. in Pittsburgh, and in 1866 he was appointed 
foreman of the lathe department of the N. Y. P. & O. R. R. shops at Meadville, Penn., 
where he remained till February, 1867, when he received an appointment to his present 
position. Mr. Smith was married, in 1857, to M. M. Runyen, a native of Pennsylvania, of 
German descent. To this union were *ljorn Carrie A., Harry L., George, Miuot and Otis. 
Our subject has been a member of Erie Citj' Select Council eight years and President of 
the same two years. In politics he is a Democrat. 

SAMUEL SOBEL, merchant, Erie, was born in Germany in 1835; son of Solomon 
Sobel. He received his education in his native land, and there learned tailoring. On 
attaining his majority he embarked for America, locating for three years in New York 
City; thence went to the oil regions of Pennsylvania, where he remained three years. Mr. 
Sobel came to Erie City in 1873, launching into the dry goods trade, in which he has since 
continued with more than average success. The firm is now S. Sobel & Sons, and is doing 
a wholesale and retail business. Our subject was married in New York to Cecelia Kine, 
also a native of Germany. To this union were born nine children — Elias (clerking in his 
father's store), Isidor and Abraham (members of the firm), Ida (wife of David Shear, 
member of the firm of Shear & Bro., merchants, AVarren Co., Penn.), Henry (clerk in 
the store), Theresa (at home), Lazarus (at school), Jacob and Joseph (at school). The 
family are members of the Jewish Synagogue. Mr. Sobel is a Democrat in politics; is a 
member of the Knights of Pythias; I. O. F. of I., German society; also of the K. S. B. 

HENRY SOUTHER, ex-Judge and attorney at law, Erie, was born in Charlestown, 
Mass., March 5, 1826, son of Joseph and Hepsie (Armisted) Souther, both of English 
ancestry. Joseph Souther was a manufacturer of morocco and kid leather, and died in 
Charlestown in 1866. Our subject attended the schools of that place and an academy at 
Walpole, N. H. In 1836 he was sent to an academy at Fryeburg, Me., where he remained 
till 1840, receiving there a classical education preparatory to a collegiate course; he then 
returned to Charlestown, where he attended a private school, and also at Boston, Mass., 
for nearly two years. In October, 1842, he came to Ridgwaj-, in that part of Elk Co., 
Penn., taken from Jefferson Co., to learn the lumber business, his father having there made 
an investment in that industry. This lumber venture proving unsuccessful, our subject's 
father sold out his interest in 1845. Henry Souther remained at Ridgway, it having been 
made the county seat of Elk Co., and entered his name as a student at law with the late 
Hon. C. B. Curtis, then of Warren. Penn., teaching school and pursuing his legal studies. 
In the fall of 1847 he was elected County Treasurer of Elk Co., holding the office two 
years. In Jan., 1848, he was admitted to the bar of Elk Co., where he continued in prac- 
tice over twenty years. He served as Deputy Attorney General and District Attorney of 
Elk Co. by appointment and election from 1848 to 1855, when he resigned. In 1855 he 
was elected State Senator as a Republican in the district composed of the counties of 
Tioga, Potter, McKean, Elk, Jefferson, Clearfield and Forest. In 1860 he was a member 
of the National Convention at Chicago which nominated Lincoln and Hamlin. On Dec. 
27, 1861, was appointed by Gov. Curtin Surveyor General of the State in place of Hon. 
W. H. Keim, filling the unexpired term ending Maj', 1863. In 1868 was a delegate to the 
National Convention at Chicago which nominated Grant and Colfax. Feb. 17, 1871, was 
appointed by Gov. Geary additional Law Judge of Schujdkill Co., Penn., which office he 
held till the following December. Immediatel}' upon his appointment he moved from 
Ridgway to Schuylkill Co., where he resided till 1873, in which year he moved to Erie, 
■where he has since resided. Judge Souther was married in May, i850, to Letitia, daugh- 
ter of John Patterson, formerly of Warren Co., Penn. 

JUDAH COLT SPENCER, Pres. First National Bank, Erie, was born July 1, 1813, in 
Hadlyme, New London Co., Conn., son of William and Deborah (Seldeu) Spencer; he mar- 
ried Lavinia Stanley Sanford. To this union were born William, married to Mary Richards 
Du Puy, of Philadelphia, have one daughter, Maude, and one son, Judah Colt; Lavinia D., 
wife of Bishop Spaulding, now residing in Colorado; Frances L.; Catharine, wife of Rev. 
Robert S. Van Cleve, a Presbyterian Minister now residing in Sewickley, this State. Mr. 
Spencer is the nephew and namesake of Judah Colt, one of the pioneers of Erie, of whom 



CITY OF ERIE. 955 

mention is made in other portions of this volume. When fifteen years of a^e (1829), Mr. 
Spencer, then residing with his parents in Connecticut, received and accepted an invitation 
to join his uncle, and from this date begins his citizenship in Erie. He supplemented the 
schooling he had received in Connecticut by an attendance of one year at the Erie Acad- 
emy, when his uncle deemed him fit to enter upon his business career, so he was inducted 
into the office and field work devolving upon the agency of the Pennsylvania Population 
Company. Upon the death of Mr. Colt in 1833, the entire management of the affairs of 
this company devolved upon Mr. Spencer. Other pursuits engaged him for awhile, and in 
1853 he began banking (from about this date, until its consolidation with the Buffalo & 
State Line road, he filted the office of Secretary and Treasurer of the Erie & North East 
R. R.). He was among the first to apply for privileges under the law authorizing National 
Banks, and the First National Bank of Erie, over which he has presided since its founda- 
tion, was the twelfth bank incorporated under the new legislation. Mr. Spencer was an 
original stockholder in many other of Erie's reputable enterprises. For twenty consec- 
utive years he has served as President of the Erie Cemetery Co., and for years he was 
Treasurer of the Agricultural Association of the county. Mr. Spencer early took the 
stand of a Christian, and for more than two decades has been a member of the Board of 
Trustees of the Park Presbyterian Church, and was one of the Building Committee of 
that edifice when it was in course of construction. His sou inherits the leading charac- 
teristics of his father, and acceptably fills the chief place of trust in the banking institu- 
tion over which Mr. Spencer has so long presided. 

H. A. SPENCER, physician and surgeon, Erie, was born in Warren Co., Penn., Aug. 
29, 1838; son of Rev. Matthias and Harriet (Smith) Spencer, the former a native of Con- 
necticut, died May 1, 1883, aged about eight3"-seven years, the latter a native of New York 
State, and both of English descent. Rev. Matthias Spencer was a Methodist Clergyman, 
and followed farming, removing from New York State in 1825, to Warren Co., Penn. ; he 
remained there till 1830, when he came to this county, settling in Wayne Township. Our 
subject is the fifth in a family of eight sons, who all grew to manhood. He was brought up 
on a farm till fifteen years of age, when he attended the common schools and the Water- 
ford, Penn., Academy, also Allegheny College, at Meadville, Penn., two years, and elected 
medicine and surgery as his profession. In 1848 he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he 
studied at the medical college from which he graduated in 1851. He commenced to prac- 
tice in Waterford, Penn., remaining there till 1864, in which year he came to Erie City, 
where he has resided ever since. The Doctor organized the corps of surgeons on the P. & 
E. R. R. in 1864, of which he has been Surgeon-in-chief between Erie and Sunbury, since 
that time. In 1861 he was appointed Pension Examiner, and was Medical Superintendent 
of the Erie County Infirmary for five years. He is a member of the State and County 
Medical Society. Dr. Spencer was married, in 1855, to Julia, daughter of J. L. Cook, a 
railroad contractor and a native of Waterford, Penn. To this union were born six chil- 
dren: Lena; Mary L., wife of F. H. Thompson; Boyd; Harrj^ deceased; Tereah and Roy. 
The Doctor is now Physician in Charge of Hamot Hospital at Erie. 

E. SPRAGUE, of the firm of Sprague & Son, proprietors of the Liebel House, State 
Street, Erie, was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, July 13, 1835, son of John and Harriet (Lord) H^ 
Sprague. the former a miller and farmer, native of Vermont, lattei'"Tnrative of New York. 
Our^nbject was reared on a farm, and received a good English education. In early life he 
worked on the Penn. & Erie Canal for twenty-eight years, and by industry and economy 
finally became owner of two boats. Subsequently he entered hotel business, kept the 
Reed House, Louisville, Crawford Co., Penn., for three years, then a hotel in Jamestown, 
Mercer Co., Penn. one year, and in 1873 bought the Powers House, now known as the 
Liebel House, Erie, where the traveling public are accommodated at $1.50 per day. The 
capacity of the hotel is thirty-seven furnished rooms. Mr. Sprague was married, in Craw- 
ford County, Penn., to Lucy Ransom, a native of this county. Her father, Robert Ran- 
som, was a farmer and early settler in Erie Co. ; he was one of the builders of the wharves 
in Erie City. By this union were four children, three now living: Florence Belle, O. M., 
hotel-keeper at Conneautville, Crawford Co., Penn., and R. C, v;ith his father. Our sub- 
ject is a member of the Universalist Church, in politics a Democrat. When he was a resi- 
dent of Crawford Co. he held the office of Constable and Deputy Sheriff of that county. 

DANIEL SPRICKMAN, son of Conrad and Wilhelmena (Faber) Sprickman, of 
Werxheim, Hessen-Homburg, Germany, where our subject was born April 3, 1830. He 
came to this country when but nineteen years of age, first stopping in Buffalo, N. Y., 
where he remained a few months, after which he went to Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked 
in a barrel manufactory for six months. The climate not agreeing with him he returned 
to Buffalo, N. Y., and entered the employ of Messrs. Evans, proprietors of a line of 
steamers on the lakes, where he remained fifteen years. Finding him a reliable man, the 
Messrs. Evans then sent him to this city to take charge of loading and coaling their boats, 
in which capacity he served two years with so much satisfaction to all concerned that they 
appointed him agent for their line of steamers, which important position he held until they 
sold their boats to the Anchor line. He continued in the emplo}^ of the new management 
up to the time of his death, which occurred on the ninth day of Oct., 1878. Mr. Sprick- 



956 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

man was married in Buffalo, N. Y., Jan. 16, 1860, to Miss Susanna, daughter of Jacob and 
Katharine (Kah) Schwarz, of Limburg-on-the-Lahn, Germany. Their children were Henry- 
Daniel, born Oct. 28, 1860 (deceased); Daniel Henry, born March 30, 1863; Henry Freder- 
ick, born Sept. 15, 1864; Charles Philip, born INIay 26, 1866 (deceased); Frank M., born 
Jan. 29, 1868; John Louis, born Aug. 26, 1870; Christina Louisa, born Nov. 23, 1872. Mr. 
Sprickman was of a generous disposition and made many friends. One of the most up- 
right and careful of men, he enjoyed the implicit confidence of his employers and of the 
parties with whom his business brought him in contact. 

HENRY C. STAFFORD, Collector U. S. Customs, Port of Erie, was born in Water- 
ford Township, Jan. 29, 1843. He was brought up on his father's farm and received the 
benefits of the tuition at the Waterford Academy. Healthy, patriotic and enthusiastic, 
he promptly responded to the country's call for volunteers to suppress the rebellion, and 
at twenty years of age he enlisted in the 83d P. V. I., which was quickly dispatched to the 
front and quickly brought to battle with the foe. At the second battle of Bull Run. Aug. 
30, 1862, between sunrise and sunset, our subject received five gunshot wounds, the last 
perforating his left lung. He was left prostrate on the field, and so remained unattended 
for three days and nights. He fell into the hands of the enemy, but was immediately 
paroled on the field, and carried to Alexandria. He remained for a wiiile in the hospital 
there, afterward being removed to Washington City. He bore the pains of his slowly 
healing wounds with "much fortitude. Jan.' 29, 1863, he received his discharge from the 
army and returned home; his avoirdupois at this time, including his ordinary wearing 
apparel, was just eighty pounds. He recuperated in health, and served until near the 
close of the war in the Provost Marshal's office at Waterford. The war ended, he returned 
to his farm; subsequently became Constable, Tax Collector, Deputy Sheriff, and Warden 
of Erie County Prison, and, by election in 1879, High Sheriff, and July, 1883, was appoint- 
ed by the General Government Collector of the Port at Erie, which position he now holds. 
Mr. S. was married, Jan. 5, 1865, to Miss Effie R. Judson, daughter of P. P. Judson, Esq., 
of Waterford, Penn. To this union have been born seven children, five of whom survive: 
Febie E., Peter P., William C, Margaretha M. and James Garfield. Mr. S. is fond of home 
and family, and while a positive character, is popular in his manners, and has hosts of 
warm friends throughout the county. 

FRANK E. STAPLES, High Sheriff of Erie County, was born in Clj^mer, N. Y., 
March 14, 1842, son of Scammel and Minerva (Mead) Staples, natives of Massachusetts. 
His grandfather, Isaac Staples, was a soldier in the Revolution, and the father of the 
subject of this sketch was named after Col. Scammel, the Colonel under whom he served. 
Scammel Staples was for several years one of the keepers of the State Penitentiary at 
Auburn, N. Y, but his health failing, he retired to farm life. For more than half a 
century he was widely known as a local minister of the M. E. Church. Frank E. Sta- 
ples, the subject of this sketch, spent his early years working during the summer, by 
the day and month, as a farm laborer, and attending school in winter. In 1860 he located 
in Corry, Penn, engaged in railroading, and for twelve years held various positions as a 
railroad employe. lie also served the city of Corry as one of its first police officers. High 
Constable, Fire Warden, and member of the Council. In 1871 he moved to Union City; 
was elected Constable, and appointed Special Deputy Sheriff, and also enga^^ed in commer- 
cial business. Jan. 1, 1880, he was appointed Warden of Erie County Jail, and in May 
following Deputy Sheriff, and Deputy U. S. Marshal, and in Nov., 1882, was elected Sheriff 
of Erie Co. He is widely known as a capable and efficient officer. Mr. Staples was 
married, in 1860, to Myra A., daughter of Capt.Ebenezer Green, of Ellington, N. Y., and 
they have three children: George L., Hattie E. and Hawley S. 

J. L. STERNBERG, Cashier First National Bank, Erie, was born in Schoharie Co., 
N. Y., in 1845. son of Abraham and Anna (Wormuth) Sternberg, natives of the Empire 
State, of German descent; the former, who is a farmer, lives in the house in which he was 
born in 1808. Our subject was reared on the farm, and received a common school and 
Union College (N. Y.) training; w^as clerk in a bank in New York for a short time; then 
came to Erie City in 1865, and after six months acting in the capacity of clerk in the Key- 
stone Bank, was appointed Teller of the First National Bank, and in 1872 was elected 
Cashier. Mr. Sternberg was married, in 1868, to Jessie, daughter of L. L. Lamb. To this 
union were born seven children: Robert, Jei-ome. Jr., Sue, Jessie, James H., Abraham 
and Edna. Mrs. Sternberg is a member of the Park Presbyterian Church. Our subject is 
President of the Erie City School Board; in politics is Democratic. 

JAMES M. STERRETT (deceased), second son of James Sterrett, was born in Cum- 
berland Co., Penn., in 1784, and removed to Erie with his father's family in 1807. Soon 
after reaching his majority he engaged in the tannery business, and in a few years suc- 
ceeded in blinding up the largest tannery in Northern Pennsylvania. Later in life he 
engaged extensivelj^ in the purchase and sale of real estate. He took an active interest in 
the improvements of the city, and was appreciated for his excellent judgment and high 
moral character. He married Miss Jane, daughter of Michael Spersard. of Washington 
Co., Md., in 1815, and moved his family to Erie in 1819, the mode of traveling being on 
horseback and the "old Penn wagon," as there were no stage coaches at that date. The 



CITY OF ERIE. 957 

result of this union was nine sons and four daughters. Mr. Sterrett died Sept. 13, 1852, 
and was interred in the Erie Cemetery. He left a fine estate. Mrs. Sterrett survived her 
husband until February 11, 1869. Four of Mr. Sterrett' s brothers were in the war of 
1812, servina: until its close. 

HON. JOSEPH M. STERRETT, retired editor. More than ordinary interest 
attaches to a journalistic life, covering nearly one-half the present century. Hon. Joseph 
M. Sterrett, now living in quiet retirement in Erie City, possesses this rare distinction. 
Widel}' known, personally and highly esteemed, his sun-setting days are serenely passing 
away in the midst of a devoted family. Mr. Sterrett was born near Shippensburg, Cum- 
berland Co., Penn., on the 19th of February, 1800. At an early age he removed with his 
parents, brothers and sisters to McKean Township, Erie Co., and after acquiring a common 
education entered as an apprentice the office of the Northern Sentinel, published at Erie 
by Robert I. Curtis. The place of publication of this paper being changed to another 
State, Mr. Sterrett took a similar position in tlie office of the Western Press at Mercer. 
Remaining only a short time, he passed to Hagerstown, Md., working on the Torchlight, 
and subsequently for a longer period on the Star of Federalism in Frederick. He also 
found employment in the offices of the Baltimore American and Carlisle Volunteer, and 
returned to Erie in 1819. Prompted by a desire to engage in business for himself, he pur- 
chased a portion of the materials of tlie Erie Patriot and commenced the publication of 
the Erie Gazette, issuing the first number January 15, 1830. The Gazette was of medium 
size, and Mr. Sterrett performed all the labor upon it single-handed, working night and 
day until the following April, when an apprentice was procured. The Gazette was inde- 
pendent up to the breaking out of the anti-Masonic excitement in 1827. Mr. Sterrett's 
convictions led him to espouse the anti-Masonic cause, and the Gazette became the organ 
of the party formed to represent that cause, and courageously and effectively fought for 
its principles. This was a peculiarly exciting period in the history of the Gazette. Ran- 
corous feeling and personal estrangements resulted from the bitter discussions by the 
alleged enormities of the Masonic order. Under the vigorous leadership of the Gazette the 
opposition elements rapidly grew into a powerful and successful organization. Backed by 
a decided popular majority, it filled all the offices and exercised control over all the afEairs 
of the county. To an equally marked extent the Gazette subsequently served the Whig 
and Republican parties. It likewise gave special attention to local questions, and always 
favored a line of action calculated to' build up home interests. So complete was the confi- 
dence reposed in its judgment that it had but to advocate a measure to make it popular. 
With a brief interruption, Mr. Sterrett's connection with the Gazette continued to May, 
1865, comprising a period of forty-five years and four months. Mr. Sterrett never exhib- 
ited a disposition to exert his admitted personal and political influence for selfish ends. 
Offices he held without seeking them. He was County Commissioner in 1829; in 1837 he 
represented the Whig party in the State Senate. This body at that period contained 
many men whose names are conspicuous in Pennsylvania's history. In 1849 Gov. William 
E. Johnson conferred upon Mr. Sterrett the appointment of Associate Judge of Erie 
Co., and when his term of service expired he was elected to the same position by the 
popular vote and continued to serve for a period of five years. In addition to the Reve- 
nue Commissioner for the Erie Judicial District, honors were given him in the Borough of 
Erie beyond the measure of his wishes. The last public position he held, and the only 
one affording remunerative compensation was Postmaster of Erie from 1861 to 1869. Such 
is a brief review of the life of the oldest living Pennsylvania journalist. It is due to Mr. 
Sterrett to say that he met the requirements of his day and generation in a manner 
evincive of high resolves, patriotic aims and conscientious regard for the greatest number. 
Often engaged in heated controversy, frequently obliged to antagonize even personal 
friends, and sometimes forced by a sense of duty 'to adopt a course inviting criticism, the 
purity of his motives and justness of his motives were never yet questioned. Carrying 
upon his shoulders of eighty odd years the consequent growing bodily infirmities, he is 
by common consent, looked" upon as adding to a long career of marlied usefulness the 
fairlv achieved reputation of "an honest man." — From newspaper sketch by 1. B. G. 

A. J. STERRETT (deceased). The following from the Erie Gazette of Feb. 20, 1881, 
written by a life-long acquaintance of the subject whose name heads these notes, men- 
tions some of the varied scenes that made up his useful life: "It is with deep regret we an- 
nounce the death of one of our best known, most valued and estimable citizens, Andrew 
Jackson Sterrett, who expired at his residence on Holland Street, in this city, on Wednes- 
day evening last, after a short but painful illness; his disease was pneumonia. Connected 
as he had been for many years with the affairs of Erie Co., and identified with the admin- 
istration of the County Commissioner's office, witli an acquaintance through the county 
probably unequalled by that of any other citizen, our readers will be interested in some of 
the particulars of his life. He was born Oct. 5, 1826, in McKean Township, Erie Co. He 
was a son of David Sterrett, who was himself one of the oldest and best known citizens of 
the county. At about the age of fifteen he entered the office of the Gazette to learn the 
art of printing with his Uncle, Hon. Joseph M. Sterrett, the veteran publisher of that pa- 
per. Gen. Hiram L. Brown, Sidney Kelsey, Joseph R. Sterrett, and George W. Riblet 



958 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

were among his associates during the period of his connection with that office. Desiring 
more active business, upon the completion of his term in the office, and having acquired 
the art, he engaged in the milling business at Sterrettania, where he continued for some 
time. In view of the great inducements presented in the State of Iowa, he removed to 
Fort Dodge about the year 1854, embarking in the land business and investing considera- 
bly in the lands then open for settlement in that locality, the movement in which he w as 
augmented by the Bounty Land Act of March 3, 1855. The closing of the land offices, 
which speedily followed the passage of the railroad grants of 1856, as announced by proc- 
lamation in May of that year, and the failure of some business ventures, caused him to 
abandon his intention of remaining there, and he returned to Erie Co. During this period 
his health had been precarious, and his strength, not always equal to the exactions of 
business for which his abilities and attainments so well fitted him. It was in the midst of 
the war of the rebellion, when the long clerkship of Mr. Colton in the Commissioner's 
office had terminated by his election as Prothonotary, that the Commissioners, Messrs. 
Washburn, Palmer and Bo3'd, staggering under the heavy load caused by the effort to fill 
one quota by the payment of county bounties, and supplying the need of a local currency 
by the issue of what was known as county scrip, and after a trial of one or two others, 
persuaded Mr. Sterrett to accept the position of Clerk, the duties of which, under the exi- 
gencies of I he war, had become thus complicated and onerous. Accepting the office thus 
conferred he entered upon the discharge of his duties, mastering all their details, and per- 
formed them with credit to himself and acceptability to the people, and for seventeen 
years remained in the position to the satisfaction of everyone. Our readers need not to be 
reminded of the manner in which his duties were performed. Familiar with all the de- ■ 
tails and routine of the office, studious of the county's interest, courteous to all who had 
business in the office, it might be said that he had become a part of it, and as we write it 
is difficult to understand how the vacancy so suddenly made can be supplied. There was 
a method in his business; a patience and affability in official intercourse; an unobtrusive 
civility and endurance of labor; a courtesy of manner, and tenacity of memory, accuracy 
in figures and neatness of penmanship, and a vigilant interest in the public weal which 
were strikingly manifest, which especially fitted him for this position. All of our readers 
who have during the last seventeen years done business at the Commissioner's office, will 
corroborate us in our estimate of the ability with which his duties were performed during 
his extended term. In no way was his tact and fitness for the position better evinced than 
in his entire abstention from interference in any of the contests for official position, with 
which, in the distribution of the county patronage, those attached to the otfice are so apt 
to be connected." He w'as married, 1865, to Helen M. Brecht, and the result was eight 
children, viz., Ralph B., Reid G., Scott S., Lee Norton, Carl M., Andrew J., Thomas G. 
and Ruth A. Such is a brief notice of one whose demise will be sincerely deplored, while 
his exemplary career will long cause his name to be respected by those who for the last 
quarter of a century have known and respected the subject of this sketch. 

JAMES L. STEWART, physician and surgeon, office and house 610 Peach Street, Erie 
City, was born near Pittsburgh, Aug. 1, 1825; he is of Scotch-Irish extraction. He was a 
graduate of the medical department of University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, grad- 
uating in 1848. He commenced the practice of his profession in Waterford, Penn., where 
he remained until 1850, when he removed to Erie City, where he has since remained, with 
the exception of four years' service during the war of the rebellion, as Surgeon of Volun- 
teers, having charge a portion of the time of one of the large ho.spitals in the vicinity of 
Washington" His specialty is surgery; he is a bold and successful operator, and has made 
many operations requiring great skill and courage, amongst the most noticeable and diffi- 
cult of which was the removal of four inches of the median nerve from a patient who had 
been suffering intense pain for six years from a gunshot wound. The operation was com- 
pletely successful, pain ceasing immediately after, without return. For note of this case 
see "A Centurj^ of American Medicine," page 198; the operation is also noted by Dr. S. 
Weir Mitchell, of Philadelphia, in his work on "Nerve Injuries," as one of the most suc- 
cessful operations in surgery. The Doctor performed the operation of removal of lower 
jaw three different times during the year of 1882-83. From January, 1883, to July, in the 
same year, he made seventeen capital operations. As an evidence of his skill and ability 
as an operator, is the fact that during the many years he has practiced his profession, he 
has never had a patient die upon the" table, or within forty-eight hours after the operation, 
nor has a patient ever expired under an anaesthetic administered by him. He has been 
connected with the Erie County Medical Society since 1849, acting successively as Secre- 
tary and Treasurer, and repeatedly as President; was Vice President of the Pennsylvania 
State Medical Society in 1867-68, and President 1878-79, and for six years senior member 
of the Judicial Council of the Medical Society, State of Pennsylvania, member of the 
American Medical Association, member of the Executive Council of the International 
Medical Congress, which met in Philadelphia in 1876. He also held the position of 
Examining Surgeon for the Pension-Bureau from 1865 to 1876, and for seven years of that 
time was President of the Board of Examining Surgeons. He was Attending Physician to 
Erie County Almshouse from Oct., 1850, to Jan., 1859, and Physician to Erie County Jail 



CITY OF ERIE. 959 

the greater portion of the time from 1851 to 1876, and has been Surgeon-in-chief of St. 
Vincent's Hospital since its opening in 1875. He is also Medical Referee for the Mutual 
Benefit Life Insurance Co. In June, 18-19, he married Anna D., daughter of Augustine 
Bartholomew, Esq., of Philadelphia. Their only son, Reid T. Stewart, graduated at the 
Military Academy at West Point, in the class of 1871 (standing eighth in a class of thirty- 
nine), was assigned as Second Lieutenant to Co. G, 5th U. S. Cav., and was murdered by 
the Apache Indians, near Tucson, Arizona Territory, Aug. 27, 1872. 

JACOB STRAUS, of Straus Bro. & Beck, merchant tailors, Erie City, was born in 
Germany, Dec, 1837, son of A. Straus, who was a merchant, and reared a family of six 
children. Our subject, who was the eldest, received a common school education, and at 
an early age learned tailoring in his native land. Coming to America in 1854, he settled 
in Erie City, and after clerking for four years, went South, but after a 5^ear returned to 
Erie; clerked in a clothing store for two years, then embarked in business, in which he has 
since successfully continued. During this time he has had different partners, the name of 
the firm being changed several times. Mr. Straus was married, in 1865, to Miss L. Straus, 
a native of France, but of German descent. To this union were born six children: Albert 
(a clerk). Tillie, Gu.stave, Minnie, Eddie and Emil. Mr. and Mrs. Straus are members of 
the Jewish Synagogue; he is a Republican in politics. 

ALEX. L. STRAUS, manager of the Erie Malting Co., corner of Eighteenth and Pa- 
rade Streets, Erie, was born in Baltimore, Md., Feb. 3, 1858, son of Levi Straus, an exten- 
sive maltster in Baltimore, Md. Our subject graduated from college in 1876, and in 1878 
came here and took charge of the Erie branch of the Baltimore house. Mr. Straus was 
married, in 1888, to Clara, daughter of Jacob Ostheimer, of the firm Ostheimer & Baker. 

WILLIAM STRICKER, grocer, corner of Twenty-first and French streets, Erie, was 
born in Germany, Sept. 24, 1821, whose parents were natives of Germany, who came to Amer- 
ica in 1841, and after living eight years in New York, came to Erie City in 1849. They had 
two children. Our subject, the younger, acquired his education in Germany, and learned 
the baker's trade; is one of Erie's old business men, having been here since 1841. He was 
married, in 1844, to Catherine C. Scherer, a native of Germany, by whom he has had five 
children: J. W., late Deputy Sheriff of Erie Co., died May 17, 1880; Minnie, wife of George 
Hull, farmer of this county; Charles P., member of fire department, this city; Henry H., 
in store with his father; and Joseph M., attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Strieker are mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church. The former is a member of the. Common Council of Erie; 
in politics he is a Republican. 

WM. F. STRIEBEL, senior member of the firm of Striebel & Wallhouser, importers 
and dealers in bottled and keg beer, Erie, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, July 26, 
1845. He learned the barber's trade in his native country, and followed this occupation 
there until 1873, when he came to America. He located in New York City for a year, then 
came to Erie City, and followed his trade for nine years. He subsequently engaged in the 
wholesale beer business, which he has since conducted successfully. Mr. Striebel was 
married in Switzerland, in 1873, to Lizette Betahman, a native of same, who has borne 
him one son — Daniel. Our subject is an active member in the A. O. U. W. society. ' 

MARTIN STRONG, born in East Windsor, Conn., in the year 1770, havingfor that 
day received a good common school education, and full of energy, left his native place 
early in the spring of 1795 to seek and make a home for himself for life. His outfit was a 
compass and chain, being determined to be ready for a new country in any capacity, and 
on foot he first directed his course to the Wyoming Valley, on the North Branch of the 
Susquehanna, in this State, where his native State at that time claimed a large amount of 
territory; but not being satisfied with the pro.spects of surveying or procuring land there, 
he resolved to foot it to Presque Isle, and got to the Indian village at the mouth of Buffalo 
Creek (where the city of Buffalo now stands) in July, 1795. But one white man was then 
living there, and nothing inviting him to remain, he pushed on, and arrived at Presque 
Isle the last of July, 1795. On Ins arrival here, he found Thomas Rees, Esq., land agent, 
and Col. Seth Reed and family, living here in self-made habitations. Those two tents 
were the only habitations. A company of United States troops were cutting down the 
forest on Garrison Hill to build a stockade fort, under Capt. Russell Bissell. Gens. Elli- 
cott and Irvine, with a corps of surveyors and engineers, were here to lay out the town of 
Erie, escorted and protected by a company of State militia commanded by Capt. John 
Grubb. 

The Rutledges having been shot but a few days before, by the Indians, as was alleged, 
it was deemed unsafe to be out much except when prepared for defense. Mr. Strong hired 
out at once to one of the residents at 50 cents a day, and was set at work to go into the 
woods to cvit and hew planks (puncheons they were then called) to make a floor for a 
house, which he continued at several days until finished, and then found he must pay for 
his board, which was 75 cents per day, leaving him in debt 25 cents per day! He refused 
to pay the difference, and his compass and chain were taken and secreted until he would 
pay his bill, which soon brought him to terms, and he redeemed them. He then changed 
to the Holland Land Co.'s surveys, south of the old State Line, since known as the "trian- 
gle line," where he soon got into employment as a surveyor. A misunderstanding existed 



960 . BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

between the population and the Holland Company as to their rights adjoining the said 
line. He was assured by Maj. Alden that to locate a tract in that district would be safe 
(which proved correct). He located there for life, made a rude habitation, and be- 
came a resident on the Summit, 840 feet above the level of Lake Erie, ten miles south of 
Presque Isle. There were not half a dozen families then living in what is now Erie 
County, and none near his location. He determined not to winter there alone. In the 
month of November, ha left his rude home and started in a log canoe, made by himself at 
LeBoeuf Creek (now Waterford), and went down with the current to French Creek, and 
down that to the Allegheny to Pittsburgh, and, nothing offering to suit him, lie offered 
himself at auction to the highest bidder to work faithfully, and he assured them he knew 
how to work, and asked who would give him the highest wages and board hiraV A good, 
honest yeoman was declared the highest bidder, at -f 3 per month and board for three 
months, which he cheerfully accepted, and served so well that his employer kindly offered 
him 50 cents a month more to I'emain six months longer. But he declined the advance in 
wages, and returned by the way he had gone to his rude hut, where, in the spring of 1796, 
he commenced his pioneer life again, and in surveying and clearing land was unceasing in 
his efforts to procure a home for himself. In 1810, he purchased the tract north of him 
adjoining, and removed on to that, where he spent the remainder of his life. 

Mr. Huidekoper, the agent of the Holland Land Company, always employed Capt. 
Strong to survey, subdivide and set off, or designate old lines among their lands in this 
county as long as he w^as able to attend to it, and ever to his death had entire confidence 
in his ability and judgment and knowledge of the original lines and surveys. The early 
opening of the salt trade, and vast amount of liauling and travel incident thereto, made 
his location a sort of depot on the Summit, which made a public house of entertainment 
desirable and necessary. The locating and making the Erie & Waterford Turnpike past 
his door greatly added to the business, and during the war of 1812 his location had a suc- 
cessful amount of business there. His never-tiring industry and unceasing energy ex- 
tended his domains, and cleared land far ahead of all others. His intelligence and social 
qualities made him friends with all who had intercourse with him. Such industry and 
management are always rewarded, and as early as 1830 he had some 800 acres of land paid 
for, with a very large improvement, good buildmgs, and more money at interest than any 
other farmer in Erie Co. 

When the First Presbyterian Church of Erie was built, Capt. Strong w^as the only man 
in Erie Co. that could lend the necessary money, $800. 

Capt. Strong was married to a Miss Trask in 1805, who died a few years after, leaving 
one daughter, who lived until May, 1823. He again married, and at his death left three 
sons and two daughters, all married and settled in life — Mrs. B. B. Vincent, Mrs. T. B. 
Vincent, Martin Strong, F. D. Strong and Landaff Strong. He was always a great reader, 
and always ready to impart from his well-stored mind in conversation. He had a regular 
system of industry, economy and leisure in their proper places, and though his body long 
suffered and became impaired, the mind continued clear, bright and undisturbed to tlie end. 
After a residence of sixty-three years on the same farm where he located when there were 
not ten families living in this county, he died March 34, 1858, in his eighty-eighth year. 
He had lived to see the population increase to over 50,000 inhabitants, and all prosperous, 
and died respected and esteemed by a very large and extensive circle of friends and 
acquaintances. 

Capt. Strong, in conversation in a circle of friends ten years before his death remarked: 
"That any person would think him a fool to make the selection he did, when the whole 
county was open to him." He said, "That was a mistake; he was not a fool, but he mis- 
judged in his selection, like many others, and spent the prime of his life in making him a 
home, and he thought it folly at that time of life to pull up and begin anew somewhere 
else." 

J. C. STURGEON, attorney at law, Erie, was born in Fairview Township, in 1841 . 
After receiving a good common school education he entered Allegheny College at nineteen 
years of age, and took a literary course. In 1863 he left college and enlisted in the U. S. 
Navy, where he remained in active duty until the end of the war when he was honorably 
discharged, and subsequently in 1876, Allegheny College conferred upon him the degree 
of A. M. honoris rausii. After the war he attended Harvard Law School, where he grad- 
uated in 1868. Having been admitted to the bar he located here (in 1868) and practiced 
his profession. He was soon after elected to the office of District Attorney of Erie Co., 
and was actively engaged in his profession until 1877, when, becoming interested in the oil 
business, he removed to Bradford, McKean Co., Penn., remainin'^ there until 18S1, when 
he returned to Erie. He has always engaged in public life, and in 1880 was a candidate 
before the Republican Convention of McKean Co., Penn., for the State Senate. He is a 
Kniglit Templar, and lias always been an active member of the Republican partv. 

ABRAHAM SULLIVAN, dairyman and general farmer, P. O. box 358," Erie, was 
born Feb. 3, 1831. in New York State; son of Noah and Harriet (Charlock) Sullivan, na- 
tives of New York. Noah located in Erie Co. about 1842, on the farm where our 
subject now lives. He was a clergyman in the Methodist Church, and until thirtj'-five 



CITY OF ERIE. 961 

years of age was active in the ministry, but after locating in this county applied himself 
to farming, quitting active preaching on account of failing health. He first located and 
resided several years on the farm upon which Abraham Sullivan now lives. He afterward 
removed to Harbor Creek Township. Throughout life he was an industrious, honest and 
popular man; he was earnest and conscientious, and until his death remained true to his 
Christian faith; always taking an active interest in religious affairs, occasionally filling 
the pulpit until the time of his death, which occurred in April, 1880. Mr. Sullivan had a 
large circle of acquaintances and with all people was a welcome visitor. He had seven 
children: John J., deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Catherine, widow of Isaiah Carter, of 
Harbor Creek; Mary, wife of Archibald Stewart, in Iowa; Samuel B., deceased; James, 
residing at Scranton, Penn.; Abraham, our subject, and William Henry, deceased. Abra- 
ham Sullivan remained with his father until he was married, March 1, 1853, to Miss Jane, 
daughter of John Dodsworth, Esq., a native of England. Mr. Sullivan has continually 
resided upon the present premises for about thirty-six years, devoting himself to general 
and dairy farming. He is, like his father, a man of popular manners, and capable of form- 
ing warm attachments among his fellow men. To himself and wife have been born the 
following children: Samuel C., born March 4, 1854, at home; Elizabeth, born Dec. 38, 
1855, married to John Hay, residing in Erie; Jennie L., born June 28, 1859, at home; Har- 
riet B., born Nov. 5, 1861, at home; Frederick W., born Sept. 13, 1865, at home; Ettie B., 
deceased, born Feb. 14, 1867; Jessie M. , born March 9, 1873, at home. 

JOHN P. SULLIVAN, county detective, Erie, was born in Erie City, Sept. 7, 1845, 
son of John and Bridget (Mahoney) Sullivan, natives of Cork, Ireland, and parents of six 
children of whom John P. is the fifth. John Sullivan Sr. came from Canada to Erie in 
1837, where he died in 1856. He was at one time in the United States Navy. Our subject 
was educated in Erie City. In early life he served on the lakes and was subsequently a 
contractor for submarine blasting. From 1878 to 1883 he was a member of the police 
force of the city of Erie, and in the latter year was appointed county detective. He was 
married in 1879, to Margaret Shanahan, a native of County Galway, Ireland. Mr. and 
Mrs. Sullivan are members of the Catholic Church. 

JOHN SULTER, Car Inspector and Wreck Master of the L. S. &M. S. Ry., Erie, was 
born near Strasburg, France (now Germany) Aug. 19, 1835. He was reared in Bavaria 
where he learned the 'carpenter's trade. In 1853 he came to America with his parents, 
John and Eva Suiter, who settled here and are buried in Erie. Our subject continued in 
his work here, soon engaging as a bridge builder in connection with railroading. This 
he followed successfully for nine years when he was appointed to his present position. 
He was united in marriage, in Erie, in May, 1859, with Marie Anna, daughter of Boniface 
and Mary Brandt, who came from Alsace, Germany, and settled here about forty-five 
years ago. To this union have been born two sons and six daughters: Mary, John, Jr., 
Anna, Emma, Minnie, Frank, Kittie and Harry. He and his family are members of the 
Roman Catholic Church. He is an active member of the German Benevolent Association 
and of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Suiter served for seven years in Common Council, two years 
as President, for one year as License Commissioner, and has filled minor offices. 

MATTHEW H. TAYLOR, Secretary and Treasurer Youghiogheny River Coal Com- 
pany, was born in Huntington, Penn., May 3, 1847, son of Geoi'ge Taylor, late presiding 
Judge of the Twenty-fourth Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Our subject acquired his 
school training in Huntingdon Academy, Penn., and followed railroad life in various 
capacities from 1864 till 1883. On the organization of the coal companj' our subject re- 
ceived the appointment of Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Taylor was married in Pitts- 
burgh, Penn., in 1872, to Clara A., daughter of JohnH. Burton. To this union were born 
George B., attending Erie Academy, and Clara M. Mrs. Taylor is a member of the First 
Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Taylor is a Republican. 

JOHN TEEL second, son of John Teel first, who died in Erie early in the century at 
the age of ninety-seven; was born near Hartford, Conn., March 3, 1779; came to Erie in 
1796; carried on the business of carpenter and joiner all of his life; located about 1798, at the 
corner of Ninth and Peach streets, where he built a house, which, with additions, contin- 
ued his home ever after; married Esther, daughter of Geo. Moore, in 1807; served a short 
time in the war of 1813; accumulated considerable property; raised a large family; died 
April 31, 1873, aged ninety-three, leaving an enviable reputation for honesty, industry and 
.skill as a builder. 

ALVIN THAYER, physician and surgeon, Erie, was born in Erie City, Oct. 1, 1833; 
son of Albert and Almira (Glazier) Thayer, natives of Vermont and of Scotch descent; 
the former a physician of great repute. Our subject was married, June 5, 1853, to Rebec- 
ca, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Cochran. Their children are: Frank, studying 
medicine with his father; Hattie and Jessie (deceased wife of William Rix). Our subject 
can trace his family genealogy back to 1540. In Scotland one of his ancestors was physi- 
cian to Mary, Queen of Scots; several were generals in the American army, and many of 
the family connections are .professional men holding eminent positions. Dr. Thayer, our 
subject, attended lectures in New Orleans, and in 1840 commenced the practice of his pro- 
fession in Erie City, which he has continued with marked success. He has occupied the 



962 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

position of physician on the Lake Shore Railroad ten years; was Acting Surgeon of the 
145th Reg. P. V. I., and volunteered as an "Independent" at the battle of Antie- 
tam. Heis a member of the State Medical Society, and served in capacity of President 
of Erie County Medical Society; is a member of the United States Medical Association. 
He is a Master Mason; in politics, a Democrat. 

V. M. THOMPSON, commission and grain merchant, Erie, was born in Madison Co., 
N. Y., Aug. 7, 1839; son of Josgpji S. and Rachel (Case) Thompson; the former a native of 
Vermont, of Irish descent; the latter of Massachusetts, of Scotch lineage. Our subject's 
grandfather, with two brothers, sailed from Ireland for America in 1790, but were all lost 
at sea. Joseph S. Thompson was a farmer, and came to Erie City in 1832; died in 1837. 
There our subject received his education, and at the age of fourteen commenced to earn 
his living, besides help to support his mother, which he continued to do till her death. 
His first start in life was peddling Yankee notions: then he manufactured wash-boards till 
he was nineteen years old, when he sold out and bought a canal-boat which he sailed for 
three years, by which time he had accumulated $1,000 in cash. He then attended school 
for one year; and following that opened a coal yard in both Erie City and Meadville. In the 
first year he cleared $2,000. Our subject next ran the Thompson line of canal boats till 
1855, in which year he formed a partnership in the coal trade with P. Arbuckle. At this 
time he was owner of sixteen boats, worth $14,000. In 1858 fortune did not smile so 
favorably on him; but in 1861, nothing daunted, Mr. Thompson again launched into Imsi- 
ness, and in the following year turned Ijis attention to the oil transportation trade, in 
which he made, first year $7,000; bought then an interest in the Woodford Well, which 
returned him $500,000. Our subject married in Erie Co., Penn., Rebecca, daughter of 
John and Esther (Gillespie) Glenn, and of Irish descent. By this union are three children: 
C. L., Victor P. and Clara R. Mrs. Thompson is a member of Park Presbyterian Church. 

J. ROSS THOMPSON, attorney at law, Erie, was born in Franklin. Venango Co., 
Penn., Dec. 6, 1832, son of Chief Justice James Thompson, born in Butler Co., Penn., 
in 1805, who in early life was a printer, and in 1832 was elected to the State Legis- 
lature, serving six years. In 1834 he was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
He was also nominated for Congress from Erie Co., serving three terms. In 1854 he 
was again elected, and for several terms represented his district in the Pennsj^lvania Legis- 
lature. In 1857 he was elected Judge of the Supreme Court, in which capacity he served 
fifteen years, and for five years was Chief Justice, previous to which he was Circuit Judge 
for a number of years. After his election Chief Justice Thompson removed to Philadel- 
phia, Penn. In politics he was a Democrat. He had a familj^ of six children, five now 
living — J. Ross (our subject); Sarah, wife of Samuel Robb, a prominent attorney in Phil- 
adelphia; Clara, also residing in Philadelphia with her mother, who is eighty-three years 
of age; Samuel Gustine, a prominent attorney in Philadelphia; and William E., a stock 
operator. Our subject was educated in Erie Academy and Princeton College, from which 
he graduated in 1854. He immediately commenced the study of law*, was admitted to the 
bar in 1858, and has continued the practice of law in Erie Co. ever since. In 1859 our 
subject was admitted to the Supreme Court, and in 1860 to the United States Court. In 
1860 he was engaged as attorney to the Penn. R. R. Co.. and since 1870 has held a similar 
position with the Penn. Co. During Gov. Packer's administration he served as his aide- 
de-camp, which gave him the military rank of Lieut. Col.; he was subsequentlj^ Colonel 
of the 16th Reg. Militia. Col. Thompson was a delegate to the National Convention in 
1876; also a member of the Democratic Electoral College in 1880. He has been a resident 
of Erie City since 1843. Our subject was married in 1858- to Josephine Mayer, a daughter of 
M. Mayer; she died in 1877, leaving a family of seven children. 

J. P. THOMPSON, proprietor of Sailors' Home, Erie, was born in the northern part of 
Sweden, 68 degrees north latitude, on the Bay of Bothnia, May 10, 1834. At nine he 
adopted his father's calling, that of a sailor, and after two years came to America, engag- 
ing with the American Merchant Marine. At nineteen he was Captain of an American 
mail packet sailing the Southern waters. Two years later he came North and entered the 
American Merchant Marine here, where he remained till the breaking out of the war, when 
he enlisted as Gunner's Mate, in the U. S. Navy, steamer "Penguin," June 19, 1861, and 
at the end of a year's active service was honorably discharged. He then enlisted as a pri- 
Aate, and was afterward promoted to Sergeant in Co. E, 155th N. Y. V. I., but in seventeen 
months was transferred to theU. S. steamer "Princeton" and soon promoted to the po.sition 
of master's mate, and ordered to the U. S. steamer " Laburnum" to do service off Charles- 
ton, S. C, under Admiral Dahlgren. Here he was appointed Ensign and ordered to 
steamer " Catalfa " doing picket duty. When Charleston was evacuated, he secured the 
original manuscript containing the Constitution of the Confederacy, and delivered it to 
Capt. Noyes who delivered it to Admiral Dahlgren. Mr. Thompson subsequently clid duty 
on the man of war " Calypso " and on Admiral Dahlgren's flag ship " Philadelphia." On 
Sept. 30, 1865, he went to Washington and there received an honorable discharge, as En- 
sign. He then engaged in merchant service on salt water till 1866, when he went on the 
lakes for several years. He retired from this in 1871, and has since engaged in his present 
business. Our subject was married April, 1852, in New York, to Anna Yetterberg, of his 



CITY OF ERIE. 963 

native country, who departed this life May 15, 186."), leaving a daughter, Anna, wife of 
Steven A. Thompson, of the U. S. steamer, " Richmond:" they have a son and daughter, 
George Peter and Alice Mary. Mr. Thompson was married again, Feb. 4, 1866, to Elizabeth 
Warrener of Derbyshire, England. They have a bright, intelligent family, consisting of 
three children : John Harvey, Mary Elizabeth (Lillie), George Thomas. The family are 
members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Thompson belongs to the I. O. O. F. (being a 
member of the Encampment), A. O. U. W., Select Knights, G. A. R. and of many benevo- 
lent associations. 

CHARLES M. TIBBALS (deceased), late merchant and manufacturer, was born in 
New York, May 6, 1811, son of Daniel and Mary (Marvin) Tibbals, natives of Connecticut 
and of English descent. He came to Erie City, from New York, in 1836, and embarked in 
business here. He was united in marriage with Delia, daughter of Dr. Otto Lyman of 
New York, and of English descent. He died in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Tibbals were parents 
of four children : Charles M., Jr.; Eliza, wife of AVilliam H. Whitehead, member of Erie 
Rubber Co.; Catherine (deceased), and Martha A. Charles M., Jr., was born Aug. 28, 
1840; acquired his education in Erie Academy and became engaged, in 1860, with his 
father in the industry now known as the Chicago &.Erie Stove Co. On the death of his 
father, Charles continued the manufacture of stoves for a time. He also clerked in Erie 
City several years; is now Government Inspector under Maj. Adams. He was married in 
Worcester, Mass., to Fannie, daughter of Frederick Hancock, and of English descent. Mr. 
Tibbals and his wife are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. In politics he is Inde- 
pendent. 

BESTER TOWN, deceased, one of the old pioneer stock of Erie Co., was born in 
Granville, Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1794. He was married, Sept. 32, 1816, to Bet- 
sey M. Martin, a native of the State of Vt., of English and French extraction. They 
reared a family of 8 children. In 1824, they moved to Erie Co., Penn., and bought 100 
acres of land where the village of North East now stands. Mr. Town successfully engaged 
in many enterprises, and was for years associated with his sons in mercantile business. 
In 1846, he invested in Western lands, from which he realized large profits. In 1864, he 
united with Hon. Orange Noble and others in establishing the Keystone National Bank 
of Erie, of which he was one of the Directors, from date of the first election up to the 
time of his death, Dec. 2, 1870, his business experience adding largely to the success of the 
institution. Mr. Town was in early life taught the first principles of real success in life, 
to wit, virtue and honesty; he was prompt, energetic and persevering in all his business 
engagements, decided, fearless and outspoken in his political views. He was opposed to 
slavery, and was a member of the first Anti-slavery Society, and was a warm and active 
supporter of the Government during the whole period of the rebellion. 

JOSEPH I. TOWN, cashier of the Keystone National Bank of Erie, seventh son of 
Bester Town, was born in Erie Co., Penn., April 15, 1831. After acquiring an education, 
he in early life entered the mercantile business, engaging in it until 1854, when he took his 
initiative step in banking at Elgin, 111. Then went to Iowa and engaged in the milling 
business. When the KeystoneNational Bank was organized he returned to Erie and has 
been connected with said bank nearly ever since. In 1854 our subject was married to Ruth 
M. Andrews, who died in 1862 leaving one son, John S., a merchant and one of Erie City's 
enterprising business men. He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, June 26, 1858, received 
his education in Erie Co., graduated from a business college in 1874, for four years was 
engaged in the Keystone N'ational Bank.and since 1881 has carried on a successful grocery 
business on State Street, Erie, Penn.; he was married, in 1879, to Ahce S., daughter of 
James Hampson of North East and of English extraction; they have one child : Ruth M. 
In politics Mr. Town is a Republican. 

JOHN A. TRACY was born at Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Feb. 16. 1798. His father, 
Capt. John Tracy, was a descendant of Lieut. Thomas Tracy, who came to Salem, Mass. 
from Tewkesbury, England, in the year 1636. Capt. John Tracy, with his family, removed 
to Little Conneautee, now Washington Township. Erie Co., in 1799. and thence in 1801 
to Waterford. ^ Here John A. Tracy attended school for a few years, under the Rev. Rus- 
sell Stancliff. He commenced as a boy in the active business of teaming for his father 
between the head of navigation on French Creek and Erie. This business was active in 
1812, 1813 and 1814, during the war, as army and navy stores for Gen. Harrison's army 
and Commodore Perry's fleet were carried on this route from Pittsburgh to Erie, and he 
thus took his first lesson in inland transportation, with ox teams, over stump roads cut 
through the woods. Mr. Tracy came to Erie when eighteen years of age, as clerk in 
a store, on the southeast corner of French and Sixth Sts. He aftei'ward became a partner 
of P. S. V. Hamot for several years, and afterward with Jonas Harrison, in a general mer- 
cantile business. He was one of the Directors of the U. S. Branch Bank, of Erie, and also 
of the old Erie Bank. He took an active interest in the Erie Extension Canal, from the 
Ohio River to Erie, and was a contractor in building the Walnut Creek Aqueduct, and was 
subsequently a director for many years. Mr. Tracy was one of the contractors on the New 
York & Erie Railroad, in the early efforts to build it, and again about the year 1848, 
when the efforts to resume and finish it from New York to Dunkirk were successful. He 



964 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

■was among the first and active worliers to start the Erie & Northeast Railroad, the first 
railroad built to the City of Erie, and was one of the contractors in its construction in 
1850 and 1851. "When completed he continued to be a Director until 1853, when he was 
elected President of the company, and so continued until the company was consolidated 
with the Buffalo and State Line Companj-, under the name of the BufEalo & Erie (!o., and 
when this company was consolidated with the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Com- 
pany, and making one corporation from BufEalo to Chicago, he became a Director, and 
continued in that office until his death. He was also a Director of the Erie & PittsurghR. 
R. Co. After the conclusion of his more active duties of railwaj^ construction, he gave 
much attention to farming; his large farms in West Mill Creek and Fairview were models 
in their thorough cultivation. He married Susan Jane Dobbins, daughter of Capt. Daniel 
Dobbins, in 1826. She died in 1867. Mr. Tracy died at his residence in Erie, Feb. 26, 1875, 
leaving seven children, viz.: John F. Tracy, Mrs. Mary M. Scott, wife of Hon. W. 
L. Scott; Mrs. Anna M. McCullum, wife of Mr. J. V. 'McCullum; Chas. Tracy, Mrs. 
Eliza T. Griswold, wife of Wm. A. Griswold; Daniel D. Tracy and Wm. A- Tracy. Mr. 
Tracy controlled men by the gentle force of his nature and the strong forces of the right 
and the true. Though mild in his manners, he was inflexible when it was proposed to 
drive him from the right. Plain and unpretending, he disliked shams and false pretences. 
Social, friendly and extensively acciuaiuted, he continued a favorite until the day of his 
death. His remains and those of his wife rest side by side in the cemetery at Erie. 

JOHN F. TRACY (deceased) was born in the "City of Erie, Jan. 7" 1827. He was a 
son of John A. Tracy, whose history appears above. He received his education at the 
Erie Academy. His father built the aqueduct of the Erie & Pittsburg Canal at Walnut 
Creek, and in this work John F. Tracy first developed his capacity for the superintendence 
of large enterprises of this kind. Subsequently he was engaged in the construction of the 
New York ct Erie Railroad, of which his father was a contractor. After the completion 
of that road, he was still more actively engaged in the construction of that portion of the 
Buffalo & State Line Railroad west of Dunkirk, and of the Eiie &: North East Rail- 
road to Erie, and though not yet twenty-five years of age, almost the entire practical man- 
agement of these enterprises was confided to his care. Very shortly after the completion 
of the latter road, he was appointed its Superintendent, where he did his full share in 
originating the plans for the practical operating of railroads. When, in 1853, it was de- 
cided to change the gauge of this road and make it a part of a through line — a determin- 
ation which was violently opposed by a large portion of the citizens of Erie, and which 
brought on the trouble known as the Erie Railroad War — Mr. Tracy held his post with 
firmness and courageous devotion to the interests of his road, and never for a moment 
yielded to the pressure of the mistaken popular sentiment which sought to maintain a 
break in the continuous line of what was destined to become a great continental highwaj'. 
Mr. Tracy completed this change of gauge determined on by his company in 1854, and 
then accepted the office of Assistant Superintendent of the Chicago ct Rock Island road, 
which road was then in progress of construction. He was soon promoted to the office of 
General Superintendent, subsequently was made Vice President and finally President of 
the road, which office he held for many j-ears, and until compelled b}' reason of ill health 
to resign in the year 1877. Under Mr. Tracy's management the Chicago & Rock Island 
road was extended through Iowa to the Missouri River and across Iowa and Missouri to 
Leavenwortli, Kan. He built for his road the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi 
River, which brought on a protracted and bitter controversy as to the right to build rail- 
way bridges over navigable rivers — the river interests opposing violently, even to the de- 
struction of spans of the bridge bj' fire — but in this great effort to establish an uninter- 
rupted highway, a counterpart of the "Erie Railroad War," he persisted until success 
was attained. At first opposed by Federal Court decisions, in the end the United States 
Government became joint owners with his road in a first-class, iron bridge. In 1870, 
while maintaining his position as President of his favorite corporation, the Rock Island, 
he secured the control of the Chicago & Northwestern Railwa}', its active competitor, and 
became its President, which office he held till 1875, when he resigned by reason of failing 
health. Mr. Tracy was the first capitalist that fully recognized the importance of the 
New York rapid transit movement, and liberally aided it, and in conjimction with his 
brother-in-law, Hon. W. L. Scott, fought the battle of rapid transit through years of legis- 
lative, legal and popular antagonism, until every point in dispute was settled, and the 
problem solved. Mr. Tracy was the equal, if not the sviperior of any man in the country 
in his expert and invariably successful management of railroad combinations. He was 
reticent, determined, and above all self-reliant. One of his marked traits was the great 
tenacity with which he adhered to anj' opinion he had formed after mature consideration, 
and the resolute manner in which he championed and executed his favorite projects in de- 
fiance of all difficulties and opposition. In his private life he was one of the least osten- 
tatious and most kind-hearted of men. His large wealth was bestowed generously in the 
direction of public and private charity. Mr. Trjicy's health began to fail at the age of 
fifty years by reason of his very active "life, but he had done his work well and lived long 
enough to make himself one of the fathers of the "American Railway System." Mr. 



CITY OF ERIE. 965 

Tracy remained unmarried and died at the residence of his brother-in-law, Hon. W. L. 
Scott, in Erie, Feb. 13, 1878. His remains rest by the side of his father and mother in the 
Erie Cemetery. 

PROF. D. C. TUBBS, of Tubbs' Business College, Erie, was born in Wesley ville, 
Erie Co., Penn., Aug. 23, 1849. After receiving a good education in the public schools of 
his birth-place, he entered the Erie High School when eighteen years of age, where he 
remained for fifteen months, when he attended the Erie Commercial College, graduating 
from it when twenty-one. He then went for fifteen months to the Lake Shore Seminary, 
and subsequently practiced his profession throughout the State. He then came here and 
accepted a position as Commercial Instructor in Erie Academy, which he filled reputably 
for five years. Retiring from this, he taught penmanship and l)ook-keeping in the city 
until 1880, when he established the present college, and has successfully carried it on ever 
since. He has been an interested worker in support of educational measures in the city. 
He is an active member of the Y. M. C. A. 

THOMAS B. TURRILL, grocer, Erie, was born at Seneca Falls, N. Y., in 1837. He 
graduated from Nunda Academy, that State, and began to read law with the view of mak- 
ing it his profession, but was compelled to abandon it on account of ill health; came here 
in 1859 and engaged in merchandising, but in 1861 returned to Nunda, N. Y. Enlisted in 
Co. F, 33d N. Y. V. I., and did active and honorable service for two years. He partici- 
pated in thirteen pitched battles and in many skirmishes. In June, 1863, he was honora- 
bly discharged. Mr. Turrill returned to Erie in 1865, and has since been engaged in the 
mercantile trade. (He spent one year during this time in merchandising at Jefferson, 
Iowa.) Our subject was united in marriage, Jan. 26, 1869, with Georgietta A. Zlmmerly, 
of Erie. Is a graduate of Painesville Academy, Ohio. Mr. Turrill is an active member 
in the following societies: A. F. & A. M., I. O. O. F., K. of P., A. O. U. W. and G. A. R., 
Post, 67. 

DR. GEORGE ULRICH, physician and druggist, Erie, was born in Berlin, Europe, 
April 19, 1830, son of Dr. Henry Ulrich. He was educated in his native country, and gradu- 
ated from one of the leading Germania colleges in Europe in 1860, and the same year 
came to America, settling In Milwaukee, Wis., where he practiced medicine for twelve 
years. He then came to Erie City, and has since pursued his profession. Our subject has 
made a specialty of chronic diseases, and, in December, 1882, he obtained a patent for his 
well-known "Mirabilia" or blood purifier. The Doctor has met with much success and 
encouragement in his profession. 

STRONG VINCENT was born in Waterford, Erie Co., June 17, 1837. He was the old- 
est son of Bethuel B. Vincent, and a grandson of Judge John Vincent, of this county, both 
of whom are elsewhere referred to in this work. His mother was Sarah Ann (Strong) Vin- 
cent, a daughter of Capt. Martin Strong, of Summit Township, one of the earliest pioneers, 
and in his day one of the foremost citizens of the county. In 1843, his parents removed to 
the city of Erie. His school days were passed chiefly at the old Erie Academy. Here he 
formed many boyish friend.ships, which, notwithstanding his long absences afterward from 
his native town, were warmly cherished by him as long as he lived. When he was about 
fourteen years old, he thought that he had had schooling enough. But his father would 
have no one idle about him, so the boy was put to work in his father's iron foundry. For 
six months he worked as a day laborer. He was then taken into the office of the concern, 
and given partial oversight of the books and of the hands in the foundry. After being 
thus occupied for a year and more, he thought that he would become a more successful 
iron-founder if he had a scientific education. With this idea, he left home and entered 
the scientific school at Hartford, Conn. He soon began to desire a full collegiate educa- 
tion, and shortly entered Trinity College. But he was not yet content. The reputation 
of Harvard College had a great charm for him, and he finally persuaded his father to allow 
him to enter it, which he did as a sophomore in the class of 1859. A college friend, after- 
ward an intimate army friend (Maj. W. W. Swan) thus speaks in the " Harvard Memorial 
Biographies " of his college career: "Vincent was a man of mark in his class, and in the 
college. His personal appearance was in his favor. There was not a student from sopho- 
more to senior who did not on first seeing him seek to learn who he was. Physically he 
seemed fully developed. Of rather above medium height, he had a well-formed, powerful 
frame, and his face was remarkably striking and handsome. He looked many j^ears older 
than he really was, and in every respect his mind corresponded with his body. One would 
have said on hearing him converse that he was twenty-five years old. He was not a 
hard student. And yet when the class of 1859 graduated, if the professors had been 
asked to name tho.se whom the college would afterward delight to count among her chil- 
dren, Vincent would have been high on the list." 

While in Harvard, he deWmined to follow a professional life, and much of his read- 
ing at this time was with this view. Graduating in 1859, he immediately returned to Erie, 
and began the study of law in the office of William S. Lane, Esq. In fifteen months he had 
been creditably admitted to the bar, and become Mr. Lane's partner; was taking an active 
interest in the public affairs of the city and county, and stood high in the estimation of 

50 



966 ■ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

his fellow-citizens. He took special interest in the political campaign of 1860, in favor of 
Mr. Lincoln. 

He had been for some time a member of the local militia company, "The Wayne 
Guards." In 1861, on the day after the President's first call for volunteers, he enlisted as 
a private with his company in the "Erie Regiment " of three-months men. As his Harvard 
biographer says: "His motive was pure patriotism. Tlie dreams that every boy has of a 
soldier's life, of course, came back to him; but at his age, he could count the cost of mil- 
itary honors. Other honors such as had for him a still higher value, he was sure to obtain 
in paths of peace. * * * At the bar and in the Senate, he would have sougiit his 
laurels. * * * Manhood and patriotism made him a soldier." 

He was at once married to a lady to whom he had been some time engaged — Miss 
Elizabeth H. Carter, of Newark, N. J. 

Vincent had been elected the 2d Lieut, of his Company (A) before the regiment left 
Erie. He was soon afterward appointed the Adjutant of his regiment. On arrival at 
Pittsburgh, where several regiments of these three-months men were stationed. Col. McLane 
of the Erie regiment became Post Commander, and Vincent Post Adjutant. It was in his 
efficient discharge of the duties of this position that his soldierly qualities first began to 
attract attention. 

On return to Erie, and in mustering out of the three-months men, he at once re-enlist- 
ed in the 83d Reg. P. V. for three years; was again appointed Acting Adjutant during the 
formation of the new regiment, and was elected its Maj. before leaving Erie. On its ar- 
rival at Hall's Hill Camp near Washington, he was elected and commissioned its Lieut. 
Colonel. 

Just after leaving home, he wrote to his wife: " Surely the right will prevail. If I live, 
we will rejoice over our country's success. If I fall, remember that you have given your 
husband a sacrifice to the most righteous cause that ever widowed a woman." 

On reaching Washington, the 83d Reg. was assigned to Butterfield's brig., of Maj. 
Gen. Fitz-john Porter's division, and during that fall and winter (1861-63) Vincent ren- 
dered frequent service as a Brig. Inspector. Before Yorktown he was incessantly in Ihe 
saddle, in charge of working parties in the trenches. He made the siege a constant study, 
and knew the position and importance of every work and gun along our lines. His first 
battle was that of Hanover Court House. Shortly after this he was prostrated by the poi- 
sonous air of the Chickahominy Swamps, so that his life was despaired of. While in this 
condition, the terrible battle of Gaines' Mill took place, in which over one-half of his reg- 
iment were either killed or wounded. The Colonel and Major were both killed. The news 
was kept from him as long as possible. But the preparations for the retreat of our army 
revealed the truth. Sick as he was, he realized the desperate loss to the regiment in the 
death of its gallant commander, McLane. He forced his attendants to let him go, and 
mounting his horse led his regiment until he fell helpless from the saddle. Carried for a 
long distance on the back of his faithful servant. John Hickey, he knew nothing more 
until he found himself on board a sick-transport on the James River. He was met by his 
wife and father in N. Y., and taken home, where he remained until Oct. 1, when he 
returned to his regiment. During his absence he had been chosen and commissioned its 
Colonel. 

In Dec, this brigade took part in the battle of Fredericksburg. Here he gained the 
enthusiastic and lasting confidence of his men and fellow-ofBcers. Lying on their faces a 
whole day under the fire of the enemy so near that it was death to rise from the ground, 
he cheered them by his own example of personal bravery; and the command of the brigade 
falling temporaril}" to him, he proved his generalship when ordered to fall back, by 
rescuing his troops from their perilous position under the momentary cover of a passing 
cloud on a full moonlit night. 

Socially, he was an unusually attractive man, and his quarters at Acquia Creek dur- 
ing the following winter were always a popular resort. Maj. Swan's article says of him: 
"As a general thing, his companions were older than himself; for though Vincent was but 
twenty-five years old, his decisive countenance and confident address made him seem the 
compeer of men of forty. Among his associates were officers of the highest rank. He 
could adapt himself to all; could talk with the politicians on questions of history, with a 
general officer on military evolution.s, or with a sporting man on the merits of horses, and 
all respected his opinion." An extract from one of his letters about this time will .show 
his decided opinions. "It reminds us," says his Harvard biographer "of Gen. Grant's 
instructions to Gen. Sheridan far later in the war: 'We must fight them more vindictive- 
ly. We must desolate the country as we pass through it, and not leave the trace of a 
doubtful friend or foe behind us; make them believe that we are in earnest, terribly in 
earnest; that to break this land in twain is monstrous and impossible; that the life of every 
man, woman and child in the entire South is of no value whatever, compared with the 
integrity of the Union.' " 

For several weeks Vincent was President of a Court Martial, and later was offered the 
position of Judge Advocate General of the Army of the Potomac. This he declined. "I 
enlisted to fight," he said laughingly, when urged to take the staff position. 



CITY OF ERIE. 967 

In April, 1863, he was regularly appointed as ranking Colonel, to the command of the 
brigade. Shortly after this, he rendered signal service with it, in support of Gen. Pleas- 
anton's cavalry at the battle of Aldie. He there received the special thanks and com- 
mendations of the Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Meade. 

From Aldie his brigade marched to Gettysburg. Crossing the Pennsylvania line his 
excitement became intense. "As we rode slowly through the town (Hanover) Vincent 
had the torn colors of the old 83d unrolled, and brought to the front of the brigade. As 
they rustled in the moonlight before him, he reverently bared his head, and said to one of 
his staff in tones that will never be forgotten: ' What death more glorious can any man 
desire, than to die on the soil of old Pennsylvania, fighting for that flag!" The battle of 
Gettysburg began on the 1st of July. The 5th Corps (Gen. Sykes), to which Vincent's com- 
mand was attached, arrived with the main body of our army on the second. He realized 
and 3^et spoke hopefully of the terrible struggle now fairly begun. As his command lay 
quietly awaiting orders, he said: "To-day will either bring me my stars, or finish my 
career as a soldier." (Who would have thought it would do both?) On the afternoon of 
the second, orders arrived for a brigade of their division to move to the support of Gen. 
Sickles' Third Corps. Vincent (so says an eye-witness) in the absence of his superior ofl3- 
cer, took the responsibility of taking his own brigade to the front, and posting them so as 
to hold "Little Round Top" Mountain. This was the real key, as it afterward appeared, 
to the position of our army in that day's fight, and the rebels strove desperately all that 
afternoon to take it, in order to turn our flank, an<l so drive us certainly from our posi- 
tion. This hill, since known as Vincent's Spur (and now marked by a marble slab erected 
by "Strong Vincent Post " G. A. R., of Erie), was held by this brigade, though at fear- 
ful loss. The disposition of these troops upon it was afterward cited in the class room at 
West Point as one of the most signal instances in the war of first-class military strategy by 
a volunteer officer. But it cost Vincent his life. While standing on a conspicuous rock, 
encouraging his troops, he was shot by a sharp-shooter, and died five days afterward. The 
appointment of Brigadier General was sent him the day after he was wounded, but it 
reached him too late. The gallant young soldier had sunk into his last sleep. He was 
buried at Erie with military honors. A little girl was born to him three months after his 
death. She lived only a year and then was buried in the same grave with "The hero of 
Little Round Top." 

BETHUEL BOYD VINCENT. The earliest ancestor of the Vincent family in this 
country, was a French Huguenot of the name, who fled from religious persecution in France 
in the latter part of the 17lh century, and settled near Newark, N. J. In 1773, part of his 
descendants removed and settled near what is now Milton, Penn., on the West Branch of 
the Susquehanna. During the Revolutionary war they suffered greatly from attacks by 
the Indians and British, some being killed and others carried as prisoners of war to Quebec. 
Other families afterward settling in Erie Co. (the Himrods, Mileses, Boyds, Lytles, etc.) had 
a like experience at the same time and place. Three relatives of the name— John, William 
and Daniel — removed to Waterford. in this county, at different times, about the year 1800. 
Among the children of William are the Hon. John P. Vincent, lawyer and ex-County 
Judge, of Erie, and Miss Sarah Vincent, present Postmistress at Waterford; and of Daniel, 
T. B. Vincent and Elizabeth (Mrs. Dr. William Faulkner), of Erie. 

John Vincent came to Erie Co. in 1797, and settled at Fort Le Bceuf (now Waterford) 
when the region was still a howling wilderness. He was a man of strong natural intellect, 
sound common sense, and inflexible integrity. These qualities, though he had but a lim- 
ited education, procured his appointment as Justice of the Peace in 1803, and in 1805 as 
Associate Judge of Erie Co. This latter position he filled with entire satisfaction to the 
public for forty years. He married twice (first Nancy Boyd and afterward Nancy Anderson), 
and his children were Bethuel Boyd. John A. (now of Cleveland, Ohio), Phebe W. (Mrs. 
John Wood), Henry R., Cornelius H. and James P. He died in Feb., 1860, at the old 
homestead in Waterford. 

Bethuel Boyd Vincent was the oldest son of the Judge, and was born in Water- 
ford Aug. 4, 1803. During his youth he helped his father on the farm and in the salt 
trade, picking up such education as he could between times at a country schoolhouse. 
Later,_ he studied surveying at the Waterford Academy. In June. 1826, he was employed 
as assistant to Col. James Kearnej^ U.' S. A., in making survej's for a Government canal 
from the Ohio to the lakes at Erie. He was afterward some seven years in the State service 
atMeadville, as civil engineer. In 1834, he'returned, and lived as a merchant at Waterford 
until 1843 He then removed to Erie, where he had previously formed a partnership 
(Vincent, Himrod & Co.) with William and David Himrod and William II. Johnston, in 
the business of an iron foundry and machine shop. In 1860, he retired from this firm and 
formed, with others, the banking house of Vincent, Bailey & Co. ; and when this was con- 
verted, in 1865, into the Marine National Bank of Erie, he became its first President. In 
1866, he joined in building "The National" Grain Elevator, of Chicago (burned in the 
great fire of 1871 — rebuilt, 1873), and was a partner in this concern at the time of his death 
July 21, 1876. 

Mr. Vincent was, like his father and other of his ancestors, a man of marked individu- 



968 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ality of character. He had a clear, vigorous, well informed mind; an indomitable, almost 
imperious will; thorough independence, and unwearied energy of spirit; yet, withal, a 
tenderly affectionate, and heartj' social disposition, amounting at times to joviality. As 
a business man, he was active and successful; as a citizen, public-spirited and benevolent; 
as a Christian, conscientious, exemplary, most devoted, yet without a particle of cant. 
There was a wholesome, whole-souled, courageous manliness about him in this last respect, 
as there was in all else he was and did. Such qualities naturally made him a man of mark 
and influence among his fellow-citizens. 

All these traits were most apparent, perhaps, in his activity in the church of his choice. 
From his earliest residence in Erie, he was connected with St. Paul's (Prot. Epis.) Church 
asa vestryman and warden, and was for thirty years the Superintendent of itsSunday school. 
He had a great fondness for children, and a great faculty for winning their confidence and 
affection. " He was always ready to be useful anywhere in the Lord's work, from reading 
public service to pumping an organ. His means, like his strength, were generously given 
to the same cause. Much of both went into the building of the present beautiful St. 
Paul's Church, and of its four chapels. He was almost always, too, a representative of this 
parish, both in the diocesan and general councils of the Church. A beautiful memorial 
tablet in St. Paul's testifies to the active blessedness of Mr. Vincent's Christian life, and to 
the gratitude of those whom he helped to teach and lead in the same way. 

Mrs. Vincent was a daughter (Sarah A.) of Capt Martin Strong, of this count}% and 
still lives (1884) with her only surviving children— Rev. Boyd Vincent, Ward Vincent, and 
Mrs. Geo. A. Lyon, in the city of Pittsburgh. Three daughters — Blanche, Belle and Kate 
— died in early life, and two sons — Strong (Gen. Vincent) and Reed— in early manhood. 

JOHN P. VINCENT, ex-President Judge of Erie Co., Penn., and attorney at law, 
Erie, was born in Waterford. this county, Dec. 2, 1817, son of William Vincent. Our sub- 
ject received his education in Waterford Academy, and chose the profession of law. He 
came to Erie City in 1839, and having been regularly admitted to the bar in 1841, com- 
menced practicing in that year in Erie, and has so continued ever since, excepting such 
time as he was acting as Judge. From 1849 to 1854, Judge Vincent was associated in part- 
nership with James C. Marshall. Our subject has been a Republican in politics since the 
organization of that party, previous to which he was a Whig. He was elected to the Leg- 
islature from Erie Co. in 18(52-63, and in the latter year was the Republican candidate for 
Speaker of the House. He then resumed his profession, and continued it till Dec, 1866, 
when he took his seat as Additional Law Judge of the Sixth District of Pennsylvania, then 
composed of Crawford, Warren and Erie Cos. This seat the Judge occupied till the adop- 
tion of the Constittition in 1874, which made Erie Co. a separate district, and he then 
served Erie Co. as President Judge till 1877. Since that year he has continued in law 
practice without intermission. 

ALBERT VOSBURGH, barber, and dealer in real estate, Erie, is a native of this city, 
son of Robert and Abigail (Tisdale) Vosburgh, the former of Dutch descent, a native of 
Kinderhook, N. Y., a barber, the latter of French and English descent, of Taunton, Mass. 
They came to Erie in 1818, and were parents of nine children, eight sons and one daugh- 
ter, Mrs. Susan Dickson, wife of W. H. Dickson. Our subject and sister are the only 
members of the family in Erie City. He received a common school training, and on the 
death of his father, in 1846, he and his brother F. J. continued the business for a time. 
Mr. Vosburgh has speculated in real estate in Erie City, and at present owns, besides the 
lot he lives on and where he was born, six houses and ten valuable lots in Erie City. 
While never an aspirant for oflEice, he is influential in molding sentiment in the recognition 
and enactment of established facts. He is one of the most active and zealous Republicans 
of Erie. For many years he has most",successfully co-operated with William D. Forten, of 
Philadelphia, William Nesbitt of Altoona, Robert Stuart, of New Castle, and others, in 
securing to all classes equality before the law; and no one regards with more intense sat- 
isfaction the great changes wrought in the fabric of society. Of ample means, he has 
traveled extensively, andfew are better posted in current and local history. He is unmar- 
ried, and resides with his sister in the familj^ mansion. Of his brothers, Robert has for 
thirty -five years filled a position in the New York Custom House; George at the L. S. R. 
R. depot at Cleveland; Henry and Israel perished in the destruction of the steamer "Erie " 
in July, 1841; Fitz died at Oakland, Cal., and Charles at Erie in 1880. 

CARL HENRY WALBRIDGE, lumber dealer, Erie, son of John S. and Jane C. 
(Maloy) Walbridge, was born in Erie, May 1, 1846. His father was born at Sharon, Vt.. 
Sept. 10, 1815, and died at Springfield, Penn., May 3, 1859. His mother was a native of 
Argyle, N. Y., born Aug. 15, 1818; died at Springfield, Penn., Jan. 22. 1872. John S. Wal- 
bridge was the father of eight children, all of whom are now living, viz.: Emma J., now 
Mrs. J W. Moore, born Nov. 30, 1840; Charles P., born Aug. 25, 1842, married; Florence H., 
now Mrs. L. L. Jordon, born May 12, 1844; Carl HenrJ^ born May 1, 1846; Andrew M., 
born March 29, 1848, married to Kitty O. Strickland; Ann Eliza, born Sept. 3, 1850, mar- 
ried to Lelas Morgan; Frank L., born June 11, 1854, married to Ida M. Smith; Ida Maria, 
Ijorn Aug. 25, 1858, married to Charles F. Church. Our subject passed his youth with his 
parents, but at eighteen years of age, when the country wanted brave and true men to 



CITY OF ERIE. 969 

come forward in its defense, he promptly offered his services, and entered the XJ. S. Xavy 
in Dec. 1862; but March 31, following year, he was enrolled as a volunteer in the 63d P. 
V. I., in which he continued to serve until the close of hostilities. At Petersburg, June 
16, 1864, he received a wound that resulted in the loss of his left leg. He received his dis- 
charge from the army June 8, 1865. Upon his return home Mr. Walbridge applied himself 
with energy to business pursuits. 

JOHN H. WALKER was born of Scotch-Irish parentage on his father's farm in Cum- 
berland Co., Penn., near Harrisburg, Feb. "9, 1800. In 1817 his father moved to Washing- 
ton Co., Penn., where the son completed his education, graduating from Washington Col- 
lege in 1831. Soon after he entered upon the study of law with an uncle in Pittsburgh, 
where he was admitted to the bar. He came to Erie in 1824, and entered upon a good le- 
gal practice almost from the start, becoming one of the acknowledged leaders of the bar, 
a position he held for more than lialf a century. In 1831 he was married to Miss Cath- 
arine D. Kelly, of Erie. Entering into politics, Mr. Walker became a zealous anti-Mason, 
and was elected by that party to the Assembly in 1832, 1833 and 1834. In 1849 he was 
chosen State Senator for the district composed of Erie and Crawford Cos., serving three 
years, the last of which he was Speaker of the body. He was the Whig candidate for 
Congress in 1850, and defeated by only 206 votes, the district comprising Erie, Clarion, 
Jefferson, Warren, Potter, Elk and McKean Cos., being usually Democratic, by a con- 
siderable majority. In 1862 he I'eceived the endoi'sement of Erie Co. for the same posi- 
tion, but failed to receive the district nomination. In 1872 he was chosen a Delegate-at- 
large to the Constitutional Convention, and on the 16th of September, 1873, upon the 
death of William M. Meredith, succeeded him as President of that assemblage. Mr. 
Walker did much to promote the building of the first railroad along the lake shore, and 
was active in encouraging the several plank roads that extended out of Erie. During the 
famous railroad war he took the side of the railroad company, and suffered many annoy- 
ances on account of his position. He returned from the Constitutional Convention in bad 
health, and failed rapidly from that time till his death, which occurred on the 25th of 
January, 1875. His wife died in 1860, having borne him nine children, of whom five sur- 
vive, as follows: John W. Walker (intermarried with Annie V., daughter of Hon. S. S. 
Harrison, of Kittanning, Penn., formerly a member of Congress), Captain of Volunteers, 
and Paymaster during the war for the Union, Democratic nominee for State Senator in 
1876 and 1880, Chairman of the Democratic County Committee in 1881, elected to the As- 
sembly from Erie City in 1882; Thomas M. Walker (intermarried with Agnes, daughter of 
William M. Caughey, of Erie CityO, Colonel of the 111th Penn. Regt. during the war, elected 
Sheriff of Erie Co. in 1870, Chairman of the Republican County Committee for two years, 
Postmaster of Erie from 1876 to 1879; Catharine D. AValker, intermarried with Samuel A. 
Davenport, of Erie; Isabella M. Walker, intermarried with H. N. Armstrong, now a resi- 
dent of Missouri; Mary K. Walker, intermarried with Mr. Beemer, of Missouri. 

DR. JOHN C. WALLACE (deceased) was the first resident physician in Erie Co., and 
was the only one until within a short time before his death. He was born in Dauphin 
Co., Penn., Feb. 14, 1771, and died in Erie, Dec. 8, 1827. He graduated at Philadelphia 
under Dr. Rush and other celebrated medical men. He was appointed Surgeon in the 
United States array, and in 1794 accompanied Gen. Wayne in the Indian war. During 
the war he visited Erie for a short time. Some years later he resigned his position in the 
army, and after residing in Franklin, Penn., for three years, came to Erie with his family 
in 1803. Professionally he was identified with the entire county, in fact, his iDrofessional 
calls often took him far beyond its bounds. In 1806 he was elected the first Burgess of 
Erie and also held the offices of Justice of the Peace, County Commissioner and Coroner. 
At the beginning of the war of 1812, he commanded an Erie Co. regiment, and after the 
battle on Lake Erie assisted Dr. Parsons, of the navy, in attending the wounded. Dr. 
Wallace was married in Franklin, in 1801, to Miss Margaret Heron, daughter of Capt. 
James Heron of the army. They had seven children: Eleanor, Benjamin, Elizabeth, 
Gordon, Jane, Mary Ann and William Perry, of whom only two are now living. Gordon 
Wallace lives in Missouriton, Mo., and Jane (now a widow), who married Capt. Wheeler, 
late of the army, lives in Troy, Mo. The only one who remained in Erie Co. was 
Elizabeth, who married Charles Pollock, March 8, 1831. They had nine children: John, 
Wheeler, Charles, Benjamin, James, Robert. Jane, Elizabeth and Ellen. Five are still 
living: Wheeler, Charles, James, Robert and Elizabeth. Wheeler has three children : Burt, 
Josephine and Winnie. Charles has two children: Annie and Robert. A grand-daughter 
and a great-grandson are the only descendants of Dr. Wallace now living in the county. 

IRVINE M. WALLACE is the son of William Wallace, a lawyer of prominence who 
came to Erie from Harrisburg, Penn., in 1795. as the attorney for the Pennsylvania Pop- 
ulation Company, and afterward practiced law in the Erie County Courts. His mother 
was the daughter of Hon. William Maclay, of Franklin Co., Penn., and grand-daughter of 
John Harris, the founder of the city of Harrisburg, Penn. William Wallace had three 
sons and one daughter: Benjamin, a Presbyterian clergyman, deceased; William M., 
physician, deceased; Mary, wife of Dr. DeWitt, of Philadelphia, deceased; and Irvine, 
lawyer, now residing in Erie, all of whom have attained a high rank in their professions. 



970 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

The Wallace family came of good stock, the father an eminent lawyer, and the mother a 
daughter of the Hon. William Maclay. Mr, Maclay was a member of tlie State Legisla- 
ture of Pennsylvania in 1781, and in Sept., 1788 was the first United States Senator elected 
from Pennsylvania. After the expiration of his term in the Senate, he was elected mem- 
ber of the House of Representatives, of Pennsylvania, and was again elected in 1803. He 
was Presidential elector in 1796, and in 1801-3-3, was one of the Judges in Dauphin Co., 
Penn., and was also one of the committee which arranged for the purchase of the land 
that gave Pennsylvania a frontage on Lake Erie. During Mr. Maclay's term as Senator, it 
was proposed by Mr. Adams to give the President the title of " His Highness," etc., when 
Mr. M. said, "It is impossible for any title to add to the respect entertained for Gen. Wash- 
ington." * * * " There are none who can enter the lists of true glory with him." 
Mr. M. died in Harrisburg in the year 1804. 

CHAS. WALLHAUSER, of the firm of Striebel & Wallhauser, importers and dealers 
in bottled and keg beer, Erie, is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, born Feb. 7, 1851, 
a son of Philip and Christine Wallhauser (deceased), who were the parents of three sons 
and a daughter: George, a beer dealer in Olean, N. Y. ; Chas., our subject; Elizabeth, wife 
of Ernest Hagner, a carpenter and joiner, died leaving three sons and three daughters; 
Jacob, a mechanic in Chicago. Our subject at seventeen came to America with his people, 
who settled here. He engaged for twelve years in the oil districts of Pennsj'lvania, and then 
came here and started in his present business. He is an active member and officer in the K. 
of H. lodge. In 1873 Mr. Wallhauser was united in marriage, at Collins, N. Y.,with Mar- 
garet, daughter of Matthias and Margaret Smith, natives of Germany, who settled here 
about fifteen years ago. Four daugMers have blessed this union: May, Eda, Josie and 
Wilhelraina. 

JACOB F. WALTHER, Collector of Internal Revenue of the Nineteenth District, 
Erie, Penn., was born in Alsace, France (since the French-German war of 1870 and 1871 
Alsace has been annexed to the German Empire), Nov. 22, 1832; is the oldest son of Jacob 
Walther, who came to America with his familj^ in 1847, settling in Erie City, where he now 
resides. Our subject attended common and high school in Alsace and the Erie Academy 
in this country. Having clerked for ten years in dry goods stores in Erie City and Mil- 
waukee, he, in 1857, embarked in business for himself in Erie, which he carried on till his 
appointment June 25, 1883, to the office of Inland Revenue Collector. Mr. Waltiier was 
united in marriage, in 1863, with Frederica Streuber, by whom tliere were four children: 
Leonie, Emil J. J., Ida and Cora. Mr. and Mrs. Walther are members of the Protestant 
Evangelical Church. He has been member of the School Board and of the City Council, 
also Notary Public five terms. He is a Sir Knight; politically a Republican. 

MARTIN WARFEL, of firm Swalley & Warfel, manufacturers of soap, Erie, was 
born in Lancaster Co.. Penn., Aug. 21, 1829, son of Martin and Anna (Shenk) Warfel, both 
natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., of German descent. Martin Warfel was a farmer, and 
came to Erie Co. in 1831, settling on a farm in Mill Creek Township. This farm is now 
within the corporation limits of Erie City. Our subject was brought up on the farm, and 
received a common school training. He first commenced in life for himself by clerking in 
a drug store. In 1854 he entered the drug store of Dr. P. Hall, remaining as clerk until 
1860, in which year he and Dr. Hall formed a partnership, lasting twenty-two years. In 
1883 Mr. Warfel engaged, in company with J. W. Swalley, in the manufacture of soap. 
They erected an extensive building on Peach Street, Erie City, for the purpose, three 
stories high, and 45x100 feet long, with a large addition. Here the firm manufacture fine, 
laundry and other soaps. Mr. Warfel was twice married; on first occasion, in 1860, to 
Anna Dumars, who died in Sept., 1862. He then, in 1876, married Jessie Craig, who bore 
him three children — Helen Bliss, Jessie Alice and Rudolph Shenk. Mr. Warfel is a mem- 
ber of the Universalist Church, of which he was Trustee and Treasurer; has also been a 
City Councilor; in politics is a Democrat. 

JACOB WARFEL, farmer, and dealer in farming implements, buggies and carriages, 
Erie City, was born in Erie City on the farm where lie now resides. He is a son of Mar- 
tin and Anna (Shank) Warfel, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., of German descent. The 
father came to Erie Co. in 1831, and raised four children. Jacob was reared on the farm, 
and received a common school education. He was married, in 1863, to Phebe, daughter 
of John Burton: she is of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Warfel have one child— Anna. 
Mrs. Warfel has been an invalid for years. Our subject is a Democrat in politics; he has 
been a member of the Erie City Council four years, and School Director eleven years. While 
Director in Mill Creek Township, he was the prime mover in establishing the long-term 
system in the schools, and in abolishing the teachers boarding round. He has always 
been a strong advocate of Township Superintendents. 

CAPT. W. B. WARNER, firm W. B. Warner & Co., general fire, life and accident 
insurance agents, Erie, was born in Fairview, Erie Co., Penn., July 31, 1841; son of Wal- 
ter W. and Minerva (Bird) Warner, natives of New York; former a hotel-keeper and 
drover, of English descent, latter of Scotch. Our subject left home when j'oung, and was 
educated in Erie City. He first learned the .shoemaker trade, which he worked at till 
April 14, 1861, when he enlisted in the Erie Regiment (three months), then in the 111th P. V. 



CITY OF ERIE. 971 

v., Co. B, of which he was elected Second Lieutenant, serving as such till Sept. 17, 1863, 
when he was promoted to Fh-st Lieutenant, which rank he held till the following January 
when hewas promoted to a Captaincy. After serving with his regiment through all the en- 
gagements participated in, he was discharged Nov. 19. 1864. On his return home the Captain 
acted as traveling salesman for thirteen years. In 1879 he came to Erie City and betook 
himself to insurance business. The firm represents eleven fire, life and accident insurance 
companies, showing a total amount of resources $46,173,763. Our subject was married, in 
Erie City, in 1866, to Minerva, daughter of Rudolph Pettit, a resident of Fairview. To 
this union was born one child — Nina. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are members of the Central 
Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican. He was elected Commander of 
Strong Vincent Post, No. 67, Dept. of Penn., G. A. R., on Jan. 1, 1884. 

WARNER BROS. The firm of Warner Bros., dry goods merchants, Erie, is com- 
posed of E. L., W. S. and S. D. -Warner, natives of Oneida Co., N. Y. Their father, 
Austin Warner, was a native of New York, of English extraction. E. L., the senior 
brother, came to Erie Co. in 1857, and in 1862 embarked in mercantile business established 
along with a Mr. Bell, under firm name Bell & Warner. This continued till 1866, when 
Mr. Bell withdrew, and the firm assumed the title of Warner Bros., the other two brothers 
having arrived from New York, where they were engaged in mercantile business. These 
gentlemen have one of the most attractive dry goods stores in Erie City, and are recog- 
nized as men of sterling business qualities, and as public-spirited citizens. 

A. WAXELBAUM, merchant tailor, Erie, was born in Germany Dec. 15, 1832; son of 
David Waxelbaum, a merchant there. Our subject attended school in his native land, and 
at the age of eleven commenced tailoring, serving four years. He worked at his trade in 
Germany till 1849, when he came to America. Then he engaged for eleven years as cutter 
and fitter in a popular house In New York. On the first call for volunteers, in 1861, Mr. 
Waxelbaum enlisted in the 2d N. H. I. ; after ninety days re-enlisted in Co. H, 48th Regt. N. 
Y. V. I., serving two years. He was then employed in New York till 1865, when he came to 
Erie City, engaging for three years as cutter and fitter at a salary of |1,800 per year. He 
then followed same occupation, at same salary, in Corry, but in a year returned to Erie, 
where he has since continued. Though Mr. Waxelbaum has once failed, he has succeeded 
in regaining what he lost. In addition to merchant tailoring, he is actively engaged in oil 
business, and owns seven oil wells in Warren Co., Penn. The town of Clarendon is greatly 
indebted to his enterprise and energy, he having built two large blocks and several dwell- 
ing houses there, which he still owns, besides twenty-five acres of land. His real estate 
there is valued at |40,000. He is also owner of a good store and dwelling in Erie. Our 
subject was married, in Erie City, in 1865, to Fannie Bluff, and to this union four children 
were born — Tillie, Maximilian, Annie and Solomon. Mr. Waxelbaum and wife are mem- 
bers of the Jewish Synagogue. He is a Republican in politics; is a prominent member of 
several secret societies, and for two years has been Grand Lodge Representative, Garfield 
Lodge, Erie City. 

DANIEL WEEKS, gunsmith, Erie, was born in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1810. When 
fourteen he went to Webster, Monroe Co., N. Y., and learned the trade of a gunsmith, 
which he followed in his native State until 1849, when he came to Erie, where he has since 
followed his business. Our subject was united in marriage in 1835 in Webster, N. Y., 
with E. C. Hughes. They have an adopted daughter Rosamond, wife of H. W. Dagget, 
who is in the insurance business. 

JOHN WEINHEIMER, furniture dealer, 1304 State Street, Erie, was born in Ger- 
many, May 19, 1841, son of Martin and Barbara (Decker) Weinheimer, the former a 
farmer all his life. Our subject acquired his education in his native land, and learned 
upholstering in this country, coming to Erie City in 1859. Here he worked at his trade 
till 1863, when he embarked in business on his own account. He was married the same 
year to Kate, daughter of Valentine Stein, and of German descent. This union was 
blessed with six children, among whom there is one son: John A., now a young man, assist- 
ing his father in the store. Mrs. Weinheimer died in 1881. She was a member of St. Paul's 
Church, as are the other members of the family. Mr. Weinheimer has made all he now 
possesses by his own vinaided efforts; is owner of a neat, substantial residence on Twenty- 
second Street, between Holland and German streets, and of several other pieces of property. 

FRANK L. WEISS, proprietor of the Sonntagsgast, Erie, was born in Berlin, capital 
of Germany, in 1846, and came to America in 1863; enlisted in the 14th N. Y. Cav., served 
to the close of the war, and then came to Erie City. Here our subject found no little 
difficulty in finding a channel adapted to one of his superior education and culture, and 
the pickax and shovel had often to be wielded instead of the pen, but as mind must ulti- 
mately triumph over matter, Mr. Weiss, in January, 1879, obtained the editorial chair of 
the Leuchtthurm, a German paper published in Erie. This position he resigned, however, 
in the spring of 1881, and, on May 15 of that year, founded the Sonntagsgast, a German 
Sunday paper devoted to humorous and other sketches, poetry, local jokes and all sorts of 
entertaining matter. The Sonntagsgast is non-political and has a total circulation of over 
2,000. The father of our subject, who still lives, is an eminent musician and composer, 
and is proprietor of a music store in Berlin, Germany. 



972 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

D. C. WELLER, hardware merchant, and dealer in agricultural and farming imple- 
ments, wagons, carriages, etc., Erie, was boi'n in Crawford Co., Penn., Dec. 15, 1844, son 
of Moses and Mary Ann (Braymer) Weller, natives of Pennsylvania. The former, a far- 
mer, was of English descent; the latter of German lineage. Our subject was reared on a 
farm, where he remained till 1869; then came to Erie City, and engaged in sewing machine 
business for seven years. Mr. Weller is a self-made man, pushing his way through the 
world since he was twelve years old. He embarked in his present business in 1876, which 
he has conducted very successfully. He was married in Erie City, 1873, to Ada, daughter 
of John Robinson, and a native of Erie Co., of German descent. They have two children 
living, viz., Harry Parker and Mabel. Mrs. Weller belongs to the First Methodist Episco- 
pal Church of this city. He is a member of the K. of H. ; is in politics a Democrat. 

JOHN L. AVELLS, Erie County Treasurer, was born in Harbor Creek Township, this 
county, in 1841; son of Jarvis and Polly (Chambers) Wells, also natives of Erie Co. 
Jarvis Wells was twice married, on the first occasion to Polly Chambers, who bore him 
four children — James Madison and Thomas Jefferson (twins), John L. and R. Eliza. After 
the death of his first wife, Mr. Wells married Emily Knapp, and two children, both de- 
ceased, were the fruits of this union. James Madison Wells was a soldier during the late 
war, enlisting for three months at the first call, leaving just before graduating from Alle- 
gheny College, and served for nearly four years in the 111th P. V. I., and at the close of 
the war he "finished his education and graduated. He was principal of the Erie High 
School for six years, of the Rochester Free Academy for twelve years. He began the 
study of law at Rochester, and will be admitted this year. Our subject also served 
during the war of the rebellion, enlisting in 1861 in the 111th P. V. I., serving eighteen 
months under Cols. Schlaudecker, Cobham, Walker, and under Capt. Braden. He was 
commissioned as Lieutenant of his company, and was transferred to the command of an- 
other company, which he commanded until the end of the war. He participated in all the 
important engagements, among others second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain, and all of 
Gen. Sherman's engagements during his memorable march to the sea. Being captured, he 
was placed in Andersonville, but almost miraculously escaped. He earned the rank of 
Lieut. Col, by acting as scout on one occasion and discovering the position of the enemy, 
thereby saving his entire Division; but his being captured and detained as a prisoner for 
several months near the close of hostilities, at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, prevented 
him from bearing his well earned promotion. He received from Gen. and Gov. Geary a 
special commission as a souvenir of his daring act at the battle of Lost Mountain, Ga. He 
was discharged in 1865. Capt. Wells married, in Feb., 1867, Adele S., daughter of Stewart 
Chambers, an early settler of this county. Three children were born to this union, two 
now living: Herbert M. and Raymond R. Our subject was elected to the office of County 
Treasurer in 1883 by the very flattering majority of 1,500. 

JOHN H. WELSH, retired wholesale merchant, Erie, was born in Ireland in Decem- 
ber, 1839, son of Patrick and Bridget (Sullivan) Welsh, natives of Ireland. In 1847 they 
moved to Wales, and in 1848 emigrated to America, settling in Erie Co., Penn. Their 
family numbered seven children, four boys and three girls. Our subject, who is the j^oung- 
est, received a common school education, and enlisted in the United States Navy, 
commencing as cabin boy. He rose so rapidly that, when the war of the rebellion broke 
out, he was master of a schooner. In 1864 Mr. Welsh was ordered aboard the U. S. Ship 
"Undine," then an ActingEnsign, to take the position of executive officer, in which capacity 
he exhibited marked abihty and skill. His gentlemanly bearing and uniform courtesy to 
superiors and inferiors very soon won for himself the confidence and respect of every one 
with whom he came in contact. The "Undine" was kept constantly on active duty, which 
called into play all the executive ability of our subject. To him belongs the honor of 
being the organizer of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home in Erie. In 1860 Mr. Welsh married 
Mary Sheahan, a native of Ireland, by whom were six children, five living — Thomas P., 
Libbie, James E., Bettie and Effie. Mr. and Mrs. Welsh are members of the R. C. Church. 

CHARLES H. WELSHMAN, dealer in tobacco, cigars, stationery and confectionery, 
was born in New Jersey, and came to Erie with his parents, Edward R. and Sarah AVelsh- 
man, his father being among the pioneer cigar manufacturers here; he departed this life 
April 9, 1876, and is'buried in the Erie Cemetery. He left a widow, one son — Charles H. — 
and two daughters— Ida, wife of William F. lilndernecht, and Hattie, who is unmarried. 
After his father's decease, Charles H. took charge of the business, which he has carried on 
steadily since. He was united in marriage, in Erie, in 1881, with Carrie Burger, a native 
of the same, her parents being early settlers of Erie, coming from Germany. 

JACOB WESCIILER was born in Bavaria in the year 1828. In 1852 he married, in 
Erie, Miss Barbara Hauck, daughter of Lawrence Hauck. Esq., farmer, by whom he had 
two children : Daniel D., married Sophia 31. Warfel, 1878, they have two children : Ber- 
tena M. and George D. ; Julia (deceased). Married again 1857, to Miss Frances, daughter 
of Andrew Siedle, farmer, of Erie, by whom he has had six children : Bena, _married_ to 
Frank J. Larey and residing in Erie (have one child : William); Leo B., married Pauline 
Kimmith in 1876 (have four children: Robert E., Charles L., James S. and Frank); Jacob (de- 



CITY OF ERIE. 973 

ceased); Francis, at home; James J. and Philip Andrew. Mr. Weschler came to this 
county when but nineteen years of age, landing in New York City in 1847, with but 25 
cents in his pocket. He first engaged with a farmer in Flushing, N. Y., at $8 per month, 
where he remained two months^ when he took passage on a canal boat for Buffalo and 
from there to this city by steamboat, where he arrived thirty-seven years ago. Soon after 
arriving in Erie he engaged with George Fry, to work in his brewery for one year, after 
which he worked for another year as foreman in Dietz's brewery. He had then saved 
sufficient means to start in a small way for himself, and with that sturdy self-reliance 
which has always characterized him in his commercial career, he began the business which 
has to-day grown into such magnificent proportions. After renting for three years, he 
bought a brewery and made lager and ale and did his own malting; in 1864 he built a new 
brewery, selling it the same year, when he purchased the old malt house on the present 
site of the Lake City Malt House, and has devoted his attention ever since exclusively to 
malting. The constantly increasing demand for his fine quality of malt compelled him, in 
1873, to build additions to his malt house, and in 1879 he removed the old building and 
doubled his capacity. Jacob Weschler is now fifty-six years of age as appears by date 
of his birth, but from personal appearance would not be judged over forty. He personal- 
ly superintends the details of his immense business, as well as the malting operations, as- 
sisted by two of his sons. The eldest son, Daniel D., attends to the financial affairs, 
including the purchase of barley; and the quality of the barley used, and the success of the 
concern attests his fitness for the responsible position' to which he is assigned. To meet 
the vast requirements of his constantly increasing malting business Mr. Weschler found it 
necessary to again enlarge his capacity, which he did by erecting the large and substan- 
tial building at the corner of Parade and Sixteenth Streets on Lake Shore & Penn.R. R.,from 
which he has tracks into the building. The walls are of brick and iron with slate roofs, 
and the entire building is made as nearly fire-proof as possible. The malting floors : The 
northern portion of the building is occupied by the floors and kilns. There are five 
spacious floors, occupying as many stories, with a capacity of 1,000 bushels each. These 
floors are of cement, built in the most durable manner, and fitted with the latest improve- 
ments for regulating the temperature. The grain is introduced on the floors at the west 
end and swept into the kilns by a large trimmer, all work being done by machinery when- 
ever possible. The elevator bins are in the south half of the building and are eighteen in 
number, with a capacity of 100,000 bushels. United States Bonded Warehouse : These 
bins are secured above and below by custom house locks, as they are all bonded by the 
U. S. Government for the storage of barley from Canada. Mr. Weschler has for many 
years been a heavy importer ofCanadian barley, which he has not only used for his own 
malting, but has also shipped in large quantities to other points. There not being suffi- 
cient storage capacity always available in the dock elevators, and Mr. Weschler needing 
all of the room in his Lake Shore malt house for his local business, the erection of the new 
building just completed became necessary to accommodate his fast increasing trade. The 
elevator bins' capacity of 100,000 bushels makes a considerable addition to the storage of 
the port. Mr. Weschler made applications to have the elevator bonded under the ware- 
house laws of the United States, which was granted him after examination of the property. 
This gives Mr. Weschler valuable privileges in the barley and malt trade, which his ample 
means and large business experience will make available. The elevator building is 100x70 
feet on the ground and 75 in height. 

J. W. WETMORE, attorney, Erie City, was born in Warren Co., Penn., May 1, 1830; 
son of Lansing and Caroline (Ditmars) Wetmore, the former a grandson of Amos Wetmore 
and Hugh White, of Whitestown, N. Y. and the latter coming with her parents from 
Long Island. Lansing Wetmore was Prothonotary, Clerk of the Courts and Register and 
Recorder at the organization of Warren Co., afterward practiced law, and was Associate 
Judge, retiring in the last years of his life to a farm near Warren. Our subject received 
his education at Warren Academy and Union College, N. Y., and afterward engaged m 
teaching. He was principal of Warren Academy for one and a half years, and in 1846 
removed to Erie City, where he taught in the academy for two years. He commenced 
the practice of law in Erie City in 1849, which profession he continues to follow. In bus- 
iness Mr. Wetmore has been successful. In politics he is a Republican. 

REV. JAMES H. WHALLO]Sr(deceased) was born in Argyle, Washington Co., N. Y., 
July 20, 1808. At the age of seventeen he was converted, joined the Methodist Church at 
Rochester, N. Y., studied for the ministry, and in 1830 was ordained and became a mem- 
ber of the Genesee Conference. His first appointment was at Lewiston. Our suliject 
married, in 1829, Miss Kelso, who bore him ten children, only two surviving: Melvin S., 
an industrious and thoroughly Christian young man, with the Lovell Manufacturing Co., and 
Isabella, residing in Erie. J. H. Whallon, LL.D., was transferred in 1837 to the Erie Con- 
ference, his first charge being in Waterford. He came to Erie City in 1843, and tliough 
moving from place to place, the custom of the ministry of his denomination, ever consid- 
ered this his home. In 1857 the Doctor, then pastor of the Erie Street Church. Cleveland, 
became a delegate to the General Conference held in Boston, subsequently filling the posi- 
tion of Elder, Fredonia District, four years, then for six years in the Jamestown District, 



974 . BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

then for three years in Erie; this he resigned to accept the United States Consulate to 
Port Mahon, Spain. At the expiration of three years, Dr. Whallon returned home, went 
to Dayton, Calaraugus Co., N. Y., and served till his death. Our subject, up to the time 
of the war, in 1861, was a Democrat in politics; but he then became a stanch Republican, 
and frequeutlj' spoke words of loyalty to his country from the stump. Though he was 
often spoken of as a good subject for Congressional honors, he never became a delegate. 
The Doctor was identified with many public spirited-enterprises of Erie City. His prop- 
erty on the west side is well known to-daj% and the remains of his docks, now owned by 
the Anthracite Coal & Iron Company, serve as a reminder to the older settlers of his 
project to utilize the water front of the city east of Ash Lane. Our subject departed this 
lite highly respected by all. 

E. A. WHITE was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., Feb., 1839. Came with his family 
to Erie, in 1842. His youth was passed in this city, and at the age of twenty-three, he 
enlisted in the United States Navy, and served through the war of the rebellion. He was 
married Dec. 26, 1865, to Miss Mary E. Bryant, of his native county. They have had three 
children, two of whom survive, viz., Minnie, at home, and Edward A. Mr. White is a 
painter and grainer by trade, and does a good business. His residence is 358 W. 5th Street, 
this city. 

B. B. WHITLEY.— In 1814, Wm. Whitley removed from Dauphin Co. to this county 
and purchased reserve tract No. 47, now joining the city limits on the east side. His 
family consisted of himself, wife and three sons. His wife died in 1828. He died in 1843, 
leaving his farm to his son, B. B. Whitley, who came from Dauphin Co. with him. B. B 
Whitley married Jane Holliday, of Springfield Township, this count}', in 1831. by whom 
he had five children. He died in 1849 and his widow in 1871. The children of B. B. Whit- 
ley, the present County Commissioner, who married Isadore Burton, in 1865, are the fourth 
generation of Whitleys on that tract, still in possession of the family. There are only 
two other cases of the same kind in Mill Creek. 

BENJAMIN WHITMAN, Erie, eldest son of George F. and Mary (Hemperley) Whit- 
man, born in Middletown, Dauphin Co., Penn., Jan. 28, 1840; attended the public schools 
of his native town until twelve years of age, when he left home to live with an uncle in 
Bradford Co., Penn.; commenced the printing trade in the office of the Harrisburg Tele- 
graph when about fifteen; became partner and editor of the Middletown Journal soon after 
he was eighteen; sold out the Journal at the end of six months, and did editorial work in 
Harrisburg and Lancaster for a time; taught school in Middletown, in the winter of 1859-60, 
and part of that of 1860-61, for the purpose of improving his education; came to Erie Co. 
in January, 1861, as assistant editor of the Observer, then owned by Andrew Hopkins, 
became part owner and editor of the paper in Jan., 1862, and sole owner in April, 1864; 
continued to own and edit the Observer until Dec. 1, 1878, since which time he has mainly 
given his time and attention to business and literary work; though actively engaged in 
State and county politics for upward of twenty years, and frequently named for promi- 
nent offices, he has always declined to be a candidate for nomination. The only official 
position he has ever held' is that of Water Commissioner, of the City of Erie, an honorary 
position, voluntarily conferred by the Court of Erie Co. He was Chairman of the Demo- 
cratic County Committee, for ten years, has often been a delegate to Democratic State 
Conventions, and a member of the Democratic State Committee, and was a delegate to the 
Democratic National Convention, of 1884. Mr. Whitman was married May 30, 1870, to 
Miss Mary Emma, daughter of Silas E. and Julia A. Teel, of Erie City. 

CAPT. E. L. WHITTELSEY, attorney at law, Erie, was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., 
Oct. 5, 1841, son of Henry R. and Mary A. (Parmlee) Whittelsej", the former a farmer and 
merchant, and both natives of Connecticut, of English descent. Our subject was brought 
up on the farm till he attained his eighth year, and then attended school till he was nine- 
teen. On July 29, 1861, he enlisted in the 83d P. V. I., Co. E, and obtained regular pro- 
motion from private to Captain. He served throughout the war; was wounded at the bat- 
tle of Bull's Run, and was discharged June 28, 1865. On his return home he was elected, 
in 1869, as Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Erie Co. ; being re-elected, he 
served till January, 1876. At this time he continued the study of law (which he had com- 
menced before joining the army), with Benson & Brainerd, where he remained one year. 
He was admitted to the bar in 1877. Our subject was married to Charlotte, daughter of 
Henry Hunt, formerly a farmer, now deceased. To this union were born six children, four 
living — Maud, Ruth, Mary and Kate. Mr. and Mrs. Whittelsey are members of the Cen- 
tral Presbyterian Church, in which he is also Sunday-school teacher. He is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity. 

JAMES R. WILLARD, editor and proprietor of Erie Morning Dispatch, Erie, was 
born at Madison, Ohio, Sept. 24, 1844. In 1853 he moved to Michigan with his parents, 
who are still residents of Olivet, that State. Our subject graduated from Dartmouth 
College, New Hampshire, in 1867, and attended law lectures at the University of Michi- 
gan in 1867-68. In the spring of the latter year he entered the law office of Judges 
Worden and Morris, Fort Wayne, lud., and a few months later became associated with 
Hon. Isaac Jenkinson in the publication of the daily Oazette of that city, from which Mr. 



CITY OF ERIE. 975 

Willard retired at the end of a year. He then bought an interest in the Erie Dispatch, 
"with which he has been since connected. Our subject was bearer of dispatches to Den- 
mark for the U. S. Government in the spring of 1873. In Feb., 1874, he was appointed 
Collector of Customs of the Port of Erie, which office he held for a term of four years. 
Mr. Willard is a member of the Chicago Board of Trade, and does a grain and commission 
business at Erie. 

SAMUEL E. WOODRUFF was born in North Coventry, Conn., March 31, 1817, and 
died at his residence in Erie City April 15, 1881. His father, Rev. Ephraim T. Woodruff, 
was a Presbyterian Minister, and a nephew of Gov. Treadwell, through whose kind offices 
he received his collegiate training at Yale and Andover Seminaries. His mother, Sally 
Alden, was a lineal descendant of Capt. John Alden. He removed from Connecticut with 
his parents to Trumbull Co., Ohio, where he remained until sixteen, when he entered 
Hamilton College, New York. He subsequently studied law in Cincinnati, and w^as ad- 
mitted to practice in 1841 by an Examining Committee, of which Hon. S. P. Chase and 
Judge Walker were members. Locating at Girard, Erie Co., Penn., in 1844, he applied 
himself to the practice of his profession, making sure advances in the direction of the suc- 
cess he afterward attained in so large a degree. In 1847 he was married to Miss Eliza 
Sterrett. His election as District Attorney in 1850, afforded an opportunity in a wider field 
for the display of his legal talents, and enhanced his reputation at the bar. In 1867, upon 
nomination of Chief Justice Chase, he received the appointment of Register in Bankruptcy, 
which position he held until the repeal of the bankrupt law. In 1870 he was the unani- 
mous nominee of his party in Erie Co. at the primary election for President Judge of the 
Sixth Judicial District, in 1872 he changed his residence from Girard to Erie, and there- 
after gave special attention to the increasing demands of his profession, but by no means 
ignored social claims and questions affecting the general welfare. He was an active mem- 
ber of the First Presbyterian Church. Useful objects of every nature had his cordial co- 
operation. In politics he was a thorough Republican, and actively participated in contests 
between the two great parties. Among his professional brethren he was highly esteemed; 
entire sincerity distinguished his career; positive, courteous, firm, yet tolerant, uncom- 
promisingly opposed to all wTong, were elements of his character that made him a strong, 
influential and useful citizen. Mr. Woodruff's surviving family consists of his widow and 
two daughters — Mary and Sarah, who occupy the family residence on State Street, this 
city — and his son — Thomas S., located at Fargo, Dak., in the practice of law. 

DR. MARY A. B. WOODS, physician and surgeon, Erie, was born and reared in 
Crawford Co., Penn. Her, father, Isaac Brooks, was a son of Samuel Brooks, who was an 
early pioneer farmer of Crawford Co., and a descendant of a pioneer family of the State. 
The subject of this sketch early manifested marked intellectual talents, and at fifteen, 
after receiving a good education, began teaching in her native county. She was very 
reputably connected with this profession until, at the age of twenty-three, she was married 
to James R. Woods, a merchant of Linesville. In 1864 they removed to Erie, where he 
continued in mercantile interests until his death, which occurred March 20, 1876. He was 
buried by the A. O. U. W. and K. of P. societies, of which he had been an active member 
for several years. In 1860 Mrs. Woods began to study medicine, and in 1861 entered the 
Western Homceopathic College at Cleveland, from which institution she graduated very 
creditably in 1864. After her location here she began to practice her profession, special- 
izing the treatment and cure of diseases of women and children. She has by dint of per- 
sistent industry secured for herself a well-acknowledged prominence in her profession 
here. She has a family of two sons and a daughter: Arthur A., physician and surgeon, 
Erie; Frank E., on the reportorial staff of the Daily Observer; and Carrie J., now Mrs. E. 
P. Bush, of Chicago. 

CHARLES B. WUENSCHEL, book-keeper and clerk, Erie, was born in this city in 
1858, and educated at Erie Academy. His parents were Simon and Elizabeth (Heidt) 
Wuenschel, natives of Bavaria, Germany, the former of whom was a cooper by trade; he 
came to Erie City in 1847, and acted as agent for an oil cloth factory till his death, which 
occurred in 1870. His widow is still living in Erie City. Our subject was' married, in 
1879, to Maggie B., daughter of J. T. Sevin, who was a teacher in Erie schools for nine 
years before her maniage. To this union were born two children— Flora E. and Char- 
lotte M. 

JOHN YOUNGS, brickmaker and farmer, Erie, was born in Mill.Creek Township, this 
county, July 2, 1832, only son of Daniel Youngs, a native of New Yoi-k, the mother a native 
of Ohio, and both of English descent. Daniel Youngs came to Erie Co. in 1828, where he 
followed his trade, that of brickmaking. He died in Erie City in 1865. Our subject com- 
menced the manufacture of bricks in this city in 1858. He also owns a farm within the 
city limits. Mr. Youngs has been a member of the Council Select Committee two terms, 
and Assistant Assessor. He is a member of the Universalist Church. 



976 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 



RECEIVED TOO LATE FOR INSERTION IN PROPER PLACE. 

HON. SAMUEL M. BRAINERD was born in Conneaut Township, Erie Co., Peun., 
Nov. 13, 1842; son of Samuel and Olive L. Brainerd. Samuel M., our subject, was bora 
and reared on a farm, where he remained until twenty-one years of age. Up to this period 
his advantages for education had been limited, having only attended the common schools 
in his neighborhood. Being anxious to secure abetter education, he removed to Edinboro, 
Penn., and engaged in other business, having to rely on his own exertions to pay tlie ex- 
penses of a course of instruction which he took in the State Normal School at that place. 
After leaving that institution, he commenced reading law with the Hon. Geo. H. Cutler, 
of Girard, Penn., finishing his reading with Wm. Benson, in Erie. He was admitted to 
the bar of Erie Co. in 1869, since which time he has devoted his energies to the practice of 
his profession with markecl success. He was elected to the office of District Attorney for 
Erie Co. in the fall of 1873, in which capacity he served for the full term of three years. 
In politics he is an ardent Republican, and has always taken an active part in all the polit- 
ical contests in the county; was chairman of the Republican County Committee during the 
year 1880. In 1882 he received the Republican nomination for Congress in the 37th Con- 
gressional District of Pennsylvania, composed of the counties of Erie, Warren and Ven- 
ango, and was elected by a majority of about 1,000 votes. As an evidence of his personal 
popularity, it can be said that while the Democratic candidate for Governor, Mr. Pattison, 
carried Erie Co. by over 500 majority, Mr. Brainerd had a majority of over 800 at the same 
election. He took his seat in Congress in Dec, 1883. and during his first session accom- 
plished more than all other members for the past fifteen years. Notably : an appropria- 
tion of $50,000 for Erie Harbor, a favorable report from Committee for $150,000 addition- 
al for our public building; restored the land light-house, and secured an appropriation for 
the re-purchase of the property on which it stands; introduced a bill for the Soldiers" and 
Sailors' Home, which was favorably reported by the House Committee on Military Affairs; 
introduced a bill to equalize compensation for letter carriers and officers of the first and 
second class; also a bill for the payment of unpaid bounties to veterans who were pro- 
moted after the last enlistment; besides a large number of private bills for securing sol- 
diers their pensions and back pay. He gave the interests of disabled soldiers his personal 
attention, and many cases were determined successfully which had been pending for sev- 
eral years, and abandoned as hopeless by the parties interested. Mainly through his efforts 
the discordant elements in the Repubiican party were so successfully united that he re- 
ceived the unanimous vote of the party in Erie Co. for his re-nomination for Congress. 
He represented the district in so satisfactory and successful a manner that many in the 
opposite party would have been greatly pleased had he been returned for another term . 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

CITY OF CORRY. 

D. R. ALEXANDER, St. Nicholas Hotel, Corry, was born May 9, 1828, near 
Franklin, Venango Co., Penn., where he also received his education. He learned the 
rolling mill business, in which he engaged seven years. In 1849, he was a member of the 
engineer corps which surveyed the Lake Shore Railroad. Our subject has been engaged 
in the hotel business for upward of thirty years. He was located in Milwaukee, Wis. ; 
Pittsfield, Warren Co., Penn., where he also sold groceries. From the year 1852 to 1861, 
he engaged in lumbering. During the late war, he acted as Sergeant in Company I, Four- 
teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving from 1862 to 1865. He has also been interested 
in the oil business, and was for several years at Irvinton; has besides sunk wells in different 
localities. He was located at one lime at Tidioute, Penn., as manager of a grocery store. 
He was steward of the Riddell House, Bradford, Penn., one season. He returned to Corry 
June 27, 1883, and now runs the St. Nicholas. D. R. Alexander was united in marriage 
with Mary R., youngest daughter of M. C. Dalrymple, first Sheriff of Warren County. 
She departed this life in 1859. Our subject married his second wife in 1868. She was Miss 
D. M. Anderson, of Columbus, Penn., and has been the accountant of No. 1 Lodge, 
Equitable Aid Union, since its organization in 1879. This marriage has resulted in the 
birth of four children, two boys and two girls. 

T. A. ALLEN, President Corry National Bank, manager Corry Kerosene Works, 
Corry, was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., December 15, 1836, son of Chauncy and 
Orissa (Newton) Allen, natives of the Empire State; the former of English-Welsh, and the 
latter of English descent. Our subject was reared on a farm until fourteen, receiving his 
education in the common schools of his native county. He was then for several years em- 
ployed as a clerk in a country store; then embarked in business on his own account and car- 
ried on a general store for three years. In 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty- 
fourth Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, and was elected First Lieutenant, but be- 
fore engaged in actual service, was appointed Quartermaster of the regiment, in which 
capacity he served until his resignation, which occurred in 1864. He returned home and 
resumed the citizen's garb. On his return, he was appointed Deputy Clerk of Catta- 
raugus County, N. Y., and served until January 1, 1865, when he came to Corry as an em- 
ploye of Wright & Co., in the lumber business, as book-keeper. Was with that company 
until 1869, when he was employed by the Cony Kerosene Works as general manager, 
which position he has since occupied, employing about twenty-five men the year round. 
Mr. Allen has served his city six years as member of the School Board, five terms as Mayor 
of Corry, and has been a delegate to County and Congressional Conventions. He is Pres- 
ident of the Corry National Bank, and has been for one year President of the American 
Writing Machine Company. In 1858, Mr. Allen married Leanore, daughter of Thomas T. 
Wasson, a farmer, lumberman and prominent citizen of New York. To this union have 
been born — Archie M., a high school gi-aduate and' book-keeper in Corry National Bank; 
Louise, in school; and Josephine. Mr. Allen, with wife, is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, in which he has been an Elder. He is a Master Mason, member of the G. A. R., 
and in politics, a Republican. 

C. G. ANDREWS, manager of Moses Starbird's carriage and buggy factory, was born 
July 4, 1822, in Paris, Oxford Co., Me. He was the fourth child in the family, and has 
two brothers and three sisters. Until fifteen years of age, he was reared on the farm, re- 
ceiving his education in the district school. In 1848, our subject bought out an ore re- 
ducing business in Luzerne County, Penn. He engaged in business for five years for 
himself in Allegany County, N. Y. ; thence went to Albion, Erie Co., Penn., in 1861, for 
four years, employing as high as twenty-five men. Mr. Andrews came to Corry in 1873, 
where he manufactured three years, then engaged in manufacturing buggies three years 
more. Our subject was Captain in the Squirrel Hunters during the war, and also First 
Lieutenant in the Sixty-fourth New York Regiment from 1861 to 1863. When twenty-two 
years of age, he was united in marriage withRuth Hilton, sameage. Three children blessed 
this union, only one surviving — Oscar, book-keeper in the National Bank, Corry. Mr. 
Andrews served as member of the City Council at Albion. He has also been a member of 
the School Board. He belongs to Star Lodge, No. 304. 

C. A. AUER, Jr., with C. A. Auer, Sr., tanner and currier, Corry, was born February 
10, 1856, and is a son of C. A. Auer, Sr., who has been established in business in Corry 
since 1863, now on Pike street, but formerly (till 1870) located on East Wayne street. Our 
subject attended, with his brother, the German High School, Philadelphia. He learned 
tanning, in which he has been engaged twelve years with his father, and learned the trade 



978 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of currier with C. Killeburger, a prominent man near Akron, Summit Co., Ohio, by whom 
he was employed two years. Mr. Auer was united in marriage, February 3, 1880, with 
Mary Waters," of Cuyalioga Falls, Summit Co., Ohio. One child, Louis, born November 
17, 1881, has blessed this union. His brothers, G. A. and F. P., are also interested in the 
above business. 

F. P. AUER, with C. A. Auer, Sr.. tanner and currier, Corry, was born May 13, 1860, 
and is a son of C. A. Auer, who has been established in above business in Corry, since 
1863. Our subject attended the German High School, Philadelphia, with his brother, C. 
A. Auer, Jr., and learned the trade of his father. Two brothers, C. A. andG. A., are also 
connected with the same business. 

CHARLES BALSER, meat market, Corry, was born November 25, 1848, in Darm- 
stadt, Germany, where he received his education. He emigi-ated to America in 1863, and 
learned his trade with John Lecuer, in Dunkirk. N. Y. Our subiect was united in mar- 
riage March 26, 1878, with Maria Fuller, born March 22, 1859, in Buffalo, N. Y. They are 
the parents of three children, viz.: Charles, born January 11, 1879; Frank, Februarys, 
1880, and Katie, March 3, 1883. Mr. Balser came to Corry in 1870, where he butchered 
for Spence Myers seven years, and for himself six. 

GEORGE N. BARNES, proprietor of lounge factory, Corry, was born in Buffalo, 
N. Y., August 2, 1841, and is a son of Joshua and Susan (Null) Barnes, both natives of 
New Jersey, and of English extraction. He was educated at the common and central 
schools, and for some time assisted his father in the butchering business. He came to 
Corry in March. 1864, and carried on a grocery business for about ten years. He then 
engaged in the oil industry for two years, when he sold out to the Standard Oil Company, 
for whom he acted as traveling agent for six years. In May, 1883, he established his 
present business. His factory has a capacity for turning out 300 lounges per week, and 
employs twenty-five hands. Corry being central, Mr. Barnes is enabled to ship to all 
points, and sells only to dealers. Our subject was married in June, 1864, to Delia Bristol, 
born in Sand Lake, N. Y., April 1. 1844. To this union have been born two children- 
Emma D. and Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are members of the Baptist Church. 

GEORGE BLAIR, firm of George Blair & Son, drugs, Corry, was born July 9, 1832, 
in Cortland, Cortland Co., N. Y., son of S. and Nancy (Lyman) Blair. The former was a 
merchant of Cortland, N. Y,, of Scotch descent, and died about 1835; the latter a native 
of Tioga County, and of English lineage, departed this life in 1869. Our subject was 
reared in town, and attended the district and high schools, finishing his education in West- 
field, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. George Blair was united in marriage, February, 1855, 
with Emily C. Farnham, born July, 1831, in Wayne Township, Erie County, daughter of 
John and Irene Farnham, of Engfish extraction, the former a farmer by occupation. To 
this union have been born Carrie R., wife of Mr. Pardee, Teller in Corry National Bank; 
and John S., who was educated in Warren County, attended the Meadville College one 
year (1875-76), and married Mary Yates, of Columbus, Penn., by whom he has had one 
daughter, Mollie G. He has been engaged in the drug business eight years; with his 
father, as above, for four years. While in Columbus, "George Blair engaged for twenty 
years in mercantile business, and in the drug business twelve years. He has been residing 
in Corry four years, owns his dwelling, and is engaged as druggist there. 

LEO BODMER, grocer, Corry, was born June 27, 1854, in Wurtemburg, Germany, 
and was brought up on a farm and educated in the public school. Our subject emigrated 
to America when seventeen years of age, and learned to make cigars in Erie County with 
Albert Fette. He followed this occupation for about ten years, five of which were for 
himself. Mr. Bodmer came to Corry in 1870, where he learned a trade, working two years 
here as journeyman, and three years in various places. He commenced in the grocery 
business with liis brother in August, 1882, in which they have been successful. , Mr. Bod- 
mer was united in marriage, in 1879, with Katie Steinhauser, born in Kentucky in 1857. 
Two children have been born to this union, viz., George, aged three years, and Jennie, 
aged fifteen months. Our subject is a member of C. M. B. A., St. Joseph Benevolent 
Society, and of St- Elizabeth Church. 

ROMAN BODMER, grocer, Corry, was born September 10, 1856, in Wurtemburg, 
Germany. He was raised in the country, followed the occupation of a farmer, and edu- 
cated at the public schools. He emigrated to America in 1873, and worked at the baker's 
business three j^ears in Pittsburgh; has also been a cigar-maker, tanner and salesman. He 
has been very successful in the grocery business, which he commenced in April, 1882. Mr. 
Bodmer was married. June 12,^1883, in Utica, N. Y., to Mary Kebreer, born March 7, 
1863, in Grand Island, N. Y. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. 
Bodmer is Band Master of the Corry Band. 

A. F. BOLE, attorney-at-law, Corr}". 

E. N. BONNELL, firm of Bonnell & Lambing, Corry, was born May 17, 1846, in 
Harbor Creek, Erie Co., Penn. His parents were natives of Harbor Creek, of German 
and Irish descent, and were the parents of six children, our subject being the youngest. 
His father died June. 1881, aged seventy-six, and his mother in 1854, aged about forty-six. 
Mr. Bonnell was brought up on a farm, and received his education in the district school. 



CITY OF CORRY. 979 

In 1870, when about twenty-four years of age, lie went to Venango, where he worked for 
two years in the oil business; thence to Clarion County, as producer for about eight years, 
where he was successful; and thence to Corry. where he engaged in manufacturing bed 
springs, Mr. Bonnell was united in marriage, December 19, 1873, with Josephine, daugh- 
ter of Charles Bliley, a farmer of Harbor Creek, Mr. and Mrs, Bonnell are the parents 
of two children, viz : Gertrude Marv, born February 7, 1876, near St. Petersburg, Penn.; 
and George, born May 9, 1882. died August 17, 1883. 

A. S. BONSTEEL, physician and surgeon, Corry, was born in Ellicottsville, Cattara- 
gus Co., N. Y., July 17, 1838, where he was reared and educated. He is a graduate of 
Randolph Academy, His medical studies were obtained at Plymouth and Paw Paw, 
Mich., with his brother, attending also lectures at the University of Michigan. In 1872, 
he graduated from Bellevue Hospital, N. Y. Immediately after attending lectures, the 
Doctor was admitted to practice medicine by the Cattaragus County Medical Society (com- 
mencing in' that county) and subsequently in Corry. Dr. Bonsteel was married in De- 
cember, 1865, to Mrs. Emma M. (Eaton), daughter of Charles W. Greenleaf, and a native 
of Boston. By this union there are four children, viz., Ray L., Lottie M., Morris C. and 
Mary E. Mrs. Bonsteel had one child by her first husband, named Louis S. The Doctor 
is a member of the State, County and American Medical Associations, and has acted as 
President of Erie County Medical Society, Chairman of Board of District Censors of State 
Medical Society, six years, and delegate two terms to latter, and was twice elected a dele- 
gate to the American Medical Association by the State Medical Society. 

C. O. BOWMAN, attorney, Corry, was born in Brookfield Township, Tioga Co., 
Penn., March 6, 1825, son of Godfrey Bowman, who received a silver medal from the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in testimony of his bravery in the naval engagement on 
Lake Erie, September 10, 1813. Until the age of nineteen, our subject attended the dis- 
trict schools, and finished his education at the Lima Seminary. He commenced reading 
law in 1845, with R. 6. White, and was admitted to the bar in 1852, from which time he 
practiced in Tioga Count}^ until October, 1865, when he came to Corry, where he has since 
resided. On November 6, 1865, he was admitted to the bar of Erie County; was elected 
to the Legislature from Tioga County, Penn., in 1862, and from Erie County in 1869; in 
1872, was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention of Pennsylvania; was twice 
elected to the Common Council of the city of Corry. Mr. Bowman was twice married, 
first December 19, 1850, to Jane A. Monro, who died June 10, 1877, leaving one child — 
Eva, wife of William Bruner. His second marriage took place May 4, 1878, with Lizzette 
Smith, by whom he had two children — Jessie and Carroll O. 

D. L. BRACKEN, of the firm of Bracken Bros., groceries and produce, Corry (es- 
tablished in 1872, as Miner & Bracken, but as above since 1874). Our subject is a son of 
George W. Bracken, born on the Bracken farm. Erie Countj\ Penn., but now residing three 
miles east of Corry. He settled in Warren County, Penn,, about forty-five years ago; 
was by occupation an undertaker. He reai'ed a family of eight children. Our subject, 
previous to engaging in his present business, clerked six years, three with Horton & Wil 
cox. From 1879 to 1883, he held the oflice of County Jury Commissioner. He and his 
brother are enterprising young men, working themselves from a small beginning into a 
successful business. 

J. A. BRADT, foreman in Corry Woodenware Factory, Corry. Our subject 
learned the carpenter's trade at Jamestown, N. Y., and has worked as carpenter and 
joiner some twenty years. He has been connected with the present firm since 1877. 
Previously, was contractor and builder at different points. Mr. Bradt came here about 
eighteen years ago, and helped to erect a number of buildings, among which was Corry's 
first good building, put up in 1873. Our subject was united in marriage with Olive F. 
Livingstone, of Columbus, Penn., daughter of Henry W. and Mary B. Livingstone, and 
granddaughter of Dr. Frank Burroughs, a pioneer of Union, Penn. Her father was by 
trade a blacksmith, and was one of the early settlers. He died in July, 1882, aged sixty- 
three; his widow, a native of Ludlow, Vt.. is now a resident of Corry, and is in her sixty- 
sixth year. Three children have blessed this union, the eldest born in Jamestown and the 
others in Corry, Penn. Their names are William Henry, Clyde Milford and Mabel 
Gertrude. 

J. R. BRIGHAM, in firm of C. J. Swift & Co., hardware, Corry, was born June 3, 
1843, in Y'oungsville, Penn.. and is a son of Wesley H. and Harriet N. Brigham, of En- 
glish parentage. Wesley H. Brigham and family moved to Fredonia, N. Y., in 1848, 
where our subject lived and attended school until 1856. After leaving Fredonia, our sub- 
ject engaged in the mining business in the Curlew Coal Mine, Ky., until 1861. He had to 
leave there on account of the war, and was taken prisoner at the Fort Pillow massacre. 
In 1865 and 1866, Mr. Brigham engaged in raising cotton, about fifty miles from New Or- 
leans. He was united in marriage in 1868 with Miss Alice M. Stearn, of Fredonia, N. Y., 
daughter of Sidney and Mary Stearn, of English parentage. Two sons have ble.ssed this 
union, viz., Eugene B., aged eleven years, and Walter S., aged seven years. Mr. Brigham 
commenced to work for Mr. Swift, of the above firm, as salesman and book-keeper in 1868, 
and continued in this capacity until August, 1881, when he purchased a one-third interest 
in same, which he still retains. 



980 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

SAMUEL B. BROOKS, attorne}^ Corry, was born May 18, 1823, in Lansing, Tomp- 
kins County, N. Y. His parents, of Irish and English extraction, had a family of nine 
children, eight of whom are now living. Our subject was the second child and oldest son 
in this family. His brothers Abram W., Chairman of Board of Supervisors of Cayuga, 
County, N. Y. ; J.Calvin, is adentist in Lakewood, Mich.; Marcus H., an attorney, residing 
at Hart, Mich., and M. Hargen, clerk in railroad office at Newcastle, Penn. Our subject 
was reared on a farm, and obtained his early education in the common schools, sub- 
sequently attended the academy atGroton, N. Y., and read law at Lawrenceville, Tioga 
Co., Penn., with John W. Ryan. He was admitted to the bar in 1854, at Wellsboro, where 
he practiced until 1868, when he came to Corry, where he has since successfully 
followed his profession. Mr. Brooks was united in marriage, April 1, 1843, with Sarah E. 
Miller, of American-German ancestry, born in Colchester, N. Y., March 5, 1825. They 
have had a family of nine children — Charles B., born June 14, 1844, residing in Corry; 
Sophia E., born July 4, 1846, djing April, 1882; she was the wife of Charles R. Saunders, 
an attorney at Cleveland; Gasherie D. and Sarah M. (dying in infancy), Stella, wife of 
Norman W. Allen, of Oil City, Penn.: Ida B., wife of L. B. Shave, a machinist, residing 
in Corry; Julia Florence; Mark H. and Isaac Horton, residing in Corry. Mr. Brooks 
served as Justice of the Peace five years a t Lawrenceville, Tioga Co., Penn. He also 
served as Justice of the Peace ten years, and Alderman five j'ears in Corr}^ and re-elected 
February, 1884, for five years more. Mr. Brooks was subordinate officer in the State 
Legislature four years, and one year Clerk in the State Treasurj' Department, Harrisburg, 
Penn. 

T. H. BROWN, gunsmith, Corry, is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and the only child 
that was born to Thomas (deceased) and Sarah Brown. His mother was born in England 
in 1828, and came to Pennsylvania in an early day. She was twice married, her second 
husband being Thomas Appleby. Our subject came with his stepfather to Erie County 
in 1848, when this settlement was a wilderness. He was educated in the district schools, 
and in 1870 chose the occupation of gunsmith, learning the trade of A. M. Cone, now a 
popular gunsmith of Warren. During the late war, he enlisted in Company E, Thirty- 
first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantrj-, and served two years. He participated in Gen. 
SheiTnan's celebrated march to the sea. Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Laura 
Parker, of Panama, N. Y. One child blessed this union — Louie E., born here October 22. 
1876. Our subject is a keen, successful huntsman, and has killed' a large number of wild 
game. He is a member of the G. A. R. 

ISAAC B. BROWN, attorney, Corry, was born February 20, 1848, in Rasselas, Penn., 
son of Rasselas W. (after whom the place was named) and Mary P. (Brownell) Brown, 
natives of New York. They were parents of six children, who received a good Christian 
training, with a common school education, sufficient to enable all of them to teach winters 
and attend the higher schools in summer. The family are — Jeffer.son, a civil engineer, 
lumberman and banker, at Wilcox, Elk County, Penn. (during the war of the rebellion he 
was a member of the One Hundred and Eighty-fifth Regiment New York Volunteers. He 
is now a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, having served two terms); 
William Wallace, an attorney in Bradford, McKean Co., Penn. (he served during the 
late war in the Twenty-tliird New York Regiment, and aftei^ward in the Pennsylvania 
" Bucktails," is a Representative of the Sixteenth District in Congress, having formerly 
served two terms in the Pennsylvania Legislature; in politics he is a Republican); Olive 
J., wife of S. Moyer, a school teacher; Marj^ A., wife of George R. Allen, of the firm of 
Allen & Loomis, canning business in Syracuse, N. Y. ; Eunice, wife of William E. Hewitt, 
a farmer, and Isaac B., our subject, who received his earlv education at Smithport 
Academy. When sixteen years of age, he enlisted, in 1864, in Company C, Two Himdred 
and Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; was present at the battles of 
Bermuda Hundred, Thatcher's Run, Fort Steadman and Petersburg, and was under con- 
stant fire for five months of his service. At the close of the war he was honorably dis- 
charged, and resumed his studies in the University of Alfred, from which he graduated in 
1869. In 1870, our subject was married to Hannah, daughter of Richard Partington, of 
Providence, R. I. Two children have been born to this union — Lillian and Sarah M. Mr. 
Brown finished his law studies under Crosby & Brown, and was admitted to the bar of 
Erie City, this county, in 1877. He was elected to the legislature in the Second District of 
Erie County on the Republican ticket in 1880, re-elected in 1882 by the largest majority of 
any district candidate, has been City Clerk, is a member of the Royal Arcanum, the I. O. 
O. F. and Roj'al Templars; has been an officer in the National Guard since 1874. In poli- 
tics Mr. Brown is a Republican. 

J. BUNVILL, dealer in carriages, buggies, etc., Corry, was born in 1824, near Watts- 
burg, Venango Township, Penn., and is a son of Lewis Bunvill, a native of France, and 
an early settler here. He participated in tlie war of 1812, with Hull; his grandparents 
settled in Erie County in 1812. Our subject learned carpentering and contracting. He 
is an energetic, successful, self-made man, and has engaged in the following industries 
through life: From 1860 to 1881, he wasin Rouseville, Venango Count}', and at one time oper- 
ated four grocerj' stores, taking much pride in them; he also engaged in other enterprises. 



CITY OF CORRY. 981 

in French Creek, Chautauqua County. N. Y., for about twenty-five years, interested in 
himbering, milling, grist, saw and shingle mills; he was also successful as an oil producer, 
engaging in same eighteen years; he was doing a general merchandising business in Corry 
for two or three years previous to present business, which has been established since 1880. 
Mr. Bunvill was united in marriage with Polly M. Phelps, who has borne him the following 
children: Julia, wife of William Foster, of Westfield, X. Y. ; Phebe R., widow of Benja- 
min Barnes; Justice J., married to a Miss Berd, of Westfield; Rhoda, wife of B. W. Sten- 
nett, of Corry, and Charles Walker, born in 1869. 

GEORGE CAMPBELL, proprietor of Phoenix Hotel, Corry, was born and educated in 
Canada; his mother's name was Hannah Campbell; his father, while going to California, 
died on the Isthmus of Panama, when our subject, who is the only child living, was an 
infant. Mrs. Hannah Campbell and her sister, Mrs. Minnie Gooch, widow of John Gooch, 
late merchant tailor of Biddeford, Me., are landladies of above named hotel. Our sub- 
ject commenced business in Nevada, on the frontiers, and spent several years in different 
pursuits in the Far West. He came to Corry in 1882, and bought his present hotel, which 
is doing a flourishing business. Mr. Campbell has been very successful in life, and is well 
provided with this world's goods. 

MAX CAMERON, member of the City Council, in which body he is now serving his 
eighth year, was born May 6, 1833, in Horiaellsville, Steuben County, N. Y., son of Dugald 
and Ann (Taylor) Cameron; the former had been an extensive lumber dealer for years, and 
his father was land agent of the Poultney estate, and State Senator at an early day. Sub- 
ject's mother was a native of the city of Glasgow, Scotland, and his father was born near 
Fort WilUiam, Scotland, and came to America soon after the war of 1813. Our subject is 
the youngest son living of a family of nine children, viz. : Dugald, farmer and resident of 
Hammondsport. N. Y., Ewing Charles (deceased), Jane (deceased), James (deceased), at 
one time member of the Penn,s3dvanla and New York Legislatures; Ann (widow of Evrett 
Chadwick); Lydia (wife of Hiram Hagadorn, of Hornellsville), and Elizabeth, also a resi- 
dent of Hornellsville; our subject was educated at the common school of his native town, 
the high school at Crooked Lake and Friendship Academy. He married Permelia in 1856, 
born in New York, daughter of Charles Simons, a farmer in Allegany County, N. Y. ; bj' 
this union three children have been born — Dugald Stuart (deceased), Agnes M. and Jennie 
Maxwell. Max Cameron was at one time engaged with the New York & Erie Railway 
Company as clerk, five or six years; was with a transportation company in New York City 
for six years; was engaged about three years in the dry goods and grocery business; ha's 
acted as Collector for the city several years; one year as Police Justice, and for the last three 
triennial assessments was a member of the Board of Assessors. He is a member of the 
A. O. U. W., Washington Lodge, No. 2. Member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 
which he has been a Class Leader and teacher. In politics he is a Democrat; voted for 
Lincoln and Gen. Grant at his first election. 

THOMAS CARROLL, shipping clerk for the N. Y., L. E. & W. R. R., Corry, was 
born in Dublin, Ireland, and emigrated to America when eleven years old. He has always 
been a railroad employe. He was section boss and watchman for the Atlantic & Great 
Western Railroad. Mr. Carroll has been a resident of Corry, since 1866, and as above since 
1868. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the I. O. O. F. 

J. P. CASPERSON, member of the Corry Bedstead Works, Corry, was born in 1851, 
in Denmark. He is a son of H. P. Casperson, a ship carpenter. Our subject received his 
education in his native land, where he has one brother and two sisters. He emigrated to 
America in 1870, locating at Titusville.Penn., where he completed learning the cabinet-mak- 
ing trade, which he had begun in Denmark. He worked as journeyman eleven years. Mr. 
Casperson came to Corry in 1873, and has been in business since 1882. He is a member of 
the I. O. O. F. 

J. B. CHACE, physician and surgeon, Corry, was born September 14, 1828, in Roch- 
ester, N. Y., and is of English and Dutch descent. He is the third child and second son in 
a family of eleven children. One of his brothers is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Our subject obtained his education in the public schools of Chautauqua; read 
medicine with S. Brownson, of Northville, Erie County, and graduated in 1855, from the 
American Medical College, Cincinnati. He is also a botanist and chemist; has manufac- 
tured pharmaceutical preparations and has been for about five years in the drug business 
in Corry. Dr. Chace has successfullj^ practiced his profession in Wyandot County, Ohio, 
five years; in Chautauqua County, N. Y., six years, and in Corry since 1862. He was mar- 
ried in 1852, to Sarah Ann Winslow, born in Livingston Count}% N. Y., in 1832, and of 
English and Dutch extraction. Four children haveblessed this union, viz. : Francis M. 
(deceased). Ellen M.. James W., and Emma G., who died aged seven years. 

JOHN F. CHRISTIE, grocer and produce dealer. Center street. Corry, was born near 
Hamilton, Ontario, and is a son of John and Eliza (Mulvane) Christie, natives of Can- 
ada. The former was a carpenter by trade, working at same a number of years. He was 
reared in a family of thirteen children and was a member of the Episcopal Church; he died 
in Canada in 1861, aged thirty-eight years. Mrs. Christie came to Corry in 1865, with our sub- 
ject, who was then about five years of age. Her parents settled in Canada about 1825. and 

51 



982 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

reared a family of eleven children. Her father died October 14, 1858, aged seventy-four,, 
and her mother in 1855, aged seventy-seven years. Our subject is a member of the Episco- 
pal Church, and of the I. O. O. F., which he joined in Canada in 1879. His mother is re- 
siding with him, though she is not dependent on him, as she possesses considerable property 
of her own. She assists him by her experience and in helping him in the store. They 
keep on hand a first-class stock, and give general satisfaction to their customers. 

J. A. CLARK, Corry, was born April 16, 1832, in South Ridge, near Conneaut, Ashta- 
bula Co., Ohio, son of Abner Bradley Clark and Elvira Clark; the latter a native of Ohio, 
is a resident of Ashtabula, aged seventy-five, and the former died aged fifty-five, August 22, 
1860. They were the parents of three boys and four girls. Two of the former and three 
of the latter are living. One son, a prominent merchant in Corry; died December 15, 1879. 
Our subject remained on his native place until eighteen years of age, when he removed to 
Conneautville, Penn., and learned to make the wood-work of carriages, with his father, 
who was an extensive manufacturer in Conneaut. He followed his trade until he located 
in Corry, Penn., in 1877, since which time he has engaged in mercantile pursuits. He 
served as Tax Collector in Conneautville one year, where he married, December 30, 
1858, Maggie Rupert, born in Conneautville, Penn., May 24, 1839. Two children have 
blessed this union — Edwin R., engaged in the fruit business in Canada, and Lottie Clark, 
sixteen years old and at home. 

H. CLOUGH, wagon-maker, Corry, was born April 3, 1822, in Susquehanna County, 
Penn. He is a son of John and Deborah Clough, both deceased. John Clough was a farmer, 
and died in 1855, seventy-one or seventy-two years of age. They were the parents of ten 
children — six boys and four girls, seven surviving. Our subject was the third son. He 
was reared and received his education in Wayne County, where he also learned his 
trade under George Warner. He worked as journeyman for a short time. In 1843, 
he started in business in Wyoming County, where he remained fourteen years. Mr. 
Clough came to Corry in 1865, where he has successfully carried on his present business. 
Our subject was united in marriage with Pauline Stanton, now deceased. They were the 
parents of two children — Elmina A., wife of William Harner, and William Decator, who 
died at the age of thirty-three. Mr. Clough married, for his second wife, I. F. Maynord. 
This union has resulted in the birth of sixchildren. Theirnames are as follows: Delia A., 
died February 20, 1884; B. F., T. M., Walter, John and Blanche, and a boy and another 
girl deceased. Subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

ISAAC COLEGROVE, Mayor of Corry and farmer. The Colegrove family is de- 
scended from an ancient English ancestry. Isaac, the father of our subject, was born in 
Berkshire County, Mass., and married Sarah Keith, a native of Worcester County, the 
same State. They removed to Pennsylvania in 1835, settling on the line between Warren 
and Erie Counties. Here the father purchased 200 acres of land, but little improved, and, 
with his sons, set to work to eradicate the forests and cultivate the soil. Notwithstanding 
the adverse circumstances, privations and hardships that fell to the lot of almost every 
pioneer family, they made rapid progress, and subsequently added to their worldly pos- 
sessions until a beautiful farm of about five hundred acres was theirs. The father hired a 
substitute for' the war of 1812; was at his death, 1863, a prominent member of the Baptist 
Church. His union with Sarah Keith, deceased in 1863, resulted in fourteen children, all 
of whom grew up save one, viz. : Levica, Ziba, Perces, Amy, Rev. Mager, Anna, Isaac, son 
deceased in infancy, Lawrence, Delia, Stephen, Washington, Andrew J. and Sarah. Isaac, 
our subject, attended the country schools about three months during the year, until four- 
teen years old, when his school days were no more. Until reaching his majorit}^ he was 
subject to the duties required of him by his indulgent parents; not among the most irksome 
were his trips to mill on horseback, a distance of several miles. It was a common occur- 
rence for the bag of corn to tip by being struck against a sapling, and force him to the 
ground. On one occasion the faithful farm dog accompanied Isaac on a milling trip, and 
accidentally discovered a "woodchuck" in a hollow tree, and the young lad, at once for- 
getting his errand, alighted from the horse, to assist in capturing the little animal that 
"Bowser" had quarantined. On his return to the horse, he found that the sack had fallen 
to the ground, and he, being too small to replace it. must wait until some one chanced to 
pass along. In about one hour a good neighbor relieved the young man from the terrible 
suspense, and he went on his way rejoicing. He took considerable interest in hunting, 
and slew quantities of wild game over the present site of Corry. At the age of twenty-one, 
he engaged in a saw mill at Jamestown, for Henry Baker, and at the end of four years he 
withdrew and continued the same at Columbus, Penn., with Luther Mather. January 11, 
1846, he married Levene Tillotson, of Columbus, and at once entered actively in the im- 
provement of 100 acres, now within the present limit of Corry, a portion of which he has 
sold and laid off in lots. His wife died May 29, 1882, and the only child blessing their mar- 
riage died at the age of three years. January 22, 1884, he celebrated his birthday by mar- 
rying Mrs. Winifred M. Davis a daughter of George and Margaret Adams, who removed 
from her native State, Kentucky, to Brown County, Illinois, when she was quite young. 
Here she grew up and married Moses W. Davis, who was Captain of Company D, Eighty- 
fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry; he was also in the Mexican war, and participated ia 



CITY OF CORRY. 983 

the great battle of Buena Vista. He was killed in the late war, and Thomas D. Adams, a 
brother of the present Mrs. Colegrove, was commissioned and served as Captain of the a'DoVe 
company until he was shot at the battle of Chickamauga. Capt. Adams was a man of the 
most unfliching integrity and sterling worth, of purest morals and most inflexible courage. 
He was admired and beloved by the whole regiment, and his fall was more lamented than 
almost any of the noble ones who breatlied their last at this ever memorable strug"-le. A 
letter bearing date February 11, 18(33. to Mrs. M. W. Davis, from L. H. Waters, Colonel of 
the Eighty-fourtli Illinois Volunteer Infantr3% speaks of Capt. Davis in high commenda- 
tion, saying: "No man stood higher with the entire command than did he, and we will not 
soon forget his many virtues. True to his Christian profession under all circumstances, 
uniformly kind and brave, all were his friends and none his enemies. In the terrific battle 
of the 3Ist of December, he was at his post, cheering and encouraging his men, until he 
was wounded and carried to the rear. Badly wounded as he was, he could not forbear 
visiting tlie regiment the next day, and was received with cheers from all." Mrs. Coleorove 
removed to Corry in 1865, with her two children, George and Maggie; the latter is" well 
known as an efficient school teacher, now engaged at Bradford. Penn., and the former is 
engaged in the shingle business in this county. Mrs. C. is a member of the Baptist Church, 
and is Superintendent of the State Evangelical work of the Women's Christian Temperance 
Union. The official positions of Isaac Colegrove have been as varied as might be expected 
from a man of his abilities, his extended and somewhat varied experiences, and the 
numerous vicissitudes of a long and active life. In addition to the position as a member 
of the first Council of Corry, in which capacity he has served for nine years, he has offi- 
ciated as Assessor of the First Ward of Corry in 1873, 1881 and 1883. and Mayor, 1883, and 
is the present incumbent; his careful attention to business, showing his good natural'abil- 
ities, good common sense, and careful observation and self-reliance, having merited his 
re-election in 1881, with no opposition. He and first wife were long connected with the 
Methodist Church, but at her demise held letters in the same, and he is now a Baptist. In 
all the varied experiences of the life of our subject he has been peculiarl}'- fortunate, espe- 
cially in possessing a well-balanced mind; of great vigor and fine physical organization 
and excellent health; benevolent and charitable to the extent of his means. In politics 
he is a Republican. 

REV. MAGER COLEGROVE, farmer, Corry, was born February 15, 1818, in Otsego 
County, N. Y. He was reared in his native place, and came to Corry in 1835. Mr. Cole- 
grove began teaching when only sixteen years old, which occupation he subsequently fol- 
lowed for a number of years. He devoted fifteen years of his life to the ministry, begin- 
ing in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1857. Our subject was united in marriao-e in 
July, 1810, in Oswego County, with Huldah Colegrove, born in same county, November 
35, 1833. They had a family of five children, two dying in infancy. Those surviving 
are Derias M., Arthur D. and All)ert Ernest (twins). (See sketches.) Mr. M. Colegrove 
owns 170 acres of land, on which he has always resided. He is highly respected by all 
who know him, and is a valuable citizen and a kind parent. Mr. Colegrove is temperate 
in all things. 

D. N. COLEGROVE, residing on the old homestead, Corry, was born in Concord 
Townsiiip (now city of Corry), April 3, 1848, and is a son of Rev. Mager and Huldah (Cole- 
grove) Colegrove (see sketch above). Our subject was educated in the common school, 
and in 1864 began to learn printing. He was united in marriage, in 1866, with Laura', 
born May 31, 1845, the eldest daughter of William Dunham, of Corry. Two children 
have been born to this union — Everett Ransom, born in Titusville, October 36, 1873, and 
Bertha May, born in Corry, March 6, 1877. During the years 1869 and 1870. Mr. Cole- 
grove published the Pleasantville, Venango County, Edeiiing Neics; subsequently was city 
editor of the Corry Daily Republican; Titusville Sunday News; and of the Titusville 
Morning Herald. He published the Corry Local Newn in 1876, and was afterward city 
editor of Corry Herald, and also of the Corry Eoening Press. Mr. Colegrove for the last 
three years has been engaged in farming. He is better known throughout the oil regions 
as "Coley," author of " Coley's Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Corry." 

A. D. COLEGROVE, twin brotiier of A. E. Colegrove, was born December 9, 1855, in 
Concord, Erie County, within present boundary of Corry, Penn., and is a son of Rev. 
Mager and Huldah (Colegrove) Colegrove (see sketch). Our subject attended the country- 
school and worked on a farm until sixteen years of age; then attended high school in 
Corry, from which he graduated in 1876, and from the Allegheny College in 1881. He 
taught two years in the high school, after graduation from college, and one year previ- 
ous (1878-79). He took an active part in the Independent movernent of 1883, and was 
President of tlie Independent Republican organization of Corry. June 7, 1883, Mr. Cole- 
grove was elected City Superintendent of schools to fill the unexpired term of V. H. Curtis.' 

A. E. COLEGROVE, twin brother of subject of above sketch, was born December 9, 
1855, and is a son of Rev. Mager and Huldah (Colegrove) Colegrove. Like his brother, he 
attended the country school and worked on a farm until sixteen years of age. Our suljject 
graduated from the high school in 1876, and from the Allegheny College in 1880. He 
taught school in Dickenson Seminary, Williamsport, Penn. ; preached about one year, and 



984 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

was a member of the Central Pennsylvania Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church. 
August, 1883, he accepted the position he now holds, of Principal of the Emlenton Acade- 
my, Emlenton, Penn. Mr. Colegrove was united in marriage in December, 1881, with 
Margaret McCullough, of Clearfield, Penn. This union has been blessed with one son- 
Arthur Chreighton. 

WILLIAM COULTER, dealer in tin and glass ware (established in May, 1883), Corry, 
was born in Darlington, county of Durham, England, where he was educated. He left 
his native place when sixteen years old, and learned the trade of tanner and currier, at 
which he has worked at various places very successfully. He commenced in his present 
business (working for another party three years), then came lo Corry, and is now running, 
in connection with the above, six peddling wagons. Mr. Coulter was united in marriage 
with Maggie Crawford, of Waterloo, Canada. Seven children have been born to this 
union, viz., Anna Jane, Ella May, Minnie, Willie, Beatrice, Harry and Eddie. 

C. L. COVELL, attorney at law, Corry, was born March 3, 1849, in Westfield, Chau- 
tauqua Co., N. Y. His father was of English, Scotch and Irish, and his mother of En- 
glish extraction. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and attended the district 
schools from six to fifteen years of age, and then attended school at Corry for eighteen 
months, finishing his education at Westfield Academy, Westfield, N. Y., where he re- 
mained about one year. Mr. Covell read law in Corry with Hon. C. O. Bowman, com- 
mencing in January, 1871, and was admitted to the bar March 27, 1873, at Erie City, since 
which time he has been successfully practicing his profession in Corry. On March 19, 
1873, Mr. Covell was married, at Eden Center, Erie Co., N. Y., to Louisa Rathburn, born 
of English parentage, July 9, 1849, at Buffalo, N. Y. To this union have been born two 
children, viz., Alvah W., born at Corry, June 14, 1874, and Flora E., born also in Corry, 
August 6, 1877. Our subject was one of the founders of Corny City Iron Works, estab- 
lished in 1879 ; he is one of the charter members of the Northwestern Oil Company, estab- 
lished in 1881 ; is also an extensive real estate owner. 

MANLEY CROSBY, attorney at law, oflice on Center street, Corry, was born in 
Pranklinville, N. Y., March 12, 1834, son of Alanson and Cornelia (Wright) Crosby, both 
of English descent, the latter a native of Connecticut; the former born in New York, 
was an architect and house builder, but in later life a farmer. Our subject obtained his 
education in New York, in 1854 graduating from the State Normal School, Albany, N. Y. 
He then attended John W. Fowler's Law School, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., graduating in 1858; 
then was a year in the office of Judge David H. BoUes, of Ellicottville, N. Y. He was 
admitted to the bar in Buffalo, N. Y., May, 1859; became partner of Judge Bolles, with 
whom he remained until 1864. In 1865, he came to Corry as solicitor for the Oil Creek 
Railroad, and served as such for fifteen years. In 1870, Hon. W. W. Brown became his 
partner, continuing such for eight years. Mr. Brown is now a Member of Congress from 
McKean County District, Penn., elected by the Republican vote. Mr. Crosby has been 
Mayor of the city of Corry two terms. He was united in marriage in 1863 with Frances 
S. Clarke, }'oungest daughter of Staley N. Clarke, of Ellicottville, who was agent for the 
Holland Land Company for many years, was a Member of Congress one term in 1840 ; he 
departed this life in 1860. To this union have been born Clarke (deceased in 1876, in his 
thirteenth year), Walter Hull and Willie G., both members of the senior class, high 
school ; Theodore S. and Alanson. Mrs. Crosby is a consistent member of the Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Crosby is Past Master in the Masonic order, is also a member of the K. of 
H., United Workmen and Royal Arcanum societies. His grandfather participated in Hull's 
surrender in the war of 1812. 

P. N. CROSS, grocer, Corry, was born September 24, 1840, in Panama, Chautauqua 
Co., N. Y., and was reared and educated in his native county. He started in Venango Coun- 
ty, Penn., in the grocery business in 1862, where he remained till 1877, when he engaged 
in farming about three years ; he then came to Corry and carried on the wholesale and 
retail crocker}^ business for two years, since which time he has been engaged in groceries. 
His partner, the first four years, was William Hooker, and then for five years the firm was 
Cross & Case. Mr. Cross was united in marriage October 11, 1865, with Lucy A. Case, 
born August 29, 1837, in French Creek, N. Y. They have been the parents of two chil- 
dren, both deceased, vi^., Mary Z., born in 1866, died June 6, 1869; and Fred H., born 
March 27, 1871, and died August 17, 1871. Our subject and wife are members of the 
Baptist Church; the former is a member of the I. O. O. F., and also of the A. O. U. W. 

E. D. D ALTON, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born in Cloneen, County 
Kilkenny, Ireland, July 13, 1826 ; son of Peter and Anna (Durney) Dalton, the former of 
whom died in Ireland in 1837, aged fifty-two years, and the latter in Pennsylvania in 1871, 
aged seventy-three years. A brother of our subject died at the age of thirteen. E. D. was 
educated in Ireland, and came to America at the age of twenty-four. He was married in 
Ireland in 1846 to Ellen Grant, born there January 1, 1819, daughter of James and Joanna 
(Grant) Grant, both deceased, the former in 1870 and the latter in 1853. They were the 
parents of twelve children, six living. Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Dalton are the parents of six 
children — Anna, widow of Thomas Bates ; Joanna, wife of Addison Patterson ; Peter 
(deceased), Stachie, Mary (deceased), and James, married to Estella Kennedy, of Wayne. 



CITY OF CORRY. 985 

Our subject owns ninety-two and a half acres of land within the city limits. He makes a 
specialty of blooded stock. In politics, he is a Republican. 

H. A. DART, clerk in the freight office of New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad 
at Corry, was born in Columbus, Chenango Co., N. Y., moving when three years old to 
Hamilton, N. Y. He obtained his education at the Hubbardsville Academy and at the 
Madison University. Mr. Dart has been employed as above nineteen years; previously 
was in baggage room and ticket office from August, 1864, during which time he was also 
acting as baggage master for the N. & O. Railroad. In 1870, Mr. Dart was united in mar- 
riage with M. A. Cook, born in St. Clairville, N. Y., daughter of T. B. Cook, a prominent 
business man, who built the first theater in Corrv in the year 1865. Mrs. Dart departed 
this life in 1870. 

J. B. DAVIS, insurance agent, Corry, was born at Youngsville, Warren Co., Penn., 
January 21, 1846, and, in addition to his early education at the common schools, received 
a thorough commercial training at Bryant & Stratton's Mercantile College. For six years 
our subject was engaged as drug clerk at Warren, Penn., for F. H. Randall; then one year 
in Corry in drug business with W. A. Roe (now deceased); after this, engaged in insurance 
business for sixteen years; one year in grocery business, a member of the firm of Miller & 
Davis. Mr. Davis was twice married, first to Sarah A., daughter of JohnEdsall, of New- 
ark, N. J. By this union there was one child — Foster E. Davis. The mother is deceased. 
Mr. Davis next married Mattie A. Turbett, born in 1852. He and his wife are members of 
the Emanuel Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Davis has taken a very active interest, and 
has held the position of Junior Warden for several years; he is also a well-advanced Ma- 
son, and has held several important positions. He was also instrumental in helping form 
the Board of Trade of Corry, and has held the position of Director and Vice President in 
said board. 

D. E. DE ROSS, physician and surgeon, Corry, was born in Crawford County, Penn., 
June 2, 184.5, son of Alexandria De Ross, a surgeon of Philadelphia, Penn., a native of 
Paris, who came to Crawford County, Penn., in the year 1826, dying March 20, 1864, from 
the effects of an injury received from a runaway team; he was the seventh son in his 
family, of whom six brothers and his father died of the yellow fever in 1805. Our subject 
is also the seventh son in his family, in which there was only one girl; five of his brothers 
served in different regiments in the army, one of whom was killed at Hatcher's Run in 
1865. D. E. De Ross was reared on a farm, where he remained until he was sixteen 
years of age, attending the district school. From then until his eighteenth year he was 
in Meadville College, graduating in 1863. In March of the same year, he became Su- 
perintendent of a female college in Johnson County, Mo., at the same time acting as First 
Lieutenant of tne Home Guards; in July (same year), he became Surgeon in the Fifth 
Missouri Cavalry. At the expiration of a year, he became Hospital Steward of the Second 
Missouri Light Artillery, which position he filled from April, 1864, to November 28. 1865. 
In July of the latter year, he became Surgeon of a brigade in an expedition against the 
Indians. Going from Elkhorn, Neb., through the West, they were attacked by a large 
party of Indians, and lost several hundred men, besides suffering from hunger and thirst. 
They were forty-two days on Powder River and Yellowstone, during which time they sub- 
sisted on mule meat: they went to Salt Lake, Denver, Colo., and finally to St. Louis, where 
they were mustered out. Our subject again taught school for three months. He then re- 
turned home, and attended the university at Philadelphia one winter; he then went to the 
United States Medical College in New York for a year, graduating in 1869. The following 
year he spent in the South, still in pursuit of knowledge. He was in the medical field 
from 1870 to 1873. Mr. De Ross was married. June 19, 1873, to M. M. Royal, of Kinsman, 
Trumbull Co., Ohio, who was born May 26, 1848. This union has resulted in two children 
— M. La Roy, born June 17, 1876, in Corry, Penn., and Lura E., born in Corry, Penn., 
January 20, 1882, died April 2, 1883. Our subject was at one time a resident of Cincinnati, 
practicing his profession, and also graduating in the Eclectic Medical College Januar}- 26, 
1875. He came to Corry, Penn., April 26, 1875, and has since been actively engaged in his 
profession. He is President of the State Eclectic Medical Association of Pennsylvania, 
and Secretary of the Northwestern Eclectic Medical Association. 

M. WARREN DILLINGHAM, minister, Corry, was born in Boston, Mass., Septem- 
ber 18, 1836, and is a son of Moses and Eliza Dillingham; the former, a sea captain, was 
of English parentage, and the latter was a native of Massachusetts, of Scotch and English 
lineage. Our subject was partly educated in Boston, and graduated from the Lawi-ence 
Academy, Massachusetts. Mr. Dillingham read theology with E. F. Crane, studied Latin 
and Greek languages at Little Falls, Herkimer Co., N. Y., and elocution in 1879 in Boston. 
He was ordained to the ministry in 1875, at Stratford, N. Y., where he spent two years; 
he was converted at the age of thirty-eight years. He followed his profession two }^ears 
at Northville, Fulton Co., N. Y., one year in Boston, and in 1880 came to Corry, where he 
succeeded Dr. Crane, since which time he has been actively engaged here. Mr. Dilling- 
ham was united in marriage by Rev. Father Taylor, in Boston, with Julia A. Ross, a 
native of New Hampshire, born September 26, 1838. Four children have been born to 
this union — Mary E., Warren Edson, Carrie A. and Anna L. 



986 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ED. DILLINGHAM, of the firm of Dillingham & Fisher, fruits, canned goods and 
oysters, wholesale and retail, corner Center and South streets. Cony, was born in Boston, 
Mass., and is a son of the Rev. W. Dillingham, of the First Baptist Church Our subject 
was educated in Amsterdam, N. Y., where he lived about six years. He spent one year 
teaching, and was book-keeper for A. B. Long, retail grocer, Boston. Subsequently he 
spent three or four years in Corry as salesman with Nathaniel Stone, Cross & Case, and 
Sullivan & Jones. He engaged in business for himself in November, 1881, taking a third 
interest in the firm of Conner, White & Dillingham, and since September, 1882, as above. 
Mr. Dillingham was secretly united in marriage, April 14, 1882, with Viola L., daughter of 
John Beebe, of Corr}', Penn. Aftei' their marriage they remained in their respective 
homes for a year, but are now happil}" united. This clandestine match was the source of 
much sensational newspaper notice at the tmie. 

J E. H. DIVER, bakery, established 1865, Corry, was born in Albany, where he was 
reared and partly learned his trade, which he afterward completed in New York. He fol- 
lowed this tiade in N. Y. State, Albany and Brockford Mr. Diver was a pioneer of Corry, 
coming here eighteen years ago, when it was covered with forests, and has witnessed its 
transformation into a thriving city, with a population of 6,000 souls. He has been very 
successful, and, by close attention to his business and good financiering, has accumulated 
a comfortable competency. Mr. Diver married, in Monroe County, N. Y., Prudence Grif- 
fiths, by whom he had six children, four deceased; the surviving are Walter Stephen and 
Sarah Jane. Mr. Diver is a member of the Royal Templars of Temperance and of the 
Foresters. 

CAPT. EDWARD DOW, retired seaman. Corry, was born March 19, 1804, near 
Portsmouth, N. H., and is a son of Benjamin Dow, a tanner by trade. Our subject began 
when sixteen years of age to lead a seafaring life, engaging in codfishing two-thirds of the 
year for about twenty years. Capt. Dow farmed from 1852 to 1855 in New York State. 
He came to Corry twenty-nine years ago, when it was a swamp. Our subject has been 
twice married, his first wife being Miss Thompson. His second marriage occurred twenty- 
eight years ago, March 22, 1856, with Harriet Wyatt, born October 13, 1829, in England, 
and came to America when tAveuty-six years of age. Two children were born to this 
union— Mary and Dora. 

PETER DREYER, member of the Corry Bed Manufacturing Company, Corry, was 
born February 4, 1848, in Denmark, where he was raised and learned the cabinet-making 
trade. He came to America in 1867, locating in New York for a short time; thence went 
to Jamestown, N. Y., and has been in Corry nine years. Our subject was united in mar- 
riage, in 1876, with Anna Hintze. They are the parents of four children, viz.: Maggie, 
Charles, Abiha and Robert. 

G. A. ELSTON, physician and surgeon, Corry, son of M. W. Elston, and fourth 
of a family of eight children, was born at Mount Salem, Sussex Co., N. J., April 12, 
1855, and was reared on his father's farm, attending the district school for his primary 
education, and afterward the high school at Deckertown, N. J. In 1875, the Doctor com- 
menced the study of medicine with Dr. E. Potts at home, continuing with him for two 
years; he then attended the University College, New York, in 1878-79, and in 1880 received 
his diploma. After this he spent one year at Bellevue Hospital, N. Y., and commenced 
the practice of his profession in August, 1881. 

B. ELLSWORTH, City Surveyor, Corry, is a son of Jeremiah Ellsworth, at one 
time Mayor of Corry, also City Councilman, and who died in 1880, when nearly eighty 
years old. Three of his sous have held Government offices. Our subject, B. Ellsworth, in 
addition to above business, is also Government Ganger; previously, for three and a half 
years, he was Secretary of the School Board, when only twenty-seven years of age. He 
was Assistant Doorkeeper, then Sergeant-at-Arms, and in 1853-54 was an officer in the 
Legislature. While in Chautauqua County, N. Y., he served as Recording Clerk nine 
years and County Treasurer three; then was engaged as Assistant Treasurer of Cross-Cut 
Railroad. Mr. Ellsworth has been a resident of Corry since 1862. 

C. B. ELY, book-keeper, Corry City Iron Works, Corry, was born in Stockton, Chau- 
tauqua Co., N. Y. He was reared in his native place, attending district school, and James- 
town Academy for one winter. Mr. Ely first clerked for a few years; then commenced 
the grocery business in Corry as Ely & Allis, at which he continued six years; was also in the 
dry goods business two years, firm of Clark & Ely. He has been with the present com- 
pany one year. Mr. Ely was united in marriage with Grace G. Horton, of Stockton, N.Y., 
daughter of Samuel G. Horton, a prominent farmer of Corry. To this union was born, 
April, 1883, in Corry, one child, Ralph Ormes, a namesake of subject's deceased half 
brother, Ralph Ely, who was a Brigadier General during the late war of the rebellion, and 
who also held other positions of trust. 

J. A. FARNHAJVI, of the firm of J. A. Farnham & Co., proprietors of planing mill, 
and dealers in all kinds of building material, Corry, was born in Wayne Township, Erie 
Co., Penn., September 22, 1841, son of Walter and Rhoda (Turner) Farnham, of English 
descent. The former was one of the earl}' settlers in this section, and is still living at the 
patriarchal age of ninety-two. When our subject was six months old, he moved with his 



CITY OF CORRY. 987 

parents to French Creek, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he was reared to farming life and 
educated at the log schoolhouse. In 1862, he enlisted, serving throughout the rebellion. 
He was wounded three times, at Gettysburg, Dug's Gap and on the Altona Mountains 
during Sherman's march through Atlanta. Our subject, on being discharged, settled in 
Corry, and followed his trade as contractor and builder until 1880, when he embarked in 
his present business. In April, 1866, Mr. Farnham married Louise E. Hall, born in Addi- 
son County, Vt., September, 1842. By this union there are two children — Nellie and 
George H. T. 

WILLIAM S. FOX, Smith street,Manager of Western Union Telegraph office, Corry, was 
born May 11,1850, at Cold Spring, Cattaraugus Co., N.Y., and is a son of George A. and Mar- 
garet Fox, who moved to Randolph, N. Y., in 1852. Our subject attended the Randolph 
Academy until fifteen years old, then learned telegraphy, and was employed by the N. Y., 
P. & A. R. R. Company at Randolph, Salamanca, Jamestown and other points until his 
eighteenth year, when he came to Corry for the same company. In 1879, he was appoint- 
ed to his present position. Mr. Fox was united in marriage, beptember, 1876, with Rose, 
daughter of John Page, of Ramsgate, England. Two children have been born to this 
union— Georgia Newport and Margaret. 

W. A. FRANK, general detective for railroad companies, Corry, was born in Wood- 
stock, Ulster Co., N. Y., son of Luther and Margaret (Desmond) Frank, the former a native 
of Germany, the latter born in Baltimore, Md. ; both are now deceased. Our subject was 
reared and educated in Fredonia, and lived with his father until twenty-five years of age. 
He has been a detective twenty years, and in Corry since 1869, where for six or seven 
years he was Chief of the police force. He is now altogether employed by the railroad 
companies, and spends his whole time traveling from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and Erie 
on the P. & E. R. R., and on the N. Y., L. E. & W. from Corry to Salamanca and Brad- 
ford, thence west to transfer. He at one time had an agency, with men under him sta- 
tioned at several points in New York and Pennsylvania. Mr. Frank was married, at Pom- 
fret, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., April 15, 1851, to Desire M. Tarbox. Four children have been 
born to this union — Louisa M., married to William Rhodes, of Corry, June 10, 1880, died 
May 18, 1883, aged thirty-one years; Edward P., born in Pomfret, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., 
and died November 29, 1856, aged two and a half years; Henry A., farrier in Aurora, Erie 
Co., N. Y. : and Ellen J., residing at home. 

DANIEL D. FRANKLIN, M. D., Corry, was born April 4, 1813, in Chili Township, 
Monroe Co., N. Y. His father, Asa Franklin (descended from Dr. Benjamin Franklin), 
was a distinguished cavalryman in the war of 1812 — one of the brave men who lay in the 
trenches at the blowing up of Fort Erie, Canada, while the British were storming it. His 
mother, now in her ninetieth year, was the daughter of Uriah Chapman, a soldier in the 
revolutionary war, who, though shot by the Indians, managed to escape by chewing leaves 
and plugging the ball hole, which ball he carried through a long life. Daniel D. Franklin 
is the elder brother of the late Col. F. E. Franklin, of Tiffin, Ohio, who served all through 
the late war, at the close of which he located at Yazoo, Miss., where he became Probate 
and Circuit Judge, and finally Speaker of the House of Representatives for his adopted 
State, at the close of which he died of congestive chills. In 1820, Dr. Franklin's father 
removed to Cattaraugus County, N. Y., which was then a wilderness. Up to 1831, our 
subject's education was limited to the district school. He was self-supported and educated, 
struggling with the realities of life as best he could. In 1840, he married Perthena Adams, 
a daughter of Morris Adams, of Fredonia, N. Y., and descended from the Presidents John 
and John Quincy Adams. Our subject's health failling from too close attention to busi- 
ness, in 1846, he began the study of medicine, to which he earnestly applied himself until 
1849, when he entered the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Oliio. After two terms, 
he graduated in 1850, and removed to Tiffin, Ohio, where he commenced to practice as an 
eclectic and homoeopathic physician. Believing the latter to be the most rational theory, 
he uses it almost exclusively in his practice. While at Tiffin, where he practiced three 
years, he removed the largest ovarian tumor known to the medical world; weight, fifty- 
three pounds eight ounces, and in circumference, three and one-half and four and one-half 
feet. He left this field to his brother, F. E. Franklin, of whom mention has been made, and 
who studied medicine with the subject of this sketch. The latter returned to Fredonia, 
N. Y., built a water cure, and ran it for three years in connection with homoeopathy. He sold 
it and migrated with his family to Iowa, where he helped to build the city of Northwood, 
and lived in it for four years. Removing to Ohio, thence to Illinois, he remained for several 
years in the miasmatic districts bordering on the prairie streams, treating fevers of all types 
with great success. In 1864, he was appointed delegate by the Christian Commission, and 
sent to Washington, D. C., where he was assigned to duty in the old Armory Hospital, 
and went thence to City Point, Va., where he was engaged as contract physician in the 
general hospital until he was compelled to leave on account of sickness brought on by 
overwork in the hot month of August. In 1870, he came to Corry, where he, with his wife 
and son, S. J., now resides. Dr. Franklin is (1883) seventy years of age, but as active and 
vigorous as ever, which can be attributed to his being strictly temperate in all things, and 
has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church over fifty years. His practice is 



988 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

large, lucrative and successful. He is the inventor and manufacturer of Dr. Franklin's 
Catarrh Baira, which has a wide reputation and extensive sale, solely upon its merits. Dr. 
D. D. Franklin was the father of seven children, all dying in infancy excepting his son, 
S. J., Superintendent and Acting Treasurer of Corry Gas & Water Company. 

S. J. FRANKLIN, Superintendent Corry Gas & Water Company, Corry, Penn., also 
General Manager of Warren Gas Light Company, Warren, Penn., was born in 1854, in 
Fredonia, N. "i ., and is a son of Dr. D. D. and Pertliena (Adams) Franklin (see sketch of 
former). Our subject moved from his native place to Iowa, subsequently to Ohio, Illinois 
and finally to Pennsylvania, coming to Corry in 1870, and graduated from the high school 
in 1873. He built up a fine trade in gas fixtures, fittings, and the hot water system of heat- 
ing houses, etc., successfully demonstrating the feasibility of the same at the Corry Nation- 
al Bank, Washington Street School, M. Manville's residence, and in his own, which are all 
heated in this manner. He has the entire control of Corry Gas Works and Warren Gas 
Light Company; has been Superintendent of the former nine years, and of the latter four. 
Our subject was but twenty j-ears of age when he married a daughter of Ira S. Murray, 
and after three years of happiness lost his wife and a bright little daughter. Three years 
later Mr. Franklin was again united in marriage, this time to Miss Carrie Stevens, a niece 
of Mrs. S. W. Steward. Mr. Franklin, while yet (1883) less than thirty years of age, has 
been a verj' energetic and successful business man. 

JACOB FRANZ, dealer in furniture, carpets, wall papers and window curtains, also 
undertaker, Corry, was born October 16, 1840, in Lampertheim, Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger- 
many, son of Casper and Barbara (Alberstadt) Franz, former of whom, a merchant tailor, 
died March 3, 1843. Our subject came to Erie County, Penn., in 1852, residing in Erie City 
ten 3'ears, and there he went to school and learned the mason's and plasterer's trades with 
his uncle, D. Shiely. Abandoning this, he then entered the molding department of a 
stove foundry, which, owing to the financial crash of 1857, was closed up for three years. 
This caused our subject to make another change. He next served a three years' api^ren- 
ticeship to the cabinet-maker's trade with J. H. Riblet, Erie City; then worked for a short 
time for jMr. Chamberlin, Union City, this county, and again with Mr. Riblet for a brief 
period. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Franz went to "Titusville, Crawford County, Penn., and 
worked for Mr. Allen, cabinet-maker. On December 18, same year, he moved to Corry 
and embarked in the furniture trade in partnership with D. Shiely. This partnership was 
dissolved in 1870, and our subject continued the business alone, associating with it that of 
undertaker. Mr. Franz has now a handsome establishment, which represents xhe most ex- 
tensive of his line of business in the count}^ The building is 80x80 feet area, three stories 
and a basement, all of which is occupied with the immense stock carried. Though a native 
of Germany, Mr. Franz has been identified with Corry almost since its birth, and is one 
of the pioneers of trade. He was married, October 11, 1870, to a daughter of Valentine 
and Margaret (Haburn) Barron, of McKean Township, this county, where they settled in 
1836, former a native of Germany, latter of Scotland. 

REV. ALONZO FRINK, Corry, was born in Springfield, Mass., in 1799, and reared to 
manhood in Madison County, N. Y. ; at seventeen, he commenced teaching, and at thirty- 
two entered the ministry. Mr. Frink is now eighty-five years old; has been a resident of 
Corry for twelve years, and is well acquainted with all the details of its early settlement, 
and remembers when it was a swamp. Mr. Frink says "the building of Corry resulted 
from its being the central point of the railroads, giving it advantages of transportation, 
east, west, north and south, and it is destined to be a large town if rightly managed." 

F. H. GAY, dealer in fine groceries and jobber in butter, cheese and eggs, corner of 
First avenue and Pleasant street, Corry, Penn., was born in Ripley, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., 
August 23, 1837. Reared on his father's farm, and educated at Erie City Academy and 
finished his education at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College at Buffalo, N. Y., in 
1862. Mr. Gay was baggage agent for the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad at Corry 
from 1863 to 187'5. During the same period served as city official (Police Justice) five years, 
High Constable two years. In 1875, bought out a meat market on First avenue, which he 
ran for six years successfully, during some of which time he bought and .shipped to Phila- 
delphia market stock to a large amount. After which he was one year in the grocery bus- 
iness. Has been elected to the City Council for four successive years. Mr. Ga}^ was mar- 
ried in 1860. His children are Frank H. Gay, Jr., and Bell Gay. He was married again 
in 1873 to his present wife. 

LEWIS R. GEER, of the firm of Geer & Co., Corry, was born in Warren, Warren Co., 
Penn., February 25, 1818, and is a son of John Geer, born in Susquehanna County March 
8, 1791, and who came to Warren County in 1808. He was a farmer, lumberman and pilot on 
the Allegheny River. He died near Warren, aged ninety-one years and one day, one of 
the most honest, industrious and peaceable men tiiat ever -lived in Warren County. Al- 
though a lumberman on the river, he was an exceedingly strong man, but never had a fight. 
He was the father of seven children, five surviving. Our subject is by trade a harness- 
maker, which occupation he commenced in 1834 and followed for about eighteen years; 
subsequently was about five years in mercantile business at Warren, Penn., and farmed five 
years. He followed the Allegheny River as pilot from Warren to Pittsburgh. Mr. Geer 



CITY OF CORRY. 989 

has been a resident of Cony since 1864, devoting about seven years to the harness business 
at St. Petersburg, and was three years in Bradford. In 1879, Geer & Co. began to man- 
ufacture cigars under present firm name, succeeding J. M. Turner. The business was es- 
tablished in 1873. The firm employ about twenty-five hands, and are manufacturing over 
a million cigars annually. Our subject was twice married, first to Nancy Nesmith, sister 
of the banker Nesmith, of Warren, who died in Warren, July, 1843. Two children were 
born to this union — J. B., of Corry, and J. W., of Warren, Penn. Mr. Geer's second 
wife is Lura A. Cogswell, of Warren. Penn. Two children have blessed this union — Capt. 
E. N., who is in the firm with his fatlier, and travels through Pennsylvania and New 
York State (see sketch); and Hattie M , wife of C. Poi'ter, proprietor of the Railroad Din- 
ing Hall, Corry, Penn. Our subject is a strictly moral and temperate man, not known 
from childhood to have used a profane curse or oath, nor to have taken one drink of 
spirituous liquor, nor ever gambled in any way, nor ever had a fight, although very ath- 
lethic, more so than the common run of men. He has been a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church about forty years, also a member of a Lodge of I. O. O. F. 

CAPT. E. N. GEER, of the firm of Geer & Co., Corry, was born January 9, 1846, in 
Warren, Warren County, Penn., and is a son of Lewis R. and Lura A. (Cog.swell) Geer. 
Our subject came to Corry from Warren, September, 1864. He learned the harness trade 
from his father, L. R. Geer. He engaged in harness business for himself in 1869, continuing 
in same until the fall of 1873, when he disposed of his stock and engaged with Dr. J. M. 
Daviesin the insurance business as managers for the State of Pennsylvania, for Protection 
Life Insurance Company, of Chicago, 111. He discontinued his connection with Daviesin the 
fall of 1874, and commenced traveling, sellingcigars for J. M. Turner, Corry, Penn., until 
the death of the latter, January, 1879, when, in connection with his father, he purchased 
the cigar manufactory of J. M. Turner, deceased, from the administrator, F. A. Allen, 
and has since continued doing a successful business. In June, 1871, he organized the 
Huydekoper Rifles, and was commissioned Captain bj^ Gov. John W. Geary, served under 
Maj. Gen. H. S. Huydekoper, headquarters Meadville, Penn. Business so interfered 
with the Captain's military service that he concluded for the good of the service to resign 
in the spring of 1874. While in command, his company was recognized as one of the best 
disciplined in the division. October 15, 1880, the Captain organized Corry City Lodge, No. 
470, Knights of Pythias. He was elected Past Chancellor, and Representative to the 
Grand Lodge, Penns3ivania. His valued services have been so appreciated by Corry City 
Lodge that he has been unamimously re-elected every year since its organization. Our 
subject married, April 9, 1868, Fannie, daughter of Thomas and Lausia Blackburn, the 
former a prominent jeweler in Frankford, Penn. Mrs. Geer was born October 24, 1850. 
By this union there has been one son — Lynford E., born Februarv 17, 1869. 

EDWARD N. GIFFORD, dentist. Corry, was born in North Collins, Erie Co., N. Y., 
September 1, 1838, son of Giles and Anise (Reynolds) Gifford, the former of English, the 
latter of Scot(^h descent. Our subject was reared on a farm, brought up to the Quaker 
persuasion, and educated at the common and high schools of Collins and Gowanda, N. Y. 
There he learned his profession with Dr. McMillan, and practiced in Eden, N. Y., and 
North Collins for about three years, coming to Corry June 1, 1864. He also taught school 
four years. Mr. Gifford was married, October 8, 1862, to Maria Wilson, born May .24, 1888. 
daughter of Joseph Wilson. To this union have been born two children — Blanche and 
Grace. Mr. Gifford is a member of Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery; has 
acted two years as Master and five j^ears as High Priest. 

GEORGE D. GILBERT, of Corry City Iron Works, Corry, was born July 23, 1848, 
in Pomfret, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. where he spent the first ten years of his life. His 
grandparents on his mother's side were early settlers of Erie County, Penn., coming here 
from Vermont in 1825, and on his father's side, his grandparents settled in Chautauqua 
County, N. Y., in 1810, coming from Connecticut, all being farmers, and of the whole 
family our subject is the only one who has chosen a profession. Mr. G. D. Gilbert well 
remenibers the first locomotive that went to Dunkirk, N. Y., as it led to his being a me- 
chanical engineer. He continued the study of this profession five years, beginning when 
fourteen years of age. He obtained his education in the district school of Chautauqua, 
which he attended six years; in the district school of Concord, where he was one year; in 
Erie Count}^ Penn., where he was another year, and in the public schools of Corry, Penn., 
which he attended seven years, finishing when eighteen years old. He spent two years 
civil engineering in Middle Tennessee, a portion of his time in Erie, Crawford, Warren 
and McKean Counties. In 1873, he became a member of present firm, with P. I. Lynch, 
and erected the first boiler shops. In 1882, the capital of the company was increased by 
admitting C. L. Covell and D. A. Cypher. During the summer of 1882, Mr. Gilbert in- 
vented and put into use the first Gladiator agricultural engine and boiler, to which he had 
devoted about four months, and which he claims to be superior to an}rthing of the kind 
in use, being from one-third to one-half lighter. In the summer of 1883. he made sixteen, 
which are in use in different localities. Our subject was married in Corrv, Penn., April 
4, 1877, to Cora M. Gates, born in Silver Cn^ek, N. Y., November 13, 1860." Two children 
have resulted from this union— Velma E., born June 19, 1879, and Mattie M., born Jan- 



990 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

uary 13, 1882. Mr. Gilbert spent two months in the fall of 1880 in the "West, workin,^ suc- 
cessfully in the interests of the Novelty Iron Works. He is a member of the Board of 
Trade, which he joined in the fall of 1881, a few weeks after its organization. 

O. E. GLEASON, Postmaster, Corry, Peun., was born February 4, 1838, in West 
Haven, Vt. ; until fourteen years of age, he was brought up on his father's farm, and at- 
tended the district school. About 1854, he moved to Jefferson, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and 
farmed for a number of years; thence to Girard, Erie Co., Penn., where he continued the 
same occupation, and was united in marriage, November, 1859, with M. A., daughter of S. 
F. Stone, of Girard. Our subject came to Corry, October, 1863, and has since occupied 
different positions on the Oil Creek Railroad. He served fourteen years as conductor, 
engaging at the same time in other enterprises, outside of railroading. He was connected 
with the Corry Furniture Factory from the time it was first founded up to the time it was 
burned some three years ago, and was one of the stockholders in the handle factory, be- 
ing instrumental in its starting. Mr. Gleason helped to build the Crosbj' Block, which 
was burned in 1874. He has been a member of the City Council, and is at present Post- 
master, which position he has held for the past seven years. 

W. P. HALL, grocer, on West Wayne and Smith streets, Corry, established September, 
1882. Our subject was born in Warren County in 1843, and is a son of Erastus (deceased) 
and Mary (Wheeler) Hall, a resident of Corry, Penn. W. P. Hall was a member of 
Company A, Fourteenth Michigan Regiment, enlisting in 1861 and serving until the close 
of the war. He was shot in the ankle by a miuie ball at Jonesboro, Ga. He was 
wounded about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and remained until 10 on the battle-field, then 
was hauled in a wagon to Atlanta, where he remained about a week; thence to Chattanooga. 
Mr. Hall had to walk with the aid of crutches for nine months, and is still lame from this 
wound, and for which he receives a pension. His half-brother, Edwin Akin, and his 
brother Wheeler, were with our subject during the war, but all came through safely. Mr. 
Hall, July 4, 1866, married Jennie Love, born in Warren County, December 1, 1848. Two 
children were born to this union — Freddie, born April 37, 1875, and Pearl, a sweet, promis- 
ing child, born March 15, 1879, died December 12, 1881. During the oil excitement in 
1865, our subject spent seven years in Pit Hole and Edinboro, then farmed about ten 
years in Waterford, Erie Co., Penn. Mr. Hall owns the property in which he has his bus- 
iness; he is a self-made man, possessing good business qualifications. He is a member of 
the G. A. R. 

E. A. HAMMOND, farmer, P. O. Corry, was born October 10, 1827, in Monroe Coun- 
ty, N. Y., son of Paul and Abigail (Spear) Hammond. He was educated at the common 
schools and selected farming for a life occupation. Mr. Hammond was married, July 5, 
1852, to Emeline S., daughter of Elisha and Mary C. (Brown) Clark. To this union were 
born two children — Ernest W. and Clark E. Mr. Hammond has been School Director, 
Assessor (three terms) and is now a Road Commissioner; was at one time a K. of H.; in 
politics, is an Independent. He is owner of seventy-two acres of land, all well improved 
by his own labor. 

C. G. HARMON, Cashier Corry National Bank, was born in Ellicottsville, N. Y., March 
24, 1838, and is a son of E. Harmon and Caroline (Goodspeed) Harmon, the latter of Clean, 
N. Y., the former, of English extraction, a lawyer of Ellicottsville. Our subject was reared 
on a farm, and received an ordinary education in the district school. He chose banking as 
an occupation, and in 1856 commenced with Harmon, Chamberlain & Co., Ellicottsville, 
and remained until July, 1857, when he became assistant in the Cuba State Bank, Judge 
B. Chamberlain, of Randolph, N. Y., President. In 1858, Mr. Harmon went to Allegany 
and engaged in merchandising with his father, firm name E. Harmon & Son. He engaged 
as book-keeper with Stowell, Chamberlain & Co., bankers of Clean, N. Y., from 1859 to 
1861. In December, 1862, he joined as First Lieutenant, Company H, Thirty-seventh 
New York Regiment. In the fall of 1863, Mr. Harmon returned to the Cuba Bank, where 
he was employed as book-keeper until April, 1864, thence to Elmira, N. Y., where he was 
pa5'ing teller in the First National Bank. Our subject came to Corry, and was instru- 
mental in organizing the Corry National Bank, November 4, 1864, of which he has since 
been cashier. Mr. Harmon was united in marriage, August 1, 1868, at Corry, with Mary 
Patterson, born 1843 at Sugar Grove, Warren Co., Penn. She is a daughter of James and 
Mary C. Patterson, of English-Scotch and Irish lineage respectively. Two children have 
blessed this union— Mary P., born August 15, 1869, and C. G. Harmon, Jr., November 12, 
1882. Mr. Harmon has served as City Treasurer seven years. School Treasurer six years, and 
hasbeen Treasurer of Phoenix Mill Company since its organization ; is Treasurer of the Amer- 
ican Writing Machine Company, and also a member of the firm of Harmon, Gibbs & Co., 
manufacturers of engines, established about 1876. Mr. Harmon is connected with a num- 
ber of societies. He is a charter member and Treasurer of Clarence Conunandery, No. 51; 
is Treasurer of the Knights of Honor and of the Columbus Chapter, No. 200. He is also 
connected with the United Workmen; Southern Tier Masonic Association, Elmira, N._Y. ; 
Equitable Association, Columbus, Penn.; and N. W. Aid Association, Chicago; United 
States Mutual Accident Association. 



CITY OF CORRY. 991 

JOHN L. HATCH, farmer and dealer in stock and real estate, Corry, was born in 
Spring-water, Livingston Co., N. Y., December 14, 1831, and is a son of Elisha and Sylvia 
(Edson) Hatch, both deceased. They came to Wayne Township, in this county, in 1841, 
and were the parents of seven cliildren— Mary E., Fidelia, Edwin, Charles, Sylvia, John L. 
and Harriet. Fidelia married A. I. Kennedy in Columbus, Penn. Harriet married James 
Kershaw in Sherburu, N. Y. The boys only are now living. Our subject came to Corry 
May 8, 1863, and has been twice married, first, on August 28, 1861, to Lucina Mead, 
daughter of Darius and Bridget Mead, of Corry. She was born June 8, 1838, and lived a 
most exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died April 28, 1869. 
Three children blessed this union, the elder, Minnie G., wife of W. H. Bowman, now at 
Allen town, N. Y. ; the two younger died in infancy. The second marriage was Aug. 3, 1871, 
to Mary Chapin, daughter of Adna and Fanny Chapin, of Seville, Ohio. She was born March 
7, 1844, and is a member of the Baptist Church. Six children have been born to this union, 
viz., Louis, Fanny, Mary, John, Hallie and Elbert. Mr. Hatch is the owner of about 
twenty-five acres of land in Wayne Township, and six acres in Corry, where he now lives. 
He is an oflicial member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was one of the eight 
members present at its organization in 1862, that being the first Protestant denomination 
o rganized in Corry. He served also as Secretary of the Corry School Board of Directors 
d uring the first eight years of its existence, and was on the building committee for three 
of the largest schoolhouses in the place, one of which, the Central High School, has been 
named in his honor the " Hatch School." He has been a member of the City Council a 
number of times. In politics, is a Republican. 

A. W. HECKER (deceasea). It is the purpose of this personal sketch to note the 
prominent characteristics of the individual to which we refer, and to hand down to the 
future him who stood prominent as a citizen of Erie County, and was a representative 
man. To describe the character of the individual whose name is at the head of these 
notes, our first impress is set forth briefly in three words, to wit: " An honest man." He 
was born in Maiden Creek, Berks Co., Penn., September 29, 1827, and at the age of five 
years removed with his parents to Seagei'stown, Crawford Co., Penn., where he had the 
advantage of the district schools until 1841, when the family located at Meadville, where 
his school days subsequently ended, and he entered upon the duties of life as a clerk for 
J. R. Deck & Co., dry goods merchants. Later, he engaged in tlie firm of Hollis, White 
& Co., bankers at Suspension Bridge, Niagara Falls, and as the company part was its 
cashier until 1865, when he withdrew and returned to Meadville, and soon after made his 
final settlement in Corry, and engaged in the First National Bank, being its only cashier 
from the organization until his illness, which terminated in his demise June 12, 1882. He 
was married to Martha L. Steele, of Painesville, Ohio, daughter of Horace, once a 
noted editor of a Paynesville paper, the result being one child, Martha W. Mrs. Hecker 
died, and February 28, 1871, he was married to Harriet D., a daughter of John and Eliza 
(Williams) Miller. Her father was born in Yorkshire, England, 1808, emigrated to Mead- 
ville, Penn., in 1828, and engaged in the jewelry business, and afterward in farming, which 
he continued until death, in 1865. Eliza was a daughter of Isaac Williams, an early shoe 
merchant of Meadville. Her union with M. Miller blessed her with five children, who 

frew up, viz., R. W. (deceased), Margaret, Mary (deceased), Harriet D. and Ella C. John 
[iller was County Commissioner, and held several small offices. He and his consort were 
devoted Christians, his faith being in the Episcopal and hers in the Presbyterian organiza- 
tions. A. W. Hecker's last marriage gave him two children, viz. : Anthony Wayne, 
born March 9, 1872; Helen Louise, November 9, 1874. Mr, Hecker and first wife were 
active members of the Episcopal Church, to which organization his surviving widow, 
Harriet D., has long been attached. He was the organizer and Superintendent of the first 
Sunday school by the Episcopalians of Corry. Politically he was a Republican, active and 
energetic in the interests ot that great part}^ He served the city as Treasurer for a num- 
ber of terms. At a meeting of the City Council of Corry, Penn., held in their chamber 
June 19, 1882, the Mayor appointed three members to draft resolutions expressing the 
esteem and respect held for the late City Treasurer by the Council, and their sincere regret 
at his sudden death, and the following is the result: "Whereas, The Almighty has sud- 
denly sent death into this community, and taken from iis midst our esteemed fellow-citi- 
zen, 'Mr. A. W. Hecker; and. Whereas, the departed was the trusted Treasurer of the city 
at the time of his death, and had served with fidelity in the same capacity for several 
terms; Therefoee, be it Resolved. That while we strive to bow with becoming reverence 
in this sad affliction, we do so with unfeigned regret. Resolved, That by the death of Mr, 
Hecker our city has lost a public-spirited, sincere, intelligent and honest man. Resolved, 
That this Council extend to the family of the deceased its heartfelt sj^mpathy, and that the 
City Clerk be requested to furnish them with a copy of these resolutions. Resolved. That 
these resolutions be published in all of the city papers, and that the Clerk spread them for 
a memorial upon the journal of the City Council. Mr, Hecker was a member in high 
Stan ding of the Royal Arcanum, and a memoriam page was inserted in the proceedings of 
the Grand Council of Pennsylvania Rojal Arcanum, held at Harrisburg March 13 and 14, 
1883, he being the first Past Regent in that organization since its erection. The fol- 



992 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

lowing from the Corry Telegraph, published June 15, 1882. tells something edifying of the 
worthy subject of this sketch: "Mr. Heclier was an early resident of tiiis city, having 
come from Meadville to Corry to take the position in the First National Bank he tilled at 
his deatli. During the first years of his sojourn here, his house was noted as the center of 
everything in public matters which women had anything to do with, liis noble wife being 
ably seconded by him in all public enterprises. Within the past few years, Mr. Hecker 
has won more esteem from those he has come in contact with than ever he before pos- 
sessed, his disposition having evidently changed, and he became attractive to those around 
him, and a man of sociability in business. As a banker, he was firm yet accommodating, 
honest to a fault, and honorable in all his dealings, strictly attentive to business, and of 
untiring determination to conduct the interests confided to him in a manner to show a 
clean record, and a profit to all interested. The bank has sustained a great loss, the com- 
munity feels heavily his taking away, and all with one accord sympathize with the family 
and his business associates in the irreparable calamity." 

JAMES HENDERSON, agent of the American and Adams Express Companies, Corry, 
was born in Erie City, Penn.. August 28, 1843. He received his education in his native 
county. During the late war, he served as a member of McLane's Regiment three 
months, then joined the Eighty-third Regiment, under McLane, where he served three 
years, participating in the battles of Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Second 
Bull Run, Wilderness, and in front of Petersburg and Gettysburg. Our subject was mar- 
ried in 1873 to Miss M. E., daughter of John Dunn, of Girard, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Hen- 
derson have one child, nine years old. The former began the express business in the 
spring of 1867, in the employ of the American and Adams Express Companies, and has 
been at Foxbury, Penn., East Bradv, Penn., Girard, Penn., Olean, N. Y., and was also 
messenger on the W. & F. R. R., 0.*C. R. R., O. V. R. R., E. & P. R. R., O. B. & W. R. 
R. and the K. & E. R. R. 

MILTON HILL, harness-maker, Corry, was born in Saratoga, Saratoga Co., N. Y., 
and is a son of Aaron and Betsey (Perry) Hill, of Massachusetts. The former by occupa- 
tion was a farmer. They were the parents of three children — Harvey, Milton and Abbie 
J.; both died in Orleans County, N. Y., the former in 1875, aged seventy-seven, the latter 
in 1876, aged seventy six. Our subject was partly educated in his native place, which lie 
left when ten years of age, going to Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y., where he completed his 
education and learned his trade with Hammond & Short. He followed his trade in Evans, 
Erie Co., N. Y., where he remained nine years, and in Ripley. Chautauqua Co., N. Y., 
nine years. Mr. Hill came to Corry and established his present business in 1873. He was 
united in marriage with Harriet Hurd, of North Evans, N. Y., a native of Vermont. 
Four children have been born to them, three surviving — Lorin, of Corry ; Cloys, of Buf- 
falo, and Abbie, wife of Charles Chapman, a resident of Corry. Our subject lias been a 
successful, self-made man, and owns a house and lot on Pleasant street, worth $2,600. He 
has been a member of the Baptist Church nearly twenty years. Mrs. Hill is a member of 
the Congregational Church. 

J. B. HOCKENBURG, horseshoeing and blacksmithing, Corry, was born March 7, 
1840, forty miles north of Pittsburgh, Penn., son of Robert and Mary (Tipper) Hockenburg, 
of English and German ancestry ; the former deceased, the latter now a resident of Butler 
County, Penn. They were the parents of eight children ; our subject was the seventh 
child and fourth sou, and has three brothers and one sister living, j. B. Hockenburg was 
raised on a farm and attended district school until thirteen years old, when he left home 
and commenced blacksmithing in Tidioute, Penn., under D. N. Richardson, with whom 
he remained two years ; thence went to Young5ville, same county, for two years ; then 
worked in Pittsfield, Warren County, twelve years ; returning to Youngsville, remaining 
twelve years ; thence to Parker for a year, and finally to Corry in 1878, where he has since 
continued with success. He married while in Warren Country, in the fall of 1869, Lucinda, 
daughter of Benjamin Smith, a Methodist minister; she was born April, 1840. Three 
children have blessed this union, viz., Flora, wife of J. W. Shatto, train dispatcher, Erie, 
Penn. ; Ella and Harry (deceased, nine years old). Mr. Hockenburg is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, to which his wife also belongs. He is also a charterman of the 
K. of P. In politics, is Republican. 

PHILIP HOFFMAN, shoe-maker, Corry, was born in 1821, and is a son of Paul and 
Dorcas A. (Andrews) Hoffman, natives of Pennsylvania, who had a family of eleven chil- 
dren, in which our subject was the fourth child and son. Mr. Hoffman learned shoe-making 
at Pittsfield, Warren County, with John Woodel, and worked as journeyman twelve 
years in various places — Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and also in Canada West. 
He served through the war of tlie rebellion, and in 1852-54 engaged in mining in Califor- 
nia. He has Ijeen manufacturing boots and shoes for the past twenty-five years. He ran 
a drug store in Corry for two years. He has been a resident here fifteen years, and has 
built himself a nice three-story house. Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage February 23, 
1851, with Samantha H. Bills, born 1829, in Warren County, Penu. One child (deceased) 
was born to this union. Mrs. Hoffman departed this life May 13, 1862. 



CITY OF CORRY. 993 

J. B. HORTON, retired grocer, Corry, Penn., was born in Royalton, "Windsor Co., 
Vt., March 5, 1823, son of Darius and Nancy Horton, who removed to Rehoboth, Bristol 
Co., Mass., in 1831. He lived on a farm until he was twenty years of age; then re- 
moved to Cortland County, N. Y. ; carried on the tanning business eight years; also the 
boot and shoe business fifteen years; then removed to Corry, Penn., in 1865, where he now 
resides. Store on First avenue and residence on Centre street. In politics, he is a Repub- 
lican. 

ANSON S. JOHNSON (deceased), late farmer, was born February 9, 1811, in New 
York State. He was raised in Onondaga County, removing to Chautauqua County, same 
State, when twenty-one years of age. When twenty years old he was married to Olive B. 
Allen, a native of Connecticut, born June 9, 1814, and who moved to Marseilles when 
young. Ten children were born to this union, viz.: Laura (deceased); Calista M.; Porter; 
Polly, whose first husband, Calvin Northrop, a Christian, and a soldier in the late war, 
died soon after being liberated from Libby Prison (she married, for her second husband, 
Orange Hammond, also a soldier); W. H. ; Eunice; David; Nancy H. (deceased); Cyrus and 
Hattie, wife of Jay S. Hurd, married June 28, 1874; he was born July 1, 1851, in New York 
State, and is a son of S. A. and Mary H. Hurd. The subject of this sketch moved to Erie 
County thirty-six years ago, and was among the early settlers of Corry. He built the third 
house, and acted as School Director in the first school organized in Corry. Mr. Johnson 
was an enterprising business man: he departed this life December 15, 1865. 

A. M. KENT, of the Corry Woodenware Manufacturing Company, established 1867, 
succeeding David H. Wilder in 1879. Our subject was born in Vermont in 1840; he was united 
in marriage with Mrs. Wetmore, daughter of Chapin Hall, and widow of C. C. Wetmore, by 
whom she had two children — Chapin H., partner in the Woodenware Manufacturing Com- 
pany, Corry, and Charles D. Chapin Hall died in 1879; he was proprietor of a manufact- 
uring and lumbering business, which business is now managed by his son-in-law, A. M. 
Kent. Mr. and Mrs. Kent have had one child — Morgan. Mr. Kent came to Corry in 1865; 
waSjfirst with Wetmore, Hutchinson & Dudley; then bought and ran for a few years the 
Kent Oil Works. He is President of the Jamestown, N.Y., Water-works, built in 1883, 
and also President and principal owner of the Warren, Penn., works, built by himself and 
brother in 1873. Our subject was interested in lumbering and manufacturing pails before 
the war. His present works afford employment for 100 men; they turn out daily 3,000 
pails, 500 washtubs and 300 butter tubs, consuming 3,000,000 feet of timber annually. In 
addition to the above industries, Mr. Kent is principal owner of the Corry Gas and Water 
Works, he and his brother being the principal promoters in establishing the same in 1867. 
He has also an interest in a log saw mill at Salamanca, on the Allegheny River, and in a 
large sash and door factory, established in Newark, N. J., in 1873. 

H. O. LAKIN, President of the First National Bank. Corry, was born in Portland 
(now Westfield), Chautauqua County, N. Y., September 30, 1826. He is a graduate of 
Allegheny University; cho.se law for a profession; was admitted to the bar in Buffalo in 
1853, and has practiced ever since. He has also served as County Judge; has an interest 
at the present time in a lumbering tract comprising 2,200 acres in Elk and Forest Counties, 
Penn. Mr. Larkin was married in 1850 to Elizabeth Steward, born in Chautauqua County, 
N. Y., in July, 1826. To this union has been born one child — Luther Steward (see biog- 
raphy of S. W. Steward, decea.sed, elsewhere in this work). 

J. W. LEACH, Chief of Police :ind Constable, Corry, was born June 20, 1824, in 
Sheffield, Lorain Co., Ohio. He was reared on a farm and educated at home and in the 
district school. Our subject from the age of sixteen to twenty-five chopped and cleared 
the timber from fifty-five acres of heavily timbered land, splitting rails and fencing the 
same. From twenty-five to thirty he was employed as pilot on the Allegheny and Ohio 
Rivers; then farmed for eight years. He was one of four men who pulled and burned 
stumps of 450 acres of pine timber lands near Jamestown, which they also fenced. He 
learned the trade of a stone-mason, which he has worked at about eight years. Mr. Leach 
came to CoiTy about 1863, where he made glass for ten years. The first year he worked 
411 half days and cultivated three gardens, traveling going to and coming from his meals 
1,600 miles. Mr. Leach was united in marriage July 2, 1850, with Artemesia Southwick, 
born January 1, 1833, in Genesee County N. Y., of English and German extraction. Four 
children have been born to this union — Isabel, Frank E., Edith and Archer. Our subject, 
in fulfilling the duties of his present position, has had many hair breadth escapes. 

ISAAC LEMON, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born in Canada, February 
7, 1823. He is the sixth child of James and Jane (Vansickle) Lemon, both deceased. They 
had a family of nine children, eight living. Our subject was reared on his father's farm 
and attended the common schools. He was united in marriage, January 34, 1845, in Bur- 
ford Township, district of Brock (now in the county of Brant), Canada, with Diana Cath- 
ern Hainer, who was a native of the same place, born May 27, 1827. They had a family of 
nine children— Mary Ann (deceased), wife of William H. Johnson; Margaret Lovina (de- 
ceased); John Alexander; Joseph Benjamin; Amanda Lucretia, wife of W. H. Johnson; 
James Clinton; Melissa Rosella, wife of Mr. Bridgeland; Mertilla Ethel, wife of John 
Sperry, and Minnie Alice, at home. There are ten grandchildren. Mrs. Lemon and her 



994 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

daughter, Minnie Alice, are members of the Baptist Cliurch. When twenty-one, Mr. Lemon 
left home. He is a carpenter, joiner and wheelwright by trade, of which hist he makes a 
specialty, having worked at it twelve years. He came to this township in 1850. He owns 
forty-one acres of land within the city limits. He is somewhat of a hunter, spending some 
part of each year in this sport. He has collected quite a number of curiosities. Mr. Lemon 
served for two years as a member of the City Council, and two years as School Director of 
Concord Township. He is a Greenbacker in politics. 

R. G. LINDSLEY, druggist, Corry, was born in Cherry Valley, Ashtabula County, Ohio, 
August 28, 1837, and is of English extraction; he was reared on a farm and received his 
early education at the district schools, finishing at Kingsville Academy. He then taught 
school for a time, and subsequently entered mercantile business at Kinsman, TrumlniU 
County, Ohio, with P. G. Gee, as partner. In 1869-70, lie studied medicine with Dr. F. A. 
Tuttle, Jefferson, Ohio, and in 1871 commenced his present business in Corry, which he 
has since carried on with success. He is owner of the premises on First avenue, where his 
business is located. Our subject was twice married, first October 10, 1861, to Abble, daugh- 
ter of Henry Krum, of Cherry Valley, Ashtabula County, Ohio, born February 4, 1844, by 
whom he had one child — Lutie E. Mr. Krum was a prominent farmer and politician, hold- 
ing the office of Justice of the Peace for many years, and was elected several terms to the 
State Legislature. On his wife's decease, Mr. Lindsley married in September, 1874, Julia 
A., born January 9, 1847, in Wayne Township, Erie County, daughter of Jesse Lyons (de- 
ceased). A prominent farmer and lumberman. Mr. Lindsley is a regular attendant of the 
Presbyterian Church, of which his family are members. 

JOEL LINSCOTT, contractor and builder, Corry, Pena., was born in York, York 
County, Me.. July 14, 1828. When aged eighteen years, he moved from his native place 
to Boston, Mass.. where he learned the trade of carpenter, of Samuel Newell, of Boston. 
He has since followed said trqde with the exception of onfe year (1854), which he spent in 
California. He came from Boston to Corry in 1861, with Samuel Downer and others, and 
assisted in building " The Downer Oil Works " in what was, at that time, a wilderness. 
He removed his family two years later (1863). Mr. Linscott was married, March 8, 1855, 
in Boston, to Miss Mary A. Chadburn, of Sanford, York County, Me., three children 
being born to this union, two boys and a girl. Mr. Linscott, wife and children are all 
church members. 

JOHN LONG, contractor and builder, Corry, was born in Hamilton (now Fulton) 
County, N. Y., and is a son of Fred Long, a carpenter. Our subject moved with his par- 
ents to New Jersey; thence to Chautauqua County, N. Y., about 1850, and obtained his 
education, and learned a trade with his father in Westfield. He has worked at his trade in 
different localities, in all thirty years, from 1859 to 1868, in Ohio. Mr. Long was united 
in marriage with Hettie A. Pool, of Springfield, Ohio, and has the following children: 
John R., working with his father; Bertha E., Nina, Emma and Fred R. 

REV. THOMAS LONNERGAN, Corry, was born in New Inn, County Tipperary. Ire- 
land, in March, 1820, and is the third son of the five children (three now living) of Michael 
Lonnergan, a farmer, who died about 1871. aged seventy-five years. Our subject was 
reared on the farm and educated at Carlow, County Clare, Ireland. Coming to America, 
he studied theology at Emittsburg, Md., for four years, and was ordained at Erie, Penn., 
by Right Rev. Joshua M. Young; was established at Corry in 1860, and has since remained 
here. Father Lonnergan has accomplished marked changes in his pastorate from the time 
he took charge. The first school and church of the Catholic denomination in Corry were 
built by him on his arrival in the city, at which time there were only 100 Catholics. The 
original church proving too small, the Catholic population having increased to 2,000, a 
handsome church is being built at a cost of $25,000. Our subject has also under his super- 
vision the parochial school in connection with the church; a benevolent association; a 
temperance society; young ladies' sodality; St. Aloysius Society of boys, and the cate- 
chism class with an attendance of 400. 

P. I. LYNCH, Manager and Treasurer of Corry City Iron Works, was born in Green- 
ock, Scotland, August 15,' 1845; was reared there, and educated at the high schools. He 
is a son of Peter and Ann (McCormick) Lynch; the former, a cutler, died while our subject 
was an infant. P. I. Lynch is a boiler-maker and iron-ship builder by trade, commencing 
at fifteen years of age. In 1847, he came to New York City, working there and in IIo- 
boken. From there he moved to Titusville and to the oil regions; thence, in 1876, to But- 
ler County. Here he engaged in boiler-making with his brother for two years; then 
for himself until 1880, in which year he came to Corry. where for one year he was a mem- 
ber of the firm of Lynch & Gilbert; then one year as P. I. Lynch, and subsequently in the 
Corry City Iron Works. This latter enterprise employs from fifty to seventy-five men. 
Mr. Lynch was also engaged in the boiler department of Washington navy-yard in 1874-75. 
Our subject married,' in Syracuse, N. Y., Margaret Dunn, born in Syracuse in 1851, 
daughter of Patrick and Bridget Dunn. By this union three children have been born- 
Morgan Peter, Francis Patrick and Charles Henry. Mr. Lynch and his family are mem- 
bers of the Roman Catholic Church. He is a member of the C. M. B. A. 



7 



CITY OF CORRY. 995 

ANDREW McFARLAND, proprietor of St. James Hotel, Corry, was born in Mont- 
gomery County, N. Y., where he was reared and educated in the public schools. Our 
subject was united in marriage in 1876 with Allie Loomer, Little Falls, Herkimer Co., 
N. Y., who is a grand-daughter of Mr. Snell, of St. Johnsville, Penn. During the late 
war, Mr. McFarland enlisted in the Nineteenth Pennsylvania Regiment, serving two and a 
half years as First Sergeant, Company A, Nineteenth Cavalry. Mr. McFarland established 
his present business in Corry in February, 1882; was previously landlord of the " Occi- 
dental," Meadville, Penn., and of a hotel in Little Falls, N. Y., three years. He is a 
member of the Union League, Philadelphia; a K. of P., Lodge 470; K. of L., Lodge No. 1, 
and of the Soldiers and Sailors. 

JOHN McINTOSH (deceased), late hotel-keeper, Corry, was born near Edinburgh, 
Scotland, October 20, 1813. When ten years old, he, with his mother, emigrated to this 
country, his father having preceded them by about four months. He was the youngest in 
a family of seven, and was partly educated in his native land. After coming to America, 
he spent a few years in Catskill, and for sixteen summers was engaged in lumbering in the 
South. He also farmed for twelve or fourteen years. In 1835, "Mr. Mcintosh located in 
Sugar Grove, Warren County, remaining there until 1856, when he moved to Concord Town- 
ship. In 1862, he built the Mcintosh Hou.se in Corry which he ran until his decease. He 
was familiarly known as " Uncle John." Our subject married, April 15, 1846, Emeline Fre- 
leigh, born May 31, 1828, in Ulster County, N. Y. Three children were born to this union 
— George D., Alice S. and Yena. Mr. Mcintosh was also engaged extensively in auction- 
eering, attending nearly all the sales. He was a popular hotel-keeper, a kind husband 
and father, and a useful citizen. He departed this life May 5, 1879, mourned by all. The 
funeral services were conducted by Revs. B. M. Keer and Crane. His remains were in- 
terred in the Sugar Creek Cemetery. 

H. 0. MACKRES, physician and surgeon, office Center street, Corry, was born in 
Calais, Vt., December 16, 1824, son of Joshua and Esther Cummings Mackres, both natives 
of New Hampshire. The former was a farmer of Scotch descent, and the latter of Irish 
lineage. Our subject was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common 
and select schools of New York State. His medical education was obtained in Randolph, 
N. Y., and Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended a course of lectures and graduated in 1849. 
He also received a diploma in 1867 from the Buffalo Medical College. He commenced to 
practice his profession in the State of New York in 1849, where he continued until 1867, 
when he came to Corry, opened an office in partnership with Dr. B. E. Phelps, with whom 
he continued a year and a half. He then moved his office to Center street (in 1872) with 
Dr. Bonsteel, which partnership lasted until 1882. He took a practitioner's course in 
Cleveland and in the Rush Medical College in Chicago in 1881 and 1882. In the latter 
year he began to practice alone, and has one of the finest offices in the State of Pennsyl- 
vania, and is a successful physican. He was united in marriage in 1850 with Artemitia, 
daughter of Jabes Johnson, an early settler of Warren County, Penn. To tliis uuion have 
been born Estella,wife of F. F. Root, a merchant in Kinsman, Ohio; Mary E.,wife of Will- 
iam E. Lewis, a resident of Corry; James H., locomotive engineer on the Baltimore, New 
York & Pennsylvania Railroad. Mr. Mackres, while in New York, was Postmaster for 
some years. Mrs. Mackres is a member of the Universalist Church. Our subject is a 
member of the Masonic Order, No. 365, Corry Lodge; also a member of the United Work- 
men, and has been an influential member of the I. O. O. F. since 1847; also member of the 
Encampment. In politics, he is a Democrat. 

W. ED MARSH, attorney, Corry, was born in Farmington, Warren Co., Penn., 
January 15, 1851, and is a son of William S. and Rosaville (Knapp) Marsh. He re- 
ceived a part of his education in Warren County, but completed the same in Jamestown, 
N. Y. In 1875, Mr. Marsh read law with Crosby & Brown, Corry, Penn., and in 1878 was 
admitted to the bar in Erie City. He has been practicing since in Corry. Our subject was 
married in Farmington, Warren Co., Penn., October 1, 1874, to Miss Mary L., onl}"- 
daughter of Dr. S. W. Brown. W. E. Marsh was elected Justice of the Peace in Broken 
Straw Township, Warren County, Penn., in the year 1873, and for about six years 
has been serving as Notary, and Police Attorney here since 1881. He is also a member of 
the Republican State and County Committees. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. 
F. in Erie County, being a member and for several years the Secretary and Representative 
to the Grand Lodge of Jonathan Lodge, No. 685, I. O. O. F. He is also a member of Corry 
Encampment, No. 241, I. O. O. F. He is at present the District Deputy in both branches 
of the order in Erie County. During the railroad riots in 1877, Mr. Marsh left his music 
store, which he was then running, and which cost him $25 per month rent, enlisted in the 
Vincent Guard, then Company A, Seventeenth Regiment N. G. P., now Company A, Six- 
teenth Regiment, and carried a musket as a private for .f 13 a month, and with the com- 
pany marched from Corry to Franklin, Penn. In October, 1878, Mr. Marsh was elected 
Second Lieutenant, and December 9, 1881, he was elected First Lieutenant of the Vincent 
Guard. Both Mr. Marsh and his wife are prominent musicians, his wife being one of 
Corry's finest pianists. Mr. M. is a baritone or bass singer, and for several years has 
been in charge of the Presbyterian choir in Corry. He is very fond of field sport, and is 



i 



996 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

a meml)er of the Corry Rifle Club and its Secretary, and is considered a fine shot. Fred 
S. Mar^ih, a brother of our subject, is a graduate of the Jamestown Union School and 
Collegiate Institute. His father's people are related to the Sherman family through the 
maternal line of the family. 

D. J. MEAD, farmer and dealer in ice, Corrj-, was born in Youngsville, Warren 
Co., and is a son of one of the early settlers. Our subject has been twice married, first 
to Miss Alexander, now deceased. One child— Sell J. — blessed this union. His second wife 
was Miss Dora J. Drown, of Corry, formerlj' a resident of Iowa. Mr. Mead followed lum- 
bering twenty years. He served during the late rebellion two years in the Eighty-third 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Companj' I, Col. Brown. He has acted as 
City Councilman and Assessor. Mr. Mead has been a resident of Corry thirty-nine years, 
and established in his present occupation several j'ears. He owns fifty acres of land on the 
old turnpike, and a fine property in the Bish Block, center of the city, valued at $8,000. 
His brother, O. Mead, v/as associated with our subject in the ice business for about fifteen 
years, and on his decease, Januarj- 2, 1881, Mr. D. J. Mead assumed the sole control. 

MAX MICHELS, dealer in clothing, etc., Corry, was born on the Rhine, in Germany. 
He received a limited education in his Fatherland, and emigrated to America when twelve 
years of age. When thirteen years of age he learned tailoring and cigar-making (which 
he followed five years) in New York. Our subject moved to Corry in 1865, where he first 
engaged with Siegel & Co., but for the past four years has been doing a successful business 
for himself. Mr. Michels has been twice married, first to Herenietta Siegel, with whom he 
lived eighteen years, and whose death occurred in 1871. One child Max, Jr. — is now living. 
In 1881, Mr. Michels was united in marriage with Rosa Goldsmith, of New York, and one 
child — Augusta — has blessed this union. 

F. E SlILLER, liveryman, Corry, was born in Dauphin County, Penn., and is a son of 
Jacob and Polly Miller, residents of Dauphin, and parents of eight children. Mr. Miller 
(our subject) has recently leased a place of business from Mr. Tajlor, by whom he was 
previously employed. He is an energetic young man of good habits, deserving of the 
highest praise for the scrupulous care he takes of his stock. 

A. R. MORGAN, furniture dealer, Corr}', was born September 9, 1859, in Chautauqua 
County, N. Y., and is a son of R. Morgan, formerlv manufacturing at Jamestown, but 
now at Council Bluffs. Our subject left his native place when but three years of age, and 
obtained his education in Dunkirk and Corry. On January 20, 1880, he married Estella 
Dean, born June 20, 1860, in Chautauqua County, N. Y. Mr. Morgan has always followed 
his present business. He is now associated with his father-in-law, a pioneer of Chautauqua 
County. Mr. Morgan is a young man possessing good business ciualifications, and has full 
control of the business. 

H. MORRIS, brewer, Corry, was born in the northeast part of Essex County, Vt., May 
23, 1836. He remained in his native place until twent}' years of age, when he moved to 
Randolph, N. Y., and there learned his business, and manufactured two years. He estab- 
lished his present business in Corrj^ in the year 1803, but was burned out in 1873, and lost 
118,000. He rebuilt in 1873-74 on three acres of land, located on the corner of West Wayne 
and Smith streets. He employs ten or twelve men, and has made $15,000. He is also 
conducting business in Ashtabula (since 1879), in Conneaut and Mayville. Mr. Morris 
claims that he has done more for the temperance cause than all the preachers and temper- 
ance men combined. Our subject was married in 1860, at Randolph, to Lucinda M. Bemis, 
born 1841 in New Hampshire. Two children have been born to this union — James Edwin, 
working with his father, and Frank Bertram, who died January 14, 1870. Hiram and 
Lucinda M. Morris have an adopted daughter — Susie E., wife of M. E. Davis. Mr. Mor- 
ris has been a successful business man, and has seen Corry change from a swamp to a city. 

WILLIAM MOUNT, contractor and builder, C()rry,'was born in Ames, ^Monlgomer}^ 
Co., N. Y., October 3, 1829, sou of Thomas and Rebecca (Chamberlin) Mount, who were 
the parents of fifteen children, nine sons and six daughters, ten surviving, our subject 
being the youngest. The father, by occupation a farmer, died in 1881, aged ninety-nine 
years eight months and twenty days ; the mother's decease occurred in 1850, at the age 
of sevent}". Our subject was- educated in the district school, and learned his trade with 
his brother. He then followed farming from 1853 to 1860 in Chautauqua County. He was 
employed by the A. & G. W., now N. Y., P. & O. R. R. , commencing as carpenter; then 
was foreman for six years, then for three j'ears was superintendent of the carpenter depart- 
ment on the Fourth Division. Mr. ]\Iount came to Corry in 1870, through which he had 
passed when it was a swamp. From 1871 to 1881 he worked as journeyman. He con- 
tracted and built the Michel & Lippman Block, on the corner of jMain and Spring streets, 
and also many other buildings. Mr. Mount was imited in marriage, October 24, 1851, with 
Mary Frost, of Chautauqua County, born in 1830. Three children compose their family, 
viz., Avetas, a carpenter ; Emeline, wife of George Morris, and Ritta. 

WILLIAM W. MUIR, superintendent of Clark & Warren's oil refinery at Corry, was 
born at Carbondale, Lackawanna Co., Penn., April, 1851, and is a son of John and Caro- 
line (Smith) Muir, the former by trade a carpenter ; is a resident of Carbondale, where he 
settled in 1832. His wife is deceased ; they were the parents of five children, all now liv- 






CITY OF CORRY. 997 

ing. Our subject, the eldest, was reared in Carbondale, and educated in the common 
school. He learned the trade of a marble-cutter, at which he served three years and three 
months. He is also a carpenter and builder, working at same seven years. He has also 
spent the same time as a refiner of oil. Mr. Muir married, March 14, 1872, Martha Fuller, 
of Carbondale, Penn., where she was born May 11, 1854, and is a daughter of A. K. and 
Nancy Fuller, the former a machinist, his wife now deceased. Four children were born to 
this union — Harry (deceased), George, Carrie and Edward. Mr. Muir settled in Corry in 
May, 1881 . He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Subordinate and Encampment at Carbon- 
dale, Olive Leaf Lodge, No. 156, Lackawanna Encampment, No. 58. He owns a residence 
on North Wyoming street, Carbondale, also one on Washington street, Corry. Politically, 
he is a Republican. 

SILAS MORE, pumping engineer for water station, Corry, was born in New Buffalo, 
Orleans Co., N. Y., January 24, 1831. He was reared on a farm, where he remained until 
his twenty-first year, when he went to Dunkirk, N. Y., obtaining the position of fireman 
on the N. Y. & E., now N. Y. L. E. & W. R. R., remaining three years; he then ran as witch 
engine for about five years ; then for two years following he acted as engineer on the Alle- 
gheny River at Corden, Penn.; for three years more he was stationary engineer. Our 
subject served in the late war in the Eleventh Pennsylvania Battery three years. Mr. 
Moore came to Corry in 1865, to his present position. He was united in marriage, in 1867, 
to Anora Gunado, a native of New York City. This union has resulted in two children, 
viz., Mary and Anora, the former fifteen and the latter eleven years of age. 

WILLIAM MULKIE, manufacturer of cedar and whitewood cigar boxes, Corry, 
established in 1870, was born near East Otto, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., October 24, 1840, and 
is a son of John and Catherine Mulkie, nativesof Ireland and Canada respectively. They 
were the parents of four boys and two girls. Mr. and Mrs. John Mulkie are both deceased. 
Our subject, who is by trade a cooper, is now doing a successful business, which he is con- 
ducting on an economical plan, and employs a large number of men, boys and girls. He 
was united in marriage, in July. 1858, at Little Valley, N. Y.. with Mary Mullen, of 
Poland, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. She was born May 6, 1841, and is a daughter of Peter 
Mullen, now deceased. One child, Charles Byron, born April 28, 1868, has blessed this 
union. Mr. Mulkie served three years during the late rebellion, in the Forty-ninth New 
York Infantry, enlisting in 1862. He came to Corry in 1865. where he owns property. 
He has filled several township ofiices, and is a pronainent member of the G. A. K., I. O. 
O. F., and K. of P. societies. 

F. E. MULKIE, Cashier First National Bank, Corry, was born January 24, 1846, in 
Little Valley, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., and in 1851 moved to Kennedy, Chautauqua Co., 
N. Y., with his parents. Here he was educated at the common school, choosing the dry 
goods business for an occupation. He commenced with D. F. Weld, with whom he re- 
mained seven years, when he opened on his own account in 1869, and carried on business 
till 1875, coming to Corry in 1864. In 1875, he was burnt out, with a loss of about $12,000. 
In that year he entered the bank as book-keeper, and in 1882 was promoted to the cashier's 
desk, where he is now engaged; is also a Director and the Treasurer of the Board of Trade; 
is a charter member of the Royal Arcanum. On September 17, 1868, he was married to 
Miss D. M. Steward, daughter of S. W. Steward. To this union was born, in 1870, one 
child— Frank S. 

R. H. MURDOCK, agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad and Buffalo, New York & 
Pennsylvania Railroad, Corry, was born in Milton, Northumberland Co., Penn., November 
10, 1837. He was reared in his native county, where, after obtaining his education, he clerked 
in a store. He then became clerk in a railroad office at Lock Haven ; thence went to Lewis- 
burg as agent, and afterward occupied the same position in Northumberland, and finally 
came to Corry in February, 1865. He was for three years agent for the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road, then had charge for same road of passenger and freight, and also the Oil Creek Rail- 
road. Mr. Murdock was united in marriage, December 25, 1861, with Miss Anna Kepler. 
Two children have resulted from this union. 

S. C. MYER (deceased) was born in North Bay, N. Y., June 16, 1838, reared on a 
farm, and educated at the common schools. During the rebellion, our subject served 
First Lieutenant, and was twice wounded; first time in the head by a shell, in June, 
1864, at Petersburg; second time, in left arm by a shell, September 29, same year, at Cha- 
pin's farm, Va., on both occasions while gallantly charging the enemy. Mr. Myer came to 
Corry in 1865, and carried on the business of wholesale and retail butcher and sausage 
manufacturer, also wholesale dealer in live stock, and proprietor of Oneida Market, Corry, 
up to his decease, which occurred December 4, 1883. He was married at North Bay, Jan- 
uary 8, 1869. to Angie T. Van Zandt, born in 1844, adopted daughter of D. G. Van Zandt, 
a farmer of North Bay. To this union have been born three children, viz., Howard C, 
Fannie M. and Tina Glenn. 

W. G. NANTES, member of firm of Nantes & Son, dealers in groceries and produce, 
Corry, was born in Prince Edward Island, where he was educated in select schools and 
clerked for five years. He spent two years in reading law and writing. He commenced 
mercantile business in Harbor Creek, seven miles from Erie City, Erie Co., Penn., where 

52 



998 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

he remained until 1862. He then came to Corry, where he carried a general stock for seven 
years, and ran the first store in the city. Mr. Nantes spent eleven years in the South, Gar- 
rison ville, Va., where he kept a general store, and was Postmaster. He returned to Cor- 
ry in 1881, since which time he has been in present business. The subject of this sketch 
was united in marriage, in 1859, in London, Canada, to Susanna Kendall, also a native of 
Prince Edward Island. They have been the parents of four children, viz., John O. H., a 
partner in the above business; William Henry, who is also interested in same; George A., 
a graduate of Corry High School, now reading law with Bole, reporter for the Herald; and 
Charles Frederick. 

JOSEPH A. PAIN, editor of the Corry Telegraph. Corry, was born in Bristol, En- 
gland, April 2, 1828. His father was a medical practitioner and educational professor at 
one time, and in the latter years of his life kept a stationery store and printing office in 
Dartford, County of Kent, England. Our subject received a first-class education, finishing 
at Westminster College. Being frustrated by his father in his desire to become a sailor, 
Mr. Pain left home in 1848, and came to Quebec, Canada. After a few months, he went 
to Erie County, N. Y., a penniless lad. Desiring to return to England, he started at once 
for New York, afoot, but at Auburn, N. Y., he found work in the Auburn Daily Advertiser 
office, where he obtained a tborough knowledge of the practical part of the printer's business. 
From Auburn, he went to Wolcott, Wayne Co., N. Y., and published the Banner. Thence 
he found his way to Clyde, N. Y., with $3.05 in his pocket (all his worldly possessions), 
and took the material of a defunct paper and published a weekly paper, commencing 
March, 1850. On April 29, that year, Mr. Pain married Emily M. Smith, of Auburn, nT 
Y., who was a true helpmate to him, sharing his fortunes till May 30, 1883, when she de- 
parted this life, leaving behind four children. In 1865, our subject sold out his establish- 
ment in Clyde, and being attracted to the oil regions, bought a half interest in the Corry 
Telegraph, which had broken down under five different owners, and has continued its pub- 
lication nineteen successive years. The Corry Telegraph was a daily and weekly sheet 
when Mr. Pain purchased his interest. After a few months he bought out his partner, and 
in 1866 stopped the daily and continued the weekly until the fall of 1868, when he again 
started a daily, the Corry Daily Blade, commencing it small but continuing to enlarge till 
it became a seven-column four-page paper. In 1872, commercial depression compelled the 
stoppage of the Daily Blade, and Mr. Pain thereafter has given his entire attention to the 
Weekly Telegraph and his large job printing establishment. Our subject is now in his 
fifty-sixth year, active and energetic. He was Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue for 
over a year; was elected a member of the Common Council of the city of Corry in 1867, 
School Director in 1878, and City Clerk for one term. He is an inveterate worker, liberal 
in his opinions, a forcible writer and a stanch friend. Is P. G. in the I. O. O. F. ; P. M. W. 
in the A. O. U. W. ; first P. G. D. of Pennsylvania of the K. of H. and an ex-member of 
the Supreme Lodge of the same order; P. H. C. R. of I. O. F. ; P. G. P. and member of 
the committee on secret work of the Supreme Lodge of the K. and L. of H. ; P. S. of I. O. 
R. M. By many of these Mr. Pain has been presented with badges and regalia of value, 
among which is a f 100 gold medal by theK. ofH., commemorating his fiftieth birthday, and 
a beautiful gold-headed cane by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania K. of H. In politics, 
Mr. Pain is a Republican, and has taken apart in all the campaigns. In the Greeley cam- 
paign, he saved the Corry district to the Republican party. 

G. W. PARDEE, carriage dealer, Corry, was born, July, 1828, in Russia, Herkimer 
Co., N. Y., and when six years of age moved with his parents to Chautauqua County, 
same State, where he was reared on a farm, on which he remained until thirty-five years 
of age, paying considerable attention to stock-raising, particularl}^ the imported varieties. 
Mr. Pardee was united in marriage with Mary L. Wheeler, a native of Lockport, N. Y. 
Three children blessed this union — Merrit, Teller in Corry National Bank; Clifton (de- 
ceased), and Curtis S., clerk for the Star Oil Company. Mr, Pardee has been a resident of 
Corry eleven years, owns a residence here, and has spent several years in above business, 
selling by the wholesale and retail, and has had several partners. Previouslj', for six 
years, was a traveling salesman, three years for J. F. Leiberling & Co., Akron, Ohio. He 
sold in one season, in Corry, forty-five machines, of which he was the General Agent, Corry 
being his headquarters, and employed seventy-five sub-agents, principally in New York 
State. Mr. Pardee also engaged in the hardware business at Columbus, Penn., for seven 
years, making a specialty of cross-cut saws, selling 1,500 in one year. Mr. Pardee has 
served as a member of the City Council, is a member of A. 0- U. W., and of the K. of H. 

M. PARDEE, Teller Corry National Bank, Corry, was born in March, 1854, in Pan- 
ama, N. Y. He obtained his education in the schools of his birthplace, and at Iliou, N. 
Y., High School and Swathmore College near Philadelphia. He was with his father five 
years in the hardware business in Columbus. Penn.; then was book-keeper in Jamestown, 
N. Y., with J. R. Wilson; thence went to Corry in 1870, where he clerked for the Empire 
Line for a year, and in 1871 went into the bank, first as book-keeper for six years, and for 
the last six years as Teller. Mr. Pardee was united in marriage, in 1875, with Carrie, born 
in 1856, in Columbus, daughter of George Blair, a druggist of Corry. To this union have 
been born Paul, born October 4, 1876, and Virginia Mary, born July 8, 1881. j 



CITY OF CORRY. 999 

• 

J. G. PARKEK, in firm of C. J. Swift & Co., Corry, was born in Niagara County, N. 
Y. Our subject obtained his education in Corry, Penn. ; was married in 1878, to Lillian 
M. Bliss, of Allegany County, N. Y. One child, Montrose S., aged eighteen months, has 
blessed this union. Mr. Parker came to Corry, Penn., in 1865, and engaged as clerk, with 
€. J. Swift, in 1871, and in 1881 obtained an interest in the business. This firm is doing a 
large jobbing and retail trade, and is one of the best business firms in Corry. 

E. T. PETERSON, member of the Corry Bed Manufacturing Company, Corry, was 
born October 29, 1842, in Denmark, where he obtained his education and learned his trade. 
He emigrated to America in 1869, locating in Jamestown, N. Y., for four years, thence 
went to Union City for four years, and then to the oil country for eighteen months. Our 
subject came to Corry in 1878, and worked for C. W. Hare & Co. four years. He has 
been in business for himself since January, 1882. Mr. Peterson was united in marriage, in 
1871, with Charlotte Ericson, who was born in 1838. Five children have been born to this 
union, viz., Charlotte, Leonhart, Theodore; Anton and Theo are deceased. 

B. H. PHELPS, physician and surgeon, Corry, was born March 16, 1844, in Williams- 
field, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and is the third in a family of seven children, all living. Our 
subject's early education was obtained in his native county, and subsequently he attended 
the Grand River Institute. Austinburg, Ohio, for about two years. Graduated from the 
Kingsville Institute, Ohio, June 14, 1867, in classics, and in medicine from the Cleveland Col- 
lege February, 1871. He was a member of the Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry from 
the fall of 1861 to the spring of 1863, in the capacity of musician. The Doctor was twice mar- 
ried; on the first occasion, in 1866, to Phelina, daughter of Jacob Greenlee, a farmer and 
highly respected citizen. By this union there is one child— T. Otis. The Doctor losing 
his first wife by death, married, April 16, 1879, at Orwell, Ohio, Alice C, daughter of Rev. 
J. H. Dungan, a retired minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a resident of Orwell. 
The Doctor's brother, Obed K., served in the same Ohio Regiment for nearly four years. 
Another brother, Charles H., served in the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Pennsylvania 
Regiment for nearly three years. Was a prisoner of war over one year. The Doctor is 
one of the leading physicians of the city of Corry, and is also widely known in musical 
■circles as a very fine singer. 

MANHATTEN PICKETT, M. D., Corry, was born in Charlotte, Chautauqua Co., 
N. Y., August 15, 1843. He attended the common schools in his native place until seven- 
teen years of age, and two years at Ellington Academy, same county, where he also taught 
a term. Our subject enlisted during the late war in the One Hundred and Twelfth N. Y. 
Regiment, Company B, serving from 1862 as non-commissioned ofiicer. He also served 
three months in the Erie regiment under Col. J. W. McLane. Was wounded by a musket 
June 2, 1864, in the battle at Cold Harbor, Va., from the effects of which he has never re- 
covered. He participated in several large battles, and was with Butler in his Dutch Gap 
expedition. Dr. Pickett began to study medicine at the hospital of the Sisters of Char- 
ity, Buffalo, in 1864. He read under Dr. Sanford Eastman (deceased), Professor of 
Anatomy, and graduated in Buffalo in 1869. He began to practice his profession in Co- 
lumbus in 1868, continuing five years; then went to Corry in 1872, where he has a large and 
lucrative practice. Dr. Pickett was married, at Bennington, Vt., May 17, 1869, to Ger- 
trude Webber, born in Columbus, Warren Co., Penn., February, 1850. Her parents were 
natives of N. Y. State. This union has been blessed with one child, Jennie E., born at 
Columbus, Penn., April 7, 1871. Our subject has served as Health Officer of Corry six 
years. Pension Examiner at Columbus, Warren Co., Penn., four years, and has been sur- 
geon on the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia Railroad five years, and on the Philadel- 
phia & Erie nine years. Dr. Pickett, with wife, is an attendant of the Episcopal Church. 
He is a member of the Masonic order, Sylvan Lodge, 303, St. Clairsville, N. Y.; Co- 
lumbus Chapter 200, Corry, Penn.; and Clarence Commandery 51, Corry, Penn. He has a 
sister, single, living at Charlotte. The Doctor, in politics, is a Democrat. 

CHARLES PORTER, proprietor Depot Dining Hall, Corry, was born in Fredonia, 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y. He was partly educated in his native place, and when eight 
years of age removed with his parents to Meadville, Penn., where he completed his educa- 
tion. Mr. Porter came to Corry in the spring of 1868, engaging in the shoe business with 
a brother for six years, and as Teller in Corry Savings Bank two years. He then started 
in his present business, in which he has been very successful. Mr. Porter was united in 
marriage, January 25, 1875, with Hattie M., daughter of L. R. Geer, a cigar manufacturer 
of Corry. Mr. Porter is serving his second term as member of the City Council, elected 
to the same by the Second Ward. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, also a K. 
of H. and K. of P. and of the Masonic fraternity. 

HENRY A. PORTER, Alderman and general insurance agent, Corry was born 
August 24, 1844, in Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and is a son of Anson Porter. In 
the earlj' part of 1869, our subject came to Corry from Meadville. He was the first teleg- 
rapher in the old Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, and was in the construction depart- 
ment of this road until its completion, when he came to Corry and engaged in the boot and 
shoe trade. In 1873, he went into the Corry Savings Bank, of which his father was man- 
ager; the latter was taken ill in 1878, dying in 1882 of softening of the brain, when his 



1000 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

son, Mr. Henry A. Porter, took char^^e of the bank, wound up its affairs, settling without 
loss or a lawsuit. Mr. Porter was united in marriage, in Meadville, Penn., August, 1S66, 
with Miss Sarah A. Kress. They are tlie parents of one daughter, about fifteen years old. 

CHARLES R. POWELL, dealer in boots and shoes, Corry. was born March 31, 1842, 
at Portland, N. Y., son of L. I. Powell, a farmer, an early settler, coming iii his 
eighteenth year; born about 1800. Our subject has three brothers and one sister living, 
and one brother and one sister deceased. Until fifteen years of age, he attended the 
district school, and then went to Ravenna, Ohio, in 1857, where he learned the machinist's 
business. He was in the United States Navy from August 13, 1862, to October 24, 1865. 
He joined as landsman, was steward two and one-half years and went to South America, 
Africa, Java, China, Japan, and the Phillipine Islands, coming home by the way of Cali- 
fornia. Mr. Powell was married, March 7, 1867, to Alice R. Alexandier, of Corry, Penn., 
born May 2, 1849, of German descent. One child, Sarah A., has blessed this union. Mr. 
Powell has served as a member of the City Council one term, and of the School Board 
three j^ears. He acted as foreman eight years for Gibbs & Sterrett Mower and Reaper 
Manufacturing Company. He has been established in present business in Corry two years. 

M. M. RAYMOND, manufacturer, Corry, was born June, 1843, in Columbus, Warren 
Co., Penn., and was reared in the country, where he spent the most of his life. Our sub- 
ject received his education in the district school, and came to Corry in 1868. He was en- 
figed in this vicinity for ten j^ears in the lumber business, in which he is still interested. 
r. Raymond was united in marriage, November, 1865, with Serahphina Bishop, born 
1845, in Columbus. Four children have crowned this union, viz., Nellie G., aged sixteen; 
Lottie D. (deceased); Frank M., born June 10, 1881; Hattie M., born November 25, 18S2. 
Mr. Raymond is the inventor and manufacturer of the Raymond Baby Jumper and Swing, 
patented in the United States June 12, 1883, in Canada, July 21, 1883. 

C. P. ROGERS, Corry, was born October 28, 1839, at Girard, Erie Co., Penn., and is 
a son of Dr. Channing Rogers, an eminent surgeon, killed by a canon explosion June 13. 
1839. During the years 1851-52, our subject clerked in drug store at Girard, Penn., subse- 
quently, in 1856, was bookkeeper for Wright, Montgomery »& Co., at Minneapolis, Minn. 
From 1858-59, he was surveyor and agent for the Emigration Company. During the year 
1859, he served in a campaign against the Sioux Indians. In 1860, Mr. Rogers was in 
Texas, and in 1861 he enlisted for three months, afterward re-enlisted and served seven- 
teen days as private; was successivelv promoted to Second Lieutenant. First Lieutenant, 
Captain, Lieut. Colonel, Colonel, Eighty-third Regiment Penn. Volunteer Infantry, 
Brigadier General, Third Brigade, First Division, 5 A. C. At the close of the war. in 1866 
and 1867. Mr. Rogers clerked for the committee on commission bills. Our subject was 
elected Prothonotary of Erie County, in 1872. to the office of F. R. Penn. Mr. Rogers was 
appointed by the Secretary of War. in 1881, to examine and settle claims against the 
United States resulting from a raid and the invasion of Pennsylvania (Gettysburg) by 
Gen. Lee. 

DAVID S. ROWE, railroad agent, Corry, was born in 1843, in Columbus, Warren 
County. He was educated in the common schools of Columbus, and studied a few terms 
at Edinboro Normal School. In 1861, our subject removed with his parents to Conneaut, 
Ohio, but he left home in 1862, and returned to Columbus, wliere he acted as agent for the 
A. & G. W. R. R., for more than two years. In 1865. he was appointed ticket .agent for 
the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, at Corry (then A. & G. W. R. R.), which 
position he still holds. Mr. Rowe was united in marriage, in 1867, with Miss Emily R. 
Gilson, a resident of Corry. The fruits of this marriage are Emily Pearl, born in 1869, 
dying in 1876; William D., born 1876; and Rodney Holland, born in 1881, now living. 

H. H. SKIDMORE. Freight and Traveling Agent for the N. Y., P. & 0. R. R., Corry. 
was born May 25, 1837, in Dunkirk, N. Y., of American parents. Mr. Skidmore has 
been connected with above railroad since 1860, when he was a clerk at Salamanca. In 
1868, he was appointed freight agent at same place, and in 1869 received his present posi- 
tion in Corry, both of which he now holds. Our subject was united in marriage, in 1860, 
with Miss Mattie Eaton, a native of Laona, N. Y., born of American parents, in Laona, 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y. They have been the parents of four children, two boys and two 
girls. Mr. Skidmore has served for several years as a member of the School Board, of which 
he has been Director, and for two years President. 

A. SLATER, 42 Center Street, Corry, Penn., dealer in groceries, provisions, crockery 
and glassware. 

REV. WILLIAM N. SLOAN, Presbyterian minister, Corry, was born in Youngs- 
town, Westmoreland Co., Penn., March 5, 1849, and is a son of David and Jane (Hunter) 
Sloan, natives of Westmoreland County, Penn., and parents of eight children. Our sub- 
ject moved to Ashland, Ohio, where he was brought up on a farm until eighteen years of 
age, and received his early education at the District Schools of Ashland, graduating from 
the High School of that place. He attended, also, the Vermilion Institute, and there grad- 
uated in his college course. His theological training was obtained in the Western Theo- 
logical Seminary in Allegheny City, Penn., finally graduating in 1873. He was at once 
called to the Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he remained five years, thence to 



CITY OF CORRY. 1001 

Foxburg, Clarion Co., Penn., two years; then to Corry, October, 1880. Mr. Sloan was 
married, November 25, 1873, to Mary S., born, in Pittsburgh, Penn., December 25, 1849. 
daughter of James H. Gray. To this union have been born three children — Homer W., 
Mary and Hazel. 

CALVIN SMITH, drayman, Corry, was born in New York State July 1, 1828, and is 
a son of S. S. and Nancy (Gates) Smith, natives of New York State; the former by trade a 
blacksmith. Our subject received his education in Corry, and married, July, 1850, C. M. 
Johnson, born February 9, 1835, near Sherman, daughter of Anson and Olive B. (Allen) 
Johnson (see sketch), natives of Connecticut, who came to Corry in 1848. Two children 
have been born to this union — W. W., Agent N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Corry, and O. C, wife 
of J. N. Saunders, employed in Balls Locomotive Shops at Erie City. Mr. Smith made 
shingles from the age of nineteen to twenty-five; subsequently had a third interest in a grist 
mill for eighteen months. He worked six months in Oil Creek shops; was carpenter for 
three years on Cross-cut Railroad, and has been employed altogether five and eight-twelfth 
years by the Downer Oil Company. Mr. Smith ran a saw mill, and farmed two years 
m Corry, three in Illinois, and one in North East Township, farming in all six years. He 
has been a resident of Erie since 1853, and of Corry since 1872. 

W. W. SMITH. Cashier N. Y. L. E. & W. R. R., Corry, was born in Blackberry, 
111. His parents are residents of Erie County, moving within five miles of Corry when 
our subject was but two years of age, about 1858. W. W. Smitli received his educa- 
tion in the Corry Higli School, and has occupied his present position since May, 1876; 
he previously worked for the Empire Line from October, 1872, until May, 1876. He was 
united in marriage, in 1877, with Kate Conic, a native of Jamestown, N. Y., born January 
14, 1858. Mr. Smith and wife have been the parents of three children — Mabel E., Leon B. 
and Georgie M. 

EDGAR A. SQUIER, Congregational minister and member of West Pennsylvania 
Association and of Ohio State Association of Congregational Churches, was pastor of 
Congregational Church of Ridgeway, Penn., and recently installed pastor of Congrega- 
tional Church in Corry, Penn.; was born in Savannah, Wayne Co., N. Y., Fel)ruary 19, 
1838, son of James W. and Angeline (Phillips) Squier, the former a native of Long Is- 
land, N. Y., of Welsh extraction, the latter from White's Furr-Ruu, Cayuga Co., N. Y,, 
of Scotch and English lineage. Our subject came with his parents, in 1841, to West 
Springfield, Erie Co., Penn.; commenced very early his struggle for an education at the 
district schools of his county, afterward teaching and struggling against adverse circum- 
stances; he also took an academical course of study at Waterford, Penn. He took pri- 
vate study with Rev. Joseph Bradford, a distinguished scholar, in addition to above. He 
also took a four years' course of theological study in connection with the Erie Confer- 
ence, Methodist Episcopal Church, of which conference he was a member for fifteen 
years. His appointments in said Conference were as follows: Wesleyville, Penn. ; Cat- 
taraugus,N. Y.; Petroleum Centre. Penn.; Pleasantville, Penn.; Tidioute, Penn.; Cuyahoga 
Falls, Ohio; Dunkirk, N. Y. ; Edinboro, Penn.; Karns City, Penn.; and Ridgeway, Penn. 
His labors in the ministry have been very successful; he took about one thousand persons 
into the Methodist Episcopal Church on profession of their faith in Christ, and built four 
churches. His labors in the Congregational ministry have been equally as successful since 
his connection with said bodj^. Mr. Squier was married in Waterford, Penn., November 
27, 1862 to Emma, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Gray, both deceased. To this union 
has been born one child — Lillian B. Squier. 

MOSES STARBIRD, wholesale and retail buggy dealer, partner in grist mill and 

f-ain speculator, Corry, Penn., was born in Freeman, Franklin Co., Me., May 18, 1829, of 
nglish descent, and was the third child in a family of nine, six of whom are still living. 
He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He commenced business 
as a builder in Lewistown, Me., where he remained five or six years; subsequently spent 
three years as a watchman in Lowell, Mass. ; then engaged in farming in Freeman, Me. 
Mr. Starbird came in 1865, to Corry, where he ran a feed-mill in partnership with his 
brother, I. S. Starbird. In 1866, he built a saw mill, which he worked for two years, with 
a capacity of 5,000, OOn shingles; subsequently sold this mill, and built the block corner of 
Washington and Center streets in 1870, buying adjoining property, and built a house on 
South street, expending in all $18,000, and realizing on same |27,000. He afterward sold 
this property, but bought it back in two years. During the year 1875, he engaged in the 
grocery business with M. Moffett; sold out to Burroughs & West. He was in the real es- 
tate business two years, and subsequently in the wholesale and retail buggy and wagon 
manufacturing business, the retail department conducted by C. 6. Andrews. They do a 
large business, and have handled upward of 3.000 jobs in this vicinity. In 1879, Mr. 
Starbird built a feed and grist mill, with L. True as partner, and did a large business, sell- 
ing 300 car-loads of grain in three years. He bought out True in 1882, and formed a con- 
solidated firm with L. Hammond and T. A. Allen, with new mill built by them, having a 
capacity of 125 barrels of flour per day; he has been successful in this also. Mr. Starbird 
was united in marriage in Freeman, Me., August 27, 1855, with E. G. Gilkcy, born in Free- 
man June 1, 1835, of English descent, and died October 27, 1882. Three children were 



1002 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

born to this union, viz., Walter H., Addie (wife of Lawrence Colegrove, farmer), and Ar- 
thur M., aged tw-elve years. Walter H. was horn in Lewistown, Me., March 13, 1857. He 
was reared on his father's farm, and educated in the district school. He came to Corry 
with his parents in 1865, and there completed his education, graduating in 1877, and has 
since been employed as book keeper by his father in Corry, Penn. He married Miss Ida 
Bliss. 

MARTIN STARK, dry goods merchant, Corry, was born August 27, 1832, in Breslau, 
Prussia. His father was a merchant, who died in Germany at the age of fifty-seven. Our 
subject was reared and educated in his native land, and chose the occupation of salesman, 
which he continued in until eighteen years of age. He emigrated to America in 1858, lo- 
cating in New York, where he carried on merchandising for two years. Mr. Stark came 
to Corry in 1865, and has been in mercantile business successfully since. He was united in 
marriage, February 12, 1860, with Sophia Hoppe, born in 1835. Our subject served eight 
years as Notary (1871 to 1879). appointed by Govs. Geary and Hartranft. He has been 
a member of the Board of Education three years, elected by the citizens of the First 
Ward; was elected by the same ward to serve as City Councilman two years. He is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity, w'hich he joined in New York City two years after his 
arrival in America. 

NATHAN STEADMAN, Corry, was born in Fallowfield, Crawford Co., Penn., 
July 6, 1831, is a son of James and Mary (Crane) Steadman, both deceased. Our subject 
learned his trade, blacksmithing, in Crawford Co. ; was united in marriage, Sept. 9, 1852, 
with Nancy M., daughter of Jeptha and Isabel (Ringland) Keen, deceased. Mr. Steadman 
and wife came to Erie Co. in 1853. Five children have been born to this union, viz., Le- 
vern J., Sarah A., Fred R., Clarence E. (deceased, aged four), Retta J. (died when sixteen 
months old). Mr. Steadman has been sexton some fifteen years, also Special Police- 
man four years. He and family are members of the M. E. Church, in which he has 
served in different offices — leader some thirty years, has been licensed to exhort, and for 
nine years has been teacher and Assistant Sabbath School Superintendent. He owns a 
residence on Pike street, and four acres of land on Pike and Centre streets. Mr. Steadman 
is a self-made man; is a Prohibitionist in politics, and a member of the A. O. U. W. 

STEPHEN W. STEWARD (deceased), late President of First National Bank, Corry, 
was of English and Scotch descent, born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., December 30, 
1812. He followed farming until he came to middle age. In 1864, lie came to Corry, and 
established a bank, in which he had a controlling interest; was actively engaged also in 
mercantile and other pursuits. He was twice married, his second wife being Caroline 
Stevens, by which union were four children, viz., W. H. (lumbering), Dorliska (wife of F. 
E. Mulkie, Cashier First National Bank), Dudley and Richard (both deceased). Mr. 
Steward's only child by his first wife is Olive Maria, wife of Julius M. Murray. Our sub- 
ject was President of the Oil City Railroad at the time of his death, which occurred 
through the Angola accident in 1867. 

D. C. STORER, physician and surgeon, Corry, was born December 3, 1810, in Win- 
chester, Litchfield Co., Conn. He was reared on a farm until nine years of age, when he 
went to his uncle in Erie, Erie Co., Penn., where he remained until fourteen years old. 
He was educated in the common schools. In 1826, our subject commenced the boot and 
shoe business in Mill Creek Township, Erie Co., Penn., working at same and farming ten 
years. In 1838, he began to study medicine, one year at home, one at Wattsburg, and one 
with Martin Gardner. Dr. Storer attended medical lectures at Randolph, N. Y., in 1850, 
though previous to this had practiced eight or ten years in different localities. He practiced 
in Ashville, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., for about six years, and came to Corry in 1862, since 
which time he has been successfully engaged in his profession. He is the oldest physician 
in years and in practice. 

A. R. TAYLOR, liveryman, Corry, was born May 31, 1845, near Jamestown, N. Y. 
He was reared on a farm, and attended the district school. Our subject engaged in farm- 
ing until twenty years of age, working by the month a part of the time. He then 
commenced in the livery business, and in 1872 came to Corry, where he has successfully 
engaged in the same business. Mr. Taylor married, March 18, 1874, at Meadville, Penn., 
Emma J. Coog, born in Buffalo, N. Y., April 10, 1853 They have had a familv of four 
children— Harry A., born September 21, 1877, died September 20, 1878; Freddie'H., born 
November 1, 1879, died March 18, 1880; an infant, unnamed, born August 2, 1881, and 
Mabel Florence, born September 26, 1882. 

WILLIAM W. THOMPSON, engineer in Starbird's Mill, Corry, was born June 1, 
1844, in French Creek, was reared on a farm, and educated in the common school. Our 
subject commenced business in a Steam Saw Mill, Erie County. During the rebellion, Mr. 
Thompson enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment, Company F, in 1861, in 
which he served three years and nine months. He was twice wovmded, the first time Sep- 
tember 17, 1862, at Antietam; the second wound was received in the battle at Resaca, May 
15, 1864, for which he receives a pension. Mr. Thompson was married, December 24, 1868, 
to Cora Monger, of French Creek, N. Y. She was born July 14, 1851. He. has been en- 
gineer since March, 1879. 



CITY Of CORRY. 1003 

WILLIAM TUNNICLIFFE. contractor, Woodenware Works, Corry, was born No- 
vember 10, 1833, in Allegheny City, Penn., where he remained until thirteen years of age, 
when he moved to Harmar, Ohio. He attended the Harmar Academy, and graduated from 
the Iron City Commercial .College, Pittsburgh, in 1856. He learned his trade in Harmar, 
Ohio, then was employed on the river several years. During the late war he served over 
four years as a private in the State Military Service, subsequently re-enlisted September 
29, 1865, in Company L, Ohio Veteran Volunteer Cavalry, acting as Orderly at Maj. 
Thomas' Headquarters. Mr. Tunnicliffe is now serving his third term as member of the 
City Council, is also a member of the G. A. R., Post 70, J. J. Andrews (since 1869) Royal 
Arcanum and United Workman Societies. He is an enterprising man, and a well-known 
politician, an adherent of the Republican party. Mr. Tunnicliffe was united in marriage 
in 1856, at Marietta, Ohio, with S. J. Beech, born in 1840, in Ohio. They have had a fam- 
ily of five children, viz., Lizzie E., clerk in S. W. Brown's confectionery .store, Corry, 
Penn.; Kate M., teacher in Bradford, Penn.; Josephine St. Clair, teacher in Corry, Wm. 
H. and Richard M. 

N. C. TURNER, insurance agent, Corry, was born in Elmira, N. Y., October 23, 1827. 
He is of German ancestry, and moved with his parents, when three years old, to Potter 
Count3^ Penn., where he remained twelve years, probably receiving his education, which 
he finished at Cochranton, Crawford County, Penn., where he went in 1842, remaining till 
1848, when he became foreman on canal, in Lee County, Iowa, for five years. About 1853 
he engaged in merchandising at Abington, Penn., continuing ten 3'ears; thence went to 
Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa, where he did a good business. From 1852 to 1860, 
he ran five stores at one time in Iowa; then engaged in the produce business until 1864, 
when he engaged in oil business at Plumer; thence went to Pit Hole City. Mr. Turner was 
in the steam mill business at Spring Creek, Penn., from 1867 to 1882; thence went to Corry, 
where he is engaged as above. Mr. Turner made $35,000 in ninety days in 1865. in the oil 
regions. Our subject, married October 28, 1843, Mary Hill, born December 12, 1828, in 
Crawford County, Penn. This union has been blessed with six children — F. P., married; 
Thomas, married; Flora, wife of Warren Woodruff, foreman in Lumber Company, Glade- 
run, Penn. ; Jennie, Emma and Sadia. 

J. R. VAN DOORN, forwarding clerk for New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, 
Corry, is a native of Bristol, R. I., where he lived until he was about twenty years of age. 
He then moved West, and married, in 1860, in Quincy, 111., where he resided a number of 
years. In the early part of the war, he was employed as Internal Revenue Inspector on 
the Arkansas River, from Pine Bluff to Fort Smith. Our subject removed to Pennsylvania 
in 1865, and has since resided in this State. He has been employed in Corry by the above 
railroad for ten years, and was in the Atlantic & Great Western Railway Audit Office 
at Meadville seven years. Previous to this was book-keeper in business houses in differ- 
ent localities. Mr. Van Doom is a Mason, joining a lodge at Akron, Ohio, in 1870. 

J. B. WARD, firm of Ward & Williams, meat market, Corry, was born August 11, 
1835, in Northumberland Co., Ont. He was raised in the country and i-eceived but a limit- 
ed education. Our subject is of English descent. His mother, aged eighty years, is a 
resident of Canada; his father was by trade a butcher, which he learned in England; he 
died about twenty-six years ago, aged fifty-three. Our subject was the fourth child and third 
son in a family of six children, all living except one daughter. He learned his father's trade, 
and came to Corry in 1865. He has been engaged in the same business since coming, with 
the exception of six months, when he was boring oil wells in Warren County, Penn. Mr. 
Ward was married in Canada, October 7, 1867, to Jane Lackey, born in Ireland August 8, 
1841; emigrated to Canada at the age of eight years. One child, Jennie, has blessed this 
union. Mr. Ward is a member of the Royal Templars. 

FRANK E. WARD, cutter and manager for Mr. Jacobs, Corry, was born December 
12, 1841, in Westfield, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., son of Sylvan us and Naticy A. (Evans) 
Ward, natives of Connecticut, and of English descent. The former, now deceased, was a 
merchant. They were the parents of two sons, Frank E. and Walter S. The latter, by 
trade a printer, is a resident of Westfield; he also followed merchandising for a time, 
though is out of business at present. The subject of this sketch was reared in Westfield 
Village, and obtained his education in the district school and in the Westfield Academy. 
In 1862, he learned his trade in Westfield, under R. Thompson; then went to Jamestown, 
and was cutter for three years for Parks & Hazzard; thence went to Mayville, N. Y., cut- 
ting for George W. Gifford seven years, and then came to Corry, where he cut one year 
for A. F. Messenger; he then engaged with the present house, with whom he has remained 
eleven years under different administrations, and has been manager since February, 1883. 
Mr. Ward was united in marriage at Jamestown with Flora E. Sherwin,who was born May 
22, 1845, in Jamestown. Her parents are residents of Jamestown, of English descent; her 
father, a carpenter, is eighty-six vears of age, and her mother eighty-four. Mrs. Ward 
died July 22, 1883, leaving one child, Hattie E., born in Mayville, N. Y., June 13, 1867, 
and who is the only grandchild in the family. Mr. Ward is a Mason; also in Grand 
Arcanum. 



1004 BIOGRAPHICAL SELETCHES: 

R. D. WARXER, Superintendent of the American Writing Machine Company, Corry, 
Penn., was born in Harjierslield, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, August 22, 1829. He received his 
early education in the district school, afterward attended Albion Academj', and chose 
the occupation of carpenter. In 1858, he commenced to manufacture oars, sweeps and 
sculls for Doby & Sheldon, Conneaut, Ohio, with whom he remained two j'ears. In 1860, 
he built a foundrj^ and machine shop at Conneaut, which he ran for three years success- 
full}'. Mr. Warner joined the Navy Department, Mound City, 111., as Quartermaster. In 
1865, he came to Cony as Superintendent of the Corry Machine Company, which position 
he held for five years; subsequently was a member of the firm of Park, Yost & Co., 
manufacturers of mowers and reapers at Ravenna, Ohio, until 1873, in which he was suc- 
cessful; thence he went to Syracuse, N. Y., where he was Superintendent with Bradley & 
Co., manufacturing mowers and reapers of all kinds, but making a specialty of the Brad- 
ley Crushing Hammer. In 1S83, Mr. Warner obtained his present position in Corry as 
Superintendent of the American Writing Machine Company, with T. A. Allen, President; 
C. G. Harmon, Treasurer; G. W. N. Yost, Secretary. The invention was established in 
the spring of 1883. Mr. Warner has been married twice. His first wife was Lucinda M. 
Satia, of Marshalltown, Iowa. After her demise he married, in 1872, Addie E. Loveland, 
born May 22, 1848, in Erie County, Penn. To this union were born five children — four 
girls and a boy. 

C. H. WASSON, Superintendent of Corry Kerosene Oil Works, Corry, was bom in 
Hinsdale, and is a son of T. T. Wasson, who died January 19, 1888, aged seventy-six. His 
widow is residing at her native place, Hinsdale, N. Y. Our subject was reared on a farm, 
following lumbering in Hinsdale until twenty-five years of age. He subsequently spent 
two years in Oil City (oil country); a few months in Illinois; then was manager, and sink- 
ing wells for an oil-well company one winter in Wisconsin. He was a short time 
in Clymer, N. Y., from May to August; finally came to Corry, where he was shipper, 
etc., for Parkman & Chapin three years, and as above since 1876, with twenty-one men 
under his supervision. Previousl}', for eighteen months, he was night watchman. Mr. 
Wasson was united in marriage, in 1872, with Celestia France, of Hinsdale, X.Y., daughter 
of Edward France, a prominent farmer. Mr. Wasson is serving as a member of the Corry 
Council 

WILLIAM S. WESTLEY, cooper, Corry, was born in Glenville, Schenectady, X.Y., 
May 18, 1833, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Westley, of English ancestry, and the 
parents of thirteen children, of whom our subject was the fifth. The former died, aged 
eighty-four, in 1868, and the latter May 4, 1859, aged fiftj'-nine. Our subject remained 
but a few years in his native place, going to Parish, N. Y., for six or seven years; thence to 
Canada, where he attended district school and learned blacksmithing, but gave it up after 
serving three years with Silas McKim. He remained in Canada until eighteen years of age. 
He learned the coopering trade in Syracuse, commencing to work in the woods. He was 
then employed for a year in Ellington, N. Y. ; three years in Delaware County, where he 
was united in marriage, September 14, 1859, with Eleanor P., born June 25, 1833, daughter 
of Daniel Reynolds, of Ancles, Delaware Co., N. Y. He then engaged in business in Sher- 
man, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Mr. Westley came to Corry in 1877, where he has since 
successfully done business, selling barrels by wholesale only. Mr. Westley, with his wife, 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been Leader, Trustee and 
Sunday School Superintendent. He is a member of the Royal Templars of Temperance. 

DANIEL WESTLEY of Corry, the subject of this little sketch, was born of English 
parentage, at Duanesburg, N. Y., October 30, 1836, and is the sixth son and eleventh child 
of Joseph and Elizabeth Westley, who had a familj' of fourteen children, twelve of whom 
lived to attain the years of maturity. He remained but a short time at his birthplace, 
but removed with his parents to Canada, where he obtained education in the public school 
and in 1854 learned his present trade, that of contractor and builder, of his brother-in-law, 
at Croyden, Canada. Mr. Westley migrated to Wattsburg in the spring of 1859, where, in 
1860, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Leach, daughter of Rev. J. Leach. To this 
union have been born three children — two sons and one daughter. In 1862, Mr. Westley 
left Wattsburg and came to Corry, which was then in its infancj'. there being at that time 
only about a dozen dwellings. He had helped build some 200 houses here, and for nearly 
three years was employed building the Downer Oil Works, at which place he is employed 
as carpenter at the present time. Mr. Westley, with wife and eldest son, is a member of 
the First Baptist Church; he is also a member of the Roj'al Templars of Temperance. 

SILAS WHEELER, retired, Corry, was born December 19, 1792, in New Ipswich, N. 
H. His father, Seth, came to the above town when about five years old. with his father, 
Jonas Wheeler, a native of Concord, and a descendant of the famous Capt. Wheeler, who 
commanded the Concord Horse "Companjin," Philip's war, 1675. Seth served in the 
Revolutionary war. He was the father of Seth, born 1774; Betsey, born 1776; Persis, 
bom 1779; Rachel, born 1781; Moses, born 1783; Stephen, born 1784; Aseneth, born 1787; 
Mila, born 1789; Silas, born 1792; Moses, born 1795. Our subject is the only one who sur- 
vives. His school days were somewhat limited, but bj" careful attention to his books he 
became qualified to teach, and so applied himself when seventeen, and continued for about 



CITY OF CORRY. 1005 

eight terms, at a salary ranging from $12 to $15. He was married, in 1819, to Mary, a 
daughter of Samuel and Mary (Woodwortli) Batchalder. She died February 9, 1879, her 
union having proved fruitless. He was married subsequently to Mrs. Armenia (Adams) 
Dowd. Her first husband R. B. Adams, was born March 12,' 1816, in Sandisfield, Mass. ; 
came to Erie County, 1848; married, October 7, 1846, to Miss Amenia Dowd, born April 
20, 1822, in Tyringham, Mass., daughter of Joseph Dowd. Mr. Adams died in Wayne 
Township, August 7, 1875, being the father of one child, which died from the effects of an 
accidental fall'when quite young. He was one of the original members of the Baptist 
Church of Union City, to which Mrs. Wheeler belongs. Jonas Wheeler, an uncle of Silas, 
settled in Steuben County, N. Y., and reared twenty-four children. Silas Wheeler experi 
enced the hardships incident to the life of the pioneer "boys." He began actively for 
himself, by purchasing the old homestead of his father and continuing the county tavern, 
that had been kept by his parents for many consecutive years. He removed to Chautauqua 
Count}% N. Y., in 1833-34, and to Erie County, Penn., in 1852 or 1853, buying a large tract 
of land in Le Boeuf Township. By hard labor and strict economy he has accumulated a 
large fortune. He served a short period in the war of 1812; was intiated in the Bethel 
Lodge, New Hampshire, A. F. A. M., as the second member in 1815, and is the oldest Ma- 
son living in the United States. 

A. V. P. WILLCOX, retired grocer, Corry, Penn., was born January 10, 1805, in Sand 
Lake, N. Y.; was reared and educated in Cortland County, N. Y., to where, with his fath- 
er's family, he migrated when but two years of age, his father owning a gristmill in Solon, 
Cortland Co., N. Y. His first and principal occupation was milling, until nineteen years of 
age, when he engaged at Sand Lake as clerk in a store, and then also in Cortland Countj-, 
then went into mercantile business at McGrawville, Cortland County, for two j^ears, then 
for ten years continued the same business in Freetown, N. Y. ; then sold out and pur- 
chased a mill at Blodgett Mills, N. Y., which he ran for ten years, then sold and purchased 
one at Homer, N. Y., run it about three years, and finally came to Corry, Penn., in 1884, 
built a house and store, and was in partnership in the grocery business with I. B. Horton, 
for ten years, also with his son, Vestus P., three years in Corry, Penn. In 1834, at the 
age of twenty-nine years, Mr. Willcox united in marriage with Nancy Emerson, of Solon, 
Cortland Co., N. Y. Five children were born to this union, two now living and having 
families of their own, viz., Vestus P., a miller bj^ trade, though now engaged as clerk with 
J. A. Pond, grocer, and Hattie A. Their grandchildren are named Louisa, Glen and 
Cora. Mr. Willcox, wife and daughter are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Willcox 
is a gentleman identified with the vast interests of the city of Corry, and now at the age 
of seventy-nine is enjoying the fruits of his labor, surrounded by his acquaintances and 
many friends. He is politically a Republican. 

THEODORE WILLIAMS, of the firm of Ward & Williams, Daily Market, Corry. 
was born about the year 1838, in Chautauqua County, N. Y., where he was raised by Joseph 
Coy. Mr. Williams came to Corry, about twenty-five years ago. He has been engaged 
in butchering one year. By trade, he is a stationary engineer, and worked for the Downer 
Company twenty years. In 1863, our subject was united in marriage with Mary S. Rus- 
sell. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been the parents of two children, viz., Joseph S. and 
Gertrude M. 

REV. JOHN W. WILSON, Corry, was born in Belleville, Upper Canada, September 
22, 1819, where he was reared on a farm among strangers. When three years of age he 
went to Genesee County, N. Y., and at six went to live with John Torry, a farmer, with 
whom he remained eighteen months. He then went to A. Bennett, in the center part of 
Michigan, with whom he lived until twenty-one years of age. He obtained his education 
in the district schools of Forestville and Sherman, N. Y., and in Michigan. When four- 
teen years of age, Mr. Wilson joined the Methodist Church, and when twenty-three was a 
member of the Erie Conference. He traveled a year previous to this. Out of his forty- 
one years of service, twenty-three have been spent in Erie County, Penn., and he has had 
two charges in Corry. He was for two years Financial Secretary of the N. E. Lake Shore 
Seminary. Mr. Wilson has been an active promoter of revivals, and has raised as much as 
$200,000. His mother is still living, a resident of Corry, born in 1784, and the mother of 
four sons. Our subject has been twice married, first to Hannah Combs, a native of Chau- 
tauqua Count}', N. Y., who died March 1, 1848, in her twenty-third year, leaving one 
child— Emily A., wife of F. H. Patterson, of Edinboro. His second wife was Hannah M. 
Starr, and they were married in 1849. They were the parents of four children, viz. : Wal- 
ter C. (deceased); Mary H., wife of E. E. Grignon, a hardware dealer in Corry; Elmer S., 
twenty-one years, and Bertha B., sixteen years of age. Elmer S. Wilson, son of our sub- 
ject, dealer in hats, caps and gent's furnishing ^oods, was born in Edinboro, Erie, Penn., 
December 11, 1862. He received his education in the Corry High School, was a newspaper 
reporter, and in November, 1882, started in business in Corry. He was married, September 
12, 1882, to Miss Minnie A. Grant, of Corry, Penn., who was born in Portland, N. Y., March 
11, 1860. She lived from a small child with her aunt in Portland (Miss Ann Grant). She 
obtained her education at Beaver College, Penn., vocal music being her greatest accomplish- 
ment. 



1006 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

J. C. WILSOISr, baggage -master P. R. R., and B., N. Y. & P. Railroad, Corry, 
was born December 10, 1889, in Northumberland County. He moved to Center County, 
Penn., in 1848, where he received a part of his education, but graduated from the 
Bellefonte Academy. He clerked in a store in the same place for about two years. In 
September, 1862, our subject enlisted in the Anderson Cavalry, where he served as non- 
commissioned officer until the close of the war. Mr. Wilson came to Corry December, 
1865, clerking one year, then became yard-master, extra freight conductor, and in October, 
1874, obtained his present position. He was united in marriage with Fannie Gordon, a 
native of Clyde, Wayne County, N. Y. Three children resulted from this union, viz., 
Anna M., Bessie and Agnes. Mr. Wilson has acted as Police Justice, and was a candidate 
for Mayor in 1883. His wife is a member of the Episcopal Church. He is an active mem- 
ber of the Royal Arcanum and G. A. R. 

P. R. WOODRING, dry goods merchant, Corry, was born September 25, 1831, in 
Crawford County, Penn., and isa son of Daniel and Anna (Rudy) Woodring, who were the 
parents of ten children, eight of whom are now living. Our subject is the ninth child and 
second son in the family. Daniel Woodring was a shoe-dealer, a native of Lehigh 
County, Penn. He died fifteen years ago at the age of seventy-three, and his wife de- 
parted this life thirty years ago, when fifty-six years old. She was a native of Germany. 
Our subject, until twenty-one, remained on his father's farm in Crawford County, near 
Sagerstown, of which he was a pioneer. Mr. Woodring was educated in the district school. 
He engaged in the dry goods business in Newcastle, Penn., five years for himself, and eight 
years as a salesman for Hoyt Bros., and R. W. Clendenin, in New Castle, Penn. He is a 
member of the firm of Woodring & Co., Corry, established September, 1883. 

G. W. N. YOST, the inventor of the Caligraph, was born April 15, 1851, in Starkey, 
Yates Co., N. Y. He received a common school education, and prepared for college^ at 
Starkey Seminary, with a full expectation of obtaining a thorough education, but owing 
to the misfortune of having inflammation in the eyes, which prevented him from studying 
for some years, this was reluctantly abandoned. During his boyhood, and until his nine- 
teenth year, he attended school and worked with his father on the farm. For some years 
thereafter he traveled extensively in the West and South, and in March, 1855, his first pat- 
ent was obtained for a cotton plow and scraper, with which one hand and a mule could do 
the work of two hands and two mules during the busiest part of the cotton-growing season. 
From 1855 to 1873 (except some five years while engaged in the oil business), he devoted his 
time to inventing, patenting and manufacturing agricultural implements. Some fourteen 
years ago, he was invited by Mr. James Densmore to go to New York, and see the type- 
writer, a machine to write with type, instead of the pen. After seeing it, Mr. Yost ex- 
pressed the opinion that the idea was a good one, but the machine was not invented yet; 
that there was no commercial value in it, and the machine was returned to Milwaukee for 
the purpose of having it " invented." December, 1872, Mr. Yost was invited toMilwaukce 
to see the invented type-writer. After a very careful examination of the machine, as then 
made, he became interested in it. February, 1873, he made a contract with the Remington 
Armory, at Ilion, N. Y., and up to 1877, nearly 4,000 were made and sold mainly through 
his energy. In 1879, Mr. Yost, not satisfied with his previous efforts, set to work in earnest 
to invent what he termed the ideal writing machine, and the Caligraph is the result. He 
has a factory in Corry manufacturing the caligraph in which 125 hands are employed, turn- 
ing out seventy-five machines per week. Mr. Yost, for the past year or two, has been 
actively associated with Dr. Virgil W. Blanchard, of New York, in the financial manage- 
ment and development of his system of inventions, embracing furnace, boiler, engine, 
electric light, etc. While engaged in the oil business our subject was one of the largest 
shippers in the oil country, having from two to five agents buying for him, handling thou- 
sands of dollars per day. After retiring from the oil business he built the shops called the 
Corry Machine Shops, now known as the Gibbs, Sterrett Mnfg. Co., at a cost of over 
$200", 000, employing 500 men. To the personal efforts of Mr. Yost more than to any other 
ten men, Corry is what it is to-day. 



PART VI. 



owNSHip Biographies, 



'OWNSHIP BIOGRAPHIES 



AMITY TOWNSHIP. 



WELLINGTON ALFORD, farmer, P. O. Lake Pleasant, was born March 31. 1837, in 
Chautauqua County, N. Y., a son of Martin and Sallie (Adams) Alford, of the same 
county. They lived in Erie County ten or fifteen years, chiefly on the borders of the lake. 
After a married life of fifty-nine years, Mr. Alford died, August 23, 1883, in Chautauqua 
County, where his widow still resides. Our subject was united in marriage May 6, 1861, 
with Sylvia D. Long, of Wattsburg, born May 6, 1841, daughter of Peter Long. After 
marriage, they bought Mr. Long's farm of 200 acres of well-improved land, where they 
now reside. Their children are Martin S., Chloe, Minnie, Dexter M., Corrington, Oliver 
and Frank L. Mr. Alford, with wife, is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. 
They have built up their fine estate entirely by their own exertions and good management, 
and have reared an intelligent, respectable familj'. Mr. Alford is a Republican in politics, 
and a citizen of much influence and usefulness in the township. 

JOHN ALLEN, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born November 22, 1831, in Delaware 
County, N. Y. He came to this township with his father's family when he was about 
seventeen years old. He woi'ked at his trade, that of a carpenter and joiner, in this and 
adjoining townships in this county. He was united in marriage, December 30, IS.jS, with 
Julia Stowe, by whom he has had five children— Marion D., Eliza J., Minnie C. (deceased 
at eleven years), Nathaniel J. and Floyd C. Marion D. has been a teacher in this com- 
munity for the past five terms. She is now engaged at Baldwin Flatts School, and has 
the reputation of being a thorough and successful instructor. Mr. Allen bought his pres- 
ent place about 1863, and has about 180 acres of well-improved land on Alder Run. Mr. 
Allen is a stanch Democrat. He has served as Constable four terms, and as School 
Director ten years, discharging his duties faithfullJ^ and to the satisfaction of his con- 
stituents. 

JULIUS M. APPLEBEE, farmer, P. O. Lake Pleasant, was born November 22, 1839. 
in Venango Township, Erie Co., Penn. He was united in marriage, February 24, 1860, 
with Jane Drake. To this union have been born the following children: Wellington, 
Mary, Emma (now Mrs. Titus), Jay B., Flora and Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Applebee bought 
and moved on their present farm in 1867. They were industrious and successful in 
life, relying on their own resources. They have acquired by economical management a 
farm of 102 acres of well-improved land, with good buildings, and have reared a family 
who have done them credit. Mr. Applebee has acceptably filled several local and town- 
ship offices, and is an influential citizen. 

WELLS W. BACON, farmer, P. O. Hatch Hollow, was born January 13, 1826, in Ply- 
mouth, Chenango Co., N. Y.. son of Henry and Roxy (Scott) Bacon. The children born to 
this union were Mrs. Louisa Phelps (deceased), Daniel S., Chester W., Horace S. (deceased) 
and Wells W. Mrs. Bacon died in Chenango County in 1828. Mr. Bacon subsequently mar- 
ried Mrs. Chloe Avery. Children — Ramson, Jane, now Mrs. Brown; Marion, now 
Mrs. Drake; and Angeline, afterward Mrs. Chapin, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon came 
to Erie County, settling in Union Township, where the latter died about the year 1843. 
Mr. Bacon then married Mrs. Tillison, who also died, when he was again united in marriage 
witli Mrs. Losina Slocum. To this union was born Harriet, now Mrs. Scott. Mr. Bacon 
departed this life April lo, 1862. His widow survived until April 30, 1874. Our subject 
was reared in Union Township. He was united in marriage, July 4, 1854, with Juliet 
Chaffee. They moved to Amity Township, where they have since resided, with the excep- 
tion of two years (1881-83) spent in Wattsburg. Mr. Bacon was a member of the One Hun- 
dred and Second Pennsylvania Regiment, in which he served from March 6 to June 23. 1865. 
After returning, he devoted his attention to farming, and has been very industrious and 



4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

successful. He has here ii fine farm of seventy acres, another tract of eighty acres in this 
township, and one of seventy in Union Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have been 
born two cliildren, George H. and Gertie Elnora. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Churcli; the former is a Republican in politics. Mr. Bacon and his 
worthy wife take great interest in the educational cause, and are people of mucli useful- 
ness and influence iq she community. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON BALDWIN, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born in 1810, 
in Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y., son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Towers) Baldwin, 
who were the parents of eight children, four surviving, viz., Ambrose (of Kansas), George 
Washington, Hiram W. and Mrs. Elizabeth Lawrence (P. O. Lundy's Lane, Penn). Mr. E. 
Baldwin was a native of Massachusetts, and in 1835, came with his family to this township, 
traveling in a covered wagon, and settled in French Creek Valley, in the locality which 
was afterward called Baldwin's Flats. His flrst wife dying, Mr. Baldwin married Theresa 
Murray, who bore him David M. and Ebenezer Hibbard. He died in 1839: his widow sur- 
vived until 1863. Our subject came with his father to this township; he was united in 
marriage December 5, 1833, with Luzette M. Brooks, of Whitehall, N. Y., by whom he 
had ten children, five reaching maturity, viz.: Mrs. Mary Mulviu, died February 7, 1881; 
Mrs. Jo.sephine Shepardson, of Greene County, Iowa; Mrs. Abigail Mulvin; James and 
William P., of Meadville, Penn. Mr. Baldwin offered his services to his country in 1861, 
but they were declined on account of his age. He has been an industrious and successful 
farmer, and has acquired a farm of 320 acres of very fertile and well-improved land in 
French Creek Valley. He was the first Road Commissioner of Amity Township. Mr. and 
Mrs. Baldwin are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have just celebrated 
their golden wedding with their children and grandchildren. They have reared an intel- 
ligent family, and are themselves useful and influential citizens. 

JOHN CALVIN BALDWIN was born May 13, 1816, in Whitehall, Washington 
County, N. Y. He was a son of Ebenezer Baldwin, and came to this township when 
about nineteen years of age, living a pioneer's life in French Creek Valley. He married, 
February 22, 1840. Marcia L. Field, born May 29, 1820, in Watchfield, Washington Co., Vt., 
daughter of Bennett and Losina Field, who came to Erie County, in 1839, settling near the 
Union and Amity Township line, where they died. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. 
Baldwin settled on the present familj' homestead on the Wattsburg & Waterford road. 
They were the parents of eleven children— Mary Losina (dying in her twenty-third year, 
October 3, 1863), George W. (dying July 14, 1845, in his third year), Mrs. Axcie Gross of 
Page County, Iowa), William L., Mrs. Amelia Wood (of Chautauqua County, N. Y.), 
Mrs. Sylvia A. Madison (of Bradford, Penn.), John B. (of Johnson County, Neb.), George 
Franklin (married to Viola A. Titus, deceased), Ettie S., Eva E. and Addie L. Mr. Bald- 
win departed this life January 15, 1862. Mrs. Baldwin kept her j'oung family together, 
rearing them successfully, and still lives with them on the homestead. She is a member 
of the United Brethren Church, and is a lady of more than ordinary energy and ability. 

William L. Balpwin was born April 5, 1847. He was reared on his fatiier's 
farm and attended the home schools. Our subject, in 1870, purchased a fine farm of 
120 acres of well-improved land, opposite the home farm. He is a young man of good 
business ability, and is making a success of life. 

JOSEPH C. BISBE (deceased) was born at Black River. He was united in mar- 
riage while on a visit to Madison County, N. Y., with Sally Ann Morey, born in Plain - 
field. Conn., in 1806, a daughter of Giddison and Tamsen (]\Iodock) Morey, who moved 
to Madison County, where they both died, the latter aged ninety-three. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bisbe lived in Madison County until 1857, when they moved to Crawford County, 
Penn., where they remained about six months, when they located in Amity Township, 
Erie County, November, 1857, moving on a new farm which they cleared and improved. 
They were the parents of ten children — Albert and Chene, residents of Wattsburg: 
Mrs. Ruth A. Reynolds, of Chautauqua County, N. Y. ; Curtis C., of Amity Town- 
ship; Ephraim, of Wayne Township; Mrs. Susan Cottrell, of Venango Township; 
Charles, of Amity Township; Mrs. Olive Daniels, of Eastland County, Tex.: Mrs. 
Harriet Daniels (deceased) and George, of Cliautauqua County, N. Y. Mr. Bisbe de- 
parted this life December 24, 1873; his widow still resides on the old homestead. Curtis 
C. is living with her and taking care of tlie home place. He also owns a farm of 150 
acres. Curtis enlisted August, 1862, in the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment Penn- 
sylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was severely wounded in the left leg at the battle of 
Antietam, Md., September 17, 1862; on account of same was discharged January 19, 1863, 
and, although he tried to re-enlist, was not iiccepted on the same account. He was a 
brave, faithful soldier, and is now an influential citizen, enjoying the respect of the entire 
community. 

CHRISTOPHER C. CAPRON, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born December 10, 
1818, in Windsor County, Vt. In 1842, he moved to Washington County, N. Y., where 
he worked two years at tailoring, and there married Vila Williams. They came to Watts- 
burg, Erie County, Penn., in 1844, via Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence by steamboat to 
Erie. After working four years at his trade, Mr. Capron bought a farm in Amity Town- 



AMITY TOWNSHIP. 5 

ship, moving on it the following year. His parents. Eli and Phebe Capron, came to Erie 
County in 1852, residing in Lovvville, where the former died in 1870 at the age of eighty- 
eight, and the latter in 1878 at the same age. Christopher C. owns a farm of 108 acres in 
Amity Township, and by his first marriage had a family of ten children; seven still survive — 
Julius A., of Corry; Cortland B., Stephen B., of Corry; Charles N., in the United States 
Army, Wyoming Territory; Edwin W., Florence C, Kan.; Mrs. Nettie A. Olden, Keno- 
sha County, Wis., and Ida May. Mrs. Capron departed this life July 4, 1867. Mr. Capron 
afterward married Mary W. CUark Marcli 4, 1868. Mr. Capron is a Republican, politically; 
is a man of much mental and physical activity, and a respected citizen. 

IRA CHAFFEE, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born January, 1809, in Cayuga 
County. N. Y. : son of Crean B. and Poll}' (Bennett) Chaffee, who brought their family to 
North"East, this county, in December, 18il. In 1819, they moved to Venango Township, 
where they lived two years, and then moved to Amity Township when the county was 
wild and unsettled. Mr. Chaffee took up a State tract of 400 acres on the road from 
Wattsburg, and there died January, 1848. His widow survived until November, 1878. 
They were the parents of Mrs. Sally Hatch (deceased); Ira; Horace, in Sarpy County, 
Neb*; Mrs. Caroline Hill, of Kansas; Nelson; Mrs. Nancy Hayes, and John B. Ira mar- 
ried, in 1831, Hannah, daughter of Amos and Leona Norton. She was born June 15, 
1810, in Delaware County, N. Y., and came to this county in 1830. Her mother died here 
in 1856. Her father moved to and died in Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee have been 
born tvelve children — Ezra, deceased; Mrs. Susan Rouse, Mrs. Juliet Bacon, Mrs. Nancy 
Hatch, Mrs. Delia Colburn, Porter, Louisa, Steward, Warren, James, Horace, Mrs. Mariett 
Doolittle and Mrs. Nora Crook. Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee have been industrious and success- 
ful, besides rearmg their large family, they have bought and improved 100 acres of tlie 
Chaffee homestead tract. Mrs. Chaffee is a consistent member of the M. E. Church. Mr. 
Chaffee is a supporter of the Democratic party, and has filled various township offices. 
He is one of the leading pioneers of this township, and is enjoying a hearty old age. 

JOHN B. CHAFf'EE, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born April 19, 1821, in Amity 
Township, Erie County, a son of Crean B. Chaffee. He was reared here on his father's 
farm, enduring all the hardships of the life of a pioneer's son, and did not leave the pater- 
nal roof until he was of age. He was united in marriage, November 10, 1847, with Mary 
Phelps, also a native of this township, and a daughter of John Phelps. To this union 
were born Mrs. Kate Munsee, Mrs. Polly Davis, Mrs. Ella Sears, Edith (deceased) and 
William, residing in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee always lived in Araitj^ with the 
exception of eighteen months, 1856-57, when they resided in Illinois. Mrs. Chaffee 
departed this life November 10, 1859. October 15, 1865, Mr. Chaffee married his second 
wife — Mrs. Eliza Drake, born March 2. 1815, in Waterford Township, a daughter of David 
and Phebe Middleton. She married Dena Drake, by whom she had the following children 
—Jane Applebee and Mrs. Emily Inman. Mr. Drake died in 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee 
have a farm of 160 acres near Wattsburg, besides a tract of 110 acres near Hatch Hollow. 
They have reared a good familj', are an upright, industrious pioneer people, respected by 
the community. 

WARREN CHAFFEE, farmer, P. O. Hatch Hollow, was born November 8, 1843, in 
this township, son of Ira Chaffee. Our subject was drafted March 4, 1865, and served in 
the One Hundred and Second Regiment Penns}dvania Volunteer Infantrj"; he was dis- 
charged July, 1865. He was united in marriage, January- 1, 1866, with Nellie C. Pond, 
born'February 11. 1842, daughter of Seth and iilecta Pond" of Concord Township, natives 
of Chenango County, N. Y., who came to Erie County in 1855. Mr. Pond died in Concord 
Township October 29, 1882. His widow is still a resident there. After their mari-iageMr. 
and Mrs. Chaffee lived for two years at Lowville, where he operated the Lowville Mills, 
and superintended a Sunday school; then for six months he carried on a shingle mill at 
Hatch Hollow, where he met Avith a serious accident and nearly lost his left arm. He then 
bought a farm in Wayne Township, on which he lived tive j^ears; thence moved to Amity 
Township, where they have since resided. In 1881, they came to their present place, and 
now have a farm of seventy acres of well-improved land. To Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee have 
been born four children — \Yillis L., Jessie M.. Frank W. and Lulu Belle. Mr. Chaffee is 
a supporter of the Republican party, acting several times as County Committeeman. He 
has held various local and township offices — Road Commissioner, School Director in AVayne; 
has been School Director, Township Assessor, Constable, is now Aiiditor of Amity Town- 
ship. He has always discharged his duties faithfull}^ with credit to himself and to the sat- 
isfaction of the people. Mr. Chaffee, with wife, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in which he has been Class Leader about eight years, and Superintendent of Hatch 
Hollow Sunday School for the past three years. 

ALMOND DUNCOMBE, deceased. " Among the early ancestry of this gentleman was 
Sir Charles Duncombe, who emigrated from England to Boston in 1730, married in tliat 
city and r'^ared a family of four sons and one daughter. Charles, the oldest son, Avas born 
May 5. 1747; married Mary Treadwell and moved to Connecticut. Their family consisted 
of five sons and one daughter. David, the third son of Charles, was born in Connecticut 
March 13, 1777, amid the living events of the Revolution. After the war, his parents 



6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

moved with him and some of his brothers to Stamford, Delaware Co., N. Y., from Con- 
necticut. David was married, in Stamford, in 1803, to Phebe Nichols, of that place. To 
them were born three sons— Ell, Almond and Charles H. David Duncombe and wife 
emio-rated from Delaware County, N. Y., with their three sons, and settled in this town- 
ahip'on P-ench Creek Flats, in May, 1880. Here they died, Mrs. Duncombe January 28, 
and Mr. Duncombe, February 11, 1836. Our subject, Almond Dimcombe, was born April 
16 1807, in Delaware County, N. Y. He was married. January 13, 1830, to Frances Eva- 
line Grant, of the same county, Iwrn December 22, 1808, daughter of Sweelon Grant, and 
here on Fr-nch Creek Flats they developed their farm. To this union were born: Charles 
Edward and Mrs. C. W. Carter, of Union City. Mr. Duncombe was a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church; he was actively interested in local affairs, serving as School 
Director Road Commissioner, Township Treasurer, fourteen years, and as Justice of the 
Peace one terra. Mr. Duncombe departed this life April 21, 1883. His widow is living 
with lier son, Charles Edward, who was born August 4, 1832. Edward received his educa- 
tion at the district schools and the academy at Waterford; he is interested in the educa- 
tional cause and township affairs; lias served as Township Clerk, School Director, Auditor, 
and as Justice of the Peace, ten years. Mr. Duncombe is a man of sterling integrity, a 
Democrat in politics, and has won" the respect and confidence of the community. 

SAMUEL ESTES, farmer, P. O. Lake Pleasant, was born July 4, 1839, in Broome 
County' N. Y., son of Dr. Elijah Estes, wdio came with liis family to this county about 183o. 
Our siibject was reared in this township, where he attended the common schools. He was 
united in marriage, October 6, 185), with Sarah White, of this township, born July 26, 
1828 dau"-hler of Ebenezer and Anna White, natives of Vermont, who settled in this 
county at an early date. Mr. White died August 28, 1855, his widow in December, 1867. 
They left a family of six children— Mrs. Estes, Mrs. Lavilla Brown, Mrs. Salina Hedly, 
Mrs Annis Richards, Mrs. Joanna Brown and Justus. Mr. and Mrs. Estes have occupied 
their present farm since tlieir marriage, relying only on their own resources. They have 
now a line well-improved farm of 140 acres, with good ])uiMiugs. The children born to 
them are Mrs. Jane Bisbee, Mrs. Lavina Hawly, Elijah J., Mrs. Ida Chaffee, Samatha, 
Callie, Irene, Sophia and Frank. Elijah Estes married Martha Orton, daughter of Will- 
iam P. Orton, who died February 15, 1883. They are earnest friends of the cause of eclu- 
cation, and have given their cliildreu literary and musical advantages. Mr. Estes is a 
Democrat, politically; he is a man strong in physical and mental qualities with firm prin- 
ciples, and lias the respect of the community. „ . ^ , 

EATON GROSS, farmer, P. O. Lake Pleasant, was born July 13, 1837, in Columbus, 
Warren Co., Penn., son of Gilbert, a native of Chautauqua County, and Sallie (Abels) 
Gross, who came to Amity Township, Erie County, about 1845, and settled near Lake 
Pleasant The children born to this union are Eaton, Ethan, Mrs. Henriette Strong, Bur- 
ton (of Iowa) and Byron. Mr. Gross died May 5, 1873, and Mrs. Gross, on xMay 23, 1873 
Our subject was united in marriage, January 31, 1864, with Salina, daughter of Hiram and 
Susan Baldwin. He soon afterward enlisted in the Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment, 
serving in the Virginia campaign; he was out about three months and a half. After his 
return'hc settled on his farm near Lake Pleasant. Mr. and Mrs. Gross are the parents of 
five children— Gilbert, Alice, Susan, Eva and Ward. They are both members of the Free- 
Wni Baptist Church, in which Mr. Gross is a Deacon He is a supporter of the Prohibi- 
tion party, his being the first vote in Amity Township. He is a man of strict integrity, 
and enjoys the respect and confidence of the community. 

SAMUEL W. HAYES, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born April 27, 1823, near the 
Green Mountains, Vt., sou of Robert and Philinda '(Evans) Hayes, who came to North 
East this county, in 1827. They were the parents of the following children: Oliver E., 
deceased November 13, 1883; Walter, deceased September 29. 1883; Samuel W.. Henry and 
Franklin all residents of this township. R. Hayes was frozen to death whde hauling 
loo-s to North East about 1829. Mrs. Haves afterward married David Lillibridge, by whom 
she had Mary, now Mrs. Albridge, and Betsy, now Mrs. Conant. After the death of her 
second husband. Mrs. Lillibridge married Thomas Conant. She died in November, 1878. 
Our subject came to this township when eight years old. He was united in marriage, No- 
vember 10, 1847, with Nancv Chaffee. They are the parents of two children living— Ed 
gar and Mrs. Sophronia Baldwin. They settled on their present place in July, 1848, and 
have 205 acres of well-improved land. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Hayes is a Democrat in politics. He is a citizen of influence and usefulness 

in the commllnit^^ , ., ^ ^^i-. • a 

SAMUEL R. HAYES, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born April 8, 1842, in Amity 
Township this county. He was reared on the farm of his father, Oliver E. Hayes, and 
educated at the home schools. He enlisted September, 1864, in the Two Hundred and 
Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and at once went to the front serv- 
ing under Gen. Butler in the Army of the James. He afterward served under Gen. Meade 
in the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the engagements at Bermuda Hundred, 
Fort Steadman and Petersburg, besides numerous skirmishes. He was a brave soldier and 
ceived an honorable discharge June 1865. Mr. R. Hayes was united in marriage, December 



AMITY TOWNSHIP. 7 

25, 1865, with Ellen F., daughter of Hiram Baldwin. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes settled in the 
spring of 1866 on their present farm, which was then wild, but by industry and good 
management they have now a fine place of 190 acres, notwithstanding their misfortune in 
having the house and contents burned April 11, 1877. To this union have been born five 
children— Sarah Elizabeth, Nanie I., Myrtle G., Phillip S. and Zachariah M. Mr. Hayes is a 
Republican in politics. He has held various local offices, and is now School Director of 
Amity Township, and Treasurer of the board. 

JONATHAN A. HILL, farmer, P. O. Wayne, was born in November, 1810, in Brook- 
field, Madison County, N. Y., son of James and Ardalissa (Angel) Hill, natives of New 
York and Exeter, Otsego County, N. Y., respectively, who reared a family of thirteen 
children, and died in Madison County. Our subject was united in marriage, January 17, 
1833, with Betsy D., daughter of Warren and Betsy Palmer, who settled in Wayne Town- 
ship, Erie County, in 1833. They reared a family of six children, four surviving — Mrs. 
Betsy Hill, Warren, Neb.; Henry B., of Elgin, this county, and Mrs. Hulda Hill, of 
Meadville, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Hill lived in Madison County for four years after their 
marriage, coming to Erie County in 1837. They resided in Wayne Township five years, 
then moved to present place in Amity Township in 1843. They have been industrious and 
successful, and have cleared and improved their farm, which now consists of 100 acres of 
well-improved land. They reared four children — Eunice Hill, Bertha Jeannette Palmer, 
Myron A. Palmer and Louis Palmer. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are pious members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. The former has been a life-long Democrat, and has held the 
offices of .Justice of the Peace, Constable, two terms, and Collector, two terms. He is a man 
of strict integrity, and enjoys the respect of the community. 

JABEZ G. HUB BELL (deceased) was born in Weston, Conn., November 19, 1794, son 
of Ebenezer Hubbell. About 1809, his parents moved to Otsego County, N. Y. There our 
subject married, about 1822, Maria Benedict. They came to Erie County, and settled in 
Amity Township in 1838. They and their goods were brought the entire distance — three 
hundred miles — by a yoke of oxen. Mr. Hubbell bought 100 acres of wild land, which he 
cleared and added to until he had acquired over 400 acres, Mrs. Hubbell departed this 
life April 11, 1851. Their children are: Hiram, of Amity Township; David, of Union 
Township; Mrs. Eliza Clark, of Minnesota. Mr. Hubbell married Mrs. Harriet M. Ballard, 
August 31, 1853. She was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., November 32, 1818, a daughter 
o:: Thomas Baker. She married Edward Ballard, February 4, 1845, who died March 15, 
1851. Their children are Mrs. H. L. Smiley, Mellie L., Terry and Judson (deceased). Mr. 
and Mrs. Hubbell lived on the home place, and to them were born three children, viz., 
Mrs. Mary E. Kent, Eva I. and Jabez B. Our subject died November 8, 1879. Mrs. Hub- 
bell now lives on the homestead. She is a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and 
is respected and esteemed by all who know her. 

HANNIBAL E. LADD, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born January 26, 1828, 
in Dalton, Coos County, N. H., a son of Hiram and Aurelia (Palmer) Ladd. The 
latter a native of Castleton, Vt., was a sister of Dr. David Palmer, a celebrated physician 
who lost his life by an accident. Their children are Hannibal E.; William S., A. M., an 
attorney of Lancaster, N. H. ; Mrs. Marv Abbott, of Vermont ; Mrs. Lucy Stratton, of 
Boston, Mass.; Mrs. Kate G. Smith, of Erie, Penn. Mrs. Ladd died May 11, 1858. Mr. 
Ladd subsequently married Mrs. Sarah Allen, and came to this township in 1877, and died 
from the effects of a fall November 28, 1877. His widow still survives. Our subject 
visited Montgomery County, N. Y., while a young man, and there married Martha Sam- 
mons, September 19, 1855. In 1858, they came to Erie County, and located in Venango 
Township, but in 1864 they moved to their present farm in Amity Township, which comprises 
270 acres of finely improved land. To this union have been born five children, two sur- 
viving, viz., Anna A. and Mary A. Squire Ladd was an old-time Democrat, but now ad- 
vocates prohibition. He has held various township offices, and was Justice of the Peace 
ten years, and Secretary of school board seven years. He, with his family, is a member of 
the Presbj'terian Church. He is a supporter of all mental and moral improvements in the 
community. 

JAMES A. McCULLOUGH, farmer and Justice of the Peace, P. O. Wattsburg, was 
born February 4, 1827, on the farm he now occupies in Amity Township. His father, 
James McCullough, a native of Fulton County, N. Y., was reared in Chenango County, N. 
Y. He was a son of James McCullough, a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary war, who 
served under Washington, and was one of the defenders of Bunker Hill. He married Re- 
becca, a daughter of Judge Casper M. Rouse, who moved to this county with family in 
1819. They reared a family of seven children — Mrs. Emily Johnson, of Grundy County, 
111.; James A., Mrs. Phebe Hubbell, Caspar, John P., Henry A. and Mary (deceased). 
Mrs. McCullough departed this life April, 1875, and Mr. McCullough March 13, 1879. 
They were a strong-hearted, courageous people. James A. McCullough, our subject, was 
reared in this township, attending the schools of Wattsburg and the home district. He 
married, in 1854, Frances A., daughter of Col. J. H. Bennett, by whom he had two chil- 
dren — Mariett (deceased) and Mary Jane. Mrs. McCullough died December 12, 1867. 
November 25, 1874, Mr. McCullough married Catherine Drown, of Greene Township. Mr. 



8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

McCullough is an influential and successful citizen, liberal in his religious views, and a 
friend of the cause of education. He bought the homestead farm of 100 acres, to which 
he has added eighty-five acres. Influenced by his grandfather Rouse, who was President 
Judge of Chenango, and Justice of the Peace of this county, he early interested himself 
in tiie laws of his State and country. He is a Democrat in politics, and in February, 1877, 
was elected Justice of the Peace, re-elected in 1883, which position he has filled with honor 
to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. 

JOHN P. McCULLOUGH, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born December 7, 1838; son 
of James and Rebecca McCullough. Our siibject was reared in this township, and attended 
the academies at Wattsburg and Waterford. He purchased a tract of seventy acres, part 
of same lot as the homestead, and also owns fifty acres on the Beaver Dam road. Mr. Mc- 
Cullough spent the years from 1860 to 187o in the oil regions of Pennsylvania. He strong- 
ly supports all educational enterprises; is a Democrat politically. 

HENRY A. McCULLOUGH, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born February 11, 1841, 
in Waterford Township, son of James and Rebecca McCullough. He was united in mar- 
riage, February 15, 1863, with Louisa Bush, of Amity Township, but a native of Oneida 
County, N. Y. One son, Henry Albert, has blessed this union. Mr. McCull6ugli has now 
a farm of eighty acres of well-improved land near Hatch Hollow. He is a supporter of 
the Democratic party. Both our subject and his brother, above mentioned, are worthy 
i-epresentatives of one of the oldest families of Erie County, and are citizens of enterprise 
and much usefulness in this community. 

WILLIAM B. MAYNARD, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born June 29, 1810. in 
Brookfield, N. Y., son of Pliny and Julia (Stone) Maynard, natives of Massachusetts and 
Connecticut respectively, who came to this county in 1831. They moved to Columbus, 
Warren County, about 1845, Avhere they remained until their death. Our subject married 
Lois Carnahan in 1836, and settled, together with Pliny, on the Slate lot of 500 acres, 
which the latter had taken up in 1830. " They lost this on account of a dispute as to the 
validity of their title to same. Mr. Maynard has since located on a farm of fifty-five acres, 
which he ow^ns. Mrs. Maynard died April 18, 1837, leaving one child — W. C. In 1840, 
Mr. Maynard married his wife's sister, Lucy Carnahan, who bore him Perry, Seth, Edwin, 
Herbet and Fred, and five others now deceased. Mrs. Maynard is a member of the United 
Brethren Church. Our subject has been a lifelong Democrat, casting his first vote for An- 
drew Jackson. He is an upright man. enjoying the respect and esteem of the whole com- 
munity. 

WILLIAM CHARLES MAYNARD, fanner, P. O. Wattsburg, was born February 4, 
1837, in Amity Township, Erie County, son of William B. Maynard. At sixteen years of 
age, he went to Madison, Lake Co., Ohio, remaining four 3^ears, and finished his education 
at th;^ Middle Ridge Academy. He started West when twenty years of age, spending some 
time in Minnesota and Iowa: he came to Erie County on a visit, and here married Salome 
Brown, August 12, 1860. They went to his property in Minnesota. Mr. Maj^nard enlisted 
August 20. 1861, in the Fifth Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Cavalry, and acted in frontier 
service against the Indians. In February, 1863, he was honorably discharged on jiccount 
of physical disabilities. Mr. Maynard sold his place in Minnesota, and settled permanently 
on present place, consisting of 225 acres of w^ell-improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Maynard 
have been the parents of six daughters, viz., Lois J. (deceased), Carrie E., Minnie M., 
Ruby M., Leafy L. and Dora E. Mr. Maynard, with his wife and two daughters, is a 
mein'ber of the United Brethren Church. He is a Democrat in politics, strongly in favor 
of prohibition. He has filled various township offices, and is now Assessor of Amity Town- 
ship. The family takes great interest in the development of this township. 

3IRS. MARY M. PARKER was born in 1818 in Onondaga County, N. Y. Her 
father, Samuel Winchester, was born in 1753. He traces his genealogy back through four 
generations to the pilgrims of the Mayflower. The family has been distinguished for men 
of ability in the different professions,' who have sprung from its line of descendants in the 
United States. Our subject was united in marriage in 1836 with Ezekiel Parker, a native 
of Ot.sego County, N. Y., both having moved to Chautauqua County in their childhood. 
They then located in the town of Ellery in that county. In 1858, they moved to Colum- 
bus, Warren Co., Penn.; thence, in 1855, to Concord, Erie County, where they remained 
until 1865, when they went to Wayne Township, where the}' lived until 1866, when they 
moved to the place they now occupy near Wattsburg. To them were born nine children, 
four surviving— Mrs. Theresa A. Cooper, Cephas W., who served eighteen months in the 
Federal army, Clark M., and La Fayette C, a resident of Ashland, Neb. Mr. Parker was 
a soldier in the One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Regiment Pennsjdvania Volunteer Infantry; 
he died in January, 1872. Clark M. Parker was "educated principally at the academy at 
Wattsburg and the State Normal School, Ediuboro. He w^as married, September 7, 1883, 
to Ida A. Card, of Clymer, N. Y. He adopted the profession of teaching at twenty-one; 
he taught at Clymer and Eller3% N. Y., Sioux Falls, Dak., and is now the popular teacher 
of the Sammons School, south of Wattsburg. He enjoys the reputation of being a well- 
educated, faithful and efficient teacher, and is a successful educator. He united with the 
Metliodist Episcopal Church at Wattsburg, and while at Sioux Falls, Dak., was licensed 



AMITY TOWNSHIP. 9 

as a local preacher, and rendered eflicieut service in the Gospel cause. Since his father's 
death, he has purchased the home place of fifty-four acres, near Wattsburg. Mr. Parker 
is resp(;cted by the entire community as a citizen of integrity and influence. 

HUNTINGTON PERSONS, farmer. P. 0. Wayne, was born December 9, 1810. iu 
Sandisfield, Berkshire Co., Mass., son of Elihu and Polly Persons, natives of New En- 
gland, who reared a family of nine children, three, besides Huntington, surviving — Tim- 
othy, in Connecticut; Mrs. Esther Doty, Iowa; and Mrs. Catherine Roberts, of Berkshire 
County, Mass. Our subject was educated in the home .schools, and married, October 11, 
1837, Thedy Ann, a daughter of Joseph and Phebe Dowd, of Tyringham, Mass. They 
moved to Geauga County, Ohio, where they lived four years; thej^ then spent eleven years 
in Connecticut," after which they came to Amity I'ownship, Erie County, and settled where 
they now live in 1852. Here they bought, improved and increased their farm, until they 
are now the possessors of 110 acres of finely-improved land. Their children are Hunting- 
ton D , of Union City; Annette; Mrs. Delia A. Carter, who died in 1877, leaving two chil- 
dren—Anna J. and William H; and Hiram M.. whose decease occuri-ed April 16, 1870. 
Mr. Persons is a man of strong constitution and active mind; he is an upright citizen, and 
enjoys the respect of all who know him. 

EDWIN READ, farmer. P. O. Wattsburg, was born September 6, 1840. His father, 
Timothy Read, born in Granville, Mass., Jul\' 14, 1796, was one of the early settlers of 
this township, coming in 1819. He was married, January, 1821, to Elizabeth Carson. 
They took up their residence on a State lot of 500 acres of land, where A. F. Tanner now 
lives. The surviving children born to this union are — Rachel ; George C, of Clinton, Iowa; 
Rev. Philander Read, of Augusta, Kan.: Timothy, New Jersey; West, at Harmonsburg, 
Crawford Co., Penn. (he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteer Infantry, and at the battle of Antietam was severely wounded, losing his 
left leg); and Edwin. Philander, while attending a theological seminary at Auburn, N Y., 
enlisted in a New York regiment, and was soon appointed Chaplain. Mrs. Read departed 
this life, February 22, 1854; subseciuently, Mr. Read married Eliza Van Curen, of Water- 
ford Township; he died June 14, 1879; he was for a long time a Deacon in the Presbyter- 
ian Church at WatLsburg, was a strong-hearted, energetic pioneer citizen, highly respected 
by his large circle of acquaintances. Our subject, Edwin, was united in marriage, April 
22. 1863, with Carrie Carson, by whom he has one daughter — EflBe. In the spring of 1865. 
Mr. Read entered the One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Regiment, and returned 
home the latter part of June. He owns a farm of seventy-seven acres of well-improved 
land; he, with his wife and daughter, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. 
Read, former! \' a Republican, now supports prohibition principles; he is a man of sterling 
integrity, and an influential citizen. 

GEORGE SAM3I0NS, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg. was born January 10, 1832. in Sharon, 
N. Y.. and is a son of Benjamin J. and Anna (Hess) Sammons, natives of Ulster Countj' 
and Montgomery County, respectivel}-, who lived in Schoharie County until 1845. in Mont- 
gomery Count}^ until 1855, when they located near Wattsburg, Amity Township, Erie 
County. Their children are — Cornelius, of Monroe County, N. Y. ; Mrs. Martha Ladd, this 
township; George, Rev. I. D. Sammons, of Spring Creek, Warren County, Penn., and 
Thomas. Mrs. Sammons died February 20, 1875; Mr. Sammons, Februar}^ 9, 1880. Our 
subject married, Marcli 31, 1858, Fannie A. Harrington, who was born September 2, 1835, 
a daughter of Rev. Fordyce and Cynthia (Boutelle) Harrington, natives of Massachusetts. 
Their children are — Sarah E. D., Mrs. Fannie A. Sammons and Mrs. Cynthia B. Owen. 
Mrs. Harrington died January 24, 1881; her husband still survives. To Mr. and Mrs, 
Sammons have been born the following children: William H., Fannie Boutelle, Martha L.. 
Georgiana, De Witt B. and Fordyce F. Mr. Sammons has a finely-improved farm of 200 
acres, where he has resided since marriage. Mr. Sammons and several members of liis 
family 'are connected with the Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican in politics, and 
has held the positions of Township Assessor, Treasurer, Commissioner and other offices, 
with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He liberall}^ supports all en- 
terprises conducive to the improvement of the communitv. 

THOMAS B. SAMMONS, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg" was born January 19, 1843, in 
Schoharie County, N. Y. ; his parents moved to Montgomery Countj^ in 1845, where they 
remained until 1855, when they came to Amity Township, near Wattsburg, this county. 
Here our subject was reared on his father's farm, attending the Academj^ at Wattsburg. 
He was united in marriage February 22, 1872, with Lucretia Maxwell, born Noveml)er 17, 
1840, in Lowville, Erie County; her father, Edward B. Maxwell, came to Venango Town- 
ship, when about sixteen years old (in 1835), with his father's family, and was united in 
marriage with Eveline, adaugliter of Burrell Trac}', who bore him the following children: 
Chester T., of Spencer: Edith A., resident of Charles City, and Elmer B., of Rock- 
Well, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell moved to Charles City, Iowa, in 1855, and are still 
residing there. Mr. and Mrs. Sammons have had three children — Freddie and an infant 
son (both deceased) and Eva A. After their marriage, they settled on a part of the B. J. 
Sammon's estate, and have 200 acres of well-improved land. They are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. 



10 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

CHARLES F. STEWART, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born June, 1838, in Amity 
Township, Erie County, Penn., on the place lie now occupies. He is a sou of James and 
Laura (Comstoclv) Stewart, natives of Monroe County, N. Y., who came to Concord Town- 
ship this county, about 1824, but settled in Amitv Township in 1836. Their children are- 
Mrs. Sarah A. Hubbell, Mrs. Cordelia Culbertson, of Meadville, Penn.; Mrs. Luana 
Church, of Bradford; E. K. Stewart, of Corry; Charles; Mrs. Mariett Long, of Iowa (de- 
ceased); Hamilton (deceased), and Angeline Palmer, of Elgin. Our subject was reared on 
his father's farm, receiving his education mostly at the home schools. He was united in 
marriage, September 9, 1855, with Miss Elizabeth Ballard, by whom he has one daughter- 
Josephine, wife of De Forest Janes. Mr. Stewart is the owner of a farm of 100 acres, 
part of which was the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are members of the United 
Brethren Church. The former is a Democrat in politics. He is an upright, reliable citi- 
zen, respected by the community. 

AMOS F. TAN]N'ER, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born October 9, 1835. in Green- 
wich, Washington County, N. Y. He came to Venango Township, Erie County, in 1841, 
where he was reared and attended the district schools and a select school at Wattsburg. 
He was united in marriage, December 35, 1856, with Mary Jane Faulkner, a daughter of 
Lyman Faulkner. They lived principally in Venango Township until March, 1868, when 
they bought and moved to their present place in Amity Township (south of Wattsburg), 
which consists of 315 acres of well-improved land. Eight children have been born to this 
union— Mrs. Rose Smith, William L., Mrs. Linn Rouse, Mary, Kittle, Jessie, Frederick A. 
and Gertie. Mr. and Mrs. Tanner are members of the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch; their 
son William belongs to the United Brethren Church. Mr. Tanner owns other tracts of 
land in the country besides his farm. He is a Republican in politics, a liberal supporter 
of the church and educational interests, and is an intiuential citizen in his communit.y. 

JOSEPH TERRY, P. O. Wayne, was born June 13, 1816, in Herkimer County, N. Y. 
He was united in marriage, October 17, 11^3, with Elizabeth Vincent of Jefferson County, 
N. Y. The following 3'ear they came to Erie County, and lived in Wayne Township, 
where Mr. Terry followed the carpenter trade. His parents, Timothy and Samantha 
Terry, came to his house in 1847, where the former died in 1851, and the latter in 1854. 
Mr. Terry, with family, moved to their present place in Amity in 1860. The children 
born to this union are— Henry, married to Mary Wetmore on October 38, 1871; JaneE., wife 
of County Superintendent Charles Twining, of Union City. 

HENRY C. TITUS, farmer and miller, P. O. Lake Pleasant, was born July 21, 1833, 
in Venango Township, Erie County, son of Jesse Titus. He grew up on his father's farm, 
and attended the home schools. He was united in marriage, Januarj^ 15, 1855, with 
Adelaide E., daughter of Noble Fuller of Venango Township. They settled iu the region 
of Lake Pleasant, where, with the exception of about six months in 1863, spent in Iowa, 
they have since resided. They have a farm of 100 acres, besides a grist mill and saw mill, 
situated at the outlet of Lake Pleasant. This is one of the oldest mill sites in the county, 
anr! is the only grist mill in Amity Township. Mr. and Mrs. Titus are the parents of five 
children— Mabel, now Mrs. Estes; Williway N., married to Emma Applebee; Lewis O., 
married to Ella Williams; Hugh and Lenole E. Mr. Titus has been very industrious, and 
has accumulated his property entirely bj^ good management. He has been nine successive 
years Township Commissioner; is a stanch Democrat; takes great interest in everj'thing 
conducive to the benefit or improvement of humanity, and is respected by the whole 
community. 

WILLIAM E. WILLIAMS (deceased) was born September 23, 183o, in Amity, a son 
of the Rev. ximos and Mary Williams. The former was for many years an Elder in the 
Baptist Church, and one of the earliest ministers in Erie County. Of the nine children 
born to this union, six survive. Mrs. Williams, who is now eighty-four years of age, resides 
with her daughter, Mrs. Sophia Xims, in North East. Our subject, November 5, 1854, 
married Emily P. Preston, and settled near the village of Milltown, where he engaged in 
farming, and worked at various mechanical pursuits. To this union were born Eva, wife 
of Marshall Dunham; Julia E., William S., Laura N. and Edward P. Julia E. has been 
engaged for eleven terms as a teacher in this and adjoining townships, and bears the 
reputation of being a faithful and efficient instructor. Mr. Williams was actively inter- 
ested in civil affairs, filling nearly every office of trust in this township. He served one 
term as Justice of the Peace. Mr. Williams always faithfully discharged his duties, and 
was loved and esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He departed this 
life June 19, 1883. His widow resides with her children on the old homstead. She is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is respected and esteemed by the whole 
community. 



CONCORD TOWNSHIP. 11 



CONCORD T0WN3HIP. 

WILLIAM H. BELKN'AP, at present a grocer at Aiken, McKean Co.. Penn., was 
born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., April 2, 1834; he was united in marriage December 10, 
1845, with Anna Gray, who was born in Wayne Township, Erie County, August 14, 1826, 
daughter of Matthew Gray, who served ;u the war of 1812, and was an early pioneer of 
ErieCountv. Six children, foursonsand two daughters, have blessed this union — Charles 
M., E. L., "E. A. J. (deceased), W. A., C. H. and Ella M. The homestead contains 36U 
acres of land, and the farm is conducted by the youngest sons. E. A. Josephine died Jan- 
uary 14, 1876. aged twenty-four years and ten days. 

STEPHEN BLATCHLEY, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born at Coles- 
viile, Broome Co., N. Y., July 5, 1826; son of David and Phebe (Edson) Blatchley. David 
Blatchley was born April 19. 1799. He went to Cattaraugus County, N. Y., in 1835, thence 
to Chautauqua County, in 1836, and settled in tliis township April 12, 18-19. He had seven 
own brothers and sisters, and three half brothers and three half sisters. His wife and a 
brother are the only survivors of a faniiij^ of thirteen children. She was born in Massa- 
chusetts September 3, 1801, and moved to Broome County, jST. Y., when twelve years old. 
She was married to him at Windsor, same county, September 4, 1823, and had a family of 
four children, three now living— Elizabeth, widow of Lorrin Bates, of Spartansburg; 
Electa, Avife of Charles Roraback, also residing iu Spartansburg, Crawford Co.. Penn., 
and Stephen. Our subject was married in this township December 30, 1853, to Permelia 
Blakeslee, born in Sparta Township, Crawford Co., Penn., September 12, 1830, daughter 
of Nathaniel and Nancy (Webb) Blakeslee, a widow, daughter of Jacob Alsdurf. One 
son, Mark M., has blessed this union. Mr. Blakeslee owns a farm of 17H acres, four miles 
southwest of Corry, and has cleared about 100 acres of the same. He commenced with 
$2,000, and by diligence and industry has amassed a comfortable competency. 

PHELANDER BOUTWELL, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born in Col 
lins, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., October 20, 1819; son of Willis and Ann (Comstock) Bout- 
well, both deceased. The former was drowned in the Cattaraugus when Philander was but 
four or five years old. Our subject cami to this county when six years old. He married, 
February 10, 1844, Maria Jaae Henderson, born in Venango Township, this county, Janu- 
ary 23, 1829, daughter of Sam and Elmira(Beals) Henderson, pioneers of Crawford County, 
Penn. The former was born in Ireland in May, 1796, married in 1828, and died in 1877. 
Of their five children, only Maria survives. One son was murdered by his wife in 1873. 
Mr. and Mrs. Boutwell have ten children, six married, viz.: William A.; Samuel W. ; 
Charles D. ; Jennie A., wife of Charles Johnson; Clara M., wife of C. E. Brown; John A.; 
JefE P.; Etta N.. at home; Nellie M. and Archie. There are twelve grandchildren in this 
family. Mr. Boutwell spent six years in lead mines in the West. He owns 155 acres of 
land. He is a succcessful, self-made man, a Greenbacker in politics. 

A. BOWER, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born in York County, Penn. 
October 16, 1821, son of Japheth and Barbara (Smith) Bower, of German descent, both 
now deceased. Our subject was united in marriage at Concord Township June 7, 1852, 
with Calphurnia A., second daughter of Simeon and Hannah Stewart, early pioneers, the 
former coming to this county in 1818. Mrs. Bowers was born October 30, 1829, on the 
farm where she now resides. Our subject came to Erie County in 1866. He owns 133 
.acres of well-improved land in this township, located three miles southwest of Corry. He 
is a Spiritualist in belief; in politics is a Democrat. 

JOHN B. CHASE, retired farmer, P. O. Corry, was born at Amsterdam, Montgom- 
ery Co., N. Y., D(icember 29, 1801, son of Samuel and Susanna (Chase) Chase, natives of 
Rhode Island and early settlers of Amsterdam, going there in 1814. They died in Onon- 
daga County, N. Y. Of the eight children born to the above, only our subject survives. 
He obtained his education at the common schools, and then learned a trade, at which he 
worked five years. He was united in marriiige at De Ruyter, Madison Co., N. Y., Janu- 
ary 18. 1827,"to Orrill Wheeler, who was born at Chesterfield, Cheshire Co., N. H., March. 
1804, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Holmes) Wheeler, natives of the Eastern 
States, and parents of nine children, of whom only Orrill and a brother are now living. 
Mr. and Mrs. Chase have had seven children — Eliza, married; George W. : Mary, at home; 
Elniira, deceased; Ambrosia, married; O. M. and Francis. Mr. Chase owns a residence 
near Corry, Penn. He lias served his township as its Treasurer, Assessor and School 
Director. He is now with his estimable wife and daugliter Mary, enjoying a peaceful old 
age, earned by years of toil an<l industry. 



12 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHE??: 

JAMES CROWELL, farmer and broker, was born in Chenango County, N. Y., March 
25, 1807, son of David and Betsey (Hinds) Crowell. He was married to Sally Eagles, who 
died in 1861. By this union were born ten children — D. J., John, A. G., Francis, Mary, 
Hiram, Anna, Alice, Oscar and Elva. Mr. Crowell received a common school education. 
He was an early settler in this county, consequently was subject to the hardships and 
privations that were the lot of all pioneers of a new country. Our subject was a success- 
ful business man, having accumulated a large property, owning at his death 1,400 acres of 
land in Concord Township and a large amount in other securities. He was killed by an 
engine on the X. Y.. P. & O. Railroad August 17, 1880. 

D. J. CROWELL, farmer and stock-raiser and dealer in lumber, P. O. Lovell's Sta- 
tion, was born in Columbus Township, Warren Co., Penn., October 2, 1832, .son of James 
and Sallie (Eagles) Crowell, natives of Chenango County, N. Y., the hatter of whom died 
in 1861, the former in 1880. They were early settlers in Erie County. Our subject re- 
ceived a common school education. He was married, June 15, 1850, to Emily J. McCray, 
born in 1833, died in 1868. By this union were born six children — ^H. D., Edward J., 
Frank, Henry, Ma}' and Artie. Mr. Crowell subsequently married in July, 1871, Jennie 
Booth, born in Mississippi October 4, 1844. By this union there is one child. Pearl, born 
in 1875. Mr. Crowell owns 400 acres of land in Concord Township and seventy-eight else- 
where. He spent two years in Texas milling, where he built one saw mill and a grist mill; 
has also built and owned six mills in Pennsylvania. He has been Postmaster of Lovell's 
Station twenty years. Road Commissioner one term and Pathmaster two years. Mr. Crow- 
ell is regarded as a wide-awake, enterprising, reliable business man. 

JOHN CROWELL, farmer and .stock-raiser, P. O. Lovell's Station, was born in War- 
ren County, Penn., March 7, 1833, son of James and Sallie (Eagles) Crowell. natives of 
Chenango Count3% N. Y., the former of whom died in 1880. Our subject (with his par- 
ents) moved to Erie County at the age of four years. In the course of time he cleared up 
a farm for himself. He was married in 1855 to Julia Pond, born in Chenango County, N. 
Y., in 1838. To this union have been born live children, three living — Byron J., Emma 
and Elsie. Ettie died, aged fourteen, and an infant is also deceased. Mr. Crowell owns 
500 acres of land. 

WALTER FRALICK, farmer and stock- dealer, P. O. Corry, Penn., was born in Con- 
cord Township, Erie County, Penn., February 24, 1845, son of A. F., a farmer, and Eliza- 
beth (Howk) Fralick, natives of Montgomery County, N. Y., where the former was born 
in 1790 and the latter in 1805. They were married in 1831, and settled on their farm in 
this township. May 31, 1837, when it was a wilderness. A. F. Fralick was twice married, 
having eight children bj' his first wife and seven by his last w'dc. He departed this life 
October 26, 1877. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and educated at tiie com- 
mon schools. He was married at Union City, Penn., May 27, 1869, to Mary J. Ludden, 
born April 2, 1848, in Livingston County, N. Y., daughter of Joseph and Electa (Benja- 
min) Ludden. Nine children have blessed this union — Jennie I., Victor, dying in infancy; 
Fronie E., Frank B., deceased; Bruce W., Minnie E., Idona Tj., Laura, deceased, and 
Earnest Ray. Mr. Fralick has been very successful in life; he saved, between his eight- 
eenth and Iwentj^-second birthday, over i|l,20L'. He is a Democrat, Dolitically. 

LORING E. GATES, farmer' and proprietor of Highland Market Garden," P. O. Corry, 
was born in Fowler County, N. Y., August 28, 1819, son of Ephraim and Zilpha (Lyons) 
Gates, who were the parents of nine cliildren, six now living. Mr. Gates departed this 
life in 1881, aged eighty-three; his wife preceded him in 1858, aged sixty-nine. Our sub- 
ject settled near W^esleyville, Erie Co., Penn., about the year i848. He has been twice 
married, first to Delight Bugee, by whom he had four children — Mary E., deceased; Lovel 
J., Albert C. and Alice E. His wife dying, Mr. Gates subsequently married at Stockton, 
N. Y., July 6, 1871, Isabel Ervin, who was born November 10, 1829, in County Down, Ire- 
land, and when ten years of age emigrated to this country with her parents — David and 
Jane (Spratt) Erviu; the former is now residing at Stockton, N. Y., aged seventy-five. 
He was the parent of eight children, one deceased; liis wife died in 1868, aged sixty-two 
3'ears. Mr. Gates has had no children by his second marriage. He owns fifty-six and a 
quarter acres of well-improved land within the city limits, and makes a specialty of grow- 
ing garden truck. He is a successful, self-made man, and has lived on his present place 
twenty-two years. 

JAMES" D. HAMMOND, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born at Penfield, 
Monroe Co., N. Y., July 12, 1819, son of Paul and Abigail (Speer) Hammond. The}* set- 
tled on the present homestead, in Concord Township, Erie County, in 1837, which was 
then a wilderness. Our subject was united in marriage in this township on April 30, 1862, 
with Emeline H., daughter of Abram and Elsie (Wicks) Baxter, now both deceased; they 
were pioneers of this county. Mrs. Hammond was born in Waj'ne Township, Erie County, 
May 2, 1843. Two children have blessed this union — Charlie B. and Willie J. Mr. Ham- 
mond owns 235 acres of well-improved land, most of which he has himself cleared. He 
is a kind husband and father, and a highly respected citizen. 

S. F. HAMMOND, farmer, stock-raiser and builder b}- trade, P. O. Corry, Penn., was 
born in the town of Webster, Monroe Co., N. Y., July 26, 1821. He was married in Co- 



• CONCORD TOWNSHIP. 13 

lumbus, Warren Co., Penn., September 10, 1851, to Mary E. Pond, born in Sheridan, 
N. Y., November 10, 1833. Of the six children born to Mr and Mrs. S. F. Hammond, 
three are living, viz., Clifton L., Dore and Samuel B. The deceased are Lawson P., 
died September 7, 1854; Florence J., died March 8, 1859; and Clifford S., died March 6, 
1859. S. F. was a son of Paul Hammond, Jr., and a grandson of Ebenezer Speer. Paul 
Hammond, Jr., was born in the State of New York, January 26, 1797, and his wife, Abi- 
gail Speer, was born in Boston, Mass., March 14, 1799, and died in Concord, Erie County, 
Penn., August 3, 1880, and he died at the same place February 8, 1880. They were the 
parents of ten children, nine of whom are now living. They moved into Concord, Erie 
Co., Penn., March 4, 1837, from Cherry Creek, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Paul Hammond, 
the first, was born December 22. 1757, died at Brant, Erie County, N. Y., in 1833. Mary 
Fuller, his wife, born December 14, 1763, died in Concord, Erie Co., Penn., July 11, 1842. 
They were parents of fourteen children, seven boys and seven girls, who all lived to grow 
up. He was in the Revolutionary war seven years. S. F. Hammond's maternal great- 
grandmother was Rachel Howard. Mrs. S. F. Hammond was a daughter of Elijah Pond 
and Betsey (Alden) Pond, who were pioneers of 1838 to Erie County, Penn., from Perrys- 
burg, Cattaragus Co., N. Y. Mr. Pond died in Concord, Erie Co., Penn., July 18, 1865; 
he was born in Torrington, Conn., June 29, 1800. Betsey, his wife, who still survives 
him, is in her seventy-ninth year; she was born in Lester, Vt., September 14, 1805. They 
were parents of ten children, six of whom are now living. Mrs. Hammond's paternal 
grandfather was Abijah Pond; her paternal grandmother was Mahitible Pratt, and her 
maternal grandparents were Timothy Alden and Polly Smith. 

ARNOLD A. HAMMOND, farmer and stock-raiser and dealer, also dealer in agricul- 
tural implements, P. O. Corry, was born in Penfleld, Monroe Co., N. Y., October 17, 1825, 
son of Paul Hammond, also a native of the State of New York, who died in February, 
1880, aged eighty-three years. He was the parent of ten children, nine living. Our sub- 
ject's mother was born in Boston, Mass., in 1799, died in 1881. Our subject was married, 
November 16, 1853, at Waynesville, now Beaver Dam, to Julia E. Baxter. Her father 
was a native of Vermont, born in 1800, died in 1873, and her mother died aged forty-three 
years. They were the parents of eight children, seven living. Arnold A. Hammond is 
the parent of fourchildren, three living- Maylon P., born August 27,1854; Wiley G., born 
November 4, 1857, and May E., born June 2, 1868. Mr. Hammond has been a resident of 
Concord Township for upward of forty years, and has been engaged in agricultural busi- 
ness about twenty-five years. 

WILLIAM HASBROUCK, farmer and dairying, P. O. Corry, was born at Wood- 
stock, Ulster County, N. Y., Febriiary 23, 1805, son of Daniel and Phrebe (Griffen) Has- 
brouck, early settlers of Woodstock; Daniel going there when two years old. He was a 
farmer, and the parent of fourteen children, three sons and three daughters, now living. 
Our subject acquired a common school education; he married at Kingston, Ulster County, 
N. Y., December 9, 1826, Luena, daughter of Charles and Rhoda (Wilber) Powell; she 
was] born February 27, 1807. in Dutchess County, N. Y. Five children were born to this 
union — Lorenzo, married; Charlotte, wife of Jesse Perkins; Phcebe, wife of Darius Wal- 
ton; W. W., Jane, wife of Henry Valentine; all have families, and there are sixteen grand- 
children and four great-grandchildren. In 1837, Mr. Hasbrouck took up 100 acres of land, 
and brought his family here in 1838, and were the first to settle in this vicinity; he sub- 
sequently bought laud until he owned 250 acres; he has given his children a part of this, 
and has eighty-six acres himself; he states that he has often furnished his family with 
venison shot in this township; he has been financially successful in life; he is a Democrat 
in politics, casting his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson. 

W. W. HASBROUCK, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born on the farm 
where he now lives (which was a part of the old homestead) May 15, 1842, son of William 
and Luena (Powell) Hasbrouck, residents of Concord Township. Our subject was mar- 
ried at the home of the l)ride in Concord, March 20, 1864, to Martha C. Haviland, who 
was born October 19, 1844, and died November 10, 1867, leaving one child — Albert L; Mr. 
Hasbrouck January 3, 1871, again married at Spartansburg, Penn., Sarah A., widow of 
J. R. Russell, and daughter of Allen S. and Rachel (Brink) Heath. She was born Octo- 
ber 12, 1850, at West Fairfield, Crawford Co., Penn. Three children have blessed this 
imion — Frank A., Ursa B. and Winnie L. Mr. Hasbrouck owns 185 acres of improved 
land, and makes growing grass a specialty; he has always lived on the homestead, except- 
ing five 3^ears, two of which he spent in farming in this township, and the remainder of 
the time in the grocery business on Main street, Corry, with W. W. Powell as a partner, 
who was succeeded by J. D. Bentlej', and retired in 1871, J. D. Bentley then continuing 
the business. Mr. Hasbrouck subscribes for several papers and is politically a Dem- 
ocrat. 

HEMAN HEATH, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, w^as born in Sandisfield, 
Berkshire Co., Mass., August 24. 1814; son of Jesse and Sarah (Shifferd) Heath. The 
former died in Massachu.setts in 1820, aged forty-six, and the latter in 1864, aged eight}'- 
four. They were the parents of seven children, four living. At the age of eighteen, our 
subject moved to this county with his mother. He was married, September 10, 1884, to 



14 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Julia E. Boutwell, born in New York State, August 7, 1817. To this union were horn 
four children, three living and married — Miles R., F. S. and Emma O. (wife of Frank C. 
Price, M. D., of Painesville, Ohio); an infant died at the age of five months. Our subject 
is owner of three pieces of fine land, and two houses and lots in Corry; he has been a res- 
ident of Concord Township fifty-one years; he and wife are members of the church in 
which he has acted as Steward, Class Leader and Trustee; he also acted as Justice of 
the Peace five years; Constable. Assessor, Tax Collector, and filled other offices. In pol- 
itics, he is a Democrat. 

ALDEN HIGGINS, farmer, P. O. Corry, was born in Exeter, Otsego Co., N. Y., 
October 23, 1821, son of Ansel and Betsy Higgins, natives of Connecticut, who set- 
tled in Crawford County, Penn., in 1840. Both are deceased; our subject was united in 
marriage at Sparta, Crawford Co., Penn., December 14, 1845, with Harriet Stowell, 
daughter of Oliver and Weltha (Parker) Stowell, both deceased. They were natives of Ver- 
mont. Mrs. Higgins was born in Vermont, April 19, 1821, and came to Erie County, Ohio, 
Octobers, 1835, when fourteen years old. Five children have been given to Mr. Higgins 
and wife— Oliver L., born November 1, 1846, died May 23, 1877; Cliarles E., born June 3, 
1S49; Augusta L., born July 7, 1851; George W., January 9, 1859, died June 3, 1859; Car- 
rie W., born March 29, 1862. 

CHARLES E. HIGGINS, farmer, P. O. Corry, was born in this township, June 3, 
1849; son of Alden and Harriet (Stowell) Higgins. Our subject was reared on the farm, 
and attended the common scliools until fourteen years of age, when he left home; he served 
five months in Company E, Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, during the late 
war, then lived in the oil regions for twelve years, engaged in drilling wells. On Septem- 
ber 3. 1877, he was married at Buffalo, N. Y., to Deettie Bartlett, born at Lottsville, AVar- 
ren Co., Penn., February 8, 18.53; daughter of Solomon and Sallie B. (Enches) Bartlett, 
.residents of Buffalo. Mr. Bartlett is a hotel keeper; lie was born in New York, April, 
1808; his wife was born March, 1826; they are the parents of four children — Corren, 
Frank, Deettie and Lottie. Mr. and Mrs. Higgins have one child — Ethel, born Ma}' 26, 
1882; he owns forty-eight acres of land, a short distance from where he was born, and on 
which he has resided the last five years. 

L. O. LINDSEY, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born at Stockton, Chau- 
tauqua County, N. Y., March 16, 1831. son of Eliakim and Rachel (Scoffield) Lindsey; our 
subject was reared on his father's farm, and educated in the common schools; when twen- 
ty-two years of age, he settled in Concord, Erie County; he was united in marriage, in 
Union Township, in 1857, with Julia A. Triscuit, born in Wayne Township, this county, in 
1832. Five children have blessed this union— Rachel S., Clarence Orson, Clifton Levi. 
Lonie May and Bertie Julian. Mr. Lindsey has resided in Pennsjivania ever since with 
the exception of one j'ear; he now owns about 400 acres of land, on which he has resided 
since the year 1857; he makes a specialty of stock-raising; he is a successful, self-made 
man; a member of the church, a Democrat in politics. 

E. H. LINDSEY, farmer, P. O. Corry, was born May 21, 1851, in this township, on 
the farm on which his parents settled December, 1850. He is a son of Amos and Amanda 
M. (Reed) Lindsey, the former of whom. Avho was engaged in lumbering business, is now 
deceased. Tlie latter is residing with her son E. H. Our subject was reared on his father's 
farm, on which he has always lived, with the exception of eighteen months spent in 
Chautauqua County, N. Y. He acquired a common school education; was married to Ida 
L. Ives, born February 22, 1855. By this union was one clnld, now living — Harry W., 
born June 8, 1876. Mrs. Lindsey died May 11, 1881, and Mr. Lindsey was again united in 
matrimony, August 26, 1882, with Electa S. Wood, born at Shiloh, Ilichland County.Ohio, 
January 15, 1855, daughter of Newel and Frances (Hodges) Wood, who had four children. 
Mr. Lindsey owns fifty acres of land in this township, and has also an interest in some 
100 acres more. He is, in politics, a Greenbacker. 

LESLIE MINER, farmer and dairyman, P. O. Corry, was born in this -township in 
1832, son of Orin and Jane (Dixon) Miner, who came to this county about the year 
1824. Our subject was united in marriage, August 30, 1854, with Hester C. Webber, born 
in Columbus, Warren County, in May, 1841, daughter of S. and Artemesia Webber. Mr. 
Miner owns fifty acres of well-improved land, and has always been engaged in the dairy 
business. In politics, a Republican. 

ISRAEL MINER, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born in this township, on 
the farm where he now resides, and is a son of Orin and Jane (Dixon) Miner, who 
had a family of seven children. On his death the widow remarried and had one daughter 
— Elizabeth, deceased. Mrs. Miner was a native of Ireland, and came to this country when 
nine years old. She died in 1880. Our subject was reared on the farm on which he has 
always resided, and attended the common schools. He is the owner of sixty- five acres of 
well-improved land, located two and a half milesfrom Corry. He is Republican in politics. 

W. E. OLMSTEAD, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Corry, was born in Woodstock, Ulster 
Co., N. Y., April 10, 1815, son of Elias and Sarah (Hoyt)Olmstead. Elias, who was a farmer 
and stock-dealer, was born at Reading, Fairfield Co., Conn., of Scotch, English, Ger- 
man and Polish extraction; he was drowned in the Susquehanna when our subject was five 



CONCORD TOWNSHIP. 15 

years old. His wife, born inRidgefield, Conn., was of French-Puritan stock. They had 
ten children, six living. Our subject was reared on the farm, attending the common 
schools. He married in this township, October 27, 1842, Emily R. Ladu, born at Broom, 
Chenango Co., N. Y., Febrviary 14, 1826, daughter of Oliver P. and Hulda (Jacobs) 
Ladu, parents of seven children, four living. Mr. Ladu died in 1869; his widow in 1881. 
Mr. and Mrs. Olmstead had fifteen children — Caroline, wife of Joseph Peet; Stewart, de- 
ceased; Hoyt E.; Adaline; Alsina, wife of M. P. Freleigh, William Arthur; Warwick L.; 
Ernest; Frank; John S.; Ettie; Elmer E. ; Ida May, wife of William K. Baxter; Charles 
L. and Fred L. In 1839, Mr. Olmstead settled on 100 acres of land. Sections 68 and 86, 
Concord Township, where he has since resided. He cleared away the dense forest, 
and has one of the finest farms in the county. He has been in twelve States; his wife 
spent some months in Kansas and Wisconsin in 1880. Mr. Olmstead has been a member 
forty years and Steward sixteen years in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his 
wife has also been a member forty years. He has subscribed for the Pittshurgh C'hrixtiayi Ad- 
vocate and New York Tribune over thirty years. He is a stanch Republican, and cast his 
first Presidential vote in 1836. 

CORNELIUS STEVENSON, deceased, was born at Deckertown, N. J., November 
19, 1803, son of Isaiah and Elizabeth (Corzelus) Stevenson, natives of New Jersey. The 
former, a son of Cornelius and Elizabeth Stevenson, was of English lineage. The latter 
M'as a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Corzelus, natives of Germany. Our subject was 
married, September 6, 1826, to Hannah Baxter, born at Milton, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Oc- 
tober 30, 1802, daughter of John and Dorcas (Whitlock) Baxter. They had a family of 
six children, named respectively: Isaiah, married, has no children; John B., married, died 
June 21, 1869; Dorcas Elizazeth, died September 11, 18o0; Mary Ann; Cornelius; Hannah 
Louisa, who died October 16, 1845. Mr. Stevenson came to the township of Concord, 
April 10, 1837, where he lived until his death, which occurred October 8, 1860. His widow 
survived him until December 26, 1880. Mary Ann Stevenson, who is a very genial, pleas- 
ant lady, owns 130 acres of well-improved land, superintended by her brothers, who pride 
themselves on keeping fine horses, having some thoroughbreds of splendid action, promis- 
ing great speed. 

H. S. VALENTINE, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry. was born at Collins, Erie 
Co., N. Y., June 21, 1840, son of George C. and Mary (Green) Valentine, parents of seven 
children. They are both now deceased. Our subject came to Erie (Jounty when twelve 
years old, and on Mair 10, 1868, was married in Concord Township, to Jane M. Hasbrook, 
born in this township June 25, 1846, daughter of William and Luena (Powell) Hasbrook, 
residents of Concord. Two children have blessed this union — Willie H. and Sadie E. 
Mr. Valentine served six months during the war of the rebellion. He is a first-class busi- 
ness man, and owns seventy-three acres of land, where he has resided some three years. 

MARTIN WALSH, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, Box 202, was born in Nov., 
1827, in County Mayo, Ireland, son of Martin and Catherine Walsh, deceased. Our sub- 
ject was married at Lockport, Niagara Co-, N. Y., September 18. 1882, to Mary Keville, a 
native of the same province, who came to this county in 1845. She is a daughter of 
Patrick, a farmer and blacksmith, and Elizabeth Keville, both now deceased. The chil- 
dren born to this union are as follows: M. J., a liquor dealer at Bolivar, N. Y. ; W. P., 
operator, station agent and coal dealer of Smithport, Penn. ; Kittie E., who died when 
twenty-two years two months and six days old; Lizzie; Honor A., and Mary A., who is 
attending the convent school at Corr}', Penn. Mr. Walsh has been a resident here smce 
1863, and is the owner of 106 acres of land in this township, and several lots in Corry. He 
commenced in life railroading and boarding the workmen. He is a successful, self-made 
man. His family are all Roman Catholics, and he and his sons are. politicall}% Democrats. 

ZUR WOODIN, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Corry, Penn., was born in Warren 
County. Penn., on the 28th of August, 1832, and is the fourth son of a family of seven chil- 
dren of David and Perthenia (Cobb) Woodin, natives of Monroe County. N. Y. "The 
Woodin family in America are descendants from Puritan stock, the original ancestors 
having came over with the Massachusetts Bay Company in 1628. The family does not 
seem to have been prolific, nor to have produced many distinguished men. They have 
been mainly tillers of the soil, of quiet, practical habits, virtuous and law-abiding citizens. 
The mother of our subject was of Irish ancestrj', a smart, intellectual woman, of great 
energy and force of character, and from whom our subject inherits some of the mo.st val- 
uable traits of his character." Zur remained on his father's f.irm until eighteen years of 
age, and acquired hi-; education in the district school and in the Warren Academy, from 
which he graduated in 1851. He taught school one year, and then went to California, 
where he mined very successfully for five years. He was united in marriage at Columbus, 
Warren Co., Pa., September 3, 1857, with Maria S. Dewey, a native of that place, born 
September 6, 1838. Two children have blessed this union — Elva P., wife of W. D. Mc- 
Cray, and Velma J., at home. On October 15, 1869, Mr. Woodin settled in this township. 
He is a successful, self-made man. He owns 100 acres of well-improved land, and twenty 
acres of wood land. He is a Republican in politics. 



16 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 



CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 

HENRY A. BARNEY, farmer. P. O. Cherry Hill, was born in Erie County, June 11, 
1847, only son of Benjamin F. Barney, who came to Erie County about 1823, and settled 
on a farm which joins that of our subject, where he died May, 1882. He raised a family 
of three children, now living in this county. He was a prominent man in his section, re- 
spected by all and loved by his family. Henry A. Barney was united in marriage, 
October 4, 1866, w^ith Florence G., daughter of Abner Scott, a native of Erie County, 
Penn., but now living in Ohio. But one child (deceased in infancy) was born to this 
union. Mrs. Barney's grandfather came from Vermont, settling in Erie County about the 
year 1830; he died in 1864. Mrs. Barney was born June 19, 1846. Both Mr. and Mrs. Barney 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The former is a Republican in politics; 
is owner of 110 acres of land. His grandfather, Barnej', and his wife's grandfather, Scott, 
wei'e soldiers in the war of 1812. 

JAMES M. BENTLEY, farmer and dealer in nursery stock, P. O. Albion, was born 
August 10, 1846, in Erie County, Penn. He is a son of Martin Bentley, who died Novem- 
ber, 1878, a native of New York, and an early settler of Erie County. Mr. James M. ■ 
Bentley has lived most of his life in Conneaut. He- has been engaged in selling nursery 
stock in most of the Central States for several years. Mr. Bentley was united in marriage, 
November 22, 1871, with Miss Rose, a daughter of M. A. Harrington. But one child has 
blessed this union, viz., Lizzie M. Mrs. Bentley departed this life January 7, 1880. Mr. 
Bentle^y is the owner of 125 acres of laud, know^n as the Keep & Randall farms, in Erie 
County, eighty-five acreS in Crawford County, and a nice residence in Albion. He is one 
of the energetic business men of Erie Count)'. He is a P. M. of A,, F. & A. M., and is a 
member of the I. O. O. F. ; is a Prohibitionist in politics. 

MODE BROWN, farmer, P. O. Cherry Hill, was born on the farm he now occupies 
in Conneaut Township, Penn., July 18, 1842, son of King Brown, who settled on the farm 
where our subject lives at present, in 1831. Here he raised a family of fourboj^s, all now liv- 
ing in the township. He was a member of the Christian Church, and quite prominent in 
church matters. His decease occurred June 4, 1881. Our sul)ject was united in marriage, 
October 18, 1866, with Miss Louisa, daughter of William M.' and Maria S. Griffey. Her 
father, who was born here, is a son of George Griffey, who came from New York in 1800, 
and died in 1843. Mrs. Brown taught school for several terms before her marriage, and 
is a very intelligent lady. They are the parents of one child, Morton L., born June 15, 1875. 
Mr. Brown has 100 acres of land, a part of his father's old homestead. He is an A. , F. & 
A. M. of Albion, and a strong Republican. 

MARCUS A. BUMPUS, 'farmer, P. O. Albion, was born January 2, 1809, in Madison 
County, N. Y., and is a son of Isaac Bumpus, also a native of New York State, who came 
to Erie County, Penn., in the fall of 1839, with his family. He was a prominent man, a 
surve3'or by profession. He raised a family of five boys and five girls, four of whom are 
still living. He died October 3, 1860. Our subject has lived in Conneaut Township ever 
since 1839. He was united in marriage, in 1841 with Miss Maria, daughter of James 
McDonnell, of New York State, where she also was born in 1818. They have been the 
parents of tliree children, all surviving, viz.: Henry H., Martha I. (wife of Albert H. Pat- 
tison) and Alta M. (now attending school in Buffalo). They have also raised a son of Mr. 
Bumpus' brolher, and Mrs. Bumpus' sister's child. They are both members of the Univer- 
salist Church. He owns a fine farm of 100 acres. Mr. Bumpus is a Democrat in politics, 
never voting any other ticket. He has always been a prosperous farmer, and has made 
all his property bv hard work. 

JxVSPER N. "CLARK, farmer. P. O. Cherry Hill, was born May 1, 1844, in Cavendish, 
Windsor Co., Vt., son of Zenos Clark, of Vermont. Mr. Jasper N. Clark enlisted Sep- 
tember 10, 1861, in the Second Vermont Infantrj^ Company I, and served in Smith's Di- 
vision of Brooks Brigade. He was with the Army of the Potomac, participating in the 
battle of Williamsburg and in several skirmishes. He was honorably discharged Octo- 
ber 31, 1862, at Burlington, Vt., on account of physical disability, for which he now re- 
ceives a pension. Mr.' Clark came to Erie County in 1872, and February 28, of same year, 
was married to Mi^s Eliza A., daughter of L. C. Fishe-r, of Crawford County. She was 
born December 18, 1852. They have no children. Our subject is the owner of fifty-five 
acres of improved land. His wife's father and mother live with him. He is a member 
of the G. A. R., is a Republican in politics, was a good soldier and is a good citizen. 

MINOS COLE, farmer, P. O. Keepville, was horn June 28, 1830, where he now lives, 
in Conneaut Township, Erie County, Penn., son of Andrew and Polly (Keep) Cole. The 



CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 17 

former came to Erie from York State in 1805 with his parents, and was married May 
13, 1820. He was a soldier in tlie war of 1813, and his father (our subject's grandfather) 
served in the Revolutionarj^ War. Mr. Andrew Cole raised a large family here, and most 
of those now living reside in Erie County. His wife died March 20. 1851, and lie followed 
her July 8, 1862. Minos Cole was united in marriage, May 4, 1854, with Miss Pri^cilla, 
daugliter of Luke Harris, formerly of New York State. She was born March 12, 18o4. in 
Spriugtield Township, Erie County, Penn. To this union were born three children, two 
of whom died in infancy. The survivor — Dora P. — was born August B, 1867, and is now 
living at home. Mrs. Cole's brother, Sylvenus, was a soldier in the late war ; a brother of 
Mr. Cole also served in the same war, three years with the Army of the Cumberland, par- 
ticipating in the siege of Vicksburg and in several engagements. He served in the Serond 
Ohio Battery, and received an honorable discharge in 1864. Mrs. Cole is a member of the 
Universalist Church. Mr. Cole has about eighty-six acres of tine improved land, which is 
a part of the old Cole homestead. He is an Anti-Monopolist in politics. Barnabus Cole, 
the grandfather, was born March 20, 1751, in Chatham, Barnstable Co., Mass.; Sarali 
Alworth, the grandmother, was born June 4, 1754, in Dutchess County, N. Y. Their 
children were'Phebe, born May 23, 1778; Priscilla, born January 8, 1780, died in in- 
fancy; Priscilla. born December 3, 1780 ; Sylvanus, born January 21, 1783; Sarah, liorn 
March 15, 1785; Barnabus, born June 15, 1787; Benjamin, born November 18, 1788; Amplias, 
born August 4, 1791 ; Andrew, born March 8, 1797, and John W., born February 9, 1800. 

CYRUS W. DEVEREAUX, farmer, P. O. Clark's Corners, Ohio, was born February 
13, 1845, in Conneaut Township, Erie County, Penn., son of W. C. Devereaux, who came 
to this county in 1833, from New York State, and married for his first wife Mary Harring- 
ton, a descendant of Mathew Harrington, one of the early settlers. After her deatii, he 
married Harriet Smith (daughter of Hezekia Smith, who came to this county in 1817), the 
mother of our subject, who is now living with him. His father died December 27, 1879. 
Cyrus W. Devereaux was united in marriage, March 23, 1876, with Miss Jennie Gibson, 
of Erie City. She is a native of Mercer Comity, Penn., born March 27, 1846. Three chil- 
dren have been born to this union, viz., Hattie L., Ralph G. and Willie O. Mr. Deve- 
reaux and brother have a tine farm of 150 acres. His oldest Urother, Ralph, enlisted 
in the Second Ohio Cavalry, was promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, and served in liie 
Army of the Cumberland, and died from disease in 1862 at Tuscumbia, Ala. Mr. and Mrs. 
Devereaux belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church; the former's father and family 
were prominent church members. Mr. Devereaux is a member of the A. O. U. W. at 
Girard, and also a member of the E. A. U. He is a strong Republican ; is now Collector 
of t-ixes in Conneaut Township. 

JOHN P. FERGUSON, farmer, P. O. Keepville, was born January 1, 1841, in 
Springfield Township, Erie County, Penn., and is a son of William Ferguson, who came 
to Erie County from the eastern part of Penn.sylvania in 1803. He raised a family of nine 
cliildren, two of whom are now living. William Ferguson departed this life in April. 
1869. Our subject enlisted in April, 1861, with the three months' men, and August 14, 
1862, he joined the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, Company, K, 
serving with Hancock's corps. Army of the Potomac. He participated in the battles at 
Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Petersburg (where he received 
a wound in his right side), and in the capture of Lee's al•m3^ He joined as private, was 
color-bearer one year, then Sergeant, then promoted to the position of Second Lieutenant, 
and iionorably discharged August 16, 1865. He is a member of the G. A. R. Mr. Fergu- 
son was united in marriage February 10, 1870, with Maria A., daughter of John Spaulding, 
and sister of F. M. Spaulding, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work. Siie is a 
native of Erie County, Penn., born June 10, 1848. Five children have blessed this union, 
viz., George S., John W., Priscilla, Chauncey, Dais}^ M., all now living. Mr. and Mrs. 
Ferguson are members of the Universalist Church. He is the owner of fifty acres of very 
fine land; in politics a Republican. 

VANNESS N. FORBES, farmer, P. O. Albion, was born October 8, 1827, in Spring 
Township, Crawford County, Penn., is a son of Bartholomew Forbes, of New York State, 
who came to Crawford County about 1824, and to Erie County in 1833, raised a family of 
five children, two of whom are living in this county; he died September 27, 1879. Our 
subject was married in 1848, to Elmina E., daughter of Erastus Cornell, of Crawford Coun- 
ty, Penn. Ten children were born to this union, six of whom are living, viz.: Spencer 
v., Hannah C. (wife of Benjamin Mong), Elvey R. (wife of C. W. Zinn), Frank L., Ciiarles 
W. and Darwin B. 'Mrs. Forbes died March 15. 1883. Mr. Forbes afterward married Mrs. 
Olive, widow of Albert T. Forbes. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and the mother of four children, viz.: Carson R., Almira L. (wife of O. H. Hewit), Harlcy 
J. and George Lee. Carson R. is married and living on the same place our subject dix's. 
and is one of the leading Sabbath school workers in his section. Mr. Forbes is living on a 
farm of 140 acres of well-improved land, belonging to the heirs of Albert Forbes. He is a 
member of the E. A. U. and of the Democratic party. 

CURTIS GRATE, farmer and proprietor of saw mill, P. O. Keepville, was born 
March 18, 1844, in Portage County^ Ohio. In August, 1878, Mr. Grate came to Erie 

2 



18 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

County, Penn., bringing with him a steam saw mill, and engaged in the Imnber busi- 
ness, in which he has since continued in the same neighborhood. His mill, which has 
a capacity of 10,000 feet per day, is kept running constantly. He purchases all the logs 
he can procure, and is also owner of timber lands from which he uses the lumber; he has 
also a shingle mill in connection, and makes large quantities of shingles; his lumV)er is 
sold in Conneaut, Ohio, and large quantities are shipped from Albion, Penn., to other 
points; he uses hemlock, beech, cucumber and soft maple lumber. Mr. Grate was united 
in marriage, November 1, 1866, with Miss Jeanette, daughter of Michael Houck, of Ohio. 
Two children have been born to this union, viz., Caddie M. and Clyde M. Mr. Grate owns 
160 acres of land. Our subject enlisted August 13, 1862, in the One Hundred and Fourth 
Ohio Infantry, serving under Gens. Burnside and' Sherman with the Army of the Cumber- 
land, and took part in the siege of Knoxville, battles of Cumberland Gap, Kesaca, Peach 
Tree Creek, siege of Atlanta, battles of Wilmington, N. C, Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., 
and was with Sherman in his celebrated march to the sea, and in several other engage- 
ments. He was honorably discharged in June, 1865. Mr. Grate is a member of the G. 
A. R. 

WILLIAM M. GRIFFEY, farmer and dairyman, P. O. Cherry Hill, was born in Con- 
neaut Township, on the place he now occupies, March 5, 1819, and is a son of George 
Griffey, Sr., who came to Erie County about 1797, settling on our subject's farm, Conneaut 
Township, in 1802; he was a native of Wales; he raised a family of eight children, four of 
whom are now living; he was a soldier of the war of 1812, and departed this life in 1843. 
Our subject was united in marriage, February 13, 1843, with his first wife. Maria Sartwell, 
a native of Vermont. Two children were born to this union, viz., Sarah L., wife of Mode 
Brown, and Elvira, wife of George Putney. His wife died March 7, 1845, and May 24, 
1846, he married his second wife, Ann M. Baird, daughter of Stephen G. Baird, of Ver- 
mont. Seven children have crowned this union, one dying in infancy. The names of 
those now living are William H., Ida O., Herbert L., John J., Elmer E. and Morton B. 
Our subject has about 250 acres of well-improved land, over and above a great amount he 
has given his children; he also owns a cheese factory in West Springfield, which his son 
Elmer is now running; he is a Republican in politics. 

JASPER O. GRIFFIN (deceased) was born April 5, 1799, in Addison County, Vt., 
son of James Griflin. Our subject came to Erie County December 2, 1835. 'Mr. Griffin 
was united in marriage, February 14, 1833, with Miss Margaret, daughter of Daniel Ander- 
son, a native of Maine; his mother came from New Hampshire. Mr. and IVIrs. Griffin 
have raised four children, three now surviving. Mary died when aged twenty-three. The 
others are John A., Washington I. and Maria L., wife of William Loomis. John A. was 
a soldier in the late war; enlisted in the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served under 
Gen. Greig in the Army of the Potomac; he participated in the siege of Petersburg, the 
engagement at Thatcher's Run and in the capture of Lee's army; he was honorably dis- 
charged August, 1865; he is a member of the G. A. R., Washington; served in the United 
States Navy one year during the war. Jasper O. Griffin was the owner of fifty acres of 
fine land; he was a member of the F. A. M. and a member of a Chapter of R. A. M., of 
which he had been a member since 1823; he served as Justice of the Peace ten years; he 
died September 27, 1883, and was buried with Masonic honors September 30. 

M. A. HARRINGTON. The Harrington family, according to the best information, 
are lineal descendants of one of two brothers who came to America from England about 
1549. Israel Harrinuton was of the third generation, and was born in Rhode Island 
February 11, 1734. Mehittebel, his wife, was born March 11, 1739. They had two daugh- 
ters—Mary, born August 31, 1762, andLucretia, born March 5, 1767: They moved to Dan- 
by Township, Rutland Co., Vt., in 1770, where two sons were born — Israel, October 
16. 1774, and Matthews, April 17, 1782. Mehittebel died in Vermont March 9, 1798. Israel, 
Sr., was a soldier in the Revolution, and died in Sandusky County, Ohio, September 10, 
1825. Mary married a Mr. Harrington in Vermont, and died in that State. Lucretia mar- 
ried Nathaniel Harrington, who was born in Vermont April 2, 1774; they moved to Michi- 
gan, and reared a large family near Lansing. Lucretia died June 27, 1854, and Nathaniel 
died August 22, 1855. Israel, Jr., married and moved to Sandusky County, Ohio; raised 
a large family, kept hotel, was a Judge of the courts for many years, and died at Elmore, 
in that county. Matthews, the youngest, settled in Springfield Township in the year 1799, 
and soon moved to Conneaut Township. In 1802, he married Elizabeth Spry, born near 
Chesapeake Bay November 26, 1786. Elizabeth, his wife, died April 16, 1845. They 
reared a family of ten children— William, born March 22, 1805; Sally, April 18, 1807; Lu- 
cretia, July 9, 1809; Catharine, September 9, 1811; Marv, March 6, 1814; Daniel, April 11, 
1816; Israel, May 20, 1818; Ira S., May 26, 1822; Lorretta, August 13, 1824; and Moses A., 
Ai)ril 2, 1828. William married Jane Porter. They raised a family of six children— Ira 
P., Mary, John, Milton, Margaret and Judd. William died January 31, 1881. Sally mar- 
ried James Morse, and settled in Sandusky County, Ohio; they raised a family of six chil- 
dren—Harriet, Israel, Vashti, Josephine, Sarah and Nathan. Sally died February 11, 
1869; James died June 11, 1870. Lucretia lived and died in Conneaut Township Septem- 
ber 19, 1858. Catherine married William B. DeWolf, a farmer of Conneaut Township; 



CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 19 

they raised a family of eight daughters— Elenor, Melissa, Sarah, Loretta, Mary, Matilda, 
Estella and Izora. " Catherine died February 16, 1876; William B. died November 11. 1883. 
Mary married William C. Devereaux, a farmer of Conneaut; raised three children — Ralph, 
Emily and Jane. Mary died March 3, 1843; William C. died in December, 18ril. Daniel 
married Margaret Porter, and had two daughters— Loretta and Louisa. Daniel died in 
Columbus, OTiio, in 1844; Margaret died about the year 1876. Israel married Matilda Bar- 
ney; had eight cliildren— Barney, Lucy, Chester, Cassius, Elizabeth, Smith. Hattie and 
Jay. Ira S. married Amarilla Case, who died September 9, 1855; had three children — 
Milo, Lizzie and Sarah. Ira's second wife is Mary J. Patterson, married March 5, 1857; 
had two children — Fannie and George. Ira was a Sheriff in Taylor County, Iowa, also 
United States Marshal, and Lieutenant in the rebellion. Loretta married Benjamin F. 
Barney; they had three children — Harriet, Henry and Lottie. Benjamin died May 37, 
1883. Loretta married for her second husband Abner Scott, of Conneaut, Ohio. Moses 
A. married Harriet S. Patterson; they raised three children — Rose De Albcrtie. Inez M. 
and George Lee. Moses A. commenced business at Cherry Hill as farmer and store-keeper. 
In 1863 and 1863, was a Lieutenant in the State service, and in the fall of the latter year 
moved to Iowa, where he engaged in mercantile business until his return to Pennsylvania 
in 1865. ]\ {atthews Harring ton, who was born, as before stated, in t^ie State of Vermont 
April 17, lv8:^, lett his native State at the age of sixteen years, and worked by the month, 
on a farm in the State of New York for two years. Subsequently, after many adventures, 
he bought a claim in Springfield, which he afterward sold, and bought land of H. J. Hui- 
dekuper, where Cherry Hill now stands. Besides this, he bought from time to tmie in 
other localities and States about 1,500 acres of laud. Mr. M. Harrington's first regular 
house was made of logs, with puncheon floor, and, in the absence of nails, Avas covered 
with shakes held fast by weight poles. About the year 1830, he built a large frame barn 
now standing at Cherry Hill, the timbers of which are very large, and in 1839. he built a 
large frame house, vvliich was burned in 1841. He was a soldier of the war of 1813. He 
married for his second wife Mrs. Ruth Pomeroy, formerly Miss Ruth Crane, daughter of 
Elihu Crane. She was the first white female child born in the township. She died al)out 
the year 1875. Matthews Harrington died April 1, 1864. 

IRA P. HARRINGTON, farmer and dealer in agricultural implements, P. O. Albion, 
was born August 30, 1830, in this township, son of AVilliam Harrington, a native of same 
township, born March 33, 1805, died January 39, 1881; his remains are buried at Keepville. 
this county. Our subject's grandfather, a native of Vermont, came to this county about 
1800, and here spent the remainder of his days, being one of the very first settlers. Mr. 
Harrington was united in marriage, September 10, 1855, with Mahaley Bentl}\ a daugliter 
of Martin Bently; she was born in New York July 13, 1833. But one child blessed this 
union, dying in infancy. Mr. Harrington is now tlie owner of forty-three acres of w^ll- 
improved land, situated near Albion Station; he deals extensively in agricultural imple- 
ments, selling a great number of the Rawson Mowers and Reapers, of which he makes a 
specialty. Both Mr. Harrington and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
The former is a member of the order of Freemasons. He enlisted August 33, 1863, in Company 
A, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served 
with the Army of the Potomac; heengaged-in the battle of Fredericksburg, and was after- 
ward appointed Commissary Sergeant of the brigade, serving as such sixteen months; then 
as Commissary of the division until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged 
May 5, 1865. After the war, he engaged in mercantile business at Keepville, Penn.; was 
also Postmaster. In the winter of 1879-80, he was an officer in the House of Representa- 
tives; he is a Republican in politics. 

JOHN HARRINGTON, farmer, P. O. Keepville. was born September 6, 1835, in 
Conneaut Township, Erie County, Penn., son of William Harrington, also a native of 
Erie County, dying January 31, 1881. Our subject is a brother of Ira P. Harrington, 
whose biography appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. John Harrington was united in mar- 
riage, October 33, 1859, to Miss Mary, daughter of William Kinney, formerly of Crawford 
County, Penn. Seven children have crowned this union, viz., Alice A., Mark W., Mag- 
gie, Millie, Josie, Frankie and John.R. Mr. Harrington enlisted during the late war, Au- 
gust, 1861, in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and 
served in the Second Army Corps under Gen. Hancock, with the Army of the Potomac. 
After serving about a year, he was honorably discharged on account of disability, caused by 
disease contracted in the army. He is the owner of about one hundred acres of fine land, 
with nice buildings. He is a Republican in politics, and is one of the substantial men of Con- 
neaut Township, in which he has served as Township Auditor one term, and now as Road 
Commissioner. His grandfather, Harrington, was a soldier of the war of 1813, and assisted 
in getting Perry's fleet over the bar at Erie. 

^ MRS. LUCY J. IIEDDEN, P. O. Cherry Hill, was born March 31, 1835, in New York. 
She is a daughter of John Rose, who came to Erie County in 1833, sett led near Albion, and died 
in 1868. Our subject was married, August 34, 1847, to Ephraim C. Hedden, born June 30, 
1811, died April 3, 1883, at the age; of seventy-one. All that knew him hold his memory 
in deepest respect. He left his widow in possession of his entire estate, upon a portion of 



20 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

which, in Cheny Hill, she is now residing. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hed- 
den, both living, viz., John G. and Charles R. The former is a blacksmith and carriage 
manufacturer. Cherry Hill; he was united in marriage, June 11, 1872. with Miss Martha 
Barrett, of Ohio. They are the parents of one child— Lena M., born February 8, 
1879. They belong to the E. A. U. Mr. Hedden is a Republican in politics. 

IRA HOGLE, farmer, P. O. Clark's Corners, Ohio, was born September 10, 1818, in 
the State of New York, and is a sou of William Hogle, who came to Erie County when 
our subject was a small boy. He settled in Springfield Township, and was one of the 
prominent men of the county. He raised a family of ten children, and died about 1848. 
Ira Hogle was united in marriage, February 32, 1844, with Miss Pattie Pope, who died 
March 18, 1880. Six children were born to this union, two of whom died in infancy. The 
survivors are Flora (wife of Henry C. Dow), Wallace W., Ida E., Guy S. Mr. Hogle 
married for his second wife, December 13, 1880, Mrs. Elizabeth Bennett, widow of Oren 
Bennett, and daughter of Russell Buifuin, of Ashtabula County, Ohio. She was the 
mother of seven children by her first husband, viz., Mary A. (wife of Alfred Zimmerman), 
Joseph R., Olive E. (now the wife of E. Randall), Charles D., Emma J. (now the wife of 
Frank Washburn), William A. and John. Mr. Hogle has 153 acres of finely improved 
land. During the war he held the office of Town Commissioner. Three of his brothers 
engaged in the war — Manvill was killed at the battle of Lookout Mountain, but Horace 
and Hosea returned home after the conflict; both are now living in Ohio. Our subject is 
a Republican in politics, and during the war aided the Union by his able administration 
as Commissioner. 

SAMUEL E. HUNTLEY, farmer, P. O. Clark's Corners, was born February 26, 1827, 
on the farm where he now resides, in Conneaut Township, Erie Co., Penn; he is a 
son of Orin Huntley, who came from Pierpont, Ohio, in 1826; he was a native of the State 
of New York, and his wife of Connecticut. S. E. Huntley was united in marriage No- 
vember 31, 1852, with Miss Charlotte H., daughter of John Woodard, of Crawford 
County, Penn. ; her mother was a Foster, and is descended from the first family that ever 
settled in Beaver Township, Crawford County. Mrs. Huntley was born April 26, 1824, 
Five children, all now living, were born to this union — Lois J., wife of Oscar B. Wait*; Mary 
J., wife of Perry Hayward;' Lamira I., wife of L. L, Lewis; Caroline C, wife of Burt H. 
Fuller, and Florence A. Mr. Huntley owns 204 acres of well-improved land. All his chil- 
di-en are living near him; he is a strong Republican, has held the office of Township Treas- 
urer; he has been in the dairy business eighteen years, and his wife has made |10,400 
worth of butter and cheese in twelve years, besides what was consumed on the farm; at an 
early day, the Indians boiled salt on the farm now occupied by our subject; there is a 
salt spring on it, and a large chestnut tree grown over the cinders of the Indians' fire. 

SAMUEL HURST, farmer, P. O. Albion, was born April 16, 1815, in England, son of 
Daniel Hurst, a native of Manchester, England. Samuel Hurst emigrated to America 
in 1838, returned to England in 1839, where he remained three years, and buried his par- 
ents; he returned to this country, settling in Erie County, Penn., in the year 1842; be- 
came naturalized five years after arriving, and with the exception of the time spent in the 
army has always resided in this county; he marriedhisfirst wife in England, where she died, 
leavinir one child, a resident of that country. Mr. Hurst was united in marriage, Novem- 
ber 30^ 1845, with his second wife, Ann, daughter of Thomas Beaumant, an Englishman. 
To this union have been born five children, all dying in infancy, with the exception of 
Thomas, who survives, born May 23, 1847. Our subject enlisted September 1861, in Com- 
pany C, First Regiment Ohio Artillery; he served iii the Army of the Cumberland, under 
Buell; he participated in the battle of Mill Spring and in several skirmishes. While in the 
army, he contracted rheumatism and clironic diarrhoea, from which he has never re- 
covered, and for which he receives a pension; he was discharged for disability in June, 
1862; he was then about forty-six years of age; he loves the country which he helped to 
defend as much as any native born citizen. Mr. Hurst is the owner of eighty acres of 
well-improved land near Albion ; he is a member of the G. A. R. 

LYSANDER P. JACKSON, farmer, P. O. Cherry Hill, was born in Elk Creek Township. 
Hrie County, Penn., January 5, 1823, son of Lyman Jackson, a native of Vermont, who came 
to Erie County in 1805, with his father, and settled in what is now known as Albion, but at 
that time called Jacksonville, after the grandfather of our subject. This grandfather 
was a soldier of the Revolution; he raised a family of thirteen children, ten boys and 
three girls; seven of the former were soldiers in the war of 1812, and their father at the 
same time; but one of these uncles is now living, Abner, residing near Wellsville, Ohio. 
Our subject's father died in Wisconsin January 11, 1879; he was a local preacher of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifty years; he held the olfice of Justice of the Peace 
for a number of years, and was a very prominent man, and a devoted Christian. 
Lysander P. Jackson was uaited in marriage. May 21, 1846, with Miss Elizabeth, a daugh- 
ter of Robert McKee, and sister of James McKee, whose biography appears in this volume. 
They have one child, Sadie E., born July 29, 1852. L. P. Jackson has been in the 
saw mill business, was in the oil regions, and has also worked at the carpenter's trade; he 
was at one time in mercantile business, also Postmaster; he is now a very successful 



CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 21 

farmer, owning fifty-five acres of well-improved land; he is a Democrat in politics. Mrs. 
Jackson's brothers. William B. and Thomas J., make Iheir home with them. 

ABNER N. KEEP, farmer, P. O. Keepville, was born October 3, 1824, in Couneaut, 
Erie Co., Penn., on a farm located within half a mile of the one on which he now lives. 
He is a son of Marsena Keep, Jr., a native of Xew York, who came to this county with 
his father in 1803. Abner N. Keep's father lived in Conneaut all his life. The town- 
ship was then all woods, infested with a great number of wolves, bears and deer; he 
caught many wolves for which a bounty was offered. He was married, in 1823, to Polly 
Hewitt, and they raised a family of eleven children, our subject being the eldest. He 
married, October 12, 1848, Miss Maranda, daughter of Elijah Amidon, of Crawford Coun- 
ty, Penn. This union has resulted in the birth of nine children, all surviving, viz., Zach- 
aryT., born October 10, 1849; Ellen L., born August 9, 1851; Emma, bom February 28, 
1853; Frank E., born September 8, 1855; Polly E.", born October 28, 1857; Sallie L., born 
August 18, 1860; George A., born January 29, 1863; Marsena L., born December 14, 1864, 
and Hiram A., born February 2, 1867. Mr. and Mrs, Keep are both members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church; the former's father was one of the founders of the church at 
Keepville, where he is now buried, Mr. Keep owns 105 acres of well-improved land. He 
is a stanch Republican, was at one time a Whig; he and wife are members of the E. A. U. 

PROSPER M. KEEP, farmer, P. O. Keepville, was born April 21, 1829, in Keepville, 
Penn., and is a son of Marsena Keep, Jr., who came to Erie County with his father when 
only about one year old. ■ His father, our subject's grandfather, Marsena Keep, Sr., was 
a native of New York, and one of the earliest settlers of Erie County; he was a soldier in 
the war of 1812; he died in the fall of 1851, and is buried on the old homestead near Keep- 
ville. The father of our subject was one of the principal founders of the Wesleyan Meth- 
odist Church at Keepville, giving the ground on which the church stands, besides large 
.subscriptions, and was very much interested in church matters ; he died in 1877. 
Prosper M. Keep was united in marriage April 17, 1851, with Miss Mary C, daughter of 
William Harrington, who was born in 18o5 in this county; he was one of the first men in 
this section, raised a family of six children (Ira P. Harrington, whose sketch appears in 
this work, was one of his children), and died in January, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Keep have 
been the parents of nine children, five of whom died in infancy; the survivors are: Clara 
A., wife of Dr. J. J. Little, of Ohio; Marshall M., Willie O., andOlenuie W. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Keep are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Churcli; the former is a Republican in 
politics; the latter's grandfather. Porter, was an Abolitionist in an early day. He was in- 
strumental in running slaves through the Underground Railroad to Canada. The subject 
of this sketch owns eighty-five acres of land, and is a prosperous farmer. His son. Mar- 
shal, is a dentist, and resides in Darke County, Ohio. 

BRADFORD E. KEEP, farmer, P. O. Albion, was born September 27. 1830, in Con- 
neaut Township, Erie County, Penn., son of Matthew Keep, who was also born in same 
township, and is now living with our subject. The latter married May 6. 1855. Miss 
Salome S. Bumpus, daughter of Isaac Bumpus, who moved to Erie Countj^ about the year 
1839. B. E. Keep enlisted January 5, 1864, in the One Hundred and Eleventh Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers, and served in the Army of the Cumberland about fifteen months. 
He had the typhoid fever while at Camp Copeland, Pittsburgh, from the effects of which 
he never recovered, and for which he has applied for a pension. He was discharged on 
account pf disability, February, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Keep are the parents of two ch'lldren, 
viz., Josie and Frank, Our subject, wife and daughter are members of the Uuiversalist 
Church. The former is a F. & A. M., a member of the G. A. R. and E. A. U. He is 
quite prosperous in business, and the owner of seventy five acres of land. In politics, he 
is a Republican. 

SYLVESTER L. KENNEDY, farmer and manufacturer of tile and pressed brick. P. O. 
Albion, was born July 22, 1830, in Conneaut Township, Erie Co., Penn., son of Royal 
Kennedy, a soldier of 1812, who came to Erie County in 1797; he was a native of Con- 
necticut. The grandfather of our subject was among the very first settlers here, and pos 
sessed about 400 acres of land. Sylvester L. Kennedy was united in marriage with Ada- 
line M., daughter of Samuel Wells, of Elk Creek Township, born February 34, 1831. To 
this union were born four children— Frank Z.. born September 7, 1856, died April, 1863; 
Sylvia E., born July 16, 1859, wife of J. L. Taylor; Frederick S.. born December 28. 1865, 
and Lola M., born October 19, 1871. Our subject and wife have but one grandson— James 
Robert Taylor, born January 30, 1882. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are members of the 
Christian Church. The former is also a member of the Equitable Aid Society; he pos- 
sesses eighty-two acres of land, on which he manufactures tile and pressed brick, he being 
the only manufacturer of the kind within seven miles; he ships large quantities to oiher 
points. 

WILLIAM KINNEY, farmer, P. O. Cherry Hill, was born May 20, 1812, in ]VIadi.son 
County, N. Y., son of Saul Kinney, a native of Vermont; his wife, our subject's mother, 
was a native of Rhode Island. William Kinnev came to Erie County, Penn., in 1844, 
finally settling here in 1858. On November 1, 183^8, he married for his first wife. Mi.ss An- 
nie Little. Four children were born to this union— Mary E., wife of John Harrington; 



22 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Porter A.; Eunice E., died in 1880.. and Florence M., wife of D. R. Spauldin. Mrs. Annie 
Kinney died November 12, IBoo. Our subject. August 14, 1856, married his second wife. 
Annie E. Smith, widow, who died September 17, 1S56; he then married. November 15. 
1857, Miss Susan Torr}^ of Ediuboro, who died June 6, 1878. Mr. Kinney is a member of 
the Metliodist Episcopal Church; he is owner of eighty-two acres of improved land, and 
a liouse and lot at Cherry Hill; he has been prosperous in business; his children are all 
settled in lliis townsliio. 

PORTER A. KINNEY, farmer and proprietor of saw mill. P. O. Cherry Hill, was 
born October 10, 1840, in Crawford County, Penn., son of William Kenney, a resident of 
Erie County, who came to this county with our subject about the year 1844. The latter 
was united in marriage, October 2, 1884, with Miss Harriet L., daughter of Benjamin F. 
Barney, and sister of Henry A. Barney, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work. 
Mrs. Ivinne}' was born January 3, 1844. Two children have been born to this union — Ber- 
tie E., liorn March 21. 1868, and Ina M., born October 10, 1876. Mrs. Kinney is a member 
of tlie Methodist Episcopal Church, and owns seventy acres of nice land, with good build- 
ings llu.'reon. Mr. Kinney has always taken much interest in educational matters, and 
has served as Scliool Director; he is one of the owners of a saw mill, situated half a mile 
south of the farm, which has a capacity of about 3,000 feet per day, and which is kept gen- 
erally running. He has been quite successful in business; is a strong Republican in politics. 

WILLIAM LEYNTZ. farmer. P. O. Clark's Corners, Ohio, was born January 81, 1883. 
in Conneaut Township. Erie CouutJ^ Penn., ;ind is a .son of James Leyntz, a native of 
Pennsylv.uua, who came to Erie County about 1830; was an early settler, helping to clear 
the counlry, which at that time was covered with woods. He took quite an interest in 
church matters, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died August, 
1879. His wife was also a native of Pennsylvania. She died Jun- 2, 1859. Our subject 
was united in marriage July 1, 1860, with Miss Lucy Taylor, also a descendant of one of 
the early settlers. Two children have blessed this union, viz.. Frederick W. and Clara, 
wife of Elmer Griffey, of Springfield. Mr. Leyntz is a member of the Grange, and owner 
of 195 acres of line land in this township, and of a small place in Ohio. He is owner of 100 
sheep. 20 head of cattle, and eight horses. He raises from 1,000 to 1.500 bushels nf grain 
a year. Mr. Leyntz takes quite an interest in all educational matters, and has served as 
School Director for six years. He is a Republican in politics. Mrs. Leyntz' s brother 
Frederick was a soldier in the late war, and was with Sherman in his celebrated march to 
the sea. Mr. Leyntz was one of the minute men that responded to Gov. Curtin's call 
when Lee made his raid on Pennsylvania. 

DR. ORLANDO LOGAN, physician and surgeon, P. O. Albion.'was born August 15. 
1829, in the State of New York. He is a son of Lemuel Logan, who came about 1886 with 
his family to this county, where he remained chiefly until his death, which occurred Sep- 
tember 8' 1869. The subject of this sketch read medicine at Kingsville, Ohio, and attended 
three courses of lectures. He holds two diplomas. He commenced practicing in 1856 in 
Titusville, Penn., then practiced two years in Wattsburg, and since in Albion, Penn. 
He was married, in 1849, to Miss Mary A. McCray. of Concord. Five children were 
born to this union, the first two dying in infancy; their third child, Martha E., was 
born March 20, 1852, married to J. A. Robinson. Ettie F., wife of N. H. Samrey, was 
born December 14. 1856, and Robert O., Ijorn August 28, 1860. Our subject entered the 
army in March, 18*55, serving in the Medical Department, Wilmington, N. C, tmder Gen. 
Hawley, and returned home in August of the same year. Mrs. Logan died April 20, 
1882. Dr. Logan was married in March. 1883, to Miss Nellie C, daughter of the Rev. J. 
B. Page, of Wellsburg, Penn. The Doctor is a P. M. of a lodge of F. & A. M., a mcm- 
mber of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. He is a very prominent man in the community, 
is a Republican, and represented Erie County two years in the State Legislature. 

ALBERT LOOMIS, farmer, P. O. Tracy, was born January 16. 1812. in New York, 
son of Rhodolphus Loomis. who came to Erie County, Penn.. with his family in 1820, set- 
tled in Conneaut Township, and raised a family of twelve children, seven of whom sur- 
vive. Both father and mother were natives of Connecticut; the former was a minister of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. He departed this life in about 1844, and is buried in the 
Randall Graveyard, near Albion. Our subject was united in marriage in 1837, to Miss 
Sally, a daughter of John Taylor, who came to Erie, Penn., about the same time as Rho- 
dolphus Loomis. Albert Loomis and wife were the parents of two children, viz., Ma- 
lissa and Marilla; the latter died in 1866. Mrs. Loomis' death occurred in 1841. In 1844, 
Mr. Loomis married Miss Elizabeth Carr, daughter r.f Benjamin Carr, of Conneaut, who 
came to Erie County in 1811. Mr. and Mrs. Loomis are the parents of eight chil- 
dren, all surviving, viz.: Lucy, wife of Burdett Seely; Flarriet, wife of Augustus Whit- 
beck; Weltha, wife of Frank Doner; Julia, wife of A. B. Cheeney; James, George. Will- 
iam and Wilbert. Oiu- subject s a .self-made man, and owns 100 acres of well-improved 
land. He is a Republican in politics. 

JAMES L. McKEE, farmer, P. O. Cherry Hill, was born July 30, 1828, on the farm 
where he is now residing, son of Robert McKee, Jr., who came from Carlisle, Penn., to 
Erie with his father in 1801, when it was a perfect wilderness; his father brought with him 



CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 23 

a yoke of oxen, and was six weeks on the road; be hauled salt from Pittsburgh, after com- 
ing West; he was a very strict religious man, taking much interest in cliurch matters; his 
son, Robert, Jr., the father of our subject, raised a family of four children, all prominent 
citizens of this township; his widow is now living in Couneaut, Ohio, and is the wife of 
Edwin Dorman. James L. McKee was united in marriage, April 24, 18.j3, with Miss 
Eliza J. Moe, of Monroe, Ohio. They had a family of four childrren, three of whom .sur- 
vive—Edward, George V. and Mary A. The other child, Charles R., departed this life 
April 9, 1S61. Mr. and Mrs. McKee are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; the 
former is owner of 127 acres of fine, improved land, part of his grandfather's old home- 
stead; he has served the township as Assessor two terms. Treasurer one term. School 
Director two terms and Collector one term; he is a Republican in politics, and is a repre- 
sentative man of this section. 

■ IRA A. MARCY, farmer, P. O. Cherry Hill, was born December 4, 1827, in A.shtabula 
County, Ohio, son of Adolphus Marcy (deceased), who came to Erie County in 1838, and 
settled in Conneaut Township, in September, 1852. Our subject was united in marriage, 
August 14, 1852, with Eliza, d.aughter of Richard R. Robinson. Five children were born 
to this union, all living at present time. Their names are Edie C, Frank E., Harry K., 
Josephine S. and Carl R. Mrs. Marcy departed this life, September, 1867. Mr. Marcy 
married January 14, 1868, his second wife, Mrs. Hariet Howard, widow of Capt. Charles 
Howard; she is a member of the Christian Church, and is owner of 120 acres of lirst-class 
land, well improved. Mr. Marcy was a School Director ten years, Road Commissioner 
three jears, Collector and Constable one year, and Assistant Assessor one year; is a 
straight Republican in politics. 

GEORGE C. MILLS, farmer and horse dealer, P. O. Platea, was born November 25, 
1839, in Conneaut Township, Erie Co., Penn., son of Jesse and Harriett Mills (married in 
1817), who came to tliis county from New York State about 1880. They reared a family of 
five girls and four boys, the latter the onlj'^ ones now living, two of whom reside in Erie 
Count}-. Jesse Mills taught school to some extent in an early day, and was one of the 
prominent men of this section, particularly in the Christian Church; his decease occurred 
May 2, 1881. His widow is now living, in good health, in her eighty- sixth year. During 
the late war, Mr. George C. Mills enlisted August 20, 1861, in Company H, in the Eight}- 
third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, the tirst regiment to leave Erie County,Penn., which 
was connected with the Third Brigade, Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac. He participated 
in the siege of Yorktown, and battles of Hanover Court House, Chickahominy, Gaines' Mill, 
Malvern Hill (where he received a wound in his right hand), Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville and Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station and Mine Run. He also took part in the bat- 
tle of the Wilderness, Laurel Hill, and in the entire seige of Petersburg; was at the front 
and on duty with the exception of six weeks in hospital owing to a wound, serving thirty- 
seven months; he received an honorable discharge, September 20, 1864; he returned home, 
and in 1865, married Miss Nettie M., a daughter of A. J. Fullerton, of Crawford County, 
Penn. Three children have crowned this union — Arthur D., aged sixteen; Norah H., thir- 
teen, and Homer A., six months, all surviving at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The former is Sunday School Superintend- 
ent; a member of the G. A. R; he is the owner of a good farm, consisting of eighty acres, 
with fine buildings. He deals to some extent in fine horses; is a life-long Republican in 
politics. 

RILEY MORRISON, farmer, P. O. Albion, was born March 25, 1800, in Delaware 
County, N. Y., son of James Morrison, who came to Erie County in 1840. Out of his 
family of eleven children, nine growing to be men and women, only two are surviving; James 
departed this life in 1853. Our subject, was united in marriage, in 1829. with Miss Sarah, 
daughter of John Randall. Four children blessed this union— John R. (deceased), Rosella 
L. (died of consumption in 1859), Hannah L., living, and Julia D., who died in 1872. 
John R. enlisted January 1, 1864, in the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry; served eight 
months and contracted diseases which afterward caused his death. While home on a 
furlough, August, 1852, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Aaron Brown, 
of Springfield Township. Three children crowned this union — Sarah A., Edward R. and 
Rosella L., who died, aged eleven. His widow receives a pension and has her two children 
living with her; her son owns seventy-three acres and she has thirty-six acres of fine land. 
She and her father-in-law are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Riley Morrison's 
wife departed this life in 1869. Our subject is eighty-four years of age, and has been a 
representative man. In early days he was a Whig in politics, but is now a stanch Re- 
publican. 

JONATHAN R. ORTON, farmer, P. O. Albion, was born March 27, 1813, in War- 
ren Co., N. Y., of which his father, John Orton, was also a native. The subject of this 
sketch came to Erie Co., Penn., with his wife and 3 sons in 1846. He started a black- 
smith's shop in Albion, Penn., at which point he continued in this business for over 20 
years. Mr. Orton was united in marriage with Elida Canfield, a native of New York, 
who died leaving 5 children. He then took for his wife Frances, sister of Hon. S. M. 
Brainerd, Member of Congress, which union resulted in 2 children. This wife dying Dec. 



24 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

25, 1S63, our subject married Mrs. Harriet Orton, widow of his brotlier. J. W. Ortou; no 
cliildren were born to this union. After her decease, which occurred in 1874, Mr. Orton 
married Jane De Wolf, widow of Loran De Wolf, and after her death married Mrs. Mary 
Eaton, widow of Albert Eaton, with whom he is now living. The names of his children 
are Edward, born April 17, 1839; Reuben, born Dec. 1, 1840; Mason A., born Dec. 24, 
1842; Marv A., born March 14, 1848 (wife of Harrison Irish, of Albion); Avery C, born July 
28, 1850; Emma J., born Sept. 20, 1852 (wife of E. F. Davenport, of Albion); and George 
M., born Dec. 16, 1860. In 1864, Mr. Orton moved on his present farm, consisting of 148 
acres of highly improved laud, well adapted to raise all kinds of grain and grass. This 
he intends to sell and buj' a little home in which to .•^pend the balance of his days. He is 
energetic in business and has accumulated a nice fortune. He has a small dairy, and his 
principal farm stock is sheep. Mr. Orton is a Republican in politics. 

GARNER PALMER, farmer and ex-Countj^ Commissioner, P. O. Albion, was born 
April 30. 1821, in Columbus Center, Chenango Co., N. Y., son of Elias Palmer, a native of 
Connecticut, who brought our subject to Erie in 1832. Elias died in 1878, aged ninety-eight, 
and liis wife in 1876, at the age of ninety-four. Garner Palmer was united in marriage, 
Mav. 1848, with Polly, daughter of David Mattliews. She was born in May, 1822. Seven 
children have been l)orn to this union, viz., Albert H., James, Josephine J. (wife of George 
W. Spauldini^), John, Emmos C, Clara B. (wife of Dr. F. H. Lawrence, of Union City) 
and Chancy C. Albert H. enlisted in the war of the rebellion in the One Hundred and 
Forty fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving three years. He was en- 
gaged in the battles of Gettysburg, Wilderness, siege of Petersburg; received a wound 
in his leg, and was honorably discharged in 1865. Garner Palmer served, at the com- 
mencement of the war, two terras as County Coramissioner. He and wife are members 
of tlie Universalist Cliurch. He owns a nice little farm of twenty-five acres, situated near 
Albion Station. In politics, our subject is a Republican. 

WILLIAM PAUL. Albion, was born in Conneaut Township, Erie Co., Penn., Octo- 
ber 24, 1808, son of William Paul, Sr., who came to Erie County with Messrs. Colt & 
Marvin, surveyors. He raised a family of twelve children, eight girls and four boys, seven 
of whom are now living in Erie County. Our subject is the eldest child living. He was 
united in marriage, in 1837. with Miss Mary, daughter of Robert Ranson, of New York 
State, who came here about 1830. Mr. and Mrs. William Paul have been blessed with nine 
children, three of whom survive, viz., Elizabeth (wife of Milo A. Smith), Mary E. and Win- 
field S. Their oldest son, Hiram R., lost his life in the defense of his country at Frede- 
ricksburg. He was a member of the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volun- 
teer Infantry. Mr. M. A. Smith is the owner of twenty-six acres of improved land where- 
on the family live, and our subject has a life lease of it. Mr. Paul is a straight Republi- 
can in politics. He has spent his whole life in Conneaut. except while traveling. 

ISAIAH PELTON, retired farmer, Albion, was born February 15, 1820, in the State 
of New York, son of Johnson and Eunice Pelton. He came to Erie Count}', Penn., with 
his parents, and learned the miller's trade while young, but on account of ill health quit it 
and went to farming. He was united in marriage, Januarj^ 1, 1843, with Miss Caroline 
Elsworth, born July 4, 1823. This union has resulted in three children, viz.: Marv E., 
horn November 13, 1843; James G.. born January 27, 1848; and Hugh M., born April 26. 
1853, died May 30, 1874. Mr. Pelton enlisted February 26, 1864, in The One Hundred and 
Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served in the Army of the Cumberland till the close 
of the war. He participated in the battles at Resaca, Kingston, Rocky Face Ridge, Dallas, 
and many skirmishes. He is drawing a pension for disability, caused by rheumatism, 
which he contracted while in the army. He is a member of the G. A. R. Mrs Pelton 
has been totally blind for over thirty years, but her general health is good, though she 
weighs only eight v-five pounds. Mr. Pelton is the owner of a residence and 100 acres of 
land in the township, also a residence in the borough of Albion. He is a Republican in 
politics. 

ALDEN POMEROY, farmer, P. O. Albion, was born April 14, 1819, in Conneaut 
Township, Erie County, Penn., son of Isaac and Ruth (Crane) Pomeroy. The former 
came to this county in 1816, died in Conneaut Township, July 9, 1842, and was buried in 
the Randall Graveyard near Albion; the latter and her cousin were born in the same house, 
April 20, 1799, and are supposed to be the first white children born in the western part of 
Erie County; she died June 28, 1874. Our subject was united in marriage, December 22, 
1853, with Miss Rhoda, daughter of Luther Leavens, who came to this county from the 
State of New York in 1819. Mrs. Pomeroy was born July 27, 1830. They have never 
had any children of their own. although they have cared for many. Both are members 
of theMethodist Episcopal Church.' Mr. Pomeroy's health is somewhat impaired; he 
served seven years as Captain of the State militia, receiving commission from Gov. Porter; 
he is a prosperous farmer, owning 169 acres of land; he is and always has been a Dem- 
ocrat in politics. 

WILLIAM S. RANDALL, farmer, and minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
P. O. Keepville, was born September 19, 1824, in Conneaut Township, Erie Co., Penn., 
son of William S. Randall, formerl}' of New York State. Our subject commenced preach- 



. CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 25 

inaj about 1843, and has followed this profession, in addition to his other duties, for over 
thirty years; for the last few years he has been re,o;ularly located at Keepville. Remar- 
ried his first wife in August, 1846. She was Miss jane M., daughter of John X. Hewitt, of 
New York State. Seven children were born to this union, all now living, viz.. Newell W., 
Flora A., Addie M.. Lillian C, Mina J., Carrie S. and Olive R. Mrs. Randall, who was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, departed this life July 4, 1800, and our sub- 
ject was united in marriage in 1862 with Mrs. Esther Davenport, widow of Marcus Daven- 
port. One child has blessed this union— Bertha L., born July 1'3, 1875. Mr. Randall has 
twenty-five grandchildren, nine of whom are living with him, and of whom he is taking 
care. He lias been Justice of the Peace for eight years in Conneaut Township; is owner 
of about 100 acres of finely-improved land. Our subject, who is a pleasing gentleman, ad- 
vocates prohibition. Mrs. Randall is a member of the Methodist Episcopaf Church. 

' EDWARD W. RANDALL, farmer, P. O. Keepville, was born in Conneaut Town- 
ship, Erie Co., Penn., June 17, 1881, son of William S. Randall, who came to Erie County 
in 1801, when only eighteen years of age; he and his father came from New York State, 
driving stock through the woods, the latter, with family, coasting along the lake; both ar- 
rived where the city of Erie now stands, the same day and only a few hours apart. Will- 
iam S. Randall rai.sed a family of nine children, three of whom are now living in Conneaut 
Township, and was one of the first men of his section in an early day; much of his time 
was pas.sed in teaching. He served in several township offices, departing this life in the 
spring of 1848. Our subject is a brother of Rev. W. S. Randall, whose sketch is also in 
this work. Edward W. Randall was united in marriage, December 30, 1852, with 
Louisa, daughter of John Spaulding, and granddaughter of Jonathan Spaulding, one of 
the very first settlers of this section. Mrs. Randall was born July 27, 1835. Four chil- 
dren, all now surviving, were born to this union, viz.: Clarence E., May L. (wife of Au- 
gustus Creamer), Emma C. (wife of Charles D. Marlow)and Helen A. With the exception 
of the youngest, the entire family are members of the Universalist Church. Mr. Randall 
is the owner of thirty acres of finely- improved land. In politics, he is Independent. Since 
the above Avas put in type, Mr. Randall has sold his farm and moved to Wellsburg, same 
county, and is one of the leading merchants. Clarence E., with Mr Maiiow, is also in the 
same town as Randall & Marlow, harness and saddlery. 

ALONZO R. REYNOLDS, farmer, P. O. Cherry Hill, was born April 21, 1821, in 
Brookfield, N. Y., son of Ransom N. Reynolds, now living in New York State, When a 
boj\ Alonzo went on a vessel on the lakes, and worked himself up to the position of mate, 
which he held for tifteen years, when he was promoted to master, acting as such five yeai-s. 
When thirteen years of age, he came with his parents to Springfield Township. He was 
united in marriage, in 1848, with Amanda, daughter of Asa Callender, who came to Erie 
many years previous to this union. One child, Herbert A., was born to them, but when 
eight years old he died. Mr. Reynolds is the owner of 103 acres of fine land. l.ying south of 
Cherry Hill. It was one of the first farms settled in this section, and is well improved. 
He is a Republican in politics. At one time, Mr. Reynolds was Treasurer of Springfield 
Township. 

DANIEL ROSITER, farmer, P. O. Cherry Hill, was born August 17. 1835, in Con- 
neaut Township, Erie County, Penn., and is a son of Dani el and Sarah Rnsite r. The 
former, a native of Vermont, was a soldier in the war of 1812, for which he drew a pen- 
sion; be died February 19. 1884. in his ninetieth year. The latter, a native of Connecti- 
cut, was born June 1, 1792. This patriarchal couple lived together in Erie County over 
sixty-nine years. Thej^ were the parents of eleven children, four of whom are living in 
Erie County. Our subject was the youngest child. He was united in marriage to" his 
first wife. Jane Furgison, of Springfield. July 4, 1853; she was a daughter of William Fur- 
gison. Seven children were born to this union, viz., Addie, wife of Samuel Randall; Will- 
iam-H., George N., Silvey V., Nathan A., two children died in infanc}\ Mrs. Rositer de- 
parted this life April 3, 1880. On December 25, 1880, Mr. Rositer was united with his 
second wife, Huldey Dexter, a widow, daughter of James Lilley. Two children have 
crowned this union, the first drying when an infant; Junnie E. is now living. Mr. Ro-i- 
ter enlisted in 1862. in the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 
and served in the Second Corps under Hancock, with the Army of the Potomac, and paV- 
ticipated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Culpepper AVil- 
derness. at the siege of Petersburg, and finally in the capture of Lee's army. While at 
Cold Harbor, he received a wound in his left leg. He served nearly three Vears, and at 
the close of the war was honorably discharged. He owns ninety-seven and ahalf acres of 
well-improved land. Mr. Rositer is a Democrat in politics; a member of the G. A. R. 

GEORGE RUNYAN, farmer, P. O. Albion, was born March 5, 1835, in the State of 
New York, son of Henry and Emily Runyan, who came from New York to Erie County, 
in 1836. They were the first settlers in Elk Creek Township, where they lived for about a 
year, then settled on the farm where the subject of this sketch now lives. The father 
died in 1863, and his widow in 1880. George Runyan was married in October. 1805. to 
Miss Arrilla, daughter of Lindsy Anderson. Her parents Avere old settlers of Erie. Mr. 
and Mrs. Runyan have had three children born to them, viz., Homer E., born August 13. 



-4^ 



26 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1863; Ida M., died in infancj', and Byron G., born January, 1872. Mrs. Runyan is amem- 
ber of the Metiiodist Episcopal Church. Her husband is an A. O. U. W. 'Mr. Runyan 
nearly lost his life in 1880, by a bank barn fallins^, while he and others were trying to un- 
derpin the same; he is the owner of a nice farm of sixty-five-acres, .situated near the sta- 
tion. Mr. Runvan is a Democrat in politics. 

LIBERTY" SALvSBURY, farmer, P. O. Albion, was born March 28, 1822, in Con- 
neaut Township, Erie Co., Penn., son of John Salsbury, who came to this county from 
Vermont about 1800. He lived, died (February 10, 1834) and was buried on the homestead, 
where our subject now resides. Mr. L. Salsbury was united in marriage June 18, 1842, 
with Miss Anner, daughter of John S. Sherman, an old settler here. She was born Au- 
gust 9, 1821. Mr. and Mrs. Salsbury have been the parents of sixteen children, three of 
whom died in infancy. The survivors are: Sarah E., born April 18, 1843, now the wife of 
Henrj' Johnson; John S., born May 16, 1844; Polly A., wife of Henry Weed, born Sep- 
tember 7, 1845; Alonzo L., born October 14, 1847; Albert D., July 13, 1849; Susan A., born 
November 16, 1850. wife of William Joslin; Mary A., January 5, 1852, wife of Adelbert 
Marsh; Effie L., December 15, 1853; Martha M., March 31, 1855; Jo.sepiiine J., December 
31, 1857, wife of Clarence Borker; Vina B., December 15, 1858; Thomas C, July 21. 1860, 
and Lola A., August 23. 1865. Mr. Salsbury is an A. F. & A. M., and a member of the I. 
O. O. P., also L. S. R. A. He is a Republican in the fullest sense of the word. He is the 
owner of ninety-three acres of land. His father set out the first orchard in Conneaut 
Township. 

ABNER P. SALSBURY, Justice of the Peace and farmer, P. O. Albion, was born 
September 2, 1835, in Tinmouth, Rutland Co., Vt., of English descent. Nathan Salsbury. 
his grandfatiier and two brothers— John and Howard— came to America before the Revo- 
lutionary war. The latter two settled in Virginia and Delaware respectively, the former 
settled permanenth'^ in Vermont, locating in Danby, Rutland County, where he raised a 
large family, among whom was Howard, the father of the subject of this sketch. 
Howard Salsbury came to Conneaut, Erie Co., Penn., about the year 1800, settling on the 
piece of ground now occtipied by his son. He was united in marriage, March 8, 1819, with 
Rebecca Pratt, daughter of Abner Pratt, of Tinmouth, Vl. They were the parents of two 
children— John, the eldest, born January 10, 1821, in Tinmouth, Vt., who came to Con- 
neaut in 1845, a farmer by occupation. He removed to Bedford, Taylor Co., Iowa, a short 
time before the rebellion. He was a member of the Twenty-ninth Regiment Iowa Volun- 
teers, losing his life in the Red River expedition May 6, 1863, and is buried on a battle- 
field at Helena, Ark. Howard Salsbury served in the war of 1812, under Perry, was 
school teacher of the early settlement, and Justice of the Peace for manj^ years in this 
township; his office, a log building, was located a few feet east of our subject's present 
residence. He died about the year 1827, and is buried in the Springfield Cemetery, Erie 
County, Penn. His wife, born November 11. 1795, died November 16, 1881, in Tinmouth, 
Vt., lies there. Abner P. Salsbury spent the most of his life until twenty-five years 
of age in Tinmouth and Poultney, Rutland Co. , Vt. He was a teacher in the common schools 
of Granville and Hampton, Washington Co., N. Y., for a number of years, coming West 
first in the spring of 1847, returning to Vermont the same year. October 6, 1851, he re- 
turned to Conneaut and settled permanently where he now resides. He was united in 
marriage, April 17, 1853, with Betsey E., daughter of Henry Wood, an early settler in the 
township. She was born August 13, 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Salsbury have been the parents 
of two daughters — the eldest, Emma J., born October 1, 1854, is now at home with her 
father; Eunice Lillian, born December 3, 1868, died Januarj^ 3, 1875, and is buried in the 
Springfield Cemetery, Erie County, Penn. Our subject is a farmer by occupation. He is 
a Republican in Politics, formerly a Whig. He has served as Town Clerk for ten years, 
and held the oflice of Justice of the Peace for eighteen consecutive j'ears on the same spot 
of land on which his father's office was located. He owns fifty acres of well improved 
land, on which he resides, and thirty-two acres of woodland in Springfield. Mr. Sals- 
bury 's present family are all members of the church 

CAPT. DAVID SAWDEY, third son of Samuel and Elizabeth Sawdey, was born in 
Providence, R. I. ; his parents were of Scotch-Irish descent. When David was a mere 
child, his father moved to New Bedford, Mass. At the age of sixteen, he was apprenticed 
to a blacksmith, but soon afterward bought his time and embarked on a whaling voyage. 
He next engaged in mercantile trade with the East Indies, making several voyages; he 
gradually rose to the rank of Captain, and became half owner of the ship and cargo. On 
one of his return voyages, during the French and English war. he was taken prisoner by 
the English, his ship and cargo confiscated, and himself and crew thrown in prison; he 
was soon afterward released through the intercession of the United States Government, 
and returning to this country, opened a dr.y goods store at Paris, N. Y.. and shortly after- 
ward married Zerviah Smith, daughter of "an eminent Quaker of New Bedford, Mass. In 
1818, he sold out his interest in the drj' goods trade to his partner, and bought a farm in 
Conneaut Township (where he settled in 1819). which is now known as the Sawdey farm, 
but at that time and long afterward known by the early settlers as Lexington, a town of 
1,600 acres, laid out in town lots by Col. Dunning McNair, in 1797. He opened a store in 



CONNEAUT TOWNSHIP. 27 

1820, and for several years thereafter supplied the wants of the early settlers. In 1823, 
he was appointed Postmaster and held the office until it was moved to Pomeroy's Corners, 
and thence to Albion. David Sawde}^ Samuel Bradish and Matthew Harrington were the 
first Comniissioners of Conneaut Townsliip. In 1837, he was elected to the Legislature 
akjng with Gen. Reed, and in 1841, County Commissioner, which office he held for three 
years. His first wife died in 1847, and in 1819, he married Eliza A. Bond, of Fredonia, N. 
Y., who still survives him; he died December 5, 1857. By his last marriage, he had two 
children, a daughter, who died when a cliild, and a son, D. A. Sawdey, who is now a 
practicing Attorney at Erie, Penn. The latter received an academic education at Fredonia, 
N. Y,, and graduated from the literary departmjut of the University of Michigan, in 1876; 
was a candidate for Clerk of the Courts, in 1879, and admitted to the Erie County bar as 
attorney December 1. 1881. 

GEORGE L. SEARS, farmer and proprietor of a ci'eamery, P. O. Albion, was born 
February 22, 184.5, in Massachusetts, son of Layman Sears. Our subject, at the age of 
eighteen, went to Chautautjua County, N. Y., where he was engaged in manufacturing 
butter for about eight years. In 1871, Mr. Sears came to Erie County; he is now running 
the only regular creamery in Erie, situated about half a mile north of Albion, where he 
manufactures about 250 pounds of butter per day, which consumes the milk of about 300 
cows. The milk is placed in large vats, that stand in running water, and hold about 3,000 
pounds of milk. The cream is churned in large cjuantities. Mr. Sears was united in mar- 
riage, December 13, 1865, with Miss Laura Heminger, who was born in 1849 in the State of 
New Y'ork. Five children have been born to this union— Wilson O., born May, 1867; 
Minnie, born May, 1870; Bertha, born June, 1877; Edgar H., born December, 1878; Frank 
M., born July, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Sears are meuibers of the E. A. U. Society. The 
former is a Greenbacker in politics. 

JOSEPH P. SMITH, merchant. Cherry Hill, was born September 18, 1843, in 
Ashtabula Countj^ Ohio, son of Parker Smith, a resident of Cherry Hill. During the late 
rebellion our subject enlisted September, 1862. in Company I, Fourteenth Pennsylvania 
Cavalry, serving under Gen. Avrell, in the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the 
battles of Winchester, White Sulphur Springs, Fredericksburg, Droop Mountains, Cham- 
bersburg, and in other engagements. He contracted typhoid fever in the winter of 
1863-64, but served until his time expired, receiving his discharge at the close of the war. 
Mr. Smith was united in marriage, February 26, 1867, with Miss Julie, daughter of Rasell 
Chapman, of Erie County, one of the old settlers of this section. Two children have been 
born to this union, the first dying in infancy; the surviving child is Clifford W., born Au- 
gust 1. 1873. Our subject is carrying a heavy stock of merchandise at Cherry Hill, where 
he has been in business since April, 1879. He is competing with the surrounding towns, 
and is doing a good trade. His goods are shipped via the Nickle Plate Railroad to Spring- 
field. He is a member of the G. A. R. and E. A. U., and is a sociable, business man. 

MARTHA I. SPAULDING, Postmistress and merchant, Keepville, was born De- 
cember 8, 1830, in Erie County, N. Y"., and is a daughter of Frederick Haughton, who 
came here from New Y^ork about 1832. She was united in marriage in 1848, with Dexter 
Spaulding, who was a son of David Spaulding, born in Erie County, Penn., in 1802. To 
this union were born five children — Dexter R., born August 2<», 1849; Louis A., born Feb- 
ruary 2, 1852; Ellen, born January 2, 1854, died January 22, 1872, and Allie, born Novem- 
ber 22, 1859; Martha J., born January 31, 1864. died February 24, 1882. Mr. Spaulding 
departed this life February 14, 1882, in Hancock County, Ohio, and is buried at Keepville, 
Penn. Our subject has been engaged in mercantile business at Keepville, since her hus- 
band's death, carrying a nice little stock of general merchandise, supporting her familj' 
very nicely. In addition to the store, she has twenty acres of fine land, and is proving 
herself to be a belter business manager than many of the opposite sex. 

JONATHAN SPAULDING, farmer, P. O. Keepville, was born December 23, 1834, 
in Conneaut Township, Erie County, Penn., and is a son of David Spaulding, also a native 
of same township, and probably the first male child born therein. Our subject's grand- 
father, Spaulding, was a native of Vermont, and came to Erie County, Penn., in 1795. 
He married Margaret Stontz, and raised a family of eight children, many of whose de- 
scendants are living in this county; he was a soldier of the war of 1812; died m 1855, aged 
eighty-three year.s, and is buried at Keepville. Our subject's father is still living in Con- 
neaut Township, and has raised a family of ten boys, six of whom are living; he has been one 
of the substantial men of his section for many years. Jor.n'.Lr.n Spaulding was united in 
marriage March 2, 1856, with Miss Loanda, daughter of Mr.: t . \ Bently. This union has been 
blessed with two children— Nora B. and David E. Mr. Spaulding enlisted, August 2, 
1862, in the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served in the Sec- 
ond Army Corps under Hancock, tie was connected with the Army of the Potomac during 
the war. and participated in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg, Wilderness, and in the seige of Petersburg, and finallj' in the capture of 
Lee's army. He also took part in several minor engagements; he was honorably discharged 
in May, 1865, and returned home. He is a member of the G. A. R. ; is the owner 
of 250 acres of fine land. In politics, he is a Republican. Our subject held the rank of 



28 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

First Lieutenant with the position of Quartermaster, havin<^ passed througli a regular line 
of promotion from the position of private. 

FRANCIS M. SPAULDING, farmer, P. O. Keepville, was born August 24, 1839, inCon- 
neaut Township, Erie Co., Penn., sou of John and Priscella Spaulding. His father was a 
native of Erie County, and his mother of Ohio. The former was a son of Jonathan 
Spaulding, who settled here in 1801. John Spaulding died in 1873. His widow is still living 
with her son, John L. ; he was Justice of the Peace many years, and at one time Director 
of the Poor; he was a prominent citizen; he was the father of eleven children, seven of 
whom survive him. Our subject was united in marriage, March 24, 1864, with Miss Ange- 
line, daughter of John McClintock, of Ashtabula County, Ohio. She was born Novem- 
ber 30, 1840. They had one child which died in infancy. Mr. Spaulding owns about sixty 
acres of the old Cole homestead, and is the owner of the celebrated horse known as 
"Prince George," a three-quarter Percheron. Mr. Spaulding is a prominent man in this 
section; is Independent in politics, and a member of the Univer.salist Church. 

GEORGE W. SPAULDING. farmer, P. O. Keepville, was born September 23, 1842 in 
Conneaut Township, Erie County, Penn., sou of David Spaulding, born in same township. 
The father of David was a native of Vermont, anTFcame to this county in an early day. 
Our subject enlisted in the army, 1862, in the One Hundred and Forty-nfth Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry, serving in Gen. Hancock's Corps in the Army of the Potomac, and 
participated in the battles of Antietam. Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, 
Wilderness, siege of Petersburg, and finally in the capture of Lee's army; he was honor- 
ably discharged, jVIay, 1865. Our subject was united in marriage, November 19, 1865, with 
Josephine H., daughter of Garner Palmer, whose biography appears elsewhere in this 
work. Three children have been born to this union — Florence, Garner and Nellie, all liv- 
ing at home. Mr. Spaulding is a descendant of one of the first settlers of Erie Count3% is 
the owner of 130 acres of well-improved land; he is an Anti-Monopolist in politics, was a 
good soldier, and is a good citizen. 

EDWARD W. STUNTZ, farmer and local surveyor, Albion, was born July 29, 1812, 
and came to Albion with his parents in 1815; he had but poor opportunities in obtaining an 
education, attending a subscription school held in a log house, whose windows were made 
of ,4'reased paper; he attended school one term in the city of Erie, when near of age. While 
Deputy Sheriff of the county, Mr. Stuntz was united in marriage, Deceml)er 25, 1836, with 
Miss Isabel, daughter of Amos Hilborn, of New York. Nine children have blessed this 
union, one of wiiom, Edward S., was killed, October 1, 1871, when twenty-two years of 
age, by a log rolling on him. The names of the other children are as follows: Arba L., 
born May 22, 1838; Mary E., born July 23, 1839; Matilda, born January 20, 1842; Amanda 
J., born March 23, 1844, the wife of Dr. A. B. Herd; Martha R., born December 1, 1846; 
Harriet I., born August 15, 1852, the wife of J.J. Hewit; George H.,born October 23, 
1855, and Homer C, born January 29, 1858. The entire family belong to the Methodist 
Episcopal Chiu'ch. ]Mr. Stuntz possesses 150 acres of fine, improved land in the corporation 
of Albion, and a dairy of ten cows; he is a prosperous farmer, highly thought of in the 
community; he is a Republican in politics. 

JOSHUA THORNTON, proprietor of grist mills, Albion, was born May 15, 1846, 
in England, and came to Erie, Penn., when only an infant, with his parents. Mr. Thorn- 
ton has lived in this county ever since May 16, 1876, when he married Miss Jennie Sher- 
man, born March 31, 1847, daughter of William and Rachel Sh(u-man; two children have 
been born to this union — Price, born June 17, 1879, and Leroy, born April 11, 1882. The 
father of the subject of this sketch purchased the Juliet Mills about 1861, the oldest grist 
mill in this section, situated near a beautiful artificial lake, in the northern part of the 
borough of Albion; it is run by water and steam, and does a large amount of business. 
Joshua Thornton is now the proprietor of this mill, and the owner of about twelve acres 
of fine land, on which is his residence; he is a pleasant social gentleman, a Republican in 
politics, and one of the most prosperous business men in Albion. 

GEORGE Van RIPER, manufacturer, P. O. Albion, was liorn February 6, 1847. 
in Erie County, Penn., a son of James and Elmina Van Riper, the former a native of 
New York, the latter of Erie County. Our subject was united in marriage, Decembei' 25, 
1871, with Miss Daphna, daughter of Horace and Fannie Sanders. One child, dying in 
infancy, was born to this union. Our subject has alwaj^s engaged in the manufacturing 
business, generally very successfully; he is now manufacturing lumber, staves, horse 
rakes, handles, cultivators, wooden scoops, etc. Mr. Van Riper and wife are members of 
the Methodist Church. The former is also a member of a Lodge of F. & A. M., I. O. 0. F. 
and E. A. U. In politics he is a Democrat. 

GEORGE WARNER, railroad employe, Albion, was born May 30. 1823, in Germany, 
emigrating to this country in 1847, and coming to Erie County, Penn.. about eighteen 
months Later. He was united in marriage, in 1850, with Margaret, daughter of John 
Forbs, born March 15, 1832; her parents are old settlers of Eriet^ounty. Four children, 
all now living, were born to this union, viz.: Else M., wife of George Scott; Perry F.; 
Huldah M., wife of Richard Holmes, and Leroy G. In September, 1861, during the late 
war, Mr. Warner enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, 



ELK CREEK TOWNSHIP. 29 

serving in the Twelfth and Twentieth Corps, in the Armies of the Potomac and Cumber- 
land, commanded by Gen. Slocum. He first participated in the battles of Slaughter 
Mountains, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettys- 
burg; then his corps was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, and he took part in 
the battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and was with Gen. Sherman in his 
celebrated march through Gt?orgia. He was honorably discharged at Atlanta, Ga., hav- 
ing served three years. Mr. Warner was naturalized in the year 1871; he w^as a good sol- 
dier, and makes a first-class citizen. Since the war he has been in the employ of the E. 
& F. R. R. Co. ; he is a member of G. A. R. ; a Republican in politics. 

JEDUTHAN WELLS, Justice of the Peace, manufacturer of oars, Albion, was 
born December 25, 1824, in Erie County, Penn., son of Franklin Wells, who came to 
this county from Vermont in 1820. Our subject passed through the common schools of 
this section in an early day, then attended the academy at Albion, and afterward the 
Grand River Institute at Austinburg, Ohio. He was united in marriage, in 1844, with 
Mary J., daughter of Potter Sullivan, who came to Erie County about 1833. To this 
union liave been born seven children, viz., Aurora H., Hattie P., wife of E. F. Daven- 
port, died June, 1876; Mary M., wife of Hon. Edgar Pierce, of Michigan; Rozine A., wife 
of M. J. Harrington; Franklin P., Sarah and Florence. Excepting the latter, all the fam- 
ily are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Wells is W. M., of the F. A. M., and A. 
P. G., of the I. O. O. F. He has served as Burgess of the borough of Albion several terms, 
and as Justice of the Peace for about thirty years. He is independent in polities. Mr. 
Wells has manufactured oars to a great extent at Albion. 

MRS. HANNAH WRIGHT, Albion, was born April 5, 1829, in Conneaut Township, 
Erie County, Penn., daughter of Isaac and Ruth Pomeroy, the latter born in same town- 
ship April 20, 1799. and w-^as probably the first white child born in Erie County, although 
a cousin Eliza Crane, was born about the same date. She died June 28, 1874. Our sub- 
ject was married October 11, 1849, ti) George B. S. Montgomerj^ a native of Ohio, who 
departed this life November 23, 1872. Hannah was united in marriage, October 14, 1875, 
with John R. Wright, her present husband, who is a native of Franklin County, N Y., 
born September 18, 1835. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of 
the Equitable Society. They own about forty-seven acres of fine, improved land, on a 
portion of which the father and mother of our subject died, and where she was born. 
John R. Wright enlisted in 1864, j,in Fifteenth New York Engineers, and served with the 
Army of the Potomac at the battles of the Wilderness, siege of Petersburg, and at the 
capture of Lee's army. He received an honorable discharge July 16, 1865; he is a member 
of the G. A. R. He had the typhoid fever in 1865, and has never been physically sound 
since. He is a Republican in Dolitics. 



ELK CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

LIBERTY BALL, farmer, P. O. Platea, was born in Girard, Erie Co., Penn., 
April 11, 1826, son of Samuel Ball, who came here in an early day, and raised a family of 
nine children, four now living, two residents of Erie County; he was a prominent farmer, 
and a man who took special interest in church matters; was a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church; he died in 1876. Our subject was united in marriage. May, 1854, with 
Miss Martha, daughter of Philip Bristol, an old settler of Girard Township, and an influ- 
ential man in the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a Deacon. Mr. and Mrs. Ball 
were the parents of two children, both living — Floyd S. and Ray C. Mrs. Ball departed 
this life, August 4, 1874; our subject owns 200 acres of fine land, part in Elk Creek and 
part in Girard Townships; he is a member of the A. O. U. W. In politics, he is a Republican. 

JOHN BEAUMONT, merchant, Wellsburg, w-as born in England, May 30, 1827, and 
emigrated to Erie County, Penn., with his father in 1842, the remainder of the family fol- 
lowing in the summer of 1843. Mr. Beaumont, Sr.. engaged in farming; he raised a fam- 
ily of eight children, four now living, residents of Erie County; his wife's decease occurred 
in 1866, and he followed her in 1877. Our subject has been twice married, the first time in 
1852, to Miss Julia, daughter of Aaron Gary, an old settler of this count}'. One child, Ida A., 
wife of M. C. Peck, of Ashtabula County, Ohio, blessed this union. Mrs. Beaumont departed 
this life November, 1863, and in 1868," Mr. Beaumont married, for his second wife, Mrs. 
Almira Stevens, widow of W. Stevens, of Conneaut Township. This union has been 
crowned by the birth of one child — William P. Mr. Beaumont commenced his mercantile 
career as grocer on the Erie Extension Canal at Cranesville, Erie Co., Penn., in the 
year 1856. In 1873, he purchased D. Roberts' entire interest in a genei-al stock of merchandise 
in this place. For the want of store accomodations, he was compelled to move his stock of 



30 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

goods to Richmond, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, in 1875, at which place he remained eight 
years. February 1, 1883, he came to Wellsburg, Penn., where he is carrying a heavy 
stock of general merchandise, worth not less than $13,000, and has a first-class trade, he 
is a sociable, genial gentleman as well as a good business man. 

RALPH BOWMAX, manufacturer of lumber, and farmer, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was 
born August 9, 1806, in Madison County. N. Y., son of Tliomas Bowman, a native of Con- 
necticut, who came with Lis family to Erie County in 1831; he was the father of live sons 
and two daughters, three of this family are now living: a daughter, who was eighty-five 
July 3, 1883; our subject and his youngest brother aged seventy-five, March 4. 1883. Thomas 
took an active part in organizing the Universalist Church at Wellsburg, and died July 27, 
18-17; a brother, Elisha Bowman, was in the Revolutionary war, and his descendants are 
now living at Spring Corners; liis wife at onetime resided with Gen. Putnam. Ralph 
Bowman married, April 14. 1836, Miss Jane Van Vleck born in 1813, daughter of Abram 
Van Vleck. of New York, there have been no children born to this union, but 3Ir. and 
Mrs. Bowman have raised two, only one— Ralph Decator, a nephew— now living. Mr. 
Bowman is owner of nearly 600 acres of land, well improved; he has served his town- 
ship as Assessor, Tax Collector, and Treasurer of the school funds; he and his wife are 
members of the Universalist Church. Mr. Bownian is a Democrat in politics, and was 
born under the Jefferson Administration. 

STEWARD BROCK, farmer, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was born in Elk Creek Town.ship. 
Erie Co., Penn., August 11, 1834, son of Francis Brock, who came from New York 
State to Erie County. Penn., in 1836. and raised a family of five children; two now residents 
of Erie County, and one of Bradford County, Penn.; he died in 1856; our subject married 
February 3, 1859, Nancy A. Mitchell, born July 14. 1837. in Erie County, daughter of 
Richarcl'Mitchell, an old" settler of Elk Creek Township. This union has been blessed wit'i 
four children— Ida L.. wife of Austin A. Whitaker; Willis O.; Annie I.; and Ola M. Mrs. 
Brock is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. Mr. Brock has a fine farm of eighty- 
six acres of improved land. Politically, he is a Republican. 

ANDREW J. CAMPBELL, farmer and carpenter, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was born in 
the State of New York, March 9. 1835; he came to Erie County, Penn., in 1838, settling in 
Elk Creek Township, where he lias since remained, except when in the army. Mr. Camp- 
bell married in September, 1854, Miss Jennette, daughter of Samuel Dunning and a na- 
tive of New York Stale. This union has been blessed with six children — Ella M., wife of 
Noah Stafford; Addie E., wife of E. L. Bovee; Cora, deceased at the age of ten years, 
George A.. Saddle S. and Nettie M. Mr. Campbell enlisted Septeml)er 13, 1863, in Com 
pany I, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Voltmteer Cavalry, and served in the middle division of 
the Army of West Virginia; he participated in the battles of Rocky Gap, Droop Mountain. 
Sheridan's raid through the Shenandoah Valley, and other minor eugagemements; he 
served two j'ears and seven months, and received an honorable discharge on account of 
disability in 1865, The disease he contracted while in the army still clings to him. Mr. 
Campbell owns fifteen acres of well-improved land. He and his wife are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a member of the G. A. R.. a Republican 
in politics. 

M. H. COLE, farmer, P. O. Lundy s Lane was born in Washington County, N. Y.. 
April 11. 1818. son of William Cole, a native of Vermont, who went to Washington Coun- 
ty, N. Y., with his father wlren twelve years of age, and came to Chautauqua County in the 
spring of 1826; thence to Erie County in 1835; l^Te purchased a large farm in Elk Creek 
Township same year, and here raised a large family of fifteen children, five of whom are 
still living; he died April 9, 1858, aged eighty-one years and six months. Our subject mar- 
ried in the fall of 1840, Miss Mary L. Dean, born July 2, 1822, daughter of Peris Dean, of 
Canada. This union has resulted in seven children, three perishing in the fiames of their 
burning home, November 3, 1852, and Josephine, dying August, 1860. Those now living 
are Parilee, wife of Charles Percell; Louisa, wife of Tliomas Percell and Victory, wife of 
Robert Scott. Mr. and Mrs. Cole are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The 
former owns a fine farm of about forty-seven acres, has been Assessor, School Director, 
and is now Town Treasurer. Politically, he is a Republican. 

JAMES CULVER, farmer, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was born in New York State. April 1. 
1829, and came to Erie County in 1830, son of Samuel Culver, who departed ihis life about 
1872.' Our subject married, iii 1855, Miss Mary, daughter of William Joslin, an old settler of 
Erie, who died about 1871: his widow, now ninety years of age. resides with her daughter. 
Mrs. Laura Kelsey. Mr. and Mrs. James Culver have been the parents of one child — William 
A. Our subject enlisted ]\[arch 30, 1865, in the One Hundred and Second Regiment Penn- 
sylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac, and 
was honorably discharged in 1865. Mr. Culver is owner of ninety acres of fine, im- 
proved land; he has been Road Commissioner; is a member of the Masonic order; in pol- 
itics a Republican. 

ROBERT B. GATES, proprietor of cheese factory and merchant, Lundy's Lane, son 
of George D. Gates, was born August 35, 1838, in Crawford County, Penn. During the 
late rebellion, Mr. Gates enlisted August, 1863, in the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regi- 



ELK CREEK TOWNSHIP. 31 

ment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Hancock's Corps, Army of the Potomac. He was 
wounded in the right thinh at Fredericksburg; was afterward transferred to the reserved 
veteran corps and in 1865 honorably discharged. Mr. Gates was united in marriage in 
1865, with Miss Mary J., daughter of E. Pool, of Lockport. This union has been blessed 
with two children— James, who died aged thirteen, and G. Dorauce. In 1877, our subject, 
with his family, moved to Erie County, Penn., and purchased the Cold Spring Cheese 
Factory, which he has since been successfully running. He is making as many as eleven 
cheeses per day, consuming for the pnrpos'e the milk from 350 cows, and as he makes a 
first-class article, he always obtains the highest market value. Mr. Gates is also running a 
country store, stocked with groceries, boots, shoes and notions, and is doing an extensive 
business ; he. With wife, is a member of ihe Christian Church. Our subject is a member 
of the A. 0. U. W. Politically he is a Democrat. 

MARTIN HALL, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was born in Cortland 
County, N. Y., May 21, 1834, son of Horace Hall, a native of Connecticut, who came to 
Erie (3ounty with his family in 1836 ; he raised seven children, five now living ; he died. 
May, 1880 ; his widow resides with M. E. Hall, a brother of our subject, whose biography 
appears below. Mr. Martin Hall was married in the fall of 1861, to Miss Annie, 
daughter of James Goodenow, a native of New York State, and one of the first settlers of 
this"section. Mrs. Hall is a native of Illinois. One child, Tessa, has crowned this union. 
Mr. Hall is the owner of 14B acres of excellent land; also two fine Percheron stallions, 
celebrated for their fine breeding qualities. Mr. Hall is descended from a prominent old 
settler; in politics, is a Democrat. 

MILTON E. HALL, farmer, P. O. Elk Creek, was born in Elk Creek Township, 
Erie Countv, Penn., son of Horace Hall, a native of Connecticut, M'ho moved to Erie 
Countv in 1836, settling in Elk Creek Township. They were the parents of ten children, 
five now living and resuiing in Elk Creek, except James S., who resides in Iowa. They 
came here when the country was new and most of the residences, log-cabins. Horace 
Hall was a prominent man in his day, and served at one time as Justice of the Peace; he 
departed this life in April, 1880; his widow is living with her son Milton E. Our subject 
was married, February 7, 1869, to Miss Mary, born July 28, 1846, daughter of George L. 
Doty. Three children have blessed this union — Viana M., Homer J. and Earnest. Mr. 
Hall is owner of eighty acres of well-improved land, near the village of Cranesville; his 
farm is a part of his father's old homestead. Politically, our subject is Democratic. 

JAMES HUBBARD, farmer, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was born in Cortland County, N. Y., 
April 10, 1832, son of Sylvester and Eliza (Patten) Hulibard. The latter is a native of 
New York State, now residing at the age of seventy-seven, with a son on the old farm. 
She has been an invalid for manv years. ' The former was also a native of New York, born 
February 27, 1809, and moved 'to Erie County with his family, July, 1832; be raised a 
family of three boys and three girls, all now re'^idents of this county; he was a prominent 
farmer; he departed this life, April 22, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. SylvesterHubbard were mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our .subject is the oldest child of his father's 
family; he was married in 1855. to Miss Martha H. McGuire, born February 18, 1832, in 
Crawford County, Penn., daughter of William McGuire. This union has been blessed 
with seven children, one dying in infancy: the surviving are — William S., Thomas R., 
Lyda S., Mary E., Clara G. and John J. Mr. Hubbard is the owner of 195 acres of excel- 
lent land, well improved, with fine buildings; he formerly engaged in dairying, but now 
makes the breeding of Short-horn cattle a specialty; he purchased a very fine bull of C. E. 
Petls, of Girard, Penn. This animal was bred from the stock of C. E. Berry, of New 
London, Huron Co., Ohio. Mrs. Hubbard is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. 
Mr. Hubbard has served as Assessor of his township; politically, is a Democrat. 

WILLIAM H. HUBBARD, farmer, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was born August 27, 1845, 
in Elk Creok Township. Erie Co., Penn., son of SylvesterHubbard, a native of New York 
State, who came with his family to Erie County, in July, 1832. He raised ten children, and 
departed this life April 22, 1881. Our subject was married, October 1, 1873, to Miss Abi- 
gail IST. Warner, a native of Elk Creek and daughter of Frederick Warner, an old settler 
of the same township. Four children have blessed this union, viz., Charles J., Rutherford 
B., Frank P. and George H. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard are members of the Baptist Church. 
He now owns 175 acres— his father's old homestead. He has been quite extensively en- 
gaged in dairying, but now intends to make a speciality of Short-horn cattle, as his farm 
is especially adapted to the raising of stock. William Hubbard is a self made man; is a 
Republican in politics. Our subject is a brother of James Hubbard, whose biography ap- 
pears above. 

MARTIN V. B. JOHNSON, surgeon and druggist, Wellsburg, was born in Wash- 
ington County, Md., April 8, 1842, son of David Johnson, of Fulton County, Penn. Our 
subject graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and commenced to 
practice in 1862; subseciuently attended and graduated from the Ohio Medical College in 
1864. He moved to and practiced in Southern Pennsylvania for two years; thence went 
to Holden, Jolinson Co., Md., for seven years, and then practiced three years in Dela- 
ware. In 1879, Dr. Johnson came to Wellsburg, where he has since successfully prac- 



o2 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ticcd his profession; he has also been engaged in tlie drug business for the last four years, 
and is running the only store of the kind in Wellsburg. Dr. Johnson married, December 
25, 1864, Miss Sarah P., daughter of Jesse Woodcoclv, both natives of Baltimore. Seven 
children have been born to this union, viz., Francis E., Jesse W. (deceased), Bessie C, 
Susie M., Shelly K., Lucien and Leila E. Both Dr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the 
Presbyterian Church; he is an A. F. & A. M., and K. of P., and a member of the E. A. U. 
Polilically. he is a Democrat. 

CHAUNCEY JOSLEX, farmer, P. O. Albion, was born in Orleans County, N. Y., 
November 19, 1819, son of Pcleg Jo.slen, a native of New Yorii State, who came to Erie Coun- 
ty about 1833. He raised a family of six boys and three girls, four of whom are still living; 
he was an honest, hard-working man, and died about the year 1850. Our subject was marrried, 
April 25,1847, to Rosetta, daughter of Josiah Steward, an old settler of this section. This un- 
ion has been crowned by the birth of three boys, viz., Julius A., Marcus L. and Chauncey 
A. Julius A. and Marcus L. enlisted just before the close of the war, and received an 
honorable discharge at its termination. Mr. Joslen owns forty acres of well-improved 
land, and Mrs. Joslen owns forty acres also. He and his wife are members of the Free- 
will Baptist Church, in which our subject is an earnest worker, and was a recognized 
minister until his health failed. He lias served his town.ship as Justice of the Peace; Col- 
lector two years, Assessor three years, Auditor one year, and was elected School Director 
at three different times; he was at one time a correspondent for the Erie Gazette, and 
several other county papers. At one time, Mr. Joslen was a strong Abolitionist, but is at 
present a Republican-Prohibitionist. 

WILLIAM H. JOSLIN, farmer, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was born November 15, 1839, 
in Center County, Penn., .son of Ira Joslin, who came to Erie County in 1861, and died 
January 18, 1877. He was the father of twelve children, four of whom survive; five par- 
ticipated in the war of the rebellion, four enlisting in the One Hundred and Forty-fifth 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Reuben lost his life at the battle of Fredericksburg; 
Peter received a shot through his lungs. May 12, 1804, in the battle of the Wilderness, 
from the effects of which he died in 1877; Joseph died in Andersouville Prison; and Jacob 
is badly crippled by a wound in the left ankle received in the battle of Fredericksburg. 
Our subject belonged to Company C, One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer 
Infantry, Army of the Potomac and Cunibsrland. He participated in the following bat- 
tles: Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg (where he was 
wounded in the right arm). Lookout Mountain, Resaca (where he was wounded in the 
head), siege of Atlanta, capture of Savannah, and finally in Sherman's celebrated march 
to the sea; he served three years and ten months, and received an honorable discharge 
July 26, 1865. Mr. Joslin was united in marriage, January 2, 1879, with Miss Mahaly Up- 
ham. She has one child — Zana. Mr. Jo.slin owns sixty-five acres of improved land; in 
politics, is a Republican. 

ERNESTUS S. KENN'EDY, merch mt, Cranesville, was born in Conneaut Township, 
Erie Co., Penn., April 6, 1834, son of John Kenned}^ a native of Connecticut, who came 
to Erie County with his father when a boy. He settled on Conntjaut Creek and raised a 
family of three boys and a girl, all now living; he was a very earnest worker in the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and did much good in this way; he died September 8, 1881; his 
widow is now residing with her youngest son. Our subject was united in marriage, in 
1860, with Miss Alvince, daughter of Horace Hall, one of the first settlers here; she is also 
a sister of M. E. Hall (whose biography appears in this work); two children are the result 
of this union— Dora A. and Charlie. The former and her mother are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Kennedy is a liberal supporter. Mr. Kennedy 
started for himself first as traveling salesman for twelve 3"ears, and in 1880 established 
himself in mercantile business at Cranesville, Penn.. where he is carrying a heavy stock, 
■consisting of clothing, boots, shoes, dry goods, groceries, etc., etc.; he is doing a fine 
business, successfully competing with other tradesmen. Mr. Kennedy is a first-class 
business man; politically, he is a Democrat. 

PERRY KIDDER, retired farmer, P. O. Elk Creek, was born in New York State 
December 6, 1816, son of Thomas and Lucy Kidder, natives of Vermont, who came to 
Erie in 1832; they raised a family of seven children, four still surviving, three of them 
livinj; in this county. Mr. Thomas Kidder was a good citizen, and his memory is much 
revered; his wife died in about 1850, he following about 186J. Our subject was married 
in 1842 to Miss Julia A., daughter of Adam Dertz, one of the first settlers in this section, 
comuig here when the country wa? a wilderness. To this union liave been born four chil- 
dr-n. viz., Lucy A., wife of George N. Barnes; J. P. Kidder, S. J. Kidder and George 
Kidder. Mr. Kidder had formerly a large farm, but he divided it with his boys, retaining 
about twentj^-eight acres for himself. Mr. and Mrs. Kidder are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, in which the former is much interested. He has served his township as 
Collector, Justice of the Peace and Assessor four different times, and has held several oth- 
er town.ship offices. In politics, lie is a Democrat. 

WILLIAM LAWRENCE (deceased). The ancestry of the Lawrence family can l)e 
traced in England from 1191, when Sir Robert Lawrence, of Ashton Hall, Lancashire. 



ELK CREEK TOWNSHIP. 33 

England, accompanied King Richard (called Coeur de Lion) to Palestine, was at the siege , 
of Ste. Jeanne d'Arc, and was the first to plant the banner of the cross on the battlements 
of that town, and there received his knighthood. His grandson, Sir James Lawrence, 
married Matilda Washington. There were four brothers, lineal descendants from him. 
The eldest, Henry, went twice to Holland. John and William were born at Great St. 
Albans, Hertfordshire, England; they emigrated to America, arriving at Plymouth, Mass., 
in the winter of 1635, in the ship Planter. William married twice, had ten children and 
died in 1686. His second wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Smith, of Smithville, 
Long Island. She married, the second time. Sir Philip Carteret, and on her death left her 
property on Little Neck Bay (afterward known as Lawrence's neck), in the township of 
Flushing, Long Island, to her son Joseph Lawrence, who married a daughter pi Sir 
Richard Townly, and a sister of Lady Effingham. John married and had nine children; 
his first sou's name was Richard Lawrence, who married and had a son, William, who 
married Charity Carnell, and he became the possessor of Lawrence's Neck, Long Island. 
This union was blessed with seven children, three girls and four boj's; Richard, the second 
son by this union, was taken prisoner by the British in the Revolutionary war, and was 
held in confinement seven years. The seventh child, Olivar, was born in 1758, and served 
in the American Army for independence; he married Patty Wait and had eleven children, 
and died in Crawford County, Penn. (This genealogy is recorded on the county record in 
Queens County, Long Island, to this date. See Surrogate's office, New York City, A. D. 
1680, Library No. 22, page 24.) Olivar's second son, Joseph Lawrence, was born in Dutch- 
ess County, N. Y., December 25, 1782, and married Jerusha Austin January 1, 1804; with 
his family and two yoke of oxen he moved from the town of Berne, Albany Co., N. Y. ; 
he had eight children by his first wife, Jerusha; he died in Crawford County, Penn., 
March 17,1875; he was the father of the subject of our sketch. William Lawrence was 
born in Berne, Albany Co., N. Y., September 8, 1811, and was united in marriage August 
27, 1846, with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Ebenezer Baldwin, who moved from White- 
hall, Washington Co., N. Y. State, to this county in 18;:36. This union has been blessed, 
with five children, two dying in infancy. The survivors are Thirza J., William J. and 
Selina S., wife of Franklin Main. Our subject lived with his father until he was nine- 
teen; then took a piece of land for himself in Greene Township, right in the woods where 
deer abounded, and endured all the hardships of a pioneer life; he was a self-made man in 
every respect; he moved to Elk Creek Township in 1865, where he owned 112 acres of fine, 
improved land. Mr. Lawrence and his wife were members of the church; he was a Re- 
publican in politics; he held several town offices in Greene; he gave the land for the first 
schoolhouse in his vicinity in Greene, and it is now known as the Lawrence Schoolhouse. 
He got his first start in life by working six months at .|10 per month, and saving all his 
wages. He died of consumption February 1, 1884, aged seventy-two years, four months 
and twenty-three days; his body was interred in the Spring Cemetery, Crawford County, 
Penn. 

GEORGE MANTON, farmer and ex-County Auditor, P. O. Elk Creek, was born in Or- 
leans County, N. Y., August 15, 183S, son of James Mauton, who came to Erie County 
with his family in 1859, but is now living in Michigan. Our subject, married, December 
6, 1863, Martha, second daughter of Horace Hall, Esq., a native of Connecticut, who came 
to Erie County in a very early day. He was a man of considerable influence and held the 
office of Justice of the Peace many years. He died in 1881; his widow is living with her 
youngest son in this township. This union has been blessed with one child — Ida A., born 
October 24, 1864. Mrs. Manton is a member of the Methodist' Episcopal Church of Cranes- 
ville Mr. Manton was elected xluditor of Erie County in 1881, on the Democratic ticket, 
and has filled said office with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public. He 
also held the office of Town Clerk for some years. Mr. Manton owns thirty-five acres of 
fine land situated next to the village of Cranesville. He is a Past Master of the jNIasonic 
fraternity. 

FRANKLIN MARTIN, farmer, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was born January 18, 1822, in Gen- 
esee County, N. Y., son of Dan Martin, a native of New Hampshire, who, with his family, 
came to Erie County in 1836. He raised ten children, six now living, two residing in Erie 
County. He departed this life in 1870. Our subject, the second sou in this family, married 
March 4, 1847, Miss Ann Morse, born in England and daughter of John Morse, of Huron 
County Ohio. This union has been blessed by the birth of four children, viz. : Mary A., wife 
of Thomas Hurst; Eugene L., Fanny and Frank. Mr. Martin, with his family, moved to 
Erie County about 1852, settling in Elk Creek Township. He owns a well-improved piece 
of land, consisting of eighty-seven acres. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Cliurch. Politically he is a Republican. 

■THOMAS OSBORN, Jn., merchant and Postmaster, Lundy's Lane, was born in En- 
gland October 12, 1846, and is a son of Thomas Osborn, Sr., of McKean Township, Erie 
County. About 1847, he came to Erie County with his famih^ and has resided here ever 
since. He has raised a family of five children, four of whom are now living in this county. 
Our subject enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer 
Infantry, August 11, 1862, and served under Gen. Hancock, in the Second Corps, Army 

3 



34 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of the Potomac. He iDarticipated in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg (where he 
was wounded in the left leg), Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court 
House, Cold Harbor, where he was wounded by a ball passing between the jugular 
vein and wind pipe, coming out at the back of his neck, and also was wounded in his left 
arm and shoulder about the same time. He was then transferred to the Veteran Corps, 
and mustered out as Captain. Sixteenth Veteran Reserve Corps, in 186.5. In 1871, Mr. Os- 
born married Mi.ss Mary E., daughter of Alpheus Bates, and a native of Erie County. He 
was at that time proprietor of the Sterrettania Woolen Factory, in Erie County. This 
union has been blessed with one child— Thomas A. Our subject came to Wellsburg in 
1872, where he was Principal of the public schools the first winter; after which he en- 
gaged in mercantile business in which he has since remained, having increased his capacity 
and is now carrying an immense stock of goods of all kinds, including agricultural imple- 
ments, and is doing an extensive business. He has been Postmaster since 1872. He is 
Commander of the Col. Lyttle Post G. A. R., No. 240, is now Chief Mustering Officer 
of Pennsylvania, and has held the position since the same was instituted. Mr. Osborn has 
been a delegate to the State Convention several times. He is politically a stanch Repub- 
lican. 

REV. JOHN B. PAGE, Justice of the Peace andminister of the Free-Will Baptist Church, 
Lundy's Lane, was born in East Alton, Strafford County, N. H., July 6, 1819, and is a sou 
of Rev. John Page, who died in 1833, and whose father (also John Page) was a Colonel in 
the Revolutionary War, a native of New Hampshire, and who at one time owned the town- 
ship of Wentworth same State. Our subject commenced the ministry, when twenty 
years of age, in New Hampshire. After his marriage he moved to Oneida County, preach- 
ing there for about two years, and then to Oswego County, N. Y., for two years more. In 
1849, Mr. Page moved to Erie County where he has since been preaching. Mr. Page was 
united in marriage, January 5, 1843, with Miss Ruth Lombard, whose father was a sea 
captain. This union has been blessed with seven children; the surviving are Nellie C, 
wife of Dr. O. Logan (see his biography); Emma, wife of A. B. Snow; and John, who is 
unmarried and lives in Wellsburg, on his farm with his father. Mr. Page has served as 
Justice of the Peace at Wellsburg, for four years. He is a pleasant, sociable gentlemen; a 
member of the Masonic fraternity ; politically a stanch Republican. 

ISAAC POWELL, farmer and dealer in agricultural implements, P. O. Lundy's Lane, 
was born in the State of New York, January 1, 1818, a son of James Powell, who came to Erie 
County in March, 1837, with his family. He had eleven children, five of whom are now 
living in Erie County. James Powell was a prominent man. and held the offices of Justice 
of the Peace and Poormaster in New York ; he was a Captain in the war of 1812, and died 
in August, 1860. Our subject married, September 29, 1840, Miss Susan M. Winchester, 
born November 26, 1823, daughter of Daniel Winchester, one of the first settlers of Elk 
Creek Township, and a native of Vermont. This union has been blessed with six cliildren, 
two of whom died in infancy; the living are— Alonzo AV., Edgar C, Adelbert(who runs his 
father's farm), and Helen, wife of George Baird. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. The former is owner of 175 acres of well-improved land and 
a very nice village property. He has been engaged three years in his present business; 
deals in the New Buckeye Mowerand Reaper and other farming implements, and is doing a 
fine business. Mr. Wells has served as Township Commissioner and School Director; is a 
Republican in politics. 

RICHARD POWELL, farmer and County Commissioner, Wellsburg, P. O. Lundy's 
Lane, was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., March 23, 1837; son of James Pow- 
ell, a soldier of the war of 1813, who came to Erie County in 1836, and had a family 
of eleven children, five of whom reside in Erie County. Our subject is a brother of Isaac 
Powell, whose sketch appears above. Richard Powell married, in 1853, Miss Nancy L., 
daughter of I. T. Stitt, a native of New York State, who came to Erie County in an 
early day. Three children have been born to this union, the eldest dying in infancy. 
Those now living are: George Jay and Fred S.,both residing with their parents. Mr. 
Powell owns about tw^o hundred "and tw^enty-four acres of well-improved land in Elk 
Creek Township. He is now filling satisfactorily the office of County Commissioner, to 
which he was elected in 1881. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and is a leading Re- 
publican. 

EDWARD W. RANDALL, merchant, Wellsburg, was born in Ccnneaut Township, 
Erie Co., Penn., June 17, 1831, son of William S. Randall, who came to Erie County in 
1801, when only eighteen years of age; he and his father came from New York State, driv- 
ing stock through the woods, the'latter, with family, coasting along the lake. Both 
arrived where the city of Erie now stands the same day, and only a few hours apart. 
William S. Randall raised a family of nine children, three of whom are now living in Con- 
neaut Township, and was one of the first men in his section in an early day; much of his 
time was passed in teaching. He served in several township offices, departing this life in 
the spring of 1848. Our siibject is a brother of Rev. W. S. Randall, whose sketch is also 
in this work. Edward W. Randall was united in marriage, December 30, 1853, with 
Louisa, daughter of John Spaulding, and grand-daughter of Jonathan Spaulding, one of 



ELK CREEK TOWNSHIP. 35 

the very first settlers of this section. Mrs. Randall was born July 27, 1835. Four chil- 
dren, all now survivino-, were born to this union, viz.: Clarence E., of the firm Randall & 
Marlow, harness and saddlery. Wellsburf;:; May L., wife of Augustus Creamer; Emma C, 
wife of Charles D. Marlow; Helen A. With the exception of the youngest, the entire fam- 
ily are members of the Universalist Church. Mr. Randall moved lately from Conneaut 
Township, where he owned thirty acres of finely-improved land. This farm he sold, and 
he is now one of the leading merchants of Wellsburg. In politics, Mr. Randall is Inde- 
Dcndent. 

GEORGE H. RANDALL, farmer, P. O. Elk Creek, was born in Elk Creek Township, 
Erie County, Penn., November 6, 1839, and is a son of L'a G. Randall, also a native of 
Erie County, and still living here. Our subject was united in marriage, January 1, 1863, 
with Sylvia L. Wells, born^March 22, 1839. daughter of Samuel Wells. Two children have 
blessed this union, viz.. Lois E. and Kay E., both now living. Mr. and Mrs. Randall are 
memljers of the E. A. U. ; the former is owner of forty acres of well-improved land. This 
couple are descended from two of Erie County's oldest families. Mr. Randall is independ- 
ent in politics. 

HARRISON RAYMOND, farmer, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was born in Kno.x County, 
Ohio, September 16, 1840; son of Nehemiah Raymond, a native of Massachusetts, who 
came with his family to Erie County about 1820, but afterward removed to Ohio. He de. 
parted this life September 16, 1860. Our subject enlisted, August 20, 1861, in the Eighty- 
third Regiment P. V. I., Company H, serving with the Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac, 
He participated in the siege of Yorktown, Peninsula campaign, second battle of Bull Run, 
Antietam, Nine Mile Run, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg (where he was wounded in the 
head); after his recovery, he rejoined and took part in the battles of the Wilderness. Spott- 
sylvania Court House (where he was wounded in the left side, some of the shot still re- 
maining in his body), siege of Petersburg and at the surrender of Lee's army. He was in 
every rank from Eighth Corporal to First Lieutenant. He was honorably discharged. July 
22. 1865, having served nearly four years. Mr. Raymond was married, April 30. 1871. to 
Miss Lucy West, born September 8, 1849. daughter of Benjamin West, now living in Elk 
Creek Township, of which he was an old settler. This union has been blessed with two 
children — Alice and Harry. Our subject is. with his wife, a member of the Free-Will Bap- 
tist Church. He owns a house and four acres of good land; he has held the office of Audi- 
tor of his township; is a member of the A. O. U. W., and a Republican in politics. 

LYMAN SEARS, farmer, and dealer in phosphates, P. O. Cranesville, w^as born in 
Colerain, Franklin Co., Mass., October 19, 1818, son of Enos Sears, a native of Dennis, 
Mass.. whose father. John Sears, was the fourth generation from Richard Se;irs, who was 
one of the pilgrims that landed at Plymouth in the year 1620, and whose descendants are 
scattered all over the United Stateg. Our subject possesses a very cleverl}^-drawn genea- 
logical tree, tracing the descendants of the old pilgrim. Lyman Sears was united in mar- 
riage, April 5, 1843, with Miss Annie Pierpoint, born in Massachusetts, daughter of Isaac 
Pierpoint, a native of Connecticut, who also comes from an old family, among the first to 
settle in the United States. To this union have been born George (whose biography ap- 
pears elsewhere in this work), Ann E. (wife of Edward Hawks), Henry, Alice (wife of 
Newel Wilcox) and Nancy (deceased, aged five years). Mr. Sears brought his family from 
Gerry, N. Y., to Erie County in 1876, where he has since been extensivelj^ engaged in sell- 
ing phosphates, and such is the demand for this article that he sells 150 tons annually. He 
also farms to some extent, having twelve acres of fine land adjoining the village of Cranes- 
ville, where he raises large quantities of fruit and garden truck. Mr. and Mrs. Sears are 
members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, in which the former is a Deacon and active 
Sunday school worker; he is a member of the E. A. U. 

GEORGE J. SHERMAN, sewing machine agent, village of Wellsburg, P. O. Lundy's 
Lane; born in Elk Creek Township, Erie Co., July 10, 1855; is a sou of Charles Sherman, a 
native of New York State, a prominent farmer, and collector of the tax during tlic war; he 
was also at one time Captain of the militia. He died July 5, 1876; his widow still survives, 
and was keeping house for our subject in Wellsburg. They were both members of the Uni- 
versalist Church. Our subject was raised on a farm, and learned the broom-making trade, 
working at same seven years, when he engaged in mercantile business with O. W. 
Irish, at Wellsburg, Penn., for aboxit two years; he then bought out Mr. Irish's interest, 
running the business by himself for little more than a year, when he sold out again the- 
entire business to Mr. Irish. He then became book-keeper for the above firm— AVilliam 
Boynton & Co., broom manufacturing — for nearly fo\ir years; a portion of the time was 
also traveling salesman for the same company. He then clerked a season in Erie. Penn. 
About 1881, he commenced his present business, and is now successfully handlinii' the No- 
ble Machine (manufactory in Erie), competing favorably with the best, and leading all 
others. He is a Democratic in politics. Later. October. 1883. he married Miss ]Minnie Keely, 
teacher in music, and is now living happily with his bride in rooms taken in the Stockdale 
Block. Wellsburg, Penn. 

IRA SMITH, farmer, P, O. Platea, was born in Girard Township, Erie County, May 
18, 1838, son of Hymenens Smith, a native of New York State, who came to Erie County 



36 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in 1837, and was quite a prominent farmer of that section in an early day. He had a fam- 
ily of three children, all now living in Erie County. He died in August, 1867; his widow, 
the mother of our subject, is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Seth Stevens, on the old 
homestead. Ira Smith was united in marriage. May 18, 1858, with Miss Hannah, 
daughter of J. Tolhuan, a soldier in the war of 1812, and an old settler of Erie County. To 
this union have been born tw^o children — William E. and Frank. Our subject is a self- 
made man, working hard for all he now owns. For twenty-one years, in an early day, he 
worked on the canal, whose bed runs by the site of his present farm. He owns ninety 
acres of very fine land, witli splendid buildings erected on same. He is a member of the 
A. O. U. W. ; has been School Director for the last two terms. Mr. Smith in politics is a 
Republican. 

JOHN R. SNYDER, proprietor of planing mill and manufacturer of furniture, 
Wellsburg, was born in Switzerland October 24, 1847, son of Benjamin Snyder. In 1870, 
our subject began manufacturing furniture on a small scale in Wellsburg, Penn. He has 
been gradually increasing the same, until he is now doing a tine business both in this in- 
dustry and in his planing mill, which he started in connection with the furniture in 1876; 
he is also an undertaker. Mr. Snyder keeps a well-assorted stock of furniture (not all his 
own manufacture) on hand; his establishment is one of the most enterprising in the village 
of Wellsburg Our subject married. May 7, 1871, Miss Hattie, daughter of Eli Colton, a 
native of Erie County, Penn., still residing in Elk Creek Township. This union has re- 
sulted in three children, viz., Jennie M., George W. and Mable G. Mr. Snyder is, politi- 
cally, a stanch Republican. 

J. W. STEVES, farmer, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was born in Rome, N. Y., October 31, 
1845; son of Joshua Steves, a native of New York. Our subject came to Erie County 
October 26, 1836, and married October 29, 1837, Louisa, daughter of Samuel and Mercy 
Sherman, who came here from New York in 1831. Seven children have been born to this 
union, five of whom are now living in Erie County. Their names are as follows: Sally, 
wife of C. G. Ames; Mercy, wife of E. F. Taylor; Harriet R., wife of P. B. Roberts; Mary, 
living at home; Nancy, deceased, and Perry J. Mrs. Steves died July 4, 1860, and Mr. 
Steves married March 27, 1865, Miss Huldy, daughter of Lemuel and Elizabeth Stewart, 
formerly of New York, coming to Erie Countj^ in about 1823. Mrs. Steves is a member 
of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and a Democrat in politics. 

REV. ANDREW R. WARD, minister of Zion Church, Wellsburg, was born in 
Wyoming County, N. Y., December 16, 1828, and is a son of Thomas P. Ward, who came 
with his family to Erie County, Penn., in 1838. He has six children, all living. Our sub- 
ject married in 1851 Lois, a daughter of Augustus Mills, of Oneida County, N. Y. Two 
children have blessed this union — Orlando H. and Will A., both residents of Erie County. 
Mr. Ward has been preaching for about thirty years; for the last fourteen in Zion Church, 
of which his wife and eldest son are members, and which he was instrumental in organiz- 
ing. It is situated one and a half miles east of Cranesville. Our subject enlisted August 
3, 1861, in the Eighty-third Pennsjivania Volunteer Infantry (Porter's Corps), Army 
of the Potomac. He participated in the Peninsular campaign; was Chaplain (by vote) 
four months, and was wounded in the leg and head at Savage Station. He reofeived his 
discharge for disabilitj^ December, 1862, and receives a pension. Mr. Ward is owner of 
twenty-three acres of land, mostly in the village of Wellsburg, where he has lived for the 
last thirty-five years, with the exception of the time spent in the army. He has on his 
property, besides his residence, a grist and saw mill, now known as the Wellsburg Water 
Mill, and a threshing machine, and is d-oing as good a business as any in Erie County. He 
also carries on blacksmithing, in which he has engaged for eighteen years. Mr. Ward is 
temperate in all things. In politics, he is a Republican. 

HENRY WEED, wagon-maker, Wellsburg, was born in Springfield Township, Erie 
Co., Penn., July 4, 1836; son of William Weed, who came to Erie County from Warren 
County, N. Y., in 1829. He had a family of thirteen children, five residents of Erie 
County. He died May 6, 1872. Our subject enlisted, January 5, 1864, in the Independent 
Battery of Erie, and was with the Army of Tennessee. He participated in the battles of 
Buzzard's Roost, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Pine Mountain, New Hope Church, Kene- 
saw Mountain, Chattahoochie, and siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Columbus, Spring Hill, 
Franklin, and Nashville, Tenn. He was honorably discharged in Texas October 12, 1865. 
Our subject was united in marriage, in 1867,with Miss Pollle, daughter of Liberty Salsbury. 
This union has been blessed with four children, one dying in infancy. The others are 
William L., Maurice and Orie. Mr. Weed is engaged in manufacturing and repairing 
wagons and buggies, and is doing quite an extensive business. He is part owner in the 
broom factory in Wellsburg. Mrs. Weed is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Mr. Weed is a good business man, a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. Post 240, 
Pennsylvania. 

JULIUS E. WELLS, tanner, Wellsburg, was born in Franklin County, Vt., October 
14, 1812, and is a son of Samuel Wells, a native of Massachusetts, who came to Erie 
County with his family in 1^15! He~manufactured salt about a mile south of Wellsburg, 
and as his was the only industry of the kind between here and Pittsburgh, he found a 



>< 



FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP. 37 

ready sale for all he made, which was about five bushels per day. He departed this life 
in 1825. He was quite a prominent man in an early day. His eldest son, Otis, about 1831, 
laid out Wellsburg, which bears his name, and was its principal business man for many 
years. He raised quite a large family, most of whom are living West. Our subject mar- 
ried, in 1835, Miss Louisa, born February 26, 1812. daughter of Wilson Cole, formerly of 
Washington County, N. Y., who came to Erie County in 1832, where he was a very prom- 
inent farmer. Ten children have been born to this union. Those surviving, are Franklin 
P., Mittie (wife of Robert McNamara), Julius C, Jr., A. Judson, Addie (wife of James 
Lutted). Mr. Wells was in mercantile business for several years, but since 1885 has en- 
gaged in tanning on an extensive scale, employing six men, fifty vats, and using steam. 
He built his tannery, which is one of the prominent enterprises of Wellsburg. He also 
built a fine grist mill in 1878. which is now owned by Mr. Stell. Mr. and Mrs. Wells are 
members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, in which he has been a Deacon for the last 
thirty-five years. He has six acres of fine land on the boundaries of Wellsburg, on which 
is a fine residence. Though formerly a Whig, he now supports the Republican principles. 

JAMES M. WOODRUFF, farmer, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was born in Pike County, 
Penn., March 18, 1823, and came to Erie County with his parents, in the spring 
of 1837, settling in Elk Creek Township. His father raised a family consisting of three 
sons and two daughters, three of whom are now living; he departed this life in 1838. Our 
subject married, March 20, 1853, Miss Phebe Wells, born April 23, 1830, daughter of Obea 
Wells, and a niece of J. E. Wells, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work. She 
is a native of Crawford County, Penn. Their union has been blessed with five children — 
John W., E. Lodicie, Henry K. (deceased June, 1876), Row O., and one deceased in in- 
fancy. After his marriage, Mr. Woodruff settled on his present farm, then a perfect wil- 
derness, which, thanks to his industry, now consists of 150 acres of well-improved land. 
He makes his dairy a specialty. While in the South, before the war, Mr. Woodruff nearly 
lost his life by being stabbed in the back by an intoxicated man. He is a self-made man; 
politically, a Republican. 

EMANUEL M. ZIEGLER, blacksmith and carriage-maker, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was 
born in Waterloo County, Upper Canada, March 5, 1820, son of Ditman Ziegler, a native of 
Pennsylvania, who came to Erie County, Penn., in 1836, and raised a family of six chil- 
dren, four living; he died in Canada in 1858. Our subject has been twice married, first in 
1842, to Miss Matilda, daughter of Joseph Zinn, of Erie County, Penn. Five sons and 
four daughters were born to this union, eight now living, viz. : Emma (wife of Julius Wells); 
Lavina (wife of Marsh Maxwell); Lucinda (wife of Webster Winchester); Catharine (wife 
of Frank Fellows); Franklin, George, William and Webster. Mrs. Ziegler died in 
1863. and our subject married Miss Margret Jones, of Girard. One child, Ulysses G. has 
crowned their union. Our subject was engaged in selling lightning rods for sixteen years. 
About seven years ago he commenced blacksmithing in Wellsburg, and has since been 
doing an extensive business. He has now the leading shop; also irons carriages and 
wagons. He and his wife are members of the Universalist Church. He owns some prop- 
erty in Wellsburg. Politically, he is a Republican. 



FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP. 

REUBEN BAER, farmer, P. O. Fairview, was born May 31, 1831, in Fairview Town- 
ship, son of Daniel and Leah (Stotler) Baer, natives of Lancaster County and Pittsburgh 
respectively. They had nine children — Martha (deceased),' Fanny, Eliza, Reuben, Mary, 
Levi (a soldier in the late war), Harriet, Joseph and Martin. Daniel Baer purchased wild 
land, in an earl}' day, in Erie County. He was a carpenter, and built and owned the first 
grist mill on Baer Creek, subsequently replaced by a larger and more substantial structure, 
which he operated until his death. He was for many years Road Commissioner and 
School Director. He was also a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 
which he was Steward and Trustee for a long period. He died November 22, 1865; his 
widow still survives. Reuben Baer married, June 16, 1853, Matilda H., daughter of Curtis 
and Eve (Kauffman) Heidler, born in Fairview Township, October 11, 1836. Eight chil- 
dren have been born to this union — Peny A., Susan J. (deceased), Seth H., Myron C, 
Alice v., Carrie G., Albert G. and Scotta D. (deceased.) Mr. Baer has cleared a good farm 
of 120 acres, on which he has fine farm buildings, within three miles of Fairview. He was 
elected Road Commissionerin 1870. He is an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal Church; 
in politics, a Republican. 

ISRAEL W. BARD, farmer, P. O. Fairview, was born in Lancaster County, May 20, 
1827, son of John and Elizabeth ( Weidler) Bard. The latter was a daughter of Samuel and 



3^ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Fanny (Binkley) Weidler, natives of Lancaster County, who had a family of ei^i^ht children, 
viz.: William (served in the late war), Israel W.. Fanny, Samuel, Catherine, Susanna (de- 
ceased), Elizabeth and Isaac. John Bard. Sr., was a farmer of Leacock, Lancaster Co., 
Penn., where he died in 1867. Israel W. Bard was united in marriage, May 39, 1856, with 
Mary Kendig, born September 17, IS'S'S, daughter of Henry and Sarah (White) Kendig, 
natives of Lancaster County, Penn.,wlio had afamily of twelve children— Samuel, Eli, Mary, 
Cyrus (deceased), Matilda, Henry, Daniel (who served in the One Hundred and Forty-fifth 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the whole war),. Sarah, John and Barbara surviv- 
ing^. Henry Kendig, Sr., settled in Mill Creek Township, Erie County, in 1831. He was 
an*'active citizen; a Republican in politics; died November 11, 1881. His widow is now liv- 
ing. To Mr. and Mrs. I. W. Bard were born six children, viz.: Elizabeth (deceased), 
Clara, Addie J., John H., Daniel W. and George A. Mr. Bard's farm, comprising seventy- 
one acres of land under a good state of cultivation, with good farm buildings, is situated 
three miles from Fairview. He is a member of the G. A. P., Post 359, Fairview; in 
politics, a Democrat. 

JOSEPH BARDSLEY, contractor, Fairview, w^as born in Yorkshire, England, March 
23, 1835, coming to America in 1863, and to Erie County in 1863. He is a son of Joseph and 
Sally (Whiteley) Bardsley, natives of Yorkshire. England, who had a family of four chil- 
f\i-en— Joim and Joseph surviving. Joseph, Sr., was a son of John Bardsley, also a native 
of Yorkshire, and l)oth died in England. (Jur subject was educated for the ministry of the 
Church of England, at the Lyceum of Oldham, England, and holds certificates for pro- 
ficiency in geometry, algebra, grammar, arithmetic and mensuration from the Mechanic's 
Institutes. The presentations were made by Lords Stanley, Disraeli and Brougham. He also 
holds a certificate for general knowledge from the Analytic Institute of Oldham. The late 
Prince Consort was President and Patron of the above Institute. Mr. Bardsley knows 
five languages. In 1863, he relinquished his position as teacher in the Greenacres Grammar 
School 1o come to this country. Mr. Bardsley married, in 1856, Mary Whiteley, born 
August 35, 1831, daughter of Tkomas and Mary (Holmes) Whiteley, all natives of York- 
shire. Their children were William, James and Sarah, who all died in England. Mr. 
Bardsley visited his native land in 1864, returning to this country in 1867, and has since 
engaged in various pursuits in ditferent localities. He settled in Fairview in 1871. Mrs. 
Bal-dsley died September 7, 1881. Mr. Bardsley is a member of the Royal Templars. He 
is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a Republican. 

EPHRAIM BOYER, farmer, P. O. Fairview, was born in Berks County, Penn., 
December 31, 1819, son of Charles Boyer, born June 11, 1785, married to Elizabeth, 
daughter of James and Harriet Delaplaue, all natives of Berks County. They had a 
family of ten children— Solomon, Lewis, Anthony, William. Silas, Mahlon and Mary A. 
(deceased), only Ephraim, Thomas and Sarah A. survive. Charles Boyer, a soldier of the 
war of 1813, was a son of Charles and Mary (Moudy) Boyer, the former a native of Vir- 
ginia, served all through the Revolutionary war; was paid in Continental money, which 
became worthless while he was visiting Montgomery County, obliging him to remain there. 
His wife was a native of the latter county. His son Charles, father of our subject, came 
to Erie County in 1837, purchasing 392 acres in Le Boeuf Township. After cultivating 
about seventy-five acres, he sold this property in 1853, and purchased 111 acres in Fairview 
Township, where he died March 9, 1858, his wife following him July 37, 1864. Ephraim 
Boyer married January 28, 1858, Eliza Shank, born June 37, 1819, widow of Henry Shank, 
and daughter of Henry and Charlotte (Ruth) Wolfe, all natives of Lancaster County, 
Penn. There are no children. Mr. Boyer resides on the home farm, about a mile from 
Fairview. He was Road Commissioner two terms, from 1876 to 1883, and Inspector of 
Electors. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. 

FRANK CAUGHEY, farmer, P. O. Avonia, was born in Washington County, Penn., 
November 19, 1813, son of John Caughey, born in Lancaster County, June 13, 1784, and 
married to Ann V. AVilson, born October 6, 1786, daughter of Miles Wilson, a 
native of Washington County, Penn. They had thirteen children— Andrew, Miles, 
(at one time Sheriff of Erie County), David, John and George, all deceased; those 
living are, Frank, Jane E., William M., Nancy A., Mary, Sarah B., Samuel and 
Susan. John Caughey came to Erie County about 1805, subsequently .settling in 
this township. He was a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Caughey) Caughey, of Irish 
descent. He was a soldier in the war of 1813, and Superior Collector of his township. 
His wife died May 6, 1839, and he June 18, 1859. Our subject married September 15, 1839, 
Emily Cook, born in 1817, daughter of Alvin and Catharine (Daggett) Cook, of German 
descent the former was a native of New York State. By this union there were four chil- 
dren— Cassius (deceased), William H., Johnston J. and Emma. Mrs. Caughey died 
October 19, 1848, and December 30, 1849, Mr. Caughey married Harriet Childs, ^Jorn in 
Harbor Creek Township June 38, 1836, daughter of Theodore and Jane (Crawford) Childs, 
the former a native of Connecticut, the latter a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Custard) 
Crawford, all natives of Susquehanna County, Penn. Thomas Crawford's father was a 
Major in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Caughey's second marriage was blessed with one 
daughter— Jane A., wife of Charles J. Sturgeon. Mr. Caughey is a substantiel citizen of 



FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP. 39 

Fairview Township, in which he has served as Road Commissioner, School Director, Col- 
lector, etc. He has fine farm buildings, and fifty-three acres of land a half mile from Fair- 
view Borough. He is a Presbyterian; in politics a Republican. 

WILLIAM DUNCAN, farmer, P. O. Swanville, was born in Mill Creek Township, 
April 29, 1829, son of Andrew Duncan, born Januur3\ 1797, and Agnes (Daniel) Duncan, 
born in 1797, both natives of County Deny, Ireland. Of their ten children, William, 
Eliza, Martha, May, Jane and Francis are now living. Andrew was a son of James Dun- 
can, a native of Scotland. He came to America in the spring of 1822, and in 1825 pur- 
chased twenty-five acres of wild land, settled in Mill Creek Township. He was an indus- 
trious and substantial pioneer, owning at one time 264 acres of excellent farm land. He 
served as School Trustee of Mill Creek. He died October 19. 1877, his wife having pre- 
ceded him in 1875. W^illiam Duncan married, October 19, 1854, Margaret Patton, born 
June 6, 1829, daughter of Thomas and Isabel (McBenley) Patton, all natives of County 
Armagh, Ireland. Three children were born to this union — Letitia, Andrew (deceased), 
and William. Mr. Duncan is an excellent farmer, using expensive fertilizers, and gener- 
ally producing good crops. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. In 
politics he is a Republican. 

JOHNSTON EATON, fruit-grower, Fairview, was born February 15, 1818, in Fair- 
view Township, son of Rev. Johnston and Eliza (Canon) Eaton, the former born February 
7, 1776, in Franklin County, and the latter a daughter of John Canon, born March 11, 
1780, in Fayette County, Penn. They had nine children — Martha, Nancy and Isaac (a 
soldier in the late war) are deceased ; John, Daniel C, William W., Jolinston, Samuel M. 
(a minister of the Presbyterian Church, residing in Franklin City, Penn.,) and Elizabeth. 
Rev. Johnston Eaton was a son of John Eaton, of English descent, and one of the first 
settlers of Franklin County, Penn. He entered the junior class of Princeton College, 
New Jersey, and graduated from Jefferson College at Cannonsburg, Penn., in 1802. He 
visited Erie County, then spent a year in Southern Ohio, returning to Erie in 1806. He 
was ordained by the Presbytery of Erie June 30, 1808, previously preaching his first ser- 
mon in a small log tavern at the mouth of Walnut Creek, near Swanville. He was instru- 
mental in building the first two churches in Fairview, and also labored for the cause in 
Erie and Springfield for upward of forty years. He died June 17, 1847, his widow following 
him February 5, 1872, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Johnston Eaton married, 
October 13, 1842, Eliza A. Adams, born April 6, 1824, daughter of David and Deborah 
(Thorn) Adams, all natives of New York State. Eight children have been born to them, 
viz., Adelaide, Viola, Frank C, Clara H., Charles' (deceased), Florence D., Jessie (de- 
ceased) and Lillian. Mr. Eaton's fruit farm comprises forty acres, twenty of which are 
planted with apples, pears, peaches, grapes, raspberries, etc. Mr. Eaton and family are 
members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a Republican. 

WILBERFORCE C. EATON, merchant and Postmaster, Fairview, was born May 27, 
1845, in Fairview Township, son of William W. and Elizabeth (Clemens) Eaton, the 
former born October 10, 1811, in Fairview Township, is a son of Rev. Johnston and Eliza- 
beth (Canon) Eaton, the latter born April 23, 1814, in Waterford Township, is a daughter 
of John and Mary (Irvin) Clemens, natives of County Derry, Ireland, and Carlisle, Penn., 
respectively. William W. Eaton is the father of three children — Wilberforce C, Emma I. 
and Retta E. He is a retired farmer residing in Fairview, where he has held many ofiices. 
He was elected County Commissioner in 1857, Poor Director in 1870, and appointed County 
Bridge Commissioner in 1876. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church ; in politics 
a Republican. Wilberforce C. Eaton, after preparing for a collegiate course in Fairview 
High School in 1861, entered the Adrian College, Michigan, where he remained three years. 
He then taught a term in Lenawee County, Mich. In 1865, he engaged in the dairy business 
in Venango County, Penn., subsequently teaching a term in Fairview High School. 
Mr. Eaton married, March 14, 1867, Elizabeth A., daughter of Jacob Beckman, by 
whom he had four children— Roy C. (a bright, promising boy of eleven, killed by the 
kick of a horse May 11, 1879), Clyde C, Edith B. and Donald W. Mr. Eaton commenced 
in mercantile business in Fairview in 1866, and was appointed Postmaster in 1872. He 
has been School Director several terms, is at present a Councilman. He has at various 
times been a Republican delegate to the county, and in 1882 to the State Convention at 
Harrisburg. He is a member of the Masonic order. 

CHRISTIAN EINFELDT, furniture manufacturer and undertaker, Fairview, was 
born September 8, 1829, a son of Claus Christian Einfeldt, a native of Schleswig-Holsteiu, 
Denmark. The father emigrated to America in 1852; the mother in 1857, settling in 
Fairview, where he died November 11, 1882. Christian learned his trade in Pretz, Hol- 
stein (now a German State). He established his present business in 1854. He keeps on 
hand an excellent stock, or manufactures to order; he has a good hearse in connection 
with his undertaking department. Mr. Einfeldt enlisted in Company B. Ninetj'-eighth 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry in 1865, and served four months in the war. 
He was united in marriage, March 22, 1865, with Mary, daughter of John Un.schler, of 
Fairview Township. They are the parents of five children, viz., Frederick, Addle, Will- 
iam, Albert and May. He is a charter member of the Equitable Aid Union, and G. A. R., 
Post No. 369; he is a Democrat in politics. 



40 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

JAMES H. GLAZIER, cider manufacturer, Fairview, was born in Erie Cit}\ Septem- 
ber 30, 1843, son of Phillip P. Glazier, who was born in Connecticut June 5, 1805, a son of 
Ira Glazier, also a native of Connecticut, who mii^rated to Erie County in 1810. Phillip 
P. married Elizabeth M., daughter of Jacob and Emily (Cummin^s) Carmack, natives of 
Scotland and Pennsylvania respectively. Elizabeth was born in Erie in 1814, and was the 
mother of William C, by trade a painter, who emploj^ed his spare time in studj'inj^ med- 
icine (he entered the Medical University of New York, where he graduated with honors; 
after a short practice in Bellevue Hospital, was appointed Assistant Surgeon at Fort El- 
lis, Montana, subsequently becoming Surgeon in charge of the Army Hospital at Key 
West, Fla. ; in 1880, he wrote a treatise on " Trichinea and Trichinosis," which was 
printed by order of Congress; he spent a year in the baud service of the Eighty-third 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the late war, and died December 13, 
1880, at Key West, of yellow fever); Albert T. (deceased), was a Sergeant in the One Hun- 
dred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. The surviving members of the fam- 
ily are Emily C. James H., John H. W., Jacob C, Phillip P. and Joseph P. Phillip P., 
Sr., died October 28. 1868, his widow following him in November. 1879. On October 12, 
1865, our subject married Mary E. Mosher, who was born in Waterford Township, Febru- 
ary 14, 1845, daughter of John and Judith (Fryer) Mosher; she died September 29, 1880. 
Mr. Glazier next married, September 24, 1882, Mary E. Miller, born in Fairview Township, 
January 11, 1861, daughter of Phillip and Magdalene (Semler) Miller, natives of Germany. 
He is proprietor of the Fairview Steam Cider and Jelly Mill, and is doing a prosperous 
business. Mr. Glazier is a member of the Lutheran Church, of the Equitable Aid Union; 
in politics, is a Democrat. 

LEVI HEIDLER, farmer, P. 0. Fairview, was born June 21, 1825, in Fairview Town- 
ship. Erie Co., Penn., son of Curtis and Eva (Kauffman) Heidler, both natives of Lancas- 
ter County, Penn., who had a family of ten children — Eliza and Leah, deceased; and Su- 
sanna, Maria, Levi, Israel, Sarah A., Fannie, Matilda and Curtis H. Curtis Hiedler, Sr., 
came to Erie County in April, 1823, purchased and settled on 150 acres of land in Fair- 
view. This he improved and added to until he owned 549 acres. He took an active part 
in the township affairs; was at one time Road Commissioner, also County Director of the 
Poor, one term; he died in 1872; his widow is now living. Levi Heidler married, Febru- 
ary 18, 1847, Fanny W. Bear, born October 24, 1827, daughter of Daniel and Leah (Stotler) 
Bear, natives of Lancaster and Allegheny Counties, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Heidler had four 
children — Albert (deceased January 22, 1880), Clayton B., Harriet A. and Wallace Monroe. 
Mr. Hiedler's farm of seventy acres, three miles from Fairview, and one hundred acres 
which he owns of the homestead, are under a good state of cultivation; he has superior 
buildings and tine stock, among which is a thoroughbred Short-horn bull raised by J. C. 
Thornton. Mr. Heidler has filled the offices of School Director and Road Commissioner. 
In politics, he is a Republican. 

CURTIS H. HEIDLER, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairview, was born February 13. 
1840, in Fairview Township, son of Curtis Heidler, born December 25, 1790, who married 
Eve Kauffman, born Jul}' 26, 1797, daughter of John and Annie (Schwore) Kauffman, all 
nativesof Lancaster County, Penn. Theirchildren were Eliza and Leah (deceased), Susanna, 
Maria, Levi, Israel, Sarah A., Fanny, Matilda and CurtisH. Curtis, Sr., was a son of Chris- 
tian and Elizabeth (Weikel) Heidler, natives of Lancaster Count.y. of Swiss descent. He 
came to Erie County in 1822, and purchased 160 acres of wild land, which he cleared and 
converted into one of the finest farms in the township. He at one time filled the office of 
County Director, and was also at an early date Supervisor and School Trustee in the 
Township. He died February 28, 1872; his widow is now living. Our subject married, 
November 1, 1860, Sarah Thomas, born in Mill Creek Township, April 5, 1842, daughter of 
Christian and Nancy (Miller) Thomas, natives of Lancaster Countj\ They have one child 
— Ida F. Mr. Heidler owns the homestead farm, comprising 190 acres. He was elected 
Road Commissioner of the township in 1875, and is now School Director of Fairview. 
Politicallv, he is a Democrat. 

JOHN HIGHBERGER, farmer, P. O. Fairview, was born in Elk Creek Township, 
March 8, 1803, son of George Highberger, born in 1770 and Catharine (Deets) Highberger, 
born in 1778, daughter of Aenestus Deets, all natives of Maryland; they had eleven chil- 
dren; the surviving are, John, Elias, Cyndisa, Lucinda, Orilla, Eli and Caroline. George 
Highberger came to Erie County in 1798, and was one of Elk Creek's earliest pioneers; he 
was a Lieutenant in the war of 1812, and a Supervisor of Elk Creek Township. Remov- 
ing to Mill Creek Township in 1816, he bought and cleared 200 acres of land; he was Su- 
pervisor of this township also, and School Director; he died in 1849; his widow in 1862. 
John (our subject) married, March 9, 1826, Maria Long, born in Fairview Township, De- 
cember 9, 1810, daughter of John and Nancy Long, natives of Lancaster County, Penn. 
By this union there were seven children — John, Josiah, Solomon, Abraham, Sarah A., 
Maria and IMartha (deceased). Mr. Highberger is one of the few living representative 
pioneers of the count}'. At various times, he has served as Road Commissioner and School 
Director of Fairview. For many years he was Exhorter and Class Leader in the Evan- 
gelical Church, but lately has identified himself with the United Brethren; he is a Repub- 
lican in politics. 



FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP. 41 

RICHARD B. KELSO, farmer, P. O. Fairview, was born November 16, 1852, in Fair- 
view Township; son ofMelvin M. Kelso, born in Erie City, September 1. 1816, wlio was 
married to Martha S. Johnson, born in Fairview, May 3, 1817, daughter of Samuel and Ann 
(Barnett) Johnson, natives of Dauphin County, Penn. They had eight cliildren, of whom 
Anna J., Richard B., Melvin M. and EfRe B. are now living. Melvin M. Kelso, Sr., was a 
son of Gen. John Kelso, a soldier in the war of 1812, one of the first settlers of Erie, and 
owner of much valuable real estate. In early life he was a sailor, then for a number of 
years was clerk in the Erie Post OfBce . Inheriting from his father 130 acres on Ridge Road 
in Fairview Township, he eventually adopted pastoral pursuits, in which he was very suc- 
cessful, owning 474 acres of farm propert3'. He was a prominent citizen, ably filling the 
offices of County Director of the Poor, Township Road Commissioner, Justice of the 
Peace, etc. He was an adherent of the Presbyterian Church, to which, with all other good 
causes, he contributed liberally. He died November 18. 1866; his widow still survives. 
Richard Barnett Kelso now owns the home farm, wiiich he is greatly improving, and on 
which he is erecting fine buildings. Politically, he is a Republican. 

MELVIN M. KELSO, farmer, P. O. Fairview, was born November 23, 1855, in Fair- 
view Township, and is a son of Melvin M. and Martha (Johnson) Kelso. He was united 
in marriage, December 16, 1875, with Ada C. Taggart, born in Girard Township, July 9, 
1859, daughter of Alexander and Halda D. (Burnell) Taggart, former a native of Girard 
Township, latter of New York State. One child has blessed this union — Edna A., born 
November 21, 1877. Mr. Kelso owns a fine farm of 112 acres, one and a half miles from 
Fairview. He has an excellent dwelling and farm buildings, and his land is under a su- 
perior state of cultivation. Melvin M. Kelso is a member of the Presbyterian Church; in 
politics, is a Republican. 

JOHN A. KLINE, farmer, P. O. Fairview, was born May 26, 1837, in Fairview Town- 
ship, Erie County, Penn., son of John A. and Nancy (Ripley) Khne; the former, born in 
1800, was a son of John Kline, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., and of German de- 
scent. The latter, a daughter of Jacob Ripley, was born October 3, 1799, all natives of 
Lancaster, Penn. Of the six children born to this union, Elizabeth, Martha, Anna and 
George are deceased; Sophia J. and John A. are now living. John Kline, Sr., came from 
Conestoga, Lancaster County, to Erie County about 1826, purchasing eighty acres and set- 
tling in Fairview Township, then a wilderness, in 1827; he passed through many hard- 
ships. There were few roads, and when making trips to Erie (with oxen)^ requiring two 
days, he frequently had to chop his way with an ax. By perseverance and industry he 
acquired for himself and family one of the finest homesteads in the township; he died 
September 7, 1838. his widow July 23, 1879. Our subject, J. A. Kline, was united in mar- 
riage, November 7. 1861, with Rozina Beiri, born June 7, 1844, daughter of Christian and 
Mary (Reiser) Beiri, natives of Switzerland, former born in 1812, died February 6, 1874, 
latter born June 12, 1819. To J. A. Kline and wife have been born William G., J. E., 
U. S., Charles, Cora A., Miron C. and Frank R. J. A. Kline now owns and resides on the 
homestead, one and one-half miles from Fairview Borough; his dwelling and farm build- 
ings are among the best in the township; he has taken an active part in township affairs; 
he is a member of the Presbyterian Church in Fairview; also is a member of the A. O. U. 
W. In politics, he is a Democrat. 

JABEZ LUTHER, farmer, P. O. Fairview, was born in Rhode Island January 9. 1801. 
and came to Erie County February 8, 1827. He is a son of Jabez and Lydia' (Brown) 
Luther, natives of Rhode Island, who had a family of seven children, viz., Polly, William, 
George, Martha and Nancy, all deceased, and Jabez and Samuel B. Jabez Luther, Sr., 
was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and died December 23, 1818, his widow following 
him February 2, 1836. Our subject was united in marriage, October 19, 1820, with Cath- 
arine Adams, born January 16, 1801, daughter of Abner and Desire (Knashcroft) Adams, 
all natives of Connecticut. Seven children were born to this union — William T., Henry 
G., Orsin J., Abner A., Nancy D., Lydia A. and Samuel H., who served three years in 
the late war, and died April 2, 1883. Mrs. Luther departed this life March 16, 1864. Abner 
A. married, October 29, 1857, Matilda, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Rohrar) Rhodes, na- 
tives of Lancaster County, Penn.; she was born January 10, 1833. Four children have 
blessed this union, viz., Samuel P. (deceased), Kittle M., Elba J. and Belle N. Mr. Luther 
is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; in politics, a Republican. Jabez Luther has taken some 
part in the affairs of the township, and has filled the offices of Road Commissioner and 
Collector. He has been a member of the Christian denomination forty-nine years. In 
politics, he is a Republican. 

STEPHEN LUTHER, farmer, P. O. Fairview, was born July 31, 1834. in Fairview 
Township, Erie County, Penn.; son of William Luther, born December 29, 1784, and mar- 
ried, January 22, 1806, Martha Kenyon, both natives of Rhode Island. His father and 
mother, Jabez and Lydia (Brown) Luther, were also natives of Rhode Island. William 
Luther was a prominent pioneer citizen of this county, having traded eighty acres of well- 
improved land in Otsego County, N. Y., for 500 acres of wild land in Erie County, to 
which he brought his family and goods in two covered wagons, drawn by horses and oxen, 
arriving in Fairview Township March 5, 1825, after a tedious journey of twenty-six day;. 



42 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

His wife djnug December 17, 1825, he married Catliarine Stuotz, born September 1, 1803, 
daughter of Conrad and Cynthia (Randall) Stuntz, natives of Germany and Ohio respect- 
ively. Nine children were born to this union — Albert and Lerilla (deceased), Mary, Cath- 
arine, Stephen, Lucinda, Asahel (a soldier in the late war), Nanc.y J. and William. Mr. 
Luther's second wife dying, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Lucy Upham, a widow, 
by whom he had no children. He served at one time as Township Supervisor of Fairview. 
He departed this life March 13, 1868. Stephen, the subject of our sketch, was united in 
marriage, January 29, 1857, with Ruby, daughter of Clark and Lucinda (Cook) Morse. She 
was born November 12, 1837; her parents were natives of Connecticut and New York 
State. To this union have been born five children— Albert M., Iva May (deceased March 
30, 1863), Cassie M., Clark William and Sara Gertrude. Mr. Luther is owner of excellent 
buildings and a farm of 100 acres three miles south from Fairview Borough. He and his 
wife are members of the Christian denomination. In politics, our subject is an Independ- 
ent Republican. 

THOMAS W. MOORHEAD, farmer, P. O. Fairview, was born in Fairview Township 
December 15, 1855, and is the onlj' child born to Thomas and Jane (Russell) Moorhead, the 
latter a daughter of William and Jane (McClure) Russell, all natives of Fairview; the for- 
mer, born September 19, 1812, was a son of James, a soldier in the war of 1812, and Ann 
(Wilson) Moorhead, natives of Dauphin County, Penn., who came to this count}' early in 
the present century. Thomas Moorhead was a substantial citizen, and owned consid- 
erable properly in this township; he died in 1856; his widow married Christian Lohrer, 
and is now living. Thomas Wilson Moorhead mai-ried, October 23, 1879, Mary K. Smith, 
a native of Girard Township, born October 23, 1861, daughter of Eugene D. and Keziah A. 
(Caughey) Smith, natives of Vermont and Fairview Township respectively. Thej' have 
one daughter — Blanche C, born August 3, 1880. Mr. Moorhead's property, situated about 
a mile from Fairview Borough, comprises the home farm of 175 acres, under a good state 
of cultivation, with excellent farm buildings. He is a Republican in politics, and was a 
delegate from Fairview Township to the County Convention at Corry in 1880. 

DANIEL W. NASON, Clerk and Treasurer and County Director of the Poor, P. O. Erie, 
was born in Fairview Township September 28, 1.828, son of William and Rebecca J. (Allen) 
Nason, former a native of North Kingston, R. I., born November 12, 1799; latter born in 
1801 at Amsterdam, N. Y., daughter of Samuel P. and Martha (Beckwith) Allen. They 
had a family of seven children — William M. (a soldier in the late war), Sylvester V., Ce- 
lesta S. (deceased), Benjamin J., Daniel W., Clother B. (a soldier in the late rebellion) and 
Phebe R. A. William Nason was an early settler of this township, coming about the year 
1824; he died March 14, 1865. Daniel Webster Nason married, October 20, 1864, Polly 
Washburn, born September 19, 1840, daughter of Seymour andLydia (Hopkins) Washburn. 
Their children are Myrtle M., Martha A., Willie S. and Joseph E. Mr. Nason, who suc- 
ceeded to the home farm in Fairview, was educated principally in the public schools. He 
served as School Director four years, as Clerk and Assessor, and in Maj^, 1879, was ap- 
pointed Clerk and Treasurer of the Countj' Poor Board at Erie, a position for which he is 
well adapted. He is a member of the Christian denomination; in politics, a Republican. 
WILLIAM S. ROSS, farmer, P. O. Fairview, was born in McKean Township July 80, 
1832, son of Trueman and Hannah (Irish) Ross, the former born March 5, 1800, died Sep- 
tember 13, 1880; Hnd the latter born February 28, 1803, died July 30, 1879. Our subject 
was united in marriage, August 31, 1862, with Julia W. Townlee, born February 5, 1839, 
daughter of Robert' and Elizabeth (Maloney) Townlee, both natives of Pennsylvania. 
Three children blessed this union — Rol)ert, EllieMay (deceased) and Lizzie H. Mr. Ross' 
farm of sixty-three acres, three miles from Fairview, is well stocked, has excellent fann 
buildings, and is under a good state of cultivation. He is a member of the Equitable Aid 
Society. In politics, he is a Republican. 

JOHN RUSTERHOLTZ, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in McKean Township June 2, 
1827, son of John J. and Catharine (Kauflman) Rusterholtz, the former a native of Swit- 
zerland, born May 15, 1785, and the latter born in Wittenburg, Germany, September 27, 
1805. The surviving children of the eleven born to them are Eliza, John, Christina, So- 
phia, Jacob, Levi (a soldier in the late war, and wounded at the battle of Antietam), Susan, 
Christopher and Charlotte. J. J. Rusterholtz emigrated to America about 1819, serving 
Michael Kreidler, a farmer in Lancaster County, Penn., three j^ears, in payment for his 
passage. While in Lancaster County, he married Catharine Kibler, who also emigrated 
under similar circumstances. She lived but a year after marriage, dying February 24, 
1875, and Mr. Rusterholtz then married Catharine Kaufmer. He clune to Erie County in 
1825, purchasing fifty acres in McKean Township. Here he died September 21, 1864, the 
owner of 180 acres of fine farm lands. John Rusterholtz, our subject, married, January 
24, 1854, Eliza Zahn, born in McKean Township June 6, 1837, daiighter of Christian and 
Barbara (Hostetter) Zahn, natives of Berne, Switzerland. Five children were born to this 
union— Etta M., Levi H., John W., Amos J. and Lester B. Mr. Rusterholtz owns superior 
farm buildings, a well situated farm of 196 acres, and the homestead farm, comprising 
eighty acres. 



FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP. 43 

JAMES RYAN, farmer, P. 0. Fairview, was born in Dauphin County, Penn., Aue:ust 
y, 1808, son of James and Sarah R3\in. Sarah was a dausrhter of Robert and Ann (Wat- 
son) Kennedy, all natives of Dauphin County. James, Sr., born February 5, 1777, was a 
sou of .Tohn and Jane (Goudy) Ryan, natives of same county. John was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war; John Ryan was born about 1745, in Big Valley, near Philadelphia, 
Penn., permanently settling in Hanover, Fishing Creek Valley, Dauphin County, Penn. He 
was a son of another John, the originator of this familj' in America, who came from Ireland 
in 1710. James and Sarah Rj^an had seven children, viz., Ann and Sarah (deceased) and 
Jane, James, John, Robert and Samuel. They came to Erie County in 1810, and purchased 
160 acres in Fairview Township, then a wilderness abounding with wolves, bears, deer and 
other game, which they converted into a comfortable home. He was a pioneer, and a sol- 
dier in the war of 1812-14. . James Ryan, our subject, was united in marriage, November 
3, 1836, with Abigail P., daughter of Samuel P. and Lucy (Beckwith) Allen, natives of 
Massachusetts and Connecticut respectively. Nine children have been born to this union, 
viz., Elmina M., Theodore M., Chancy A., Lucina G., Andrew J., Eliza J., George W., 
Clinton W. and Nettie H. Mr. Ryan has filled many township offices, among which are 
Road Commissioner, School Director, Collector and Inspector of Elections. He was com- 
missioned Lieutenant and for seven years Captain of the State Militia. Mr. Ryan and his 
wife are members of the Christian denomination. In politics he. is a Republican. 

MARCUS D. SATTERLEE, physician and surgeon, Fairview, was born in Crawford 
County, Penn., February 22, 1854, son of De Witt C. and Sarah S. (Thickstun) Satterlee, 
natives of Allegany County, N. Y., and Crawford County, Penn., respectively, who had a 
family of live "children — Ida A., Marcus D. Eva, Nellis C. and Mattie. His wife dying 
Marcii 19, 1872, Mr. Satterlee married Mary Price, also born in Crawford County, by whom 
he has one son — Slillman. Mr. Satterlee is residing in Hayfield, Crawford County, where 
he has a fine stock farm. Marcus De Witt received his primary education at home, and 
later on in the public school. In January, 1876, he commenced the study of medicine, and 
in 1877, entered the university at New York, from which he graduated in 1879, obtaining 
his diploma. In the fall of 1879, he commenced to practice in Fairview, where he has been 
very successful. He is also junior partner in the firm of Hunt & Satterlee, druggists. Fair- 
view. Dr. Satterlee is a member of and Medical Examiner for the A. O. U. W. and Eqiiita- 
ble Aid Societies. Politically he is a Republican. 

CAPT. CHRISTIAN SEXAUER, proprietor of Mayside Hotel, P. O. Swanville, was born 
in Baden, Germanj', June 3, 1828, and came to America April 16, 1844, locating first in New 
York, where he learned shoemaking, and settling in Erie City in 1847. He is a son of 
George J. and Christiana (Buller) Sexauer, both natives of Baden, who had five children — 
Christian, William and Plenry surviving. George J. died in 1834. His widow married 
Joseph Koustanzer, of Baden, and came to this county in 1847, settling in Fairview, where 
she died July 6, 1882. Christian Sexauer married, August 30, 1850, Lizzette, daughter of 
John and Barbara (Shunk) Cronenberger, natives of Germany, Mrs. Sexauer was born 
April 16, 1826; she was the mother of Emma E. (deceased), Charles H., Louisa and Will- 
iam C. She departed this life November 4, 1874. Capt. Sexauer remarried, February 16, 
1876, Cynthia J. Lipton, a widow, born in Mercer County, April 11, 1847, daughter of 
Isaac and Elizabeth (Walker) Pruden, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. Mr. 
Sexauer volunteered as private, September 2, 1861, in the One Hundred and Eleventh 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantr}^ In November, same year, he was elected 
First Lieutenant and breveted Captain in the spring of 1864. He was wounded three times, 
receiving a rifle shot in the lungs at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga. He received his 
discharge in April, 1865. Capt. Sexauer owns the popular summer resort on the lake shore, 
adding yearly to its many natural attractions. The Captain is a member of the G. A. R. ; 
in politics is a Republican. 

JOHN STERRETT, fanner, P. O. Sterrettania, was born in Mill Creek Township, 
December 25, 1814, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Marron) Slerrett, natives of 
Pennsylvania; the former was a son of Robert Stearett, born in Ireland. They had a family 
of eight children; the surviving are Robert, Eliza J. and Margaret A. (twins) and John. 
Mr. Sterrett dying about the year 1816, his widow married Zachias Joiner. This union was 
blessed by a son — Sherman M., now residing in Springfield Township. Mrs. Sterrett died 
May 12, 1852. John, our .subject, married, September 27, 1849, Eunice O'Donnell, born in 
Erie County, March 6, 1729, daughter of Cornelius and Eleanor (McFetridge) O'Donnell, 
natives of Ireland. To this union were born Henry (deceased), Mary B. and John W. 
Mrs. Sterrett departed this life August 2, 1859, and on the 12th of November, 1861, Mr. 
Sterrett was united in marriage with Rosanna Spence, born July 14, 1831, a daughter of 
John and Esther (Mooney) Spence, all natives of this State. By this union there are five 
children, viz.: Elizabeth L., William S., Sherman M., Hettie M. and Sarah J. Mr. Ster- 
rett has a well-stocked farm of 131 acres, four miles from Fairview. In politics he is a 
Republican. 

SAMUELM. STURGEON, farmer, P. O. Fairview,wasborn June4, 1851, in Fairview, son 
of Samuel C. and Martha (Eaton) Sturgeon. The latter born May 12, 1813, was a daughter 
of Rev. Johnston and Elizabeth (Canon) Eaton. They were the parents of eight children, 



44 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

six of -whom are living — Xancy C, Elizabeth I., Lucy A., Johnston I., Samuel M. and 
Theodore F. Samuel C. Sturgeon, born in 1801, in Dauphin County, came to Erie Count}- 
with his father, Jeremiah Sturgeon, who was one of Fairview's earliest pioneers. S. 
C. Sturgeon was a carpenter as well as a farmer, and erected a number of buildings in this 
township, among which, are the Sturgeon homestead and the Monitor House. He filled 
several township offices, and was the first Burgess of Fairview, He died May 21, 1877; 
his widow February 24, 1883. Our subject married, December 11, 1872, Jane A. Johnson, 
born October 5, 1853, daughter of John and Fanny (Fargo) Johnson, natives of Dauphin 
County, Penn., and New York State respectively. Mr. Sturgeon chiefly followed farming 
until 1882, when he formed a partnership with Pressley McCreary. They are purchasing 
grain, paying highest market quotations for barley, etc., and also do a large trade in mid- 
dlings, phosphates and hard and soft coal. The firm name is McCreary & Sturgeon. They 
do a general forwarding and commis.sion business: have superior business connections and 
facilities for shipping, and consignors will find it advantageous to patronize this firm. 

JOHN J. SWAN (deceased), was born in Harrisburg, Penn., March 14, 1793, and was a 
son of Capt. Richard Swan. Our .subject married, June, 1825, Eunice A. White, born in 
Sherburne, N. Y., May 15, 1805, daughter of Ezra and Lydia (Evans) White. Bv this 
union there were twelve children, of whom Charles J., Andrew F., Adelaide M. and Henry 
H. are deceased. The surviving are Lucinda, Eliza C, Harriet, Lavinia, Henry C, Jose- 
phine, Eugene B. and Clayton K. Andrew F. and Eugene B. were soldiers in the late war. 
Charles J. was in Mississippi when the war broke out. He escaped rebel conscription, but 
was imprisoned on account of his Union sentiments and taken to Atlanta, Georgia, from 
whence he made his escape, traveling on foot at night back to Vicksburg, arriving there 
after the city had surrendered to Gen. Grant, where he fell dangerously sick, and was in 
the United States Hospital for several weeks. He came North in 1868, broken in health, 
and was appointed Postmaster at Bullion, Penn., but his commission arrived only the night 
before his death, which occurred June 18, 1877. At the age of sixteen, John J. Swan 
taught the first school in Girard Borough. He afterward taught in Mill Creek Township, 
and in Erie, in the log schoolhouse, where the high school now stands. In 1812, he 
assisted in the survey of the "Triangle" and also responded to the calls for service iu the 
war of that year. From 1815 to 1818, he was in the employ of P. S. V. Hamot, of Erie, 
in mercantile business, and was a partner with him in a branch store at Conneaut, Ohio, 
in 1818 and 1819. During 1821-22, he kept a store at Green Bay, Mich. Returning to Erie 
in 1823, he took up land, and established a homestead. For a number of years he farmed 
and kept a hotel, but for twenty-six j-ears before his death he devoted himself entirely to 
farming. He was County Auditorin 1831, 1832, 1833. In politics he was a Whig, and after- 
ward a Republican. He was an honest and patriotic citizen. He died July 22, 1878. His 
wife preceded him October 22, 1855. 

LIEUT. COL. ANDREW F. SWAN (deceased), formerly Sheriff of Erie County,was born 
in Fairview Township, October 16, 1832, and was a son of the latp John J. Swan, a native 
of Harrisburg, Penn. He enlisted as private in the Sixtli Regiment United States Regular 
Cavalry, July 19, 1861; was promoted eventually to the rank of Major, and Lieutenant 
Colonel by brevet; his first promotion was to the rank of First Sergeant of Company 6, 
Sixth Cavalry. Col. Swan was in 101 battles and skirmishes; he had his horse shot under 
him at Shepherdstown, Va., and was wounded in a charge on Fort Magruder, Williams- 
burg, Va. He was commissioned Captain of Companv C, Sixteenth Regiment Peuusvlva- 
nia Cavalry, March 8, 1863, and at Hawes Shoji (battle of Cold Harbor), May 28, 1864, 
was wounded through the left elbow by a minie ball, from which he suffered intensely for 
several years; he was then promoted Major of the same regiment. At the battle of Stony 
Creek, December 1, 1804, he commanded the Sixteenth Cavalrj-in person. His first brevet 
of Lieutenant Colonel March 13, 1865, was for " gallant and meritorious services during the 
war;" he was compelled b}^ his wounds to resign toward the close of the war. In 1867, 
Col. Swan was elected Sheriff of Erie County: he died April 18, 1876, his death being 
indirectly hastened bj- his previous years of suffering. In character, he was frank and 
outspoken, and a brave and intrepid soldier. 

RICHARD SWAN, farmer, P. O. Swanville, was born in Middle Paxtang Township, 
Dauphin County, Penn., December 4, 1796, son of Capt. Richard Swan, born March 14, 
1758, in same county. He was a soldier in Capt. Cowdin's company during the Revolu- 
tionary war, a Lieutenant in the whisky insurrection, then rose to the rank of Captain. 
He was a son of Closes and 3Iargaret (Baruett) Swan. The former was born in 1713, son 
of Richard Swan, who came from the north of Ireland in the last centiuy. Moses settled 
in Dauphin County in 1730, and died about 1785. Capt. Richard Swan married Catharine 
Boggs, born in Dauphin County, in 1762, by whom he had seven children — Lydia, Will- 
iam B., John J., William (2), Richard, Moses and Andrew. Richard is the onl}^ one now 
living. Capt. Swan came to Erie County in 1797. and purchased 200 acres of land of the 
Penn Population Company in Fairview Township. Shortly afterward, he became man- 
ager of the Presque Isle Company's Mills, at the mouth of Walnut Creek. In October, 
1801, he left Dauphin County in a four-hor-e wagon, crossing the mountains and arriving 
at McKeesport while it was still pleasant "Indian summer" weather. They were obliged. 



FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 45 

however, to winter at McKeesport ou account of low water, reaching their destination in 
May, 1802. Capt. Swan sold his first property to John Kelso, buying 400 acres on the 
lake snore in West Mill Creek for $1,200, half of which was recently bought by Hon. 
William L. Scott for $33,000. He died April, 1808, and his widow in March, 1844. Our sub- 
ject, Richard Swan, married January 13, 1826, Margaret B., daughter of Jeremiah and 
Jane (Moorhead) Sturgeon, natives of Dauphin County. She was born in Fairview Town- 
ship September 3, 1803. They were parents of eight children — William B. (a soldier in the 
late war), Jane S., Edwin, Emily, Sophia, Rosanna (deceased), Mary and Byron W. Mr. 
Swan has served twice as Supervisor of Fairview Township (1822-1836); School Director 
and Secretary in 1839, and as Triennial Assessor in 1864. He is a Presbyterian; politically, 
a Republican. 

SAMUEL S. WEIDLER, farmer, P. O. Fairview, was born in Lancaster, Penn., May 
5, 1838, son of Daniel and Catharine Weidler; the former born February 12, 1805, and the 
atter born March 8, 1807, a daughter of George and Catharme Trissler, all natives of Lan- 
caster. The}' had nine children— Daniel (a soldier in the late war), Samuel S., Anna A., 
Catharine A. and Mary A., surviving. Daniel Weidler, Sr., came to Erie County in 1839, 
and carried on the business of a saddler man.y years in Fairview, where he was also Post- 
master a long period. He died September 3, 1874, his wife having preceded him May 19, 
1855. Samuel S. volunteered September 19, 1861, in Company C, One Hundred and 
Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was color-bearer one year, and followed 
the fortunes of his regiment in the armies of the Potomac and Tennessee. He was made 
an orderly sergeant in 1862. In December, 1863. he re-enlisted; at the battle of Peach Tree 
Creek, Ga., was taken prisoner and sent to Andersouville, where he remained three months; 
he was with Gen. Sherman's army when Johnson surrendered; was honorably discharged 
July 19, 1865. Mr. Weidler was united in marriage March 26, 1868, with Hattie S., a 
daughter of Daniel and Leah (Stotler) Baer, born March 26, 1838. Their children are 
Frank E. and Harry C. Mr. Weidler is now serving his second term as Road Commis- 
sioner of Fairview Township. He is a skillful veterinary surgeon. He is a member of 
the A. O. U. W. and G. A. R , Post 359, Fairview. In politics, is Democratic. 



FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 

ELMER A. ALLEN, blacksmith, Franklin Center, was born in Northeast Town- 
ship, July 19, 1862, and is a son of Austin A. and Marj^ (Bird) Allen, mentioned in 
S. C. Allen's biography. Mr. Allen learned his trade principally in his father's shop, and 
is an excellent workman. He married, August 24, 1882, Jennie Hayford, born September 7, 
1863, daughter of Daniel and Esther (Boice) Hayford, whose biography appears elsewhere 
in this work. Mr. Allen is carrying on a prosperous business at Franklin Center, and is 
an enterprising citizen of this township. 

EDWIN BALDWIN, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., 
December 28, 1831, and, with his father, immigrated to Crawford County, Penn., about 
1840. In 1865, he came to Erie County, and settled on the farm he now occupies, in 
Franklin Township in 1867. He is a son of Aaron and Permelia (Chamberlain) Baldwin. 
On October 9, 1859, he married Lucy A. Banister, born June 15, 1842, daughter of Williimi 
and Priscilla (Steward) Banister. By this union there were five children, as foUow's: 
Addie M. (deceased), Carrie J. (deceased), Maude C, Edith J. and Carl W. Mr. Baldwin 
volunteered September 12, 1862, in Capt. John W. Phillips' Company B, Eighteenth Regi- 
ment Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving as Corporal. While at Fairfax Court House, Va., on 
picket duty, he was taken prisoner by the rebel Gen. Mosby, in person, but was soon 
paroled. The first important battle he engaged in was at Hanover, Penn., June 30, 1863; 
the next at Gettysburg. At Hagarstown, Md., July 6, he was captured again, and ex- 
changed in September following at Belle Isle Prison; he also participated in Kilpatrick's 
raid on Richmond, March 1, 1864; he next participated in Sheridan's raid; Mine Run, 
Va., May 5; Spottsylvania Court House, May 8; North Ann.Va., May 10, and was wounded 
(in sight of Richmond) in the leg May 12 by a piece of shell. After remaining in the 
hospital until the fall, he returned home on furlough. He was at Harper's Ferry when 
Gen. Lee surrendered. Mr. Baldwin now resides on his farm, four miles from Franklin 
Centre. It comprises 100 acres, is well stocked, and his residence is the finest in the town- 
ship. He and his family are adherents of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, 
he is a Republican. William Banister was born in Vermont, September 12, 1804, and mar- 
ried Priscilla Steward, born August 12, 1808, daughter of John and Lucy (Howe) Steward, 
all natives of Vermont. Their family numbers five children — Daniel W., Harriet J., Mary 
A., John S. and Lucy A. 



46 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

HIRAM BALDWIN, farmer, P. O. McLane, was born in Crawford County, Peun.. 
November 5, 1842; son of Aaron Baldwin, born February 1, 1800, who married, ilareli 11, 
1827. Permelia Chambeiland, born March 15, 1807, and had a family of ten children, of 
whom Henry, Edwin, Ansell^ Eliza, Hiram, Ozro J. and Olive are now" living. Aaron 
Baldwin and his wife were natives of New York. State. The latter died July 3, 1873, and 
in 1875 the former migrated to this county, where he died April 19, 1881. He was a son 
of Julius Baldwin, a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Our subject married, January 1, 
1867, Lucina Oaks, born June 11, 1848, daughter of Joel and Naomi (Spring) Oaks, natives 
of Massachusetts, the former born February 23, 1807, and the latter December 29, 1812. 
By this union there are six children— Myrtle "E., Gertie L., Homer A.,Wilber J., Duflf V. 
and Nelson W. Mr. Baldwin is a prosperous farmer, residing on the eastern township 
hne of Franklin. On the 19th of August, 1861. he enlisted in Company F. Eighty-third 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which formed part of the Third Brigade, First 
Division, Fifth Corps (Gen. Butterfield). Army of the Potomac. He participated in the 
battles of Hanover Court House, Williamsburg, Gaines' Mill, where he was taken pris- 
oner, sent to Libby and Belle Isle prisons; was prisoner thirty-nine days, then exchanged; 
returned to his regiment, and took part in the second battle of Bull Run, first and second 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg; was discharged December 26, 1863, but 
immediately re-enlisted for three years, or during the war. On the Wilderness battle-field 
he was made Sergeant; was in the battle of Laurel Hill; at the affair of Bethesda Church. 
June 1, 1864, he was wounded, sent to the hospital, and did not return to the army until 
December 1, 1864. Subsequently, he took part m the siege of and many of the engage- 
ments around Petersburg and Richmond, and when Gen. Lee surrendered was at Appa- 
mattox Court House, Va. He receives a pension. Politically, Mr. Baldwin is a Repub- 
lican. 

FRANK T. BILLING, cheese manufacturer, P. O. Franklin Corners, was born in 
Washington, Erie County, August 3, 1856, son of Charles and Elizabeth (Proudfit) Billing, 
marriecrMay 9, 1853. The latter was a daughter of Andrew- and Isabella (Smith) Proudfit, 
natives of Vermont, who had four children— Vernon, Frank T.. Archie and Hugh. Charles 
Billing came to Washington, early. He was born at Castile, N.Y., August 23. 1822, and is 
a son of Israel and Ida"(Mauross) Billing, natives of Vermont, who migrated first to Cas- 
tile, N. Y., and eventually to this county, settling in LeBcuf Township. Mr. Billing was 
a soldier in the war of 1812-14, serving under Gen. Scott on the New York frontier. He 
died March, 1878, his wife having preceded him in March, 1870. Their family consisted of 
ten children, seven living — George, Calvin, Melinda, Roxy, Millie, Diana and John. 
Frank T. Billing married, "April 10, 1881, Mary, daughter of Elisha and Lydia (Eno) Mills, 
of Connecticut, who came to Erie County in 1847. By this union there are two children, 
Ina and Arthur Garfield. Mr. Billing was reared to farming, luit for six years past has 
engaged in the manufacture of dairy products. He is proprietor of the Franklin Center 
Cheese Factory and Creamery. The factory consumes 1,585,000 pounds of milk half 
j'early, and produces 158,500 pounds of excellent cheese. The output of prime dairy 
butter from this creamery is sixty pounds daily. Six teams and eight men are employed 
in this enterprise. 

ALVIN BROOKS, farmer, P. O. Franklin Corners, w^asborn in Springfield Township, 
February 2, 1817, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Reynolds) Brooks, of whom mention is 
made in Rev. L. D. Brooks' biography; he has been thrice married; first to Nancy, daughter 
of Adolphus Loomis of Albion; this union was blessed with a daughter — Harriet, now wife 
of Thomas Sw^oop, of Franklin Township. Nancy Loomis Brooks died about the year 
1843, and Mr. Brooks married, September 11, 1844. Sarah J., daughter of Ransom N. Rey- 
nolds, a native of New York State; they had two children — Charles L. and Henry L. Sarah 
Reynolds Brooks died, August 30, 1870, and Mr. Brooks next married, January 12, 1871, 
Nancy Parmeter, born May 3, 1843, daughter of Samuel and Eleanor (Rutherford) Par- 
meter, natives of the State of New York, and had two children born to them— May, de- 
ceased, and Lewis Alvin. With the exception of one summer and four winters spent in 
the South, Mr. Brooks has always been a resident of this county. He is a son of one of 
the oldest living representatives of the sturdj' pioneer chiss of settlers, who have under- 
gone many adventures, hardships and privations. He is the owner of a well-stocked farm 
of sixty acres; was for two years School Director for Franklin Township. He is an adher- 
ent of the Christian denomination; in politics, a Republican. 

REV. LORENZO D. BROOKS, farmer, P. O. Franklin Corners, was born in Spring- 
field Township, April 1, 1819, son of Benjamin and Sarah (Reynolds) Brooks, the former 
born in Otsego County, N. Y., June 27. 1793; the latter is a native of Massachusetts. They 
had a family of six children, of whom Ira. Alvin, Lorenzo Dow% Julia A. and Royal B. 
are now living. Benjamin Brooks came to Erie County in 1814, took up land and settled 
in Springfield Township. Eventually he scdd this property and purchased land in Con- 
neaut Township. At that period Erie County w^as a wilderness, but Mr. Brooks set to 
work to make a home for himself and family; this he faithfully accomplished, and as his 
children grew up, towns and cities came into existence. A generation has passed away, 
yet this brave old pioneer and all but one of his family survive; he still resides in Conneaut 



FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 47 

Township; his wife passed away about the year 1858. During his long and useful career, 
he was a soldier in the war of 1812-14, and for forty years an exhorter in the Methodist 
cause. Our subject married, August 17, 1843, Abby, born September 5, 1817, daughter of 
William and Mary (Hunter) Paul; the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of Ireland. 
They have no family. Mr. Brooks is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
ordained in 1854, and went on circuit six years. He was stationed for one year succes- 
sively, at Dayton, Leon and Clymer, N. Y.. and for three years at Columbus, Penn , alter- 
nating to Frewsburg, N. Y. In 1860, Rev. Mr. Brooks returned to Franklin Township, 
where he had resided previous to his ministerial labors, and was located on the Lockport 
Circuit. Here he has remained, still actively engaged in his Master's service, revered and 
beloved by his people. He is the owner of a well-stocked farm of 100 acres, one mile and 
a half from Franklin Center, upon which are erected first class farm buildings. Polilically 
he is a Republican. 

BENJAMIN T. CUNNINGHAM, farmer. P. O. Edinboro, was born in Jefferson 
County, N. Y., October 7, 1829, came to Erie County in 1842, and settled in Franklin 
Township in 1851, son of John Cunningham, born October 9, 1806, who married Hulda 
Shelmadine, daughter of Benjamin and Polly (Judd) Shelmadine, all natives of Vermont. 
They had a family of twelve children, of whom Benjamin T., Olive, Almira and Elizabeth 
survive. John Cunningham was a son of Thomas and Lydia (Bumpus) Cunningham, the' 
former a native of Ireland and the latter of New York. He died April 27, 1869; Hulda, 
his wife, died March 5, 1867. Our subject marl-ied, July 4, 1855, Harriet Vorse, born 
March 1, 1833. daughter of William and Charlotte (Richards) Vorse, natives of New York 
State. By this union there were three children — Rosabel (deceased), Charles A. (deceased) 
and John W. Mr. Cunningham owns a fine farm of fifty acres. He is a member of the 
United Brethren denomination; in politics is Republican. His son, John W., owns an ex- 
cellent farm of twenty-five acres adjoining the home farm. He resides with his father; is 
also, in politics, a Republican. 

SILAS G. FRANCIS, farm.er, P. O. Girard, was born in Lewis Township. Essex Co., 
N. Y., March 18. 1832, and is a son of Alvin Francis, born August 14, 1797, who married, 
October 1, 1818, Elizabeth Scper, born July 22, 1797. daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth 
(Lilly) Soper, the former of whom died in May, 1833, and the latter in 1824; all natives of 
New York State. They had a family of nine children, viz., Eliza J., Alva, Henry, 
Luther, Caroline. Silas G., Hiram B., Emily and Nelson. Of this familj\ Luther is de- 
ceased. Alvin Francis came to Erie County, settling in Franklin Township in 1833, and 
took up 134 acres of land. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and fought at the battle 
of Plattsburg; a prominent pioneer of Franklin and for many years was Supervisor and 
Road Commissioner of the township. He was killed by falling from a loft in his barn, 
February 9, 1867. Alvin was a son of Samuel and Dorcas Francis, natives of Massachu- 
setts, the former died January 31, and the latter October 8, 1840. Samuel Francis was a 
soldier during the Revolutionary war and was with the patriot army at Valley Forge; he 
fought also at Bunker Hill. The subject of this sketch married, September 13, 1852, Mary 
A. Bogett, born August 25, 1830, daughter of Mindred and Abigail (Bliss) Bogett, the 
foiTiier born December 25, 1796, and the latter March 31, 1797. By this union there are 
three children — Caspar M., Elwyn F. and Jennie E. Mr. Francis enlisted March 6, 1865, 
in Company H. Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and in Gen. Wright's 
forced march to Danville, Va., contracted rheumatism from which he has never recovered. 
Mr. Francis is a Mason; a member of the Christian denomination; in politics a Republican. 

CHARLES FRYE, farmer, P. 0. Edinboro, was born in Franklin Township, May 6, 
1838, son of Isaac and Mary (Petrie) Frye, the former born in Vermont, September 27, 
1803, and IheTaTter born December 2, 1815, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Doxtator) 
Petrie, all natives of New York State. They had two children — Frances and Charles, the 
former deceased. Isaac Frye migrated to Erie County and took up land in this township 
in 1S33. He was an industrious pioneer, and by his energy wrested from the wilderness 
one of the finest farms in Franklin Township, icie died June 10. 1880. His widow resides 
with her son on the home farm. Isaac was a son of John and Lucy (Wellman) Frye, 
natives of Vermont, the former of whom died in the year 1854, and the latter in 1867. Our 
subject married, September 24, 1863, Mary M. Miller, born March 15, 1843, daughter of 
Orange and Matilda (Smith) Miller, and twin si.ster of Mrs. Dr. Johnson Wright, of this 
township. They have a daughter by this union — Ella F. Mr. Frye's farm of 120 acres is 
situated five and a half miles from Franklin Center, and three from Edinboro. He and 
his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. 

DEXTER D. GOODRICH, carriage-builder, etc.. Franklin Centre, was born in 
Oswego County, N. Y., March 2, 1847, son of Noah and Hannah (Wood) Goodrich, the 
former a native of Massachusetts, born November, 1813, the latter a daughter of John and 
Hannah (Shattuck) Wood, natives of New Hampshire, who had six children, of whom 
George, Sarah A., Dexter D. and Harriet A. are now living. Our subject married, Septem- 
ber 11, 1870. Minerva, daughter of Stephen and Sarah Ann (Gunn) Francis, natives of 
Rensselaer County, N. Y., and Cuyahoga County, Ohio respectively. By this marriage 
there are four children — Claudia E., Jennie il., Frank D. and Carl G. Mr. Goodrich is 



48 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

proprietor of the Franklin Center Wagon and Carriage Manufactory, in connection with 
which he has an excellent blacksmith shop, where custom work is executed. He is a 
practical mechanic, personally superintending all work submitted to his care, and is doing 
a prosperous business. He is an Odd Fellow, and in politics a Republican. 

MANDRED HAYES, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Crawford County, Penn , 
May 14, 1843, son of Heman and Mary A. (Hogle) Hayes, the former a farmer of Crawford 
County, born February 19, 1805, and the latter born in 1814. Thej- had a family of twelve 
children, of whom Ira, Lucinda, Mandred, Hiram, Alvinia L., Perry, Charles and Eunice 
A. are living. Of this family, William, Ira, Mandred and John were soldiers in the war of 
the rebellion, the latter mortally wounded at Petersburg, and died July 5, 1864. The sub- 
ject of this sketch married, June 4, 1866, Louisa M., born December 2, 1849, daughter of 
Gideon and Letitia (Hurd) Harned, natives of this State. By this marriage there are two 
children— Herbert D. and Carlton R. In February, 1864, Mr. Hayes enlisted as private 
in Company F, Eighty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantr3% and during his 
brief term of service, took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsjivania Court House, 
siege of Petersburg, and engagements around Richmond, the last of which was Fair Forks, 
April 1, 1865, he having in the meantime been promoted to the rank of Corporal. He re- 
ceived his discharge June 28, 1865. Mr. Hayes settled in Franklin Township in 1867. He 
is a F. A. M. ; in politics is Republican. 

VINCENT A. HOTCHKISS, farmer, P. O. Franklin Corners, was born in Crawford 
County, Penn., April 19, 1843, son of Skelton and Clarissa (Ilaj arty) Hotchkiss, the former 
a farmer of Crawford County, born March 31, 1820, the latter born August 16, 1820, 
daughter of Thomas and Sarah (St. John) Hajarty, natives of New York State, who had a 
family of nine children, of whom Vincent A., Mahetable, Jane W., Eva A., John W., 
Rose and Emma C. are living. Clarissa, his wife, died December 25, 1873. The subject 
of this sketch married July 17, 1867, Elmeda M., born June 22, 1847, daughter of Ben- 
jamin L. and Sarah A. (McMillan) Alward, the former born in New Jersey, April 22, 1818, 
and the latter in New York State September 6, 1829. By this union there are four chil- 
dren — Nora R., Forbes G., Benjamin B. and Charles. On August 18, 1862, Mr. Hotchkiss 
enlisted in the Fifty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was appointed 
to a special detail in the Quartermaster's service. In this department, he was stationed 
principally at Charleston, Gallipolis and Parkersburg, W. Va. He continued in this service 
until September, 1864, when he obtained his discharge. He came to Franklin Township 
in 1873, and in February, 1880, was a/ppointed Justice of the Peace. He now holds that 
and the office of Secretary of the Township Board of School Directors. With his wife, he 
is a member of the Baptist Church, Edinboro. In politics is Republican. 

JEREMIAH F. LEWIS, farmer, P. O. Elk Creek, was born in Crawford County, this 
State, June 15, 1852, son of John D. and Sally (Frack) Lewis, both natives of Pennsylvania. 
The former is a farmer, residing in Crawford County. They were the parents of six chil- 
dren, of whom Nancy, Eber, Jacob, Jeremiah F. and Josiah (twins) are now living. At 
the age of eighteen, Eber enlisted in the Eighty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer 
Infantry, which formed a part of the ThirdBrigade, Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac, 
under Maj. Gen. G. K. Warren. After eighteen months' service he received an honorable 
discharge. Our subject married October 1, 1874, Ella A., daughter of Nelson and 
Charlotte (Hills) Daniels, also natives of this State. To this union were born four children 
—Ray,. born January 21, 1876; Flora, October 29, 1877; Nellie, November 30, 1879, and 
John M., May 3, 1882. Mr. Lewis is a farmer, residing three miles from Franklin Center. 
He was Assistant Assessor for his township in 1882. In politics is a Republican. 

ALEXANDER McKINLEY, blacksmith, Franklin Center, was born in Le B(suf 
Township, February 20, 1853, son of William McKinley, who emigrated from County Ar- 
magh, Ireland, to America about 1825, settling in Erie County. He was twice married, 
his tirst wife being Jane Lytle, by whom he had four children, of these George and Susan 
are now living. He next married Esther, daughter of David Stowe, a native of New York 
State, by which union there were six children, of whom Jane, Alexander, Sarah and Will- 
iam survive. Mr. McKinley lost two sons in the late war. Our subject married, December 
28, 1882, Sarah M., daughter of James A. Boyd, of Mill Village. By this union was born, Feb- 
ruary 20, 1884, one child — Ethel Gertrude. James A. Boyd was born in Le Bo3uf Township, 
February 18, 1810, and married, October 13, 1842, to Margaret Burger, born May 16, 1823, 
died February 28, 1879, daughter of George and Margaret (Houck) Burger, of Montgomery 
County, Penn., by this marriage there were seven children — Mary E., Sophia J., Rachel Y., 
Amanda C, James B., Sarah M. and Esther M. James A. Boyd is a son of David and 
Jane (Gilliland) Boyd, natives of this State, of whose family there are now living— Nancy, 
William J., James A., Adam P., Thomas J., Elizabeth, David W., Caroline J., Mary and 
Adaline. Our subject is a practical mechanic, doing a prosperous business at Franklin 
Center. He is an Odd Fellow; in politics, a Republican. 

AMOS 0. NIMS, merchant, Franklin Center, was born in Sandv Creek Township, Mer- 
cer County, Penn., April 2, 1843, son of Rufus (born at Fort Ann, N. Y., 1812) and Sarah 
Ann (Gould) Nims, also a native of New York State, parents of eight children, of whom 
Lucretia, John T., Amos G., Jerusha and Rufus are now living. Rufus Nims, died August 



FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 49 

4, 1871; bis father, Ira Nims, was of English descent and a soldier of the war of 1812-14. 
Our subject was married. May 22, 1864, to Mary Wheeler, born in A.sthabula County, Ohio, 
February 15, 1848, daughter of Charles and Luciuda (Padden) Wheeler, natives of New 
York State. This union has resulted in the birth of two cliildren — Warren G., born July 

5, 1866, and Ira. born February 10, 1868. On April 19, 1861, Mr. Nims enlisted for three 
months in the Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On August 17, 1861, he volunteered 
for three years in Capt. T. J. Carlins Second Ohio Battery, Light Artillery, which was at 
the battle of Pea Ridge and the capture of Fort Derusha, Ark. The battery took an im- 
portant part in some of the principal battles at Fort Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion 
Hills, to the capture of Vicksburg; after the second battle of Jackson, the battery was sent 
to New Orleans, where Private Nims was promoted to the rank of Hospital Steward. He 
participated in the battle of Sabine Cross Roads, La., and in Gen. N. P. Bank's Forty Days' 
Retreat to Morganza Bend, Miss. ; upon returning to New Orleans, the battery went to Ship 
Island, where Mr. Nims' term of enlistment expired. He re-enlisted February 22, 1864, 
in the Second Ohio (Veteran) Artillery, and'remained until the battery was mustered out 
at Columbus, Ohio, August 11, 1865. On September 9, 1870, while in the service of the 
Erie c& Pennsylvania Railroad Company, he accidentlj^ lost his right arm. He now owns 
a well-stocked general merchandise store at Franklin Center, and is doing a prosperous 
trade. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Nims is 
member of Post 67, G. A. R., of Erie, Penn. In politics is a Democrat. 

WILLIAM W. PHILLIPS, farmer, P. O. Lundy's Lane, was born in Elk Creek Town- 
ship, July 7, 1843, son of James Phillips, a native of New Hampshire, who was twice mar- 
ried; his second marriage taking place in 1840, with Emily Woodruff (a widow), daughter 
of Jacob and Annie (Ausley) Kimball, natives of this State. They had three children, of 
whom William W. and Elizabeth C, are now living; x\ngie is deceased. Elizabeth mar- 
ried Levi W. Eastman, of McKean Tswnship. Both the old people were born in 1805, and 
are now living. Our subject's great-grandparents on both sides were in the Revolutionary 
war. W. W. Phillips married. May 7, 1866, Emma A., daughter of Paile}' H. and Mary 
(Steadraan) Miller, natives of New York State, by which union there were three children— 
Judson A., Clayton E. and Ralph K. Our subject owns an excellent farm of seventy acres 
in Elk Creek Township, four miles from Wellsburg. On the 18th of June, 1861, he enlisted 
in the Eighty-third Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Third Brigade, First Di- 
vision, under Maj. Gen, G. K. Warren, Armj' of the Potomac. He participated in eighteen 
engagements amongwhich were Big Bethel, siege of Yorktown,ChancellorsviUe,Gett3'sburg, 
Wilderness, Cold Harbor and before Petersburg. His term of service expired September 
23, 1864. Mr. Phillips has held the ofhceof School Director and Collector of the township. 
He is an Odd Fellow, and with his wife, a Free-Will Baptist. In politics is a Republican. 

JAMES B. RICHARDS, farmer, P. O. Franklin Corners, was born in Somersetshire, 
England, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Dunstone) Richards, natives of same place, who 
had a family oi 3ight children. Benjamin Richards is by trade a stone-mason, and with 
his family a member of the Church of England. He still resides in England. Our sub- 
ject went from his native land, in April, 1846, to Jamaica, W. I., for the English Govern- 
ment, to build barracks at Newcastle, and from Jamaica came to America in 1848, landing 
in New Orleans. In 1871, he came to and settled in Franklin Township. He married, 
July 24, 1853, Eveline Thomas, born October 23, 1828, daughter of Truman and Mary 
(Morely) Thomas, natives of Crawford County, Penn., the former of whom was born Mav 
5, 1802; the latter in October, 1803, and died September 4, 1869. The rest of the family 
are L. D. Thomas, married Mary Deland in the fall of 1850; Lydia, married John Duryee, 
July, 1850; Rhoda. married Hiram Ward, April, 1851, and died in the fall of 1868; Ro- 
villa, married Frank Stewart, August 4, 1848, and died May 3, 1880: Julia, married George 
Robins, August 14, 1854, and died Januarj^ 10, 1866. George N. Thomas was born June 
17, 1824, married to Rovilla Fisk, August 26, 1845, who died in May, 1847, and October 31, 
1847, he married Emily Eaton, born November 11, 1824. He died July 15. 1865. Our sub- 
ject and wife have no family. Mr. Richards is a prosperous farmer owning a well-stocked 
farm of sixty-one and a half acres, two and a half miles from Franklin Center. His farm 
buildings are excellent. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
In politics he is a Democrat. 

JOHN ROBINSON, farmer, P. O. Elk Creek, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, 
January 5, 1811, and settled in Franklin Township in 1842. He is the son of John H. and 
Jemima (Edgar) Robin.son, the former a native of New York, the latter is a daughter of 
John Edgar of Westmoreland County, Penn. ; they had eight children, of whom the surviv- 
ing are John, Emma (of Missouri), and William (of Illinois). John Robinson (the elder), mi- 
grated to Ohio early in the present century, and was a prominent pioneer in that State; he 
was a soldier in the Indian wars of the Northwestern frontiers, and in the war of 1812-13. 
He died in 1867, his wife having long preceded him. Our subject married, in 1835, Martha 
Sells of Columbus, who bore him two children — John M. and Russell Bigalo. In 1837, he 
married Elizabeth A. Gail, born in Erie County, N. Y., January 7, 1821, daughter of the 
Rev. Samuel and Hannah (Brown) Gail, nativesof Stamford, Conn., the former born Janu- 
ary 13, 1789; the latter September 1, 1788. By this marriage there were ten children — 

4 



50 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Alfred 8., Martha E., Carrie P., Benjamin E., Emma B., Albert S., Mary H., Samuel S., 
Harriet M., Charles O., Russell Bigalo, and Albert Sherman (deceased). Mr. Robinson was 
an early settler in Franklin Township, and still resides on the homestead on which he first 
located. He was once elected Justice of the Peace but declined the honor. He and his 
wife are members of the Christian denomination. In politics he is a Republican. 

DANIEL B. ROBINSON, farmer, P. O. Franklin Corners, was born in Otisco Town- 
ship, Onondaga County, N. Y., July 23, 1823; son of Daniel B. Robinson, born May 26, 
1787, who married Elizabeth Benedict, born March 12, 1793, daughter of Jonathan and 
Hulda (Seeley) Benedict, who had six children, of whom James B., Daniel B., John B. and 
Thomas are surviving. Daniel B. Robinson, the elder, and his wife were natives of New 
York State. He was for many years County Surveyor, a Commissioner of Deeds, Magis- 
trate and a school teacher. He came to this county in the spring of 1844, and settled in 
Franklin Township, where he died April 2, 1852, his widow following him March 11, 1870. 
He was a son of John and Eunice (Wilcox) Robinson, the former a native of Scotland and 
the latter of New York State. Jonathan Benedict was a son of Nathaniel Benedict, a na- 
tive of England. Our subject was married, October 1, 1849, to Mary Crosby, born in the 
township of Wales, Erie County, N. Y., December 17, 1822, daughter of Calvin and Hulda 
(Connell) Crosby, natives of New York State. By this union there is one son — Marquis 
D., born October 21, 1851. now an oil operator in Titusville, Penn. Mr. Robinson, at the 
age oif eleven, accidentally injured his knee, which crippled him for life. He prepared 
himself for teaching, and followed this occupation when of age. He has taught princi- 
pally in Elk Creek and Franklin for over twenty years. He no longer teaches, but now 
farms twenty-five acres of excellent land, of which he is owner, at Mohawk. At various 
periods, for a number of years, he has filled the offices of School Inspector of Franklin 
Township and Director in the Independent School District, and also Clerk, Treasurer and 
Collector. He is a member of the First Regular Baptist Church, Elk Creek; in politics, is 
a Republican. 

MATTHEW A. SEELYE, farmer. P. O. Franklin Corners, was born in Warren Coun- 
ty, N. Y.. December 31, 1832; son of William (born November 22, 1799) and Irene (Hol- 
comb) Seelye, the latter a daughter of Asa and Lucinda (Miller) Holcomb, born in 1800. 
They had a family of seven children, of whom Caroline, William E. and Matthew A. are 
now living. William Seelye, the elder, is by trade a blacksmith. He migrated to Craw- 
ford County, this State, in 1832, where he slill resides. He followed his trade in conjunc- 
tion with farming until recent years. His wife is deceased. He is a son of Justus Seelye, 
who married Betsy Fuller, both natives of New York State. Out of their famih' of fif- 
teen, only Ebenezer, William and Ansell siuwive. Justus Seelye's father lived until he was 
ninety-six years old. Our subject married Electra, daughter of Justus and Amelia (Mor- 
ris) Ross, the former of Scotch descent. By this marriage there were two children — Cora 
May and George Rudolph, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Seelye have since adopted Frank- 
lin Thomas and Nellie Grant. Our subject is a wagon-maker by trade, but has chosen 
farming as his future avocation. He was a soldier in the late rebellion; enlisted in Com- 
pany li. One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, August 19, 1862. 
His regiment formed a part of the Second Corps, which was under the command of Gen. 
Meade at the battle of Antietam; subsequently participating in the battle of Gettysburg. 
Private Seelye was on detached duty, and was seriously disabled by an accident at the bat- 
tle of Culpepper, Va. He was taken to Warrenton, from there sent to Washington, where 
he entered Campbell hospital; was eventually transferred to the Invalid Corps, where he 
filled the arduous office of Wardmaster until his discharge from service at the close of the 
war. He now farms fifty acres of fine land, within a half mile of Franklin Centre. In 
politics, Mr. Seelye is a Republican. 

JOHN H. STAFFORD, farmer, P. O. Franklin Corners, was born in McKean Town- 
ship March 16, 1844: son of Rowland Stafford, whose biography appears elsewhere in this 
work. Mr. Stafford married, September 7, 1871, Helen A., daughter of Orrin and Susan 
(Barnard) Wood, natives of New York. Having no family of their own, they have 
adopted a niece, daughter of David E. and Harriette (Wood) Quay. Mr. Stafford"s farm 
comprises 100 acres, situated a mile and a half from Franklin Center; it is well stocked, 
and has excellent farm buildings. He has taken an active part in the affairs of Franklin, 
having been elected Constable two terms, collector two terms and Assessor one terra. Mr. 
Stafford is a Mason; in politics, a Republican. 

JOHN N. TARBELL, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Edinboro January 31, 
1843, son of John and Paulina (Greenfield) Tarbell. The latter is a daughter of Sherman 
and Nancy Greenfield, all natives of New York State. They had a familj' of three chil- 
dren — Sherman G., Mar}^ and John M. His wife Paulina died, and John Tarbell Sr., 
next married Hannah, daughter of W. Slocum of Washington Township. She bore him 
three children— Jesse, Sarah J. and William. Mr. Tarbell was one of the earliest settlers in 
Washington Town.ship; by trade a blacksmith, which he followed along with farming. 
He died in 1871. Our subject married, February 29, 1866, Mary, born December 26, 1841, 
daughter of William and Maria (Vanvleet) McCammon, the former a native of Philadel- 
phia, the latter of New York State. By this marriage there are three children — Minnie E.» 



FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. ' 51 

Harry N. and John R. Mr. Tarbcll resides near Eureka Church. He owns a well-stocked 
farm of 125 acres. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Company F, Two Hundred and 
Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. His first engagement took place at 
Point of Rocks, and his first regular battle was the assault and capture of Fort Steadman, 
where he captured and brought in three prisoners. He was in many of the principal en- 
gagements in the vicinity of Petersburg and Richmond, and when 6en. Lee surrendered 
was with his regiment at Burksville. He was discharged in June, 1865. Mr. Tarbcll is a 
Mason ; in politics, is a Democrat. 

MARK M. VAN BUSKIRK, farmer, P. O. Franklin Corners, was born in Franklia 
Township, February 24, 1835, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Hucklebore) Van Buskirk, the 
former born in New York State, March 18, 1808, and the latter in Vermont, July 18, 1812. 
Their family consisted of John J. (deceased) Lucinda, MarkM., Otis H.,Winfield and Eliza! 
John J. was a soldier in the war of the rebellion; he enlisted August, 1861, in the One Hun- 
dred andEleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at the battle of 
Antietam, September 17. 1862. Henry Van Buskirk was by trade a carpenter and joiner. 
In 1824, he came to this township, but eventually removed to Lockport Borough, of wliich he 
was Burgess two terms. He died March 11, 1880. His widow still resides in Lockport. 
Our subject married, September 9, 1858, Lj^dia A., daughter of Jabez and Catharine (Adams) 
Luther. The former was born in Rhode Island, January 8, 1800, and the latter in Oswe^-a 
County, N. Y., January 14, 1800, died March 14, 1864. By the above marriage there are 
four children— Jabez H., Katie E., Frank J. and Nan Bell. Mr. Van Buskirk owns a 
well-stocked farm of eighty acres in Franklin Township. In March, 1865, he enlisted in 
the Ninety-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Sixth Corps, Army of the 
Potomac, and was at Danville, Va., when the Confederate Gen. Johnston surrendered to- 
Gen. Sherman. He has filled the offices of School Director one term, and Road Commis- 
sioner of his township two terms; he is at the present time Collector. Mr. Van Buskirk is 
a member of the A. O. U. W., and Colonel Lytle Post, No. 240, G. A. R. He and his wife 
are members of the Christian Church. Politically, he is a Republican. 

DAVID H. WALKER, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Crawford County, Penn., 
July 1, 1840; son of Peter Walker, born in Maine in 1803, who married Rachel Ball, a'widow! 
daughter of David Skinner, a native of New York State, and had a family of eleven chil- 
dren, of whom Frederick C. A., Louisa F., David H.. Lucinda F., Sarah J., and Willis W. 
and William (twins) are living. Peter Walker came to Erie County in 1848; he died io 
Chautauqua County, N. Y.. October 17, 1878. His widow still survives him. Our subject 
married, January 15, 1865, Mary E.. born November 17, 1843, daughter of Jesse and Judy 
A. (Crate) Vandervoost. the fornier born in New York State in 1803, and the latter in this 
State in 1812. By this union there are three children — Frank F., Sarah A. and Mary 
R. Mr. Walker settled in Franklin Township in 1873, and is a successful farmer. His 
well-stocked farm comprises seventy-five acres, situated about three miles from Edinboro. 
Politically, Mr. Walker is a Democrat. 

REV. STEPHEN WASHBURN, Christian minister, P. O. Franklin Corners, was born 
in Otsego County, N. Y.. April 10, 1812, and came to Franklin and settled on the farm he 
now occupies, March 1857. He is a son of Stephen Washburn, born August 1, 1775, who 
married Janette Terry, born March 6, 1877, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts, 
and had a family of seven chilJren; of this family — Isaac T., Betsy H., Polly and Cyrene 
are deceased; Stephen, Seymour and Julia still survive. Stephen Washburn, the elder, 
was by trade a carpenter; he came to Erie County with his family in 1824; located in Mc- 
Kean, and was one of the pioneers of that township. His wife died March 2, 1853. and 
he followed her July 19, 1866. Stephen was a son of Bazaleel Washburn, of Welsh 
descent, who was a Colonial soldier in the old French war, at the close of which he was- 
pressed into the British Naval Service; while his ship was in port in Quebeche managed to- 
escape to a French vessel and was carried to the West Indies. After several years of wan- 
derings and many vicissitudes, he returned to his native land, and subsequently became a 
soldier in the Revolutionary war. Our subject married, Julv 2, 1834, Elsie Ann Hopkins, 
born April 6, 1814, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Luther) Hopkins, all natives of Rhode 
Island; the former born July 81, 1783, died in 1857; the latter born August 26, 1782. died 
April 6. 1843. By this marriage there are three children— Samuel H.. Eseck D. and 
Jane Ann. Rev. Stephen Washburn is a minister of the Christian denomination, com- 
mencing to preach in 1847. He was regularly ordnined October 6, 1850, and has labored 
earnestly in the cause of Christianity since that date, principally in Erie and Crawford 
Counties. He is a pioneer of religion in Franklin Township, and' will be long remembered 
for his zeal and usefulness. His farm is situated three miles from Franklin Centre and 
comprises 188 acres. Mr. Washburn is politically a Republican. 

SAMUEL A. WHEELER, farmer, P. O. Franklin Corners, was born in this township 
June 18, 1889, son of Philander and Maria (Hildum) Wheeler ; the former was born June. 1808 r 
the latter is a daughter of Samuel S. Hildum, all natives of New York State. They had a 
family of five children, viz.: Cynthia A., Martha E., Samuel A., Chloe L. and Mary E. 
Philander Wheeler came to Erie County about the year 1842. and settled in Franklin 
Township. He was a farmer, and died suddenly in the field while at work, in June, 1879. 



52 , BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

His widow still resides iu Fairview Township. Our subject married, June 2, 1866, Maria 
Wright, born July 16, 1841, daughter of George and Esther (Trask) Wright, of Girard 
Township. By this union there are three children— Eben L., Lilly M. and Etty L. Mr. 
Wheeler is owner of an eighty-seven-acre farm in Franklin Township. He was a soldier 
in the Avar of the Rebellion. On the first call for troops in 1861, he volunteered- in a regi- 
ment of three months' men, and in the fall of 1861, re-enlisted in the One Hundred and 
Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and saw service in the Twentieth 
Corps, Army of the Potomac, under Maj. Gen. Jose^jh Hooker, in the battles of Antietam, 
Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. In the fall of 1863, the Twentieth Corps was transferred 
to the Army of the Tennessee, where, under Gen. Sherman, Private Wheeler took part in 
the battles of Look-out Mountain. Mission Ridge, Ringgold, siege of Atlanta and in Sher- 
man's march to the sea, the siege and capture of Savannah, and the subsequent march of 
the armj^ northward through the Carolinas. Mr. Wheeler is a member of Col. Lytle Post 
No. 240,' G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican. 

CHARLES WRIGHT, farmer, P. O. Franklin Corners, was born iu Delaware Coun- 
ty, N. Y., March 9, 1815, and came to Erie County in 1835, located in Girard Township, 
but removed to Franklin Township in 1848, settling on the farm he now occupies. He is 
a son of Johnson Wright, born June 15, 1792, in the State of Xew York, who married 
March 9, 1814, Mary Bliss, born July 30, 1795, in Rhode Island, daughter of Clark and 
Abigail (Spooner) Bliss, natives of Rhode Island, who had a family of eleven children, of 
whom Mary A., Eliza A., Phebe A., John J. and Johnson G. are now deceased, and Charles, 
George, Marietta, Henry B., Clark A. and James S. are living. Johnson Wright, Sr., was 
by trade a tanner; he died June 11, 1861, and his wife November 4, 1874. He was a son of 
Alpheus and Rachel (Williams) Wright, natives of the State of New York, the former of 
whom died April 3, 1832, and the latter Januarys, 1845. Alpheus was a son of James and 
Sarah (Purdy) Wright. James, with two of his brothers, Ichabod and Alpheus, came to 
America from England. They were the sons of Isaac and Elizabeth (Bennett) 
Wright, the former being a son of James and Betsy (Hammond) Wright, all of 
whom died in England. Charles Wright, the subject of this biography, married De 
cember 25, 1837, Harriet M. Woolsey, born in Cu3'ahoga County, Ohio. July 13, 1820, 
daughter of Joseph and Mehitable (Brown) Woolsey, natives of the State of New York; 
the former of whom was born May 16, 1785, and the latter May 30, 1800. By the above- 
mentioned union, there are nine children, as follows: Johnson, Annette, Marj^ M., Eliza 
A., Juliaett, Charles H.. Harriet Ella, Clemmie Victoria and Silas Ray. Of this fam- 
ily, Johnson studied medicine, obtained his diploma and is now practicing his profession in 
Franklin Township. Charles Wright, the elder, has held the offices of Auditor, School 
Director and Assessor for his township at various periods for many years. He is a farmer, 
owning a well-stocked farm of 140 acres, situated two and a half miles from Franklin Cen- 
tre. Ciiarles H., Wright, Jr., hisson, married May 7, 1878, Lizzie E., daughter of Charles 
P. and Lorinda E. (Malloy) Blair, of Girard Township. They have three children — Zena 
F., Charles G. and Johnson J. Mr. Wright is also a farmer and resides on part of the 
home farm. In politics, he is a Democrat. 

JOHNSON WRIGHT, physician and surgeon, P. O. Franklin Corners, was born in 
Girard Township April 23, 1839, son of Charles and Harriet (Woolse.v) Wright, whose bi- 
ography appears above, married December 24. 1866, Martha ]\I. Miller, born March 15, 
1.'~'43, daughter of Orange and Matilda (Smith) Miller, natives of the State of New York. 
By this union there are three children, as follows, Ernest E., Charles J., and Carl C. In 
18"69. Dr. Wright commenced the study of medicine and surgery under the advice and di- 
rection of Dr. H. H.Baxter, Professor of Materia Medica, Cleveland Homojopathic Hospital 
College. He attended the lecture course at that institution in the j'ears 1870, 1871 and 
1872, graduating and obtaining his diploma in the latter j'ear. The Hahnemann Medical 
Society of Cleveland has also conferred a degree upon the Doctor. He commenced to 
practice his profession iu Franklin Township in 1873, and has established a lucrative bus- 
iness. He is physician for the poor in Franklin Township, having received the appoint- 
ment from the Directors of the Poor for Erie County. Dr. Wright also holds a diploma 
for business profession from Bryant & Stratton's Commercial (/Ollege. of Buffalo, N. Y. 
He is the owner of a fine farm comprising eighty-eight acres, two and one-half miles from 
Franklin Centre. The farm is well stocked and under an excellent state of cultivation. 
Politically, the Doctor is Democratic. 



GIRARI) TOWNSHIP. 53 



GIRARD TOWNSHIP. 

WILLIAM ALDRICH, Justice of the Peace, P. 0. Platea, was born in Cheshire 
County, N. H., in 1808, and is a son of Amasa and Hannah (Payne) Aldrich, both natives 
of Massachusetts. They were the parents of fifteen children, our subject the only one 
surviving. Amasa was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and died when William was 
five years old. The latter married, in 1835, Mary Preston, who, dying, left two children, 
both now deceased. The youngest, Mary, was the wife of Jefferson Rouse, and left one 
child, Mary, who married Edwin Wright, by whom she had twins. Mr. Aldrich's second 
marriage was with Elizabeth Sawdy, who died without issue. He then was united to 
Sarah Hatton, of Chautauqua, N. Y. Mr. Aldricli came to Erie County in 1883, making 
the journey via the Schenectady & Albany Railroad, the first railroad line in the United 
States. He engaged in farming, subsequently erecting a tannery, which he carried on 
successfully many vears, but closed on account of other business and his desire to retire 
from active pursuits. He w'as commissioned as Justice of the Peace in 1881 for five years. 
He was previously engaged in manufacturing boots and shoes at Lockport, and has always 
felt an interest in building and improving tlie place. He is now living in his fine residence 
in the boroughof Lockport, and as a citizen and pioneer is highly esteemed. 

DR. EDWIN R. ALLEN, Girard, a descendant of the distinguished Ethen Allen, of 
Ticonderoga fame, was born in Girard Township, Erie Co., Penn., September 1, 1825, and 
is a son of Ira and Phebe (Comstock) Allen, who came to this county in 1818, and entered 
100 acres of land at Cross Station, where they passed their lives. They reared a family of 
seven children, five living— Emily, Nancy, Roana, Almira and Edwin R. The latter re- 
mained on the homestead until seventeen'years of age, when he engaged on a vessel, and 
followed a seafaring life several years. He began t"he study of dentistry in 1856. the fol- 
lowing year going to Cass County, Mich., where he practiced his profession four years. 
He then engaged in farming four years in Girard, subsequently resumed his profession in 
same, and has now an established business, and is the oldest practitioner in Girard. Dr. 
Allen's marriage occurred in 1853 in this township, with Helen M. Anderson, a native of 
Girard. Two children blessed this union— Clarence Emir, a teacher at Salt Lake City, 
married to Corrinne Tuckerman, of Austinburg, Ohio, and Cyrus A., dentist at Buffalo. 
Dr. Allen is among the oldest born settlers. He is universally respected, and is an hon- 
ored officer of Masons. 

A. S. ANDERSON, retired farmer, P. O. Girard, was born in Chautauqua County, N. 
Y.. November 17, 1831, and is a grandson of Geortie Anderson, a native of Massachusetts, 
who settled in this county in 1831, coming from Ann Arbor, Mich. He engaged in lum- 
bering, and built a saw mill in Girard Township, which he ran a few years, then sold out 
and moved to Matthew Anderson's, where he died at the age of ninety-eight years. He 
was a pioneer of Chenango County, N. Y.. taking up 400 acres of land there. His wife 
was Elizabeth Steward, by whom he had fourteen children. The father of our .subject, 
Matthew, was born in Chenango County in 1799. He, with his brother Allen, came to this 
county, articled 100 acres of land, and returned to the East. This land was subsequently 
lost. He was a carpenter by trade, working at the same for years, and accumulated con- 
siderable property. His widow, still surviving, wasEmily Maynard, born in Colerain, Mass., 
in 1796. Thev were the parents of four children, all now surviving, viz.: A. S. ; Amos W., 
a resident of McHenry Countv. 111., the father of Edwin V. and May, wife of Mr. Hungi- 
ford; William M.. of Grass Valley. Cal., also has two children— Clarence R., residing on 
the homestead with grandmother, %md Emma, widow of S. E. Brindle; and Helen, wife of 
Dr. E. R. Allen. Our subject was brought up on the homestead farm in this township, of 
which he is the oldest resident. He married, April 8, 1847, Adaline A., daughter of Elijah 
Drury, of a pioneer family, and a native of this county. Of the three children born to 
this union two are now living— Leslie M.. married to Ida Bunnell, and Carl M., married to 
Mattie Drury. After marriage, Mr. Anderson settled on his present place, retiring from 
the active pursuits of life in 1876. He has lived to see all his children comfortably settled. 
HENRY BALL, Justice of the Peace. Girard. is the only living son of Henry »nd 
Betsey (Halsted) Ball, and was born in 1810, in Galway, N. Y. His father, after emigrat- 
ing to this country from England, settled in Saratoga County, N. Y., where he was sales- 
man some years, engaged in farming, and at one time served as Constable. He ami his 
wife died within a year of each other, leaving Henry and Laura, a widow, and mother of 
Martha, wife of Theodore Allen, residing on the old homestead. Our subject located in 
Girard Township, and began, in connection with farming, in the commission and forward- 
ing business. In 1846, he was elected Justice of the Peace, serving five years. He was 



,54 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

re-elected in 1857, and has since filled this office. He has also served as School Director 
eighteen years, Secretary and Treasurer of the Council many years, and as Treasurer of 
the School Board, and Secretary of the Cemetery Company, in all capacities with satis- 
faction to his constituents and credit to himself. He was married to Martha Chesebro. 
a native of Saratoga County, N. Y. Three children blessed this union, one surviving, 
Jenuie, widow of Fenton Daggett, bv whom she has one child. Fenta. 

W. C. BATCHELER, famier, P. O. Girard, was born in A.shtal)ula County, Ohio, in 
1833, son of Elijah and Johanna (Taft) Batclieler, natives of Xew Hampshire and New 
York respectively. Amos Batcheler, the grandfather, of English descent, was born in 
New Hampshire, and served in the Revolutionary war. In 1811, he entered a large tract 
of laud in what is now Kingsville, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, built a log cabin assisted by the 
pioneers from three townships, raised a large family and passed his life. In 1856, Elijah 
.moved from Ashtabula to Erie County, settling in Albion Township, where he died in 
1868. He was the parent of tiye children, all living, viz., Augeline, widow of E. Denio; 
Luciuda, wife of H. P. Sullivan; W. C; Amos, a resident of Fargo, Dak., and CTCorge. 
Our subject was thoroughly educated in Ashtabula and Erie Counties, read medicine, and 
followed ills profession until his health failed, when he moved to Conneaut Township, 
Erie County, in October, 1861. In 1862, he joined the Union army as Hospital Steward, in 
■which capacity he served until August, 1863. For a few years, he followed mercantile 
trade, but his poor health compelled him to abandon this, and for the past few years he 
has been farming. He moved to Girard in 1ST3, and in ISSl occupied his present farm, 
<;onsisting of seventy-five acres. He has held various township offices, and is connected 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Batcheler was united in marriage, in this 
county, in 1859, with Annie E., daughter of Henry Skinner, of Erie County; three chil- 
dren blessed this union, two living— Henry E. and Mary A. 

ASA BATTLES, fruit culturist, Girard, was born in 1827 in this township, and is a 
son of Asa and Elizabeth Battles, both natives of Vermont. The first record we find of 
this nanie in America is from Savage's Genealogical Dictionary. Thomas Battles, a Puri- 
tan emigrant, settled in Dedham, Mass., in 16-42, married Mary Fisher, and raised a fam- 
ily of children, dying in 1706. It is said one of his sons settled in Bridgewater, Mass., 
from whom descended John Battles, the great-grandfather of our subject, who married a 
Curtis November 16, 1749, and had several children, the oldest named John, the grand- 
father of our subject, who married Lydia Spear, his first wife, and had five children, the 
fifth being Asa, Sr., tlie fatlier of the present Asa ; also, by his second wife, five children. 
Asa Battles, Sr., was born 1786, and married Elizai)eth Brown, November 22, 1814, the 
daughter of Al)raham Brown, who was well known as a writer of sacred poetry ; many of 
his hymns are now retained in the populai' collections of the day. They had the following 
children, all living: Rosina, born June 27, 1815, married L. I. Baldwin; George W., born 
June 15, 1816, married a Miss Bartlett; Alsina, bora July 22, 1820 ; Lucina, born January 16, 
1824; Asa, born September 21, 1827, married a Miss Hinds; Rush S., born April 24, 1833, 
married a Wei)ster. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. In 1814, he settled in "Western 
New York, but in 1825 he removed to Girard, Penn.. residing until he died May 10. 1848, 
aged sixty-two years. His widow survived him till October 10, 1868, aged eighty^-one 
years. Asa Battles (our subject), at the early age of twenty years, engaged in mercantile 
business, conducting one of the largest stores in the place. At twenty-one, he was 
appointed Postmaster, holding the office four years, when he engaged in mail contracting, 
on Cjuile a large scale, with the Post Office Department, having, at the commencement of 
the war of the rebellion, contracts in all the Middle and Western and several of the 
Southern States. Owing to the unsettling of values, the war about destroyed this busi- 
ness. He then turned his attention to the mercantile trade, opening a wholesale store in 
Milwaukee, Wis., and, soon after, another in Chicago ; was also proprietor of a large 
hotel in Chicago previous to the great fire, after which he had one in St. Louis a few years. 
Although exempt from military duty, he hired a substitute, and kept him in the service 
during the war. When Pennsylvania was unable to fill her quota in the army without 
resorting to a draft, he accepted a commission from the Governor to proceed to the Gulf 
States and obtain colored recruits, in which he was quite successful. He was also largely 
engaged in the oil business, owning manv producing wells, and a large refiner}^ on Oil 
•Creek. He was married, December 27, 1849, to Sarah M., daughter of Perley Hinds, one 
of the early pioneers of this county. Six children have been born to them, ^ve of whom 
are now living : Clarence Perley, born October 16, 1853, graduated at Rush Medical Col- 
lege, Chicago, and is now a practicing physician ; Rajnnond Willis, born July 31, 1856, 
graduated at Rush Medical College. Chicago, and is jiracticinsr medicine at Riple}% N. Y. ; 
was married to Teresa, daughter of Hon. L. W. Thickstun, and have one son, Donald R. ; 
Wilton Lamar, born September 21, 1860, graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, 
^nd is now practicing dental surgery ; Leland Asa, born June 8, 1867 ; Cora Gertrude, 
born January 18, 1871. Asa Battles has now retired from all his business operations, and 
■devotes himself entirely to horticultural pursuits, having, it is said, the finest and most 
extensive fruit plantation in the State of Pennsylvania. 



GIRARD TOWNSHIP. 55 

R S. BATTLES, banker, Girard, is a native of Girard, born April, 1833, son of Asa 
and Elizabeth (Brown) Battles, the former a native of Stou!?hton, Mass., the latter of 
Guilford, Vt., who settled, lived and died on 250 acres of land in this township. They 
reared a family of six children, all surviving— Rosina, wife of L. I. Baldwin, Conneaut, 
Ohio ; Georo-e W., of Sunta Barbara County, Cal.; Alsina, Lucina, Asa and Rush S. Our 
subiect acquired a primary education in the schools of Girard, where he began to read law 
witii S E. Woodruff. In 1853, he entered the National Law School of Poughkeepsie. N. 
Y o-raduating in the class of 1854, and was admitted, the same year, to the bar of Erie 
County and became associated with his former preceptor in the practice of law in this 
village Years later they dissolved, and he devoted his time to farming until 1859, when 
the bank was organized, under the firm name of Battles & Webster. The latter retired in 
1876, and Mr. Battles has since conducted the business alone. He has also an interest in 
and is Secretary and Treasurer of the Wrench Factory. Mr. Battles was married, in 1861, 
to Charlotte M., daughter of James Webster, of Girard. Of their three children, one 
C. Elizabeth, survives. The family reside on the old homestead, and are highly esteemed 

citizen'^ 

HENRY BECKER, merchant tailor, Girard, was born in Bavaria. Germany, in 1830, 
emio-ratinff to the United States in 1851, and coming to Girard the following year, where 
he opened^a clothing store, which he has since .successfully carried on. He is the oldest 
merchant tailor in the city, and also carries a full line of clothing, hats, caps, notions, etc. 
He married in this county in 1854, Katrina B., daughter of Christian Breckle, a native of 
Wittenbern- Germany, who settled in Mill Creek Township in 1843. To this union eleven 
children have been born, viz.: Henrv, Charles (deceased at New Washington, Ohio); Kat- 
rina wife of R. Warner; Edward in San Francisco, Cal.; Annie; Helen, m San Irancisco, 
Cal '• Christian, a barber in Girard; Martha, Gustav, Ida and Caroline. Mr. Becker for 
nine years has been a member of the City Council, and holds a Lieutenant s and Captain s 
commission in the militia, in which he served nine years. He purchased the Lutheran 
Church named in his honor the Becker Church, and has been its President fifteen years._ 

D AVID P BLAIR farmer, P. O. Girard, was born on the homestead in this township 
in 1818 and is a son of James and Mary (Wallace) Blair, who located their home in the 
thickly wooded heights of Elk Creek Township, in 1803. They came from Fayette County, 
floating their household effects to Meadville, from whence they were brought on horseback. 
They paid $50 for 400 acres of land, and, after paying taxes on it seven years, abandoned 
it Mr Blair subsequently made a purchase which includes property now occupied by our 
subject, where he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. They were the parents 
of six children four of whom are now living— James, Joseph, David P. and Samuel. Mr. 
Blair died in March, 1855; his widow survived until June 9, 1873, dying in her ninety- 
fourth year. David P. was married March 5, 1874. to Caroline, daughter of Robert and 
Sabina Wallace, a native of Washington County, Penn. One son, Robert W., bornto 
this union is now living. The family erected a fine residence near the old home, a portion 
of which is the old log cabin, which is still standing. The original homestead consisted 
of 100 acres, but David P. Blair has made subsequent purchases of 200 acres. Ihe family 
are widely and favorably known. Their home is situated on a belt of laud that stretches 
out 150 feet above the bend of Elk Creek, and affords one of the finest views in that section. 

JAMES R BLAIR farmer, P. O. Girard. was born on the homestead m this township. 
May 7, 1838. and is a son of John W. and Candace (Strong) Blair, the former a native of 
Erie County, born February 15, 1807, and the latter born May 7, IS^'*'^. in yermout John 
W. was a son of James Blair, who settled in this township in 1803, and died in lo79. His 
widow still survives. The subject of this sketch has a farm of eighty acres and has always 
followed farming. He is one of our oldest pioneers and is highly respected. 

R. C. BROMLEY, retired farmer, P. O. Girard, M-as born in 1817 in Rutland County, 
Vt., son of Smith and Phebe M. (Wescott) Bromley, natives of Vermont, and who v/ 
came to this county in 1837, settling in Springfield Township. Our subject, their only X 
child, came with them. His father bought a farm of fifty-four acres, on which he lived / 
until the death of his wife in 1847. Some two years afterward, the father returned to Ver- 
mont, where he died, leaving our subject the farm. R. C. Bromley was married in 1»43, 
to Cina A. Cross, youngest child of Oliver Cross, a pioneer of this county, from V ermont. 
To this union were born three daughters— Mary Jane, married to Samuel R. Carroll, had 
three children— John B., Lida I., and Ella R., died June 2, 1873; Laura A., married to 
Norman L. Pratt, has one daughter— Adah Pearl, now residing in Omaha, Neb. ; and Flora 
D. married to J. Harley Silverthorn, has three children— Lora F., Leo G. and Roa C, 
now living on our subject's farm in this township. In 1853, Mr. Bromley moved to Craw- 
ford County. Penn,, where be resided twelve years. Here he was an acting Justice of the 
Peace one term, besides holding other township offices. In 1865. he bought a farm in 
Girard Township, this county, to which he at once moved. Here he was elected to the 
office of Justice of the Peace one term (five years, as fixed by the law of Pennsylvania). 
Our subject being compelled, owing to severe attacks of rheumatism, to retire from active 
labor in 1882, purchased a house and lot near Girard depot, where he now resides. 



56 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

A. M. CLARK, grocer, Girard, was born in Torrin^rton, Conn., in 1837, and is a sou of 
Converse and Almira (Burr) Clark, natives of Connecticut, the former born February 29, 
1800; the latter April 23, 1803. They came to this county in 1837, and settled on a farm 
in Greene Township, Erie County. In 1849, Mr. Clark, Sr., removed to Springfield, where 
he spent the remainder of his life, dying December 29, 1853. He was at one time an active 
militiaman in Connecticut, and served as an officer in his native State and after coming 
West. His widow is residing with a daughter in Earlville, 111., in the eighty-second year 
of her age. She is the mother of six children, viz.: George Russell. Chester B., Jane Lu- 
cina. Flora Almira J., Almon M. and Mills C. The latter served as Captain of I. F. V., 
was wounded at Champion Hills, but served to the close of the war. Our subject followed 
farming until 1866. when he entered into a copartnership with George P. Rea. groceries and 
dry goods. He sold his interest to Mr. Rea four years later, establishing himself in the 
grocery business, which he has since followed, occupying his present premises in the fall 
of 1871, where he carries a large stock of groceries, crockery, etc.. doing a constantly in- 
creasing and successful trade. He married at Springfield, Penn., November 23, 1859,' Ma- 
tilda H. Ferguson, born March 25, 1839, daughter of Mance Ferguson. She died January 
18, 1883. They have an adopted daughter, IBertha A. Mr. Clark is one of the active men 
and esteemed citizensfof the township, in which he has held various offices of trust. 

WILLIS COFFMAN, farmer, P. O. Platea. was born on the homestead farm in Girard 
Township in 1859. and is a son of Conrad and Barbara (Eaton) CofEman, who were among 
the pioneers of 1803, and erected a cabin in the wilderness of Elk Creek, where they lived 
to the close of their lives. They reared a family of nine children, four of whom are living — 
Willis, Ellen, Dorcas and Rush. The children have the homestead farm, consisting of sixty 
acres. 

D. R. CROOKS, farmer, P. O. Girard. was born in Groveland, N. Y., in 1814, and is the 
youngest child of David and J. (Buskirk) Crooks, the former a native of Xorthumber- 
iand County, Penn., and the latter of New Jersey. They settled on the farm now occupied 
by our subject in 1829, which then consisted of 132 acres. They reared a family of seven 
children, all growing to manhood and womanhood, but now all deceased except two- 
Hannah and D. R. David Crooks died at the age of eighty-eight, and his wife when eighty- 
two years of age. Hannah Crooks married Samuel Buckby. and resides in Southwestern 
Missouri. They have a family of eight children, viz., Thomas, David, Edwin, Jane, 
Catherine, Margaret (who resides on the homestead with our subject), Fannie and Emily. 
Mr. Crooks has always lived on the homestead farm, enjoying his parents' society till the 
last. He leads a quiet, monotonous life, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors as an old 
settler and citizen. 

W. C. CULBERTSON, lumber merchant, Girard. is a native of Edinboro, Erie Co., 
Penn., born November 27, 1825. His father, Andrevv C, born in Westmoreland County, 
Penn.. June 20, 1795. When two years of age, he came with his father William, who took 
up a large tract of land, and was one of the early settlers of Edinboro, where he died. 
Andrew married, in 1820, Margaret Alexander, born" in Washington County, N. Y., October 
31, 1797, and reared a family of eight children all now living— MargaVet J., Mary C, 
William C, James A., Rebecca, John, Alexander and Charles W. In 1846, W. C. Culbert- 
son engaged in lumbering on the Allegheny River and in Kentucky, subsequently con- 
tinuing the same in Jefferson County. "He a"t present has branches established at several 
points in the South and West. The oldest branch, in Covington, Ky., in which his eldest 
son— James A.— is interested, is known as J. A. Culbertson & Co. The Girard Lumber 
Companj^ has mills at Menominee, Mich.; a lumber yard in Chicago is under the name of 
W. C. Culbertson & Son. He is connected with the Penn Mill "at Albion, the business 
conducted under the firm name of Penn Lumber Co. He owns extensive timber 
lands in Northern Michigan and in the yellow pine timber districts of Missouri, a 
wheat farm in the Red River Valley, Minn., smaller farms in Kentucky, Allegheny 
Springs, Warren Co., Penn.; Edinboro,' Erie Co., Penn., and the home estate near Girard. 
He is proprietor of the Girard Flouring Mills, and President of the Girard Wrench 
Factory, in which he has an interest. He was married in Warren County, Penn., to 
Margaret Alexander, by whom he has had eight children — seven now living. Mr. Culbert- 
son is a modest, unassuming gentleman, loved by all who know him. 

GEORGE H. CUTLER, attorney, Girard. 'The Cutler family are of English origin, 
New -England stock, and noted for their longevity. Thomas Cutler, our subject's grand- 
father, born in Massachusetts in 1736, a soldier in the French war, died in 1835. George 
H. Cutler was born in Gruilford, Vt., in 1809, and is a son of Nahum and Martha (Robbins) 
Cutler, both deceased, natives of Windham County, Vt., and Hartford, Conn., respectively. 
George H. received a common school education, having a private tutor for the higher 
branches. He read law with Hon. Judge Ross, of Cortland, N. Y. In 1835, he located in 
Girard, Erie County; two years later entered the office of Judge Galbraith, of Erie, being 
admitted to the bar in 1840. He is the oldest practitioner in Erie County. Mr. Cutler was 
the Democratic candidate for Congress in 1852. In 1872, he was ele'cted to the State 
Senate, and was elected Speaker in May, 1874, and President pro tern, in January, 1875. 
He was the last Speaker under the old and first President i^)ro tern, under the new' consti- 



GIRARD TOWNSHIP. 57 

tution, presiding in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor. Mr. Cutler married, m 
Cayuga Countyrx. Y., in 1830, Louisa Stewart, a native of Cambridge, N. Y. Six cb'1- 
dren (two deceased) blessed this union — Marcus N. ; George A., who is a prominent meiii- 
ber of the bar at Leland, Mich.; Mary, wife of Irvin P. Hinds, of Hinsdale, 111., and 
Louisa. The law firm of Cutler & Hiads, which came into existence in 1861, still con- 
tinues. 

AUSTIN DAGGETT, farmer, P. O. Girard, was born in Greenfield Township, Erie Co., 
Penn., May, 1805, and is the eldest son living of Sebree and Annis (Peet) Daggett, the 
former born in Coventry, Conn., in 1775, the latter a native of Vermont. The father of 
Sebree, John Daggett, in the cold winter of 1799, came to this county, following an Indian 
trail through the woods. On December 24, 1803, going from Erie to Colt's Station, while 
crossing a stream on a log, he fell into the water and had his feet so terribly frozen that 
when he reached his destination he made a saw out of a case knife, and cut the frozen 
parts away, sawing the very bones. No doctors in those days. He was a Revolutionary 
soldier, was married five times, and reared seven children, fruits of his first union. He 
made a small payment on 300 acres of land in Greenfield, on which his son Sebree Dag- 
gett and family, coming from Vermont, settled in 1799. They cleared about twenty acres 
of this tract, and in 1814 entered the land now occupied by Hiram Daggett, which con- 
sisted of 125 acres, 100 of which were cleared by Sebree and our subject. John departed 
this life in 1837, when eighty-four years old. Sebree reared a family of six sons and four 
daughters. The surviving are Laura (widow of Lewis Wildman), Austin, Darius, Reuben, 
Elner (widow of J. B. Williams), Hiram, John D. Austin married, in Conneaut, Ohio, 
June 3, 1830, Elvira, daughter of Joab Greene, a native of Herkimer County, N. Y., where 
she was born June 9, 1808, who has borne him ten children, six siuwiving, viz.; Julius A.; 
Annis R., wife of J. C. Zahn; Helen M., wife of Welcome J. Weeks; Melissa, wife of 
Richard Tuckey, of Coldw^ater, Mich.; Florence, wife of William M. Anderson, residing 
at home; and Josephine H., wife of James Tuckey. In August, 1830, Mr. Daggett settled 
on his portion of the farm, coasisting of ninety-five acres of woodland He has en- 
dured all the privations and hardships of pioneer life, clearing away the timber, building 
a cabin, etc. He served in the militia for over twenty years, and had a Captain's commis- 
sion at that time. He has been a member of the Universalist Church many years. 

ELIJAH DRURY, deceased, the father of Rosw^ell C. and Oliver P. Drury, was the 
youngest child in a family of eight, born to Ebenezer and Mariam Drury, and the third 
child born in Litchfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y. (born September 19, 1792), after its settlement 
by the whites. By the will of his father, he was given the choice of living with his eldest 
brother, who had inherited the farm, receiving $100 when of age, or having his own time; 
he was then sixteen years of age. The latter was his choice, and, without a dollar, or ad- 
equate clothing, he started out in the winter's cold to make his way. He began digging 
stone at $10 per month, and clothed himself for the winter. He then went a distance of 
100 miles in a cutter, to the Black River countr3^ with a newly married sister, and attended 
school the remainder of the winter. He then worked for $10 per month, and saved $300, 
with which he purchased fifty acres of wild land in Genesee County, N. Y. He then 
worked for $12 per month, and hauled cannon for the Government after the close of the 
war of 1812. He married, in the fall of 1815, Abigail C. Cheney, born in Walpole. N. H., 
May 15. 1792. He walked to this county, and bought on credit 100 acres in Girard, a part 
of the farm on which Oliver P. now resides. He returned for his wife, and with oxen 
and horse started for their new home. They erected a small house and began the struggles 
of pioneer life. Success crowned his efforts, and he died surrounded by his family, and 
having large accumulations of landed property. He departed this life July 25, 1880, and 
his wife February 22, 1875. Their honored remains were interred in the family cemetery, 
near their home. 

R. C. DRURY, farmer, P. O. Girard, was born in Girard Township November 3, 1817, 
and is a son of Elijah and Abigail (Cheney) Drury; the former born September 19, 1792, 
dying July 25, 1880; the latter born May 15, 1792, departed this life February 22, 1875. 
'They were the parents of six children, four now living — Roswell C, Oliver P., Adaline A. 
and'Marilda M. The records of this family show them to be of English stock. Obed 
Drury, of London, England, with the father of Hugh Drury, came to the Colonies with 
Gov. John Winthrop in 1635, to found a colony at the mouth of Kane River, Mass., and 
from them sprang the succeeding generations in America. Our subject married, in Girard 
Township, Mary J. Kennedy, who died without issue. He next married Uranah A. Haven, 
who dying left three children, viz. : Byron, married to Viola Sykes, and has four children- 
Harry^ Clara. Leland and Ivy; R. Carmi, married F. Silverthorn, and has one child, Ethel; 
Mary, wife of C. M. Anderson. Mr. Drury again married, this time to Dorcas A. Coffman, 
by whom he has one child, Elijah, who married K. Wood, and has one child, Carl M. Mr. 
Drury settled on his present farm of 117 acres in 1851. 

OLIVER P. DRURY, farmer, P. O. Girard, is a son of Elijah and Abigail C. (Cheney) 
Drury, born on the homestead farm in this township, August 13, 1819. He was united in 
marriage at Warsaw. N. Y., April 22, 1841, with Sarah, daughter of Eli Dibble. She was 
born at'Granville, N. Y., July 22, 1817, and dying January 15, 1864, left four children, viz.; 



68 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Walter E., married to Gettie Wliitcomb ; they are residing in Nebraska, and have 
tTv^ children, Clarence and Francis; Roswell C., married to Mary Rhodes, parents of 
Sad and Ralph; Annie E., wife of F. A. Hadsell, residents of Cass County, Mich.; and 
Jessie, married to Inez F. Warner, reside on the homestead. Mr. Drury's second marriage 
took place November 17, 1868, with M;irv E. Piatt, a native of Crawford County, Pennsyl- 
vania. Mr. Drur\' disposed of his farm "in this township and went to Cass County, Mich., 
where he resided until 1875, when, on account of the failing health of his aged father, he 
returned to the homestead, so he could care for and fulfill his last duties toward his honored 
sire. The generation is of pioneer stock, and the children inherit the qualities of their 
ancestors, all of whom were representatives of character, honest j^ and sobriety. 

A. G. ELY, physician, Girard, was born in Middlefield, Otsego Co., K Y., in 1820. and 
is a son of Sumner and Hannah (Gilbert) Ely, the former a native of Lyme, Conn., and the 
latter of Otsego County, N. Y. Sumner Ely was educated at Yale, where he graduated in 
the class of 1804, and was a prominent ph3"sician at Clarksville (Middlefield), Otsego Co., 
N. Y. He was President of the New York State Medical Society, and a member of the 
Assembly and Senate of that State. Our subject received his education at Hamilton Col- 
lege, N. Y., and was a graduate of the Geneva Medical College in 1841. He studied medi- 
cine with his father and Dr. R. G. Frary, of Hudson, N. Y., and after acting one year as 
assistant physician in Bellevue Hospital, N. Y., began the practice of his profession in liis 
mitive county. In 1845, he located in Girard, where he has had a large practice, and is 
now gradually retiring from the field, leaving it for younger aspirants. 

GEORGE C. GALLOWHUR (deceased) was born on the homestead farm, near Girard, 
in 1839, and was a son of George Gallowhur, a native of Mifflin County, Penn., who 
settled in Manchester, near Walnut Creek, Erie County, in 1818. Five years later he re- 
moved to the present home of the family, then consisting of eighty-five acres, all of which 
he cleared. He was one of the founders, and for many years Elder of the Presbj'terian 
Church at Girard. He married, July 18, 1819, Eliza, a daughter of Andrew Lowry, a dis- 
tinguished pioneer, who took up land under the Corporation Act, and was soon after dis- 
possessed by the Indians. He subsequently settled in Mill Creek Township, and passed 
his later years at Girard. He was a native of Ireland, and married Mary Barr. George 
and Eliza Gallowhur had born to them eleven children, two surviving — Marj^ A., widow of 
Amos Stowe; and Sarah, widow of Oliver Easterbrook,w]io was a son of Benjamin Easter- 
brook, of Connecticut, a pioneer of Erie County. He was a lumber dealer, and was lost 
in the Allegheny River while floating a raft. Oliver died in November, 1872, leaving two 
children— Susie and Benjamin F. The subject of this sketch married, in 1870, Sarah E. 
Powell, a native of Crawford County, a daughter of Hon. Howell Powell, and grand- 
daughter of Watkin Powell, a distinguished pioneer family of Crawford. Mr. Gallowhur 
died August 22, 1883, leaving a widow and one child, William Gibson, to mourn his loss. 

L. AV. GREEN, proprietor of billiard parlor, Girard. was born in Ashtabula County, 
Ohio, in 1846, and is a son of Silas and Phebe Green, the former a native of Harbor Creek, 
Erie Co., Penn., and the latter of New York State. Tlie grandparent, Joab Green, wae 
among the earliest pioneers of Harbor Creek Townsliip," settling prior to the war of 
1812, after which he removed to Conneaut, Ohio, and remained till the close of 
life. The parents are both residents of Ohio. They reared two children, both liv- 
ing—Flora, wife of Calvin Richardson, of Willoughb3^ Ohio, and our subject. L. 
W. Green was reared on a farm, and in 1873 came to Girard; following year opened 
a market, which he conducted until 1877, when he sold out and removed to Brad- 
ford, Penn., where he opened a billiard parlor. This he conducted until 1879, when 
he returned to Girard and established a billiard room in. the Avenue House, in which 
he remained until he removed to his present quarters. This hall has two tables of the 
latest design, and the necessarj^ equipments for the game are of the best. It is supported and 
patronized by all lovers of the game, and no liquors are sold. Mr. Green was married on 
Christmas Day, 1867, to Lola, daughter of Dexter Marsh, of Pierpont, Ohio. This union 
has been blessed with two children — Bennie and Jessie. 

JOHN GULLIFORD & CO., hardware, Girard. John Gulliford, one of our oldest 
native residents, was born in Girard. in 1814, and is a son of Samuel, who, with his father, 
John Gulliford, settled on the Lexington road, near Ball Church in 1801. The great- 
grandfather, William, of English birth, was the first Gulliford to locate in the colonies. 
John Gulliford, Sr., took up 200 acres, reared a large family and died on the homestead. 
Samuel married Catherine Ball, whose parents settled here the same year. They reared a 
family of eleven children, all living— Daniel, John, Levi, David, Samuel, Cornelius, Al- 
len, Sally (wife of S. K. Talmage). Lorenzo, Mary A. and Lydia. Our subject was reared 
on a farm, attending a rude log school for his education, and was apprenticed, when twelve 
years old, to a tinner in Erie. He followed this trade until 1839, when he established him- 
self in business, whicli has grown into the large establishment under firm name of Gulli- 
ford & Co. He was married in this township in 1839, to Catherine, the daughter of John 
Hay, a native of Fairview Township. All the seven children born to this union are 
living, viz., John H., George S., Samuel H., Mary (wife of L. D. Hart), Emma, Lizzie 
(wife of G. W. Badger) and Hattie (wife of C. Fargo). Mr. Gulliford has filled various 
township offices, and is the oldest merchant in business here at the present time. 



GIRARD TOWNSHIP. 59 

JAMES J. HALSTEAD, farmer, P. O. Platea, was born in Galway, Saratoga Co., 
N. Y., April 29, 1810, sou of Samuel aud Patieuoe (Jones) Halstead. The latter is a na- 
tive of Jonesville, N. Y., and a daughter of Samuel Jones, after whom the place was 
named. The former was a native of Delaware County, N. Y. Their children were as fol- 
lows: Washington, Piatt, Elizabeth, Theodoras, Samuel, Fannie, Nancy, Samuel (second), 
Henry B. and James J. Our subject was married, June 22, 1831, to Lovina Conkling, a 
native of Saratoga, N. Y., and a connection of the distinguished Roscoe Conkling, of that 
State. Four children have been born to this union, all living — Alvah, George, Charles W. 
and William. Mr. Halstead lost his wife by death, August 17, 1867, and he married Susan 
Waldo, a native of Starkey, Yaies Co., N. Y., where she was born in 1835. Mr. Halstead 
came to this county in 1839, and settled on a farm east of Lockport, but in 1852 located in 
the village, where "he was engaged in mercantile business some years. By trade he is a 
tanner and shoe-maker. He'owns 148 acres in Girard Township. 

L. D. HART, clothing merchant, Girard, was l)orn in this township in 1839, and is a 
son of Leffert and Nancy' (Woodford) Hart, both natives of Connecticut, who settled in 
this city in 1838. Leffert was a contractor and builder, and helped to build the canal here. 
He wi^h Judge Miles built ten miles of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, in- 
cluiliug the aqueduct at Elk Creek. He also constructed six miles of the Pittsburgh road 
from Girard depot to Cross' Station, and tilled a contract on a road near Akron, Ohio. He 
was a man of active business qualification, and represented this county in the Legislature. 
He was the father of fourteen children by two marriages; his second wife was Eliza, a 
sister of Richard Dimpsey, of this county. Our subject first engaged as a salesman, then 
dealt extensively in oil. He was drafted in 1862, and served nine months in Company G, 
One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Infantry State Guards. In 1866, he established himself in 
his present business in Girard, in which he has been very successful. He has a custom de- 
partment connected with his store, and carries a stock worth $10,(]00. He married in this 
county, in 1868, Mary E. Gulliford, a native of Girard. He is one of the enterprising cit- 
izens of this city, and is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, which he joined 
in 1864. 

CALVIN J. HINDS, attorney, Girard, second son of Perley and Sarah (Lawrence) 
Hinds, was born in Girard Township December 29, 1832. His parents, natives of Cheshire 
€ounty, N. H., settled in this township with the pioneers of 1831. His mother, who bore 
five children, three surviving— Sarah, Ervin P. and Calvin J.— died in 1839. His father 
was remarried to Polly (Kent) Smith, of Chautauqua County, N. Y., who bore him five 
children, three living— William W., Clarisa L. and Marion S. Our subject was reared on 
a farm, attending the district school, Kingsville Academy. Ohio, Girard Academy and 
Cleveland Commercial College. He then engaged for three years in the insurance busi- 
ness at Philadelphia, Penn., and afterward for three years in mercantile and lumber busi- 
ness at Philipsburg, Penn. He read law with George H. Cutler, was admitted to the Erie 
County Bar in 1860, and formed a copartnership with his preceptor, which firm still con- 
tinues. During Lincoln's administration, Mr. Hinds served four years as Postmaster of 
Girard, but has since avoided political life. He conducted the telegraph and express busi- 
ness some years, and has always been identified with the growth and development of his 
native township. In 1856, he was married to Elvira M. Cutler, a native of this county, 
who was the mother of three children— Lawrence C, Paymaster for the contractors of the 
Northern Pacific Railroad, of Billings, Mont. ; Bertha E., wife of F. J. French, and Elvira C. 
His wife died in 1864. Mr. Hinds' second wife was Frank A. Stewart, of Syracuse, N. 1. 
This union has been blessed with five children- Fannie S., Harry, Belle, Calvm J., Jr., 
and J. Donald. 

F. C. KEELER, farmer, P. O. Girard, was born in Mexico, Oswego County, N. \., 
in 1820, and is a son of Isaiah W. and Lucinda Keeler, both natives of New York State. 
They located in North East Township in 1830, and were among its earliest pioneers. 
Two years later they moved to Elk Creek, near Wellsburg, but died at Lockport, Girard 
Township. They were the parents of nine children, four living— Joseph, F. C, Nathan 
and Albert. Our subject was married, in 1842, to Caroline Pierce, a native of Chautauqua 
County, N. Y., which union has been blessed with four children, all living— Cynthia _F., 
wife of F. Randall, by whom she has two children— Leslie and Alice; Alice J., Melissa 
R., widow of A. Lewis, and the mother of Oliver K., Carl W., Frank C. and Grace A; and 
Emma, wife of David Wood, by whom she has two children — M. Glenn and Carrie L. At 
the time of his marriage, Mr. Keeler was living on thepieee of land first mentioned, and 
went to work in the paper mill some three years after. The land was situated in Green- 
field Township, four miles south of North East. He made a small payment on a piece of 
land, which he afterward sold to advantage. In 1851, he settled on his present farm, con- 
sisting of sixty acres. He began life empty-handed, and attributes much of his success to 
the assistance of his good wife, who shared in his struggles, and now with him enjoys all 
their present comforts. 

WILLIAM S. KELLEY, farmer, P. O. Miles' Grove, was born on the homestead farm, 
in Girard Township, February 12, 1829, and is a son of John Kelley, whose record appears 
in this work. He was married in this township October 4, 1860, to Eliza J., daughter 



60 BIOGRArHICAL SKETCHES: 

of John Murray, a pioneer, who was a marine in the war of 1812, and settler of this town 
ship. To this union two children have been born, both now living — Addle M. and Belle J. 
Mr. Kelley occupies seventy-five acres of the homestead farm, where lie has resided since 
his birth. He has been serving as School Director for nine years. He is a man widely 
and favorably known, and is connected with the A. O. U. "W. 

J. D. KELLEY, farmer, P. 0. Miles' Grove, was born on the homestead, on which 
he has always resided, in 1831, and is the third son of John Kelley. He resides on fifty 
acres, a portion of the homestead farm settled by his father. He was married in this 
county, in 1859, to Rebecca A. Emrich, a native of Ohio. Their only child, Charles 
J., born October 18, 1855, who was employed in the office at Girard Station, was killed 
on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad April 16. 1878. He was a young 
man of high moral worth, and his death was a great loss to his parents. Mrs. Kelley 
dying, August 1. 1880, Mr. Kelley married Anna L. Case, a native of Pierpont, Ohio. Mr. 
Kelley is descended from an old pioneer, is highly respected, and has served as Assessor 
two years, being elected Assistant Assessor in 1876, succeeding J. C. Miller, who died, and 
in 1877, was re-elected. He has also filled the office of Collector for one year, and previ- 
ously was Constable of Girard Township and Borough. 

LAZARUS S. KELLEY, farmer, P. O. Miles' Grove, was born on the homestead 
farm, on the Lake road, March 26, 1835, and is the youngest son of John Kelley, who was 
born April 28, 1793, in Lewistown, Mifflin Co., Penn., and came to this county in 1803, 
when but ten years old, with his father, George Kelley. The latter purchased a tract of 
land, consisting of 200 acres (now occupied by his three sous), of Robert Brown, with. al- 
lowance of 6 per cent. He and his wife, Fanny Dickson, born in Derrytown, Mifflin Co., 
Penn., came on horseback to this farm, then an unbroken wilderness, cleared ten acres, and 
erected a cabin, near the site of our subject's present residence, where they lived and died. 
He was succeeded on this farm by his son, John, who married Margaret Steele}', a native 
of Lewistown, Miflflin Co., Penn., born August 8, 1794. They were the parents of eleven 
children, seven now living — Cartus E., widow of George Webb; Susanah, wife of Constant 
Hicks, residing in Hancock County, 111.; John S., of Quinc.y, 111.; William S. ; James D., 
our subject, and Mary J., wife of Clark Barlow. John Kelley was a widely and favorably 
known pioneer, and soldier of the war of 1812. His wife died in May, 1865, and he fol- 
lowed her in March, 1879, aged eighty-six. Lazarus S. Kelley, the subject of this sketch, 
married in this township. Sarah Jane, daughter of Asa and Sarah (Coats) McConnell. who 
settled in this township in 1829, and purchased the land on which the Herrick familj^ now 
reside, where Mrs. Kelley was born. Her parents raised a family of seven children, three 
now living — Amanda, widow of William McQuilkin, residing in this township, and Fred- 
erick, a resident of Danville, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have no children. 

JOHN KESSEL, Jr., restaurant, Girard, was born in this township February 7, 1857, 
and is a son of John and Phillipina (Epple) Kessel, both natives of Germany, and parents 
of eight children, seven now living — John (our subject), Frank, Bertha, Minnie, Charles, 
Henry and Carrie. John Kessel, Sr., was born in Hesse-Darmstadt in 1835; crossed the 
ocean in 1854; came direct to Girard, and established himself in business; was subsequent- 
ly burned out. He lived here till the close of his life, djing, however, at Waukesha, Wis., 
July 2, 1883, whence he had gone in search of health, and\vas interred in Girard Cemete- 
ry. He was very successful, financially, though he began life as a barber, with no capital 
but his ambition and perseverance. He was a Democrat in politics, a member of the Lu- 
theran Church. Many knew from experience that he was kind-hearted and liberal. He was 
a prominent member of the A. O. U. W., I. O. O. F., and several other societies. Our sub- 
ject engaged in the barber business at Mayville, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., from 1876 until 
the death of his father, when he returned to Girard and took charge of the business, which 
he has since continued. He was married, on November 4, 1879. at Mayville, to Hattie E. 
Van Valkenbergh, a native of the same. Two children blessed this union, one surviving 
— Margaret. Mr. Kessel inherits his father's attributes, is a successful business man, and a 
member of the Royal Arcanum. 

RANSO;BiI KIDDER, farmer, P. O. Girard, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., 
in 1823, and is a son of Thomas and Lucy (Holt) Kidder, who were among the pioneers to 
settle on Elk Creek in that township, located on 200 acres of land, where they both died. 
They were the parents of seven children, four now living, viz., Putnam, Perry, Betsy 
(wife of D. Ward), and Ransom. Our subject was married in this county to Susan, daugh- 
ter of Elijah Drury, who, dying, left three children — Charles, Elijah and Passmore W. Mr. 
Kidder's second Avife was Bidah Cronch, who also died, and left two children — Ida and 
Frank. He then married Emma T., daughter of John P. Lyman, and a native of this 
county. Three children, all living, ha\e blessed this union," viz., Belle, Ru.sh, and one 
not named. Mr. Kidder settled on his present estate, consisting of 175 acres, in 1856. He 
has served as School Director -eight or nine years, and is an old and highly- respected 
citizen. 

F. X. L0M3IER, proprietor of the Lommer House, P. O. Miles' Grove, was born in 
Buffalo, N. Y., in 1839, and is a son of John Lommer, who emigrated to the United States 
in 1837, settling and dying in Buffalo. Since boyhood, when he began as bell boy in the 



GIRARD TOWNSHIP. 61 

old Phoenix House, F. X. Lommer has been in the hotel business, soon winning for 
himself an enviable reputation. In 1869, he became proprietor of the Jones House, at 
Westfield, N. Y., which he conducted successfully until he purchased the Osborn House, 
which stood upon the site of his present edifice; it has accommodation for about twenty 
transient »ues*ts. It is the only hotel at the Grove, and first-class in all its appointments. 
He married, in Buffalo, in 1860, Mary E. Laux, a native of same city. Their living chil- 
dren are Julia, William and Harry. Frank J., who was clerking with his father, an esti- 
mable young man, beloved by a large circle of friends, died September 11, 1883, in his 
twenty-first year. Mr. Lomme^ is connected with Lodge 44, A. O. U. W., of Erie. He is 
possessed of a genial di.sposition, and as a landlord has a well-merited reputation, and 
strangers eve,r find a cordial welcome to his house. 

LEVI LOVERIDGrE, accountant, Girard, son of Ethan and Caroline (Gunn) Love- 
ridge, was born in this township October 6, 1S30. His parents, natives of Massachusetts, 
came to this township with their family in 1818, entering 800 acres of land, upon which 
they resided until the close of their lives. They reared a family of seven children, five 
siu-viving — Henrj"- H., Levi, Delia, James M. and Lucy. Levi remained on the farm until 
twenty-one, acquiring an education in the schools in Girard and Erie City, and engaging 
iu teaching four or five years. For the past twenty-five years, however, he has been in 
mercantile trade in Girard, conducting at one time an extensive dry goods trade. In 1881, 
Mr. Loveridge, with his son, established on Main street the largest grocery house in this 
city, and they carry a complete line of groceries, crockery, etc. He has filled various 
township offices with credit to himself, and is one of our oldest and most respected set- 
tlers. He was united in marriage with Adaline C. Freeman, a native of Rushford, N. Y. 
Three children have been born to this union, two living — Olcott D., married to Lettie U. 
Van Dyke, of Delavan, Wis., and has two children (twins) — Addie M. and Millie B.; and 
Fred F., married to Ella Dinsmore, of Mercer County, Penn. Mr. Loveridge, with family, 
is a member of the Presbyterian congregation, in which he is a Trustee. He has acted as 
accountant for the Girard Wreucli Manufacturing Company for the past eight years. 

O. D. LOVERIDGE, miller, Girard, was born in Waukegan, 111., August, 1846, and 
is a son of Levi Loveridge, whose sketch appears in this work. O. D. Loveridge engaged 
for ten years in lumbering on the Chippewa and Mississippi Rivers, then carried on mill- 
ing at Alma, Wis. In October, 1879, he took possession of his present mill, one of the 
oldest in this portion of the country. Its original capacity was twenty barrels per day, 
but he is now (October, 1883) improving it, putting in four buhrs, and running it by steam, 
so that its capacity will be doubled. J. H. Rogers, the miller in charge, is undoubtedly 
one of the best in the county. Mr. Loveridge is going to experiment with stone, be- 
lieving, from observation and experiments, that a better grade of flour can be produced 
than by the roller method. The mill is in a good locality, and has always done a success- 
ful trade. Mr. Loveridge was married in Walworth Count j-. Wis., to Lettie Van Dyke, a 
native of Lansing, Mich. The two children blessing this union, Addie M. and Millie B., 
are twins. He is one of Girard's active business men, and a member of the A. O. U. W. 

C. G. LUCE, Girard, is the senior partner in the firm of Luce & Thompson, and was 
born at Kingsville, Ohio, in 1849. He is a son of E. G. and Caroline Luce, residents of 
Washington, D. C. Our subject was educated at York, Penn., and served twelve years as 
a page in the capitol; subsec|uently was Assistant Superintendent of the Senate folding 
room, and was supported by Hon. Ben Wade, and afterward b}' Senator Stewart. From 
the folding room, he w^ent into Board of Audit, Treasury Department, resigning in 1875, 
when he came to this city. He was engaged two years with C. F. Rockwell, and in March, 
1880, w^as admitted as a partner. The firm of C. F. Rockwell & Co. was succeeded by 
Luce & Thompson in February, 1882, who have since been successfully conducting the 
business. They have the largest establishment of the kind in Girard, and carry a full line 
of dry goods, carpets, oil cloths, etc. Mr. Luce was married in Girard, in 1874, to Emma, 
daughter of C. F. Rockwell, a native of this city. He is a member of Columbia Lodge, 
No. 3, F. & A. M., of Washington, D. C. Mr. Luce is one of the active merchants" of 
Girard. 

HENRY McCONNELL (deceased) was born in Rutland, Vt., February 39, 1804, and 
was a son of William McConnell, of that place. He was married at Hebron, N. Y., in \/ 
1837, to Charlotte, daughter of James Webster, Sr., of that place. In 1837, he, with James /\ 
Webster, Jr., came to Girard Village, and soon established the firm of McConnell & Web- 
ster, which partnership was one of the happiest associations. They opened the first mer- 
cantile house in Girard, Erie County, and for twenty-five years carried on an extensive 
business in this village and in various parts of the county. They w^ere very successful, 
both in amassing wealth and earning for themselves highly honorable reputations. When 
Mr. McConnell's decease occurred in 1871, he was serving as President of the First National 
Bank; he was one of the founders of the Presbyterian Church here, and an Elder in same 
for upward of forty years. He was a man of c^uiet, unostentatious habits, and was widely 
known and beloved by all. His estimable widow followed him in 1881. The only survivor 
of their family of children is Mrs. Rebecca Rice, who is residing on the homestead in 
Girard Village. 



62 BIOGRAnnCAL SKETCHES: 

H. P. MALICK, manufacturer, Girard, was l)orn in Mill Creek Township August 23, 
1837, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Musselman) Malick, the former a native of Northumber- 
land Co., Penn., born in 1797, and the latter born in 1800 in Genesee County, N Y. They 
were married at the home of the maternal grandparent, Jacob, in this county. The Mus- 
selman family settled in this State prior to tlie Revolutionary war, in which the great- 
grandfather was a soldier. In 1803, Henry Malick came to this county with his father, 
who settled and died in North East, and was one of its earliest pioneers. Henry, the son, 
subsequently settled in Mill Creek, and reared a family of four children, two surviving — 
Wesley and H. P. (our subject). He died December 36, 1875, at the home of his son, H. P., 
in Girard, to which place he had come four years previouslJ^ soon after the death of his. 
wife, which occurred October 9, 1871. PI. P. Malick was reared on the homestead farm 
until eighteen, when he attended school at Girard and Waterford Academies, and Alleghe 
ny College, Meadville, after which he engaged in teaching as a profession for some time, 
and was so engaged at North East at the time of his marriage, December 34, 1861, to Lucy, 
daughter of Ethan Loveridge, a native of Girard Township. Three children blessed this 
union, all surviving — Carrie E., Grace A. and Herbert P. For some years after his mar- 
riage, Mr. Malick was traveling salesman for Tucker &: DorseJ^ hardware merchants, of 
Indianapolis, Ind. More recently he has been manufacturing bed-springs and attending 
to his farming lands on each side of the borough. For years he was a Republican, but 
subseqiientlylias taken a strong stand with the Prohibitionists, being one of the State 
Executive Committee of this party, on whose ticket he was nominated for legislative 
honors. He and his family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church of this, 
borough, in which he was a class leader many years. 

AGRIPPA D. MARTIN, farmer, P. O. Girard, was born in Rome, Oneida Co., N. Y., 
January 1, 1810, a son of Agrippa and Anna (Jefferson) Martin, natives of Hoosick Falls, 
N. Y., and Deerfield, Vt., respectively, Avho moved from Fredonia, N. Y., to Girard, in 
1818, where Agrippa articled the piece of land now occupied by David Crooks, but subse- 
quently settled on the Reed farm, where he died in November, 1838. They reared a fam- 
ily of eleven children, four surviving — Ephraim, Nancj' (widow of J. Palmer), Agrippa, 
and Justus, of Union City, Mich. Our subject was broiight up on a farm, receiving but a 
limited education. In early hfe he drove a stage for R. S. Reed, between Erie and Con- 
neaut, but subsequently engaging to travel with a caravan, he gave what little money he 
had to his mother, and "became an adept trainer, giving exhibitions of his daring in the 
cages of wild animals. He also trained and performed the well-known elephant Hannibal. 
After traveling seven years, he returned home and purchased and rebuilt the old Picket 
House of Girard, which he called the Mansion House, and ran successfully a hotel in the 
village upward of thirtj^-two years. He was a very popular landlord. In 1883, he retired 
to his farm of 100 acres, a part of which he purchased in 1838. Mr. Martin married in this 
county, Februarj' 4, 1840, Mary C. Gregor, a native of Chambersburg, Penn. Seven chil- 
dren, all living, were born to this union— Helen M., wife of Dr. J. L. Thayer, of La Fay. 
ette, Ind.; Antoinette E., wife of C.W. Noyes; George C. ; Adella P.. wife of C. W. Syl^es, 
of Carroll County, Md. : Frank A., Adrial E. and Libbie A. Mrs. Martin dying November 
37, 1866. he married, Januarj^ 16, 1867, Eliza C, daughter of Lucius Peck, and widow of 
Linus Webb, of Warren, Ohio. She is a native of Monroe County, N. Y. During Mr. 
Martin's long and eventful career he has never taken a chew of tobacco, smoked, or drank 
a glass of liquor, which can be said of very few landlords. Beginning in life with nothing 
but a good constitution and perseverance, he has amassed wealth. 

HENRY MILLER, farmer. P. O. Platea. was born on the homestead farm in Girard 
Township, Erie County, in 1819. His grandfather, Jacob Coffman, settled on this farm in 
1801. and the original log house remains at this writing (1883) a monument of his pioneer 
spirit. Henry, our subject, was married in this county, in 1850, to Eliza Dodge, a native of 
Erie County. Two children, both now living, have been born to this union — Adelaide, 
wife of D. W. Dunnehi, and Josephine, wife of T. E. Bradish. Mr. Miller has always re- 
sided on the homestead, now consisting of fifty-four acres, and numbers among our old and 
respected pioneers. 

PETER H. NELLIS, proprietor Avenue House, Girard, was born in 1843, in Alsace, 
Germany. His father, Mathias, emigrated to America in 1848, locating at Erie City, where 
he yet resides. The subject of this sketch began life a poor boy, first gardening, then came 
to Girard in 1861, and learned .shoe-making, at which he worked several years." In 1864, he 
entered as a landsman in the navy, was assigned to the steamer Gen. Thomas (then at 
Bridgeport, Ala.), participating in Hood's engagement and in several skirmishes, serving 
until the close of the war. On his return he went to the oil countr}^ came back to Girard 
and located in an old building on the canal called Saw Dust Hall, then in operation, where 
he worked at his trade, sold merchandise, accommodated travelers, and kept a stable. In 
1876. he bought and repaired the Old Guard House, which burned in 1879. and on which 
was but a small insurance. He immediately began erecting the Avenue House, opening 
it in the following June. It is a modern brickstructure and co.st about $9,000, and has 
accommodations for a large number of guests. He married, in Girard, in 1868, Kate Croft, 
a native 'of Canada. Two children, hoXli living, blessed this union— Daniel and Kitty. 



GIRARl) TOWNSHIP. 63 

Mr. Nellis is a popular landlord, and keeps a first class, reliable house, "which commands 
the trade of the travelins: public. 

RILEY PETTIBONE, farmer, P. O. Miles' Grove, was born in "Wyoming County, N. 
Y., in 1825, son of Titus and Cynthea(Gridk'y) Pettibone, both natives of Litchfield, Conn., 
who settled in this township in the .spring of 1832. Titus purchased 220 acres of land, cov- 
ered with woods, and cleared 150. They reared seven sons, five now living — Henry, resid- 
ing in Michigan; William, in Council Bluffs, Iowa; James E., Riley, and Charles, who 
resides on the homestead. Our subject has been twice married, first in 1843, to Mary Hall, 
a native of this county; she was a daughter of Ben Hall, an early pioneer, and d3ing in 
1866, left six children, four of whom survive, viz.: Alice. Sarah (wife of G. Moorehouse), 
George and Anna. Mrs. Moorehouse has two children — Ethel and Susie. His second wife, 
whom he married in 1867, was Mary Cook, a native of this county, and a daughter of Al- 
bert Cook. Two children, both now living, blessed this union — Minnie and Gertrude, 
Mr. Pettibone settled on his present farm, consisting of sixty-seven acres, in 1850. He 
is serving as Road Commissioner, previously was for five years School Director. He is 
connected with the Methodist Episcopal denomination at Girard Station. 

GEORGE PLATT, county engineer, Girard, was born in Litclifield County, Conn., in 
1825, and is a son of William and Polly (Allen) Piatt, father a native of Dutchess County, 
N. Y. ; mother of Fairfield County, Conn. They came to Erie County in 1855, and settled 
in Girard, where they died. They reared a family of five children, four now living — 
Charles, George, Jane M. (wife of M. Mallin, now an invalid on the homestead), who is 
the mother of Lela D., AVilliam P. and Julia "W. Our subject, having acquired a common 
school and academic education, was engaged in the Special Service Coast Survey; subse- 
quently, when about thirty-six years of age, was a teacher of mathematics, surveying and 
navigation at Eagleswood Military Academj', Perth Amboy, N. J. At the breaking-out 
of the rebellion, he was placed in command of the mercantile school-ship Ocean Eagle, 
where for one year or more he transported troops. He then was placed in charge of the 
fractional interest, in Registrar's office, Treasury department, Washington, and while there 
produced a fractional interest table of no u.se now. He assisted in signing the Government 
bonds of 1861, also the loan of 1863 and 1864. In 1865, he resigned, and became interested 
in an iron mine in West Virginia. In 1867, he took command of a propeller lying between 
Albany and New Haven. His father dying in 1868, he came to Girard to reside; in 1872 
he was appointed County Engineer. Mr. Piatt is well-traveled, and athorougiily educated 
gentleman. 

M. R. PRIME, farmer, P. O. Platea, was born in Cheshire County, N. H., in 1814, 
and is a son of Josiah and Sophia (Lawrence) Prime, early settlers of that county. They 
came to Erie County in 1833, and settled on ihe present farm, at that time consisting of 
113 acres, where thej' passed the remainder of their lives. They reared a family of seven, 
two of whom are now living— M. R., and Emily H., wife of Mr. Sawyer, of Bostoii. Mass. 
Our subject married in Erie County, in 1850, Polly Jane, daughter of John and Polly 
Smith, and a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y. Four children have been born to this 
union, three now living — Florence S., wife of A. Benedict; Frank M., married to Ella 
Washburn, and Burton L., married to Emma L. Rice. Mr. Prime has served his tow^nship 
as Assistant Assessor and Assessor, School Director, and has been otherwise identified 
with its growth. He is highly respected by all who know him. 

MAXSON RANDALL, retired, Girard, is descended from one of the oldest pioneer 
families. He was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., in 1798, and is a son of. John and 
Lydia (Odell) Randa ll, natives of Vermont, who remained in Buffalo, X. Y.. wBtte our 
subject's grandfather, David Randall, a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his brother 
Stephen pushed their way through the wilderness, locating in Elk Creek Township, Erie 
Co., in June, 1801. John subsequently settled in Conueaut, taking up 270 acres of land, 
and lived here until eighty-one years old. He reared a family of eight children, four liv- 
ing — Mary, Maxson, Francis and Lydia. Maxson passed thirty years on the homestead, 
then moved to a farm of 125 acres in Girard Township in 1832, where he remained until 
he retired from active pursuits, and occupied present residence in Girard. Maxson Ran- 
dall was married in this county in 1819, to Hannah Pomeroy, a native of New York State, 
who died leaving six children, four now living — Elias, Francis, James and Sarah. His 
second wifewas Sarah Miller, of Girard, a daughter of Isaac and Nancy Miller, a pioneer 
family. Of eight children born to this union, seven survive — Franklin, Calvin, Maxson, 
Jr., Welcome, Dallas, Celesta (wife of M. Evans, occupying the homestead), and Nellie. 
Two brothers of our subject were soldiers in the war of 1812. Mr. Randall has filled vari- 
ous township offices of trust, and, although well advanced in age, is active and attends to 
his farming interests. He is highly esteemed as a pioneer and a citizen. 

C: L. RANDALL. ex-Postmaster, Girard, was born in Girard Township in 1841, and is a 
son of Maxson Randall, of this borough. He was reared on a farm, and received his educa- 
tion here. He enlisted for three years in the Union army, in 1861, in Company H, 
Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as Orderly Sergeant. He participated in 
the battles of Hanover Court House. Gaines' Mill, Sava^ie Station, Malvern Hill, where 
he was wounded in the knee, in which he has still the bullet, June 28, 1862. He was con- 



64 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

fined in the Philadelphia and Germantown Hospitals, being discharged on account of dis- 
ability, from the latter, January, 1S63. Returning to peaceful pursuits, he was appointed 
Postmaster in 1864, under President Lincoln. For the past two years, he has been engaged 
as a traveling salesman for John H. Gause & Co., of Cleveland. Ohio. Mr. Randall has 
been manager of the telegraph system at this point and Girard Station for the past eight- 
een years. He was married in Crawford County in 1864 to Alma M. Fansler, a native of 
same count}'. To this union have been born three children, one living — Harry B. He is 
a member of the Masonic order. 

JOHNSTON REA, retired, Girard, was born in Conneaut Township, Erie County, 
August 3, 1805, son of Samuel and Margaret (Eaton) Rea, natives of Franklin County, 
Penn. Samuel entered 250 acres of land in the wilderness, living with a ijeighbor until a 
hut was erected. Samuel Rea resided on the farm (which is now one of the most product- 
ive in the county) until his death. Of their family of nine children, two survive — John- 
ston, and Eliza, wife of Joseph Ware, residing on a portion of the homestead. Johnston 
was reared on the homestead, and married in Girard, February, 1837, Susannah, daughter 
of Robert Porter, a native of this count}'. This union was blessed by five sons, four 
attaining their majority — John ; George P., married to Julia Anderson, had three children 
living; Jennie and William. George P. lived to the age of fifty years, engaging in mercantile 
pursuits ; he was elected to the Legislature, serving through the sessions 1867-68, and re- 
elected to the same position, serving with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his 
constituents ; he failed to be elected to the third term by a majority of two votes against 
him, S. Newel and Theodore. Mr. Rea retired in 1860, occupying his commodious resi- 
dence in Girard, though retaining control of the farm in the town-hip. He has been an 
Elder of the Presbyterian Church for forty years, and was one of its founders. Mr. Rea 
is held in high esteem by all his friends : he served as Township Assessor, and in various 
other township offices. 

C. H. RILLING, farmer, P. O. Fairview, was born in Mill Creek Township in 1851, 
and is a son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Ackerman) Rilling, the former born in Febru- 
ary, 1819, in Wittenberg, Germany, emigrated with his father, Stephen, to this country, 
who settled in Mill Creek, where he lived the remainder of his days, dying when eighty- 
three years old, in December, 1864. Christopher is a carpenter by trade, and resides on 
the homestead farm. He was the father of thirteen children, one deceased. Our subject, 
married in this county in 1875, Cassie, daughter of Elin Wolfe, and a native of this county, 
Three children have been born to this union, viz., Hattie E., Harvey C. and Irvin. C. H. 
Rilling, Jr., and C. H. Heidler are joint owners of the present farm, consisting of 100 
acres, which was formerly Converse Clark's farm. 

JOHN ROBERTSON, deceased, was born in Delaware County. N. Y., August 4, 1805, 
and was a sou of Wheeler and Debora (Barlow) Robertson, natives of Hartford, Conn., 
and Nova Scotia respectively. They settled in Wyoming County, N. Y., in 1815, where 
they both died. They reared a family of twelve children, seven of whom are living. The 
subject of this sketch was married in Allegany County, N. Y., in 1834, to Ruth Rich, a 
native of same county. Six children have been born to this union, five living — America, 
wife of J. W. Robinson; Belva, wife of J. M. Fales; Isabel, wife of A. V. Slussar; Wheel- 
er, unmarried, and J. Lee, who married Christina Yeager. Mr. Robertson came to this 
county in 1847, and settled on the farm hesul)sequently occupied, consisting of sixty acres, 
a small portion of which was cleared. He died February 4, 1884. He was one of tlie 
esteemed citizens and pioneers of Erie Countv. 

JONATHAN B.ROBERTSON, farmer, "^ Girard, was born in Wyoming County, N. 
Y., in 1823, and is a son of Wneeler and Debora (Barlow) Robertson, the former a native 
of Connecticut, and the latter of Nova Scotia. Both are deceased. Jonathan B. came to 
this county in 1847, and settled on a farm, consisting of fifty acres, in 1849, on the Lake 
road, where he has since resided. He was united in marriage in ATyoming County, N. Y., 
October 8, 1857, with Elizabeth Phelps, a native of said county. Three vchildren blessed 
this union, two now living— Charles C. and Katie M. Mr. Robertson is a well and favora- 
bly known pioneer of this county. 

JOSIAH W. ROBINSON, farmer, P. O. Girard. The Robinson family are of Scotch- 
Irish origin, the first of the name settling in Lancaster County, Penn., in 172^2. George Rob- 
inson, of Sherman Valley, and a son Jonathan, who received a Captain's commission from 
the Executive Council at Philadelphia, were distinguished for the active part they took 
in the struggle for American Independence. In the spring of 1797, Joseph McCofd and 
Thomas Rol)inson located their claims, cleared same, and erected their cabins for their 
families in the forests of Erie County. That fall they returned to civilization, returning 
the following spring (1798) with a small company. Their goods were sent on boats up the 
Allegheny to French Creek, and thence to Le Breuf, the site of the old fort, now Water- 
ford. Thomas Robinson was a man of strictest integrity and pietv. He served for years 
as Justice of the Peace, and was an Elder of the Presbyterian Church at North East at the 
time of its organization. His descendants are scattered over the Central and Western 
States. Our subject was born in North East Township May 25, 1829. and is a son of 
George W. and Matilda (Willis) Robinson. The former, a son of Thomas and Mary 



GIRA.RD TOWNSHIP. 65 

(McCord) Robinson, was born in Erie County, June 12, 1801. He held many township 
oflBces during his life. They were the parents of four children, three now living — Joseph 
W. and Josiah (twins) Elwin E. Mrs. Robinson departed this life Deceniber 19, 1876, and 
Mr. Robinson January 4, 1877, both in Girard Township. Our subject married, December 
23, 1858, N. Jane Ferguson, a native of Springfield Township, this county. Two children 
were born to this union, one living — Mary M. Mr. Robinson followed farming until 1883, 
when he located in Girard, and retired from the active pursuits of life. He is a member 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

C. F. ROCKWELL, manufacturer, Girard, was born in 1826, at Wilton, Conn., and is 
a son of Philander and Elizabeth (Fitch) Rockwell, natives of Connecticut, where they 
passed their lives and reared a family of nine children, six surviving. In 1844, our sub 
ject left home, and clerked in New York until 1852, when he moved to this borough, and 
established himself in mercantile business, in which he has continued thirty years. He 
has been interested in the wrench factory since its organization and is now one of the 
partners in the concern. Mr. Rockwell was married in New York City in 1849, to Eliza J. 
BesseJ^ a native of Connecticut. Of the four children born to this union, three survive — 
Emma L., wife of C. G. Luce; Ida, wife of W. W. Hart, of Fremont, Ohio; and Libbie, 
wife of Dr. J. M. Bessey, of Washmgton, D. C. The eldest son, William F. (deceased), 
was associated with his father in business, and died when but twentj^-five 3^ears of age. 
He was an estimable young man, esteemed and loved by all who knew him. C. F. 
Rockwell is one of the most promjnent business men of Girard, who has always borne an 
active part in building up its enterprises. 

S. Y. ROSSITER, tanner, Girard, Penn., is a native of 'Norristown, Montgomery 
County, Penn., born in 1835. He is a son of Lindley and Margaret (Pennypacker) Rossiter, 
natives of Chester County, Penn. Lindley was a tanner and currier, and carried on 
business for over forty years in Norristown. On his decease our subject succeeded to the 
business. He subsequently moved to St. Marys, Elk County, where he was in business 
two years. He came to Girard in 1871. and succeeded L. C. England. Since his purchas- 
ing this tannery he has improved and increased its capacitj' two-thirds, and conducts a 
large and successful business. He was united in marriage in 1857, with Mary B. Johnson, 
a native of Norristown. Eleven children have been born to this union, five surviving, viz., 
Uriah, Eugene, Elizabeth, Joseph and Margaret A. Mr. Rossiter is the only surviving 
child of his parents, and is a well and favorably known citizen and man of business. He 
is a member of the I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. societies. 

HENRY SCHULTZ, farmer, P. O. Girard. was born in Lancaster Count}^ Penn., in 

1823, and is a son of Henry and Christina C. (Mj'ers) Schultz. both natives of Germany, 
who settled in Lancaster County, where Heniy was drafted in the war of 1812. They 
settled in Girard Township in 1831; were the parents of four children, three surviving, viz. ; 
Henry, Godfrey, and Regiua, wife of Philip Bliholder, residing in Winnebago County, Wis. 
Both parents died in the township. Henry Shultz married in this county, in 1865, Sarah 
W., daughter of Robert Alton, a native of England, who came to this country in 1835, and 
settled in Alleghenj' City. To this union two children were born, both now living — Clar- 
ence H. and Albert C. Mr. Schultz in 1865, settled on his present farm of 165 acres, where 
he has since made his honae. 

GODFREY SCHULTZ, farmer, P. O. Girard, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 

1824, and is a son of Henry and Christina C. (Myers) Schultz, both natives of Germany, who 
settled in Girard Township in 1832. Godfrey obtained a good common school education, 
and was married in this township in 1853 to Harriet Beck, who, djang in 1872, left three 
children, viz.: Regina C, Martha J. and Esther E. Mr. Schultz married, for his second 
wife, Mary Beck (a cousin), born in Lancaster, Penn. Three children have blessed this 
union, all living — Rosa B., Annie M. and Sarah E. Mr. Schultz settled on his jjresent es- 
tate, consisting of 230 acres, in 1852. He is connected with the Lutheran Church. The 
Schultz family is a well-known pioneer famil3^ 

W. A. SEELEY, agent Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway, Girard Station, was 
born in Fairview Township March 18, 1824, and is a son of _ Austin H.'and Phebe R. (Allen) "^ 
Seeley, natives of Arlington, Vt., and Amsterdam, N. Y., respectively. They came to this 
county, settling in Fairview Township in 1823, where Austin H. bought a farm, and erect- 
ed a saw mill. In 1831, he purchased a farm of 100 acres in the woods of Girard Town- 
ship which he subsequently sold, buying 100 acres, the site of the present village of Girard 
Station. After completion of the railway through the same, he gave the company five acres 
of land, now occupied by their buildings, tracks and yai'd. He was appointed and remained 
their first agent one year, when he resigned and G. H. Mclntire succeeded him, who in 
turn (after fourteen years' service) resigned, and E. D. Nettleton took the office for three 
and half years. At the expiration of this time our subject, W. A. Seeley, became agent in 
December, 1870, and is giving satisfaction. Austin H., his father, had resigned on account 
of ill health, and twelve years afterward: died. He reared a family of six children, three 
still surviving — W. A., Irwin (of Onarga, Iroquois County, 111.), Lucy A. (wife of G. H. 
Mclntire of Stoneboro, Penn.). W. A. Seeley ^was married in Crawford County, Penn., 
to Charlotte Lawrence, a native of same. One child blessed this union — Eugene A., dying 

5 



66 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

when fifteen years of age. Mr. Seeley lost his first wife by death and married Mrs. Meriva 
A. Howard, a native of Wyoming County, N. Y. The Seeleys number among our first and 
most esteemed pioneers. 

WILLIAM SILVERTHORN, deceased, one of our respected pioneers, was born on 
the homestead farm in Girard in 1817. He was a son of Isaac and a grandson of William 
Silverthorn, who took up a large tract of land in this township. Our subject inherited an 
honored name, and lived on a part of the homestead all his life. He was a zealous, earn- 
est, hard-working man, quiet and unostentatious in his habits, and beloved by all. He was 
married in Springfield Township in 1849. to Rhoda M., daughter of Thomas and AnnaMc- 
Kee, and grand-daughter of Robert McKee, who settled in Conneaut Township in 1802. 
The five children born to this union are living— Arvilla, wife of A. Brown, Thomas, Fred, 
Willie and Agnes. Mrs. Silverthorn's mother is residing with her, and is in her eightieth 
year Mr. Silverthorn, at the time of his death, 1880. was serving as Commissioner. 

JOHN W. SILVERTHORN, farmer, P. O. Girard, was born in Girard Township, 
Erie County, in 1819, and is a son of Isaac and Margaret (Miller) Silverthorn, the latter a 
native of Stanton, Penn., the former, born in Red Stone, Va., with his father, William and 
three brothers, settled in this township in 1797, and were among the earliest settlers. The 
father took up 300 acres, formed a home in the wilderness and passed his life. Isaac's and his 
wife's history may be found in this work. Our subject, the eldest of their sons now living, 
was married in this county in 1843, to Margaret Alexander, a native of Londondeiry, Ire- 
land. Four children of the seven born to this union are living, viz. : Delnort, married to 
F. Davenport; Harley, married to Florence Bromley; Clarence, and Maggie, wife of W. 
W. Salisbury. Mrs. Silverthorn died March, 1861. He settled on his present farm in 1851, 
consisting of eighty acres of land, and has since made it his home. Mr. Silverthorn mar- 
ried, for his second wife, Martha Cole, a native of this county. 

J. MADISON SILVERTHORN, farmer, P. O. Girard, was born December 10, 1831. 
in this township, and is a son of Isaac and Margaret (Miller) Silverthorn. The latter was 
a native of Stanton, Penn., the former born in Red Stone, Va. Came to Girard Township 
with his father, William, and three brothers, in 1797, and were among the earliest pioneers. 
William took 300 acres of land, on which he founded his home and built a grist mill, which 
he ran for years, he and his wife dying here. Isaac was a Captain in tlie war of 1813; he, 
too, erected a grist mill on the site of "his father's mill; they were the first millers in Erie 
County. He married, July 22, 1813, and was the parent of eleven children, six living, viz. : 
Nancy, wife of James Silsby; John W.; Elizabeth, wife of I. N. Miller; Lucinda, wife of 
J. B. Wadsworth; J. Madison; and Isaac N., resident of Cleveland. Ohio. Isaac died Sep- 
tember, 1846, in his fifty-ninth year, and his widow survived until 1874. Our subject was 
united in marriage in this township October 6, 1858, with Mary A., daughter of William 
R. Miller, and a native of Erie County. Two children, both living, blessed this union- 
Carl R. and Frank M. In 1856, Mr. Silverthorn settled on present farm, consisting of 
ninety-three acres, most of which he has cleared, and has erected a dwelling, and is im- 
proving the estate. He has served as School Director three terms, eight years, and in 1883 
served as Township Assessor. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
This family are of English descent; they number among Erie County's oldest pioneers, 
whose record may be found in the general history of this township. 

J. T. SIMMONS, saddler, established business in Girard in 1850, succeeded George A. 
Hicks. He is a native of Mount Morris, N. Y., born in 1827, and is a son of George and 
Polly (Tobias) Simmons, of Cayuga County, N. Y., who with their family came West in 
1839, settling in Springfield Township, where the former took up a claim of fifty acres, and 
where they both died. They reared a family of four children, two now surviving— our 
subject and a sister, Eunice, residing on the homestead. Mr. Simmons was united in mar- 
riage, in 1852, at Conneaut, Ohio, with Celestia M. Carter, a native of same. Mr. Sim- 
mons learned his trade at Conneaut, Ohio, subsequently working at it in various parts of 
the country until he came to Girard, where he has established a good sound business. He 
had a family of two children, one surviving— Emma J., wife of E. H. Hiler, of Conneaut, 
Ohio. Mr. Simmons has filled several offices of trust in the borough, and is now serving 
his second term as a member of the School Board. He is also a member of the Board of 
Trustees in the Methodist Episcopal Church. As a business man, he is favorablj' known; 
as a citizen, esteemed. 

SAMUEL STARK, farmer, P. O. Miles' Grove, was born in McKean Township in 1830. 
and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Kenago) Stark, both natives of Lancaster, Penn., 
who settled in McKean Township in 1829, where Mr. Stark purchased eighty acres of land, 
which he cleared. In 1841, they moved to the farm now occupied by their son, which was 
then 100 acres, and is now 140. They reared two children, both now living— Jones, a res- 
ident of Erie, and Samuel. They died on the homestead. Samuel was united in marriage, 
in this county, in 1858, with Martha Bixler, a native of the same place, daughter of Jacob 
Bixler, and descended from a pioneer family. Four cliildren, all living, blessed this union, 
viz.: Frank; Osborne P., married to Mamie Hall, in this township, and Lula and Rolla. 

CHARLES STOW, Girard, the eldest son of Hon. Horatio J. Stow, a Judge and lawyer 
of distinguished ability and integrity, was born at Buffalo, N. Y., July 8, 1838. He was 



GIRARD TOWNSHIP. 67 

admitted to the bar in 1859, but having a preference for journalism, became c\tj editor of 
the Buffalo Morning Express in 1861. His eye-sight failing, he was compelled to retire in 
1865, and in 1867 came to Girard. In 1868, he assumed the editorial management of the 
Girard Cosmopolite, and remained on that paper until the spring of 1872. During that period 
the Cosmopolite reached a circulation of over 5,000. and wielded a powerful influence; its 
sturdy independence and unswerving loyalty to the people gaining for it general confidence 
and respect. Mr. Stow signalized his advent into the field of Pennsylvania journalism by 
unearthing a heavy defalcation in the County Treasurer's ofHce, and gross mismanagement 
of public affairs by the officials comprising the "court house ring," and frrim that time the 
Cosmopolite became a terror to all dishonest office-holders. Although Mr. Stow has always 
declined to be a candidate for office, he has been prominently identified with the Demo- 
cratic party, both as a writer and a speaker. He is now one of the leading representatives 
of the great Barnum and London Show. 

J. F. STRICKLAND, miller. P. O. Miles Grove, is a native of Genesee County, N. Y., 
born in 1846, and is a son of William and Betsy (Wadsworth) Strickland. The latter coming 
from an extensive family of New York State, is connected with Gen. Wadsworth, an officer 
in the late rebellion. Mr. and Mrs. Strickland settled in Springfield Township in 1849, 
where they pas.sed the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of five children', 
all now living. William Strickland was a native of Yorkshire, England; he had three 
children by his first wife, Sarah Penington, of Yorkshire, England. Our subject was 
married in North East Township, in 1871, to Sara, a daughter of Northrop Nason. a set- 
tler of Ripley Township, Chautauqua Co.. N. Y. J. F. Strickland resided on the home- 
stead farm until 1873, when he occupied his present residence, and in 1874, erected a grist 
mill. 30x40, with wing attached, 16x31, on Elk Creek; it runs two buhrs, and has a capacity 
of 150 to 200 bushels per day. He also has a saw mill adjoining same. He has been con- 
ducting a successful business. 

THOMAS H. STURGEON, farmer, P. O. Girard, was born in Erie County. N. Y., in 
1809, son of Andrew and Jane (Finney) Sturgeon. They came to this county in 1830 and set- 
tledin this township, where they both died. They were the parents of seven children, Thomas 
H. only surviving. He bought his present farm of fifty-two acres soon after his parents 
settled here. He married, in this county, in 1841, Elizabeth, daughter of David Phillip, a 
native of this county. Her decease occurred March 26, 1881. She left two children — Seth, 
married to Ida Godfrey, a native of this county, and daughter of Orange Godfrey, a pio- 
neer, and has two children — Clara M. and Mary B. — residing on the homestead; and Lo- 
verna, wife of Clayton Hervick, by whom she has two children — Lotta L. and Frank. 
They are all descended from old, esteemed pioneers, and are well established families. 

J. N. TAYLOR, Girard. The Taylor family are of New England stock, descending 
from a branch of the Leelands, a representative family of New England. Our subject 
was born in Erie County, Penn., October 21, 1838, and is a son of Isaac R. Taylor, born 
in Northampton, Mass., who was the only son of Isaac, who came to this county in 1818. 
settling on 200 acres of land in Washington Township, where he spent the remainder of 
his life. He was an officer in the war of 1812, and was an honored pioneer. Isaac R. mar- 
ried Eleanor Reader, whose parents, natives of Susciuehanna County. Penn., were of a repre- 
sentative family of Pennsylvania. This union produced nine children, four living — Isaac 
N., George, Joseph and Effie A., wife of F. Wade. Isaac R. Taylor is a resident of Edin- 
boro. and served several terms as Justice of the Peace. He has alwa3^s engaged in farm- 
ing, milling, and taken an active interest in educational matters. Our subject remained on 
the farm until eighteen years of age, acquiring a primary education at Edinboro and 
Waterford x^cademy, and graduated from Allegheny College in 1860, and the same year 
entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he was at the breaking-oiit of 
the war. In 1862, he enlisted as Hospital Steward, but was subsequently promoted to As- 
sistant Surgeon of the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
and assigned to the Second Corps of the Army of the Potomac. He served until the close of 
the war, when he completed his studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He came to 
Girard in lS66,,and has built up a large practice. He was married in Crawford C'ounty. 
Penn., in 1866, to N. M. Thickstun, of same county. This marriage has Ijeen blessed 
with four children, all now living — Millie V., George T., Carl J. and Robins N. 

HENRY TELLER, retired, ^Girard, was born in Albany, N. Y., Januarv 1. 1802. and 
is the only survivor of the thirteen children born to Henry and Catherine (McDaniel) Tel- 
ler, natives of New York City and Baltimore respectively. Mr. Teller, Sr.. and our sub- 
ject came through the wilderness of Ohio in 1816 on horseback, but returned tf) Livingston 
County. N. Y.. where the former purchased land and passed his life. Henry, JrT, re- 
turned to this county in 1825. taking up land, and followed farming until the spring of 
1878. when he retired to the comforts of his commodious home in Girard. He married, 
in 1826, Rosalind, daughter of Andrew Porter, of this county. She died in 1843, the mother 
of seven children— Isaac, Jasper, Louisa, Samuel, Henry, John and Marv. John enlisted 
in 1861 in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was' killed at Savace 
Station in the seven days' fight before Richmond. Mr. Teller's second marriage was with 
Jane Cross, of Springfield Township, Erie County, who, dying, left a daughter, Maggie. 



68 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

He was again united in matrimony, tliis time to Delia Patterson, of Aurora, N. Y. Mr. 
Teller has been an adherent of the Republican party since its organization, and during the 
sessions of 1859-60 represented this district in the Legislature, being elected, though strongly 
contested, by a majority of 3,700 votes. He belongs to no religious association, but has 
always given liberally to all denominations. 

J. C. THOMPSON, carpenter and joiner, P. O. Girard, is a son of Jesse and Uranah (Aid- 
rich) Thompson, and was born in Swansea, Cheshire Co., N. H., in 1821. His parents, now 
deceased, were born— his father in Vermont, and his mother in New Hampshire. They 
were the parents of twelve children, eight now surviving, viz.: Polly, a widow, resides at 
Spring Prairie, Wis. ; Rhoda, at Keene, N. H. ; Rachel, wife of Mr. Smith, of Saxons 
River^ Vt. ; our subject; Angeline, wife of M. B. Babbitt; David, of Spring Prairie, Wis.; 
Emily, of New York City; and Lysander, of Boston, Mass. Mr. Thompson has followed 
his trade the most of his time since coming to Erie County iu 1856, locating in Girard un- 
til he purchased his present residence (which he has rebuilt and beautified), on the old road 
between the borough and Miles' Grove. Since 1880, he has been foreman of the handle 
room in the wrench factor}'. Mr. Thompson married, in 1844, at Worcester, Mass., Caroline 
Thompson, a native of Keene, N. H. Seven children, five living, have blessed this union 
—Mary A. (wife of M. S. Cutler), Henry A. (married to Emma Fletcher), Ella, Addis J. 
and Ada C. .Mr. Thompson is a member of the Equitable Aid Union; he is a highly es- 
teemed citizen. 

A. J. THOMPSON, firm of Luce & Thompson, mercliants, Girard, was born in 
Keene, N. H., in 1865, and is a son of J. C. Thompson. He was brought up in this coun- 
ty, and engaged as a salesman with Trask & Prescott, of Erie; E. M. McGillin »& Co., at 
Cleveland, with whom he continued until he formed the present coDartnership, succeeding 
C. F. Rockwell, dry goods, of which they carr\' a large stock, also carpets, boots, shoes, 
etc. They control the bulk of trade in Girard and the surrounding country. Mr. Thomp- 
son is an enterprising, active business man. He married in Corry, Penn., August, 1881, 
Mary E. Gardner, a native of that place. One child has blessed this union — Nellie B. Mr. 
Thompson is a member of the City Council, and of the Equitable Aid Union. 

THOMAS THORNTON, proprietor of woolen mills, Girard. was born in Leeds, York- 
shire, England, iu 1841, and is a son of Jowett and Elizabeth Thornton, who crossed the 
ocean to Mexico in 1848, where the former started and ran the first woolen mill until 1854, 
when they moved to Crawford County for three years, thence coming to this township, 
where Mr. Thornton bought a mill of Cass & Whitfield, who had purchased it of T. 
Thornton. It was originally built by the Boughtou Brothers. He carried on this mill 
tuitil his death, and was very successful. Our subject, his eldest son, was married in 
Crawford County, Penn., August, 1858, to Helen White, a native of Harbor Creek Town- 
ship, this county. Four children have been born to them — George H., Ida A., Elmer J. 
and Lizzie B. He is the proprietor of the Girard Woolen Mills, which consume 2,000 
pounds of wool per month, and run ten months in the j^ear. Its principal product is yarn. 
His father had a family of four children, three of whom are living — Thomas, Benjamin F. 
(of Pennsylvania) and Mary A. (wife of C. C. Sherman). Mr. Thornton has occupied vari- 
ous township offices, among which Tax Collector, School Director and Auditor. He is an 
old, well-established business man, much esteemed; a member of the A. O. U. W., K. of 
H., and the Equitable Aid Union. 

H. A. TRAUB, merchant, Girard, was born in this township in 1830, and is a son of 
Samuel and Sarah (Royer) Traub, natives of Bucks and Montgomer}- Counties, Penn., re- 
spectively. They first located in Waterford, remaining two years; then settled in Girard 
Township, where Samuel erected a saw mill, and engaged in lumbering and farming for 
years. They reared a family of eight children, seven now living — Lydia, Reuben R., 
William, Henr^^ A., Jessie H., Samuel R. and Margaret. Our subject spent his earl}' days 
working on the farm and in the mill. He went to Philadelphia in 1848, where he was em- 
ployed as a salesman for three years; subsequently, for eleven and a half years, he was in 
the lumber business at New Orleans. In 1852. he went to California, where he met with 
fair success prospecting. In 1858, he went to Pike"s Peak, Colo., but returned the following 
year. Mr. Traub was united in marriage, in 1860, iu this county, with Catharine Buck- 
bee, a native of Erie County. The only child to tliis union, Minnie, died when five years 
old. Subsequent to his marriage, he purchased a farm in this county, and engaged in 
lumbering in Warren County, Penn. After a few years his health failed, and he opened 
his present place of business, where he has a complete stock of books, jewelry, notions, 
etc. Mr. Traub is one of the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has tilled 
many township offices of trust, serving as a member of the Legislature from this district, 
to which he was elected in November, 1882, with credit to himself and to the satisfaction 
of his constituents. 

WILLIAM TYLER, merchant, Lockport, was born iu Troy, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., iu 
1815, and is a son of Jerry and Mary (Vannata) Tyler, who removed to this county in 1842, 
thence to Valparaiso, Ind., where they both died. Our subject opened a small store iu this 
borough in 1842. He was originally a Yankee-notion peddler, and sold the famous horse- 
whips from Westfield, Mass. He has since engaged in mercantile trade at Lockport, 



, GIRARD TOVViNSHIP. 69 

where he was appointed Postmaster, under President Buchanan, and has since acceptably 
filled thisofBce. Mr. Tyler was united in marriage at Hoosick Corners, N. Y., with Delia 
Breese, a native of that place, who died in 1875, leaving one son, Wilbur A., who still sur- 
vives, and is married to Julia Jewell, by whom he has three children— Merrill, Lizzie and 
Roy. Mr. Tyler was remarried, this time to Eliza Mallory, daughter of Maj. A. Mallory, 
of Springfield Township, Erie Co., Penn. The family are highly esteemed and well con- 
nected. 

F. J. WAGNER, livery, Girard, was born in 1860 in Germany, and is a son of Joseph 
and Emma F. (Shaynberger) Wagner, who, with their family, emigrated to America in 
1855, and settled in Erie. Joseph Wagner at one time had "a large estate in Germany, 
which he lost previous to coming here. Though a miller by trade, he worked at coopering 
in Erie until he purchased a farm in Harbor" Creek Township, where he is now living. 
Of their family of six children, two are living — F. J. (our subject) and Gustav. F. J. 
Wagner succeeded W. W. Ellison in the livery business at North East in December, 1882, 
disposing of this stock in March, 1883, and retiring to his home, where he remained until 
the purchase of the present livery at Girard, succeeding G. W. Evans. This is the only livery 
in Girard, and is well furnished with the best appointments in horses , buggies and car- 
riages. He is doing a profitable business, and is an active, enterprising young man, worthy 
of patronage. Mr. Wagner was united in marriage in this county, July 10, 1883, with 
Mary A., daughter of Burgett Strobb, a native of Erie County. 

JAMES WEBSTER (deceased) was born in Hebron, K Y., in 1808. His parents 
were James and Rebecca (Henderson) Webster, and his grandfather was Alexander Web- 
ster, of Scottish birth, who migrated to the colonies in 1772, settling on a large tract of 
land in Hebron, N. Y. He was a Colonel in the Revolutionary war, during which his 
family fled to Albany to escape the Indians. At the close of the struggle, he returned 
home, where he died in 1810. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, securing 
a common school education. In May, 1827. he came to Girard and opened the first mer- 
cantile house, under the firm name of McConnell and Webster, carrying on an extensive 
business for twenty-five years, having branches in Crawford County and in Whitewater, 
Wis. They also opened in 1863 and successfully carried on the First National Bank. In 
1882, Mr. Webster retired from active business. His copartner died October, 1871. Mr. 
Webster was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Girard fifty-two years, and was 
one of its founders. He was married in Girard in 1832, to Mary A. Leffingwell, a native 
of Berkshire, Mass. Four children blessed this union— Charlotte M., wife of R. S. Bat- 
tles: Henry M.. who died March 13, 1877; James A., married to Jane Allen, and Charles 
F., married to Nellie E. Jones. Mr. Webster died April 24, 1884. 

ROBERTSON WILLCOX, manufacturer, Girard, was born at New London, Conn., in 
1811, and is a son of Robert and Debora (Brown) Willcox, his father dying before his birth, 
leaving his widow and seven children, of whom are still living Nathaniel and Robert. The 
widow married Benjamin Willcox, by whom she had the following children, viz.: Ben- 
jamin, Sarah (wife of John Rockwell), and Susan. Robertson, when eighteen years of 
age, went to Chautauqua and worked at coopering. He had but a good common 
school education, and his ambition. In 1833 or 1834, he made his way to Girard. worked 
at his trade, and did a large business. For three years during the war, he ran the Girard 
Mills, rebuilt the saw mills adjoining same, and subsequently sold out. He and a brother- 
in-law. ^T. M. Godfrey, purchased a spring factory at Hammond, Ind., and are doing an ex- 
tensive business. Included in this purchase was a large tract of land, which they are 
selling in lots very advantageously. They have erected a first-class opera house on the 
corner of Halsted and Jackson streets, Chicago, where their salesrooms will be located. 
The lot cost them .f 32, 000. The Willcox House of Erie, Penn., a leading hotel, is another 
of his enterprises. He has largely invested in real estate in Erie and Chicago. Mr. Will- 
cox was married in Erie County, Penn., in 1844, to Sophronia Godfrey, a native of Chau- 
tauqua County, N. Y. Though they have no children of their own, they have had living 
with them a number of girls, now married. He" contributed largely toward the erection 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Girard, in which he is a trustee. 

GEORGE WRIGHT, physician, Lockport, was born in Otsego County. N. Y., in 
1817, son of Johnson and Mary (Bliss) Wright, natives of Dutchess County, N. Y., and 
Rhode Island respectively. They reared eight children to maturity, following living- 
Charles: George: Henry B., a physician in San Francisco: Maryette; Clark A.', resident 
physician of Howard La"ke. Minn., and James S.: John J. was a practicing physician, and in- 
troduced homo-opathy in Little Rock, Ark., where he died. Our subject, a tanner and currier 
by trade, came to Erie County in 1837, and erected a tannery at Gudgeonville, on Elk Creek, 
which he carried on some years. He subsequently abandoned his trade, and began the 
study of medicine, and graduated from the Homoeopathic Hospital College of Cleveland, 
Ohio, in 1871. He practiced his profession in Girard until his removal to Lockport in 1876. 
He has been very successful, and has a large practice. The Doctor was married in Che- 
nango County, N. Y., in 1837, to Esther Trask, a native of Otsego County, N. Y. Ten 
children have blessed this union, eight surviving, viz., Mary A., Eunice M.^, Lafayette J., 
Emma C, Henry F., Louisa M., Lyda and Willis E. 



70 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

CHRISTIAN ZIESENHEIM, farmer, P. O. Girard, was born in the principality of Wal- 
deck, Prussia, October 23, 1S84, and is a son of Cliristian and Christina Ziesenheim. both 
deceased. He came to the United States November 23, is.")4, locating in Fairview Town- 
ship, coining tiie following year to Girard Township. He married in 1858 the widow of 
Mathew Riley, a native of Ireland. Two children born to this union are Marj'. educated 
at St. Benedict's Academy, Erie, Penn., and Fred, attending Buchtel College, Akron, 
Ohio. Mr. Ziesenheim purchased at different times portions of his farm, now consisting 
of 200 acres, tliirtv in Fairview Township, which, lying on the Lake shore road, is one of 
the most productive and well cultivated farms in the townsliip. Mr. Ziesenheim has tilled 
the office of Road Commissioner six years, was Clerk for the same four j'ears, and is now 
one of tlie Township Auditors. Though beginning life with nothing, he has accumulated 
a fine estate, and having only the advantages of a common school education, he is a good 
penman in both the German and English languages. 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 

SIMON APPELMxANN (deceased) was born July 22, 1813, in Magenheim, Germany, 
son of George and Sophia Appelmann. Our subject emigrated to America when a young 
man, and for several years was assistant engineer on three steamboats of the great lakes. 
March 24, 1845, Mr. Appelmann was united in marriage with Elizabeth Welier, born in 
Germany, May 28, 1824, daughter of Anna M. and George Weber. She came with her 
parents, to Erie County, Penn., when ten years of age. Five children have been born to 
this union — Helen, Eliza, Caroline, Samuel J. and George. Mr. Appelmann, with his fam- 
ily, settled in the northern part of Greene Township in the autumn of 1853, on a farm of 
sixty-tliree acres, on which his widow, a conscientious, industrious lady, still resides. Mr. 
Appelmann was very hospitable, always read}" to extend a helping hand to the needy, 
donating liberally to all enterprises, beneficial to society, and when he departed this life, 
by an accident, January 9, 1878, his family lost an indulgent father and husband, and 
Greene Township a worthy citizen. 

GARRY COLUMBUS BARNEY, farmer, P. O. East Greene, w^as born May 8, 1820, 
in Chittenden County, Vt., son of Erastus and Polly, (Spencer) Barney, of the same coun- 
ty. They moved to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in 1822, where Mrs. Barney died in 1832. 
Mr. Barney afterward married Keziah Closson, who died in the same county. In 1866, he 
came to this county with his son, where he died November 25, 1874, in his ninety-second 
year. His children were — Mrs. Marietta Morse (deceased); William (deceased); Jacob and 
Henry, still in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. ; Lorenzo, in Wisconsin; Mrs. Persis M. Gearing, 
of Iowa; G. Columbus, Mrs. Betsy Hodge, of Traverse City, Mich.; Mrs. Amilla Meyers 
(deceased) and George, in Nel)raska. Our subject was reared principally in St. Lawrence 
County, N. Y., spending from 1837 to 1838 in Upper Canada. He came to this county in 
1842. On October 17, 1848, he was married to Nancy M. Allen, born August 29, 1832, 
daughter of Henry and Sallie (Barney) Allen. The latter died February 3, 1884. Mr. 
Barney followed lumbering in Warren County for about three and a half years, and spent 
a year in the oil regions. To Mr. and Mrs. Barney were born five children, three living, 
viz., Herbert M., in Karns City. Butler Co., Penn.. Frank W. and Mrs. Emma Hinton. of 
Forest County, Penn. Our subject is a life-long Democrat, and has held nearly all the 
township offices, including that of Justice of the Peace. He is a useful, influential citizen. 

NATHx\.N CORTEZ BARNEY, farmer, P. O. East Greene, was born May 22. 1830, 
in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. His father, John Barney, a native of Chittenden County, 
Vt., was a son of Jonathan Barney, a soldier in the war of 1812. His great-grandfather, 
Joseph Barney, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. He was a man of large stature 
and powerful strength, and at one time of considerable wealth, which he lost by the 
depreciation in value of the continental money. The family was originally of Scotch- 
Irish descent. John Barney married Clarissa Manly, and moved to this county in 1832. 
They bouglit their farm in Greene Township of Mr" Hewitt, which they cleared. Their 
children are — Mrs. Jane Chapin, Franklin M., in this township; Simeon, who died of the 
yellow fever at Grand Gulf, Miss., September 23, 1855, aged thirty; and Nathan C. Mrs. 
Barney departed this life June 29, 1869, aged eighty years. Mr. Barney March 3, 1876, 
aged eighty-two. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject 
was married June 8, 1851, to Mary Ann, daughter of William and Hannah (Fretwell) 
Newsham, of this township. They settled on a part of the Barney homestead, where 
they still reside. Thej' were the parents of six children, viz., Mrs. Clara Orton, Jean M., 
Mrs. Alda A. Raymond, Ida M. (deceased). Ada Ann and Mary D. Mr. Barney enlisted 
in the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Regiment' September, 1863, but was 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. • 71 

rejected on account of physical disability, and was afterward accepted in the One Hun- 
dred and Second Regiment, going out April, and returning June 39, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. 
Barney are friends of the cause of education, and gave their children good advantages; 
their daughter, Ada, has been teaching five terms. Mr. Barney is a Republican in politics. 

AMOS CHURCH, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born June 3, 1812, in Connecticut; son of 
John and Lucy Church. His paternal ancestors came from I^ngland, probably, as early 
as the colonial times. Mr. Church was reared on a farm, with opportunities for receiving 
but a rudimentarj' education. He was united in marriage November 29, 1837, with Sarah 
E.. daughter of feethuel and Martha Roberts, natives of New England. Nine children 
were born to this union, viz., Samuel J., Seth, Amos R., Lillie, Timothy; the deceased 
are. Homer, Henry, Martha and Charles H., who enlisted in the war of the rebellion, in 
the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He participated in 
many hard-fought battles, a few of whicli were Antietam, Gettysburg, Wilderness and at 
Petersburg, where he was captured by the Confederates, and confined in the Andersonville 
Prison. He there eked out a miserable existence, owing to neglect and starvation, until 
death came to his relief. In the autumn of 1839, Mr. Church, with his family, came to 
Erie County, settling in Greene Township (where he now resides), in the spring of 1840. 
He is the owner of ninety-three acres of land, acquired by industry and self-denial. Mr. 
Church is a liberal contributor to all enterprises beneficial to the public. He is a respected 
member of society. 

LEWIS DAWLEY, farmer, P. O. Belle Valley, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., 
December 15, 1838, son of Alonzo and Emily Dawley, both natives of the Empire State, 
latter deceased. Our subject received a fair English education, and from his youth has 
engaged in agricultural pursuits. On December 17, 1863, Mr. Dawley was united in mar- 
riage'with Elizabeth, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Parry, of Oneida County. N. Y. 
Mr. Dawley is owner of eighty-five acres of land in a good state of cultivation. He and 
his estimable wife are highly esteemed by the community. In politics, he is a Republican. 

EZRA DROWN, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in Erie County, Penn., March 31, 1831, 
sou of Cyril and Catherine Drown, natives of New England and Lebanon, Penn., respec- 
tively, and a brother of Hosea Drown. Ezra, like his brother, was reared to man's estate 
on a farm. On Februar}^ 21, 1856, Mr. Drown was united in marriage, with Laura L., 
daughter of Eli and Mary Wood, of Mill Creek Township. Of their children, only Hattie 
survived. Mrs. Drown died November 14, 1873. Mr. Drown subsequently married 
Amanda, daughter of Jacob and Sophia Charles, and widow of James Rooney of Greene 
Township. Mr. Drown has a farm of forty-eight acres in the northwestern part of Greene 
Township. He has served as Road Commissioner, and as Treasurer of Greene Township. 
He is an esteemed member of society. 

HOSEA DROWN, farmer, P. O. Belle Valley, was born July 13, 1833, in Erie County, 
Penn., son of Cyril Drown, who came to Greene Township in 1818. Shortly after his 
arrival he married Catherine Zimmerman, bj^ whom he had six children who grew to 
maturity, viz., Frederick, Almira, Anstrus, Catherine, Ezra and Hosea. Cyril Drown 
endured the hardships of a pioneer's life; was prominently connected with Greene Town- 
ship, serving with nearly every official position in his day. He departed this life in 1869, 
after a life of usefulress, and was survived by his consort only a few years. Hosea, our 
subject, received a fair English education, and taught school four terms. On September 
11, 1873, he was united in marriage with Melvina M. Hilborn, born in Greene Township, 
March 31, 1848, daughter of Samuel (deceased) and Roxy A. Hilborn. Three children have 
blessed this union — Myron C, Samuel H. and Arthur L. Mr. Drown served as Auditor of 
Greene Township, and at present officiates as Town Clerk. He has also been for three 
years Justice of the Peace. Mr. Drown is the owner of 130 acres of land. He is recog- 
nized as one of Greene Township's prominent citizens. 

MRS. SARAH FILLEY, East Greene, was born December 18, 1832, in Harboi' Creek 
Township, this county, a daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (Henton) Evans, natives of 
Wales, who came to America, and to Erie County about 1818. Mr. Evans died in 1843, and 
his widow afterward married Thomas Jones. She died May 20, 1882. Of their children — 
John and Mrs. Sarah Filley live in this township: Thomas and Ebenezer reside in Cleve- 
land, Ohio. Our subject married, February 3, 1839, Nathan W. Filley. He was born in 
1810, in Oneida County, N. Y., a son of Hezekiah and Esther Filley. After their marriage 
they lived in Chautauqua County, N. Y., about three years; thence went to Erie County. 
Mr. Filley's trade, that of a stone cutter, compelled him to change his location frequently. 
After living at various places in Ohio and this county, they settled in 1853, permanently in 
this township, buying a farm of 100 acres. The children born to this union are Mrs. Eliza 
Bennett, Sarah, Matthew, Frances, -Mary, Mrs. Anna Bannister, Emma, Nathan and 
Charles. Mr. Filley departed this life, February 3, 1864. He was a kind husband and 
father, and a useful and influential citizen. His large intelligent family now occupy the 
old homestead. 

WILLIAM HARTMAN, farmer, P. O. Belle Valley, was born in Hanover, Germany, 
November 15, 1818, son of Ernest and Catharine Hartman. He had no opportunity to ac- 
quire other than a rudimentary German education, and from his youth up has engaged in 



72 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

agricultural pursuits, In 1846, Mr. Hartman was united in marriage with Caroline Rehn, 
who bore him three children, only one surviving — Frederick W., who was born May 8, 
1855, in Erie County, Penn., and is an industrious, steady young man. Our subject, with 
family, in 1854, emigrated to America, landing in New York; thence coming to Erie, where 
he remained for about two years, when he located in Greene Township. Mr. Hartman is 
industrious and enterprising, and owns eighty-three acres of land located in the northern 
part of Greene Township, which he is working to the best advantage. He is a member of 
the German Reformed Church. 

SAMUEL HILBORN (deceased) was born October 5, 1802, in Bucks County, Penn. 
When a young man he moved to New York State, subsequently going to Ohio. In 1835, 
Mr. Hilborn came to Erie County, Penn., settling in the northern part of Greene Town- 
ship. He was united in marriage, October, 1837, with Roxy A., daughter of Martin and 
Mary Hayes, natives of New England. Ten children were born to this union, three sur- 
viving — Mary A., Melvina M. and William M. Harley J., the oldest son, died in Wash- 
ington HospitalJanuary 2, 1868, of wounds received in the battle of Fredericksburg. Mr. 
Hilborn w^as a respected member of the Presbyterian Church. He departed this life Feb- 
ruary 25, 1877. 

WILLIAM M. HILBORN, P. O. Belle Valley, a son of Samuel and Roxy A. (Hayes) 
Hilborn, was born in Erie County, Penn., July 29, 1855. He received a fair English edu- 
cation, and taught two terms. On February 26, 1880, he was united in marriage, with 
Rose E., daughter of Robert S. and Martha Davison, of Mill Creek Township. Two 
children have blessed this union, viz.: Flora M., born February 10, 1881, and Howard D., 
born October 21, 1882. Mr. Hilborn owns 100 acres of land. He is a member of the Pres- 
byterian Church. 

FRED HIRT, P. O. East Greene, was born July 25. 1843, in Greene Township, Erie 
County, Penn., son of F. J. Hirt, a native of the same township. He w^as reared here on 
his father's farm, and received his education in the home schools. He learned the car- 
penter's trade, with his brother, Frank. Our subject was united in marriage December 
13, 1868, with Adeline Hintz, a native of Mill Creek Township, this county. They settled 
where they now live, and bj' their own exertions have built up a comfortable home. Six 
children blessed this union, viz.: Fred J., William N., Frances Matilda, RosaH., Bertha 
F. and Mar}' Ida. Mr. Hirt is a Democrat in politics. He was elected Road Commission- 
er of Greene Township in February, 1881, and is discharging his duties satisfactorily. Mr. 
and Mrs. Hirt are warm friends of the cause of education, and give their children good 
advantages. They are both members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Hirt is an 
enterprisinii business man. and a citizen of much influence in the community. 

FREDERICK KOIL, farmer. P. O. Erie, was born February, 1843, in Erie County, 
Penn., a' son of Peter Kuhl, who was born in 1801, in the eastern part of Pennsylvania. 
He came to Erie County in 1825, and was married in 1829, to Susannah Fry, of Lancaster 
County, Penn. Ten children were born to this union, viz. : Sarah, Barbary, Eliza, Adam, 
Peter, Hiram, Susannah, Mary A.. Frederick and Samuel. The condition of the property 
left to his heirs indicates his perseverence and thrift. He reached the ripe age of seventy- 
six years, seven months and six days, departing this life July 22, 1878. He was a man of 
good standing in the German Lutheran Church. Samuel Kuhl, brother of our subject, 
was born November, 1831, in Erie Coiinty, Penn. He was married in May, 1857, to Mary, 
daughter of David and Anna Ripley, of Greene Township. He is engaged on his farm, 
adjoining his brother. He has served as Treasurer of this township. Frederick Kuhl. 
early in life, devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, in which he has l)een verj' success- 
ful. He was united in marriage, February. 1875, with Annie Detrick, b}' whom he has one 
child — Earl P., born December 10, 1875. Mr. Kuhl is the owner of a pleasant farm of 
seventv-five acres, and is a respected member of society. 

NATHAN MORITZ, farmer, P. .0. Erie, was born Janxuiry 28, 1848, in New York 
State. Nathan, when about six months' old. w\as brought to Erie County by his parents, 
Joseph and Barbary Moritz, natives of Germany, who "settled in Greene Township. Of 
their family of ten children, seven survive — John, Michael, Martin, George, Mary. Dore- 
thea and Nathan. Mr. Moritz died in March, 1880; his widow in November of the following 
year. Our subject's boyhood daj'S were passed on a farm, while he accjuired his education in 
the district schools. On June 3,'l871, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hirt, born 
in Greene Township Augu.st 25, 1845, a daughter of Francis J. and Mary Hirt, the former 
born December 19, 1816^ in Alsace, Germany, a son of Michael and Brigitta Hirt. His 
mother dying when he was nine years old, his father emigrated to America, landing in New 
York, subsequently coming to Erie County. He settled in Greene Township, on the farm 
now occupied by our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Hirt were born five children, all but one 
living— Frank, Mary, Frederick and Elizabeth. He has served as Judge of Elections, and at 
present, with his wife, is living with Mr. and Mrs. Moritz. To our subject and wife were 
born Joseph M., John P. and Frank. Mr. Moritz is the owner of ninety-one acres of good 
land. He is now serving as School Director, and with his wife is a member of the Roman 
Catholic Church. 



GREENE TOWNSHIP. 73 

LYMAN MORSE, retired farmer, P. O. West Greene, was born March 17. 1802, near Troy, 
N. Y. Wlien he was two years old, his parents, Joseph and Zelpha (Pratt) Morse, natives 
of New Hampshire and Brattleboro, Vt. respectively, moved to Chittenden County, Vt. 
(where our subject was principally reared), and there they both died. Lyman Morse moved 
to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and was there united in marriage, October, 1824, with 
Susan M. Barney, by whom he had two children— Lyman (dying in infancy) and Henry 
B. Mr. and Mrs. Morse came to Greene Township, Erie County, in 1832, settling on a 
farm in the woods, which they cleared, where the latter died March 12, 1879, and where 
the former now resides, respected by all who know him. Politically, he is a Democrat. 

HENRY B. MORSE, farmer, P. O. West Greene, was born June 25, 1826, in St. Law- 
rence County, N. Y. He was reared principally on his father's farm in this township, at- 
tending the district schools and the academy at Waterford. He married, August 1, 1853, 
Demaries A., daughter of William and Zebiah Rugg. She was born July 31 1836, in Os- 
weao County, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Morse spent from 1864 to 1869 in the oil regions of Ve- 
nango County, thence moved to Brodhead. Wis.: returning to this county in 1873, they 
have since resided on a farm in this township. Five children were born to this union- 
Mrs. Florence I. Miller, of Erie; Mrs. Addie E. Yaple; Carrie L., Nettie and Harry L. Mr. 
and Mrs. Morse have given their children good educational advantages, and they have each 
taught in turn in this and surrounding townships. They are both members of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. Mr. Morse is a useful, influential citizen. He is a Republican in 
politics. 

ELIJAH O. PINNEY, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in Litchfield County, ('onn., 
March 2, 1813; son of Elijah and Mahala Pinuey, of English descent. Of the five children 
born to this union, Elijah, only, survives. Our subject, when twenty-two years of age, 
with his parents and brother, Milo, came to Erie County, locating at Wesleyville, Harbor 
Creek Township, for about six years. He was united in marriage, January 10, 1837, with 
Mary E. Pendleton, born July 16, 1815, in New England, a daughter of Ethan and Esther 
Pendleton, also of English descent. To them were born ten children— Ethan O., Finette, 
Sarah A., Charles O., Mary E., Ralza P., Ward H., Mary U., Leroy A. and Dotha I. The 
last three are deceased. After leaving Wesleyville, Mr. Pinney, with family, moved to 
Ohio, locating for a short period in Portage and Trumbull Counties. In the spring of 
1843, he returned to Erie County, Peun., and settled in Greene Township, where he has a 
fine farm of over 200 acres, and a commodious residence, beautifully situated, affording a 
picturesque view of the lake and surrounding country. Much of Mr. Pinney's success is 
due to his industry and determination to succeed. He has served his township as Justice 
of the Peace, Assessor and Treasurer (two years). He has also acted as a Director of Erie 
Academy. 

WARREN F. ROOT, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in what is now known as Summit 
Township, Erie Co., Penn., on October 7, 1839, and is a son of Harry O. and Eliza Root, 
the former a native of Connecticut; the latter (now deceased) was born in Erie County, 
Penn. Mr. Root, from his youth up. has lived on a farm. He received a fair English 
education. Our subject, January 5, 1869, was united in marriage with Aurora O., daughter 
of William and Mary Stuyversant, natives of New York State. This union has been 
blessed with two children, viz., George B. and Verna E. Mr. Root takes his stand with 
the Republican party of our Government. He has served as Collector of Greene Town- 
ship. Our subject is of a modest, unassuming nature, and is meeting with marked success. 

ISAAC G. THORNTON, farmer, P. O.^Six Mile Creek, was born November 8. 1835, 
in Richmond, Mass. His parents, Isaac M. and Rachel Thornton, moved to Ashtabula 
County, Ohio, in 1839, where the latter still resides. There our subject was reared on his 
father's farm, with but limited educational advantages on account of his being the eldest 
son of an invalid father. The family moved to Venango Township. Erie County, in 1854, 
where Mr. Thornton died Octobor 19, 1855. Our subject was married. January 1, 1855. to 
Minerva Brace, born May 9, 1838, in Greene Township, a daughter of Stephen J. and Eva- 
line (Gardner) Brace, who came here from Oswego County, N. Y.. in 1834. Isaac G. 
Thornton enlisted August, 1862, in Company C, Sixteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- 
teer Cavalry, and served in the Armv of the Potomac through the Virginia campaign. 
He was a brave soldier, and received an honorable discharge in June, 1865. His four 
brothers also saw service, viz.: Charles, who died at Helena, Ark., in 1863; Daniel, Hiram 
and Buel, now living— Hiram in Michigan. Buel in Pennsylvania. Mr. Thornton has 
since devoted himself to the manasrement of his farm and the care of his family. By in- 
dustry he has acquired a farm of 100 acres of well-improved land. His children are 
Loretta, Henry, Jerome I., Mrs. Hattie Evans, Charles, Sarah, Ida, Alice and Leroy. Mr, 
and Mrs. Thornton, with their oldest children, are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in which he is a Steward. Mr. Thornton is a Republican in polities: has held the 
office of School Director in Greene Township. He is a member of the G. A. R.. of the 
K. of H., and of the Patrons of Husbandry. 

JOSHUA URCH, farmer, P. O. East Greene, was born February 20, 1832, in Wilming- 
ton. Del. His father, John Urch, a native of Enyland, married Mary Hyatt. They came 
to Venango Township, Erie County, in 1835. There they reared their children, five now 



74 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

living — Joshua, William H., George, Lewis and Mrs. Sarah McDonnell. Mr. John Urch 
died February 22, 1870; his widow is still living. Our subject married, June 7, 1850, Jnae, 
daughter of Richard and Catherine (Jones) Williams; the former was a native of Wales. 
They came to this county in 1830. Mr. Williams was scalded to death in the explosion of 
the steamer Louisiana, on Lake Erie, in 184:9. Mrs. Williams died in 1853. Their children 
are Mrs. Jane Urch; Mrs. Ann Urch, of Chautauqua County, N. Y., Mrs. Mary Carr and 
John. Mr. and Mrs. Urch have a farm of seventy-five acres of well-improved land, ac- 
quired by industry and good management. Their children are Richard, Charles H., Effort 
(in Nebraska), Andrew C. (of Nebraska), William L., Mary J., Marion and Frank. Mr. 
and Mrs. Urch are giving their children good educational advantages. They have been 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church thirty years. Our subject is a stanch Repub- 
lican, and is one of tiie useful ancl infiuential citizens of Greene Township. 

WILLIAM H. URCH, farmer, P. O. East Greene, was born March 25, 1834, in Wil- 
mington, Del. His father, John Urch, settled in Venango Township, this county, just 
north of Lake Pleasant, m 1835. Here our subject was brouglit up, attending the schools 
of the home district He was united in marriage, January 4, 1859, with Sarah Riplej'. a 
native of Summit Township, born March 5, 1840, daughter of David Ripley. Mr. and 
Mrs. Urch settled in the woods, from which they developed a farm of sixty-nine and a half 
acres of well-improved land. The children born to this union are: Mrs. Adella M. Co- 
burn, of Union City, Penn., and Sarah. They have lost by death Levi H., Melvin W. and 
Anna M. i\Ir. Urch served three months as a soldier in the One Hundred and Second 
Pennsylvania Regiment. He and his wife have Ijeen members of the United Brethren 
Church for twenty-eight years. He is Trustee in the Lake Pleasant Church. Mr. Urch is a 
man of strict integrity, possessing the respect and confidence of the community. In 
politics IS a Republican. 

WILLIAM B. WEED, retired farmer, P. O. West Greene, was born in Walton, N. 
Y., May 23. 1803; son of James and Docy (Hoyt) Weed. The latter's father was Colonel 
of a Connecticut regiment in tlie Revolutionary war. James Weed, above mentioned, 
was a Captain under him and served also in the war of 1812. They were natives of the 
New England States. James Weed died at Plattsburg in 1819 ; his wife died in the city of 
Hudson, in 1813. Owing to a weakness of the eyes in his boyhood days, caused by the 
measles, our subject was unable to avail himself of any educational advantages. During 
the war of 1812-15, he had full charge of a farm, the property of one Zolmon Beman, 
who was absent from home on military duty. With Beman, Mr. Weed remained till he 
was twenty-one years of age. On February 9, 1824, he was married to Nellie Zaple. of 
Delaware County. N. Y., born March 17, 1799, daughter of Christian and Annie (Demond) 
Zaple. To this union were born nine children — Eliza A., Angeline, Clarissa, Minerva A., 
William W., James H., Sally Lorena, Lyman and Marietta. "William W. was twice mar- 
ried; on the first occasion to Dyantha Done, a native of the State of New York, who bore 
him two children— Alice and William. On her death, he married Lydia E. Babcock, also 
a native of New York State, now deceased, leaving two children — Thurlow W. and Vesta 
L. Sally Lorena, w^ho remains at the old home with her parents to comfort them in their 
old age, married Charles A. Cutter, December 25, 1856; their family are Perry F., Nellie 
W. and Guy F. Mr. Weed came to this count}% settling on the spot where he now lives, 
March 7, 18:,;5, with $12.50 in cash, a hor.se and wagon and but scant}^ household goods. 
He was among the first Supervisors of the township^ 1827-28); and this dates, and he says, 
the commencement of his education, for he was forced into it, as it were, finding he could 
not hold ofiice without knowing how to write, etc. He was elected County Commissioner 
in the fall of 18(59, serving three years. He has from a very early day been harnessed with 
minor township and other oftices; was School Director, Road Commissioner, etc., for sev- 
eral years. He assisted in building several .schoolhouses of the township and erected the 
first bridge across the Le Boeuf Creek in this township. He has been a life-long member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in politics is a strong Republican. Mrs. Weed has 
been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifty-nine years. Coming into the 
woods at an early day, her services as midwife were generally in request, and even now, 
"Aunt Nellie," as she is affectionately called, is in frequent demand. Our subject and 
wife have celebrated their sixtieth wedding da5^ on which occasion there was a large at- 
tendance at the homestead of relatives and friends from far and near. They are held in 
the highest esteem in their neighborhood and are justly respected for their piety and ami- 
ability. 

ANSON H. YAPLE, farmer, P. O. West Green, was born October, 1829, in Erie Coun- 
ty, Penn., son of David and Ruth M. Yaple, who settled in Greene Township in 1826. 
Our subject was reared on a farm, obtaining a fair English education. On June 10, 1851, 
he was united in marriage with Laura A. Streeter, a native of New York State. This union 
has been blessed with six children, viz., Candace R., Henry W., Eddie L., Clinton F., 
Addie E. and Anson J. About 1856, Mr. Yaple, with his wife and three children, removed 
to Wisconsin. He enlisted in the Thirtieth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, and served 
seven months. He was honorably discharged March, 1863. His wife died July, 1864. He 
returned to Erie County, Penn., January, 1865, locating for a year in Greene Township, on 



GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 75 

his father's farm. Our subject then settled on his present farm, and married Louisa M., 
daughter of Luther D. Jackson, of Delaware County, N. Y. By this wife he liad four chil- 
dren — Artlmr L.. Louise E., Kate I. and Martha L. Mr. Yaple owns lUO acres of land. He 
is an esteemed citizen, a Republican politically. 

NOBLE V. YAPLE, farmer, P. O. East Greene, was born November 26, 1830, in 
Greene Township, Erie County, son of David and Maria (Fuller) Vaple, When fifteen 
years old, he began learning tlie trade of shoe-maker and tanner, with A. Jessup, at Har- 
bor Creek, Erie County. He married December 24, 185(3, Hannah Newsham, who was born 
February 3, 1834, daughter of William and Hannah (Fretwell) Newsham: the former born 
in Yorkshire, Endand, March 9, 1806, married March 9, 1831, and came to America the 
same year. They lived in Pittsburgh, Penn.. until 1838. when they settled in Greene Town- 
ship, where Mrs. Newsham died February 1, 1844. The children born to this union are- 
Mrs, Mary A. Barney, Mrs. E. Brace (deceased), IVIrs. Hannah Yaple, William. Mrs. Eliza 
Robinson, Mrs. Sarah Comstock (deceased), and Thomas. Mr. Newshaw again married 
August 16. 1846, Mrs. Henrietta Wood, by whom he lias Mrs. O. Wilkins. Mrs. Emma 
Bruce and Mrs. Lavina Main. He was an earnest member and exhorter of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He died August 13, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Yaple lived at West Greene, 
where he carried on his trade, but in 1878 he abandoned it and began farming. To them 
have been born Wellie W., Evert S., married to Jane Gross, and Eva L. Mr. and Mrs. 
Yaple have given their children good educational advantages. Wellie has engaged in 
teaching four terms in this countv, and Eva L., two terms. Mr. and Mrs. Yaple are high- 
ly esteemed, the former being a man of strict integrity and of much influence in this com- 
munity. 



GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 

A. E. BEEMAN, farmer, P. O. Hornby, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., March 
12. 1821 son of S. A. and Rachel (Smith) Beeman, natives of Connecticut and Pennsjdva- 
ni a respectively, and who had seven children— George, in Michigan; Henry, deceased m 
1S35; William, married to a Miss Rockwell, a resident of Ohio; Mrs. D. Switzer, a widow 
with five children; Mrs. Lucy Schuyler, also a widow, has three daughters, and had one son 
who was killed by the cars; Mrs. Martha Katcham, has four sons and two daughters, and 
A E., our subject. Mr. Beeman, Sr., came to this county in 1841. The subject of this 
sketch was married. February 28, 1843, to Mary A. Wade, who bore him two sons and two 
daughters— Rachel Ann, wife of E. Luce, have three sons— Frank, George and Martin; 
Edward, married to B. Pierce, liave two children— John and Mary; Martin, married to 
Lorinda Burch, have three children— Elbert and Eva (twins), and Ella; Sarah, deceased, 
ao-ed three and one-half years. Mr. Beeman settled in Greenfield Township, Erie County, 
in 1841. His wife died March 17, 1876, and he is now living with another family, and rents 
his farm, comprising 132 acres, of which eighty are well improved. He has been an in- 
fluential citizen, serving as School Director, Assessor, Collector, Commissioner, and is a 
member of the Board of Education. . 

SMITH J. BEMISS, farmer, P. O. North East, was born in French Creek, N. 1., in 
September, 1832, son of Thomas and Salinda (Babcock) Beraiss, natives of Connecticut, 
who came to Erie County in 1851, locating in Greenfield Township until the death of the 
latter, when Mr. Bemiss moved to Ashville. N. Y., and there died. Those surviving of 
their family of twelve children are: Alvy, residing near Erie City; Silas, in Kansas; Mrs. 
J. Marsh, has one child- Chester; Polly, wife of M. Thompson, in New York State, near 
the old home, have four children— Henry, William, Salinda and Chester; Phcebe, wife of 
A. Wilkinson, have four children— Sarah, Lutie, Eva and John; Caroline, wile of George 
Staley, was the widow of Martin Tarr, have five children— Frank, George. Grant, Mary 
and William; and Smith J., the subject of this sketch, who was married, March 10, 1806, 
to Eliza Smith, a widow with two children— Emma and Sarah. To them have been born 
—George, married to Annie, daughter of Joseph Hartley, and Thomas, married to Melissa 
Crawford, have one child— Margery M. Mr. Bemiss is one of the oldest residents of this 
township, and is living on his father's old homestead, which is well improved. He keeps 
fourteen cows, and is making a specialty of dairying. 

REV. GEORGE W. CLEAVELAND. pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Har- 
bor Creek, was born December 21, 1815, in Salem, Mass., a son of John and Rebecca 
(Woodbury) Cleaveland. He joined the church when seventeen years old. He attended 
Dummer Academy, Byfield, Mass., and graduated from Bowdoin College in 1837, and from 
the Theological Seminary, Andover, Mass.. in 1841. During the greater part of the fol- 
lowing year he supplied the pulpit of the First Church at Marblehead, Mass. He was or 
dained September 27, 1843. in Orleans, Mass., and united in marriage, the same evening. 



76 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

with K. S., daughter of Capt. Seth and Abi^^ail Doane. of Orleans. Of the seven children 
born to them, the following survive: George C; Abbie D.; Edward P., a professor in 
Adelbert College; Heman D., a civil engineer, and R. M.. a teacher. From October, 1842, 
to August 26, 1849, excepting a part of 1843, he ministered in the Presbyterian Church in 
Waterford. From the latter date he has preached in the Presbyterian Church at Harbor 
Creek, of which he is still pastor (1884). He states, that by the favor of God, during his 
entire ministry, e.xtending over forty-two years, he has never been unable to fill his pulpit 
through illness, except July 2, 1865, when he was suffering from the effects of a stroke of 
lightning received the day previous. The electricity also left a leaf-like impression on two 
large gilt picture frames. On the fortieth anniversary of their wedding, Mr. and Mrs. 
Cleaveland were surprised by the parishioners and many admirers,who presented them with 
baskets of choice viands, costly furniture, and a purse containing gold and silver. 

NATHANIEL COBURN, farmer. P. O. North East, was born in Lewis. Essex Co., 
N. Y., August 9, 1811, son of Jonathan and Martha (Hopkins) Coburn, who were the par- 
ents of the following-named children: Cyrus, died in August, 1877; Laura, died in Febru- 
ary, 1868; Stephen W. ; Lewis, in Lansing, Mich.; Martin, in Wyoming County, N. Y.; 
Sylvenus, died 1850; James H., at Sugar Grove, Penn. ; Abel, married, has two children; 
Wilber, married to Ida Coons, has a daughter, Lottie; Warren, married to Eva Stone, has 
one child. Alice; Sally, widow of M. Mansice, with five children. Nathaniel, the subject 
of this sketch, who was married, in 1837, to Annie L., daughter of Stephen and Annie 
(Millard) Thayer, who were the parents of nine children, seven deceased, viz., Annie, Wil- 
lard, Diana, Charlana, Alanson, Sallie and Thomas. The surviving are Stephen O. and 
Mrs. Annie L. Coburn. To our subject and wife have been born a family of eight — Fidelia 
A., deceased wife of Mr. Bogard, had two children — Walter A. and Clayton W.; Eleanor 
A., died in 1850; Thomas E., died in 1852; Willard A., died October 13, 1853; Lucv L., 
died October 13, 1853; Ludelia, died August 27, 1862; Gertrude C, died August l.*1862, 
and Annie E., who married Frank B. Pratt, a son of Harrison and Sallie (Bissel) Pratt, 
and have one child, Lena Bell. Mr. Coburn has forty-seven acres of land pleasantly 
located, and adjoining the forty acres of his sons-in-law, which they farmed together. Mr. 
and Mrs. Coburn are an hospitable old couple, both members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

WILLARD FARNSWORTH, farmer. P. O. Greenfield, was born in this township 
April 26, 1838, son of Manander and Elizabeth A. (Johnson) Farnsworth; the former was 
born May 5, 1801, in ActSigcTn County, Vt.. and was one of the eKrlj^settlers in this town- 
ship; the latter a native of Northumberland, Penn., was born June 8, 1799. They were 
married February 10. 1823. Eight children were born to them— Betsy A., Henry, Martha, 
Mary, Jane, Hannali, Willard, and Oliver M.. who died in the service of the United States, 
The subject of this sketch was married. October 12, 1868, to Mary C, daughter of 
Charles Johnson, and a native of Kalamazoo County, Mich., by whom" he had the follow- 
ing children: Oliver G., Lola C, Ida May and Ada "Bell (twins), and Eva E. Mr. Farns- 
worth has two well-improved farms, one comprising eighty and the other fifty acres. He 
has been filling the oflBce of Township Clerk for several years. 

F. E. FENTON, farmer, P. O. Greenfield, was born in this township in Novem- 
ber, 1850, son of Daniel T. and Amanda (Rouse) Fenton, natives of Pennsylvania, 
who had six children, three of whom are living— Fanny A., wife of L. V. Babcock. has 
one child. Louie; Chauncy I., married to Clara Douglas, has two children. Roy and Grace 
Ethel. Our subject was married February 29, 187fi, to Aggie, daughter of Darius Add- 
kins, who has borne him two children — Harry Leon and Earl Clayton. Mr. Fenton owns a 
fine farrn of 239 acres of land near Colt's Station, which is well-improved and watered. He 
served his township as Auditor when twenty-one years old; has since been Judge of elec- 
tions. Inspector. Clerk of Election, Collector and Justice of the Peace, and Assessor by 
election in spring of 1884. 

JAMES M. FINN, P. O. Findley's Lake, Chautauqua County. N. Y., was born No- 
vember 7, 1823. in Orange County, N. Y.. son of Nehemiah and Elizabeth (Lawrence) 
Finn, natives of same county, who came to Erie and engaged in dairying, sending their 
butter to New York, being the first ever shipped from Erie or Chautauqua Counties: the 
churns were turned by sheep. They settled in Greenfield Township in the spring of 1834, 
where the former died in 1859, and liis widow in 1863. They were the parents of the follow- 
ingchildren: Louisa, deceased; Betsy, deceased wife of A. D. Smith.left two children— Mrs. 
Sarah E. Wlieat and Charles D. ; Sarah, wife of A. Darrow, have two children— Mary A. and 
Louisa: N. L., in Michigan, married to LucenaWever. have eight children— John A., Eliza- 
beth, Thaddeus. Sarah L., Josephine, Agnes and Charles. John A. died vountj. and James 
M. Our subject was married, Novemb(?r 2, 1853. to Helen A., daughter'of Philo S. Haw- 
ley, a native of Essex County, N. Y., and an early settler of French Creek Township. N. 
Y. To Mr. and Mrs. Finn have been born seven children — Imogene, educated at Edinboro, 
wife of Lyman S. Brown, residing at Clymer. N. Y., has three children— Jesse L.. Todd 
Finn and Helen Blanch; Nehemiah. Carrie A. ; William A., a civil engineer in Dakota; 
James J., who was educated at Edinboro, Erie High School and at Oberlin College: he is 
now at Madison University, N. Y.; Mary, attending school at Edinboro, and Robert Lee. 



GREENFIFXD TOWNSHIP. 77 

The second daughter was educated in the Cooper Academy, and taught for several yearsT 
Mr. Finn has engaged extensively in dairying, he has now thirty cows, but has kept tifty. 
He is now in the stock business; he is one of the leading men of the township in which he 
has served as Justice of the Peace for six years; Road Commissioner six years; School Di- 
rector for twelve years; Town Collector; Treasurer and as member of the Board of Edu- 
cation. 

JOHN McCLUNE, farmer and Miller, P. O. Wesleyville, was born in Chester County 
Penn., May 9, 1805, son of John and Nancy (Reed) McClune, who were the parents of six 
children— Charles, had one son, Thomas R., and died in Columbia Countv, Penn., aged 
seventy- seven; Mrs. Hannah Reeves, deceased, hadtive children; James, dying, left'a son 
Cyrus; Ann, deceased, wife of George McGee, left eight children; Charles Reed, Sr., re- 
siding at Clarion County, Penn., and John, the subject of this sketch. He was married 
September 12, 1826, to Nancy McGee, born in 1809, daughter of John and Jane Mc- 
Gee. By this union were eight children— Eliza J., wife of Charles Kendrick, have four 
children— William, deceased, April 9, 1882, Edith, Mary and Jane; Charles Reed, Jr., resi- 
dent of Indiana, has five children; Maria L., wife of Thomas Smart, of Mill Creek Town- 
ship, have seven children— Joanna, Thomas R., Mary E., Maud, John, Charles and 
Annie; George W., John Jr., Alexander, married to Elizabeth Handy, have one child liv- 
ing, Edith S., Mary A. and Adella R. Mr. McClune is a fine old gentleman, he was one 
of the early settlers in this township, having come to Erie in 1827, and for many years ran 
the flour mill of Judge John Cochrans; he then engaged in farming. Our subject was one 
of the first subscribers for the Observer, edited by Thomas Barnum, an uncle of the cele- 
brated showman. 

WILLIAM R. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Greenfield, was born in the State of New York 
July 3, 1808, son of William and Mary Denton Miller. They were the parents of eleven 
children, seven of whom are living— Balsora, widow of Orlin Colburn, have two children— 
Orlin and James M. ; Esther, widow of George W. Addison, has seven children; Deborah, 
widow of Henry Berrey, has three children; George P. Miller, has one child; James Miller 
has one child— Denton; Hannah, wife of M. M. Ravlin, have two children— Mary and 
Almira; Preston, deceased, leaving two children— Ella and Balsora. The other three chil- 
dren died in infancy. William R. Miller, our subject, was married, September 29, 1834, 
to Martha Berrey, who was born in Greenfield Township December 2, 1811. Mr. Miller 
has no children, but has an adopted son, Edward Isaac Miller, who is married. Mrs. Will- 
iam R. Miller was a daughter of Joseph and Polly (Thompson) Berrey, the former of whom 
was Collector in this township in 1817. Mrs. Miller had eleven sisters and brothers, only 
one of whom is living— Mrs. E. Allen, a resident of Kansas. The father of our subject 
came to Erie County in 1820, buying land of Judy Colt, near the station of same name, 
where his son William now resides, which farm comprises 150 acres of well watered and 
improved land. He died when fifty-five j-ears old. William R. Miller has served as 
Collector, Assessor. Road Commissioner and, under the old system, was School Director 

CHARLES MORGAN, farmer, P. O. Greenfield, is a native of England, born in tlie 
County of Kent January 13, 1815; son of William and IMary (Burgess) Morgan who had 
eleven children, viz., Mary, William, Ann, Sarah, Thomas, James, Gabriel, John, Char- 
lotte. Jane and Charles, our subject. Two of his sons came to America in 1818 the rest 
of the family, six members, came two years later, and settled in Mina, N. Y., where Mr. 
Morgan died in his eighty-seventh year, and Mrs. Morgan in her eighty-fourth year. 
Charles, our subject, was married in January. 1835, to Ann, daughter of William Boyd, a 
native of Ireland, who came to this county in 1819. He was married by Gen. John Phil- 
lips, Paymaster in the war of 1812, and was a prominent man. coming to this county in 
1829 and locating in Venango Township, but is now a resident of Greenfield Township. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have been born eight children— Charles, Jr. married to C 
Perry, now residing on the old homestead; William T., married to Martha Luce; Mary 
E. (deceased), wife of A. Orton ; Ann, wife of James Marts ; James S., who has charo-e of 
the homestead farm; John G. (deceased); Sarah, wife of T. F. Burgess; George B in 
mercantile business in this township at home. Mr. Morgan has 228 acres of good land, 
mostly improved. He has served in various local oflJces, such as Assessor School Direc- 
tor, Auditor and Inspector of Elections. 

ANTHONY H. MOSEMAN, farmer and manufacturer, P. O. Six Mile Creek was 
born in Saxony, Germany, February 4, 1838, son of Jacob and Ernestine (Neidscheitz) 
Moseman. The latter, with a brother and her son, Anthony, came to America landin"- in 
New York October 13, 1847. and subsequently lo this township. This uncle, our subject 
states, cruelly abused him, knocking him down and stamping on him if a lesson in Greek 
or Latin was unlearnt, or when unable to lift a weight beyond his strength The estate of 
Mrs. Moseman and her brother w^as sold for $18,000 in gold, each having half. The brother 
took Mrs. Moseman's share, and, as she could not speak English, thev would have starved 
had It not been for the kindness of the neighbors, some of whom "are living yet Mr 
Moseman has prospered in life, and owns a fine farm in this township, and is eno-ao-ed in 
tnanufacturing the best hemlock shingles, cider and apple jellv. He was united in mar- 
riage November 18, 1861, with Maria Anna, daughter of Francis Hedderiqk of Greene 



78 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Township, Erie Co., Penn., by whom he has had seven children — Barbara, wife of A. Orton; 
Henr^', married to Ella, daughter of Jobn and Elizabeth Williams (have one child — Flora); 
Sophia, wife of B. Ortim (have one child — Nora): Ella, Rosa, Mary and Charles. Mr, 
Moseman is a well-educated, pleasant business man. 

GEORGE C. PARKER, farmer. P. O. North East, was born in Mill Creek Township, 
this county, March 17, 1826, son of William and Emily (Talmadge) Parker, who were 
natives of Vermont and PennsylvaniaTFPpectively, and parents of two children — George, 
our subject, and Henry. Mrs. Emily Parker died September 25, 1828. William Parker 
married his deceased wife's sister, Elizabeth. M'ho bore him two children— 1). J., dying 
in Ohio, and Emily, the wife of A. Prindle (has four children). Our subject, GJeorge 
C, was joined in matrimony April 12, 1849, to Eliza, daughter of Stephen Coburu, four 
children resulting — A. J., married to Eva Burden ; Frank D., married to EfRc, daughter 
of Charles Jones (had one child — Lynn); Mrs. Effie Parker died February 5, 1844; Eldora 
D., wife of Frank Searls and Burt C. Mr. Parker has for many years been a leading citi- 
zen of Greenfield Township, filling many of the local offices, such as Road Commissioner, 
Judge and Inspector of Elections. School Director, and for a number of terms acted as 
Assistant Assessor. His farm of 200 acres, well watered and improved, is finelj' located 
in the northwest corner of tbis township. He is a clever gentleman, a member of the 
A. O. U. W., No. 5, Perry Lodge. 

JESSE R. PRINDLE, farmer, P. O. Wesleyville, was born in Harbor Creek Town- 
ship March 8, 1810, son of Amasa and Tryphena (Miller) Prindle, one of the pioneer fam- 
ilies of Harbor Creek Township, and the parents of ten daughters and three sons, all lived 
to have families excepting two. Their names were Almyra, Sarah, Rhoda, Eliza, Try- 
phena, Charles M., died March 19, 1884, was married to Pollj^ Tickner, Rebecca, Cornelia, 
Jane, Chancy, Nancy (deceased), Samantha (deceased) and Jesse R. Our subject mar- 
ried Delaney, daughter of Christian Balser, of Athens County, Ohio. Eight children 
blessed this union — Adolphus. married to Emily Parker (has seven children — George, Ma3^ 
Ell, Orpha, Elpha, Nellie and Frank); Ollie, deceased ; Jes.se, deceased ; William, married 
to Mary Peck (has one daughter — Bell); Samantha, wife of Davis Parker (has three chil- 
dren — iDerwent, Dolly, deceased, and Jesse) ; Chancy, a soldier in the navy during the 
late war, died on the United States gunboat "Brilliant," and was buried at Ft. Heuryj 
Adolphus also enlisted in the war. and participated in the 100-mile march from Burk Sta- 
tion to Danville, when he and most of the men were ill from fatigue and insufficient 
rations (bis family consisted of five — Ell, Elpha and Orpha, deceased, and George, mar- 
ried to Viola Lathrop (has two children — Bertha M. and Lee), and Mary, wife of Robert 
Dodge); Adolphus has been School Director and Judge of Elections. Jesse R. Prindle is 
an intelligent old gentleman, and has been an infiuential citizen of this township, serving 
as School Director for nine vears, Commissioner six j'ears. Justice of the Peace ten years. 

CHANCY PRINDLE, farmer, P. O. Wesleyville, was born in Harbor Creek Town- 
ship. Erie Co., Penn., in April. 1819; son of Amasa and Tryphena (Miller) Prindle. natives 
of Massachusetts and Connecticut respectively. The former settled in Harbor Creek 
Valley in lT9o, buying land at 20 cents per acre, and working there three years, pre- 
paring for his faiuily, whom he brought from Buffalo over the frozen lake. It is stated 
that once he raised 500 bushels of wheat, and, on trying to dispose of it to parties at Erie 
City, was hooted for his pains, and was asked "what on earth they could do with it." He 
subsequently sold this farm and bought another of Judy CJolt, further up the hills 
Through the destruction of the records, when the Erie Court House was burned, he was 
compelled to pay twice for the same property. He had thirteen children — Almyra. wife 
of Z. Wright; Sarah, the first white female child born in the township, wife of Mr. Orton; 
Rhoda, widoAV of D. S. Brown (has seven children); Eliza, wife of Silas Walker, residing 
in California (has four children); Tryphena (deceased in 1878), wife of William Preble 
(had five children); Charles M., died March 19, 1884; Jesse R. ; Cornelia (deceased); 
Jane, widow of James Philips (has five children); Chancy, our subject; Nancy and 
Samatha, deceased. Chancy, the subject of this sketch, was married February 4, 
1847, to Thirya, daughter of William A. Pierce and Thankful Irish. Five children have 
resulted — Lyman M., married to Elizabeth Smith (has two children, William and Myron); 
Ellen, wife of George Darling (has two children, Emory and Charles): Ransom A." mar- 
ried to Mary Loomis, has one son. Charles L. ; and Chancy, Jr. Mr. Prindle has a well 
improved and watered farm of 150 acres. He has served his township as Road Commis- 
sioner, and is now School Director. He is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. 

PIIRAM SHADDUCK, farmer, P. O. North East, was born in Greenfield Township, 
this county, January 14, 1826; son of Joseph and Betsy (Willard) Shadduck. who had 
eighteen children. Those surviving are George, Henry, Esther, Nancy, Hannah. Polly, 
Ann, Lester and Hiram, our subject. Joseph Shadduck had been previously married 
to Harriet Cass, who bore him Ira.' now eighty-four years old, the first white riiale child 
born in the county; Betsy (deceased), David, and Matilda, who was killed on her way to 
church by a horse, in Corry. Joseph had in all twenty-two children and 306 grandchil- 
dren. He came to Erie County in 1783, and was one of the first settlers in Greenfield Town- 
ship; took up 460 acres of Government land at $1.25 per acre, and bought 100 acres more 



GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 79 

near North East. He suffered all the hardships of a pioneer's life,first clearino- awaj' one acre 
on which he lived. He baked his bread (composed of flour and water only) and meat by 
roasting them in the fire on the end of a stic k. He had to build his hog-pens high and strong 
to keep out bears and other wild animals. One day he found a bear eating his dinner; 
seizing his gun, he sion dispatched Bruin, and so supplied his larder with fresh meat. He 
departed this life in 1849, and his personal property brought the large sum of |16,000. 
Hiram, our subject, was married at Colt's Station, this township, by Squire Mervin, and 
has eleven children living and one dead, viz.: Mary E., wife of E. Bower (has five chil- 
dren— May. Davy, Jennie, Edney and Mark); Eliza, wife of Wm. Keeler (has an adopted 
child, Arthur); Josephine, wife of W.Wellington (has one daughter, Blanche); Polly, wife 
of F. Moore (has one child, Arthur); John J., Lincoln, Fred L., Ethalina, wife of J.Lathrop 
(has one child. Ellen); Charles, Maud and Mertie, the youngest, who has kept the family 
record. As an instance of what unselfish devotion will accomplish, we record the follow- 
ing: When Joseph Shadduck was lying ill, in the depth of one winter,.wilh the snow six 
feet deep, his wife, Betsy, had to crawl on her hands and knees a distance of half a mile 
to procure potatoes sufficient to keep the family from starving. h>he had a large stock of 
cattle to attend to, and had to crawl to the creek to get them watered 

JOHN T. TOWER, farmer, P. O. North East, was born in 1838, son of F. A. and 
Elmira M. (Taylor) Tower, who were natives of the State of New York, and came to Erie 
Co., Penn.. in 1853, settling on the farm now occupied by their son, where they pas.sed 
the remainder of their days. Of the four children born "to them, only two survive— 
Emerett, wife of A. Raymond, residing in Harbor Creek (has one child, Lottie); and J. T , 
the subject of this sketch, who was united in marriage in Dec, 1862, with Sylvia M., 
daughter of John Towsey. Eight children blessed this union, viz., Alton, Arthur M., Ger- 
trude, Sarah A., Edith and Alma. Two are deceased. Mr. Tower has a nicely-located 
and well-improved farm of seventy-five acres in the northern part of Greenfield Township. 
He is a good farmer and a pleasant gentleman. 




Eliza died, leaving one son— Henry; Seth has six children— Amanda, August, Betsy, 
William, Charles and Jane; Silas, enlisted duringthelate war in the One Hundred and Forty- 
fifth Penn. Vol. Infantry, was wounded, and died leaving no issue; Thomas, a r;esident of 
Michigan, has three children; and William H., the subject of this sketch. Thomas 
Wakeley's first w'fe dying, he subsequently married Betsy McArthur, who bore him four 
children— B. J., Ella, Marion, and Jane (deceased). He came from Chautauqua Co., N. Y., 
to Erie Co., Penn.. settling in this township in 1865. He departed this life on the farm 
now owned by William H., the subject of this sketch, who was married in 1847 to Ann 
Eliza, a daughter of Henry Raymond. One son blessed this union— Charles A., married to 
Mary, daughter of Lafayette Blakesley, by whom he has one child— W. L. Mr. Wakeley 
was one of the best shoe-makers in this township, but now turns his attention to agricult- 
ural pursuits. He owns 106 acres of well-improved land. He is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. 

SETH WAKELEY, farmer, P. O. Greenfield, was born in Auburn, N. Y., Sept. 10. 
1830, son of Thomas and Amanda (Raymond) Wakelev, who moved to Mina, N. Y., in the 
fall of 1839, and soon after came to Erie, settling in^this township. They were the par- 
ents of seven children— Hiram, Jane, Elezer, William, Seth, Silas and Thomas. Mrs. 
Wakeley dymg, he married Betsy McArthur, who bore him Barnum, Ella, Jane and Mar- 
vin. Seth, the subject of this sketch, was married, October 6, 1859, to Laura A. Burnham 
born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., daughter of Ashel and Luania Burnham, by whom he had 
eight children— Amanda (wife of Oliver Markham, have one child, Floyd), Ell)ert (dying 
May 30, 1865). Augusta D.. Grace N. (decea.sed Apr. 22, 1875), Willis A., Bessie L.. Charles 
O. and Mary Jane, Mr. Wakeley owns 102 acres of land, which is well watered and im- 
proved, and his wife 50 acres of timber. Thev have several fine buildings. Thev are 
members of the Baptist Church. 

WILLIS T. WILDMAN, farmer, P. O. Six Mile Creek, was bnrn March 28, 1832, son 
of Lewis and Laura (Daggot) Wildman. who were natives of New York. The former came 
with his father to this county in 1818, locating in Fairview Township, but subsequently 
moved to Greenfield in 1828. settling on some land entered by S. and J. Daggot, where 
Mrs. Lewis Wildman still resides. She was the mother of the following children: Sebra 
(deceased), Amanda, Henry D. (dying, left a daughter, Martha), Lucinda (widow with 4 
children, Lewis, George, Walter and Laura), Philander (widower with no children), Albert 
(widower with 3 children— Fred, Adelbert and Laura), Annice (a widow with 6 children- 
Willis M., Lewis, Frank, Oliver, L-a and Bradford); and Willis T.. our subject He was 
married Apr. 23, 1856, to Phoebe, daughter of Etra W. Nason. Her parents were natives 
of Vermont, and had 6 children— Mary, Keziah. Betsy, Wm., Harriett and Pho4)e. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Wildman have been given Harriett L. (wife of O. Cordott, bv whom she has 
2 children— Charles W. and Clayton F. ), Bert W., and ^n infant (deceased).' Mr. Wildman 
paid for the farm on which he lives by chopping wood for his father and grandfather, at 



80 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

20 cents per cord, and working by the month at $12 a month. He has 112 acres of land, 
with good improvements, and makes a specialty of dairying. He has good stock, and em- 
ploys a large, heavy dog to turn the wheel of the butter churn. He has served his town- 
ship as School Director, and is a member of the Equitable Aid Society, No. 384. 

JAMES H. WILSON, farmer, P. O. Greentield, was born in this township August 
12, 1820, son of John and Hannah (Smith) Wilson. John Wilson came with his 
parents, William and Elizabeth (Hunter) Wilson, to Greenfield Aug. 9, 1798, from Nor- 
thumberland Co., Peun. James, brother of John, was born March 14, 1800. James H. 
had three brothers. AVm. married Hettie Smith, residing at Blackberry Station, 111., had 
family of 4, all dying young; Wm. died in 1868; Thomas S. is a resident of Columbus, 
Penn., has 3 .sons — Edgar Eugene and Edwin Leroy (twins) and Ara L., all in Dakota; 
Thom I., in Chicago, has a family of 4, 2 sons and 2 daughters. James H. the subject of 
this sketch, was married, Jan. 30, 1844, to Elizabeth A., daughter of M. Farnsworth, who 
had a family of 8, viz., Henry, Martha A., Mary E., Jane E., Hannah A., Willard, Eliza- 
beth A., and Oliver (a soldier in the 111th P. V., Co. A.; enlisted in February, 1864; fell 
sick, and has not been heard from since May 8, 1864). The union of Mr. Wilson and wife 
has been blessed with one daughter, Sarah M., who died when ten j-ears and eleven mouths 
old. Mr. Wilson owns a nice, well-watered farm near the village of Greentield. He has in his 
possession a letter obtained by his great-grandfather Hunter from the Presbyterian Church 
in Ireland over 100 years ago. This old Mr. Hunter and family came to Greenfield a few 
years after his daughter, Mrs. Wm. AVilson, settled in this (then a wilderness) town of 
Greenfield, and died'here Sept. 28, 1825, aged ninety-three years eight months and twenty- 
four days. Elizabeth Hunter died Aug. 7, 1831, aged eighty-eight j-ears nine months and 
twenty-four days. Mr. Wilson's grandmother, Elizabeth (Hunter) Wilson, died Oct. 1, 
1865, in the ninety-third year of her age. 



HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

TliSIOTHY BACKUS, farmer, P. O. Moorheadville, was born July 2, 1805, in Harbor 
Creek Township, son of Joseph and Martha (Millikin) Backus. The parents of the former 
were Joseph and Sarah (Cleveland) Backus, natives of England. The father of Timothy 
was one of the pioneers of Erie County and located on land west of the village of Harbor 
Creek, where he built the first cabin. He had eleven children; of these the surviving are 
Mary, widow of Capt. Thomas Wilkins(has one child — Ann, wife of John Sterrett); Anna, 
widow of Capt. B. Wilkins (has seven children — Joseph, Thomas, Park, Clara, Jennie, 
William and Sarah), and is living in Erie County. Penn.; Martha, widow of Peter Haider- 
man (has one child — Olive); Orilla, wife of Mr. Goodwin (has one child — Mrs. Essie Chris- 
tian); Thomas, living in Jo Daviess Count}', 111.; Elizabeth, living in Iowa; and Timothy, 
our subject. He was married, September 15, 1836, to Sarah, daughter of A. and Sarah 
McDowell. The children born to them are Miranda, wife of D. Videto (has four children 
— George, Charles, Andrew and Alice). Andrew M. Backus, a soldier in the late war, was 
married to Mary E., daughter of J. M. Mooi-head. by whom he has had four children — 
Charles M., Andrew S., Harriet A., Louisa B.); Cordelia A. (died July 9, 1863); Mary E. 
widow of William A. McCord (also served in late rebellion) by whom she had four chil- 
dren — Frederick (deceased) Florence E., Arthur M. (deceased), William A. (deceased in 
infancy), Emma at home. From 1844-48, our subject served as Postmaster at Backus 
Corners. He owns a farm on the Buflialo road and lives in his residence near Moorhead- 
ville, to which he moved in 1877 from Greentield Township, where he had resided for a 
time. He is descended from one of the oldest settlers in this township. 

JOHN BACKUS, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born Sept. 2, 1810, son of Myron 
and Hannah (Patterson) Backus, natives of New York State and Ireland respectively, and 
who came to Erie Co. in 1800, settling on 200 acres of land where John Backus now lives. 
Of their four children, only two survive— Ebenezer in Kansas and John, the subject of this 
sketch. He was united in marriage in 1842 with Lj'dia R., daughter of Ezekiel and Re- 
becca (Stewart) Chambers, one of the oldest families of this coimty. The union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Backus resulted in the following children: Hannah R., wife of A. Smith (have 
seven children — Perry A., Ellen L., Myra, Eddie, Lee B., Celia M. and Ada R., who are 
living at Brighton); Perry C, married to Eleanora Noles(have three children — Ola, HoUis 
J. and Perry N.); Nancy, wife of John Churchill (had three children — Perry, Arthur and 
Robbie, who died young); Myron (deceased aged twenty years); Frances M.,wife of M. 
Chambers (no issue); John S., married to Emma Vance (have an only son — Peny M.); 
George, married to Olive Van Roberts (have a son — Everett R.); and Fremont (deceased 
in infancy). Mr. Backus has been a resident of this township since his birth and is one 



HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 81 

of its most substantial farmers. He has served as School Director for many years and was 
Collector a number of terms. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, 
he is a Republican. 

WM. M. BARTON, farmer, P. O. Wesleyville, was born at Brownville, Jefferson Co., 
N. Y. ; son of Thomas and Rhoda (Calkins) Barton, also natives of New York State. They 
came to Erie Co. in 1853, settling in Greene Township. Twelve children were born to 
them. viz.. George (married to Margaret Orr, who dying left 3 children; he subsequently 
married her sister and had 4 children by her); Jane, wife of A. Frazier (have 6 children;; 
John, married Nancy Smith (have 3 children); Sarah, wife of Chas. Newsham (have 5 
children); Ellen; Thomas P., married to Carrj^ Brace (have 3 children); Chas. H., married 
and lives in Michigan; Frank, married (has 2 children); James, married to Irene Demun (no 
children); Frederick; Julia, wife of J. Ripley (have 4 children); andWm. M. Our subject 
married. May 2, 1848, Arvilla M., daughter of Daniel and Mary (Heath) Putney, natives of 
New Hampsliire. Five children blessed this union — Wm. T., married May, daughter of 
Chauncy and Alpha E. Thayer (had one child); Roy (deceased); Emma J., wife of J. C. 
Bryner, a teacher in the high school at Clarion (they have 3 sons — Guy, Earl and Wm. Mor- 
ris); Benjamin C.,at home"; and Charles Henry, who died in Michigan, aged twenty years, 
Mr. Barton is an enterprising, successful, self-made man. For 43 years he has resided in 
this township, and has served as School Director for j'^ears and also as Road Commis- 
sioner. He is a member of the Equitable Aid Union, No. 385; has always been a Repub- 
lican in politics. 

J. G. BECK, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born in Philadelphia in the year 1830, 
son of J. G. and Regina (M3'ers) Beck, who were the parents of the following children: 
Frederick; David R.; Lucy, wife of L. Otto; Elizabeth, wife of Geo. Bowers; Henry; 
Harriet (deceased), wife of G. Shultz, and J. G., the subject of this sketch. He was mar- 
vied in 1853 to Mary Crape. Five children blessed this union, viz., Geo., Albert, R. M., 
Amanda and Frank. Mr. Beck settled in Harbor Creek Township in 1878, and is living on 
a farm near Harbor Creek. 

HIRAM A. BELL, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born in 1836 in this township, 
son of Levi and Amelia (Bel!) Bell; though of the same name they were not connected; 
former a native of New York State, latter of Pennsylvania. Parents of three children, 
two now living — Matilda, wife of Thomas, son of Walter Greenwood, and Hiram A. 
Our subject married, in 1863, Emeline McGill, by whom he had three children — Francis 
[McGill, Levi Audley and Wm. Augustus. Mr. Bell lives two miles south of the village, 
in the beautiful valley of Harbor Creek. His farm consists of 134 acres of well watered 
and improved land. 

DR. JOHN L. BENNETT, farmer and physician. P. O. Harbor Creek, was born in 
1821 in Yates County, N. Y., son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Hall) Bennett, the former a 
native of New York State, the latter from Connecticut. They were parents of ten chil- 
dren, five now living, viz., James, Lucians. Daniel, George and our subject. Nicholas 
Bennett was called out during the war of 1812, but was not in active service. He died in 
Chautauqua County, N. Y. His widow still lives near Chautauqua Lake with her son 
James. Our subject's grandfather Bennett drew a pension for services rendered in the war 
of the Revolution. Dr. Bennett came to this State from New" York State in 1841, took up 
a wild farm of 175 acres, and made all improvements himself, besides studying and prac- 
ticing medicine. He studied medicine under Dr. Chaffee, of Wattsburg, this county, and 
has mef with every success in his profession. During his practice, he has subdued some 
long-standing and obstinate chronic cases. He was married, March 17, 1856, to Eliza A. 
Filley, of Greene Township, this county. To this union were born three children, viz. : 
Ada C, wife of Frank Cox; William M., and Lulu M. The Doctor resides on a farm of 
seventy acres in Harbor Creek Township. He has also a farm in Greene Township, where 
his wife resides with their son William. 

MISS LOVISA BONNELL, P. O. Wesleyville, was born in this township in 1837, 
daughter of John and C3'nthea (Wadsworth) Bonnell, one of the early families of Harbor 
Creek Township, who came here when the coQntry was new. There were nine children in 
this family, viz. : Richard, married to Sarah J. Henry (had three children — Willis, Adel- 
bert, deceased, and Frank); Alfred; Sarah, wife of Z.Wilson (have 2 children, Nora and Ches- 
ter); Mrs. Caroline Thompson (has 5 children — Arthur, Casper, William. Addie and Cora); 
and Lovisa, the subject of this sketch. The other children died in infancy, their names 
being Adaline, Ann Eliza, Mary and John. Mr. Bonnell began life a poor man, but when 
he departed this life, in 1881, left his family in ver}' comfortable circumstances. Miss 
Bonnell is a worthy lady of sterling qualities, and is living with a brother on the farm 
left her by her fatlier. 

MOSES BOWEN, farmer, P. 6. Erie, was born November 10, 1822, son of John and 
Margaret (McClain) Bowen, who were the parents of ten children, of whom the following 
are now living; Thomas, in Dubuque, Iowa; Rachel, wife of R. Nesbit; Daniel, in Wash- 
ington Township; Joseph, at Strong's Prairie, Adams Co., Wis.; Mary, wife of Samuel 
Ensign, in Washington Township, and Moses, the subject of this sketch. He was united 
in marriage, Dec. 4, 1845, with Rebecca Vannatta. Ten children have been boi u to them, 

6 



82 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

7 now living — Margaret A. (died Jan. 4, 1883), wife of R. Dimlap, and the mother of 2 
children (Hattie and Gertie); Catherine, wife of Thomas Dunlap (have 1 child, Rebecca); 
Clarissa C., wife of Geo. A. Smith (have 1 cliild, Harvey); Ida R., wife of Chas. A. 
Tupper, of Chicago; Moses E., also in Chicago; Chas. V., at home; M. Eveland, also at 
home; Henrietta, wife of Eli S. Adams, who is living in Pennsylvania, and has 5 children 
— Albert, Moses, Harle,y. George E.. Lena. Mr. Bowen's farm of 45 acres has a beautiful 
view of the lake on'whose shores it is located. Mr. Bowen possesses a family Bible which 
has been in the family over 100 years. For a number of years he has served as School 
Director in this township. 

P. D. BRYANT, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born in Franklin Co. N Y., Nov. 5, 
1813, son of Philip and Sophia (Shepard) Bryant, parents of 4 sons and 5 daughters— Caro- 
line, wife of Luther H. Droinnell, now deceased, leaving a large family scattered in the 
West; Sophia, wife of James Skinner, of Erie; Jennette, married to Sam'l Merrett, long 
since deceased (had 2 daughters, now living, and 1 son deceased); Clariuda, wife of Chas. 
Miller, of Erie City (have 3 children); Aruny S., in New York State; J. M., in Erie; 
Daniel B.; Philip D., our subject, and Sarah, wife of Henry Bennett, residing in Boone 
Co., 111. (has 3 sons and a daughter deceased). This family came here at an early 
date, our subject not coming to Erie until Apr. 23, 1835. There is preserved in the Bryant 
family a curious wooden barrel over 100 years old, used by one of their ancestors to bring 
his wine over the sea. The subject of this sketch was married, Nov. 5, 1839, to Sarah P., 
daughter of Luther and'Cloe (Manley) Searls, natives of Massachusetts and Vermont 
respectively. Three of the 7 children born to this union survive — R. S., wife of Peter 
R. Runser (had 2 children, James Bryant and Paulina Runser); F. H., married to Caro- 
line, daughter of Lyman and Eliza Kingsburry, and resides at Atchison, Kau.; Charles M., 
Pension Agent at Washington, D. C, married Amandy, daughter of Wm. and Dorcus. 
Camp; Janies B.,the oldest son, during the late war enlisted in the 83d P. V. I., under Col. 
McClain, and fell in the battle of Spottsylvauia, a sacrifice for his countr}^ Mr. Bryant 
is an intelligent old gentleman, residing on his father-in-law's homestead, near Harbor 
Creek. He has filled the various township offices, and has been Road Commissioner, Audi- 
tor, Collector, School Director, for a number of 3'ears was Judge of Elections, and is now 
Town Treasurer. 

ISAAC M. BUTT, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born in this township, and is. 
a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Guist) Butt. They were the parents of seven children 
— John A. (dying when young), Daniel E., Charles; Lovina, wife of Charles Busick, have 
two children — Oscar and Lizzie; and Isaac M., the subject of this sketch. He was united 
in marriage, January 13, 1880, with Alice, daughter of John Gorman. Tliree children 
have blessed this union, viz., Sadie, Mary and Earl M. Mr. Butt resides on his farm, com- 
prising fifty acres, on the Lake road. 

T. P. CARR, farmer, P. O. Moorheadville, was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., in the 
year 1821, son of Joseph and Susan (Paterson) Carr, the former of whom emigrated from 
England in 1811, the latter a native of Pennsj-lvania. They were parents of six children, 
two now living— Mary W. Carr and T. P. Carr, our subject. The latter was married, in 
1855, to Adelia Scott, daughter of William Scott, Esq.. who has borne him seven chil- 
dren — Mary B., Joseph, Susie A., William G,, Grant U,, Thomas P. and Adelia C, all at 
home. Mr. Carr is a leading farmer of this township; has fine stock and improved agricult- 
ural implements. His farm is well-watered, aud is near the lake. 

JOHN L. CARTER, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born July 21. 1857, in Mill' 
Creek Township, son of John H. Carter, who came from Norwich, England, to Erie Co., 
about 1833 or 1834, and was the parent of six children — Mary, wife of Wm. Hardwick; 
Geo. W., Edward, Alfred M.; Luella, at home; and John L., the subject of this sketch. 
He was united in marriage, Nov. 15. 1881, with Jennie Rudd, and has one son — John H , 
born April 27, 1883. Mr. Carter is an enterprising young farmer, living on a farm owned 
by his father, located on the shore of Lake Erie, a half mile from Harbor Creek Village. 

EDWARD CASS, farmer, P. O. Six Mile Creek, now proprietor of the Harbor Creek 
Woolen and Carding Mills, located on Six Mile Creek, was born in 1826, son of John 
and Hannah (Pratt) Cass, natives of England, who emigrated to America, arriving at Erie 
City Sept. 6. 1842. There they remained for a year or two, while the woolen mills were 
building. In 1844, Mr. Cass entered into a partnership with John Thorton and Thos. 
Rhoads. Later he bought out their interests and ran the mills until his death, July 25, 
1874, when the}^ were closed for two years. Edward, his son, then purchased them, and 
has since successfully carried on the business. This mill was considered one of the 
county's best improvements. In those early times the greater portion of the inliabitants 
depended on them for their yarns and clothing, though cash transactions were so rare that the 
first year all the money obtained by the company was but $1,500. Edward was united in 
marriage, in Beaver Co., Nov. 6, 1849, with Elizabeth, daughter of Ephraim Smith, also 
of English birth. Three children have blessed this union — Ephraim E., married to Carrie, 
daughter of John Neff (have one child — Edward J.); George, married to Lienella. daughter 
of S. S. Cole (have one daughter— Elizabeth), and Mary E. Mr. Cass is politically a 
Republican. 



HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 83 

JAMES CHAIVIBERS. farmer and Justice of the Peace. P. O. Wesleyville, was born 
in Mill Creek Township, March 10, 1805, son of Ezeziel and Rebecca (Stewart) Chambers. 
They were natives of Chambershiiro;, Franklin County. Penn., which was named after 
an •ince«tor They had twelve children, six livintr— Benjamin J.. Stewart: Ann. widow of 
Mr Horton- Lvdia R., wife of J. Backus: Maria J., wife of Mr. Walker, and James. Mr. 
and Mrs Chambers came to Erie Co. in the fall of 1804, and were amone: its earliest set- 
tlers They lived in Mill Creek Township until arrangements were completed for moving 
to the farm now occupied by James. Mr. Chambers and a brother obtained 400 acres 
from the Population Company. Our subject married Adelia, daughter of Thomas George. 
Five children blessed this union, three living— James H., a merchant of Wesleyville. mar- 
ried to Miss Brawley: R. O., in the Custom House at Erie, and married to Clara M. Fun- 
son of Syracuse, N. Y. (have two children— Warren H. and Adelia G.), and Mrs. James 
C Russel, a widow. Mr. Chambers is a well to-do citizen, living on the old homestead 
near Wesleyville. He has been one of the county's leading citizens, and has filled nearly 
every office in Erie Co. and Harbor Creek Township. He is now Justice of the Peace, 
which position "he has occupied for forty years, and is the oldest Justice in the county, 
obtaining his commission from the State. _ 

HARRISON CHAMBERS, farmer, P. O. Wesleyville, was born January; 21. 1840. in 
Harbor Creek Township, son of Samuel and Harriet (Wadsworth) Chambers, the former 
a native of Harbor Creek, Erie Co.. Penn., the latter of New York State. They were 
amono- the early settlers of this township, and were the parents of seven children— Milton, 
married to Irene Backus (have one daughter— Jennie); Grace, wife of Ben. Ribler: Seneca 
(he contracted a disease whilst in the army, during the late war, and his father went to bring 
him home but they both died of the same disease within a short time of each other. Seneca in 
1862); Emmons, married to Fianah Gordon (have two daughters— Maud and Gertrude); Mrs. 
Lusina Webster (has one son— Herbert); and Harrison, the subject of this sketch. He was 
united in marriage in 1882 with Arabella, daughter of Marshall Bonnell. This union has 
been crowned by the birth of a dauehter, Hattie, named after her grandmother. Mr. 
Chambers fell from an apple tree in 1873, breaking both arms, which laid him up for some 
months. He is a good farmer, residing on the old homestead farm, which is in a good 
location on the Buffalo road. Harbor Creek Township. His mother lives with him. 

P. B. CHAPIN, farmer and builder, P. O. Wesleyville. was born in Ontario Co., N. Y.. 
Dec 31, 1811. His parents were natives of Mass. and Conn, respectively; they moved 
to Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1815 ; thence to Venantro Township, Erie Co., in 1827 ; they had a 
family of twelve, five now living— Pliney, residing on the old homestead, near Wattsburg; 
Orilla, wife of J. Williams, and has four children: Hannah, wife of Wm. M. Howard, 
residing in Warren Co.. Penn., and P. B., the subject of this sketch. He was united in 
marriage on Sept. 5, 1839, with Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Harper ; the fruit of this 
union are two children— R. P., married to Martha Marsh (no children), is raising fruit 
trees in Reno, Nevada ; Lovina E., wife of S. M. Brainerd, an attorney at law. residing in 
Erie City (they have three children— Samuel B., went to Congress in 1883, Carlton M.. and 
Annie Lovina). Mr. Chapin is an old settler and a good citizen of this township. He is 
a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

DAVID CLARK (deceased) was born in 1804, in Harbor Creek Township, Erie Co., 
Penn., son of Henry and Sally (Clark) Clark (of the same name, but not related), who 
were natives of Shetfleld and the parents of 8 children. 2 now living — Joel and 
Chauncy. both in Erie. David Clark, our subject, was united in marriage. March 
14, 1833, with Catherine, daughter of Christian and Margaret Baker, by whom he had 
6 children, 4 living— Mary Jane, wife of Geo. Stirk (have 2 children— Katy and Bell); 
Emeline, wife of Rev. L. L. Hager. residintr at Clymer, N. Y. (have 4 children— Lewis 
B., Clark D., Pearl M. and Ackles) : Eugene F.. thirtvseven years old, married to a daugh- 
ter of Joseph Ineraham (have 1 child— Josephine) : Maurice D., married to Ida, daughter 
of Nelson Bowen (have 2 children— Wm. S. and Jesse R.); Josephine, wife of Samuel 
Fitch, by whom she had 3 children, T. E., Arthur afid Minnie (she departed this life Dec. 
19, 1874) ; Margaret Ann, died in infancy. Mr. Clark, who died Jan. 17, 1884. was 3re of 
the oldest citizens in this township. He had lived here since the country wns a wilder- 
ness, and he used to say he often heard the wolves howl, and that his grandmother drove 
an ox team, and helped pick a road in the new country. He was owner of a farai of 50 
acres on Clark street, on which there is a sprinc remarkable for its petrifying qualifies. 
He was a member of the M. U. B. Church, of which his widow is also an adherent. 

REV. JOHN W. CLARK, minister of the U. B. Church, P. O. Six Mile Creek, was 
born June 12, 1806, son of Solomon and Susan Clark, natives of Connecticut, who settled 
in Erie Co., Penn.. 63 years ago. They are parents of 11 children, 3 now living- Henry 
Clark, 83 years old; John AV.,"78 years old; Lovisa Smith. 70 years old. Our subject 
was married, on the first occasion, 57 years ago, to Mariah Wheeler (deceased), who had 1 
child— Anna M., now Mrs. Harper. "Mr. Clark married, on the .second occasion, Adah 
Blakesley, who died 17 years after. She was the mother of several children. 6 of 
whom are now living— Lucius ; Vernon, who was badly burned in a railway car : Edward, 
who was a broker in Toledo ; Esther and Clara, now residing in Illinoi.s, and J. W., Jr., 



84 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

who lives in Toledo, Ohio. Rev. J. W. Clark was married to his third wife June 11, 1845. 
She was a Miss Dorcas Clark (same name, but not related), a native of ihe State of New 
York, and whose father came to Erie Co. at an early daj'. To this union were l)oru 9 
children, now living, viz., Adah. Velonia, Whittield, Alice, Willis, Dora, Susie, Morvin 
and Lizzie. Rev. John W. Clark has been an itinerant minister for over 30 years, and 
is still able to hold protracted mei'tings, preaching every night in the week, and 3 
times on the Sabbath. He has been connected with the U. B. Conference 29 years, and 
has never failed, in all that time, to answer his name when called. 

ALBERT CLARK, farmer, P. O. Wesleyville, was born on September 7, 1834, in Har- 
bor Creek Township, Erie County, son of James and Sophia (Wagner) Clark, natives of 
Massachusetts and New York State respectively, the former of whom was born in 1797. 
Grandfather Timothy Clark's family (excepting Mary) came to Erie Co. in 1818. The 
children were Timothy, James, Harriet, Mary and Eliza. James, father of our subject, 
settled in Harbor Creek Township when there was but little clearing done. With his own 
hand he chopped and cleared over 100 acres of laud. He was a member of the M. E. 
Church; died in 1866. The mother of our subject, Sophia (Wagner) Clark, was l)orn in 
1804, and came to Erie Co. in 1829. She was a member of the Baptist Church; died in 1859, 
They were married in 1832. Their children are Albert, Joanna S. and Louisa M. Joanna S. 
was born in 1837, died in 1857; Louisa M. was born in 1840, married in 1864 to Madi- 
son Brecht (have two children — Anna and Frank); Albert, our subject, was born in 1834; 
was united in marriage, Nov., 1861, with Emeline. daughter of John Gitting. Two chil- 
dren blessed this union — John, dying when a j'ear old, and an infant, also deceased. Mr. 
Clark is one of Harbor Creek's best citizens, and has served as School Director and is now 
Treasurer of the Board of Education. He is- a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Clark 
has in his possession books and deeds belonging to his family that are over 100 years old. 

W. HENRY COLE, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, is a son of Gideon and Polly (Deyo) 
Cole, natives of York State, who settled in Harbor Creek in 1836; he died in Illinois. 
His widow resides in Iowa. Of their 8 children, 6 survive — Sarah, wife of Tliomas 
Backus; Ann Eliza, wife of John Deyo; Margaret, wife of L. Burrows; Jane, in Iowa; 
James, in Illinois; and W. H., our subject, married, Jan. 1, 1845, Almera, daughter of Ben- 
jamin Throop, a' native of Connecticut. He and his wife came from New York to North 
East, Penn. ; thence to Harbor Creek in 1825, one of the first families that settled on 
the Lake road. They had 11 children, the following now living: Mary, wife of N. 
Bishop; Ezra, married to Miss Peck, and residing at Union; Benjamin, married to Try- 
phena Curtis, lives in Mill Village; Calvin, married to Ella Eaton, is a resident of Wash- 
ington Territory; Nancy, now Mrs. Lee, who lives in Le Boeuf Township, Penn.; and Dan, 
married Huldah Martin, is a resident of Geneva, Ohio. Mr. Throop ran the first saw 
mill on the Lake road, and died aged ninety j'ears. Mr. and Mrs. Cole have the following 
children: Nancy, wife of B. Scoot, of Columbia, Wis.; Mary, wife of L. Pond, a railroad 
engineer, living at Ashtabula, Ohio; Lalia, wife of D. Cook, also a resident of Ashtabula; 
besides Alice, Rose, Sarah, Julia and Frank, all single. Mr. Cole owns a farm of 125 
acres, most of which is tillable laud, 2 miles from Harbor Creek. He has served his 
township as Road Commissioner for 6 years. 

W. H. COOPER, miller, Wesleyville, w^as born in Venango Co., Penn., Feb. 16, 1824, 
son of William and Susan (Hope) Cooper, of Crawford Co., Penn., who were married in 
1819, and came to this county in 1836. The father of the former was a Captain in the Rev- 
olutionary war. He moved to Venango Co. in 1806, and there died. William, Sr., served 
in the war of 1812. He was the parent of ten children, five now living — Mary (wife of 
George A. Brown), James, Albert (in Warren Co.), Jack T. and William H. Our subject 
married, in 1857, Mary Jane Lemmon, of Crawfoi'd Co., who died, leaving three children 
— Decatur, Hattie J. (wife of J. Demerley, have one child — Kittle) and Elizabeth S. Mr. 
Cooper has followed milling in this county for the last 40 years, operating the old Em- 
pire Mill at Wesleyville, established in 1851, and burned August 3, 1883. He and his son 
are rebuilding it, and it will be known hereafter as the Cooper Rolling Mill. It is Harbor 
Creek's best industry, and is located on Four Mile Creek, with a capacity of seventy-five 
barrels per day. Our subject is a leading citizen; has filled various township offices. He 
was Collector in 1851, and is now serving his fourth year as Road Commissioner. He is a 
member of the Equitable Aid Society, No. 485. 

E. ROBERT COWDEN\ farmer.P. O. Harbor Creek, was born in New York State, Sept. 
39, 1840, son of Ella and Polly L. (Green) Cowden, who were married in New York State, 
October 20, 1824, and came to Pennsylvania in 1846, settling in Harbor Creek, Erie Co., 
in 1847. Of their family of 6 children, 4 are living — Polly, now Mrs. Worden, resid- 
ing in La Porte Co.. Ind. ; Levonia, wife of Charles Miller, in' this township; William L., of 
Hanna, La Porte Co., Ind.; and E. Robert, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Cowden died, 
leaving a widow, who still survives. She resides on a high piece of land near her sous, and 
is in comfortable circumstances. Our subject was married, April 8, 1866, to Mary C, 
daughter of Ebenezer and Cornelia (Prindle) Woodward, and has a famil}* of five children 
—Earl G., Kirk E., Belle C, Robert P. and Ethel Berta. Mr. Cowden resides on his 
father-in-law's old homestead, 2 miles from Harbor Creek. He is also engaged in run- 



HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 85 

ning a large mill at Hanna, La Porte Co., Ind. He is serving as School Director, and is a 
prominent man of this township. 

JOSEPH CURTIS, farmer, P. O. Moorheadville, was born April 19, 1815, in North 
East Township, Erie Co., Penn., son of Ahner and Martha (Young) Curtis, natives of 
Massachusetts and Pennsylvania respectively. Abner Curtis was a carpenter by trade, 
and one of tlie early pioneers of this county, coming to Harbor Creek in 1809, and building 
the first frame cabin in the township. He was twice married, and had 5 children by his 
first wife, all deceased, and 8 by his second union, 4 now living — Tryphenia. wife of 
B. Throop, have 3 children; Caroline, wife of John Hardy, have 3 children; Martha, 
wife of Wm. Lyons, have 2 children; and Joseph Curtis, our subject. He was married 
April 28, 1838. to Esther, daughter of James and Rachel (Moun) Merrill. Her par- 
ents came to Erie in 1828, and had a numerous progeny, viz., Esther, Newel, Rebecca, 
Anna, James, Elizabeth, Sarah, John, Susan and Netlie. To .Mr. and Mrs. Curtis have 
been born a family of 8— Caroline M., deceased; Rose, wife of Chas. Crippin (she was a 
widow with 2 children— Jesse and Jo-seph Lee); Joseph F., married to Leonora, daughter 
of Horatio Ames, and the mother of 4 children — Horatio, Clayton, Maud and EfHe; V'iola,, 
wife of Wm. Davidson, died leaving 3 children— Arthur, Cassius and Bessie; James, de- 
ceased; Lida, wife of John Mattson. have 2 children— Gale and Glenn; Ada, wife of E. 
King; Wm. S., at home Mr. Curtis is farming on the BufEalo road, and with his son en- 
gages in carpentering. 

DAVID DAVIES, shoe-maker, Wesleyville, is a native of North Wales, and is the 
only one of the 6 children of David Davies, who came to America. He landed in New 
York in Oct., 1847, thence came to Erie County, being on the great canal 11 days. He 
carried on his trade (shoe-making) in Erie City for a time, but subsequently sold out and 
bought some land, on which he has lived many years. He was twice married; his first 
wife was Sarah Ann Legge, who came from Wa"les with him. She departed this life Feb. 
14, 1869, leaving 2 children— Jane and Emily, the latter of whom is the widow of Sam- 
uel Allen, by whom she had 1 son (Edward), and a daughter (Maud). His second mar- 
riage was with Mary M. Gates, a native of New York State. There has been no issue to 
this union. Mr. Davies is a fine old gentleman, and previous to the late war, in which he 
served 3 years and 7 months, was a stout, hearty man; whilst in the army, however, he* 
contracted a disease. He has acted as School Director and Road Master in this township. 
He is a member of the M. E. Church. 

STEPHEN DAVIS, farmer, P. O. Six-Mile Creek, was born in South Wales. He is 
a son of Henry and Martha (George) Davis, who were the parents of 7 children; only 2 are 
now living; 3 died in infancy. They came to America, and in 1839 settled in Erie Co.; re- 
sided there until their death; the latter died in 1867. Of the other 2 children, Henry G. 
died at the age of thirty years, in 1878, leaving one little boy— George A.; andTryphena 
(Davis) Parker died at the age of tw-enty-eight years, in 1879. The father died in 1881. 
He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Greene Township. He left his son 
the farm on which the latter now resides. Our subject was married to Sarah A. Davison, 
of Venango Co., who has borne him 4 children, viz., Arthur W., Mary E., Fanny M. and 
Bertha B. 

WM. W. DAVISON, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born in Mill Creek Township, 
Erie Co., Penn., Aug. 10, 1815. son of Arthur and Elizabeth (Wilson) Davison, natives of 
Pennsylvania. Of the 11 children born to this union, only Wm. W. survives. Arthur 
Davison w^as a resolute man; he captured the Yankee who had committed robberies in all 
the surrounding States. He was one of the early settlers in this county, and related to 
Col. Wilson, of historic note. Our subject was married, June 29, 1841', to Miss Nancy 
Shadduck, of Erie, who bore him 7 children. 5 now living— Wm. R., Chas. T., Corning A., 
Floyd and Elizabeth. Mr. Davison is one of our leading farmers, and owns several farms 
in this township; has everything in good style, and is engaged in buying and selling the 
best grades of stock. He is a stanch Democrat. 

JESSE EBERSOLE, retired farmer. Harbor Creek, was born in Mill Creek Creek Town- 
ship, Oct. 3, 1817, son of Joseph and Catherine (Wagner) Ebersole, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania and Virginia respectively. They were parents of four children— Betsey, who died 
at home in 1848; Mary, living on the homestead, wife of S. H. Brindle (had four children, 
two living, viz., Delia, wife of Dr. A. Wood, of Erie, is a doctress, and John), Samuel E., 
another son, died in Girard Township, leaving three children— Catharine, Jessie and Clar- 
ence); Joseph J. deceased in Sept., 1831, and Jesse, our subject. Christian Ebersole, 
Joseph's father, was a pioneer of Erie Co., coming from Lancaster Co., in 1801, with his 
wife and 8 children. He first rented land of Squire Rees and subsequently bought a farm 
in Mill Creek Township, three miles east of Erie. The present house is located near the 
site of his old cabin, and the farm is now owned by his grandson, Jesse. He brought a pear 
seed from Lancaster Co., which he planted in 1801, on the farm now owned by our subject. 
This seed became a tree, which was grafted seven years later, and since it commenced to 
bear fruit has never failed. The old tree has been known to vield 60 l)ushels in one sea- 
son; in 1872. it bore 28 bushels, in 1873, 26 bushels. Christian Ebersole died in his eight- 
ieth year, and his son, Joseph (father of our subject), died in his ninetieth year. Jesse 



86 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Ebersole was married, Feb. 27, 1849, to Barbara, daughter of John Bargin, an old citizen. 
No children have been born to this union. Our subject has acted as Asses.sor and Assistant 
Assessor for several years, also County Auditor and Road Commissioner, and is at present 
tilling llie office of Township Auditor. He is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and 
look a prominent part in the building of the new church edifice. He is a man of much 
influence and strict business habits, a pleasant, (|uiet citizen, who holds a substantial pref- 
erence in the community. 

MRS. ELIZABETH EBERSOLE, P. O. Harbor Creek, wa^ born in this township 
Sept. 14, IN.^O. She is a daughter of Frederick and Anna Mary (Kuhl) Ohlwiler, natives of 
Pennsylvania. They came to Erie Co. in 1827, and settled on the farm where Mrs. (Ohl- 
wiler now resides; she was the mother of 13 children, 10 surviving — Elizabeth, Jacob, 
Henry, Mary A., Isaac, John Q., Elias H., David, Frederick P. and Chas. The subject of 
this sketch was united in marriage, Mch. 11, 1858, with Joseph J., son of Joseph and Cath- 
erine Ebersole. No children were born to this union. Mr. Ebersole was an influential 
farmer and highly respected citizen of Harbor Creek. He was a member of the M. E. 
Church, Class Leader and Sabbath School Superintendent for about fifteen years, and 
served his township as School Director a number of years. He departed this life Sept. 80, 
1881, leavino- his widow in comfortable circumstances. She now resides on the farm near 
Moorheadville. 

W. P. EDWARDS, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born Oct. 37, 1842, at No. 27 Or- 
chard street. New York City. He is a son of W. P., Sr., and Elizabeth (Charlock) Edwards, 
the former of whom was born in Connecticut Aug. 13, 1810, came to Erie Co. in 1857, and 
settled in Harbor Creek. There were 2 sons and 3 daughters in this family — Hannah 
M. ; John C, who was a gunner on the tlag ship Moo.se, died in Smitliland, Kj^, and is 
buried m the soldiers' cemetery in Indianapolis; Alice E., deceased in infancy, and Wni. 
P., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Edwards, Sr., departed this life Mch. 33", 1877. His 
widow died Oct. 35, 1888, at North East. W. P., Jr., was married, Mch. 37, 1S73, to Ellen 
R., daughter of Adna and Elizabeth (Hinkley) Steele, natives of Tolland, Conn., and the 
parents of 3 daughters and 4 sons. Mr. Steele was born Nov. 5, 1818; came to this county 
in 1888, and settled on a farm 8 miles southwest of Harbor Creek, wliere our subject now 
4'esides. There is an old heirloom in this family, an ancient Bible printed in old t5'pe, 
containing the family record of the Edwards family, now one hundred and twelve j^ears 
old. Mr. Edwards, though comparatively a young man, is one of the leading men of this 
township, in which he has served as Assessor, Judge of the Election, and is now County 
Auditor. He is a member of tlie Masonic order and K. of H. In politics, a Repul)lican. 

TH031AS ELLIOTT (deceased) was born in 1817. in Harbor Creek Township, Erie 
e >., Penn., and was one of a family of 9 children. His father, who was a native of Ireland, 
ci.me to this county in 1797, and settled in Harbor Creek Township. The subject of this 
ske ch was united in marriage in 1843, with Maria C, a daughter of Ira and Grace (Doug- 
lass) Torray; 8 children blessed this union, viz., Jennett, Avife of Wm. Gray, resides at 
Boston; Andrew, married to Abbie D., daughter of the Rev. G. W. Cleveland, of Harbor 
Creek (have two children— Ralph W. and Carroll C, in St. Paul, Minn.); Mary M., at home; 
Chas. M., died in 1879; Henry T., married to Sina Bristol (have one daughter, Grace); 
Thomas, Jr., who is in charge of the Nickel Plate Railroad Depot in this township; George 
M., at home; Grant, dying Jan. 38, 1870. Thomas Elliott, Sr., w^as a thriving farmer 
and a good citizen; he departed this life Nov. 9, 1864. His widow, a kind mother, still 
resides on the old homestead farm, which comprises 175 acres of ground pleasantly located 
on the Lake Shore and Nickel Plate Railroads. 

JAMES FIB MAN, farmer, P. O. Wesley ville. was born in Canada March 4, 1834, 
and was the youngest in the family consisting of Robert, Rei)ecca, Jane and himself. He 
came, when quite young, with his parents to the United States, locating at Erie. He 
was united in marriage March 10, 1859, with Mary M., daughter of Walter and Letitia 
Glenn, natives of Ireland. Seven children have been given them— Ida S. L., James L., 
Mary A., Anna M., Rebecca J., Henry W. and Robert J. Mr. Firman is now engaged in 
farniing, having moved from Eric to liis present place near Harbor Creek, which consists 
of 150 acres of land, located in a fertile part of this township. He is a thrifty farmer. 

JOHN GITTUSTG, P. O. Wesley ville, was born in Berks County, Penn., in 1810, son of 
John and Elizabeth (Myers) Gifting, who reared a large family, viz. : Catherine (wife of A. 
Wenn, residing in Luzerne County), Henry (deceased, lived in Crawford County, Ind.), 
Mary (wife of J. Andrews, in Luzerne County), Mrs. Elizabeth Bollard (deceased), Henry, 
Anna (wife of G. Avery, of Waterford), Polly (wife of D. Kuhl, in Fairview Township), 
Peggy (a resident of Hillsdale, Mich.), Powell (married to Polly, daughter of Thomas 
Miller, Mill Cfeek, Erie Co., Penn.), Timothy (who was living in Michigan at the 
breakiag-out of the war, enlisted, and died in the army), Sarah (wife of H. Moimey, a res- 
iderit near Girard), and John (our subject). He was married, in 1833, to Susanah, daughter 
of Yost and Elizabeth (Orth) Kuhl. Following children have been born to this union — Caro- 
line (wife of J. Neff, has seven children), Emeline (wife of A. Clark) and Josiah J. (who was 
born August 18, 1837, and married, in 1807, to Jennie Roland, and lives on the farm with 
bis father, which is three and a half miles from Harbor Creek, and is well-watered and im- 
proved). They are thrifty farmers. 



HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 87 

LEVI GORDON, retired farmer and blacksmith, Wesleyville, was born February 28, 
1813, son of Solomon and Catherine (Swartzlenner) Gordon, natives of Scotland and 
Germany respectively, and the parents of six children — Peggie, wife of H. Wear, residing 
in Mahoning County, Ohio; Jesse, deceased, his widow lives near Meadville, Penn.; Will- 
iam, a resident of Austin Town, Ohio; Catherine, a widow ; Samuel, resides in Craw- 
ford County, Penn.; Levi, the subject of this sketch; and Solomon, who died in Maryland 
in 1881. Levi was united in marriage, August, 1838, in Mill Creek Township, with Cath- 
arine, daughter of John Zook, both natives of Pennsylvania. A family of three children 
has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Gordon — John S., married to Martha, daughter 
of David Chambers; Lucinda, wife of Joseph McDaniel, resides near Erie ; and lian- 
na, wife of Emmons Chambers, a son of Samuel Chambers, who resides at Moorheadville. 
Mr. Gordon has two farms, which are conducted by his son, and lives at Wesleyville. 

JOHN W. HARDY, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born June 15, 1815, in Middle- 
sex County, Mass., son of John and Mary (Clark) Hardy, who were the parents of 8 chil- 
dren. Their names are as follows: Sarah, wife of Henry Keck; Mary, deceased wife 
of Jonas Clark; Nancy, widow of Guy Loomis; P. F., a resident of Erie; Albert A., in 
Valparaiso, South America; John ^Y., Parker F., also Clark. The subject of this sketch 
was married, November 11, 1845, to C. M., daughter of Abner and Martha Curtis. Three 
children liave blessed this union — Roan C. (wife of William Kendle, has four children, 
Carrie, Albert, Melvin and John), Mark W. (married a Miss Tibbins, has two children, 
Charley and Blanche) George A. (married to Agues Finn, has one child, Nettie). Mr. 
Hardy owns flfty-six acres of land, and lives on his father's old homestead, and is a well- 
to-do farmer. 

ADAM HARMAN, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born in Mill Creek Township, 
Erie Co., Penn., in 1854, son of Christian and Agnes (Dick) Harman, who were parents of 
a family of eight, viz., Peter, married to Josephine Jones, have four children— Charles, 
Richard, Frank and Carrie; Charles, married to Barbara Jones, have five children — Agnes, 
Jacob, Joseph, George and Rosa; Christina, wife of B. Hines, have five children — Benja- 
min, Rosa, George, Jacob and Toney; George, married to Maggie Diece, have two chil- 
dren — Annie and Michael; Eve, deceased, was Mrs. MofEatt, had one daughter, now living 
— Ella; Carrie, wife of C. Flatt, had three children, only one — Ella — surviving; Chrisanda, 
at home; and Adam, the subject of our sketch. He was united in marriage in 1878 with 
Julia Mutch, which union has resulted in three children — Clara J. (died young), Elbert and 
Carrie. Mr. Harman owns a good farm near Harbor Creek. 

WILLIAM HENRY, son of Robert and Sarah Henry, and grandson of Robert M. 
Henry, was born on the banks of the river Bann, near Coleraine, county of Londonderry, 
Ireland, June 16, 1773. He had 5 brothers and 1 sister, whose name was Mary. The 
brothers were named respectively, Joseph, James, John, Robert and Jacob. Owing to the 
death of his father, the care of tlie family fell on William in early manhood. In 1799 or 
1800, he came to America with his widowed mother and her children, and settled in the 
unbroken wilderness. Their first location was in East Mill Creek, on Tract No. 340, now 
owned by John Burton. After a few years, William sold this place and purchased a farm 
on reserve Tract No. 69, near the old Elliott farm and Cochran's (now Dinsmore's) Mills, 
and near the present southern limits of the city of Erie. In 1810, he sold this land, and 
purchased 300 acres in West Mill Creek, part of which has been known for many 
years as the Thomas H. Mohr farm. February 9, 1814, William Henry married a Miss 
Rebecca Humphrey, who died April 23, 1843, aged fifty-one years. In 1827, his mother 
died and was buried by the side of her daughter Mary, on the bank of Walnut Creek, on 
the farm of her fourth son, Robert Henry. Henry Halderman now owns the farm, and 
the graves remain undisturbed. In 1828, William sold the farm in West Mill Creek, and 
purchased 200 acres near Wesleyville, in Harbor Creek Township. In 1829, he moved 
onto tliis farm, and remained there until the date of his death, which occurred Sept. 27, 
1846. William and Rebecca Henry were the parents of 7 children, 4 sons and 
3 daughters, all of whom are now dead except Rebecca Jane, the youngest daughter, who 
married Phineas D. Flower, M. D., Dec. 8, 1853; for many years he has been a success- 
ful physician of Albion, Erie Co., Penn. Jane is the mother of 1 child, a daughter, 
named Macie, and one son. The names, ages and date of death of William Henry's 
children are as follows- Thomas, died March 4, 1842, aged eighteen years; Sarah, married 
Stephen Stuntz, and died in Fairview, Erie Co., Penn., Dec. 26, 1841; John, died March 
25, 1841, aged twenty-three years; Mary, died July 17, 1842, aged eighteen years; William 
G. Henry, died Aug. 11, 1847; William Henry, died Sept. 27, 1846, aged sixty-three years, 
and was buried by the side of his wife and 5 children in the old burjing-ground in Weslej''- 
ville. 

ROBERT H. HENRY, the subject of this sketch, was born in West Mill Creek 
in 1816, and died in Erie, Penn., May 3, 1879. In early life, he acquired a good busi- 
ness education. He taught school for several years in the State of Kentucky, and 
^afterward in his native county. Dec. 7, 1848, he was united in marriage with Miss Fanny, 
'daughter of Thomas and Sibby Sterritt, of McKean, Erie Co., Penn. By this union 2 
children, a son and daughter, were born. Clarence H. Henry, the son, was born Oct. 19, 



88 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1849; and Anna, the dauditer, was born Dec. 30, 1854. After his marriagtj, Mr. Hemy 
lived on the old homestead for a number of years, and ranked among the most intelligent 
and successful farmers in the county. He was one of the incorporators of the Harbor 
Creek Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and served as Secretary and Treasurer 
of the company continuously until a few months previous to his death. In 1855, he re- 
moved to Erie, and engaged extensively in the boot and shoe business for several years. 
He afterward engaged in the oil refining business, and later in the lime and cement busi 
ness. At the time of his death, Mr. Hemy owned a large interest in the Erie Lime & Ce- 
ment Company, He was also at one time a member of the firm of Sheppard, Henry &Co., 
who owned aline of the finest and largest steam and sail vessels on the lakes. Mr. Henry 
and wife were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Erie for many years. He 
commenced life in humble circumstances, and was the architect of his own fortune. By 
industry and economy, he accumulated an ample estate. He was a man of the strictest 
integrity, and his urbane manners and genial disposition won him a lar^e circle of friends. 
Clarence H. Henr}^ was born in Harbor Creek, and educated in the Erie High School and 
the Erie Academy. Having acquired a good business education, he began business with 
his father in the Lime & Cement Company in 1873. He was also engaged as a clerk in 
office of the Erie Count}^ Mutual Insurance Company, of which his father was Secretary. 
He owns the old homestead in Harbor Creek, one of the largest and finest farms in the 
county. Like his father, he has always been identified with the Republican partj". In 
187;-!, Anna married John Little, and lives in the old city home on West Tenth street, Erie. 
FRANK HENRY, for man}- years keeper of Presque Isle Beacon Range Light Station on 
the Channel Piers, at entrance of Erie Harbor. P. O. Wesleyville, was born in Harbor Creek 
Township, Feb. 15, 1838, son of Robert and Susan (Hess) Henry, who were married in 1837. 
The former, of Scotch descent, wasbornin Colerain. County Londonderry, Ireland; came to 
America in 1798 or 1799, and lived continuously in Erie County until his death, which oc- 
curred Feb., 1847, in Harbor Creek, where his widow, who is a native of Lancaster Co., 
Penn.. still resides. She is a Government pensioner, her husband having served in the 
war of 1812. Three children blessed this union, viz.: Mary, wife of 3Iandaville Wager, 
who have 3 children (Clara. Charles and Cora) and reside at Belle Valley; Frank, our 
subject; and Jane, wife of Richard Miller Bounell, residing on the old Bonnell homestead 
on Gospel Hill, and have 2 children living — Willis M. and Frank Henry. Bertie is 
deceased. Our subject has been twice married, first in Oct., 1859, to Martha R. Long, of 
West Mill Creek, who bore him one son — Gerrett Smith, living with his graudmothen he 
is married and has a son, Robert, making the fourth generation who have lived on the old 
homestead since its purchase in 1835. His second marriage, Nov. 20, 1867,. was with El- 
vira, daughter of Rev. George Frazier, of Girard, Trumbull Co., Ohio. They have 8 
children, all living — Paul and Edith (twins), John Brown, Mary, Melvin and Mabel (twins) 
and Robert and Nellie (also twins). Mr. Henrj'-'s family home is in Wesleyville. He was 
a radical Abolitionist, and an active worker in the "Underground Railroad." Some of 
his U. G. R. R. sketches have been published from time to time in the county papers, and 
he has data enough on hand to fill a large volume. In 1859, he made arrangements to go 
with two others, A. May and A. Rolson, of Harbor Creek, and join John Brown in the 
invasion of Virginia. They were prevented from taking part in this famous raid by Capt. 
Brown striking at Harper's Ferry five days earlier than the time first agreed upon, other- 
wise their lives would have been sacrificed with Brown's little company on that eventful 
occasion. 

W. H. HYKE, superintendent of the McCarter Stock Farm. P. O. Harbor Creek, was 
born in Canada in 1852, son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Valier) Hyke, who had the fol- 
lowing children: W. H. (our subject), Jerrad and Charles. Our subject received his early 
education in Canada, from whence his parents migrated to Erie Co., in 1865, settling in 
Erie City. He was united in marriage in April, 1879, with Anna Koehler, whose parents 
were natives of Holland and Lancaster Co., Penn. This union has been bles.sed with 3 
daughters — Cora, Mabel and Agnes. Mr. Hyke is managing the McCarter Stock Farm, 
noted for its long ranges of finely-appointed stables, the most complete in the country, 
and its fine breed of horses. 

JAMES KILPATRICK, Jr., farmer, P. O. Wesleyville, was born Sept. 3, 1823, son 
of James and Mary (McElheron) Kilpatrick, natives of the North of Ireland, who came to 
America in 1819, locating on the Wallace farm in Mill C-reek Township; thence came to 
Harbor Creek, where heentered and cleared a farm on the Lake road, near Wesleyville, 
where he lived many years. Children — Mary, Sarah, Jane and James, Jr. Mr. Kilpatrick 
was a farmer, and a member of the Presbyterian Church at Erie. He departed this life 
in 1838, his widow following him in 1863. James, the subject of this sketch, is a single 
man. He has bought the Flowers estate, on which he has built a substantial residence, 
and where he and his two sisters reside. 

EDWARD S. KOCHER, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, is a son of Henry and Elizabeth 
(Shaner) Kocher, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1830, and settled in Jack- 
son Township, Butler Co., Penn., Avhere our subject was born June 3, 1858. There were 
5 children born to Henrj^ and Elizabeth (Shaner) Kocher, of whom our .subject was the 



HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 89 

eldest. His mother dyinsr, his fatlier remarried, and had 4 children more; he is still a 
resident of Butler Co. Edward S., our subject, was united in marriage, Apr. 11, 1882, 
with Ellen, daughter of Hiram Picket, who bore him 1 child — Alice. Mr. Kocher en 
gaged in teaching many years. He then learned practical surveying, which he has followed 
for the last 3 years. He intends to continue in this business either in this township or 
in any place where his services are needed. He resides on a pleasantly-located farm of 50 
acres, about 2 miles from Harbor Creek, which was formerly the property of Wm. Althop. 

CALVIN LEETE. farmer, P. O. Moorheadville. was born in 1819 on the spot where 
his present farm now is, son of Simeon and Hannah (Neely) Leete, natives of Guilford, 
Conn., and Herkimer Co., N. Y., respectively. Simeon Leete came to this county in the fall 
of 1812, and bought the farm now owned by his son, which borders on tlie lake. From 
this point could have l)een seen during the war of 1812-15, the British ships watching the 
building of Perry's fleet in the harbor of Erie, hoping to destroy it in its pissage out to 
the lake; the channel was so shallow that the British commander anticipated Perry would 
find much difficulty in getting his fleet through. Mr. Leete brought with him to this farm 
the apple seeds from which sprang a splendid orchard, the first grafted orchard in the 
county. Of his children, 5 are still living— Am^anda, wife of Jos. McCord; Alfred 
N., married to Harriet S. Hampson; Calvin, our subject; Susan; and Matilda, wife of 
James R. Moorhead; Ann, deceased, was married to P. Elliott. Mr. Simeon Leete de- 
parted this life aged seventy-five years. Calvin Leete married, in 1844, Eleanor Elliott, 
by whom he has had 5 children— Clara M. (wife of J. C. Moorhead), Georgiana E. (wife of 
T. S. Wagner), Calvin E., Lizzie S. and J. Neel3^ Mrs. Leete died in 1867, and our sub- 
ject afterward married Emily, daughter of Thomas Moorhead. One child, Rebecca M., 
has blessed this union. Mr. Leete is one of the leading farmers in his township and coun- 
ty, growing choice farm seeds and breeding Jersey cattle and Shropshire Down sheep. He 
has a vineyard of choice fruit, also ponds supplied with German carp. He has served his 
township as School Director and in various other offices. 

NATHANIEL D. LOWERY, farmer, P. O. Wesleyville, was born May 17, 1799, in 
Erie Co., Penn., son of Wm. and Elizabeth (Dickey) Lowery, natives of Ireland and Penn- 
sylvania respectively. They were the parents of 6 sons and 2 daughters, N. D. the only 
one living. Wm. Lowery was one of the pioneers of this county, coming in 1794. He 
located near North East, and was one of the sufferers of the Population Company, who 
caused so much litigation among the early settlers. He died in Westfield Township, Chau- 
tauqua Co., N. Y. Our subject married, in 1836, Sally Slover. All the children born to this 
union are deceased. Mr. Lowery is now in his eighty-fifth year, and is the oldest citizen 
in this township. His wife died when seventy-five years old. He is a good neighbor, and 
has been an influential citizen in his day, serving for 15 years as Magistrate, and as 
School Director and Inspector in New York State. 

WILLIAM McGILL, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born in Chester Co., Penn., in 
1822, son of Audleyand Hannah (Eachus) McGill, also natives of Pennsjdvania, and the 
parents of 11 children, 7 now living — Audley; Malcoml); Owen; Thomas; Emeline, wife 
of A. Bell; Thurz3% and Wm., our subject. He was married in Jan., 1871, to Elizabeth, 
daughter of Andrew and Ruth (Cole) Camp. Thej^ have no children living near Harbor 
Creek. Mr. McGill owns 120 acres of land near Harbor Creek, finely located and well 
watered. He is one of the best citizens here; has served several terms as Township Audi- 
tor; is now acting as Road Commissioner. 

W. W. MARKS, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born in New York State May 24, 
1827, son of Richard and Anna (Bristol) Marks, natives of the same State. They were the 
parents of 11 children, 4 now liviug^L. D., A. J., Lucretia and W. W. The last 
mentioned, subject of this sketch, was united in marriage, Jan. 1, 1852, with Mercy E., 
daughter of Uriah and Betsy (King) Root, also natives of the State of New York. Three 
children have blessed this union — Francis Wilbur, married to Jennie, daughter of Jerry 
Stelle (have 3 children); Louisa, wife of W. L. Cowden(have 2 children), and Wm. W., Jr. 
Mr Marks lives on a good farm of well-improved land, consisting of 85 acres, half a mile 
from Harbor Creek. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. 

J. D. MEAD, farmer, P. O., Wesleyville was born in Warren Co., Penn., Oct. 14, 
1832, son of David and Elizabeth (Bunnell) Mead, who were the parents of 3 children — 
Willis, living in Howard Co., Iowa (has 6 children, James E., Wm. W., Jehu E., Chas. A., 
Alice L. and Jane); J. D., the subject of this sketch, was united in marriage in 1854, with 
Eliza, daughter of Peter Kuhl. and a native of York Co., Penn. The result of this mar- 
riage has been 7 children. 5 surviving — Willis, Lewis, Rose, David and Daisy J. The paternal 
grandfather of our subject was an early settler in this county, locating in Greene Town- 
ship in 1803. J. D. Mead is a practical farmer, owning 100 acres of land, and farming- 
160 more on shares. This is well stocked, and located in the northern part of Harbor 
Creek Township. He is a member of the Equitable Aid Society. 

O. MILLER, Postmaster of Moorheadville, was born Apr. 14, 1814, in Chautauqua Co., 
N. Y. His parents were natives of Connecticut and Vermont respectiveh% and came to 
Pennsj'lvania in 1822, locating in Waterford for a short time, then settling in Mill Creek 
Township, near Erie. Three of their 9 children are living, namely: Viola, now Mrs. Nichols, 



90 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in Milwaukee, Wis.; Lydia, wife of H. O. Talmage, and O. Miller, the subject of our 
sketch. He was married in 1836 to Eunice A. Delniad^^e, of Canada, who bore him 4 chil- 
dren— Chas. W., who enlisted in the 14oth P. V. I., serving- to the end of the war; Hamlet 
J., who enlisted in the 83d P. V. I., and died during the late war; James enlisted 
in ihe navy, died in Memphis, Tenn.; Emily, wife of J. Dunn, of Erie. Mrs. Miller, 
departed this life in 1847. Our subject was next united in marriage, Dec. 28, 1848. 
with Laura L., daughter of Henry Wadsworth, and had 8 children, 6 living— Frank E., 
Amanda (dying in infancy); RolloO. (died when twelve years old); Anna Maria, wife of J. 
B. Sawtelle (has 1 child, Bertha); Clary W., wife of David R. Sawtelle (has 1 child, Ralph 
Wadsworth); Edward R., an operator for the U. P. R. R. in Idaho; Eva, wife of Geo. B. 
Wallace; Laura B., at home. For a number of years he carried on the boot and shoe 
business at Erie, but came to Harbor Creek in 1873, where he has since remained. He 
and his family are members of the M. E. Church. 

CHAS. G. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, fifth child in the family of Michael 
Miller, 'was born in 1830, in Germany, and came to America in 1848, settling in Erie. where 
he resided until 1851, when he went to Sherman, N. Y. He received his naturalization 
papers Oct., 1856, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and came to Harbor Creek. Our subject was 
united in marriage, in 1858, with Livonia M., daughter of Ella and Polly (Green) Cowdeu. 
She has borne him 4 children— Earl C, Wm. E., Columbia L. and Chas. G., Jr., all resid- 
ing at home. Mr. Miller is a shoe-maker by trade, and worked at this occupation until 
1879, when he commenced farming. He is one of the substantial citizens of the township, 
and has served as Scliool Director 3 years; Treasurer of the Board; and as Tax Collector 
1 year. He is a fine old German gentleman, a Spiritualist in belief, a Republican in pol- 
itics. 

DR. MARK MILTON MOORE. The subject of this sketch, the eldest of 10 children, 
9 sons and 1 daughter, was bora in Mantua, Portage Co., Ohio, Sept. 39, 1818. On the 
father's side he is of Scottish descent, his paternal ancestor being one of three brothers who 
came to America at an early period of its colonial history, for mining purposes, and settled 
in Connecticut. The mining business was unsuccessful, and the brothers separated, one 
remaining in Connecticut, one going to New Hampshire, and the other to Pennsylvania. 
His great-grandfather, Joseph Moore, was a Revolutionary soldier, and as a prisoner of war 
died before the struggle closed, on board of a British prison-ship in New York Harbor. 
Among the ancient family names are Joseph, Eli, Roger, D wight, Benjamin, John and 
Samuel. His maternal grandmother, on the father's side, was also of Scottish descent, and 
her name was Gillett. On his mother's side, his great-grandfather, Keyes, was born in 
Plymouth, Mass.; his grandfather, Araaziah, in Boston, and his mother, Betsy, in Onta- 
rio Co., N. Y. His grandmother's name was Crafts. His grandfather, Samuel, came to 
Mantua, Portage Co., Oiiio, in 1806; his father, Samuel, Jr., being at the time thirteen 
years of age. Northern Ohio was then an almost unbroken forest, filled with savage 
beasts and still more savage men. At the age of fourteen. Samuel, Jr., became an expert 
athuntuig deer and wild turkeys, and often his mother's larder was we.l supplied by his 
skill, from the forest, which otherwise would be empty and the family have gone hungry 
to bed._ Schools were unknown, and yet he managed to obtain the rudiments of a good 
education, and by the use of a circulating library became an ardent reader of history. In 
the war of 1812, he entered the army and served till peace was declared, spending most of 
the time in the Maumee country and in the vicinity of Cleveland. In 1816, he first met at a 
neighbor's. Miss Betsey Kej^se, who, as a matter of neighborly kindness had come from 
Auburn to care for the sick, and early in 1817 they were married. Of the 10 children born 
to them, all grew up to years of maturity, and 7 of the number yet live. Homer H., the 
second in the order of their birth, after completing an academic course of study and teach- 
ing in a Kentucky high .school for two years, was received into the Erie conference of the 
M. E. Church in 1846; was transferred to Kansas in 1857, in the midst of the border war, 
that he might aid in securing that territory to freedom, and in 1861 entered the army as 
Chaplain of the Third Kansas Regiment; as War Correspondent of the New York Tribune, 
Philadelphia Press, and other papers; as Superintendent of education for Florida; and as 
editor of the Jacksonville Herald. During the period of reconstruction, he was in the 
midst of some thrilling scenes. At his own request he was discharged from the service in 
1865, and entered the ministry in the Erie conference. He was the first to move in the 
matter of securing a site on Chautauqua Lake for camp meeting purposes, and the place 
selected has become of world-wide fame as the Assembly Grounds. As a trustee, lecturer, 
pastor, and editor for 10 years on the Herald staff, and reporter, he has ever been closely 
identified with all its interests. Dr. Amaziah, after finishing an academic course of study, 
entered the oftice of Dr. Trask, of Iliram, Ohio, as a student of medicine; graduated from 
the Cleveland Medical College, and engaged in the successful practice of medicine. In 
1862, he entered the army as Captain, and with broken health as the result of exposure 
and hard service, was mustered out with honor in 1864. The daughter, Elizabeth, is the 
wife of Rev. Geo. Fairbanks, the successful pastor of the Congregational Church at Park- 
man, Ohio. Samuel died at the age of twentj^-two, but he lived "long enough to give evi- 
dence that he possessed elocutionary powers of a high order. Probably no other member 



HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 91 

of the family equaled him in mental ability, and he was the very soul of purity, truth and 
honor. Halsey Gillett, whose bent of mind was the business of farming, died of a liver 
•difficulty when a little past twentj^-one. Oliver Francis, at the age of twenty-four died of 
typhoid fever in Kansas. Dr. Mortimer G., besides being a thoroughly well read and skill- 
ful physician, possesses fine powers as an oraior. On the temperance platform he has 
proved himself to be a ready and eloquent advocate. His reading and scholarship have 
taken a wide range, and speculative philosophy is a favorite study. He commenced the 
successful practice of medicine in Trumbull Co., Ohio, but for some years past has liad his 
oflice in Cleveland. Horace L., after some years of study in the Hiram College, under 
President Garfield, went to Kansas and commenced, in 186U, the study of law in the office 
of Gen. J. H. Lane; in 1861, he joined the Kansas Second Regiment, and went to the front. 
He WHS in the bloody battle of Wilson Creek, but escaped unhurt. Promoted to a Colonelcj^ 
for gallant conduct, he was nnistered out of the service in I8G0. He has since commanded 
a regiment of Kansas troops under Gen. Sheridan, in Indian warfare. In business matters 
since the war, he has been very successful; has dabbled some in politics, as a matter of 
recreation, and as a stump speaker is very efliective, his addresses being characterized by 
the fullness of the information they give. Walter W. occupies the old homestead and 
observes the steady sober ways of a farmer, much respected for his integrity and honor. 
We now return to Mark Milton Moore, the subject of this sketch. He enjoyed but lim- 
ited educational advantages, except such as the poor common school of those early times 
afforded. Clearing heavily timbered land, cultivating the stumpj' soil and gathering the 
harvests was the business of those days for boys, and especially so for the eldest of a group 
of 10. At school exhibitions, as an easy and graceful declaimer he had no equal, but there 
was no one present that could see in him the elements of the natural orator he is. " Among 
the poor farmers, with large families, the great question was bread for the children, and 
not the graces of an education. It is not likely that the thought entered that neighbor- 
hood for at least a quarter of a century, that stalwart boys were made for any purpose ex- 
cept to handle the ax, the spade and the sc}^the. But he was often at his uncle's (Dr. Jason 
Moore), and from his conversation he early imbibed a taste for the study of medicine. 
Also, when eighteen, he became a pronounced Christian, and his gifts and zeal brought 
him prominently before the public, and every one said he was destined for the pulpit. 
But he finished learning his trade, married Mary, daughter of Simeon Sheldon, whose 
wife, the daughter of Judge Ellas Harmon, was the first white child born in Mantua, Por- 
tage Co. This wife died'^Aug. 10, 1847, leaving a son— Sheldon M. At the early age of 
sixteen he entered the army, in 1861, as a private in the 111th Penn. Reg., and after seeing 
much service under McClellan, in Virginia; in Tennessee, under Hooker, and marching to 
the sea under Sherman, he was put into the veteran corps and mustered out of service late 
in 1865. For the past fifteen years he has been engineer of the P. it E. R. R., and is re- 
garded as one of the boldest and most careful engineers on the road. It was soon after the 
death of his first wife that Dr. M. M. Moore returned to his first love, the study of medi- 
cine, and married Miss Mary, daughter of Wait Bassett, of Connecticut. Mary, wife of 
John Chambers, of Bradford; Lucrelia, deceased, and Emery, a train dispatcher on the 
N. & E. R. R., were the issue of this marriage. The second Mrs. Moore died May 26, 1864, 
and he was subsequently married to Julia A., the daughter of Chauncey Wood, a native of 
Vermont, and for many years a resident of Garrettsville, Ohio, where he died in 1865. She 
died suddenly Nov. 19, 1883, and our subject was left alone and in sorrow, with not much 
of life remaining but his wonted courage and fortitude. Dr. Moore is richly endowed 
with all the elements that qualify a man for public life; nowhere more than in the sick 
room is he at home; there his presence, his words of good cheer, his sympathetic bearing, 
inspire confidence and hope. Between himself and the families he visits, there generally 
exists the ties of the strongest friendship. As a practitioner he has been very successful. 
His library of medical works, pamphlets and periodicals, is large and richly furnished. As 
much as ever in life he continues a hard and unremittent study,and whatever he learns from 
reading or from his practice, his strong memory retains. Some 25 3'ears ago he became a 
resident of Wesleyville, and has ever taken a "lively interest in all that would promote its 
welfare. He acted for many years as Postmaster (his daughter, Mary,doing the business), 
and School Director, and in no capacity has he failed in the discharge of dut3^ He has 
never had a law suit, and, as a physician, has never failed in his attentions to the poor and 
friendless. Though thrice married, he was either skillful in his selection of a wife, or fort- 
unate, for all were excellent women. The following resolutions refer to the last deceased 
wife: 

Erie City Dispatch, Nov. 20, 1883, contained this notice: 

Death op Mrs. Dii. Moore.— Mrs. Julia A., wife of Dr. M. M. Moore, died very sud- 
denly of heart disease at her home in Wesleyville at a late hour Sunday night. The even- 
ing was passed in cheerful conversation with some friends and in her usual health. Some 
hours after retiring, her husband was awakened bj' her heavy breathing, and at once called 
for assistance, but Mrs. Moore was then unconscious and died a few moments afterward. 
Her maiden name was Wood and she was a native of Garrettsville, Portage Co., Ohio, 
where she has brothers and sisters now living. She was a faithful wife, a devoted friend 



92 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and a kind neighbor. She was for many years a consistent member of the M. E. Church, 
and a beneficiary member of the Wesleyville Equitable Aid Union. The funeral services 
will be conducted according to the impressive usuages of that order. 

Erie City Dispatch, Nov. 23, 1883, contained this notice: 

L.\iD TO Rest— The Burial of Mrs. Dr. Moore at Wesleyville. — The funeral rites 
over the remains of the wife of Dr. M. M. Moore were witnessed Tuesday by one of the 
largest concourses of people that ever assembled at Wesleyville, the Doctor's residence 
overflowing with friends who came to pay a last tribute of respect to her whom they knew 
and esteerned during her residence in that community. Rev. Mr. Collier, pastor of the Wes- 
leyville M. E. Church. Rev. Geo. W. Cleaveland, of the Harbor Creek Presbyterian Church, 
and Rev. Mr. Smith, pastor of the Erie Simpson M. E. Church, all spoke sympathetic 
words, calculated to comfort those whom Mrs. Moore's unexpected dejith bereaved, refer- 
ring to the record of a life-time spent in doing good, the memory of which will grow more 
sacred as time passes on. The services, conducted according to "the Equitable Aid Union's 
ritual, were very impressive, and as the casket disappeared from view all left the Wesley- 
ville churchyard feeling that one of earth's noblest daughters had been taken away. 

Others than Erie County families mourn Mrs. Moore's death. As Miss Julia Wood she 
lived in Garrettsville, Ohio, in early life, and also in Cleveland. She was widely known 
through a large section of Ohio, and many relatives are now residents of that State. 

Death op Sister Julia A. Moore. — At a regular meeting of the Wesleyville Union, 
No. 385, E. A. U., held Nov. 26, 1883, the following preamble and resolutions were unani- 
mously adopted: 

Whereas, It has pleased the Great Architect of the universe to rend the mystic chain 
which, since our birth, has bound us together, and to remove one golden link in the person 
of Sister and Vice President Julia A. Moore, and 

Whereas, It is but just that a fitting recognition of her many virtues be had, there- 
fore be it 

Resolved, By Wesleyville Union, No. 385, E. A. U;, that while we bow with humble 
submission to the will of the Most High, we do not the less mourn for the beloved sister 
who has been taken from us. 

Resolved, That in the death of Julia A. Moore, this Union laments the loss of a sister 
who was ever ready to proffer the hand of aid and the voice of sympathy to the needy and 
distressed of this fraternity; an active member of this Union, whose utmost endeavors 
were exerted for its Avelfare and prosperity; a friend and companion who was dear to us 
all; a lady whose upright and noble life was a standard of emulation to her fellow-beings. 

Resolved, That the heartfelt sympathy of this Union be extended to her farjiily in fheir 
affliction. 

Resolved, That in token of respect for the family of our deceased sister, the chair of 
the Vice President be draped in mourning during the remainder of her unexpired term. 

Resolved, That the Union chamber be draped for the period of 30 days. 

Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the records of this IJnion, and a copy 
thereof transmitted to the family of our deceased sister, to the E. A. U. Advocate, and to 
three of the English newspapers of Erie. 

F. H. Tompkins, ) 

J. H. Chambers, |- Com. 

A. L. Russell, ) 

JOSEPH M. MOORHEAD, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born Nov., 1816. in this 
township. He is a son of Col. and Eliza (McCord) Moorhead, who were among the pio- 
neers of this township, and were the parents of 7 children — Joseph, our subject; Catherine 
A., Thomas, Wm., Elizabeth. Jane and James. Joseph the oldest in this family was mar- 
ried in 1843, to Harriet, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Scott, and has had the following 
children — Robert S., Clerk of the court at Erie; Mary, wife of A. Bachus (have 4 children, 
Ciias., Scott. Hattie N. and Louisa); Bell, wife of E. J. Dodge (have 3 children, Mary, 
Allise and Anna, twins); Charles, married to Miss Johnson; one son, Harry, is a clerk in 
the Pacific & Atlantic Railroad office at Albuquerque, N. M.; and Annah. Mr. Moor- 
head is one of the successful farmers of this township and is living on the Lake road 2^ 
miles east of Harbor Creek. 

THOMAS MOORHEAD, farmer, P. O. Moorheadville, wasborninMoorheadville, this 
township, June 28, 1819, son of James and Eliza (McCord) Moorhead. They were the par- 
ents of 7 children — Joseph M., Catherine, wife of Joseph McCord, a builder, and formerly 
a Director in the college at Oxford, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of Lucius Couse (have 2 chil- 
dren, Mary and Norman); Jane, wife of G. W. F. Sherwin (have 4 children) Thomas, 
Wm. M.. and Jamesi A., living on the old homestead, married to Julia E. Bald- 
win, Sept. 18, 1862 (have five children— Fred B., Rose E., McCord B., Helen S. and 
Mabel J.). Our subject married on Apr. 2, 1851, S. Maria, daughter of Noah and Sarah 
(Clark) Dada, of Northampton, Mass. The children born to this union are 5 — Frank, Eliza- 
beth, wife of Chas. Leet, has one daughter, and resides on the East road; Florence; Harriet 
a teacher at Erie; Edward T. at home and Alice. Mr. Moorhead owns a fine farm of well- 
improved land on the Buffalo road. 



HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 93 

JAMES R. MOORHEAD, farmer, P. O. Moorheadville, was born Apr. 27, 1820, in 
Harbor Creek Township, Erie Co., Penn. He is a son of Robert and Jane (McCreary) Moor- 
head. Robert Moorhead was born in Sept., 1787, in Lancaster Co., Penn. He was a soldier 
in the war of 1812, and was at Erie. He came to Erie Co. in 1805, along with his father 
4 brothers and 3 sisters, and settled upon land bought by his father in 1800, and where 
our subject, his only son, now lives. James R. Moorhead was united in marriage, 
Oct. 4, 1842, with Matilda, daughter of S. Leet; she was born in this township on Nov. 13, 
1823; her father came to Erie Co. in 1812; 4 children blessed their union— R. Simeon (de- 
ceased), Jane Mc, married Sept. 20, 1883; Dwight C. Shaver, a telegrapher, residing at 
Westfield, N. Y. ; Adella N. and Susan Leet. Mr. Moorhead has served as Road Commis- 
sioner several terms, and is one of the leading farmers in this township. He owns a fine, 
well-watered farm with good buildings. He is descended from one of the five Moorhead 
brothers, who came from Lancaster Co., Penn., and settled in an early day in this township. 
He is a Mason, Lodge No. 399, of N. E., is also connected with the Presbyterian Church of 
Harbor Creek. 

WM. M. MOORHEAD, farmer, P.O. 'Moorheadville, was born June 25, 1826, in this town- 
ship, the third son in the family of 7 children born to James and Eliza (McCord) Moorhead. 
The father of the former was a pioneer, often shot at by the Indians with their bows and 
arrows. He and his wife died when over ninety years of age. James Moorhead was a 
teamster in the war of 1812, and also helped to get Perry's fleet out of port. He received 
a pension. Our subject was married, Aug. 80, 1852, to Sarah Frances, daughter of Chas. 
and Sarah (Buckle) Kendrick, natives of England. The latter, aged eighty-six, now re- 
sides with our subject; 4 children were born to this union— Wm. K., Edith Sarah, Ralph 
E. and James Miller, all at home. Mr. Moorhead, in boring for oil, struck a well of gas 
which he has been burning 12 years; it is one of the best interests in the township. He 
is a thrifty farmer and resides on one of the first cleared farms in the county. This is 
probably the site of an Indian's old encampment, as he has turned up skeletons and vessels 
of pottery. Our subject has served as School Director and Treasurer of the township. He 
is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

JOHN D. and SAMUEL T. MOORHEAD, farmers, P. O. Moorheadville, were born 
in this township, and are sons of John and Eleanor (Laughead) Moorhead, of Lancaster, 
Penn., who came to Erie Co., Oct., 1805, settling in Harbor Creek. There were several 
families of Moorheads, part of whom came here in 1800. They were the parents of 6 
children, 3 surviving— Samuel T., John D. and Eliza A. Samuel T married, in 1863, 
his first wife. Margaret M., daughter of Joseph Y. Moorhead, Sr., who was a son of 
Thomas Moorhead, an early pioneer in this county. His second wife was Eliza, daugh- 
ter of Joseph McCord. No children were born to either union. John D. Moorhead, 
born Aug. 24, 1829, was married, in 1866. to Mary R., daughter of Joseph Y. Moorhead, 
Sr. ; one child, Joseph Y., Jr., born in 1873, has blessed this union. The brothers, Samuel 
and John, are practical farmers, residing on their father's old homestead in the eastern 
part of Harbor Creek. This is a fine tract of land, well watered and improved. Their 
homes are beautiful, ornamental mansions, separated by no fences, shaded by trees, and 
having a grand view. Nature furnishes them wnth their light and fuel by a natural gas 
well. They also own 100 acres of land in North East Township, Erie Co., Penn. 

JOHN NEFF, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born in 1827, in the State of New 
York, a son of John Frederick and Phebe (Rust) NefE, to whom were born 9 chil- 
dren, 6 living— Jacob and Samuel, in Erie; Frederick, in Lancaster Co., Penn.; Fanny 
now Mrs. Richard, in Erie; Mary, now Mrs. Gilbert, in Madison Co., Ohio; and John, 
the subject of this sketch. He was married in 1856 to Caroline, daughter of John Gittiug. 
They have 7 children— Caroline, wife of E. Cass; Edward J., Wm. A., Etta, Lewis F., 
Cora S. and Anna— all at home. Mr. Neff is a good farmer, and owns 196 acres of land 10 
miles east of Erie. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. 

ANNA MARY OHLWILER, P. O. Wesleyville, was born in July, 1811, in York Co., 
Penn., daughter of Yost and Elizabeth Kuhl, who were the parents of the following chil- 
dren: Peter (deceased), Daniel (deceased); Catharine, now Mrs. Stover, residing in Fair- 
view; Peggy (deceased), wife of Mr. Beeringer, and the mother of 5 children; Betsey, 
Susannah Getting (deceased) and Anna Maryj Our subject married, Oct. 22, 1829, in Erie 
Co., Frederick Ohlwiler, of Lancaster Co., Fenn., who was born in the year 1796, died 
March 13, 1877, and had 13 children, viz.: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Ebersole; Jacob, in 
Colorado; Henry, who has 6 children— John, Chas. F., Mary D., May J., Sarah and 
Ehza J.; Mary A., widow of D. M. Chambers, has 3 children— Elizabeth (deceased), 
Frederick and Edith; Isaac, in Colorado; William (deceased). Homer (deceased), an 
infant (deceased); John, married to Margaret Love, have 2 children — Edith and Nellie; 
EliasH., in Erie, married to Catherine Fair, have 1 son— Frederick J.; David, married 
Amelia Her, have 2 sons— Lawrence and Ralph — they live in Bradford, Penn. ;_ Freder- 
ick P., also living in the same place, married to Sarah Kennocott; Charles, also in Brad- 
ford. Mrs. Ohlwiler came here with her husband at an early day. She is an intelligent 
old lady, who had the misfortune to lose her eyesight soon after her husband's death. 
She is owner of quite a handsome property. 



94 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

MRS. SARAH ORTON, P. O. Wesleyville, born in 1799, is the first white child 
born in Harbor Creek Township, dauo:hter of Amasa and Tryphena Prindle, natives of 
Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively, who had IB children, 6 living — Eliza, now 
Mrs. Walker, in California: Charles; Jesse: Jane, now Mrs. Philip, a widow, in Illinois; 
Chauncey and Mrs. Sarah Orton, our .subject. Mr. Prindle was by trade a shoe-maker 
and currier, but mainly followed farmins:. He was a highly esteemed pioneer of Erie Co., 
settling in Harbor Creek in 1777, when it was covered with forest. The first school was 
kept by a Mr. Patterson, near Moorheadville. Sarah, our subject, attended school kept by 
a Miss Clarissa Cain, but there were but few children to go to school in those days. She 
married Mr. Orton in 1818, and commenced married life on the farm where she yet resides, 
which was then a wilderness. Three children were born to this union — Bronson. Miranda 
E. and Miranda D. — all deceased. Mr. Orton was a private in the war of 1812, and a pio- 
neer of this county. In 1845, when in the prime of life, he was killed at a "log-rolling,"" 
one of the occupations of the early settlers. Mrs. Orton, though now in her eighty-fifth 
vear. is wonderfully well-preserved in mind and body, and bids fair to live manyj'ears yet. 
Her farm was conducted by Jonathan Pierce, who married her daughter, Miranda. 
After her decease, he was again married, this time. Feb. 13, 1877, to Lucinda, daughter of 
Zebinaand Almena (Bindle) Wright, by whom he has 2 children Theron A. and Emeline. 

H. H. PARKER, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born in Mill Creek Township, 
Jan.. 1841, son of Dean and Mary A. (Shottuck) Parker, the former of whom was a native 
of Vermont, and the latter of Pennsylvania. Thej' were the parents of 8 children, 
6 now living — Sarah A., now Mrs. E. Dunham; James A.; Frank D. ; Mary S., deceased, 
aged fourteen years; Major B. ; Emily E., wife of Eugene Hill; James A., deceased, aged 
twenty-one, and H. H., our subject. He was united in marriage. Oct. 5, 1876, with Tillie, 
dauifliter of Perry and Mary (Ewiug) Foote. They have no children. Mr. Parker now 
ownl: the farm formerly belonging to Gideon Wagoner, comprising 120 acres of well-im- 
proved and watered land, located on the Buffalo road. He is a man of taste as well as a 
good farmer, and uses improved agricultural implements, and has fine stock. 

W. E. PHERRIN, farmer, P.'^O. Erie, was born Is'ov. 12, 1824; son of Wm. and Mary 
(Love) Pherrin, who had 4 children, viz., Margaret, now Mrs. McCrearey: Mariah, wife of 
Simeon Hymier; Mrs. Sarah Jane McCulley (deceased); and W. E.. the subject of this 
sketch. He was married in 1853 to Eliza Bohner. To this union were born 5 children,, 
viz., Caroline, wife of Frank Fagan (has three children, Lizzie, .John and Mable): Maggie 
P., wife of John Whipple; R. B., married to Alice McDaniel; W. E., .Jr.. married to 
Annie A. Burke of Buffalo, N. Y., and Emma at home. Mr. Ptierrin has 125 acres of till- 
able land in a good location. He is 'one of Harbor Creek's best farmers and has lived in 
Erie Co. since 1832. 

C. W. RAYMOND, farmer, P. O. Harlior Creek, was born in 1830 in Warsaw, Gene- 
see (now Wvoming) Co., N. Y. ; son of Paul and ]\Iaryett (Williams) Ravmond: natives of 
New York State. ' They had 5 children— C. W.. N. L., A. T.. F. D., and P. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was united in marriage in 1857, with Urana, daughter of Erastus Rams- 
dell, natives of Connecticut of English decent. Four children were born to this union — 
Arthur N., Emily E., Mate L. and Katy B. After marriage, i\Ir. Raymond located at 
North East, then went to Laona, N. Y., where he began the trade of a millwright, which 
occupation he has since followed. His next move was to Venango and from there to Har- 
bor Creek Township, where he has been engaged in farming. Mr. Raymond began with 
nothing, but he now owns a neat, well-regulated farm and has a comfortable competency. 
He is a~^srood citizen. In politics, a Republican. 

FREDERICK M. REICHERT, farmer, P. 0. Moorheadville, is a native of Germany, 
born in 1S19. His parents— Jacob and Mary Reichert came to America in 1847, landing in 
New York on the 1st of May, and came to this county via canal-boat and steamer. Our 
subject was united in marriage in 1850 with Amelia Bush, and has 4 children — Julius 
married to Catherine Stewart (have 2 children— Mary and Jessie): Albert, married to Leti- 
tia Glenn (have 1 child— John Edward): Joseph and Matilda. Mr. Reichert has a srood 
farm of 63 acres, located in this township on the Lake road about 12 miles east of Erie. 

WM. A. ROBERTS, farmer, P. O. Harl)or Creek, was born Aug. 10, 1826, son of Ed- 
ward and Mary Ann (Skinner) Roberts, natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut respect- 
ively. The former was born in 1797. and does not seem more than sixty years of age. his 
eyesight is good and he is a lively, entertaining conversationalist. He came to Erie, half 
frozen, Jan. 4. 1840; he has had 11 children. 7 of whom are living— Charles Hiram: Wm.; 
Henry; Oliver; Diana, wife of J. Adams (have 3 children); Emeline. wife of C. Ward 
(have 2 children): and Wm. A., our subject. He was united in marriage. Feb. 13, 1851. with 
Lucy, daughter of Joseph and Ann Bailey, of Ohio. Three children blessed this union — 
John E.. married to Ella A. Nichols: Addo. married to Anna G. Dunn; and Olive, wife of 
Geo. Bachus who is a son of John Backus. Mr. Roberts is one of our prominent farmers: 
he has 320 acres of splendid land located 3 miles from Harbor Creek railroad station. 
He served in the late war as a wagoner in the 111th Regt., and was honorably discharged 
in November. 1862. 



HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 95 

JOHN ROUYER,, farmer, P. O. Hartor Creek, is a native of France, born in the year 
1830, and was the only one of the nine children born to John and Catherine (Simonen) 
Rouyer, who came to America. He arrived in this country in 1849, and for about seven 
years remained at Utica, N. Y. He was married, in 1856. "to Ellen, daughter of Nicholas 
and Marien Greeoire, by whom he had four children — John N., who is agent for L. S. & 
M. S. R. R. at Moorheads. Erie Co., Penn.; Mary A., wife of Ira Chellis; Sarah E. and 
Oscar F. Mr. Rouyer learned wagon-making in his native land, which business he fol- 
lowed here. He is a well-read man, and has an intelligent family. Mr. Rouyer is a good 
citizen, and has been engaged in farming in this township for nine years, in Avhich time 
he has doubled the value of his property. 

CHRISTIAN SCHULTZ, farmer, P. O. Six Mile Creek, is a native of Germany, born 
in 1821, and w^as married there to Sophia Zachach, who bore him six children — Edward, 
married to Amanda Davidson, have one child — Mary; Lewis, married to Dora Goodwin; 
Ella, wife of L. Bartlett, have two children — Edward and Nellie. The deceased are 
Charles, Hettie and Mary, who died in America. Our subject came to America in 1846. 
He was by trade a cloth manufacturer, and after coming to this county, worked for six 
months for Mahaffy & Brewster, then for eight years in Cass' Woolen Factory. He was 
drafted during the late war, and served nine months in Company F. One Hundred and 
Sixty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Militia. He is a fine old German gentleman, leading 
a retired life, and living now with his son-in-law near Cass' factory, having sold his farm 
to him. His sons, farmers, live near him. 

L. P. SEARLS, farmer, P. O. Wesleyville, was born in Vermont, February 11, 1814, 
and came with his parents to Erie County in 1828. They bought some land of Jacob S. 
Turner near Harbor Creek Station, and there passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. 
Searls, Sr., was a farmer by occupation; he was an eye-witness of the battle of Platts- 
burg during the w^ar of 1812, though not a participant. He and his w'ife departed this 
life aged ninety-six and ninty-five respectively. They were parents of the following 
children: Almeda, deceased, wife of J. Powell; Owella, deceased, wife of E. Owne, had 
two children — Ellen and Wallace; Lavonia, deceased, wife of H. Chipman, had six chil- 
dren — Alonzo, Webster, Mary, John, Victoria and Emiljr, deceased; Alonzo, died previous 
to the removal of the family to Erie; Abigail, twice married, first to Francis Dustin, by 
whom she had two children— Almeda and Francis — who are residing in St. Louis; then to 
Mr. Ellis, by whom she has three children — Helen, at St. Joseph, Mich., Ulalia, White 
Water, Mich., and Edgar, at Rochester, N. Y. ; Mary, deceased, wife of J. Wright, had one 
son — Charles; Paulina, deceased, wife of P. D. Bryant, had three children; and L. P.. the 
subject of this sketch. He was married, in 1836, to Sarah, daughter of Solomon Ellis, and 
has three children— Royal B., married to Adelaide Stuyvesant, a relative of the Stuyves- 
ants of New York, has four children — Myrtle, Ettie, Mary A. and William; John W., 
married to Alice Ross; and Frank D., married to Dora Parker. Mrs. L. P. Searls departed 
this life May 17. 1882. Our subject now resides with a married son, Avho looks after the 
farm. He engaged in steamboating for about three years, most of the time on the "Erie," 
and had several hairbreadth escapes from death. Once, in a collision with the old "Dan 
Webster," and another time by fire, when he and the wheelsman, Augustus Tiller, 
launched a boat, and, though it capsized, managed to save nine lives. He has served as 
Tax Collector; is a member of the Baptist Church. 

F. E. SEWELL, farmer, P. O. Wesleyville, is a son of Robert and Caroline (Baker) 
Sewell, who were married in 1846; the former a son of Ebenezer Sewell, born in 1779, died 
in 1870, leaving a family Bible over seventy-five years old, a cane and a curiously carved 
powder-horn overlOO years old. Mrs. Caroline (Baker) Sewell was a daughter of Septimus 
and Polly (Baldwin) Baker, natives of Connecticut, and the parents of seven children, viz.: 
Caroline; Juliette, wife of J. Olds; Mrs. Lydia A. Cole; Samuel Baker, Mary Beers 
and Lucius are deceased, and Carrie. Robert Sewell departed this life November 27, 
1868, leaving a family of seven— Marshall D.. who, while hunting buffaloes near Double 
Mountains, Texas, was killed by the Apaches Indians February 16, 1877; Mary L., at 
home; Charles B.; Francis E., our subject; Emmer S., and AlbeVt F., living. Willis G. 
died in infancy. Mr. Sewell was a valuable citizen, and left his family well provided for. 
His widow and children live on a fine farm near Wesleyville, managed by Francis E. 
They are an intelligent family. Two of the sons belong to the Equitable Aid Society, and 
another to the A. O. U. W. 

W*. L. SHAWK, physician and surgeon. Harbor Creek, was born at New Lisbon. 
Ohio, December 2. 1861, son of George W. and Ennis (Wetmore) Shawk, natives of Ohio 
and New York States respectively. The former is a practical mechanic, living at Cleve- 
land, and has two children— Pet and William. Our subject, who was educated at Cleveland, 
graduating from the Central High School, began the study of medicine in 1879 under 
Dr. Thayer; took a course in the Medical Colfege at Cleveland, where he received his 
diploma. He had his diploma registered and acknowledged at Philadelphia. He passed a 
competitors' examination, and stood highest as house physician He also passed a strict 
board examination. The Doctor commenced to practice his profession with Dr. Herd, of 
North East, but seeing an opening at Harbor Creek, he started in an oflSce by himself. He 



/ 



96 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

has spared no time nor money in preparing himself for his worls., and is a promising young 
man of much ability. His office is in the Huues" Building, Harbor Creek. 

WM. W. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born Sept. 14, 1814, son of Peter and 
Sophia (Egner) Smith, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., who were parents of 1 son and 3 
daughters. Peter Smith died in 1818, and in 1831 his widow was married to Jacob 
Charles, b}' whom she had 6 daughters, all living but 1. She came to Erie Co. in 1829, settled 
in Harbor Creek, and died in 1880, at the home of her son, Wm. W. Smith. W. W. has been 
twice married; on the first occasion, to Eliza, daughter of John Riblet, who died in 1873, 
without issue. Our subject is a farmer b}^ occupation, but he left his farm, having built a 
fine residence at Harbor Creek the year previous to the death of his wife. He has been 
Constable of Harbor Creek many years, and still occupies the same position. He was sub- 
sequently united in marriage with Mrs. Cornelia (Steele) Clark, a widow with 2 children — 
Flora D., wife of L. W. Smith, a native of Peuusyivania, engaged in the manufacture of 
dynamite at Toronto, Canada, and J. F. Clark, a book-keeper. Mrs. Smith is a daughter 
of James and Naomi (Davis) Stelle, the latter of whom, a native of Pennsylvania, died in 
1867; the former, a fine looking old gentleman of eighty years of age, is a resident of 
Edinboro. He was- a tanner and currier by trade, but followed farming for many years. 
Four of his 6 children are living — Cornelia, now Mrs. John Applebee; Maria, Jeremiah and 
Albert. Mr. James Stelle is a kind parent, and a man genial in his manner, who gave his 
children an advantage of education, a worthy old gentleman. 

IRVING N. STARK, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born Oct. 16, 1851, in Penn- 
sylvania, son of C. N. and Dora (Turner) Stark, who had a family of 7 children, 4 now 
living— Edwin E., at Cedar Falls, Iowa (2 children, Walter and Etna); Rosamou E., wife 
of V. Foots (have 1 child, Mary); Stuckle}', in Nebraska), and Irving N. He was mar- 
ried Feb. 13. 1876, to Mary E., daughter of Thomas and Maria Smart. This union has 
been blessed with 1 child— Thomas N. Mr. Stark resides near the M. E. Church, 2 miles 
from the village of Hai'bor Creek. 

WM. STARK STINSON, farmer and blacksmith, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born at 
North East, Erie Co., Penn., Feb. 27, 1819, son of James Stinson, who married Melissa 
Curtis, and had 5 children, viz., Wm. Stark. Erastus S., Mary Jane, Jeremiah P. and Char- 
ilia. Mary Jane died in her youth; Erastus S. married Ann Walker, moved to Wisconsin, 
and died, leaving 2 children," a son — Frank— and Clara, wife of B. Morris, and mother of 
1 girl, Maud; Jeremiah P. married Irene Whitney, resides at Westfield, Wis. (have 2 chil- 
dren, Mary and Clara. James Stinson was a native of New Hampshire, his wife a native 
of New York State. They came to Harbor Creek in 1819, where Melissa, his wife, died. 
He then married Mary, daughter of Thomas Greenwood, who bore him 2 children, a 
daughter— Sarah — and Joseph G., who married Catharine Tupper(have4 children, Mary 
G., Albert E., Margarette S. and Fred). Mr. James Stinson was a carpenter and joiner by 
trade,' which occupation he followed several years in this township, to which he came in 
1815, and where he spent the balance of his life, dying April 29, 1845. Wm. Stark, our 
subject, has never married. He acquired a good education and learned the blacksmith's 
trade of Levi Bell, at which he worked nianj^ years. He is now leading a retired life with 
his sisters on his father's old homestead. They attend the Presbyterian Church. He is 
politically a Democrat. The following article, taken from an old newspaper, serves to tell 
something of the grandmother of our subject: " Died— In Dunbarton, Dec. 10, 1843, Mrs. 
Jennett Stinson in her ninety-third year. She was a daughter of Samuel Allison, one of 
the Scotch emigrants of 1720. She was born in Londonderry, and married James Stinson, 
also a Scotch-Irish descendant, and with him made a location in Dunbarton or Stark's 
Town, about 1775. Her husband died at the age of eighty-two, in 1828. He was an indus- 
trious husbandman, and sustained through life the "character of an honest man, a good 
neighbor and citizen. Mrs. Stinson survived him nearly 16 years, and received a pen- 
sion for his Revolutionary services. He was one of Stark's regiment at Bunker Hill. She 
was a very strong-minded, sensible woman, had a powerful memory, and her conversation 
respecting the early events of her long life were very interesting, and she retained her mind 
to the last. Her death was occasioned bj' one of the colds which have visited our region 
for the past season with such fatal effect. She maintained a character for kindness and 
hospitality, which will be long remembered bj^ a numerous circle of mourning relatives." 
James Stinson, the father of our subject, was, on Aug. 20, 1821, commi.ssioned by Gov. 
George Gregg, of Pennsylvania, as Captain of the 5th Company, l04thRQg. Penn. Militia. 

JOHN STRUCKEK, farmer, P. O. Erie, is a native of Switzerland, born in the 
year 1829. There he was united in marriage in 1853, and came to America in 1862, 
locating first at Sterrettania, thence coming to Harbor Creek Township, where he bought 
a farm. He rents a farm of 125 acres of fine land. To Mr. and Mrs. Strucker has been 
born a family of 11 children, viz., John, Samuel, Godfrey, Frederick, Frank, William, 
Charles, Rose, Mary and Alice. One child, Annie, died in mfancv. 

EDWARD E. TOMPKINS, seaman, P. O. Wesleyville, was' born Nov. 27, 1852, in 
Mill Creek Tow^nship, Erie Co., Penn., son of Capt. E. H. and Emily A. (Wells) Tomp- 
kins, natives of Delaware andAllegany Go's., N. Y., respectivelv. They were married Dec. 
23, 1847, and had 5 children, 2 living', viz., Frank H., a teacher, born Mar. 31, 1866, and 



HARBOR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 97 

married to Elizabeth Butler, by whom he has a son, Fred; and Edward E., the subject of 
our sketch, a fine young man, spending the most of his life at sea, and following the ex- 
ample set by his father, Capt. E. H. Tompkins, who came to Erie Co. with his parents 
when fifteen years of age. Early in life he adopted a seafaring vocation, engaging 
first on a whaler; he then lived for awhile in the Sandwich Islands; subsequently entered 
the merchants' service, and during the 7 years so employed sailed around the globe 2 or 3 
times. He then returned to his family (who, not hearing from him, had supposed him dead), 
and taught for a time. Aftei-ward, he engaged in steamboating, first as a wheelsman, but 
was promoted rapidly to mate, and finally to be Captain, a position of much honor in 
those days. He was a successful as well as an honorable man, educating his sailors, and 
performing many deeds of valor on the high seas. One bitter cold winter, about 20 j'ears 
ago. the inhabitants of Superior City, who had no railroad connections, and were many 
rniles from civilization, were reduced to the verge of starvation; when the dispatches de- 
scribing' their condition were brought by an Indian, Capt. Tompkins, then in command 
of the Lady Elgin, volunteered to go to their assistance. He successfully performed this 
deed of mercy, and was subsequently presented by the grateful citizens with a valuable 
gold watch, chain and anchor. He was warmly interested, and did much for the educa- 
tional cause; was an honored member of a Masonic Lodge and of the P. of H., and 
his virtues will long be remembered by those with whom he had any dealings. 

AARON M. TWITCHELL, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born Feb., 1840, in 
Harbor Creek Township, Erie Co., Penn., son of Aaron and Elvira (Townsend) Twitchell, 
who were the parents of 2 children — Aaron M., our subject, and Joshua, who died Mar. 8, 
1849, aged fifteen. Mr. Twitchell, Sr., came to Erie Co. in an early day, settling in Har- 
bor Creek Township, where he cleared the farm on which his widow and son now reside. 
He departed this life Mar. 2, 1871. The subject of this sketch was married, in 1874, to 
Rachel Lyons, and has 2 children — Rachel Elvira and Franklin Aaron. Mr. Twitchell 
has charge of the homestead farm, located on the Lake Shore & Buffalo road. He is now 
an invalid, suffering from a nervous disorder. 

H. N. WADS WORTH, farmer and wagon-maker, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born June 
29, 1840, in this township, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Noble) Wadsworth. The latter, 
one of 6 children born to her parents — Catharine, Paul, Huldy J., Wm. S., Maryett and 
Elizabeth. She was born in New York State in 1807, and has been thrice married. On 
the first occasion to Salmon Jones Allen, who left no issue; then to the father of our sub- 
ject, by whom she had 4 children — William A., deceased; James W., during the late 
war enlisted in the 41st Ohio Reg., dying in the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., a sacri- 
fice for his country; Horace N., our subject; and Elizabeth Jane, deceased. Mrs. Wads- 
worth, now Mrs. Clark, a healthy looking old lady, strong constitutionally and mentally, 
resides near her son. H. N., our subject, was married, April 15, 1873, to Sarah N., daugh- 
ter of John and Clarissa (Griffin) Slade (the former familiarly known as Deacon Slade), who 
were natives of New York. They had a family of 10 children. Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth 
have been the parents of 3 children — Elizabeth C, Nellie L. and James W. Mr. 
Wadsworth served during the late rebellion, enlisting in 1864, in the navy under Capt. M. 
W. Caldwell, on the U. S. Steamer R. R. Cuyler. He participated in the siege of Fort 
Fisher, and was mustered out at the close of the war, July 1, 1865, received an honorable dis- 
charge and returned to his home. He has served as Assessor and Assistant Assessor for 
two years in Harbor Creek Township. 

C. C. WAlLKER, farmer, P. O. Harbor Creek, was born in 1822 in Harbor Creek Town- 
ship, son of Samuel and Sarah (Case) Walker, natives of New York, who located in this town- 
ship in 1820, and were among the early settlers of Erie Co. Of their 4 children, 2 lived to ma- 
turity, but our subject is now the only one surviving. He has been twice married; on the 
first occasion to Mary Clark. There was no issue to this union. His second marriage was in 
1860 with Elizabeth, daughter of Jesse and Mary (Cummings) Wheelock, by whom he has 
had 4 children — May L. (wife of F. J. Walker, of the firm of Walker & Gallaghar, print- 
ers, Erie), Homer O., Samuel J. and Willie Grant, who are at home. Mr. Walker resides 
on the homestead farm. He owns 130 acres of valuable land, with a nice wood lot, on the 
lake shore. He is a quiet, self-sustaining old gentleman, independent in religion and 
politics. 



98 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 



LE BCEUF TOWNSHIP. 

HIRAM BEAMAN (deceased) was born July 1, 1812, at Westminster, Mass. He was 
united in marriage, June 20, 1840, in Jefferson Co., N. Y., with Polly Mack, born Jan. 12, 
1820, in Antwerp, Jefferson Co., N. Y., daughter of Charmis and Patty (McCloud) Mack. 
They were the parents of 9 children, 7 living. To Mr. and Mrs. Beaman have been 
born Cassius C. (deceased), Agnes and Eugene. Mr. Beaman came to Erie Co., and re- 
claimed from the wilderness 130 acres of land. He was a Republican in politics, and de- 
parted this life May 21, 1883. 

JAMES F. BOYD, farmer, P. O. Mill Village, of Scotch-Irish descent, was born in 
Ireland Sept. 29, 1834, son of James and Mary (Finch) Boyd, also natives of Ireland, 
the former born Dec, 1796, and the latter in 1808. Mrs. Boyd died in 1878. Mr. Boyd, Sr., 
is a farmer and mechanic, and the most of his life worked for Ool. Close, at Drumbarnard 
Castle, and now in his eighty-sixth year enjoys good health, but is not required to work, 
receiving his salary from the Colonel as in former years. Our subject emigrated to Amer- 
ica in the year 1859, settling in LeBoeuf Township, where, Aug. 3, 1860, he was married to 
Isabella Patten, who came to this county with her parents, settling in this township. Nine 
children have been given to this union, 4 boys and 5 girls, viz., Sarah A., William J., Mary, 
Letitia, Thomas, John, Maria, David and Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd, by perseverance, 
industry and economy, have acquired an ordinarily cultivated farm of 77 acres. Mr. Boyd 
is a Democrat in politics, but at town meetings tries to vote for the best man. He has held 
the olfice of School Director for 3 years, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
His wife was formerly a member of the United Presbyterian denomination. 

S. B. BROOKS, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Union City, was born Aug. 26, 1833, 
near Panama, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., son of James and Rhoda (Williams) Brooks, who 
came to this county in 1856. Our subject came with his parents, and, March 1, 1859, mar- 
ried Eliza Jane Carroll, born Dec. 12, 1839, daughter of William and Hannah (Slau- 
son) Carroll, by whom he had 9 children— Ashley L. (a telegrapher at Paris,Tex.), Cassius, 
Phebe A., Charles S., Archie W., Elverdo, William, George, Hannah and Ruth. Mr. 
Brooks is a member of the Carroll Ship Log Co., the firm being composed of G.W. Carroll, 
S. B. Brooks, Elmer Gregory, Mrs. A. M. Summerton, Charles S. Brooks, and was estab- 
lished Sept. 1, 1883. Our subject owns 163 acres of well-improved land, and has been a 
resident of this township since he came to the county. He has filled several township 
offices, and is a member of the Union City Baptist Church, in which he has been Trustee, 
and is now Deacon. In politics, he is a Republican. 

W. H. CAMPBELL, farmer, P. O. Mill Village, was born March 26, 1843, in LeBoeuf 
Township. His father, Lester Campbell, born Aug. 11, 1811, in New York State, came to 
this county when eight years old. He married, June 11, 1842, Elizabeth Alexander, born 
March, 18, 1818. Our subject, Nov. 19, 1872, was united in marriage with T. R. Jones, 
born March 28, 1852, near Guy's Mill, Crawford Co., Peun., daughter of David and Sarah 
Jones. Five children have been born to this union, viz., William L., Joel J., Leroy, 
Frankie and Shurley J. Mr. Campbell owns 52 acres of land a mile east of Mill Village. 
He is a member of the K. of H., Banner Lodge, No. 538, Mill Village. 

J. G. CARROLL, farming and dairying, P. O. Union City, was born Feb. 13, 1823, in 
LeBoeuf Township, Erie Co., Penn., a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Mulvin) Carroll, 
natives of Ireland, who settled in this township in the year 1801, and were the parents of 8 
children, 7 living. Our subject was reared on a farm, and married in Union Township, 
March, 1849, Eliza, eldest daughter of Richard and Margaret (Kepler) Shreve, who came 
to this county in 1810. To Mr. and Mrs. Carroll have been born 2 children, viz., Solomon 
M., married to Celia A., daughter of E. O. Sheppard, of Nebraska (have 1 child, Nellie 
Maud, born Nov. 20, 1882), and Rose B., wife of Perry Bishop, by whom she has 1 child. 
Mr. Carroll is a successful self-made man, and owns 100 acres of well improved and culti- 
vated land. He is a Republican in politics; has acted as Tax Collector, and filled other 
township offices. He, with his wife, for over 20 years has been a member of the 
M. E. Church, in which he has been Steward, etc. 

AMOS E. FORD, farmer, P. O. Mill Village, was born in LeBauf Township, June 20, 
1814, son of Peter and Elizabeth (King) Ford, of Irish descent. Amos attended the district 
schools. He unfortunately lost his left eye when thirteen years old; remained with his 
parents until his twenty-second year. Our subject was united in marriage, Feb. 22, 1839, 
with Elizabeth D. Williamson, by whom he has had a family of 8 children, viz., Mary J., 
Ellen R., Leonetus P. (deceased), Sarah, Robert (deceased), William R., Emma E. and 
Anna A. In 1839, Mr. Ford bought 1,400 bushels of potatoes, which he disposed of at a 



LE B(EUF TOWNSHIP. 99 

small profit in Cincinnati. On his return from this trip, his father gave him a deed of 86 
acres of land, which he subsequently sold. In 1864, he bought 73 acres, which he also dis- 
posed of in about 2 years. Our subject, in 1868, purchased his present residence and a 
lot of 10 acres in Mill Village, and 60 acres about a mile from the town, which he is now 
farming. He and family are members of the M. E. Church. He is a Democrat in poli- 
tics, as was his father before him. 

A. H. FRISBEE, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Mill Village, a son of Grixou Frisbee, 
one of tbe earliest settlers of this county, who married Nancy Logue. Our subject was 
born June 13, 1848, in LeBoeuf Township, and married near Cambridgeboro, Sept. 30, 1879, 
Jennie Catling, who was born near Corry Sept. 4, 1855, a daughter of P. G. and Margaret 
(Edwards) Catling. Two children have blessed this union — Roy G. and Florence M. Mr. 
Frisbee, during the late rebellion, served 4 months in the 102d P. V. I. He owns 40 acres 
of well-improved land; is a Republican in politics; has served as Township Constable. He 
is a member of the Royal Templars. 

V. R. GILLETTE, farmer and dealer in agricultural implements, P. O. LeBreuf, was 
born in Rushford, Allegany Co., N. Y., May 4, 1828, and is a son of Ezekiel and Lorena 
(Swift) Gillette, who came here in 1854. Our subject was united in marriage, March 27, 
1862, with Elizabeth M. Cottrell, daughter of John and Mary Ann (Preston) Cottrell, who 
were among the earliest settlers here. She was born Nov. 9, 1842. Two children have 
blessed this union— Fred C. and R. I. Nellie. Mr. Gillette has been engaged in his pres- 
ent business since 1866. Mrs. Gillette is the owner of 165 acres of land; in politics, he is a 
Republican. 

L. W. GILLETTE, farmer, P. O. LeBoeuf, was born at Rushford, Allegany Co., N. Y., 
in 1833, son of Ezekiel Gillette. Our subject has been twice married; first to Lorinda Pratt, 
only daughter of William and Anna Pratt. Mrs. Gillette was first married to Dwight Cole- 
man, deceased, who bore them 2 children, viz., Florence O. and Theodore J. The second 
time he was united in marriage was in 1861 with Elizabeth Wheeler, who was born Aug. 6, 
1831, at Rushford, N. Y., daughter of William and Florilla (Baker) Wheeler. To '^this 
union have been born twins— John B. and George W., born June 20, 1867. Mr. Gillette 
owns a farm in LeBoeuf Township, but also successfully engages in the insurance business. 

RICHARD GREGORY, retired farmer, P. O. Mill Village, was born in LeBoeuf 
Township, Erie Co., June 13, 1815, the second child born to Philip and Clarantina (Childs) 
Gregory, the former born in Berks Co., Penn., May, 1783, and the latter in Worcester, 
Mass., Dec. 30, 1793. They were married in 1812, and were the parents of 12 children, 10 
surviving. Philip, until of age, remained in his native county. He came to Waterford 
Township, Erie Co., in 1803, and for 10 years engaged in building boats and boating on 
French Creek. He served in the war of 1812; located in LeBoeuf Township in 1815, where 
he purchased 100 acres on the southern bank of French Creek, subsequently adding 100 
acres more. He died on July 12, 1853, his widow June 26, 1862; they were members of the 
U. P. Church. Our subject received a common school education, and remained with his 
father until twenty-one. He learned and worked at the carpenter's trade for fourteen 
years, but on account of a fall, which crippled him, went to farming when he was forty 
years of age. He owns 79 acres of land. Mr. Gregory, on April 10, 1845, married Mary 
W. Range, who was the mother of 5 children, viz., Sarah E., Nancy, Josephine (deceased), 
Wilber M., M. Elsie and Alzina S. Mrs. Gregory was a member of the Methodist Courch, 
as are all the family; she died June 19, 1874. Mr. Gregory is a Democrat politically. 

JOHN GREGORY, farmer, P. O. Mill Village, was born Nov. 19, 1818, in LeBa?uf 
Township, Erie Co., Penn., son of Philip and Clarantina (Childs) Gregory,who had a family 
of 12 children, 10 of whom still survive. Philip Gregory, a farmer, was born in Berks 
Co., Penn., May, 1782, and died July 12, 1853. His wife, a native of Worcester. Mass., 
born Dec. 30, 1793, died June 26, 1862. Our subject, the fourth in this family, received his 
education in the district schools, andlivedwith his father until his marriage, April 20, 1848, 
with Sarah A. Jarvis, and then located in LeBoeuf Township. Four children, all born on 
Sunday, have blessed this union. Three were married within a year. Their names are as 
follows: Clarantina I, wife of L. J. Philips, hardware merchant; Andrew B., married to 
Alice Lockwood; Actty C. wife of A. M. Lockwood, a Methodist minister; and Cornelia, 
who died May 15, 1858. Mr. Gregory has always lived in his native township; owns 57 
acres of land; has always been successful financially. He is a man highly respected by his 
neighbors; though liberal in his political views, generally votes the Democratic ticket. 

RICHARD A. KING, farmer, P. O. Mill Village, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, 
May 15, 1853, son of Edward and Agnes (Brown) King. Edward King, a farmer, died 
July 13. 1876, in the "old country." Our subject, previous to emigrating to America in 
April, 1873, worked at flax-breaking. He came via Maine to Canada. The next fall he 
went to Philadelphia, where he remained a year and a half; thence came to LeBanif Town- 
ship, Nov., 1874, where he purchased a small farm, on which he has since resided. Mr. 
King was united in marriage, Dec. 20, 1877, with Ida I., daughter of Jacob and Esther 
(Crandal) Burger, natives of Erie Co., Penn. Four children have been born to this union, 
viz., Alma A., Henry L., Hugh D. and Clarence A. Mr. King, with his wife, is a consist- 
ent member of the Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Orangemen in Ireland, 
and is a member of the A. O. U. W. in Erie. He is a Democrat politically. 



100 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ROBERT KIRK, retired farmer, Fairview, was bora in Delaware Aug. 26, 1809, 
son of James and Margaret (Hillis)Kirli, natives of County Down, Ireland, the former born 
Aug. 18, 1776, and the latter Sept. 16, 1775. They had a family of ;7 children, of whom 
Robert, David and James survive. Mrs. Kirk died Jan. 5, 1831. Mr. Kirk was a soldier 
in the war of 1813, and departed this life at Mt. Sterling, III., Feb. 21, 1858. Our subject 
came to Erie Co. in 1828, and on April 10, 1844, married Elizabeth Fargo, born in Fairview 
Oct. 7, 1817. daughter of Thomas T, and Cynthia (Randall) Fargo, natives of Connecticut. 
Their children are John H., Robert E., MTargaret C, James W., Mary E., Ella and Will- 
iam B. Mrs. Kirk died Jan. 30, 1883. 

JOHN H. KIRK, physician. Mill Village, is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Fargo) 
Kirk, natives of Delaware and Fairview. (See sketch of Robert Kirk above.) Our subject 
was educated at the Girard Academy, and Adrian (Mich.) College. In 1873, he commenced 
the studv of medicine at Michigan University, Ann Arbor, and received his diploma in 
1875. He married, Oct. 31, 1877, Maggie B. Child, born in East Smithfield, Bradford Co., 
Penn., July 25, 1854, daughter of Christopher and Harriet (Wright) Child, natives of Prov- 
idence, R. I., and Connecticut respectively. Dr. Kirk commenced to practice his profes- 
sion at Mill Village. He is a member of the K. of H., Masonic fraternity, and Royal 
Templars of Temperance. 

ALEXANDER McDONALD (deceased) was born in Glascow, Scotland, and came to 
America when twenty-five years old. He was united in marriage, Nov. 28, 1834, with 
Hannah Cowick, born October 10, 1814, daughter of Stephen Cowick, an early settler in 
Erie Co. Four children were born to this union, viz., James, Marj^ Francis and William. 
Mr. McDonald followed the occupation of a farmer and miner a number of years; was a 
member of the Presbyterian Church, and died in LaSalle, 111., in 1853. Mrs. McDonald 
owns 50 acres of land; she is a member of the Episcopal denomination. 

G. W. MITCHELL, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born Aug. 19, 1836, in Crawford, 
Co., Penn., and is the youngest of 7 children born to Peter and Hannah (Weston) Mitchell, 
who came to this county in 1803. Hannah was a daughter of James Weston, a prominent 
man in Erie Co., who held several important offices. Our subject married, March 10, 1858, 
Lucinda, daughter of William and Philena (Davis) McLellan, who were among the early 
settlers here. Lucinda was born July 17, 1838, and died Feb. 2, 1859, leaving 1 child, 
Willie F. On Dec. 25, 1859, Mr. Mitchell married his deceased wife's sister Asenath, born 
in Washington Township, Erie Co., May 5, 1843. Four children have blessed this union — 
Mary L., widow of M. L. Himrod, and mother of Cassie May; Emmet G., Winters S. and 
Aurie E. Mr. Mitchell has filled several township offices; is a member of the Christian 
Church, and in politics is a Republican. 

JAMES S. MOORE (deceased) was born in Mercer Co., Penn., March 1, 1807, and in 
1846 was married to Sophronia Cotrell, born July 25, 1817, a daughter of Benjamin and 
Tamazine Cotrell. Benjamin Cotrell came from Rhode Island in 1790, and married Tam- 
azine Bunting, of Bucks Co., Penn., in 1812. Benjamin Cotrell was a soldier in the war of 
1812, and his father took part in the Revolutionary war. David H., son of Benjamin, 
served in the late war. George, son of David, is in the regular army. To Mr. and Mrs. 
J. S. Moore were born 2 children — James E., born Sept., 1847; learned the trade of a 
blacksmith with his father, who had 3 brothers that followed the same occupation. 
He married Nancy M. Betts, born Oct. 1, 1860, daughter of Sheldon and Eliza (Barnes) 
Betts, by whom he has 1 child, James Glenn. Edgar H., son of James S. Moore, born 
March 22, 1850, who lives on the old homestead. James S. Moore came to this country in 
the fall of 1851; died May 11, 1870. 

CHARLES JOHN POLLOCK, farmer, P. O. Mill Village, was born in 1811 on the 
homestead farm in this township, son of Robert Pollock, who came to Erie Co. from 
Northumberland Co., Penn., in 1800. Robert was united in marriage, in 1810, with Mary 
Ann Anderson, of Waterford Township, Erie Co., and settled in LeBceuf on the farm now 
occupied by Charles J. Mr. Pollock, Sr., departed this life Feb. 22, 1844, aged fifty-eight; 
his widow Aug. 7, 1861, aged seventy-three years. Our subject married, Jan. *1, 1840, 
Mary Moorhead, of Fairview Township, Erie Co., Penn. Three children have blessed this 
union, viz., Margaret M., Martha Ann (who died in 1857) and James M. 

WILLIAM J. ROBINSON, Mill Village, son of William and Eliza (Ford) Robinson, 
early settlers of LeBcsuf Township, Erie Co., Penn., was born March 7, 1854, near the 
present site of Mill Village. He was married in 1876 to Miss Maggie Sweatman, of Erie, 
Penn. One child, John Park, has blessed this union. Our subject was educated in public 
and select commercial schools. He afterward engaged in general merchandising, and is at 
present a grocer and commission merchant in Mill Village,' Erie Co., Penn. Mr. Robinson 
was Burgess of Mill Village two terms, and has filled various local offices; is at present 
a Justice of the Peace. He is descended from a highly respected family, and enjoys the 
acquaintance of a large circle of friends and relatives. 

J. SEYMOUR ROSS, hardware merchant, Mill Village, an enterprising, well-known 
citizen, editor and proprietor of the Mill Village Herald, was born near Sheakleyville, 
Mercer Co., Penn., May 19, 1842. He is a son of John and Louisa (Wetmore) Ross; the 
former departed this life in 1870, the latter in 1851. Our subject, after acquiring a com- 



LE B(EUr TOWNSHIP. 101 

mon school education, attended the high sclioolsof Meadville and Greenville, Penn. When 
eighteen years old, he commenced teaching during the winters, and worked on his father's 
farm the balance of the year. This he continued 6 years. He was united in marriage, 
Sept. 24, 1867, with Nancy M. Frisbee, by whom he has 1 son, Clarence F. Mr. Ross, in 
1872, went on a farm in LeBoeuf Township, but after 3 years removed to Mill Village, 
where he purchased the only hardware store. He keeps a good stock. In 1882, he bought 
out the Mill Village Herald, which he has since carried on successfully, largely increasing 
its subscription list. Mr. Ross, in politics, is a Democrat; he has been School Director for 
6 years, and also Burgess of the borough. He is a member of the Masonic Order, K. of H. 
and Royal Templars of Temperance Society. 

JAMES STRANAHAN, farmer. P. O. Union City, was born Oct. 28, 1817, in Colum- 
bia, Herkimer Co.. N. Y., son of Gibson J. and Dolly (DevendorfE) Stranahan, who came 
here in 1835. Our subject married, in 1888, Cynthia Taylor, born in Warren Co., Penn., 
in 1819, by whom he had the following children: Sydney, Dolly J. (wife of L. S. Gillette), 
and Gibson, twins; Charles (deceased) and Cynthia, wife of Dr. L. J. King, of Michigan 
(also twins); A. T.; Carrie M., wife of S. J. Fisher, of N. Y., and an infant (deceased). 
Mr. Stranahan, by trade, is a shoe-maker and tanner, and has worked at the same a number 
of years. Mrs. Stranahan departed this life June 18, 1876. Mr. Stranahan's oldest son, 
Sydney B., was born April 1, 1841. He is also a mechanic, and was married to Margaret 
E. Avery, born Jan. 6, 1847, by whom he has had 4 children — Perry G., Benjamin J., 
Leonard A. and Dolly M. Our subject owns 120 acres of land, and he and son pride them- 
selves on their good stock and fine facilities for dairying, which they make a specialty. 

A. L. TILDEN, County Commissioner and farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Aug. 21, 1884, 
at Nelson, Ohio, the oldest son of Charles and Adeline (King) Tilden; the former a native of 
Herkimer Co., N. Y., of English descent; the latter was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., of 
German lineage. Our subject acquired his education in the common schools of Portage 
Co., and at Nelson Academy and Allegheny College, Meadville, Penn. When eighteen 
years old, he started in life for himself; traveled through the lumber regions of Michigan, 
being employed at various points in the erection of mills and manufacturing of lumber, 
etc. Mr. Tilden came to Erie Co. in 1863, and 2 years later embarked in the lumber 
trade, in which he continued until 1857, when all he had accumulated was swept away in 
the panic of that year. He next accepted a position in the oil regions as manager for 
C. A. Dean & Co. and the Cleveland and Oil Creek Co. While in their employ he had by 
speculation made $5,000, which in 1862 he invested in oil, which he shipped, but it was 
consumed by fire before it reached its destination, and for the third time he had to start 
afresh, almost penniless. Our subject was then employed as fuel agent by the A. & G.W. 
R. R. Co. until 1866, when he bought his present farm in LeBceuf, which consists of 140 
acres of well-improved land. July 3, 1861, he married Mary C, daughter of William and 
Florilla (Baker) Wheeler, of English origin, and a native of New York. To this union have 
been born W. W., Charles A. (attending the Waterford Academy) and Mary C. Mr. Tilden 
is Democratic in politics; was elected County Commissioner in 1879, and re-elected in 1881, 
and is now serving his si.Kth year; is a member of the K. of H.; is a prominent member 
of the Grange. His grandfather, Daniel S. Tilden, was among the first settlers of Portage 
Co., Ohio, and at one time owned one-third of Hiram. 

JOSEPH WALDRON, farmer, P. O. Mill Village, was born Oct. 7,1821, in Bloomfleld 
Township, Crawford Co. Penn., and is the eldest son born to Levi B. and Isabel Alexan- 
der Waldron, natives of York State and Ireland respectively. They had a family of 6 
children ( 5 surviving) and were earlj' settlers of this county. Our subject was married 
in LeBoeuf Township, in 1856, to Maria, daughter of John and Sallie (Webster) Willey. 
She was born in this township in 1830; she was the mother of 5 children — H. L., a farmer; 
W. S., teaching; AdaK., E. J., and Bert, at home. Mrs. Waldron died Oct. 18, 1881. Mr. 
Waldron is a successful self made man, and owns 286 acres of well-improved land, and 
makes raising fine stock a specialty ; he has filled various township offices, such as Audi- 
tor, Assessor, Inspector of Elections and School Director. Politically, he is a Democrat. 

J. L. WATERHOUSE, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Mill Village, was born July 12, 
1822, in Armstrong, now Clarion Co., Penn., son of William and Rebecca (Isherwood) 
Waterhouse, natives of England and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father of the latter 
was a sea Captain; they settled in LeBceuf, Erie Co., in 1832, and were the parents of 11 
children, 4 surviving. Our subject was united in marriage, Feb., 1852, with Lydia M. 
Rhodes, born June 23, 1823, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Young) Rhodes. Five chil- 
dren have been born to this union — T. W. ; Alice, widow of Harry Porter; Amy L.; J. H., 
and Emma R., who is teaching school in this township. Mr. Waterhouse owns 225 acres of 
well-improved land; his wife 13 acres in Crawford Co., Penn. Our subject followed 
lumbering 15 years, making frequent trips to Pittsburgh, by water. He has held many 
local offices; was for 10 years Justice of the Peace; 6 years Road Commissioner; 4 
years School Director; 3 years Constable, and Collector from 1862 to 1864. Mr. 
Waterhouse'is politically a Republican. 

T. W. WATERHOUSE, lumberman, P. O. Mill Village, was born Feb. 24, 1853, son of 
J. L. and Lydia M. (Rhodes) Waterhouse. He was united in marriage, Oct. 23, 1873, with 



4 



102 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

L. E. Maxwell, born Aug. 3, 1854, a daughter of Frank and Rachel Williams, early settlers 
of Erie County. One daughter. Georga, has blessed this union. Mr. Waterhouse is en- 
gaged in lumbering, and has a steam saw and shingle mill in LeBceuf Township. He is 
also a manufacturer of bee hives. 

CHARLES M. WHEELER, lumberman and farmer, P. O. LeBceuf, was born at New 
Ipswich, Hillsboro Co., N. H., Jan. 29, 1826, a son of Stephen and Hannah (Stratton) 
Wheeler, whose ancestry were from Scotland. C. M. Wheeler came to LeBceuf Township 
in 1852, and settled on what was then called the Moravian Grant. He was united in mar- 
riage, Dec. 6, 1854, with Sarah,; J. Clark, born July 9, 1835, at Townsend, Middlesex 
Co., Mass., daughter of Eben and Betsy (Bills) Clark; 6 sons have been born to this union, 
5 now living— Edward E., Walter S., Orton H., Fred C. and Arthur C. Mrs. Wheeler's 
great-grandfather Clark served as Captain in the Revolutionary war, and at one time was 
one of Washington's bodyguards. Her brother, Charles Clark is an extensive contractor, 
residing at Boston, Mass. Mr. Wheeler is a large land holder in this county, and owns a 
large tract in Marshall Co., Minn. He has held several offices in his own town; is polit- 
ically a Republican. His father served several terms in the New Hampshire Legislature; 
politically a Whig; and his grandfather, Seth Wheeler, held a commission and served in 
the war of the Revolution. 



McKEAN TOWNSHIP. 



ERASTUS V. ALLEN, minister. United Brethren, P. O. McKean, was born in St. 
Lawrence Co., N. Y., July 8, 1812, son of Abram AJlen, born in 1768, who married Mary 
McComber, born in 1777, both natives o^^V^riuont, and who had a family of 11 chil- 
dren, of whom Trueman, Erastus V., Martin, Austin A., Abram, Solomon and Mary are 
now living; Mrs. Abram Allen died in 1830. By his second wife Abram Allen was 
the parent of 4 children, those now living being Mary, Chauncey and William. Abram 
Allen served in the war of 1812, on the New York frontier; about the year 1814 he 
came to Erie Co., and located in Mill Creek Township, removing to McKean in 1820, 
where he took up 50 acres of wild land. He died in 1859, his wife having preceded 
him by six years. Our subject married Sarah Dodge, born June 20, 1812, daughter of 
Tyler and Esther (Grayes) Dodge, all natives of New York State. By this marriage there 
were 8 children, of whom Erastus A., Lorenzo S. and Rufus S. are deceased, and 
Esther A., Mary A., Nathan T., Rufus A. and John W. are living. Of this family 
Erastus A., Nathan T., Rufus A. and John W. were soldiers in the war of the rebell- 
ion; Erastus was Corporal in Co. I, 145th P. V. I., and being mortally wounded at 
the battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, died on the 4th. Nathan and Rufus enlisted in the 
11th P. V. I., and John in the 102d, all served from 1862-63, till the close of the war. Our 
subject's tirst wife died July 28, 1869, and Mr. Allen married Mrs. Maria Wiswell, a 
widow, born March 18, 1820 ; she is daughter of Christopher and Maria (Horn) 
Fronce, all natives of New York State. There is no family by this last union. Mr. Allen 
read law in 1828, in the office of John Riddell, Erie; in 1858, he entered the ministry of the 
United Brethren denomination, and is now connected with the Western Reserve Confer- 
ence. He enlisted August 15, 1862, in Co. K, 145th Reg. P. V. I., and took part in the 
battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. In a skirmish at Coffee Hill, Va., 
he was injured by a shell, and sent to the hospital at Philadelphia, where he received his 
discharge March 4, 1864. Mr. Allen is by trade a carpenter. In politics, he is a Green- 
backer. 

SYLVESTER B. ALLEN, blacksmith, Middleboro, was born in North East Tp. Dec. 
25, 1841; son of Austin A. and May (Bird) Allen, the former born June 4, 1817, and the 
latter on Sept. 25, 1820, a dausrhter of Josh and Amy (Law) Bird, who had a family of 8 
children— Sylvester G., Mary L., Lucy A., Ellen F.," Ida S. and Elmer A., still surviving. 
Austin A. Allen is a blacksmith by trade; he was elected Burgess of Middleboro in 1883; he 
IS a son of Abram Allen, mentioned in E. V. Allen's sketch. "Our subject married, October 
31, 1861. Helen Smith, born Feb., 1843, daughter of Alfred and Mary A. (Agling) Smith. 
By this union there is 1 child— Alfred S., born July 8, 1864. Mr. Allen is a member of 
the Town Council of Middleboro. In April, 1861, he volunteered in Reed's Guards, Col. 
McLane, for three months, but saw no service. The following September, he re-enlisted 
in Co. I, 9th N. Y. Cavalry, Army of the Potomac. He was but a short time in the 
service, when he rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant. He participated in the siege of 
I orktown, and battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg; he received his discharge Oc- 
tober, 1863. Mr. Allen in politics is a Republican; he is an adherent of the M. E. Church, 
and is Superintendent of the Sabbath school at Middleboro. 



McKEAN TOWNSHIP. 103 

SQUIRE C. BEAN, cheese manufacturer, Middleboro, was born in Summit Town- 
ship, Erie Co., May 16, 1860, and is a son of William A. and Hulda C. (Norris) Bean, the 
former born Dec. 2, 1817, and the latter in 1829; natives of Nashville, Tenn., and Lawrence- 
burg, Ind., respectively; they were the parents of 11 children— W. Pierce and Royal W., 
deceased, and Byron B., Erie A., Helen L., Reginald F., Kittie R., Squire C, Ellsworth 
M., Alfaretta C. and Leoni L., living. William A. Bean is a farmer residing in Summit 
Township, and is the owner of two valuable farms, comprising 170 acres. The home farm 
contains 110, is well stocked and has superior farm buildings erected thereon. Mr. Bean 
has been Justice of the Peace for five years, and a School Director of Summit Township 
for many years; in politics, he is a Democrat. Our subject commenced the manufacture 
of cheese in 1879 at Middleboro Steam Cheese Factory, with 22 patrons, and turned out 
50,000 lbs. of cheese that year. His patrons now number 30, and the products for the 
season, Nov., 1883, were 8*0,000 lbs. The business is prospering, the factory is turning out 
a superior brand. 

JOHN H. BLOUNT, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in Erie City May 28, 1843. 
son of James and Elizabeth (Paul) Blount, the former born Aug. 19, 1821; the latter is a 
daughter of William Paul, all natives of Derbyshire, England. They had a family of 
8 children, of whom John H., Thomas A., Ellen J. and Emmanuel survive. Of this fam- 
ily, John H. and Thomas A. were in the U. S. Navy during the war of the rebellion. 
James Blount came to America in 1840, first locating in the city of Erie. In 1857, his wife 
died, and he next married Elizabeth Garland. By this union there were 3 children— 
Lavina and James now living. Mr. Blount is by trade a blacksmith, and resides in Mc- 
Kean Tp. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Taylor) Blount, also natives of Derbyshire, 
England, where the former still resides. John H. Blount, our subject, married Sept. 
10, 1867, Elizabeth Smith, born Nov. 28, 1844, daughter of Conrad and Christine (Kno- 
del) Smith, the former born Dec. 5, 1805, in Hesse-Cassell, died Feb. 26, 1879, in McKean 
Township, and the latter, born May 5, 1822, in Wurtemberg, Germany; by this union there 
were 6 children— Reinhart, born Sept. 10, 1868; Henrietta, Sept. 18, 1870; Clarence L., 
Dec. 23, 1871; Henry C, November 27, 1873; Archie, Nov. 21, 1878, died January 18, 1879, 
and Arthur Garfield, born Dec. 5, 1880. In early life, Mr. Blount was a sailor on the lakes, 
and Aug. 28, 1863, he volunteered in the navy, was rated a first-class seaman, and appoint- 
ed to the gunboat Silver Lake (Capt. Coyle) of the Gulf Squadron, under Commodore 
Fitch. His vessel operated chiefly on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, and took 
part in the repulse of Hood from Nashville and Clarksville. Tenn. In Dec, 1863, he was 
transferred to the hospital-ship Fitch, and served until the close of the war as Hospital 
Steward. Mr. Blount is by trade a worker in tin, copper and sheet iron, and plies his trade 
in connection with his farming. His well-stocked farm is situated four miles from Middle- 
boro, and comprises sixty-three acres. He is an Odd Fellow; in politics, an Independent 
Republican. 

THOMAS A. BLOUNT, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in Erie Citjr, Sept. 11, 1845, son 
of James and Elizabeth (Paul) Blount, mentioned in John H. Blount's biography. Thomas 
A. Blount married, May 25, 1867, Anna E. Irvine, born June 7, 1844, daughter of William 
and Dorathy (Wallace) Irvine, the former born in Tyrone Co., Ireland, Dec. 9, 1804; came 
to America in 1808; the latter was a native of New York State. By this marriage there 
were born 4 children, as follows: Charles I., born Oct. 4, 1872; Millie May, May 24, 1874; An- 
nie B., Dec. 28, 1879, died Feb. 24, 1882; and Ellen A., born Oct. 4, 1882. Mr. Blount 
served in the navy during the late war. He was enrolled Aug. 25, 1864, and appointed to 
the gunboat Silver Lake, Capt. Co., of the Gulf Squadron, Commodore Fitch. His vessel 
-operated chiefly on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, its principal engagements being 
before Johnsonville and Nashville, Tenn., and the subsequent capture of Moseby's Guer- 
rillas, in all of which Mr. Blount took part. He had numerous narrow escapes and some 
thrilling adventures during his term of service, which expired Aug. 18, 1865. His farm, 
situated 3^ miles from Middleboro, comprises 100 acres, and is well stocked. In politics, 
Mr. Blount is a Democrat. 

THOMAS H. CLAPPER, merchant, Middleboro, was born in New York State May 
16, 1830; son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Woodin) Clapper, the former born Feb., 1806, and 
the latter in 1809, both natives of New York State. Mrs. Elizabeth Clapper is a daughter 
of Amos and Lucretia (Wilsey) Woodin, the former a nativeof NewEngland and the latter_ 
of Germany. They were the parents of 8 children— Thomas H., Margaret E., Louisa, Eugene,' 
George and Elizabeth now living. Thomas H. was a soldier in the Mexican war, and Eugene 
and George were in the war of the rebellion. Jeremiah Clapper came to Erie Co. in 1838, lo- 
cating in Girard for 2 years, when he removed to McKean Tp., where he still resides. Our 
subject married, April, 1852, Myra A. Peck, born March 29, 1825, daughter of Lewis and 
Orill (Richardson) Peck, natives of Connecticut. They were the parents of 7 children, viz., 
Hener (deceased), Harriet, Emily, John, Peley, Eugene and Lee. Mrs. Myra A. Clapper died 
•Sept. 22, 1870, and Mr. Clapper married, Oct. 4, 1876, Annie Meachum, born May 9, 1858, 
daughter of Simeon and Phebe (Mullary) Meachum, all natives of this State. Three chil- 
dren blessed this union— Eddy (deceased), Gertrude and Jane. Mr. Clapper in early life 
was a sailor, and engaged in this calling on nearly all the lakes. At Cleveland, in 1847, 



104 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

he enlisted under the name of Heman Thomas in Co. H, Capt. John H. Perry, loth 
Reg. U. S. I.. Col. Georc:e W. Morgan, of Ohio, and served through the Mexican war 
as a private. He participated in the battles of Contreras, Churubusco, Molino Del Rey, 
storming of Chapultepec, and siege and capture of the City of Mexico. He was discharged 
at Cincinnati, Ohio, Aug., 1848. From 1852 to 1881, Mr. Clapper was engaged in farming, 
and now owns an excellent farm of 201 acres 1 mile from Middleboro. In 1881, Mr. Clap 
per opened a general store in Middleboro. He carries a well-assorted stock of goods, and 
is doing a prosperous trade. He has acted as School Director, and is an Alderman. In 
politics, is a Democrat. 

CHARLES D. COYLE, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in McKean Tp. April 27, 
1842, and is a son of Paul Coyle, born in Maryland, July 6, 1813, who married, May 12, 
1836. Laura Wright, born Sept. 14, 1817, daughter of Noah and Betsey (Fuller) Wright, 
all natives of New York State. They had a family of 5 children, of whom Charles D.'and 
Eugene are now living. Of this family, Darious O. and Charles D. were soldiers in the 
war of the rebellion. The former was a private in Company D, 83d Reg. Penn. Int., and 
was killed at the battle of Gettysburg July 3, 1863. Laura Wright died July 3, 1852, and 
Paul Coyle married Mary Smith, a native of Germany, and had 5 children — Margaret, 
John D. and Irwin being now the only survivors. Mary Smith died March 19, 1867; and 
Mr. Coyle next united in marriage with Nancy Schellenburger, a native of Ohio, but had 
no children. He came to Erie about the year 1834, settling in McKean Tp., and died 
April 28, 1875. His widow still survives him. Paul was a son of Elijah Coyle, a native of 
Germany, who died about the year 1838. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. 
Charles D. Coyle. of whom we write this biography, married, Feb. 23, 1865, Sarah J. Long, 
born April 8, 1847. daughter of Charles and Susan (Gilbert) Long, the former born in Mas- 
sachusetts May 6, 1806, and the latter in this State Oct. 20, 1817. By this union there are 
2 children, viz., Mina B. and Minnie D., born June 20, 1867. Mr. Coyle is a prosperous 
farmer, owns a well -stocked farm of 50 acres, with excellent farm buildings, 3 miles from 
Middleboro. At the breaking-out of the rebellion, he responded to the first call for troops; 
volunteered April 19. 1861, in Co. E, 17th Reg. Penn. State Militia, and served 3 months. 
He again volunteered Aug. 6, 1861, in Co. D, 83d Reg. P. V. I., 3d Brig., 2d Div., 5th 
Corps, Maj. Gen. G. R. Warren, Army of the Potomac. With his regiment, he partici- 
pated in the siege of Yorktown and battles of Hanover Court House and Gaines' Mill. In 
the latter battle, he was wounded in the leg by a rifle shot, and remained a prisoner on 
the battle-field three weeks, enduring intensesuffering. The ball was extracted, and he 
was paroled, sent to the hospital at Baltimore, where he underwent a thrice-repeated 
ordeal of amputation of the injured limb. He remained in hospital until March 3, 1863, 
when he received his discharge. He draws a pension. Mr. Coyle is an Odd Fellow, a 
member of the Middleboro Post, 83, G. A. R., and in politics, is a Republican. 

GEORGE W. CRANDALL, farmer, P. O. McLane, was born in McKean Township 
May 23, 1842, son of Thomas and Lucy Emily (Harrison) Crandall, former born in Chau- 
tauqua Co., N. Y., June 3, 1818, latter born April 9, 1822, daughter of Thomas and 
Annie (Clark) Harrison, natives of New York State. Thomas and Lucy Emily 
Crandall were married December 10, 1840. They had 8 children, of whom Virgil 
L. and John M. are deceased; George W., Charles A., Betsy A., Flora A. and Will- 
iam C. are now living. Of this family, George and Virgil were soldiers in the war of the 
rebellion. The latter enlisted in Co. B, 145th Reg. P. V. I., and while in camp at Fal- 
mouth, Va., died in the hospital on the day preceding the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 10, 
1862. Thomas Crandall, the elder, came to McKean Township, Erie Co., in 1838, and was 
for various terms a School Director of the same. He was an active member of the Method- 
ist Church at Compton's Corners. On Jan. 3, 1877, he went to the church to hght the fire, 
and was found afterward, sitting near the stove, dead. His widow still survives him. 
George Washington Crandall, our subject, married, July 4, 1864, Mattie J. Standclift, born 
March 15, 1845, daughter of William and Delia (Dowd) Standclift, of Waterford Township. 
She died without issue, March 24, 1866, and Mr. Crandall then married Florence Hitt, born 
Oct. 18, 1851, daughter of Henry and Rose (Sisson) Hitt, of Washington Township. By this 
marriage there are 2 children— Virgil L., born Feb. 18, 1873, and Henry H., born Feb. 22, 
1878. Mrs. Florence Crandall died March 11, 1878, andMr. Crandall next married, May^lS, 
. 1879, Delia L. Jenkins, born July 20, 1856, daughter of John C. and Rosella (Perkins) Jen- 
kins, the former born Aug. 10, 1818, and the latter April 25, 1827, all natives of this State. 
By this union there are 2 children — Florence R., born Aug. 17, 1880, and Perry Bruce, 
born April 14, 1883. Mr. Crandall, Aug. 14, 1862, volunteered in Co. B, 145th "P. V. I., 
2d Brig., 3d Div.. 2d Corps. Maj. Gen. W. S. Hancock, Anny of the Potomac. Was with 
his regiment at the battles of first and second Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettys- 
burg. At the latter engagement, he was permanently disabled by a wound, went to the 
hospital at Newark, N. J., and was there discharged Dec. 24, 1863. Mr. Crandall is an Odd 
Fellow, and a member of the G. A. R., Post 83, McKean. In politics, he is a Republican. 

ROBERT DAVIS, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Washington Township May 
29, 1824, son of Daniel and Polly (McClelland) Davis, the former born Dec. 25, 1800, and 
the latter born Dec. 24, 1799, daughter of Robert and Polly (Drake) McClelland, all natives 



McKEAN TOWNSHIP. 105 

of Vermont. They had a family of 10 children, of whom Zapher, Poll}', Robert, Philena. 
George, Daniel V., Sauia and William are now living. William served in the U. S. Navy 
during the war of the rebellion. Daniel Davis, the elder, came to Erie Co. in 1807 with 
his father, who settled in Conneaut Valley, Washington Township. He was a son of Zapher 
and Lois (Porter) Davis, natives of Vermont. Zapher was a son of Robert Davis, who was 
a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Robert Davis, subject of this sketch, married. March 20, 
1845, Sally Colvin, born March 5, 1825, daughter of Moses and Susan (Rush) Colvin, also na- 
tives of Vermont. By this marriage there were 10 children, as follows: Sylvester, born 
April 24.1846, died Nov. 14, 1850; Lester, born Aug. 14, 1847; Susan, March 6, 1849; Polly, Oct. 
28, 1851, died Nov. 14. 1875; Demitrious, June 30, 1851; William, May 20, 1854; Leoni, Aug. 
28, 1857; Lois, Nov. 2. 1860; Emma and Ella, born May 1, 1863. Mr. Davis removed from 
Waterford Township to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, in 1869, and came to McKean Township in 
1876, purchasing a fine farm of 75 acres on the Waterford Township line, where he now 
resides. Politicallv, he is a Republican. 

JOHN DROWN, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in York Co., Me., Oct. 9, 1810, son 
of Solomon and Elizabeth (Hatch) Drown, the former born Oct. 10, 1789, and the latter in 
1789, both natives of New Hampshire. They had a family of seven children— John, Will- 
iam, Warren, Eliza, Solomon and Elizabeth still living. Mrs. Elizabeth (Hatch) Drown 
died Feb. 12, 1821, and Solomon Drown then married Fannie Dennis. Their family num- 
ber 10 children, of whom Dennis, Clinton, James, Rebecca, Ritner and Jane (twins), Henry 
and Elvira are now living. Mr. Drown came from Wayne Co., N. Y. ; purchased the 
Joiner farm near Middleboro, in 1831, and located there, remaining until 1837, when he 
moved to Seneca Co., Ohio, where he died Oct. 6, 1857. His widow died Aug. 22, 188u. Sol- 
omon Drown was a son of John Drown, a native of New Hampshire, who was a soldier of 
the war of the Revolution. John Drown, our subject, married, Nov. 8. 1835, Elvira Grant, 
born Aug. 9, 1814, daughter of Benjamin and Abi (Strong) Grant, the latter a daughter of 
Timothy and Abi (Collins) Strong, all natives of East Windsor. Hartford Co., Conn. By 
this union there were 5 children, viz., John P., born Feb. 13, 1839, died July 25, 1859; 
William L., born Oct. 21, 1840; Elvira B., born March 2, 1847, died March 2, 1848; Julia, 
born April 2, 1850; Jenny L., born July 15, 1855. In 1851, Mr. Drown purchased the Grant 
homestead, upon which he now resides. He also owns a farm of 130 acres near Middle- 
boro. In politics, he is a Republican. 

ROBERT G. DUNN, farmer, P. 0. McKean, was born in McKean Township, March 
25. 1812, son of Oliver Dunn, born in 1771, who married, Sept. 2, 1793, Rachel Taylor, born 
in 1766, both of whom were natives of County Tyrone, Ireland. They had a family of 7 
children, viz., Martha, John M. T., William, Elizabeth, Oliver, Thomas and Jane, the 
latter being now the only survivor. Martha and John were born in Ireland. William 
served in the war of 1812-14; he was stationed at Erie under Capt. Foster. Oliver Dunn, 
the elder, was one of the earliest pioneers of the county. He came to America in 1797, 
where he articled 200 acres of land, then a wilderness, but now one of the most fertile sec- 
tions in the county, in which the homestead erected by David Dunn stands conspicuous 
for its beauty. On the 14th of April, 1810, Rachel Taylor, his wife, died, and Mr. Dunn 
married, April 4, 1811, Anna Gray, born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., Nov., 1788, daughter 
of William Gray, a native of Huntingdon Co., Penn. Their family numbered 8, of whom 
Rachel, David, Nancy and George are deceased, and Robert G., Mary A., James and Sarah 
survive. Mr. Dunn was the first Justice of the Peace of McKean Township, and held the 
oflSce many years; he also held other principal township offices. He died April 20, 1836. 
His widow lived to the ripe age of nearly seventy-five, and died Aug. 5, 1863. Oliver was 
a son of Oliver Dunn, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland. Robert G. Dunn, our subject, 
married, Jan. 18, 1838, Rebecca Dumars, born in Mill Creek Township Dec. 25, 1813, 
daughter of James and Margaret (Robinson) Dumars, natives of County Tyrone, Ireland. 
By this union there are 6 children, viz. : Henry, born February 10, 1839"; Sidney, born 
Nov. 11, 1840; Albert, born Aug. 24, 1842; Sophia J., born Oct. 3, 1844; Janette, born 
Aug. 13, 1846; Benjamin F., born Feb. 14, 1849. Of this family, Albert was a soldier in 
the war of the rebellion. In Aug., 1862, he enlisted in Co. B, 145th Reg. P. V. I.; served 
as Corporal, and was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va. He went to the Phila- 
delphia Hospital, and upon his return to the army he was made Sergeant, and was com- 
missioned as Second Lieutenant at the close of the war. He is now a merchant at Tidioute, 
Penn. Robert G. Dunn has held several of the most honorable township offices. He is a 
prominent member of the U. P. Church. In politics, he is a Republican. 

JAMES DUNN, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in McKean Township July 28, 1819, 
son of Oliver and Anna (Gray) Dunn, mentioned in Robert G. Dunn's biography. James 
Dunn married, February 18, 1851, Sarah Gray, born December 2, 1824, daughter of Fran- 
cis.B. and Jane (Gray) Gray, all natives of this State. By this union there are 2 chil- 
dren—George L., born July 9, 1860, and Lee J., born Dec. 4, 1861. The former is a mer- 
chant in Erie, and the latter engaged in business in Fair Co., Neb., where he owns land. 
James Dunn is a prominent citizen of McKean. In 1852, he was elected Road Commissioner; 
has been re-elected at various periods since that date, and still holds the office. He was 
elected Justice of the Peace in 1868, and served 10 years. Upon his re-election for a 



106 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

third term, he resigned. He has served 3 terms as School Director, and has been Auditor, 
Inspector and Judge of Elections. In 1873, he was elected County Director of the Poor, 
and served 1 term. Mr. Dunn was a delegate to the tirst Republican Convention ever held 
in the county, which was in 1858. He and his wife are adherents of the U. P. Church. 

MARY S. DUNN, P. O. McKean, was born in Westmoreland Co., this State, Feb. 
8, 1828, and is a daughter of William and Mary (Reed) Stewart, natives of Franklin Co., 
Penn.. who had a family of 10 children, viz., Andrew, John, Elizabeth, Jane, Eliza, Reed 
and Robert, deceased; and James L., William and Mary S. now living. William Stewart, 
the elder, died May 15, 1850, his wife preceding him April 22, 1844. He was a son of 
William Laud and Jane (Burns) Stewart, natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania respectively. 
Mary Reed was a daughter of Andrew and Mary Reed, the former a native of Ireland. 
Our subject was married, June 2, 1851, to David Dunn, born July 11, 1824, son of Oliver 
and Anna (Gray) Dunn, mentioned in the biography of R. G. Dunn. Four children were 
born to this union, viz.. Reed S., Emma L., Edwin L. and Blanche L. David Dunn was 
a prominent citizen of McKean Township, and filled some of its offices, among which 
were Road Commissioner and School Director. He was a member of the U. P. Church, 
of which he was for some time a Trustee. He died Nov. 7. 1870. 

LEVI W. EASTMAN, farmer, P. O. McKean. was born in Addison Co., Vt.. May 6, 1842, 
son of Levi Eastman, born on the estate of Gen. Ethan Allen, Vermont, Dec. 14, 1802, who 
married Martha Bailey (nee Warner), a widow, born May 16, 1798, and had a family of 7 
children, of whom Sarah, Ruby, Ezra T., Dameras, Elizabeth and Levi W. are now living. 
Ruby mnrried Dr. George Carnahan, who was a Surgeon in the Union army. They re- 
sided in Missouri during the war. Dr. Carnahan is now dead. Levi Eastman, the elder, 
came to Erie Co. in 1858, and settled in Elk. Creek Township; he now resides with his son, 
Levi W. ; Martha Bailey, his wife, died Dec. 21, 1872. Levi W. Eastman, our subject, 
married, April 9, 1866, Elizabeth Phillips, born Dec. 6, 1845, daughter of James and Em- 
ily (Kimble) Phillips, mentioned in Wm. W. Phillips' biography. By this union there 
were 7 children, viz., Claude W., born Feb. 8, 1867; Clarence B., Nov. 5, 1869; Minnie E., 
May 15, 1870; Leonora, Sept. 18, 1872; Archie B., Julv 21, 1875; Ella L., Jan. 5, 1879, and 
Roy, Feb. 16, 1884. Mr. Eastman volunteered Jan. 6, 1863, in Co. I, 14th Penn. Cavalry as 
private. This regiment was in the 2d Brigade, 1st Division under Maj. Gen. W. B. 
Averell, and operated in the Department of Southwestern Virginia. Private Eastman 
took part in the following engagements, from May 10, 1864: Wytheville, Newmarket, 
Lynchburg, Liberty, Salem and Bunker Hill, Va., Point of Rocks, Md., Snicker's Gap, 
Newtown and Martinsburg, Va., Clear Spring, Md., Moorfield and Cedar Creek, Va. He 
was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, Feb. 5, 1865, his last engagement being at Ashley's 
Gap, Feb. 19. Mr. Eastman now owns a fine farm, comprising 95 acres, situated 2 miles 
from Middleboro on the Erie & Edinboro road. In polities, he is a Republican. 

DANIEL HARRISON, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., 
Feb- 22, 1818, son of Thomas Harrison, born May 14, 1787, and married. May 7, 1807, to 
Annie Clark, born Aug. 11, 1788, both natives of New York State. They had a family of 
11 children — Daniel, Lucy E. and Mary being now the only survivors. Thomas Harrison 
came to Erie Co. about the year 1823, and settled in McKean Township when it was a 
wilderness and wild animals abounded. The number of antlers in his son's possession 
bear ample testimony of his skill as a marksman. He died Oct. 17, 1861, his widow follow- 
ing him April 28, 1869. During the stirring days of the war of 1812, Mr. Harrison sacri- 
ficed his property in Canada rather than fight with the British against his native country. 
He returned to New York State, where he remained until he came to this county. Daniel 
Harrison, our subject, was united in marriage, Dec. 29, 1853, with Laura, daughter of 
Jonas and Amy (Slater) Stafford, natives of New York State. She was born May 19, 1836, 
and died Dec. 22, 1875. By this marriage there were 6 children, viz., William H.. born 
March 24, 1855, died November 11, 1865; Malvina, died April 28, 1857; Lillian, born 
February 2, died June 11, 1859; Sidney, born Aug. 15, 1860; Nellie V,, born April 28, 
1862; Clifton D., born Oct. 11, 1869. Nellie Viola married, Feb. 15, 1881, Thomas McArdle, 
born in Crawford Co. Aug. 16, 1857. They have a son— Daniel A., born March 16, 1882. 
Sidney married, Aug. 23, 1882, Mary Henbeck, born Jan. 10, 1864. Mr. Harrison now 
owns the paternal homestead of 225 acres. Originally the farm contained 174 acres, which 
Daniel assisted his father to reclaim from the wilderness. It is situated within 2 miles of 
Middleboro; has excellent farm buildings and is well stocked. Politically, Mr. Harrison 
i.i a Republican. 

SAMUEL W. HAUCK, merchant and Postmaster, Sterrettania, was born in McKean 
Township March 3. 1844, son of Laurence and Margaret (Strouce) Hauck, the former 
born Aug. 17. 1805, and the latter born June 5, 1806, both natives of Germany. They 
were the parents of 10 children; those living are Julia, John, Charles, Catharine, Ce- 
lina, Mary, Samuel W. and Joseph. John was a private in the 145th Reg. P. V. I. 
Mrs. Margaret Hauck died Sept. 30, 1850. Laurence Hauck married his second wife, Mrs. 
Laura Harrison, a widow, and daughter of Ransom Jenkins ; one daughter, Louisa, has 
resulted from this union. Mr. L. Hauck came to America in 1833, and took up 130 acres 
of land in McKean Township, which he cleared and converted into a comfortable home- 



McKEAN TOWNSHIP. 107 

stead. He died Oct. 18, 1864; his widow still survives. Our subject, Samuel W. Hauck, . 
was united in marriage, Dec. 26, 1872, with Cecelia L., daughterof Lewis and Mary (Perry) 
Moore, natives of Detroit, Mich., the former born in 1785, and the latter in 1808. Mrs. 
Hauck was born in Ohio, Nov. 27, 1850; 6 children have resulted from this union — Jennie G., 
born Jan. 12, 1874; Harry C. born May 12, 1875; Frank J., born Feb. 28, 1877; Matilda J., 
born April 15, 1879; Albert E., born March 13. 1881, and Mary May, born June 13, 1883. 
Mr. Hauck was appointed Postmaster in 1879; he has a well-patronized store, stocked 
^ith a choice assortment of general merchandise, the only one on the west side of the 
township. In religion, he is a Roman Catholic; in politics, a Republican. 

JOSEPH H. HAUCK, carpenter and joiner and cheese manufacturer, Sterrettania, 
was born in McKean Township March 17, 1851, son of Laurence and Margaret (Strouce) 
Hauck (mentioned in the biogi-aphy of S. W. Hauck). On Nov. 13, 1877, Mr. Hauck mar- 
ried Lizzie Lang, born July 14. 1857, daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Corell) Lang, of 
•Sterrettania. By this union, there are 2 children — George H., born March 14, 1879, and 
Charles L., born May 1, 1883. In 1881, Mr. Hauck erected the Sterrettania Steam Cheese 
Factory, and commenced the manufacture of cheese in May. The business is steadily in- 
creasing, the factory numbering about twenty patrons and producing 350 pounds of prime 
merchantable cheese daily. The vats are of the most approved pattern, and the ma- 
chinery of excellent description. The main building is 24x80, two stories high, with 
boiler "and engine room, 20x24, and contains, in addition to the cheese department, one of 
the finest cider mills in Erie Co. This mill in ordinary seasons is capable of producing 
75 barrels of cider per day. The whole enterprise is a decided acquisition to Sterrettania 
and creditable to its proprietor. Mr. Hauck erected a great many extensive buildings in 
this township. 

DANIEL HAYFORD, Jr.. farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in Maine Jan. 19, 1826, 
and is a son of Daniel and Ruth (Drown) Hayford, the latter a daughter of John and 
Sarah (Ayres) Drown, all natives of New Hampshire. They were the parents of 3 chil- 
dren, viz., Sarah (deceased), Daniel and John H. The latter was a soldier in the Mexican 
war, and subsequently served in the U. S. Navy. Daniel Hayford, Sr., died Feb. 21, 1840. 
Our subject came to Erie Co. in 1860, and had previously married Esther Boice, born 
Sept. 29, 1828, daughter of Robert and Esther Boice, all natives of this State. By this 
union there were 11 children, viz., Lynn (deceased), Olive, George, John, Daniel, So- 
phronia, Sarah, Jennie, Lincoln, Madison and Minnie. Mrs. Esther Hayford died Oct. 7, 
1882, and Mr. Hayford was united in marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth Vorse, born Jan- 29, 
1821, daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Hatch) Drown (mentioned in John Drown's bi- 
ography), and widow of Asa M. Vorse, a native of New York State, born June 4, 1814, 
died Apr. 10, 1881. His children were Mercy E. and Mary J., both deceased. Daniel 
Hayford resides in Middleboro, adjoining to which he owns farm property. He has taken 
some part in township affairs; is Republican in politics. 

SIDNEY W. JARVIS, by occupation a farmer, and who now resides in McKean Town- 
ship, was born in Kingsville, Ohio, July 12, 1840, and is a son of Sidney S. and Clarrisa 
(Boyington) Jarvis, the former born in New York State Dec. 17, 1808, and the latter born 
in Vermont in 1815. They were the parents of 3 children— Sophronia E., Sidney W. and 
John W. The eldest, Sophronia E., is the wife of William Shepard and resides at Kings- 
ville. Ohio; Sidney W. and John W. were soldiers in the war of the rebellion. The former 
served as a member of Co. K, 98th Reg., P. V. I., of the 6th Corps, Army of the Potomac. 
The latter, John W., enlisted in the 145th P. V. I. 2d Corps, Army of the Potomac. Shortly 
after the battle of Fredricksburg, Va., he was by sickness incapacitated from further 
service. Sidney S. Jarvis came to Erie Co. in the spring of 1842, and purchased 100 acres 
of land, mostly in forest, near the Waterford line, in McKean Township, which, with the 
aid of his sons, he cleared and converted into a fine homestead. He left his home in 
McKean in 1872, and went to reside in Kingsville, Ohio, where he died Jan. 1, 1874. His 
widow now lives in the home whicli they purchased there. Sidnej' "W. Jarvis engaged in 
school teaching in 1857, and continued at that occupation at various periods until 1877. 
On March 19, 1873, Mr. Jarvis, the subject of this sketch, married Miss Celia A. Webb, 
born at Johnstonville, Ohio, July 9, 1838, daughter of John L. and Julia (Ailing) Webb, 
the former born in Ohio, June 7, 1816, and the latter in Connecticut in 1809. By this 
union there are 4 children— Clara L., born July 31, 1874; Celia A., born Sept. 23, 1876, 
Linnie E., born Nov. 14, 1878; and Bertha M., born May 11, 1880. Mr. Jarvis now owns 
and resides on 52 acres of the home farm. In politics, he is a Republican. 

CHESTER H. LILLIE, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in Conneaut Township Oct. 
19, 1842, son of Benjamin and Betsy A. (Preston) Lillie, both natives of New York State, 
and the parents of 9 children; the surviving are Sylvester, Chester H., Lucinda, Betsy A., 
Alzada, Amanda and Alonzo. Franklin, Sylvester and Chester were soldiers during the 
late war. Franklin volunteered as a private in Co. B, 145th Reg. P. V. I., and at the bat- 
tle of Spottsylvania Court House, Va., was captured and taken to Libby Prison, Rich- 
mond, and eventually sent to the prison pen at Andersonville, Ga., where he died in the 
fall of 1864. Sylvester served three years in the 3d Reg. Penn. Cav., Army of the Potomac, 
re-enlisting in March, 1865. Benjamin Lillie died Jan. 18, 1866, and his widow May 12, 



108 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1881. Chester H. Lillie, our subject, was married April 12, 1866, to Sallie Newell, born 
March 23, 1840, daughter of William and Mary A. (Pollock) Newell, natives of this State; 
7 children were born to this union— Franklin B., born Jan. 7, 1867, died Aug. 9, 1869; 
Carrie A., March 6, died Mav 4, 1869: Mary I., Aug. 1, 1870; Orville C, Sept. 16, 1872; 
Matilda F., Oct. 20, 1874; William H., Nov. 25, 1876, and Emma, born December 12, 1879, 
died Dec. 4 1880. Mr. Lillie enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, in Co. B, 145th Reg., P. V. I., and 
served in the 2d Corps, Army of the Potomac, until the close of the war. At the battle of 
Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. he was severely wounded by a ritle shot in the breast, which 
incapacitated him from further service until "the fall of "1863, when, returning to his regi- 
ment, he took part in Gen. Grant's Wilderness campaigns and siege of and battles around 
Petersburg and Richmond, in which he was taken prisoner. He was sent to Anderson- 
ville, remaining there four months, when he was transferred to Camp Newton, Ga. ; was 
then returned to Andersonville, where he was confined until discharged at Jackson, Miss., 
March, 1865. Mr. Lillie is a member of the A. O. U. W., G. A. R., Post No. 83, McKean; 
is a Republican in politics. 

MICHAEL McLaughlin, farmer, P. O. Sterrettania, was born in McKean Town- 
ship, Feb. 5, 1842, and is a son of Thomas and Honora (Fagan) McLaughlin, the former 
born March 28, 1796, died March 5, 1880, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, and the lat- 
ter born in Mill Creek Township July 8, 1807. They were married Oct. 2, 1825, and had 
a family of 10 children— John, Mary J., Elizabeth, Charles, Rosanna, Michael, Hannah 
and Edward survive. Of this family, Charles was a soldier in the late war. Thomas 
McLaughlin, the elder, came to America in 1821, locating in Erie City Jan. 28, 1824; in 1830 
removed to McKean To-\vnship. Fora numberof yearshe was Supervisor of this township, 
and for 21 years Auditor. His wife died Sept. 4, 1858, and he followed her Feb. 26, 1880. 
Our subject married, Nov. 17, 1862, Honora McCarty, born Jan., 1842, daughter of Michael 
and Margaret (McCarty) McCarty, natives of County Cork, Ireland; 6 children were born 
to this union, viz., Thomas J., born June 7, 1870; Charles J., born Nov. 22, 1872; Frank W., 
born Aug. 24, 1874; Mary H., born July 30, 1876; Margaret J., born March 12, 1878, and 
Richard H.. born Oct. 15, 1880. Mr. Mc'Laughlin is a prosperous farmer residing upon and 
cultivating the estate of C. J. Sterrett, near Sterrettania. He is owner of 25 acres adjoin- 
ing the Sterrett estate, also a good farm of 75 acres in McKean Township. Mr. 
McLaughlin and family are members of the Roman Catholic Church. In politics, he is 
a Republican. 

JOHN MARSH, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in Nova Scotia Sept. 19, 1822, son of 
James Marsh, born in 1794, and married to Jane Thompson, born in 1792, daughter of 
Andrew and Jane (Marsh) Thompson, all natives of Nova Scotia. They were the parents 
of 10 children, of whom Andrew T., John. Rachel. Mary, Theodore H. and Wilson are 
now living. Of this family, Andrew and Wilson were soldiers in the war of the rebellion. 
James Marsh came from Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1835, took up land in McKean Township 
and cleared for himself and family some 66 acres. He died Oct. 22, 1857, his widow following 
him April 3, 1872. He was a son of John Marsh, a native of England, who was a sailor 
and shipwright, and who emigrated to Nova Scotia at the close of the French and English 
war. John^Marsh, our subject, married. Jan. 6, 1850, Mary A. Brimhall, born Dec. 22, 
1825, daughter of Aaron and Sabry (Bull) Brimhall, the former born Oct. 9, 1795. in Con- 
necticut, and the latter July 16, 1799, in Clinton Co.. N. Y. By this union there were 8 
children, as follows: Arthur J., Oct. 13, 1850, died July 19, 1881; Judson A., born March 
28. 1852, died July 22, 1860; Fletcher C. born April 20, 1854, died July 22, 1860; Jenny J., 
born Jan. 4. 1856, died July 28. 1860; Carlton C. born Nov. 17, 1860; Hattie H., born March 
19, 1863; Rufus W., Aug. 1. 1868; and Mary E., born Sept. 26. 1871. Arthur J. married, 
Sept. 16, 1874, Nettie Stanclift, and had one child— Linnie E., born Dec. 9, 1877. He was 
killed by a fall from a loft in his barn. John Marsh, in early life, was for 16 years a sailor 
on the lakes, eight of which he was Captain of his vessel. He now resides in the paternal 
residence, which he owns. His fine stock of young cattle are half-breed Holsteins. 

DANIEL MARSH, farmer, P. O. McLane, was born in Colchester Co., Nova Scotia, 
Dec. 28, 1825, son of Patrick H. Marsh, born June 20, 1793, who married Susan McLaugh- 
lin, born Oct. 19, 1806, native of Nova Scotia, daughter of Henry and Jane (Wilson) 
McLaughlin, natives of Massachusetts, and had a family of 11 children, of whom Daniel, 
John W., James, Andrew R., Thomas, Patrick H. and Marilla are now living. Of this 
family, Daniel, John. Patrick and Joseph saw service in the war of the rebellion, John in 
the U. S. Navv and Patrick in the 6th Reg., Mo. I. The latter volunteered as private, 
served the full'term of the war, was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 11, 1862, and 
was promoted to the rank of Lieut. Col. of tlie 11th Ind. Joseph enlisted in the 145th 
P. V. I., Sept., 1862, and was killed at Gettysburg July 3, 1863. Patrick H. Marsh, the 
elder, came to Erie Co. in 1837, and settled in McKean Township. His wife died April 21, 
1847, and he followed her Aug. 9, 1863. He was a son of John and Eleanor (Corbett) Marsh, 
natives of Massachusetts. John was a son of Elijah Marsh, a native of Massachusetts, _who 
was a colonialjsoldier, and went to Nova Scotia during the French War, where he remained. 
Elijah was a son of Samuel Marsh, a native of England, who came to the Colonies in the 
17th century, where he died. Daniel Marsh, our subject, married Oct. 12, 1851, Frances M. 



McKEAN TOWNSHIP. 109 

Owen, daughter of David W. and Jane (Wycoff) Owen, mentioned elsewhere in this work. 
By this union there were 9 chilchen, as follows: Frederick D., born July 12, 1852, died 
June 18, 1881; Herbert G., born Nov. 29, 1853; Clarence A., born Jan. 9, 1857; Sidney O., 
born Aug. 23, 1859; Margaret J., born Dec. 12, 1861; Gertrude L., born April 21, 1864; 
Joseph W., born Sept. 7, i866; Florence M., born Feb. 28, 1870; and Edith B., born March 
20, 1873. Mr. Marsh was drafted April 2, 1865, into the 102d Reg., P. V. I., and was on his 
way to the front when Gen. Lee surrendered. He was with his regiment at Danville, Va., 
when the surrender of Gen. J. E. Johnston took place. He received his discharge June 23, 

1865. In politics, Mr. Marsh is an Independent. 

WILLIAM MARSH, farmer, and Justice of the Peace, P. O. McLane, was born in the 
Province of Nova Scotia Feb. 26, 1826,son of Wilson and Margaret (Miller) Marsh, mentioned 
in the biography of Joshua A. Marsh. At the age of fourteen, he left home to work on his 
own account. He improved his educational advantages, and became a teacher, working on 
a farm during the summer months. At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Marsh became a partner 
of F. D. Strong in the manufacture of cheese, and was among the first to introduce the 
steam-heating vat in the cheese factory. In 1852, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff by 
Thomas Vincent, and upon the latter's retiring from the office, engaged with J. C- Seldon, 
hardware merchant, Erie, as traveling salesman and accountant, remaining in that capac- 
ity 7 years. During 1861-62, he became associated with J. C. and G. Selden, J. H. Bliss 
and Samuel Vail, vinder the style and firm of W. Marsh & Co., in the oil enterprise at Bu- 
chanan Flats, Venango Co., Penn. From 1864 to 1867, he was a partner in the Erie Car- 
bon Oil Works Company, and also the Presque Isle Iron Works at Erie. He was Superin- 
tendent and accountant at the latter from 1866 to 1868. On the 27th of May, 1863, Mr. 
Marsh married DeUie Cooper, born April 4, 1841, daughter of Aaron andLydia(Beardsley) 
Cooper, all natives of New York State. Three children were born to this union — Elmer 
W., born Aug. 18, 1865; Wilber C, Nov. 23, 1871; and Dana S., Aug. 5. 1877. In 1868, 
Mr. Marsh moved to Waterford, and remained until 1876. During the intervening period, 
he was administrator, and settled the estates of S. C. Stanford, amounting to $40,000, and 
subsequently engaged in the manufacture of butter firkins, tubs, etc. Returning to Mc- 
Kean Township, he was elected Road Commissioner in 1880 (re-elected in 1883), and ia 
1881 Justice of the Peace. Our subject is still engagedin business enterprises; has a cheese 
factory on his farm, and owns the McLane and Draketown factories. He is Secretary, 
Treasurer and traveling salesman of the three. His dairy farm is situated 3 miles from 
Middleboro, and comprises 485 acres. His stock of cattle numbers 90 head, 60 being milch 
cows. He is improving the breeds by crossing native with pure Holsteins. Besides his 
fine dwelling in this township, our subject owns city property in Erie and Hastings, Mich. 
Mr. and Mrs. Marsh are members of the Christian Advent Church, Edinboro. Mr. Marsh 
is a Granger, and in politics a Republican. 

JOSHUA" A. MARSH, farmer, P. O. McKean. was born in Economy Co., Nova Sco- 
tia, March 16, 1829, son of Wilson Marsh, born Apr. 21, 1788, who married, Dec. 20, 1820. 
Margaret Miller, born Dec. 21, 1799, both natives of Nova Scotia, and had a family of 11 
children, of whom Betsy M., Robert, Sarah and Cyreuius are now dead, and William, Mar- 
garet, Joshua A., Samuel, Mary, Nancy and Seth still survive. Of this family, Cyrenius 
volunteered, and was elected Sergeant of Co. G, 111th Reg. P. V. I., 20th Corps, Army of 
the Potomac, under Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker. In the fall of 1863, the 20th Corps having 
been transferred to the Army of the Tennessee, Cyrenius was killed in the battle of Was- 
sahatchie Nov. 3, the night before the battle of Lookout Mountain. Wilson Marsh mi- 
grated to Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1829, and in 1837 came to Erie Co., and purchased the farm 
upon which Joshua A. now resides. He died June 19, 1868, and his widow Jan. 9, 1882. The 
latter was a daughter of William Miller, of Scotch descent. Wilson was a son of Joshua 
Marsh, a native of Massachusetts, who migi'ated to Nova Scotia prior to the war of the 
Revolution. Joshua A. Marsh, subject of this sketch, married, Oct. 28, 1863, Keziah B. 
Reed, daughter of Harris and Fanny (Bull) Reed, natives of New York State. Three chil- 
dren were born to this union, viz., Serena F., born Nov. 6, 1864; Lizzie H., born July 18, 

1866, died Dec. 14, 1878; and William A., born Apr. 30, died May 26, 1871. Keziah Reed 
died May 2. 1871, and Mr. Marsh married, Nov. 6, 1872, Sophronia A. Ryan, born Sept. 17, 
1842, daughter of John and Miranda (Crow) Ryan, the former a native of Wexford, Ire- 
land, and the latter of Connecticut. By this union there are 5 children, viz., Charles A., 
born Sept. 6, 1873; Sarah E., Aug. 21, 1875; Dellie P., Sept. 5, 1877; George L., Sept. 21, 
1879; and Wilson, March 23, 1882. Mr. Marsh's farm comprises 100 acres, well stocked. 
He is a Granger, and, with his wife, a member of the Christian denomination. In politics, 
is a Greenbacker, believing that industry ought not to be taxed to support capital in idle- 
ness. 

GIDEON MEEKER, farmer, P. O. Sterrettania, was born in McKean Township, son 
of John O. Meeker, who was born in New Jersey May 14, 1785, and was married, Oct. 26, 
1813, to Jerusha Wilcox, born in Massachusetts July 30, 1797. They were the parents of 
11 children, viz., William C, born September 30, 1814, died March 4, 1871; Sarah A., l)orn 
July 13, 1816, died March 17, 1878: Gideon, born May 22, 1818; Lois S.. born Oct. 20, 
1820, died Jan. 11, 1879; Lucinda, born May 28, 1823, died March 30, 1880; Charles A., born 



no BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Aug 14 1825; John, born Feb. 25, 1827, died Nov. 18, 1833; Isaac Newton, born June 24, 
1830, died Nov. 30, 1833; Clarinda J., born Nov. 15, 1832, died Jan. 15, 1834; Mary R., bora 
June 22, 1825, died March 7, 1852; Isaac N., born Sept. 29, 1837; Louisa E., born July 6, 
1841, died Oct. 13, 1871. Of this family, Charles A. and Isaac N. were soldiers in the war 
of the rebellion; the former was a private in the 83d Reg. P. V. I.; was wounded, and died 
in hospital Oct. 4, 1862; the latter was in an Ohio regiment, but his last year was in the 
marine service on the Alabama River. John Oliver Meeker was a soldier in the war of 
1812-14, and was stationed at Erie under Capt. Foster; he was one of McKean Township's 
earliest pioneer settlers, and died March 30, 1854. His wife died Jan. 10, 1849. Gid- 
eon Meeker, of whom we write, married, Apr. 15, 1852, Fanny Rhodes, born March 10, 
' 1830, daughter of Jacob and Annie (Rhorer) Rhodes, natives of this State. Nine children 
were born to this union, viz.: Mary L., born Oct. 27, 1852; Emma A., born Aug. 20, 1854; 
George B., born Jan. 24, 1856; John O., born Nov. 26, 1857, died Nov. 9, 1877; Gideon E., 
born'Dec. 26, 1859; William P., born June 19, 1861; Martha J., born July 22, 1863; Clar- 
ence A., born May 27, 1866; Glenni E., born Nov. 13, 1872. Mr. Meeker owns an excel- 
lent farm 1 mile from Sterrettania, comprising 130 acres, upon which are erected excel- 
lent farm buildings. He and wife are members of the Methodist Church. In politics, he 
is a Republican. 

BENJAMIN F. MOREY, cooper, Middleboro, was born in Franklin Co., Vt., 

I April 7, 1807, son of Charles and Phebe (Blanchard) Morey, who were the parents of 
■~K 13 children, of whom Benjamin F. is now the only survivor. Charles Morey came 

' to Erie Co. in 1828, locating in McKean Township, where he died about the year 1845. 
Of his family, William was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died from the effects of a 
wound received in one of the battles. Our subject married, Sept. 25, 1828, Char- 
lotte Buck, born in Lancaster Co., Penn., July 21. 1809, daughter of Joseph S. and 
Betsy (Eastwood) Buck, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of New York 
State. Six children have been born to this union— Jared B., William S., Joseph A., Ben- 
jamin F., Emma and Charles M. Joseph and Benjamin were soldiers in the late war. 
The former enlisted in 1862 in the 145th Penn. V. I., and the latter in 1864 in the 211th 
Penn. V. I. Joseph was discharged on account of ill health before his term of service 
expired. Benjamin F. Morey, the elder, a cooper by trade, came to Erie Co. in 1826, and 
settled in McKean Township. He has held the offices of Town Burgess, Councilman and 
School Director for a number of years. He is a member and class leader of the M. E. 
Church. In politics, is a Republican. Charles M. Morey carries on the cooperage at Mid- 
dleboro, and does a prosperous trade, manufacturing butter firkins, flour barrels, tanks,, 
cisterns etc. 

JARED B. MOREY, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in McKean Township Sept. 
24, 1829; son of Benjamin and Charlotte (Buck) Morey, whose biography appears, 
elsewhere in this work. Mr. Morey married, Sept. 10, 1851, Alta Andrews, born March 
10, 1830, daughter of Philemon and Orpha (Pinney) Andrews, the former born in Connec- 
ticut March 2, 1799, died in Summit Township April 6, 1872, and the latter born in Massa- 
chusetts Oct. 16. 1805. By the above union, there is 1 child— Nettie, born Nov. 11, 
1853 (now wife of Woods Tallmage, of McKean Township); they have 1 child Myron J., 
born April 2, 1872. From 1857 to 1862, Mr. Morey resided in Summit Township, for 
which he was Collector one term. He subsequently returned to McKean Township, and, 
in 1867, purchased the farm upon which he new resides; it comprises 190 acres. Mr. 
Morey is now Director and Secretary of the Public School Board of Middleboro, and has 
filled the office of Assessor, Collector, Constable and Judge of Elections in McKeaD 
Township. He is also Secretary, Treasurer and salesman of the Middleboro Cheese Factory, 
Mr. Morev, with his wife, is a member of theM. E. Church; in politics, is a Repulilican. 

NORTON N. NEWELL, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in McKean Township 
Nov. 15, 1838: son of William Newell, born in Connecticut April 6, 1815, who married 
Mary A. Pollock, born June 9, 1815, daughter of Robert and Sally (Weldon) Pollock, 
natives of Maryland. They had 4 children— Norton N., Sarah, Emily and John. Of 
this family, Norton N. and John were soldiers and served throughout the war of the rebell- 
ion. John enlisted Aug. 18, 1862, in Co. B. 145th P . V. I. William Newell came to 
Erie Co. in 1833; he died Oct. 4, 1844; his widow still survives. William was a son of 
Abraham and Lucy (Terry) Newell, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of 
Massachusetts. Abraham was a son of Moses Newell, also a native of Connecticut, who 
was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Norton N. Newell, our subject, married Jan. 11, 
1866, Mary Wherle, born March 22, 1841, daughter of Michael and Magdelaine (Borget) 
Wherle, natives of Bingen-on-the-Rhine, Germany. By this union there are four children 
—Charles W., born Nov. 3, 1866; Emma M., born Nov. 29, 1869; John M., born June 29, 
1872, and Blanche C, born Nov. 16, 1880. When Fort Sumter fell, Mr. Newell enlisted 
in Co. A, McLane's Erie Regiment for three months, but saw no service. July 23, 1861, 
however, he again enlisted for three years in Co. K, 83d Reg. P. V. I., 3d Brig., 1st Div.. 
5th Corps, Maj. Gen. G. K. Warren, Army of the Potomac. He participated in the siege 
of Yorktown, and battles of Hanover Court House, Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, Harrison's 
Landing, second Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Aldie Station, Gettysburg and 



McKEAN TOWNSHIP. Ill 

Rappahannock Station. He was here discharged Dec. 24, 1863, but immediately re-enlisted 
in his old company, and took part in the battles of Mine Run, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, 
Spottsylvania Court House, North Anna, Cold Harbor and the siege of and battles around 
Petersburg and Richmond. He was one of the few who served through the whole war 
without receiving a wound or serious mishap. His last battle was Five Forks, April 1, 
1865, where Gen. Lee surrendered; he was with his regiment at Appomattox Court House. 
He received his final discharge July 3, 1865. In politics, he is a Republican. 

THOMAS OSBORNE, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in Devonshire, England, 
Dec. 6, 1819, son of James and Mary (White) Osborne, both natives of Devonshire, and 
parents of a family of 10 children— John, James, Elizabeth, Thomas, Charles and Susan 
still surviving. James Osborne, the elder, came to America, about the year 1845, and set- 
tled in McKean Township. He and his wife are deceased. Our subject married in 
England, Jan. 1, 1841, Joanna, born Oct. 22, 1822, daughter of Richard and Agnes (Stone- 
man) Hearn, also natives of Devonshire. By this union there were 8 children — John 
H., born Sept. 9, 1842; Thomas, born Oct. 12, 1844; Charles R., born Dec. 1, 1846; Agnes 
A., born Sept. 20, 1848; Mary J., born Oct. 17, 1850, died Jan. 22, 1863; Henry J., born 
Aug. 25, 1854, died April 17, 1862; Martin J., born Oct. 7, 1856, died Jan. 8, 1860, and Han- 
nah G., born Dec. 3, 1858, married, Jan. 1, 1883, Albert L. Veit, a native of McKean 
Township, born March 14, 1860. John H. and Thomas were soldiers in the war of the 
rebellion. The latter volunteered, August, 1862, as private in the 145th Reg. P. V. I., 2d 
Corps, Army of the Potomac, and at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., was severely 
wounded. Upon his recovery, he joined the Veteran Army Corps and rose to the rank of 
Captain. Thomas Osborne, Sr., articled seventy acres of wild land in McKean, which he 
cleared and converted into one of the finest homesteads in the township, well stocked and 
under an excellent state of cultivation. It is situated 4 miles from Middleboro, and 
now comprises 120 acres. Mr. Osborne, with his wife, is a member of the M. E. Church. 
In politics, he is a Republican. 

JOHN HEARN OSBORN, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in Devonshire, England, 
Aug. 8, 1842, and is a son of Thomas and Joanna (Hearn) Osborn, whose biography ap- 
pears elsewhere in this work. On Aug. 8, 1862, Mr. Osborn volunteered as wagoner in the 
145th Reg. army train, and was made Headquarter Wagonmaster of the 4th Brigade. He 
had charge of the full train and and forage department of the 2d Corps, and served until 
the close of the war. He received his discharge June 23, 1865. Feb. 12, 1867, Mr. Os- 
born married Martha L. Bates, born April 6, 1841, daughter of Alpheus and Wealthy 
(Howard) Bates, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of this State. By this 
union there are 2 children — Cora E., born Jan. 1, 1868, and Irene E., born Sept. 27, 1870. 
Besides their own family, Mr. and Mrs. Osborn have adopted Cynthia Davis, born Oct. 21, 
1857. Mr, Osborn owns a fine farm of 108 acres within 2 miles of Middleboro. He has 
served as Constable for over 10 years, and is also Collector of McKean Township. He is 
a member of the A. O. U. W. ; in politics, a Republican. 

WILLIS C. OSBORNE, druggist and Postmaster, Middleboro, was born in Ashtabu- 
la Co., Ohio, Dec 18, 1853, and is a son of Rev. Josiah O. and Mary A. (Hanchet) Osborne, 
the former a native of New York, and the latter of Massachusetts. They had a family 
of 3, viz., Franklin (deceased), Edwin H. and Willis C. Rev. Mr. Osborne is a min- 
ister of the M. E. Church, and is now on the Greene Circuit, this county. Our subject 
came to Middleboro in 1873; commenced business the same fall, carrying on a tin shop for 
2 years. Sold out in the fall of 1875 to F. T. Seward. In Jan., 1878, he bought a i inter- 
est in the furniture store of his brother, E. H., selling out in May, 1879. In Dec, 1879, 
he purchased the drug store of G. S. Washburn, and in Jan., 1880, was appointed Post- 
master of McKean. The drug store carried on by Mr. Osborne was established in 1865, and 
is the only store of its kind between Erie and Edinborough. Since Jan., 1882, Mr.Osborne 
has also carried on the undertaking business. 

DAVID W. OWEN, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., Feb. 21. 
1826, son of David W. and Jane (Wy cliff) Owen; the former was born June 23, 1779, and 
the latter Dec. 19, 1789, natives of New York State. They had a family of 8 children, of 
whom Mary L., John, Nancy B., David W. and Francis M. are now living. David W. 
Owen, the elder, was by trade a carpenter. He came to Erie County about the year 1830, 
bought 50 acres of land in McKean, and was an active pioneer of the township. He died 
June 18, 1866, and his wife Mar. 6, 1872. David W. Owen, our subject, was married. May 
25, 1848, to Eliza A., born Dec. 26, 1826, daughter of John and Juliette (Saunders) Tuckey. 
By this marriage were 7 children born, viz.: Abi A., born Aug. 22, 1849, died Jan. 2, 1875; 
Milton H., Nov. 17, 1851; George S., Aug. 27, 1853, died April 18, 1857; Ida J., Nov. 4, 
1855, died April 22, 1860; David C, April 13, 1858; Henry W., Feb. 9, 1860; Winfield A., 
Aug. 31, 1862. Mrs. David W. Owen died Sept. 2, 1869, and Mr. Owen married, Nov. 10, 
1870, Ellen S., born Aug. 5, 1849, daughter of Andrew Fullerton, of Lockport, Penn. By 
this union there is 1 child— Nellie, born May 17, 1872. Mrs. Ellen S. Owen died June 6, 1873. 
Mr. Owen next married, April 15, 1874, Nettie L., born May 19, 1847, daughter of Ira H. 
and Lydia (Amidon) Keeler, all natives of New York State. There are 2 children by this 
marriage— Iva B., born June 25, 1875, and Ernest W., born May 28, 1881. Mrs. Nettie L. 



112 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Owen died Oct. 31, 1883. Mr. Owen's farm comprises 126 acres, situated within 3 miles of 
Middlel)oro. Politically, Mr. Owen is Republican. 

LEWIS R. PECK, merchant, Middleboro, was born in Venango Co., Penn., May 3, 
1825, sou of Lewis and Orill (Richardson) Peck, the former born May 5, 1795, and the lat- 
ter Jan. 27, 1800. both natives of Connecticut. They had a family of 9 children, of whom 
Clarissa, Orill, Minerva, Marta, George and Myra A. are deceased, and Roba, Oliva and 
Lewis R. still survive. Lewis Peck, the elder, after a residence of 20 years in New York 
State, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana, finally located in this State in 1845. He was a sol- 
dier in the war^of 1812, and took part in the battles of Xew London, Conn., and Painted 
Post, where he was w^ounded, and for which he received a pension from the Government. 
He died Aug. 5, 1863, and his widow June 7, 1879. Lewis was a son of James and Marta 
Peck, natives of Connecticut. James was a son of Thomas and Mary (Allen) Peck. Mary 
Allen was the widow of Joseph and mother of Ethan Allen, the hero of Tyconderoga. 
Thomas Peck was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The Pecks and Aliens are of En- 
glish descent. Lewis Richardson Peck, ^our subject, married, Nov. 30, 1850, Angeline 
Stafford, born Aug. 1, 1827, daughter of Jonas and Amj^ (Slater) Stafford, mentioned in 
Daniel Harrison's biography. By this union there were 4 children, viz., Ella A. (de- 
ceased), George, Thomas and Flora. Mrs. Angeline Peck died April 22, 1865, and Mr. 
Peck married, Feb. 23, 1872, Alvina Hays, born Jan. 9, 1850, daughter of Hemau and Mary 
A. (Hogle) Hays, mentioned in the biography of Mandred Hays. Until 1875, Mr. Peck 
followed farming, and now owns a fine farm of 100 acres in McKean, on the Franklin 
Township line. In 1875, he came to Middleboro and embarked in mercantile pursuits, 
purchasing the building, stock and trade of Albert Lansor. He now has a well-stocked 
store of general merchandise. Mr.- Peck was for a number of years School Director of the 
township; he was also Treasurer 1 term. In Middleboro he has been Town Councilor 6 
years, which oflice he still holds. He has also been School Director of the borough. Po- 
litically, Mr. Peck is Republican. 

JOSEPH PROPECK, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in McKean Township June 
25, 1842, son of Jos. and Julia (Grethler) Propeck, the former born Sept. 25, 1795; 
the latter, born Feb. 2, 1808, is a daughter of Leo and Mary (Schrap) Grethler, all 
natives of Baden, Germany. They had a family of 5 children, of whom Emily, Mary, 
Jos. and Julia survive. Jos. Propeck, the elder, came to America in 1835, settling in 
New Jersey. Eventually he came to McKean Township, purchased 59 acres of 
forest land, which he converted into a comfortable homestead. He died July 25, 1864. 
His widow still resides on the home farm. Joseph Propeck, our subject, married, Dec. 30, 
1873, Sarah A. Mead,;born Sept. 27, 1848, daughter of Wm. and Ameha (Pettis) Mead, na- 
tives of New York State, the former born Mar. 7, 1811, the latter Mar. 21, 1819. By the 
above union there were 5 children, as follows: Mica, born Nov. 28, 1874, died Feb. 5, 1875; 
Annie May, Mar. 2, 1876; George, April 16, 1879; Florence, Sep. 13, 1881; Maggie. Aug. 8, 
1883. During the war of the rebellion, Mr. Propeck joined the 102d Reg. Penn. V. I. 
April 3, 1865, and when Lee surrendered was at Baltimore, Md. Before the campaign 
ended, however, he went with his regiment to Danville and Burksville, Ya., returning 
home via Washington. He was 3 weeks at the latter place. Mr. Propeck was for 
1 year Constable of Summit Township, where he resided several years. He now owns 
the homestead farm and a steam saw mill in McKean Town.ship, where he resides. Mr. 
Propeck in politics is a Democrat. 

FRANCIS QUANCE, fanner, P. O. McKean, was born in Devonshire, England, Mar. 
28, 1822, son of Richard Quance, who married Mary Saunders, both natives of iSevonshire, 
and had a family of 14 children, of whom Wm., Mary, Francis, Ann, Nora and David are 
now living. Richard Quance never came to this country. Mary Saunders, his wife, died 
about the year 1867, and he followed her in 1869. Francis Quance, our subject, married, 
Dec. 31, 1842, Susan, born April 4, 1825. daughter of Jas. and Mary (White) Osborn, also 
natives of Devonshire, England. By this union there were 8 children, as follow^s: John, 
born Nov. 11, 1844, died April 15, 1845; Charles, June 4, 1846, died May 10, 1864; LaFay- 
ette, July 10, 1848; George, Oct. 6, 1851, died Jan. 23, 1861: Andrew J., Feb. 22, 1854; 
Francis R., July 29, 1856; William L., Nov. 1, 1858; Mary J., Aug. 28, 1863, died May 8, 
1867. Of this family, John was born in England , and died at sea on his way to this 
country; he received an ocean burial off the banks of Newfoundland. Charles enlisted 
February 16, 1864, in Company B, 145th Reg. Penn. V. I., 2d Brigade Corps, Army of the 
Potomac, in Gen. Grant's campaign in Virginia. He was among the missing at the battle 
of the Wilderness, May 10, 1864, and no tidings have been received of him since that day. 
Lafayette Quance married, Dec. 20, 1870, Albina A. Wood, born July 27, 1850, daughter 
of Benjamin C. and Emily (Middleton) Wood, former born in New York State Jan. 11, 
1815, latter in this State Feb. 11, 1828. By this marriage there are 2 children— Ethel B., 
bornFeb. 18, 1874, and Ralph W., Sept. 5, 1876. Lafayette owns a fine farm of 100 acres 
within 4 miles of Middleboro, upon which he resides. In 1875, he was elected Township 
Clerk, and still holds the oflBce. He is a Republican in politics; with his wife a member 
of the M. E. Church. Francis Quance came to America in 1845, purchased 78 acres of 
land and settled in McKean Township; this farm now comprises 100 acres. With his wife 
he is a member of the M. E. Church; in politics, a Republican. 



McKEAN TOWNSHIP. 113 

OTIS REED, farmer, P. O. McKeau, was born in McKean Township Feb. 25, 1838, 
son of Oren and Mahala (Ayleswortli) Reed, the former born Sept. 17, 1808, a native of 
Connecticut, and the latter born March 1, 1806, a native of New Yorli State. Otis is their 
only offspring. Oren Reed came to Erie Co. in 1837, purchased 193 acres of land, which 
he converted from a forest to a first-class homestead. Before and subsequent to making 
his home in McKean he tauglit school up to the year 1851, 21 terms. He is still living, but 
his wife died May 14, 1870. Oren is a son of Shubel and Mehitable (Hale) Reed, the 
former born in Connecticut Sept. 3, 1771, died Nov. 19, 1844, and the latter born in 
Massachusetts March 20, 1775, died April 29, 1834. Mehitable was a direct descendant of 
Sir Matthew Hale, a renowned Judge of the Court of King's Bench in England during the 
last century. Otis Reed, our subject, was married, Sept. 19, 1864, to Adeline J. Tuckey, 
born May 30, 1842, daughter of John and Juliette (Saunders) Tucke3% the former a native 
of Northamptonshire, England, born May 17, 1794, and the latter of New York State, born 
Aug. 2, 1802. By this union there are 4 children — Harriet, born Nov. 15, 1865; Veruon, 
March 19, 1869; Merton, April 25, 1876; and Lillian M., June 10, 1881. In the fall of 1858, 
Mr. Reed comijienced teaching school, continuing to do so at various periods until 1870, 
S terms. He v^as Clerk of the township from 1862 to 1875; elected School Director in 1872; 
appointed Census Enumerator in 1880; was Auditor from 1878 to 1881; and Assistant 
Assessor in 1882. His well-stocked farm is situated 3 miles southeast from Middleboro. 
Mr. and Mrs. Reed are members of the Methodist Church. In politics, Mr. Reed is a Re- 
publican. Capt. Eiisha Saunders, Mrs. Reed' s grandfather, was a soldier in the war of 
1812-14. He was killed at the battle of Queenston Heights, Canada, near Niagara Falls. 
JESSE ROSS, stone mason, P. O. McKean, was born in McKean Township Sept. 10, 
1825, son of Trueman and Hannah (Irish) Ross, the former born in 1799, died in 1881, the 
latter, a daughter of Pardon and Debora Irish, was born in 1801, died in 1880, all natives 
of New York State. They had a family of 6 children, of whom Gilbert, John, Jesse and 
William still survive. One daughter, married to Otis Morse, died March, 1862. Trueman 
Ross came to Erie County early in the present century, and was one of the pioneers of 
McKean Township, and an active, useful citizen. Jesse Ross, our subject, married in 1847, 
Almira Damon, born in 1824, a native of New York State. By this union there were 4 chil- 
dren, viz.: Ellen C, born Aug. 25, 1850; Adelbert E., stone mason and plasterer, born July 
30, 1852, married to Miss Maggie Coyle Sept. 25, 1877 (have 2 children, now living — Harry 
J. and Laura Ellen); Clifton F., Dec. 24, 1855; and ArabellF., Oct. 3, 1859. Ellen C. mar- 
ried, Oct. 29, 1868, Clark H. Smith, of Hayfield Township, Crawford Co., Penn. (had 4 chil- 
dren, of whom Clara J. and Burdette are now living). Almira Damon Ross, our subject's 
wife, died Jan. 11, 1860, and Mr. Ross married, Nov. 14, 1861, Eleanor Gawn, born Feb. 18, 
1827, daughter of Thomas and Eleanor (Kelly) Gawn, the former born Aug. 1, and the latter 
April 10, 1800, all natives of the Isle of Man. There are no children by this marriage. 
Mr. Ross by trade is a stonemason and plasterer. He owns a nice property 2 miles from 
Middleboro, on the Erie & Edinboro road, where he resides. He and his family are ad- 
herents of the Christian Advent denomination. In politics, he is a Republican. 

- DELOS SHERMAN, cheese manufacturer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Delaware 
Co., N. Y., April 2, 1846; son of Spencer and Delia J. (Brown) Sherman, both natives of 
New York State, latter a daughter of David Brown, a native of Connecticut, who migrated 
to Delaware Co., N. Y., where he died in 1874, at the age of ninety-three years. Spencer 
Sherman had a family of 11 children, of whom Delos, Tracy A., Jane, John, Edgar, 
Adelaide, Horatio S., Estella and Ida are now living. Mr. Sherman still resides in Delaware 
Co. He is a son of Ephraim Sherman, a native of Massachusetts; the latter was a soldier of 
the war of 1812. Our subject volunteered as a private Company G, 17th N. Y. V. Zouaves in 
the 1st Brigade, 2d Division, 14th Corps, Army of the Tennessee ; after participating in a Mis- 
sissippi raid, he with his regiment joined Gen. Sherman's army near ringgold, Ga., where 
he took part in the battles of Marietta, Resaca and the siege and capture of Atlanta. Dur- 
ing the fall and winter of 1864-65, he was Orderly to Maj. Gen. Rousseau, in Tennessee,, 
and was in the battle of Nashville; rejoining to the main army at Beaufort, N. C, he took 
part in the battles of Goldsboro, and was at Raleigh when Gen. J. E. Johnston surrendered. 
He received his discharge in the fall of 1865. Mr. Sherman married, Dec, 24, 1868, Per- 
melia, born Feb. 9, 1846, daughter of Orsemus and Nancy (Button) Burrows, all natives of 
New York State. They have no family of their own, but have adopted Scott Kelsey, born 
Nov. 12, 1876. In 1872, Mr. Shermm learned the art of manufacturing cheese, and May 
1, 1883, started the Sherman Cheese Factory on the Waterford line in McKean Tp. This 
factory has a capacity of 1,200 lbs. of cheese daily and already has 27 patrons. Mr. Sher- 
man is a member of the F. & A. M. and the A. O. U. W. 

D. C. F. STAFFORD, hotel-keeper and farmer, Middleboro Village, was born 
Dec. 10, 1824, on the old homestead farm 2 miles from the village, where his father. 
Job Stafford, settled in Nov., 1817. Here he remained helping to carry on the farm 
until he was twenty-seven years of age. He was marrie 1, Jan. 29, 1849, to Miss Sarah 
Thomas, of Waterford Township, by whom he had 3 children— Carrie A., Jenny L. and 
Maud H. In 1852, he left the old home farm and removed to Waterford, and farmed for 
7 years. Here his wife died Dec. 15, 1858. Mr. Stafford was again married Jan. 10, 



114 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1860, to Miss Sarah L., daughter of Stewart R. and Catherine (Foster) Chellis. She was 
born Aug. 3, 1841, in Harbor Creek Township, this county. To this union 2 children 
were born— Fayette Adelle, Feb. 7, 1863, and Burt A., Feb. 3, 1866, both born in Middle- 
boro. Fayette Adelle graduated from the State Normal Musical Conservatory at Edin- 
boro, Penn., under Prof. E. P. Russell, who has since founded a conservator}^ of music at 
Cambridge, Penn., Miss Stafford assisting as a teacher of voice culture, piano-forte and 
organ. Burt A., graduated from Clark's Business Commercial College at Erie, Penn. In 
the spring of 1861 (April 1), Mr. Stafford purchased the hotel property in which he now 
resides in Middleboro Village and which he has run in connection with farming ever 
since. His father, Job Stafford, was born March 9, 1796, in Vermont; at the age of about 
two years, he moved with his parents to the village of Peru, Clinton Co., N. Y. ; at the age 
of nineteen, Nov. 14, 1814, he was married to Miss Phebe Arthur of the same place, and a 
native of Long Island, N. Y. The fruit of this union was P. A. Stafford, born April 12, 
1819, who died Dec. 4, 1862, leaving a wife and 4 children— Caroline T., born Aug. 3, 
1821, married C. L. Johnson and moved to Ashtabula County, Ohio, where they now reside, 
the}' have 1 son — Henry, and one daughter — Emma. Mr. Stafford was among the first to 
build his log cabin in this township. For several weeks after arriving here they had noth- 
ing to eat but johnny-cake, baked on a board before the fire, and some dried pumpkins, 
which they brought with them, and which, when stewed, served as butter, sauce, etc. Mr. 
Stafford and wife were 2 of the 6 who organized the M. E. Church in this neighborhood; 
he was in the war of 1812; for a number of years held the office of Justice of the Peace; 
was quite a prominent dealer in cattle, driving them over the mountains, Philadelphia be- 
ing the principal market; he followed this occupation 18 or 20 years; he and his wife de- 
parted this life at the residence of their son, D. C. F., in Middleboro. Our subject's grand- 
father, Jonathan Stafford, was born in Vermont July 15, 1771, and followed lumbering 
business, rafting, etc., together with farming until the war of 1812, when he entered the 
army and served till the close of the war. He came to McKean Township in 1817, set- 
tling on Elk Creek. His children grew up, married and settled around him, and the town 
should have been called Staffordville; he had married Aug. 25, 1792, Sarah Anthony, born 
March 29, 1778, by whom he had the following children: Jonas, Job, Rhoby, Stuteley, 
Plynna, Stephen M. and Hannah. Mr. Stafford was Justice of the Peace for a number of 
years; was appointed Postmaster of this place, and died at his post while distributing the 
mail, June 17, 1843, aged seventy-two years, and is buried in the Stafford Buryiug Ground, 
as is also the father, mother, brother, and an uncle and aunt of the subject of this sketch. 
The great-grandfather, John Stafford,-was born in England, and with two brothers came 
to this county at an early day. The date of their coming is not known. They prob- 
ably settled in Vermont, and from these 3 brothers sprang the whole Stafford race of this 
country. 

STEPHEN K. TALLMADGE, farmer. P. O. McKean, was born in McKean Town- 
ship June 15, 1814; son of James Tallmadge, born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Dec. 22, 1773; 
married Sept. 12, 1797, Rachel Kinsey, born in Bucks County May 6, 1777, natives of 
New York State; they had a family of 10 children. The deceased are Hannah, Betsey, 
Emily, Matthias, Maria, Matilda and Lydia, and the surviving are James G., George and 
Stephen K. ; Hannah was born Aug. 23, 1798, the first female child born in McKean Town- 
ship. James Tallmadge, the elder, was a pioneer of Erie Co. ; he came here from Buffalo 
about the year 1795, and afterward permanently located in this county; he remained about a 
year in Erie City; purchased 200 acres in what is now Summit Township. This he subse- 
quently changed for 200 acres on the Elk Creek Flats, McKean Township, which he 
cleared and converted into one of the finest homesteads in the county. James Tallmadge, 
about the beginning of the present century, made a trip to and from Buffalo and Erie in 
an open boat, bringing with him Seth Reed and 2 others to Erie; he brought the first 2 
bushels of seed wheatlnto the county; he died March 24, 1855, his aged widow following 
Jan. 24, 1866; he was a'soldier in'the war of 1812-14, and helped build the old block-house at 
Erie, where Gen. Wayne died; he was a son of Elisha and Maria (Brazee) Tallmadge; the 
former came from England with his brothers Joel, Ezra and Nathaniel; Elisha was by 
trade a blacksmith, and came to Erie City about 1798, working at his trade several years, 
dying Jan. 2, 1814, his widow, Maria, dying March 25, 1825. Rachel Kinsey's father emi- 
grated to Canada about the year 1789, locating near Niagara Falls; he subsequently returned 
to New York State. Our subject married, Dec. 12, 1843, Sally Guliford, born Feb. 26, 
1826, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Ball) Guliford, the former born Dec. 8, 1783. died 
Sept. 8, 1845, the latter born June 10, 1794, died Sept. 19, 1873, both natives of this State; 
by this union there were 5 children — Bailey K., born Nov. 15, 1844, died Nov. 2, 1863; 
Thomas W., born Nov. 3, 1847; Samuel G., born Aug. 26, 1849, died Oct. 27, 1863; John 
J., born Sept. 1, 1851, died Oct. 1, 1863, and Frank S.,'~born Feb. 12, 1853; Mr. Tallmadge's 
well-stocked farm is located 2 miles from Middleboro, and comprises 243 acres. He 
and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. In politics, he is a Republican. 

TAYLOR TOME, miller, P. O. Sterrettania, was born in Summit Township May 26, 
1850, son of Samuel and Mary (Frye) Tome, the former born in 1809 and the latter in 1814, 
daughter of Adam Frye, a native of Lancaster Co., Penn. They were parents of 8 children. 



McKEAN TOWNSHIP. 115 

of whom Fanny, Benjamin, Catharine, Henry, Isaac and Taylor are now living. Of this 
family, Henry was a soldier in the late war from March 6 to June 23, 1865. Samuel Tome was 
a pioneer of U^umrait Township. At the time he settled there, it was a part of McKean 
(1838), and that section a wilderness. Mr. Tome cut the first acre of bu.sh land in his 
neighborhood, and eventually cleared for himself and family a comfortable homestead. 
He died April 1, 1876; his widow died Feb. 1, 1884. Our subject married, March 10, 1870, 
Elizabeth Eck, born June 23, 1851, daughter of William and Anna (Feldie) Eck, natives of 
Germany. By this union there are 6 children, viz. : Fann3^ born Aug. 25, 1870; Curtis, 
May 27, 1872; Harry, Sept. 10, 1874; Clarence, March 22, 1876; Birdie, March 4, 1878; and 
Clyde. Aug. 27, 1880. Mr. Tome, in 1880, leased the Sterrettania grist and flour mill. He 
is a practical miller by trade. Politically, he is a Democrat, as his ancestors were before 
him — true JefEersonian Democrats. 

SEYMOUR WASHBURN, farmer, P. O. Sterrettania, was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., 
June 12, 1816, son of Stephen and Janet (Terry) Washburn, whose biography appears in 
that of Stephen Washburn. Seymour was married in 1835 to Lydia B. Hopkins, who was 
born Oct. 12, 1819, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Luther) Hopkins, also mentioned in S. 
Washburn's biography. Bj^ this marriage there were 12 children, as follows: Betsy J., 
born May 29, 1836; Josephus, June 10. 1838, died Jan. 29, 1841; Polly, Sept. 19. 1840; Hen- 
rietta, June 29, 1843; Lydia, April 29, died May 22. 1846; Lester C, April 17, 1848; Xancy, 
Sept. 26, 1850; Elsie A., May 14, 1854; Henry L., March 1, 1856; Stephen A., April 10, died 
Oct. 14, 1858; Seymour J., born Nov. 5, died Nov. 6, 1862, and Iva L., Nov. 25, 1865. Of 
this family, Lester C. was a soldier in a N. Y. regiment during the last year of the war of the 
rebellion. Mrs. Lydia B. Washburn died Sept. 11, 1875, and Mr. Washburn married, Feb. 
2. 1877, Martha Rockwell, widow of Simeon S. Rockwell, of Summit Township, daughter of 
William and Martha (Kenyan) Luther, natives of Rhode Island. No children were born 
to this union. Seymour Washburn is a prominent pioneer settler in Erie Co., com- 
ing to McKean Township in 1824. He has served as Road Commissioner 1 term (1847-50); 
School Director, 12; Auditor, 7, and Justice of the Peace 10 years, since 18.52. In 1861, he 
was elected County Commissioner, and in 1867 County Director of the Poor. Mr. and 
Mrs. Washburn are members of the Christian denomination. In politics, he is a Re- 
publican. 

JOHN WEIGEL, merchant, Middleboro, was born in McKean Township Feb. 22, 
1842, son of Nicholas and Margaret (Eiswert) Weigel, natives of Bavaria, who had a family 
of 13 children, of whom John, Jacob, Louisa, George, Frank, Michael, Catherine and Mar- 
tha survive. John and Jacob were soldiers in the late war. Nicholas Weigel came to 
America in 1837, settling in McKean, where he purchased 50 acres of land. His wife died 
in July, 1868; he is still living. Our subject enlisted Aug., 1863, in the 76th Reg. 
P. V. I., 2d Brigade, 2d Division. 10th Corps, Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, Army of the James. 
He participated in the following engagements: Chester Heights, Proctor's Creek, Cold 
Harbor, Petersburg, Strawberry Plains, Bermuda Hundred, Chapin's Farm. Darbytown 
Pike, Va., and at Ft. Fisher, Jan. 15, 1863, where he was wounded, and went to the hos- 
pital at Ft. Schuyler, N. Y., and was discharged in June, 1865. Mr. Weigel married. May 
7, 1868, Lizzie Miller, born Dec. 22, 1843, daughter of Nicholas and Mary (Briec) Miller, 
natives of Hesse-Darmstadt, German}^ By this union there are two children— Louisa, 
born Feb. 8, 1869, and Lillie, born Dec. 27. 1878. After the war, Mr. Weigel engaged as 
salesman for Borger & Fuess, Erie, and in 1878 commenced business at Middleboro. His 
store is well stocked, and the business prospering. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; 
in politics, a Republican. 

EZRA WHITE, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in New York State March 4, 1800, 
son of Ezra and Lydia (Evans) White, former a native of Vt., latter a daughter of Henry 
Evans, anT}~a native of the State oTNew York. They had a family of 10 children, of whom 
Ezra, William, Sally, Laura, Lucinda, Eliza and De Villo are now living. Ezra White, 
the elder, came to Erie Co. and purchased 50 acres of land in McKean Township. Lydia 
Evans, his wife, died in 1835. and he moved to Michigan about the year 1839. Eventually 
he went to Marengo, 111., where he died in 1850. Our subject married, March 5, 1823, Polly 
Pollock, born March 6, 1805, daughter of David and Ann (Roland) Pollock, natives of 
Maryland. By this marriage there were 9 children, of whom Lucinda, Plympton A., 
Olympia, Johnson and John are deceased. Lydia A., David, Martha and Sarah are now 
living. David and Plympton A. were soldiers in the war of the rebellion, David serving 
3 months. Plympton A. was 2d Lieut, of Co. D, 83d Reg. P. V. I. He volunteered in 1861, and 
was subsequently made a signal officer. While on duty at Georgetown, Va., he was taken 
prisoner, and sent to Libby Prison, Richmond. Eventually he was transferred to a prison 
at Charleston, S. C, where he died Sept. 13, 1864, after being 16 months in captivity. Our 
subject's wife dying Dec. 20. 1854, he married, Aug. 20, 1857, Mrs. Leonora A. Cobb, born 
May 4, 1818, daughter of Ezekiel and Theodocia (Bates) Noble, and widow of Zenas Cobb, 
of Genesee, N. Y., their family numbering 4 children, viz., Nelson (deceased), M^'ra, Fanny 
and Noel. Zenas Cobb died Aug. 26, 1846. By his second marriage. Mr. White's children 
are Frank D. F., Maud M. and Jessie M. Mr. White is one of the pioneers of McKean 
Township; by trade a crrpenter. His farm comprises 37 acres. With his wife, he is a 
member of the M. E. Church. In politics, a Republican. 



116 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

WILLIAM WISWELL, farmer, P. O. McKean, was born in Cheshire Co., N. H., Jan. 
2, 1811, son of William Wiswell, born Mch. 6, 1787, who married Mercy Woodward, born 
Aug. 1, 1788, a native of Massachusetts, and had a family of 9 children, of whom William 
only is now living. William Wiswell, the elder, came to Erie Co., and located in Wash- 
ington Township in 1817, where he resided 7 years, moving to McKean Township in 1834; 
he articled 65 acres of land, and cleared for himself and family a line farm: he was elected 
Supervisor for 1 term, and at various periods for many years was Constable of the town- 
ship. Mercy Woodward, his wife, died June 20, 1848, he following her Dec. 31, 1852. He 
was a son of John Wiswell, a native of Massachusetts. John Wiswell's father was a na- 
tive of Wales. William Wiswell, subject of this sketch, married, April 17, 1834, Ruth M., 
born Mch. 23, 1811, daughter of Moses and Martha (Stanley) Gleeton, all natives of Ver- 
mont. Bv this union there were 4 children, as follows: Ruth A., born May 15, 1836, died 
Apr. 16, 1845; Alma, born Nov. 2, 1839; Albin, born Sept. 19, 1843, died Apr. 26, 1845, and 
MaryC, born Sept. 18, 1847. Mr. Wiswell resides on the original homestead,"l^ miles from 
Middleboro, which now comprises 140 acres, well stocked with superior grades of cattle; a 
thoroughbred Ayreshire bull, two years old, bred by Fairweather, of Washington Town- 
ship, has lately been added to his herd. This fine animal has won prizes at various 
county and State fairs, as follows: Erie Co., Erie, 1st prize, 1881; Ohio State, Toledo, 2d 
prize, 1882; Michigan State, Jackson, 1st prize, 1882. 

EDSON WOODS, lumber manufacturer, Kearsarge, was horn in Chautauqua Co., N. 
Y., Dec. 20, 1840, son of Lathrop and Lavina (Skiff) Woods, natives of New York State, 
who had a family of 7 children, of whom Lawson, Jason, Ira, Edson, Watson T. and Jud- 
son W., are now living. Lathrop Woods came to Erie Co. in 1875, and settled in McKean 
Township. His wife died in Aug., 1880. Edson Woods, our subject, married, Feb. 14, 
1867, Helen A. Fuller, of Edinboro, born Apr. 23, 1845, daughter of Alva and Susan 
(Drury) Fuller, natives of the State of New York. By this union there were 4 children — 
Carrie, born Dec. 23, 1868; Freddy, born March 23, 1870; Eddie, born Sept. 14, 1873, died 
July 14,. 1881, and Roy, born July 8, 1881. Mr. Woods owns a fine water-power saw mill, 
situated on the North Branch of Elk Creek, about 4 miles from Waterford and 5f rom Mid- 
dleboro. He manufactures lumber and laths, turning out 3,000 feet of the latter per day. 
The bill stuff is mostly hauled to Erie for shipment; machinery for grinding feed is an- 
other feature of this mill, its patronage by the farmers in the vicinity being quite exten- 
sive; this mill was erected in 1880. Mr. Woods owns a well-stocked and cultivated farm 
of 92 acres. In politics, he is a Democrat. 



MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

J. G. ARBUCKLE, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Oct. 12, 1807, in Erie. Penn., sou of 
Joseph and Catherine (Guy) Arbuckle, natives of Maryland, who came to Fairview Township, 
this county, in 1800. They reared a family of 5 children, of whom 2 are now living — Joseph 
F., in De Kalb Co., III., with 4 children; and our subject, who has resided on the old home 
farm 76 years. He was married, Jan. 25, 1838, to Emily, daughter of Spencer Shattuck. 
By this union were born 5 children, 4 now living, viz.; S. S. ; Mary A., wife of Geo. Mc- 
Creary, have 3 children, and reside near Battle Creek, Mich.; MargaretM.,wifeof R. Pilking- 
tou, residing near Bradford, Penn., have 2 children; and J. P. Mrs. J. G. Arbuckle's 
father came to Erie Co. at an early day; he died Aug. 15, 1852, leaving a family of 5 chil- 
dren, 2 now living. Our subject's 2 sons are members of the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W.. 
and F. & A. M. 

B. P. ARBUCKLE, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born August 12, 1835, in this township, 
son of William and Annis (Shattuck) Arbuckle, natives, the former of Connecticut, the 
latter of Maryland. William Arbuckle came to Erie Co. in 1802, and was then ten years 
old. He was married, Sept. 28, 1820, to Annis Shattuck, who bore him 7 children, viz. : 
Caroline, wife of R. T. Davison, have 13 children, 11 now living; Sophronia, wife of J. F. 
Allen, 2 children; Burkley, deceased; Alrene, deceased; Joseph, in Dakota; Wm. S., married 
to Ann Throne, now deceased, resides in Erie with 2 children; Cornelius S., deceased; 
Hannah, deceased; and our subject, who was married, Nov. 4. 1858, to Barbara, daughter 
of Walter and Eleanor Mains. " By this union are 5 children— Eleanor, deceased; Jennie 
M. wife of Chas. S. Manley; Wm. E., Chas. E., and Ada, deceased. Mr. Arbuckle is a 
member of A. O. U. W. Lodge 44, Erie. The family are members of the Presbyterian 
Church of Belle Valley. 

RICHARD H. ARBUCKLE, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Oct. 14, 1835, in Erie, 
Penn., son of William G. and Catharine (Bowers) Arbuckle, natives of Pennsylvania, 
parents of 6 children, viz.: George W.; Mary E., wife of J. W. Humphrey, of New York; 



MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 117 

Louisa G., wife of J. K. Hallock, of Erie; Frank P., Superintendent American Dis- 
trict Telegraph, Denver, Colo.; John, deceased; and our subject, who was married, Jan. 6, 
1859, to J. Antoinette, daughter of John and Charlotte E. Burton, of Mill Creek Town- 
ship. To this union were born 6 children, viz.. Jeannie H., John Burton, Katie Eliza (de- 
deased), Charlotte Barnes, "William Irwin and Richard Cranch. Mr. Arbuckle has held 
the office of County Commissioner, Mercantile Appraiser of the county, and many of the 
offices in his township. 

GEORGE W. BARR, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born July 4, 1822, in Harbor Creek 
Township, Penn., son of James and Polly R. (Kelly) Barr, natives of Penn., latter born 
in Mifflin, now Juniata Co., in March, 1793. She was married to James Barr, Jr., in 
1812. He died in 1835, and his widow in 1880, at the ripe age of eighty-seven years and 
thirteen days. Grandfather Kelly came to Erie Co. in 1800, and Grandfather Barr in 1802. 
The first glimpse Grandfather Kelly ever had of his future wife, Mary Robinson, was 
when crossing some mountains during the war of 1776, along with other soldiers, he over- 
took a maiden driving some sheep, gallantly assisted her over a part of the rugged hills, 
and subsequently married her. James Barr, father of our subject, who was a soldier in 
the war of 1812, was married, Nov. 14, 1812, to Polly Kelly, who bore him 10 children — 
John, deceased in infancy; Elizabeth A., wife of Conrad Brown, both deceased; Matthew 
R., Indian Agent, Idaho; Louisa A., now Mrs. R. M. McCreary; George W., our subject; 
Harriet M., wife of L. Wright, of Michigan, both deceased; Mary K., widow of Frederick 
N. Bond; Martha R., wife of J. C. Munn; Ellen, deceased; James M., deceased when 
young. Our subject was married, Jan. 4, 1860, to Julia A. Wilder, of Vermont. They 
had 2 children — Alice, wife of Hamon C. Myles, a native of Canada, and 1 died in 
infancy. Mr. Barr was at one time a railroad builder or contractor on the L. S., P. & E. 
R. R., iST. Y. & E.'and Iron Mountain, Lake Superior. 

WILHELM BERKENKAMP, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in 1832 in Prussia, and emi- 
grated to America Dec. 23, 1853, landing in New York. From there he came to Ui ica, N. Y., 
where he remained for a few months; thence he came to Buffalo, N. Y., and after so- 
journing there a few months came to Erie, this county, July 4, 1854. Here he engaged 
with Mr. Trace, with whom he stayed about 8 years. In 1857, he married Miss Vogle, 
then moved to Franklin Township, this county, residing there for a few j^ears. In 1871, 
our subject came with his family to the farm they now occupy. To Mr. and Mrs. Berken- 
kamp have been born the following-named children: William, Charles (deceased in in- 
fancy), John and George (twins, latter deceased), and Frank (deceased in infanc3'). Our 
subject is a member of the G. A. R. 

JOHN BLACKWOOD, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in February, 1810, in Ireland, 
and came with his parents, James and Martha (Boyd) Blackwood, to America in 1819, set- 
tling in Erie, this count3^ where they resided 7 years, after which they moved to the 
farm in Mill Creek Township, where our subject uow lives, and there ended their days. 
They were parents of 5 children, 3 now living — John, Robert, in Wesleyville, and Martha, 
now Mrs. Boggs, in Lawrence Co., Penn. Our subject, the eldest son and third in the 
famil}^ was married, June 30, 1848, to Nancy, daughter of David Kennedy, a native of 
Ireland; and who never came to America. Mrs. Blackwood was second in a family of 10 
children. Our subject and wife were parents of 3 children — Jane, deceased when young; 
Martha B., wife of J. E. Lapsley, in Mill Creek Township; and James Thomas. Mr. 
Blackwood lives on a farm in Mill Creek Township (lialf a mile from Erie City), given him 
by his father 40 years ago, and which is under the charge of his son Thomas. He is a 
member of the U. P. Church. 

JOSEPH BLETZ, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Jan. 1, 1824, in Bavaria, Germany; 
son of Joseph and Lena Bletz, parents of 6 children, of whom 2 are now living — 
Lena, wife of A. Blabeck, have 3 children; and our subject, who was the only member 
of the family to come to America. He arrived in June, i851, and after a short time em- 
ployed in Erie, this county, moved to the farm he now owns and occupies. He was 
married, in 1847, in Germany, and has a family of 8 children — Melchior, married to Martha 
Weigel, daughter of Nicholas Weigel, have 2 children, Ida and Frank; Hermon; Mary, 
wife of F. vogt, have 6 children; Catharine, now Mrs. Mealer, have 3 children; Josephine; 
Annie, wife of F. Horn, have 2 children. Bertha and Frank; Lewis; and John at home 
with his father. The family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Bletz, besides 
farming, takes considerable interest in stock, of which he has some fine specimens, in- 
•cluding a Durham bull. 

SAMUEL M. BROWN (deceased) whose portrait appears in this book, was born July 
30, 1807, in Erie Co., Penn., son of Conrad and Catharine (Matzebach) Brown. The 
former was born June 2, 1773, in Berks Co., Penn.; came to Erie Co. in 1802, and 
subsequently engaged in mercantile business in Erie City, with George Spang, and later, 
followed farming until a few years prior to his decease, wliich occurred Dec. 13, 1859. 
Catharine, his wife, was born Nov. 12, 1786. in Berks Co., Penn., died July 30, 1821. They 
had 11 children, all of whom are deceased except Mrs. Stohlmann, of "Brooklyn, N. Y. 
Samuel M., our subject, obtained a fair education in Mill Creek Township and Erie City. 
He was married in Erie, Penn., in 1834, to Eve Stough, Ijorn Feb. 7, 1811, in Erie Co., 



118 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

daughter of Martin and Sarah (Zimmerman) Stough, natives of Dauphin Co., Penn. This 
union resulted in 7 children — John T., Sarah C, Samuel C, William M., Mary U., George 
W., Charles F. E. (deceased). Mr. Brown served the people of his township as Assessor, 
Road Commissioner and School Director; was in an early day Lieutenant of the State 
Militia, serving in a creditable manner. He was an active element among the Whigs and 
later bent his efforts with the Republican party. He was early identified with the Luther- 
an Church, and died in full triumph of the same. The history of his life can be told in 
three words, " an honest man." His grandfather, John G. Brown, son of Philip Brown, 
was born March 14, 1731, and married Sept. 7, 1756, Anna B. Heckadorn, boru Jan. 7, 
1735. 

WM. M. BROWN, Superintendent of Erie Co., Penn.. Almshouse, Erie, was 
born Dec. 13, 1840, in this township, son of Samuel M. and Eve (Stough) Brown, who 
were parents of 7 children— John P.. Sarah C, Samuel C, William M., Mary U., George 
W. and Charles F. E. (deceased). The father died Jan. 9, 1863. His widow^ a lady now 
of seventy-four years, resides with her son Samuel C, who has charge of the home farm, 
located on the Ridge road, this township, on a delightful eminence 3^ miles west of Erie. 
Our subject received his education in Erie County, and followed agricultural pursuits 
till Aug., 1862, when he enlisted in Co. I, 145th Reg." P. V. I., serving at the front till July 
2, 1863. w^hen he was wounded in the right thigh at the battle of Gettysburg, Penn., and 
from its effects was unfitted for duty till some time the following fall. On Feb. 1, 1864, he 
received a commission in the Veteran Reserve Corps, and was ordered to Columbus, Ohio, 
where he was placed in military command of the U. S. Seminary Hospital; here he re- 
mained until the fall, when he returned home, and on Nov. 23, 1864, he was married to 
Rosanna, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Love, one of the pioneer families of this 
county. He was then ordered to Washington, D. C, on recruiting service, where he re- 
mained nearly 2 months; from thence to Elmira, N. Y., where he was assigned to duty in 
prison camp. Here he and his wife remained till after the close of the war. In June, 
1866, he was discharged from the U. S. service, when he retired to his farm in Mill Creek 
Township, and followed farming up to the spring of 1880, when he received his present 
position as Superintendent of Almshouse. 

GEORGE W. BROWN, farmer, P. O. West Mill Creek, was born July 1, 1845, in this 
township; son of Samuel M. and Eve (Stough) Brown, and grandson of Conrad Brown, 
who came to this county in 1802, and was among the first saddlers and merchants of Erie 
City. S'je his biography. Our subject, the sixth in a family of 7. was married Jan. 28, 
1869, to Henrietta, daughter of Frederick Fehr, a native of Hesse-Cassel, Germany. 
To this union were born 5 children— Edward C, Samuel M., deceased in 1881, Frederick 
C, Lillie L., deceased in infancy, and Nettie M. Mr. Brown resides on a farm pleasantly 
situated in a valley on the west line of Mill Creek Township. 

JOHN BURTON, farmer, P. O. Erie, whose portrait appears in this work, was born 
Oct. 15, 1809, in Winsted, Litchfield Co., Conn. His father, John Burton was born in 
Old Stratford, Conn., and came to Erie Co. in 1811, settling on the farm now owned and 
occupied by his son John. While in Connecticut, he was engaged in shoe-making and 
cattle dealing. The breaking-out of the war of 1812, made shipping almost an impossi- 
bility, and Mr. Burton lost' heavily on a herd of cattle. He was consequently a poor 
man when he settled in the wilds of Mill Creek Township, this county. He was married 
to Phoebe Wooster of Conn. The result of this union was Sallie, married to Spencer 
Shattuck, they lived in Mill Creek Township till death separated them; Silas, mar- 
ried to Lucretia Miller, he died in Buffalo; David was first coal dealer in Erie; Polly 
married Calvin Foot, and died in Mill Creek Township. Mrs. Phtebe Burton was a 
member of the Methodist Church, and her two brothers Daniel and James were local 
ministers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. On her demise, our subject married Han- 
nah Miller, born in Torrington, Litchfield Co., Conn., in 1774, and died in 1850. To this 
union were born William, John, Phcebe, Matilda and Lewis. The former attended the 
county schools, became able to teach and with the means thus obtained, secured text-books, 
and recited his lessons to Rev. Robert Reed, of Erie, subsequently graduated from the 
Wesleyan University of Middletown, Conn., and soon after eniraged in the Allegheny Col- 
lege, of Meadville, Penn., a^ teacher of languages and mathematics, and in the mean- 
time occupied the pulpit of the Methodist Church. Later, he prepared himself for the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, and took charge of St. John's Church of Cleveland, Ohio,^ 
and afterward was transferred to Tecumseh, Mich., where he died in 1856. Lewus attended' 
the country schools, and. through means furnished principally by his father, graduated at 
Meadville, and then preached iii the Methodist Episcopal organization at Allegheny City, 
after having had charge of a similar church at New Castle.' Penn. He finally joined the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, and succeeded his brother in St. John's Church, Cleveland. 
Here he established 2 strong branches, known as " St. Marks" and " All Saints," and now has 
charge of the former; his son Lewis is pastor of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Rich- 
mond, Va. ; Pluebe Burton, married J. B. Stevens, of Harbor Creek; they both died in 
Illinois; Matilda, deceased, married J. Johnson; John Burton and his consorts were active 
members of the Methodist Church. Our subject attended the country schools as much as 



MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 119 

was convenient, aside from tlie duties required of him by his indulgent parents. He was 
married in 1834 to Charlotte E., daughter of Thomas and Huldah Barnes, natives of Co- 
lumbia Co., N. Y. This union re.sulted in 4 children — Julia; Phoebe J., wife of Jacob 
Warfel;Lydia M., wife of Heman Sprague, of Toledo; Laura E., deceased, when seven j-ears 
old. His wife dying in 1870, Mr. Burton married, Oct. 8, 1876, Mrs. Margaret McNair, 
widow of William McNair, and daughter of Jeremiah and Jane Montgomery Burford, na- 
tives, the former of Fayette Co., the latter of Chester Co., Penn. Mrs. Burton had 6 
children by her first marriage, 2 now living — Margaret J. and James 'E. She is a Pres- 
byterian, while her present husband is an energetic Methodist, to which organization he 
has been attached 50 years. He cast his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, and 
still clings to the Democratic "household of faith." Has served as School Director, Road 
Commissioner, and his full share of other .small offices, where pay is not considered. Mr. 
Burton is the possessor of quite a little fortune, which he alone mainly accumulated by 
dealings in real estate and stock, together with farming. 

J. E. BURTON, farmer and dairyman, P. O. Erie, was born in 1848 in the city of 
Erie, this county, son of Peter and Sarah (Parker) Burton. Peter Burton, a native of 
this township, was at one time Deputy SherifE and afterward, by election. Sheriff of 
Erie County, serving 2 terms. He moved subsequently to the farm, where he car- 
ried on a dairy in connection. His father David, a native of Connecticut, was a resident 
of Erie City for several years. Peter Burton and wife were parents of 8 children, 
5 now living — D. H. Burton (married to Mrs. Whitley, a widow), Isadore (wife of B. 
B. Whitley; have 5 children — Jennie. Morrison, Alice, Ray R. and Benjamin B.), Alice 
(wife of C. P. Diefenbach; have 3 children — Bessie, Sarah and Harry), Elizabeth (wife 
of C. D. Riblet; have 2 children — Ruth and Burton;, and our subject, who was married, 
in 1880, to Ella, daughter of N. W. Russell. To this union were born 2 children — 
Florence Edna and Sarah Edith. Mr. Burton keeps 16 cows and supplies a portion 
of Erie City with dairy produce. His farm is located on the Buffalo road in this town- 
ship. He is a member of the K. of H. 

JULIUS V. BUSECK, farmer, P. O. West Mill Creek, was born in Fairview Township, 
this county, son of Lewis and Caroline (Stohlmann) Buseck, natives of Germany, former of 
whom came to this country with his father and brother in 1832, the remainder of the family 
following in 1834. They remained in Pittsburgh, Penn., 1 year, then moved to this county 
and worked on different farms until they purchased the one on which the father of our 
subject rjow lives, on the lake road, about 3 miles west of Erie City. Mr. Lewis Von 
Buseck has proved himself a most successful farmer; beginning life with but little, he 
now owns 4 large farms in this township. He married Caroline Stohlmann, who bore 
him 12 children, 9 now living— Augusta, wife of Joachim Knobloch; Charles, married to 
Lavina Butt; Amile, married to Mary Fickinger; Emma, wife of William Evans; Julius, 
Lewis, Albert, William and Caroline. Julius, our subject, manages one of his father's 
farms in the west part of this township. He is an energetic young man, keenly alive to 
the agricultural interests of the county. 

JOHN H. CARTER, retired farmer, P. O. West Mill Creek, was born Feb. 24, 1821, 
in the county of Norfolk, England, son of John and Mary (High) Carter, who came to 
this township in 1837, bringing with them 5 children, 4 of whom are now living. The 
family record is now Mary "A., now Mrs. Ling, in England; John H. ; Sarah A., now Mrs. 
Shank, in Illinois; Mrs. Henrietta Fassett, deceased in this township; William, a farmer 
in Illinois, and our subject, who was married, in April, 1838, to Anna Heidlebaugh, whose 
parents were very early settlers of this county. To this union were born Mary A., wife of 
William Hardwick, proprietor of Erie Engine Works, have 2 children, Wesley and Lu- 
anna; George W., at home; Edward D., married to Clara Robinson; have one child, 
Maud; Alfred M., proprietor of livery stable in Erie City; Rosa E., deceased; Luella J., 
at home; and John Lewis, married to Jane Rudd, have 1 child, John. John H. was in- 
duced once to take up his residence in Erie City, but unfortunately losing $5,000, he 
returned to the country and has since been very successful. His wife is a native of Lan- 
caster Co.. the second child of three in her family. Our subject came to this county in 
1840. He has now sold the farm on which he had so long resided to William L. Scott for 
$39,000, and has rented a farm owned by Mr. Riblet. The family are members of the 
Westminster Presbyterian Church. 

S. H. CAUGHEY, farmer, P. O. West Mill Creek, was born March 18, 1836, in this 
township; son of Samuel and Susan (Fluke) Caughey, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., 
who came to this county in 1800, where they ended their days. They were parents of fol- 
lowing children: John F., residing on the old home farm, on the Ridge road; Lewis, in 
Fairview Township, this county; and our subject, who was married, March 17, 1864, to 
Eliza M., daughter of James Love. To this union were born 3 children— Susan L., who 
has attended the State Normal School, this county, at Edinboro; J. Bert and Edwin. Tiie 
family receive all the advantages of a home as well as a school and collegiate educati(m. 
Mr. Caughey resides in the western part of the township, where he has an excellent farm, 
well provided with all essentials, including a spacious barn. 



120 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

MRS. MARGARET CHURCH, farmer, P. O. Belle Valley, was born in May, 1794, 
in Ireland, and came to America in 1801 -with her parents. She is the oldest lady in the 
county, and one of the pioneers of Mill Creek Township. With well-preserved percep- 
tive faculties, excellent memory and strong physical frame, Mrs. Church is certainly a 
remarkable old lady. She was twice married, on first occasion, March 17, 1812, to Andrew 
Martin, a soldier in the war of 1812; born in 1780, he died in 1823. from the effects of a fall. 
By this union were born 4 children — Mary, now Mrs. Wood, residini; in Chicago; Xaucy, 
deceased; Emily, now Mrs. Parker, and Amas C. Mrs. Church's second marriage 
occurred Feb. 22, 1825, with David Church; 6 children were born to this union — Jane, 
deceased: David, in Iowa, married to Harriett Shattuck, have 2 children; Jane, de- 
ceased in 1845; Seldon, died in 1864; Margaret, died in 1849; John died in 1835, and Helen 
M., who was married Jan. 30, 1868, toD. P. Tate, who was born March 15, 1832, in Summit 
Township, this county, son of R. M. C. Tate. They are parents of 8 children — Maggie 
F., Bertha A. and Seldon C. Mr. and Mrs. Tate and family reside along with our subject 
on one of her farms. 

J. S. CONRAD, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Aug. 1, 1817, in this township, sou of 
Joseph and Elizabeth (McCoy) Conrad, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., and who came to 
Erie Co. in 1801, settling on the farm on which our subject now resides. They were parents 
of 9 children, of whom 4 are now living— Elizabeth, wife of A. Judd; Sarah A. wife of S. 
Wood; John M., living now on the old home farm with Jacob S. Our subject was 
twice married; on the first occasion to Sarah J., daughter of Freeman Patterson, who bore 
him 6 children, 3 of whom are living — William W., James M. and J. Lester. She dying 
April 6, 1874, Mr. Conrad married Emily PaUerson, a sister of his first wife, Nov. 4. i875. 
Bv this union there are no children. Mrs. Conrad is a member of the Patterson family 
of Girard Township, this county; is one of 11 children, 8 of whom are living. 

JOHN COOK, farmer, P. 0. Belle Valley, was born Aug. 3, 1798, in Hartford Co., 
Conn. .son of Eliakim and Lucy (Hurlburt) Cook. His grandfather's name was Benjamin, and 
that of his great-grandfather Eliakim. His maternal grandfather's name was John Hurlburt. 
Our subject's father came with his family to thiscounty in 1800 (leaving a fine estate on the 
Connecticut River, on which the fifth generation of the Cook family is now residing) 
from Buffalo, over the ice, on which they had to spend a whole night, though Mrs. Cook 
had 2 small children under her care. Here he took up a claim or assumed a lease of 300 
acres of land of the Holland Co., and then moved to Waterford, this county.where he died 
in the course of 10 years thereafter. The requirements of the case with the Holland Co. 
not being fulfilled, owing to possession being taken by actual settlers, the claim was lost, 
save 100 acres. In addition to that, Mr. Cook bought 75 acres in another part of the town- 
ship. He built the tavern known as Cook's Hotel, which he kept for many years. He had 
a family of 5 children. 3 now living — Mrs. Hilton, of Erie City, a widow with 4 chil- 
dren — Wilham, Sarah, John and Abbie; May. afterward Mrs. Zimmerly, deceased, leaving- 
4 daughters — Anna, Mary, Georgette and "Frances; and our subject, who has witnessed 
the rise of the county from its untutored savage state. He was married, Jan. 1, 1840. to Mary 
E.. daughter of Giles Russell. By this union were born Louisa, wife of C.Wood, who died 
leaving 1 son, Walter; Giles Russell, a soldier in the late rebellion, and who died of his 
wounds; John E., also a soldier, deceased, leaving a widow and son, Eddie H.; and Mary 
E., living with her father. Mr. Cook has been a most prominent man in the township: he 
has been a deacon in the Presbyterian Church for 50 years. His wife died June 21,1883. 

JAMES W. COOPER, farmer, P. O. Wesleyville, was born in Oct., 1833. in Coopers- 
town. Penn., son of William and Susan (Hope) Cooper, natives of Pennsylvania, who came 
to this county in 1814, and were the first settlers of Venango Township. The father of 
William gave his name to Cooperstown, mentioned above. William Cooper and wife were 
parents of 11 children, 6 now living, viz.: William (married to Elmira Gates), Albert, 
Zachariah, married to Kate Riblet; Mary, wife of George A. Brown; Rachel, wife of Orlin 
Foote; and our subject, who was married in 1867 to Susan M. , daughter of George Brown, a 
a very early settler of this township. To this union were born Cora, deceased in infancy: 
John L., deceased at the age of eleven; and Harry Brown at home. Mr. Cooper has been 
School Director for six years; is a member of the K. of H. Lodge, 99; in politics, is a 
Democrat. 

R. S. DAVISON, farmer, P. O. Belle Valley, was born Jan. 15, 1816, in Venango 
Township, this county, son of Robert and Sarah (Smith) Davison, who came from Ireland 
in 1797, settling where our subject was born. They were parents of 11 children, 7 now: 
living, viz.: our subject; Elizabeth, wife of John McFarland, of Lawrence Co.. Penn.; 
Rosanna, wife of J. McFarland. of Centralia, 111.; Jane, wife of A. Kirkpatrick, of Corry, 
Erie Co., Penn.; Sarah, wife of William Schooler, residing near Erie City, Penn: Emily, 
wife of N. W. Russell; Margaret, residing with our subject. R. S. was married March 27, 
18.55. to Martha, daughter of Samuel Love, an early settler of this county, and 
who had a family of 12 children. To this union were born 3 children, viz. : Rosella, 
wife of William Hilborn (have 2 children. Flora M. and Howard D.): Alfred and Dewitt, 
who assist their father in carrying on the farm of 100 acres. Mr. Davison is a member of 
the Belle Valley Presbyterian Church. 



MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP, 121 

GEORGE DOLL, farmer, P. O Erie, is a native of this townslup, born Sept. 18, 1839, 
son of Casper and Barbara (Drushal) Doll, natives of Germany, who came to America in 
1837, settling in this township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were 
parents of 4 children — Margaret, wife of Presley Waidley; Barbara, wife of Frederick 
Diehl; George and Casper, who married Charlotte Rusterholtz. Our subject was mar- 
ried, Apr. 28, 1864, to Eliza E., daughter of Nathan and Mary Foglebaugh, parents of 9 
children, 8 now living, Mrs. Doll being the 4th. Having no children of their own, Mr. 
and Mrs. Doll adopted a girl named Lena G. when 9 years of age; she is now 15, a bright 
and fair young lady, in whom her foster-parents place great store. Our subject occupies 
the old home farm, situated in the western part of the township, 9 miles from Erie City. 
Mr. Doll's grandfather, Casper Doll, Sr., lived with his son Casper till he was ninety-two 
years of age. He died in 1866, his widow in 1881. 

JOHN B. EVANS, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Sept. 3, 1835, in this township, son 
of James and Catharine (Brown) Evans, the former of whom was boni July 13, 1806, in 
McKean Township, this county, son of John and Nancy (Porter) Evans, natives of Lan- 
caster Co.. Penn. .John Evans, Sr.. came to Erie Co. in 1802, and took up land, to pay 
which he borrowed money fi"om Seth Reed without security. On returning the money to 
Mr. Reed some time afterward, Mr. Evans asked him how lie came to trust him so far. 
"Because you have an honest face," replied Mr. Reed. John Evans was a marine in the 
war of 1812, and a great hunter in his day. He possessed a gun which he named " Jimmy." 
This gu!i he sold to James McKee, who, having a dispute with a Mr. Severlin, took "Jim- 
my " in his hand and shot him. James Evans was married, Dec. 1, 1834, to Catharine, 
daughter of Conrad and Catharine (Murcybaugh) Brown, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn! 
By this union were born John B., George A., Conrad B., William E., E. J. and P. A. Our 
subject was married, Feb. 20, 1862, to Sophia, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Love, who 
came to Erie Co. in 1802, settling in McKean Township. Mrs. Evans is the 6th child in 
a family of 12, of w^hom 7 are now living. Our subject is a member of the Westminster 
Presbyterian Church in this township. His farm is nicely located on the Ridge road 

CAPT. GEORGE A. EVANS, farmer. P. O. West Mill Creek, was born Oct. 29, 1836, son 
of James and Catherine (Brown) Evans, early settlers of this county (see their biograph}-). 
Our subject enlisted in Co. I, 145th P. V. I., Aug. 14, 1862, during the rebellion, and served 
to the close of the war. He participated in the most severe battles fought, such as Antie- 
tam. Fredericksburg (in which the regiment lost 250 men out of about 500 engaged), Chan- 
cellorsville. Gettysburg (in which the greater part of the regiment was cut to pieces in 
charging through the wheat field on the evening of July 2, all the officers being killed 
or wounded in his companj^ except our subject). Mine Run. Auburn Heights, Bristow Sta- 
tion, Wilderness, Spottsylvania. Cold Harbor, and many other engagements. He passed 
through them all unscathed, with exception of a slight wound received at Petersburg. He 
was then placed on detached duty in October, 1864, and acted as Adjutant till the close of 
the war. On June 1, 1865, he was mustered out, and returned home, and on Dec. 26, same 
year, was married to Sophia J., daughter of R. G. Dunn. By this union are 3 children, 2 
now living — Kate D. and Scott B. Mr. Evans owns a fine farm in the western part of 
Mill Creek Township. He has acted as School Director 5 years and Juror Commissioner 3 
years. 

CONRAD B. EVANS, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Aug. 22, 1838, in Mill Creek 
Township, on the farm he now occupies; the 3d son of James and Catharine (Brown) 
Evans, former born in McKean Township, this county and State, whither his parents mi- 
grated at the end of the last century from Cecil Co., Md. ; the latter near Erie, her parents 
having come from Berks Co.. this State. Ancestors on the father's side were Scotch-Irish 
or Welsh, on the mother's of Pennsylvania Dutch stock. His father was a farmer; her 
father was a merchant in the city of Erie, and owner of lai-ge tracts of land. The brothers 
are John B. ; Capt. Geo. A., of Co. I, 145th P. V.jl. ; Conrad B. Evans; Wm. E., in Fair- 
view Township; E. James, in North East Township; Presley A., at home; the 5th in order 
of the brothers died in infancy. The subject of this article was married, Feb. 12, 1867, to 
Charlotte E., youngest daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Reed) Love. To this union were 
born 8 children, viz., Mary Gertrude, Frank Reed and Harry Grant (twins, Frank died in 
infancy). Frances Adelaide, James A., Charlotte E.. Sophie L. and Ruth M. He enlisted 
during the war of the rebellion. Jan. 1, 1864; joined Co. A, of the 111th P. V. V. I., at 
Pittsburgh, Capt. Marcellus Todd in command of company. He was sent to the convales- 
cent camp at Ringgold, Ga. ; detailed while there, and soon after arriving to duty, in the 
Commissary Department. Being sent by imperious order to the front just before the bat- 
tle of Peacii Tree Creek, he entered the engagement, and w^as taken prisoner with many 
others of the right of the regiment. Col. Cobham being killed. Was sent to Andersonville 
Prison, where he remained until Sept. 20 following. Under Gen. Sherman's special cartel 
for exchange, he rejoined his regiment at Atlanta, and marched with the advancing col- 
umn to the sea. After the siege of Savannah, he went with the army to Washington. He 
was detailed for a time at the division headquarters of Gen. Geary as a clerk to t^lie Judge 
Advocate General. Was discharged in July. 1865, as Commissary Sergeant of the regi 
ment. Being married, he has occupied the old home farm ever since, situated about ii 



122 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

miles south from the city of Erie, and added thereunto. Mr. Evans has filled several offices 
of trust in his town and county. He is a brother of the A. O. U. W., and comrade of the 
Strong Vincent Post, No. 67. Is a Republican from principle, and by birth and education 
as he was a soldier from pure patriotism, which he stoutly asseverated to his comrades by 
the camp fire. Is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Erie, and one of its ses- 
sion, and earnestly believes in its doctrines and creed. 

JOHN FAG AN, deceased, was born in 1812 in this township, son of John and Mary 
(Logan) Fagan, natives of York Co., Penn., and who came to this county in 1800-02, 
settling in Mill Creek Township. During the war of 1812. they kept house for a Mr. 
Brown, who was afraid, owing to the troublous times, to live alone. Their family num- 
bered 5 children— James, Hugh, Honor. Judah and John, none of whom are now'living. 
Our subject was married, June 7, 1838, to Abigail, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth 
(Hadley) Moore. To this union were born 10 children, 7 now living, viz., John C., mar- 
ried to Ada Stedman, he is a member of the G. A. R. ; William, in Chicago, he was a 
soldier in the late war; Charles, in San Francisco, Cal. : Frank, married to Carrie, daugh- 
ter of Erue and Eliza Pherrin, have 3 children— Elizabeth, John and Mabel; Richard mar- 
ried to Melissa Silvers of Kan., have one child— Ethel; Mary, wife of Joseph Helterline, 
have 1 child— George J.; and James, at present attending the Allegany College, N. Y. ; 
John, who is in Erie City, Penn., was a soldier in the late war; Thomas was also a soldier, 
and died while in the service, his body was exhumed, brought home and re-interred. John 
Fagan, the subject of this sketch, was Constable and Assessor for this township. He died 
Dec. 1, 1882. Mrs. Fagan was a native of New York State. Her mother, wbo came to 
this county in 1838, having lost her first husband, married Mr. Robert Condon, who settled 
in Elk Creek Township, this county, where he died. 

JACOB FARVER, deceased, was born in Little York, Penn., March 10, 1810; came 
to this county and settled in Weigleville, a village named after his wife's father, in 1826. 
Our subject married Leah Weigle, who bore him .1 children, viz., Sarah A., wife of George 
W. Mosher, have 1 child— Carrie A.; Samuel H., married to Mary J. Thomas; Carrie C, 
wife of T. Tuttle, have 1 child— Jessie B.; John A., married to Emma J. Nason, have 1 
child— Seth A. Jacob Farver died April 15, 1876. George W. Farver, the eldest son, was 
married Aug. 29, 1862, to Alzina E. Himebaugh, who bore him 8 children— Alice C. Ida 
A., Minnie A., William J., Frank C, Charles J., George E. and Carrie B. Mr. G. W. Farver 
resides on part of the home farm, located on the Ridge road in the western part of Mill 
Creek Township. George has been correspondent for the Erie Observer for many years. 
George Weigle, father of Mrs. Jacob Farver was born in 1776, died in 1848. He settled 
where Weigleville now stands, and paid $2.50 per acre. He could have bought laud 
where Erie City now stands for |1.50, but it was too swampy. Catherine Weigle, Mrs. 
Farvers mother, was born in 1777, died in 1868. She was known all over Erie County. 
When they settled here, there were plenty of deer and bears, in fact game of all kinds. 
There was only one grocery then in the village of Erie. 

TOBIAS FICKINGER, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born June 14, 1811. in Lancaster Co., 
Penn., son of Frederick, a miller by trade, and Elizabeth (Long) Fickinger, natives of 
Lancaster Co., Penn. They came to this county in 1831, .settling in McKean Township, 
and remained there till 1844, when they moved to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and there ended 
their days. They were parents of 8 children, 6 now living, viz., Samuel in Erie Co.; 
Jacob in Ohio; William; Maria, wife of J. L. Skinner, in 111.; Letitia, wife of George Stine- 
hiser in Indiana; and our subject, who was twice married, on first occasion to Sarah, 
daugliter of John and Susan Butt. By this union were born 4 children — Sarah A., wife 
of J. T. Brown; J. B., who was a member of the 14oth P. V. I. during the late war and 
died at Harper's Ferry, Va.; Sophia, deceased; and Rev. Charles F., inarried to Morillo, 
daughter of J. Evans, have 2 children— Frank and Grace. On the death of this wife, 
March 26, 1870, our subject married, Oct. 3, 1872, Mrs. Catharine (Butt) Farver, who was 
born March 15, 1813, and married in 1837 to John Farver, and by this union were 5 chil- 
dren, viz., Daniel, in California; John, living on the Farver farm, married to Lydia Busick, 
had 5 children— Henry, Kate, deceased, Oney, John and Stella; Susan F., now Mrs. G. 
Stone, have 6 children; Sarah, wife of C. Ott. have 2 children; Mary, wife of T. McKee, 
have 1 child — Edward. Our subject has been Road Commissioner and School Director for 
many years. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church. 

PERRY FOOTE, farmer, P. 0. Belle Valley, was born Aug. 13, 1824, on the farm on 
which he now resides in this township, son of Capt. Warren Foot, a soldier of the war of 
1812, born Aug. 6, 1778, in Connecticut. He moved to this county in 1802. Returning to 
his native State, he married Sally, daughter of William Shattuck, of Connecticut, and then 
moved finally to this township on the farm our subject now occupies. He died June 12. 1843, 
his widow Feb. 6, 1869, aged eighty-si.x years seven months. His family nimibered 8 chil- 
dren, viz., Wm. S., deceased; Mrs. Eliza Root, died at the age of seventv-two, leaving 3 chil- 
dren; William S., second, living in New York State ; Zernah, wife of Cyrus Reed, deceased, 
leaving 3 children in Lodi, 111.; George, decea.sed in April, 1880, leaving 2 sons; Warren; 
Sarah, wife of F. Bell, a soldier in the late war, deceased, leaving 1 daughter; and Perry, 
our subject, who was married, Jan. 2, 1851, to Mary C, daughter of Henry Ewing, of Sum- 



MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 123 

mit Township. Six children have been born to this union— Sarah Matilda, wife of Henry- 
Parker of Harbor Creek: Lizzie Jane, deceased Aug. 10, 1873; Emma, at home; Bell R., 
deceased July 11, 1863; Perry Albert, at home; and Addie, deceased July 8, 1874. Mr. and 
Mrs. Foote are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Erie. 

JACOB GEIST, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Nov. 30, 1817, in Lancaster Co., Penn., 
son of Andrew and Nancy (Becker) Geist, former of whom came to this county in 1835, 
settling on a farm on the Ridge road, where he ended his daj^s. They were parents of 6 
children, of whom 3 are now living — Jacob; Daniel; May, wife of J. Berst, of Erie City. 
Our subject was married, February, 1844, to Mary, daughter of Joseph Evans, and by this 
union were born 12 children, viz., Mary A., wife of Jacob Zann, have 4 children— George 
W., Kate M., Luella and Cora V.; Thoma*; Daniel, deceased; Levi, deceased; Matilda; 
Frank; Jolin; Louisa, deceased; Clara E. ; Alvin, married to Florence B. Noson; Charles 
Edward and Andrew. Mr. Geist has a farm of 234 acres, 6 miles southwest of Erie City in 
Mill Creek Township. 

DANIEL GEIST, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born June 13, 1825, in Lancaster Co., Penn., 
son of Andrew and Nancy (Becker) Geist, who came to this county in 1832 with a 4-horse 
team and 1 -horse carriage, settling on the Ridge road near the spot where the cemetery is 
now located. In the following year, Andrew Geist bought a farm of 103 acres near where 
the Poor House now stands, and there they spent the remainder of their lives. He died 
in Jan., 1878. His family numbered 5 sons and 3 daughters; 3 sons and 1 daughter now 
living— Jacob Geist, married Miss Mary Evens, is now a widower with 9 children; Mary, 
wife of J. Berst, have 4 children living; and our subject, who was married, in 1855, to 
Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Betsy (Butts) Givens, natives of Penns5-lvania. To this 
union were born 3 children. 2 now living— William Z., attending college in Erie, Penn., 
and Emma L., at home. John I. is deceased. Mr. Geist is a widower, having lost his 
wife Sept. 10, 1883. He resides on his farm situated on an elevated spot about 4 miles 
from the court house, in this township. He is a member of the English Lutheran Church. 

JAMES C. GRAHAM, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Aug. 30, 1821, in West Mill Creek 
Township, this county; son of Moses and Elizabeth (Foster) Graham, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, of Irish descent. Moses Graham was born in 1790, died Sept. 10, 1847; his wife was 
born in April, 1797, died Feb. 30, 1850. They were parents of Josiah, who died in Springfield 
Towhship, this county; his widow, Mrs. Rachel (Caldwell) Graham survives with 4 chil- 
dren; and our subject, who was married, March 27, 1845, to Martha M. Lininger, who 
bore him 6 children. 4 now living— Martha E., wife of C. A. Crandle, have 1 child- 
Holly; James E., married to L. Emerson, have 1 child— Lola; Robert G., married to Ad- 
die L. Martin, have 1 child— Celicia; and Charles W., carpenter and joiner, who is unmar- 
ried. Our subject's first wife died June 16, 1865; he then married Mrs. Mary Rice, a widow 
who had four children, 2 living— Mrs. Elizabeth Bender and John Rice. 

HENRY HALDERMAN, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born April 2, 1833, in Lancaster 
Co., Penn., son of Daniel and Mary (Adam) Halderman, parents of 10 children— Samuel; 
Mary A., deceased; Henry; Fiana, wife of E. Beck; Catharine, wife of Samuel 
Richtner; Rebecca, wife of Henry Cooper, in Lancaster Co.; Sarah, wife of W. Gable; 
Clementina, wife of Henry Moon, in Lancaster Co.; .John, deceased; and Jacob. The 
father died in 1858, the mother is still living. Our subject was married. May 80, 1853, to 
Cordelia, daughter of Henry Warpel, who came to this county in 1829, settling on the farm 
on which Mr Halderman now lives. His family numbered 4 children, 2 sons and 2 daugh- 
ters—Mrs. Halderman being the youngest of all. To our subject and wife were born 7 
children, 6 now living— Franklin; Elam, married to Arelia Fogelbaugh, have 1 child— Flor- 
ence; Elizabeth, wife of Lewis Peter, have 1 child— Frankie; Charles, Martin and Ada. 

JOHN HARTLEB, farmer, P. O. Erie, Avas born Feb. 25, 1817. in Albig, Germany, 
and came to America in 1852; sou of Francis and Maggie (Nuchel) Hartleb, parents of 5 
children— Mary, deceased; John; Peter, in Milwaukee: Michael, deceased; and Matthew, 
in Erie. Our subject was married, June 17, 1844, to Maggie, daughter of John Beck. To 
this union were born 9 children, viz. : Peter; Kate, now Mrs. Volmer; Michael; Anthony; 
Lena; Maggie, wife of H. Baushard; Emma, at home; Elizabeth, at home; and Matthew. 
Mr. Hartreb resides on a farm at one time owned by Frederick Zimmerman, located in 
the eastern part of this township. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. 

HENRY Y. HARTT, farmer, P. 0. Erie, was liorn in this township July 25, 1889; son 
of James and Elizabeth (Overton) Hartt, natives of England. The latter was third in a 
family of 7 and the only member to come to America. They were married in 1828, and 
soon afterward came to America, settling in this county. They were parents of 7 chil- 
dren, 2 now living — Maria E., the eldest, widow of J. M. McCreary, and Heniy Y., 4th. 
The deceased are James, William, Mary,Edward and John. Our subject was married, Aug. 
17, 1871, to Emma A., daughter of James Reed, one of the pioneers of the county, who reared 
a family of 4 children— William C, J. H., Emma A. and Kate J. Mr. Hartt's farm is lo- 
cated in the western portion of the township. The family are members of the Westminster 
Presbyterian Church. 

G. W. HAYBERGER, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Sept. 18, 1836, in this township, 
on the farm on which he now resides; son of Maxson and Margaret (McCreery) Hayber- 



124 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ger, natives of Penn., who came to this county in 1813 or 1814, settling in Mill Creek Town- 
ship. They were parents of 5 children, viz.: Thomas, drowned May 19, 1854, in Love's 
mill dam; David, enlisted during the war of the rebellion in the 144th P. V. I., and died 
in hospital in Virginia. April, 1864. aged twenty-six: Eli, married to Sarah Bochmer, have 
3 children — Rosa and Henry M. ; Margaret A., wife of O. Olds, have 3 children — May V. 
and Willie; an infant, deceased; and our subject, who was married, Oct. 15, 1863, to Jen- 
nie, daughter of Greenleafs and Martha (Colton) Warren, who were parents of 4 daughters 
and 1 son, viz.: 3Irs. Hayberger; Adelia M.; Mary A., now Mrs. Sherwood; Martha, and 
Henry G., in Erie Citj'. Mr. Greenleafs AVarren died, in 1853, on his way home from Cal- 
ifornia to his family, who were then residing in Wisconsin. To Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Hay- 
berger were born 5 children — Adelia M., deceased; Genevra M., deceased; an infant, de- 
ceased; Mary W., and Jessie, at home. Our subject served 3 months during the late war, 
in 1865. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. His farm is finely situated on an elevated 
piece of ground overlooking the lake, 41 miles from Erie City. 

WILLIAM HENDERSON, farmer, P. O. Kearsarge, was born Oct. 36, 1838, in Cleve- 
land, Ohio; son of Joseph and Jane (Sweney) Henderson, the former a native of Alleghe- 
ny Co., the latter of Erie Co., Penn. Joseph Henderson, a carpenter, was born June 6, 
1798, and came to this county in 1820, settling in Erie City. His family numbered 10 chil- 
dren. 6 of whom are now living, viz.: William; Nancy, now Mrs. Goodrich; Ann, wife of 
Henry Dunn; Joseph, present Director of the Poor; Jane, a maiden lady; James, express 
agent, Corry; George, Charles and 3 infants are deceased. Joseph Henderson was elected 
County Commissioner for 3 years, and re-elected on the Independent ticket 3 3'ears. He 
was employed on most of the original buildings of prominence in Erie City; had the con- 
tract for the carpenter work of the old court house, and was superintendent of the work; 
was at one time engaged on the public works of Cleveland, Ohio. He died March 28, 
1883. Our subject was married, Aug. 20. 1860, to Martha, daughter of Joseph Lowry, of 
Armstrong Co., Penn. The father of Joseph Lowrj^ was born Oct. 10, 1787, in Ireland, 
and was brought to America in 1788. For many years he was a Justice of the Peace. He 
wa-^ the parent of 13 children. Our subject and wife have a family of 3 children— Alfred 
and Elmer (twins) and Thomas, besides an adopted child, a niece, named Ida Lowry, born 
in California. Mr. Henderson was at one time on the staff of Government Surveyors in 
the gold regions of Colorado, before gold was discovered. He is now residing on the farm 
on which his father lived. 

NOAH HERSHEY. farmer, P. O. Kearsarge, is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Zook) 
Hershey, who came to Erie Co. in 1832, settling on the farm then known as the John 
Reed farm, and on the expiration of 3 years moved to the place on which his son Noah 
now lives. They were married; the}'^ were natives of Lancaster Co. , Penn. Seven chil- 
dren were born to this union, 5 now living, viz. : Abram, married to Fannie Tome, have 3 
children — William. Henry B. and Samuel; Mary, wife of L. Brubecker, have 8 children; 
Henry, married to Sarah Weidle, had 2 children, 1 deceased; Rachel, wife of F. Rose, 
have 4 children living; and our subject, who was mai-ried Oct. 8, 1846, to Maria S., 
daughter of David and Elizabeth (Hesler) Sybert, parents of 8 children, 4 now living — 
John, Aaron D., Martha and Maria S. David Sybert and family came to Erie Co. in 
1829. To Mr. and Mrs. Hershey were born 3 children, viz., Henry D., Charles M. and 
Ella M. S. Mr. Hershey has a fine farm situated in Mill Creek and Summit Townships, on 
the Edinboro road, 5^ miles from Erie City. 

AMAS HINKLE. farmer, P. O. Erie, is a native of this township, born July 28, 1822, 
son of Andrew and Catharine (Shue) Hinkle, who came from York Co., Penn., to this 
county, in 1816, where they resided many years. They were parents of 9 children — Will- 
iam. Amas, Catharine; John, deceased; Aquilla aud Priscilla, twins; Elizabeth, wife of 
Mr. Snyder, residing in Crawford Co., Penn.; Jacob and Henry. Andrew Hinkle, the 
father, is living with a daughter in La Grange Co., Ind. Our subject was married. Ma\'' 7, 
1846, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Weis, the first miller in the county, and who came 
here in 1801, settling on the farm our subject now owns. He was parent of 3 sons aud 2 
daughters, of whom Elizabeth is the 4th child. To Mr. and Mrs. Hinkle were born 3 chil- 
dren — Amanda, wife of L. Mong, have 5 children; Jacob, married, has 3 children; and 
John A., at home working on a farm. Our subject has been School Director and Road 
Commissioner. He began life with but little, has now, by industry and economy, accum- 
ulated a fine farm of 133 acres, located in the western portion of Mill Creek Township. 

ALBERT J. KELSO, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Sept. 7, 1802, in this county, son 
of Gen. John Kelso, an officer in the war of 1812, a native of Cumberland Co., Penn., and 
who came to this county in 1797. His wife used to ride home to Cumberland Co. on horse- 
back to visit her friends. Our subject remembers quite vividly some incidents that oc- 
curred during the war of 1812, and following years; one of the occasions was a fight 
among the butchers in the city of Erie, which was quelled by the liberal use of scalding 
water by the military, who were called out. Mr. Kelso was educated in Erie, successively 
by Mr. Eastman, Prof. Blossom, Mr. Reed and Mr. Gunnison. He was married, Jan. 26, 
1842, to Elizabeth Sullivan, who bore him the following children: Sarah, wife of Edwin 
Tenney, of Crawford Co., Penn.; Albert C, married to Livonia Green, have 4 children — 



MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 125 

Philo K., Frankie, Ella and Hany; Anuie, wife of E. DeWolf, have 6 children, reside in 
Iowa; and Edwin J. Mrs. Kelso dying in 1850, our subject married, Jan. 25, 1853, Maria 
L. Fales, a native of Massachusetts. By this union were born 5 children, 4 now living — 
Susan M., wife of J. Benson, have 1 daughter, Grace; Caroline A., Alice A. and Charles 
H. Mr. Kelso resided in Erie City 50 years, and on his present farm, located on the Lake 
road in West Mill Creek Township, 25 years. He was at one time in business in Erie City 
with Mr. Kellogg; is a thorough temperance man, declining even to sell barley for distill- 
ing purposes. 

JOHN KILLPATRICK, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in 1821, in Erie City, this county, 
son of James and Mary Killpatrick, natives of Ireland, of Scotch descent, who came to 
this county in 1819, by way of Quebec, Canada. They were the parents of 7 children, 4 
now living — Mary, Sarah, James and John, our subject, who was married, in 1856, to Maria 
Canada, who bore him 1 child, a very handsome girl, Mary, deceased. This wife dying in 
1858, Mr. Killpatrick married, in 1864, Mary J., daughter of Alexander McClelland. Mr. 
Killpatrick has resided on the farm he now occupies, located on the Buffalo road, since 
1864. He sold the land on which the village of Corry, this county, now stands for $298, 
and had to get a side bidder to accomplish that, which made the purchaser rich. In addi- 
tion to farming, our subject manufactures brick and tiles. He is a F. & A. M. 

JOACHIM KNOBLOCH, farmer of 200 acres of land with two new bank barns, P. 
O. Erie, was born Sept. 9, 1841, in this township, sou of Henry and Mary (Fisher) Kiiob- 
loch, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1840, and settled in Erie City, tiiis 
county, where they lived manj^ years. Henry Knobloch kept the Martin & Herring 
Hotel for 6 years, and finally bought a farm in the western section of this township, on 
part of which he now resides, having given to each of his 3 sons a farm off this property, 
comprising between 200 and 300 acres of excellent land, with good water privileges and 
commodious barns, where in addition to farming they are engaged in cattle breeding and 
dealing, and where they are enjoying every prosperity. Henry Knobloch's sons are Joachim, 
Daniel and Henry. Two others died in infancy. Our subject was married, Feb. 25, 
1864, to Augusta, daughter of Lewis Von Buseck. By this union were born 7 children, 
viz., Lewis H., Charles D., Mary A., Clara A., Lena L., Emeal E. and Emma L. 

HENRY KNOBLOCH, Jr., P. O. Erie, was born Sept. 13, 1845, in this township, son 
of Henry and Mary (Fisher) Knobloch, natives of Germany, who came to this county in 
1840, and lived in the cit}" of Erie for many years. Henry Knobloch bought a large farm 
in this township which he divided among his three sons, who are extensive stock dealers, 
feeders and breeders, having excellent accommodations in the way of commodious barns, 
water privilege, etc. The brothers are Joachim (see his biography); Daniel, married to 
Mary Zaun, have three children; and Henry, our subject, who was married, Dec. 26, 1871, 
to Elizabeth Zaun, sister of Mrs. Daniel Knobloch; they are daughters of Philip Zaun, of 
this township. To this union were born 2 children^Annie E. and Henry W. Messrs. H. 
Knobloch, Sr., and Jr., occupy 152 acres of land. 

JOHN KUHN, farmer, P. O. Belle Valley, was born Dec. 15, 1814, in Newport, on 
the Rhine, Germany, son of Francis and Catharine (Halt) Kuhn, who left Germanj^ for 
America Aug. 12, 1840. Coming to Erie Co., they purchased a few acres of land which 
they cultivated into a market garden. Mr. Kuhn was also engaged in lake fishing. They 
were the parents of 5 children — Elizabeth, now Mrs. Edinger, was twice married, has 8 
children; Jacob; George; Mary, now Mrs. Winel; and our subject, who was married on the 
day his parents left for America, to Mary A., daughter of John and Barbara Anthony. She 
is fifth in a family of 8 children — Rachel, Elizabeth, Tilda, Frances, Mrs. Kuhn, Eva, Peter, 
Margaret. To Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn have been born 6 children — Frank A., a noble boy, who 
during the war of the rebellion, begged of his father to be allowed to take the place in the 
army of some man who might leave a family behind. He enlisted in 1863 in the 145th 
Reg., Co. D, under Col. Brown and Capt. Lynch. He participated in several engage 
ments, was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg and afterward killed at the battle of 
Gettysburg; Jacob, married to Rose Larie, have 6 children — Annie, John, Mary, George, 
Clara, Jacob; Sophia, now Mrs. O. Smith, have 5 children— Annie, deceased, Joseph, 
Helen, Mary, Rose; Amelia; and Mary A., now Mrs. E. Percel, who lost her husband Aug. 
27, 1883; she has one child, Etta. 

SAMUEL LOVE (deceased) was born May 16, 1798, in Maryland, and came to Erie 
Co., Penn., in 1802, settling with his parents, James and Rachel (Henderson) Love, the 
former born Oct. 11, 1777, and the latter May 29, 1770, in Maryland. The father died 
in Mill Creek Township Nov. 18, 1842, and the mother May 29, 1844. They reared a fam- 
ily of 5 children — Samuel, David, James, Mary A. and Robert. The eldest received a 
country school education and learned farming and milling. He was married, Feb. 23, 1826, 
to Rebecca J. Reed, born March 11, 1805, in Erie Co., Penn., daughter of George and Mary 
(McCreary) Reed, the former born Aug. 3, 1777, the latter Jan. 14, 1776, the parents of 
Rebecca J., Joseph, John, Eliza A., William and James; the first and last named now liv- 
ing. This family united individually with the Presbyterian Church. Our subject and 
wife had a family of 12 children, 10 of whom ^rew up, viz., Jane, Mary A., Martha, 
Thomas, Sophia, Rebecca J., Rosanna, George W., James F, and Charlotte E. Thomas 



126 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

was married to Anna Brownand, of Kendallville, Ind., and they reside on the farm where 
our subject died, Oct. 14, 1865. Mr. Love was a Republican; with his wife was early- 
united with the Presbyterian Church. His father was drafted in the war of 1812 and he 
went as a substitute. His widow lives on the old farm' of 95 acres, which is farmed by her 
son, James F. He married Jeannett Dunn, the result being 9 children, 8 now living — 
Jessie R., Mabel A., B. D., Samuel R., George W., Rosannah, Emily J. and Clara. 

WILLIAM W. LOVE, farmer, P. O. Erie, is a native of this township, born Jan. 8, 
1835, on the farm on which he now resides; son of James and Eliza (Crane) Love. James 
Love, a native of Md., was brought, when a child, in Oct., 1802, to this county bj^ his 
parents, James and Rachel Love, who remained in McKean Township 5 years, and then 
moved to this township, where they settled on the farm on which Mrs. Rebecca Love now 
lives, and where they both died; the mother of Wm. W. Love died June 11, 1840, and the 
father May 20, 1878, on the farm our subject lives on. Mrs. Eliza Love was a native of 
this county, descendant of a Connecticut family. She and a cousin, now Mrs. Harrington, 
were born in the same night, in the same house, and were the first white children to see 
the light of day in Conneaut Township. Her father was a Justice of the Peace, and held 
many other offices of trust in the township. Our subject was married, Oct. 29, 1856, to 
Lydia A., daughter of Joseph F. McCreary. To this union were born 4 children, 3 now 
living — Charles J., married to Emma, daughter of John T. Brown; George J. and Fred 
Mc.both at home. William is decea'-ed. Mr. Love has been elected to several offices of 
public and private trust in his native county, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
His farm, which is part of the land his grandfather bought of the Population Company, is 
located about 6 miles from Erie, in the southwestern part of the township. Mr. Love also 
engages in the lumber trade, and operates a saw mill. 

JOHN McKEE, deceased, was born in 1809, in this township; son of John and Mary 
(Maxwell) McKee, who came liere with the Nicholson families in 1793. settling near Mc- 
Kean Township among the first settlers. Our subject had one sister, who was married .to 
Alexander Nicholson, now both deceased. Mr. McKee was married, June 16, 1847, to Mary 
A. Pherrin, who bore him 7 children, 6 of whom :ire now living, viz.: Winfield, married 
to Ida Drewry, have 2 children — Scott and Maud; Thomas B., married to Mary Farver. 
have 1 child — Sarah Ocean; Annie J., married to Thomas Willis, have 3 children — Gus- 
sie B., Thomas C. and Harvey Maxwell; Nancy O.. wife of Clark W. Zuck, have 1 child 
— Floyd; Ida R., and John Clayton. Mr. McKee, who had been a farmer all his life, died 
Dec. 28, 1868, in this township. His widow still survives, and resides in the old homestead 
along with her sons, who have charge of the farm. She is a lady of good health and vig- 
orous mind, and is a kind mother. 

GEORGE McClelland, farmer, P. O. Wesleyville, was born in this township in 
1837, son of Alexander and Rosannah (Satsman) McClelland, the former a native of Penn- 
sylvania, who came to this county in 1800, and settled on what is now the Buffalo road. 
His father was one of the very oldest settlers in the township. Alexander McClelland 
had a family of 7 children, 5 sons and 2 daughters; 4 are now living — George, Cyrus 
Alexander, Mary, wife of John Kilpatrick, and our subject, who was married in 1861 to 
Elizabeth, daughter of Mintey Warfel, a deacon of the Presbyterian Church. By this union 
were 6 children— Rose A., Catherine V., William M., Henry E. and Henrietta (twins), and 
Mary A. Mr. McClelland is a member of the K. of H. 

S. S. McCREARY, mechanic, P. O. West Mill Creek, was born Sept. 12, 1812, in this 
township, son of Joseph F. and Lydia (Swan) McCreary, former a native of Lancaster Co., 
Penn., latter of Dauphin Co., Penn., who came to this county in 1802-03, settling near 
Walnut Creek. They were parents of S. S., our subject; Richard S., deceased in 1881, 
aged sixty-seven years, leaving 4 children; J. J., deceased when a young man; Selina C. ; 
MaryE. ; Jackson, in Mill Creek; Gen. David B. McCreary, in Erie; Lydia A., wife of 
William Love, in Mill Creek; and Martha S., wife of Thomas Love. Our subject was mar- 
ried, Oct. 17, 1839, to Joanna, daughter of John and Eleanor (McCreary) Brooks, former 
of whom came to this count}' in 1802, settling in Mill Creek Township. They were par- 
ents of 5 children, Joanna being the eldest. To Mr. and Mrs. McCreary were born 12 
children, viz., Julia, deceased; Washington I., deceased; John J., married to Mary Eas- 
ley, have 4 children— Florence E., Sidney S., Agnes M. and Bryant; John, deceased, and 
John J., twins; Winfield Scott; Nellie Lydia; Sidney B., deceased; Eva Jane, deceased; 
Mary A., deceased; Millie J. and Maggie B. Our subject's farm is part of that on which 
his wife was born, situated on an elevation in the southwest part of Mill Creek Township. 

JACKSON McCREARY, farmer, P. O. West Mill Creek, was born Aug. 29, 1823, on 
the farm on which he now lives, son of Joseph F. and Lydia (Swan) McCreary; the former 
came to this county in 1802, and remained in McKean Township until 1808, in which j'ear 
he moved to this township, settling on his present farm. On Sept. 12, 1811, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Swan, who came in 1802 to Erie Co. with her father, who operated one of the 
earliest mills in this county. She was the eldest of 6 children, and only daughter. Our 
subject was twice married; on first occasion. May 13, 1850, to Mary A., daughter of Sam- 
uel Love, an old settler of this county. The result of this union was 1 child, Emily J., 
wife of P. Carpenter. This wife dying March 29, 1852, Mr. McCreary married, Jan. 24, 



MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 127 

1859, Miss R. J. Love, his sister-in-law, who bore him 5 children— Harry L., AnnaL., Mar- 
tha J., Blanche and Herbert. Our subject has been' Justice of the Peace now 21 years; 
has acted as School Director, Assessor and Collector. 

SETH Y. McCREARY, farmer, P. O. West Mill Creek, was born Oct. 24, 1852. in 
this township, son of Francis and Margaret (Pherrin) McCreary, who moved to this town- 
ship from Fairview Township in 1846, where the former died in 1862. They were married 
May 9, 1844, and were the parents of 6 children — Ida J. (deceased in infancy), Francis M. 
(deceased when young), Melvin K. (deceased), Seth Y., George B. and Irvin P. William 
Pherrin, our subject's grandfather, had a family of 4 children — Mrs. Margaret McCreary, 
Maria (now Mrs. Heighmyer), William E., and Sarah J. (afterward Mrs. George McCully, 
now deceased). Mr. McCreary was married, Oct. 2, 1878, to Emma, daughter of Samuel 
Kendig. By this union is 1 child — Francis C. He resides on the old home farm near his 
mother, and brother, George B., but is at present building a iiouse on the Ridge road, 
which he will make his future home. The famil}* are all adherents of the Westminster 
Presbyterian Church. G. B. is a member of the A. O. XJ. W. Irvin P. graduated from 
Penn. State College in the senior class, in June, 1882, and is now a civil engineer in Ohio. 

JOSEPH McDANNEL, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in 1837 in this township, son of 
Daniel J. and Catharine (Ebersole) McDannel, natives, the former of Lancaster Co., the 
latter of Cumberland Co., Penn. They came to this county in 1799, and settled on a piece 
of land 2 miles east of Erie City, where they spent the remainder of their days. They 
were parents of 9 children, 6 now living— Christian E., Daniel J., Oliver P., Sidney S.. 
Celia C, and our subject, who was married, in 1861, to Lucinda, daughter of Levi Gordon. 
To this union were born 2 children — Homer G. and Cassie P. ; Homer is a member of the 
Ecjuitable Aid Society of Wesleyville, this township. Mr. McDannel was engaged in the 
shops of the P. & E. R. R. for several years, where he proved a faithful employe. His farm 
is located on the Buffalo road, 2 miles east of Erie City, the same farm held by his father 
and grandfather. 

THOMAS McKEE (deceased), whose portrait appears in this work, was born in 1800 
in Mill Creek Township, Erie Co., son of Patrick and Jane (Vance) McKee, former a na- 
tive of Ireland, latter of Mill Creek Township, Erie Co., Penn., the parents of Thomas, 
Margaret and Eliza. Our subject received a country school education, and was brought 
up on a farm. He was married, in 1838, to Nancy Kendig, born in 1818, daughter of 
George and Esther (Spence) Kendig, natives, the former of Cumberland Co., and tiae latter 
of Lancaster Co., Penn. By this union were born Mary J., Alexander, Susan, Franklin, 
Bennett, Etta, Thomas. Mary J. married John Stones, of Fairview Township, have 3 
children — Ida J., Reed and Frank; Alexander was in Co. K, 83d P. V. I., and there con- 
tracted a disease which terminated in his death (he left a widow, Mrs. Georgia Jones Mc- 
Kee, and 2 children, Gertrude and Clara, to mourn his loss); Susan married Abner Powell, 
and with him and her 4 children — Anna M., George L., Thomas B. and Jesse E. — resides 
with the widow of oiir subject on the old homestead of 280 acres; Bennett married Matilda 
Moserbaugh, and lives on the home place. Mr. McKee was a Director of the County Poor 
House for 3 years; in politics^ was a Republican; a member of the Episcopal organiza- 
tion, to which his widow belongs. 

JACOB METZLER, farmer. P. O. Erie, was born Aug. 28, 1825, in Lancaster Co., 
Penn., son of Jacob and Nancy (Workman) Metzler, who came to this county in 1828, set- 
tling near the spot where our subject now lives. They are both deceased, ifhey were the 
parents of 3 sons and 3 daughters — Anne, now Mrs. Hammer; Jacob, married in 1853 to 
Rachel Weidley; Elizabeth, deceased; Mary, wife of P. Brubaker; John, man-ied to Bar- 
bara Gutekiinst, and Samuel, deceased. Our subject and wife have no familj' of their 
own, but have reared 2 foster children. Mrs. Metzier was one of a family of 10 children, 4 
now living. Mr. Metzler has an excellent farm located in the west part of the township. 

JOHN J. MILLER, farmer, P. O. West Mill Creek, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., 
Nov. 13, 1818, son of Jacob and Mary (Manning) Miller, parents of 10 children, 4 now liv- 
ing — Nancy, wife of Christian Tomes, of Mill Creek, have 4 children; Fanny, wife of — 
Kinsley; Mary J., wife of B. Hershey, in Erie City, have 3 children; and our subject, who 
was married to MaryC, daughter of Matthias Brindle. By this union were born 6 chil- 
dren—Thomas C, married to Emma J. Lewis, have 1 child, James B. ; Jennie A., Hattie 
A., Curtis D. ; Emma, who died at tive years of age, and an infant. Mr. Miller owns a 
good farm in the western part of Mill Creek Township. He is a member of the Westmin- 
ster Church. 

HIRAM H. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Belle Valley, was born Dec. 14, 1830, in this town- 
ship, son of Ashel K. and Laura (Leonard) Miller, natives, the former of Connecticut, lat- 
ter of Massachusetts, and who came to Erie Co., settling in Belle Valley at an early day. 
They were parents of 2 sons and 3 daughters— Lucy J., wife of M. E. Low, of Erie, have 
3 children — Frank, Jennie and Samuel; Emily, wife of J. McKinstry, in Cleveland, Ohio; 
Orson J., was a soldier in the late war; while on a steamer on the Mississippi River, the 
vessel struck a snag and sank, and Orson was drowned; Lovina, wife of E. Dunn, de- 
ceased; and our subject, who was married, March 30, 1858, to Emily, daughter of Moses 
Austin, a native of Ohio. To this union were born 8 children — Charles; Henry A., de- 



128 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ceased; Frederick; Laura (deceased); and Lorin, twins; Sumner, Mabel and Walter. Mr. 
Miller is a member of the E. A. U., and of the Belle Valley Presbj'terian Church. In pol- 
itics, he is a Republican. 

ISAAC MILLS, farmer, P. O. West Mill Creek, was born August 13, 1826, in Monroe 
Co., N. Y., son of Isaac and Jane (Roy) Mills, natives of New York, who came to this 
county in 1839-40, remaining for about 3 years, when they moved to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, 
where thej" ended their days. Isaac Mills, Sr., was twice married; by his first wife were 4 
sons and 2 daughters— Peter, Aaron, John, Isaac (our subject), Jane and Eliza. The mother 
died before the family left New York State. By the second marriage, there was no issue. 
Our subject was married, Sept. 12, 1855, to Elizabeth, daughter of George Oxer, a native 
of Lancaster Co., Penn., who came to Erie Co. in an early day. Her mother was twice 
married, and Elizabeth is the eldest daughter by the second union, To our subject and 
wife were born 7 children — James, Mary J., Harriet, George E., Perry, Samuel and Lillie 
B. Mr. Mills owns a farm of 67 acres located on the west line of this township, 8^ miles 
from Erie City. 

THOMAS H. MOHR, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in Mill Creek Township on the 
farm on which he now resides, son of Daniel and Susanna (Thomas) Mohr, former a na- 
tive of Canada, who came to this county, settling in Mill Creek Township. Daniel Mohr 
was married, in 1846, to Susanna, daughter of Christian Thomas, a native of Maryland, 
and who subsequently settled in New York State. Christian Thomas was twice wedded; 
by his first wife had 7 children, bj^ his second, 1 child. Daniel Mohr died in 1848. Our 
subject, the only child, was married, Dec. 13, 1870, to Margaretta, daughter of Philip 
Zaun, of Erie. To this union were born 4 children— Charles D., Laura B., Catherine E. 
(deceased in infancy), and George A. Mrs. Mohr died May 1, 1882. Our subject resides 
on the old home farm of his father, consisting of 180 acres, with a handsome residence, lo- 
cated in the western part of this township. He is a member of Knights of Honor, Mystic 
Lodge, No. 99, Erie City; is an adherent of the Lutheran Church. He has acted in the 
capacity of School Director, Assessor, Tax Collector and Road Commissioner of said town- 
ship. 

ISAAC MOSHER, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Oct. 15, 1819, in Montgomery Co., 
Penn., son of George and Maria Mosher, old settlers of that county, parents of 12 children, 
of whom our subject is the eldest living. The father died in 1833; the mother moved to 
this county in 1836, bringing with her part of her family and settling near Walerford. 
After remaining there several years, she moved to this township, where she spent the res- 
idue of her life. Her family have all passed away, excepting three, viz., Samuel, of 
Fairview Township, this county; Mrs. Marsh, also of Fnirview; and our subject. He was 
twice married; on first occasion in 1844, to Sarah Trout, who bore him 5 children, viz., 
William, deceased; Etta, wife of E. J. Evans; Mary, now Mrs. Miller; Sarah and 
Lydia. This wife dying, Mr. Mosher married in 1858, Mrs. Anna Harmon, daughter of 
Thomas H. Mohr (deceased), a widow with 1 child, who is now wife of Charles Mosher, 
a nephew of our subject. To this second union were born 2 children— Marilla, wife of W. E. 
Zuck, and Frank E. The family attend the English Lutheran Church ..of Erie. Mr. 
Mosher's farm, which is replete with all modern improvements, and well stocked, is lo- 
cated on an elevated piece of ground on the Ridge road in this township. 

ALBAN MOTSCH, farmer. P. O. Erie, was born in 1826 in Baden, Germany, emi- 
grated to America in 1856, landing in New York, and from there came direct to Erie City, 
where he remained for a time previous to renting the farm which he in a few 3'ears pur- 
chased of the Neeley heirs. He was married, Sept. 28, 1851, in Germany, to Carie Mut- 
terer, who bore him the following- named children: Mary, wife of Jacob Baker, have 3 
children — George, Theresa and Mallie; Julia, wife of Adam Harman, have 2 children — 
Albert and Carie; Micheal and Theresa, at home. The farm of Mr. IMotsch is situated 2 
miles ciist of Eric City on the Lake road. He is a member of the Catholic Church. 

DANIEL MYRES, farmer, P. O. Wesleyville, was born in 1834 in Lancaster Co. , 
Penn.. son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Slichte'r) Myres, w^ho came to Crawford Co., Penn., 
in 1833; thence to this county in 1858, settling in Mill Creek Township 5 miles west of Erie 
City. They were parents of 11 children, 7 now living — Isaac, Andrew, Nicholas, Hannah 
(now Mrs. Erb, in Iowa), Susan, Elizabeth (now Mrs. Canslee,',has 13 children), and our sub- 
ject, who was married in 1867 to Ruth E.. daughter of James King, a native of England. 
To this union were born 6 children, 5 now living, viz., Lawrence L., Hattie B., James D., 
Robert K. and Herbert F. (twins). Mr. Myres came to this township in 1874, settling on 
his present farm of 40 acres, located on the Buffalo road. He at one lime navigated the Takes 
for a period of 2 years. One vessel he sailed on, the Riatto, plied between Cleveland and 
Saginaw, and Erie and Buffalo. Mr. Myres lost his arm while on the ship Adair, by being 
caught in the main rigging during a storm. 

JOHN E. NICHOLSON, deceased, was born Dec. 21, 1797, in Lancaster Co., Penn., 
son of John and Isabella (Nicholson) Nicholson, who came to Erie Co. when our 
subject was but an infant. John E. Nicholson was the eldest of a family of 8 children. 
He was married in 1828, the year his father died, to Nancy, daughter of William 
Dogherty. Five children were born to this union, viz., Eliza J.; John, who was an As- 



MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 129 

sistant Surgeon during the late war, and died while in the service; Martha, residing on the 
old homestead of her father; George, and Wm. D., living on a piece of land which 
was at one time owned by his grandfather John Nicholson. Mrs. Nicholson dying in 1838, 
our subject married in 1839, Margaret J., daughter of Patrick Brooks, a native of Ireland, 
of Scotcli descent, who came to America in a very early day. There is no issue by this 
marriage. Mr. Nicholson died June 1, 1864. Mrs. Margaret J. Nicholson occupies the 
home farm in the south part of Mill Creek Township. 

ANDREW NICHOLSON (deceased) was born May 13, 1812, in Erie Co., and died 
Oct. 14, 1865. His father, John, was born in County Donegal, Ireland; came to Fayette 
Co., Penn., in 1797, and to Erie Co. in 1800. He married Isabel Nicholson, a distant 
relative, by which union were born 8 children, viz., John E., Jane, Isabell, Matilda, Re- 
becca, Andrew, Eliza and George, the 2 latter now living. The father died Sept. 18, 
1828, and Isabell, his widow, whose portrait appears in this work, died Dec. 25, 1866. at 
the patriarchal age of ninety-three years. She mantained her mental faculties till within 
a few days of her demise. Our subject attended the district schools, and worked on his 
father's farm. He was married, Feb. 11. 1846, to Eliza Brindle, daughter of Matthias and 
Elizabeth Brindle, natives of Franklin Co., Penn., and who came to Erie Co. in 1803, set- 
tling in Springfield Township. To this union were born 4 children — John E. (born Dec. 
1, 1S47, married Dec. 9, 1874. to Maria Hadley, in Crawford Co., Penn., have two children 
—Nellie E. and John E.), Perry M., Delia l". and George W. John E. was in the U. S. 
gunboat service for one year on Silver Lake. He and George W. run the old home- 
stead. Their sister, Delia I., married S. H. Willis. Andrew Nicholson's parents were 
members of the Presbyterian Church; he attended the Methodist organization; was a 
stanch Republican. He died and was buried on the farm on which he was born. Further 
particulars of the Nicholson family will be found in another part of this work. 

PETER E. NORCROSS, farmer, P. O. Belle Vailey,was born May 25,1821, in Mill Creek 
Township, this county, son of Andrew and Sarah (Erwin)Norcross, natives of N. J. An- 
drew Norcross came to Venango Township, this county, in 1802, purchased land, and re- 
turned to N. J. soon after. He then married, and moved with his family to Venango 
Township, and from there, in 1812, to this township, where they spent the remainder of 
their lives. They were parents of 10 children, those now living are — William, in Mo, ; Han- 
nah, wife of E. Curtis, both deceased; Nancy, wife of E. Bennett, of Erie Citj^ Jane, 
now Mrs. Wyatt, a widow residing in Wis.; Andrew F., who resides in Austin, Minn; and 
Peter E. John E., Elsie and Sarah A. are deceased. Our subject was married, Jan. 1, 
1867, to Mary, daughter of Chas. M. Parry, and a native of N. Y. State. Her parents 
were born in England, came to N. Y. State in 1832-33, and settled in Oneida Co., where 
the father died and the mother still resides. They were parents of 9 children — John, 
deceased; William, Emma, deceased wife of Joseph Young; Charles, Harriet, wife of T. 
Smith; Elizabetli, wife of Lewis Dowley; Jane, deceased wife of J. Grant; Sarah, late 
Mrs. Limebeck; and Mrs. Norcross, wife of our subject, who had 2 children, Addie and 
Parry E., both at home. Mr. Norcross has an excellent farm, situated about 3 miles from 
Erie City. 

JONAS A. PARKER (deceased) was born May 15, 1821, in this township, son of Jonas 
Parker, who came to Erie Co., Penn., in an early day, settling in Mill Cr«ek Township, 
where he cleared a farm. He was twice married; had 6 children by his first wife, 8 by his 
second. Our subject was the seventh child by the last marriage. He was married, Jan 23, 
1845, to Celia P., daughter of Col. Benjamin F. Norris. of New Hampshire. She was a 
native of Indiana, to which State her father moved and resided in for a few years. The 
family then came to Erie Co., settling in McKean, now Summit, Township, in 1824. C'ol. 
Norris spent his last days with his daughter, Mrs. Celia P. Parker, but died in Summit 
Township, and was buried on his own farm, his wife having preceded him several years. 
Col. and Mrs. Norris had a family of 6 children, viz.: Cornelia H., wife of W. A. Bean; 
Calista P., now Mrs. Graham; Cordelia A., wife of D. A. Taylor; Clinton; Franklin; 
Helen V., wife of William Liddell; and Celia P., wife of our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Parker were born 10 children — Ashbell F.. in Erie, has 1 child. Clare; Alfred, in Nebraska, 
has 1 child, Olive Celia; Charlie A., in Erie, has 3 children— Maud, Clyde and George; W. 
S., deceased in New Mexico; Effie L. ; Ella R., wife of Wm. Arbuckle, have 1 child, Soott 
G. ; Edgar B.; Cora E., now Mrs. Valentine; Clinton N. and Bertha A. Mr. Parker died 
June 7, 1883, aged sixty-two years. He was a member of the Equitable Aid Society. His 
widow resides on the home farm, which is well stocked, with a dairy in connection. 

GEORGE REED, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born May 20, 1840, in this (county, son of 
Joseph and Jane (Grubb) Reed, who were married in 1837, former a son of Geo. Reed, 
who came to this county in 1800, settling in Mill Creek Township, where Joseph was born 
Nov. 17, 1805. Joseph "died Sept. 17, 1844, leaving a widow and 3 children, viz.: John, 
married to Eliza Blair; Mary A., wife of (!. A. Keyse, of Binghampton, N. Y. ; and our 
subject, who was married, Nov. 7, 1867, to Sarah E.. daughter of Jonathan Calvin, of 
Mercer Co., Penn. Nine children were born to this union, 5 now living— Calvin E., Will- 
iam G., Alice J., Lizzie A. and George. The deceased are Ida, Mary, Elda Hattie and 
Emma. Our subject's mother was a daughter of Hon. John Grubb, who was born June 8, 

g 



130 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

1767, in Lancaster Co., Penn. He was first commissioned as Captain in the 7th Battalion 
Lancaster Co., Penn., militia, Oct. 13, 1792, and Sept. 11, 1794, was commissioned as Cap- 
tain in the 2d Reg. Lancaster Brigade. In the spring of 1795, he came to this county m 
charge of a company, remaining until about 1798, in which year he went to York Co., 
Penn., and married Alicia, daughter of Thomas Cooper. Returning with his young wife, 
they settled in this township on the farm now occupied by his grandson, George Reed, our 
subject, where he died June 8, 1845. His family numbei-ed 7 children, 2 sons and 5 daugh- 
ters, all buried— father, mother and children — under a pine tree planted by Mrs. Grubb on 
the old farm, when they lost their first child. Hon. John Grubb was commissioned Major 
in the State militia Dec. 36, 1798; Justice of the Peace, April 15, 1797, and again May 16, 
1801; County Commissioner, 1813 to 1815. and County Associate Judge Jan. 8, 1820, which 
last office he held till March 13, 1841. His wife was born in 1770, died Aug. 18, 1844. 
Benjamin Grubb, brother of the above, was born in March, 1777, married in June, 1800, 
and moved in that year'to this county, settling in McKean Township on the farm now 
owned by John Pfeffer, where he died in 1845. His widow, wlio was 3 years younger, 
moved to Mercer Co., Penn., ml856. She died at the age of eighty-six. George and John 
G. Reed, of Mill Creek Township, are the only descendants of Judge Grubb bow remain- 
ing in this county. Mr. Reed, the subject of this sketch, is a member of the Central Pres- 
byterian Church of Erie, in which he has held an eldership for 10 years. 

CHRISTOPHER RILLING, of Mill Creek Township, Erie Co., was born Feb. 7, 
1830, in Southern Germany. He was a son of Stephen and Mary (Young) Rilling, who 
came to America with their family in 1834, and settled in this township. Stephen Rilling, 
by trade, was a millwright, he died March 13, 1864; his wife died in 1843. They were 
parents of 13 children, 5 of whom are dead and 7 now living — Jacob and Christina, 
of Waterloo, Mo.; Barbara, wife of S. Speidle, and Mary, wife of H. Sherman, both 
of Richland, Wis.; Catharine, wife of J. Welmer, and George, both of this township, and 
our subject, who was married, in 1846, to Elizabeth, daughter of Valentine Ackerman. 
He worked for some time with his father as a millwright, but he soon abandoned his trade 
to engage in the manufacturing of oil cloths, which business he carried on quite exten- 
sivelv for a long time, but finally abandoned to become a farmer. 

CHRISTIAN RIPLEY, merchant. Belle Valley, was born in 1842 in Summit Town- 
ship, this county, son of David and Annie Ripley, who came to this county from Lan- 
caster Co., Penn., in 1833, settling in Summit Township. They were parents of 10 chil- 
dren — David, in Greene Township, married to Mary A. Kuhl, have 7 children; Jacob 
in Erie City, married to Julia Barton, have 4 children; Sarah, wife of William Urch, 
of Greene Township, had 5 children, 3 deceased; Isaac, married to Elizabeth Robinson, 
have 2 children; Mary, wife of S. Kuhl; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Shields, of Greene Town- 
ship, have 5 children; Abraham; John, in Erie City, married to Elizabeth Smith, have 2 
children; Anna, wife of Charles Graham, have 6 children; and the subject of this sketch, 
who was married, in 1867, to Elizabeth, daughter of William Whiteford. To this union 
were born 6 children, 5 now living — Berdella J., William D., Edward C, Hattie E. and 
Minerva M. Mr. Ripley came to this township in 1881, locating on a piece of land in 
1883. He has recently erected a commodious store in Belle ValleJ^ which he has stocked 
with every article requisite for a general country store, and in exchange for which he takes 
all kinds of produce. 

NATHANIEL WILLARD RUSSELL, the first-born of Hamlin and Sarah (Norcross) 
Russell, was born in Erie Co. March 11, 1813. His father came to this county from Con- 
necticut in 1802, and was married here in 1811. Our subject had very limited educational 
opportunities, and did not attend school after he was fifteen. He remained with his 
father (his mother having died when he was nineteen years old) until March 10, 1833, 
when he began to earn money for himself by working on a neighboring farm and teaching 
school. His first purchase of land was 40 acres from his father at $10 per acre. Oct. 
19, 1836, he left for Harrisburg, Penn., where he had obtained a position as clerk and bar- 
keeper in Buehler's Hotel. In April, 1836, by the aid of Gen. Simeon Cameron, he was 
appointed a conductor on the railroad between Harrisburg and Philadelphia, and in June 
following was promoted to U. S. Mail Agent at an increased salary. During the winter 
of 1838, he was induced to return to Buehler's Hotel and given general charge of the 
house. This was during the period known as "the buckshot war," one of the most 
eventful in Penn.'s history. March 23, 1839, Mr. Russell was made Capt. of the 
packet boat, Thomas Jefferson, of the fast passenger line between Pittsburgh and Philadel- 
phia, a position he held for 4 seasons. During the entire term of his residence in the 
East, he made annual visits to his parents of a few days each. The winter of 1840-41, he 
spent with his relatives in Erie Co., and during this period was married to Miss Eleanor S. 
Osborn, of Erie. The date of this interesting event was Jan. 14, 1841. March 1 he 
resumed his place on the canal, Mrs. Russell accompanying him to the State capital, and 
spending the summers with Mrs. Buehler. While in Harrisburg she was seized with bill- 
ions fever, which terminated in quick consumption, and Mr. Russell was obliged to bring 
her back to Erie, where she died on the 6th of January, 1842. In November of the same 
year he resigned his place on the canal and returned permanently to his old home. Soon 



MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. iSl 

after he purchased a farm of 90 acres within 3 miles of Erie. Sept. 1, 1843, he was 
married to Miss Frances A. Hubbell, of Troy, N. Y., and they went to housekeeping 
immediately after. A son was born in July, 1844, to whom the name of Henry Buehler 
was given. Mrs. Russell died on the 30tli of January, 1849, and in January, 1851, Mr. 
Russell was married (for the third time) to Miss Emily Davison, of Mill Creek. Their 
only child is a daughter born May, 1853, who was named Ella Frances Russell. In April, 
1855, Mr. Russell purchased and moved on the tract of land where he was born, and on which 
he still resides. The post office at Belle Valley was mainly established through his efforts. 
In 1849, he was appointed Aid-de-Camp to Gov. Johnston, with the rank of Lieutenant 
Colonel, and, in 1868, he was elected Justice of the Peace, an office he has held continu- 
ously ever since. Mr. Russell is known in every part of Erie Co. as one of its wealthiest 
farmers and most intelligent citizens. He is remarkable for his wonderful memory, and 
is the standard authority on all matters connected with the early settlement of Erie Co. 

J. C. RUSSELL (decea.sed) was born May 13, 1827, in Belle Valley, this county, son 
of Hamliu and Sarah (Norcross) Rii3,sell, who were among the pioneer families of the 
county. Our subject, in his youth, united witli the Presbyterian Church of Erie City, 
Rev. Dr. Lyons being then pastor. Beginning life with a purpose, he lived an upright, 
useful and influential citizen. Mr. Russell married, in Fel)., 1856, Miss O. A., daugh- 
ter of James Chambers (see his biography). To this union were born 3 children, 2 now 
living — Albert L. and Ruth A. (Jur subject died Nov. 9, 1874, deeply lamented. He was 
a leading business man, and held the offices of Collector and Assessor, also School Direc- 
tor. Mrs. Russell occupies the home farm, which is well regulated and nicely located. 

URAS SCHLURAFF, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in Switzerland Nov. 18, 1818, son 
of Joseph and Maria (Stech) Schluraff, also natives of Switzerland, who had a family of 7 
children — Catharine^ Mary Ann, May and Uras surviving. Joseph came to America in 
1833, settling in McKean Township, where he purchased 310 acres of land, and died in 
1840. His widow removed to Waukesha, Wis., where she died about 1853. Uras Schlu- 
raff, our subject, was married, Jan. 30, 1844, to Rosannah, daughter of George and Fanny 
Waidley, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn. ; 5 children were born to this union — Levi W., 
Sarah J., Louisa D. (deceased), George R. and Franklin S. Mrs. Schluraff was born Aug. 
24, 1824, and died March 16, 1878. Mr. Schlura,ff,who is by trade a carpenter, worked at the 
same at intervals for 25 years. On the death of his father, he became owner of the home 
farm, which he sold in 1859, removing in 1860 to West Mill Creek, where he purchased his 
present farm of 75 acres, 8 miles from Erie, which is well stocked and has excellent farm 
buildings. Mr. Schluraff served as Road Commissioner of McKean Township 1 term, and 
of Mill Creek Township 3 lerms; he was also School Director of the former and Assessor 
and Auditor of the latter. For some time he was President of the Humboldt Trust & De- 
posit Co. of Erie. In politics he is a Democrat. Levi W., residing on the home farm with 
his father, was married, April 17, 1867, to Polly A., daughter of John and Hanuah (Burr) 
Buys, natives of N. Y. State and Penn. respectively. She was born July 20, 1846, and 
was the mother of Minnie I., Osie R., Maggie U. (deceased), Burr U., Orr L. and Wade 
Winfield. Levi W. Schluraff owns a farm of 63 acres in Crawford Co. He has held the 
office of School Director 3 terms and Assessor of Mill Creek one term. He is a member 
of the I. O. O. F. ; in politics is a Democrat. 

JACOB SHUE (deceased) was born Dec. 25, 1812, in York Co.. Penn., and came to 
this county with his uncle, Mr. Hinkle, in 1828. He married, in 1842, Anna, daughter of 
Jacob Rhoades, who bore him 4 children — William H. ; John, married to Margaret Waidley; 
Jacob C, deceased; and Tillie, deceased. Our subject died in 1877. He was a successful 
farmer of Mill Creek Township and had accumulated an excellent property, located in the 
central portion of the township, on which the surviving members of the family now reside. 
His widow has in her possession a German Bible over 100 years old, which she prizes very 
liighly, the property at one time of her great-grandfather. 

C. N. STARK, farmer, P. O. Belle Valley, was born at German Flats, Herkimer Co., 
N. Y., in 1828, son of Jeremiah R. and Lucy (Champion) Stark, natives of Connecticut, 
the former of Scotch and the latter of English descent. They were the parents of 9 chil- 
dren, 2 sons and 7 daughters, of whom C. N., our subject, is the eldest now living. His 
early education was received in the State of New York, and in Sept., 1850, he was married 
to Dora, daughter of G. W. Turner, of Oswego Co., N. Y. He then came with his wife to 
Erie Co. and bought laud of the Population Co. Their family numbered 7 children, 5 sons 
and 2 daughters, of whom 4 are now living — Irving N., married Mary Smart, have 1 son, 
Thos. N. ; Edwin E., married Deborah Foutch. have 2 children — Jasper and Edna; Rosa- 
mond E., wife of Virgil Foote, have 1 child, Mamie; and Stukely A. 

ALEXANDER J. STEWART, farmer. P. O. Erie, was born Feb. 26, 1816, in this 
township, son of John and Eleanor Stewart. John, a native of the North of Ireland, 
came to America alone in 1809, and took up 800 acres of land in North East Township, 
this county, where he resided until 1816, when he moved to this township. His family 
numbered 9 children — Mrs. Mary Stewart; Mrs. Eleanor Browley, decea.sed; Mrs. Eliza 
McCreary, deceased; Jane, wife of William Browley, in Crawford Co., Penn., their sons 
are in Washington Territory, and wealthy; Margaret, a widow, in McKean Co., Penn. 



132 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

(had 4 childrea, 3 now living); Charles, deceased, leaving 5 children; Archibald, in Wood- 
bury Co., Iowa, has 5 children; Samuel, in Battle Creek, Mich., has 11 children; and our 
subject, seventh child and third son. He was married, June 0, 18r)4, to Annie K. Mast, 
of Champaign Co., Ohio, daughter of John Mast, a native of Lancaster Co., Penn., who 
moved to Ohio, locating in Champaign Co., Ohio, where he brought up a family of 8 chil- 
dren, one of whom is P. P. Mast, of Springfield, Ohio, the celebrated " Ciiampion Machine 
King." Mrs. Stewart lost her entire family, 3 children, but has an adopted son, Willie H., 
now (1881) a j'oulh of fourteen, at school. After his marriage, and in the same year, our 
subject moved with his wife to Champaign Co., 111., where tliey remained till 18(51, when 
he enlisted, serving 3 years and 3 months, chietiy in the Western division of the army, 
in rear of Gen. Price. His wife accompanied him 6 months. On his discharge he re 
turned to Illinois, and came thence to this county in 1865, settling on the old home farm. 

CHRISTIAN THOMAS, farmer and miller, bo.\ 209, P. O. Erie^ was born June 26, 1817, 
in Conestoga Township, Lancaster Co., Penn., son of Christian and Maria (Myer) Thomas, 
who came to this county in the spring of 1834. Christian Thomas, Sr., was twice married, 
and had b}' his first wife 10 children— David, Anna, Elizal^eth, Christian (1st), Sancratus, 
Elias, Jacob. Christian (2d), Isaac and Rudolph, all now deceased except Anna and Chris- 
tian 2d, our subject. David, Anna, Christian 2d and Isaac came to this county. Our sub- 
ject was married, March 26, 1841, to Anna, daughter of Jacob and Mary Miller, and who 
came with her parents to Erie Co. in 1828, settling in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Miller, 
both now deceased, had 10 children, 4 living, Mrs. Thomas being the 4th in the family. 
Oiu' subject and wife are parents of 4 children, all living, and who have never required the 
attendance of a physician for sickness of any kind. Their names are Levi C, married to 
Susan Waidley; Sarah A., wife of C. H. Haidler, liave one daughter, Ida F. ; Mary J. .wife 
of Samuel Farver; and Amos M., married to Katie Schumacher, have one son. Burton E. 
Our subject resides on a portion of the 200 acres of land bought by his father at $5 per 
acre, now worth $80 to $100 per acre, which was divided equally among his children at his 
death. Mr. Thomas has actec} as School Director. He operates a feed mill, saw mill and 
cider mill. His father was a carpenter, millwright and machinist. The family name, 
Thomas, was formerly, in Germany, " Dumass." 

S. B. WAGNER, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in 1816 in this township, son of Abram 
and Susan (Brown) Wagner, natives of PeniLsylvania; Abram Wagner came from Berks Co., 
Penn., to this couaty, settling in Mill Cre^^k, near what is now Wesle3'ville, where he died 
in 1849. He was the father of 2 sous and 2 daughters. Our subject, who is tlie eldest now 
living, was married in 1844 to Hannah, daughter of Anson Leland. To this union were 
born Myron L., Abram L., Cassius S.. Harriet E., Jos. A. (deceased) and Chas. O., married 
to M. A. Bliley, daughter of Chas. Bliley, have 2 children — Inez E. and George G. Myron 
married a Miss Cook, who bore him 2 children— Harry E. and Frank A. Harriet E. is 
wife of Marion Cook, have 6 children — Ross, Hannah and Anna (twins), Joseph, Leroy 
and Bernard. Cassius S. is a widower, his wife was Esther Parry. S. B. Wagner has been 
an influential School Director for many years; also Road Commissioner. 

PRESLEY WAIDLEY, farmer, P. O. Erie, is a native of this township, born Dec. 19, 
1836. son of Jacob and Martha (Weis) Waidley, wiio came to this county in 1828, settling 
in Mill Creek Township. They were parents of 9 children, of whom are now living Pres- 
ley; Noah, in Fairview Townsaip, this county; Ealom; Joseph, in Kansas; Lsaiah; Jacob, 
in Tuscola Co., Mich; Susanah, in Janesville, Wis.; Caroline and Elizabeth having died. 
Our subject married, in 1857, Margaret, a daughter of Casper Doll, who was parent of 4 
cliildreii, Mrs. Waidley being the oldest. To this union were born 8 children — Barbara A. 
and Martha A. (twins), Levi P., George E., Margaret E., John W., Willie C. and Harvey L. 
Martha A. is wife of S. E. Schuetz. Our subject began life with limited means, but ha-? 
saved a good competency. His farm is located in the west part of this township. 

CAPT. THOMAS WILKINS, deceased, was born in South Wales, Great Britain, 
March 4, 1794, and when but a lad of 11 years of age went off to sea, beginning sailor life 
on a sloop, on which he remained 2 years. He then sailed on a larger vessel for 1 year, at 
the expiration of which time he was bound apprentice to a trading ship, plying at first be- 
tween England and Ireland, in which latter country he saw, for the first time in his life, 
drinking and dancing on the Sabbath. From Cork he sailed to Loudon; thence to Dublin, 
Portugal aud other couutries, and in this way roamed tlie high .seas for several years. 
Visiting his father's house for the last time (his mother had died before he was apprenticed 
to sea), our subject came to America, where he obtained a vessel under his own command. 
He was married. May 4, 1821, to Annie Hentou, who bore him 2 children -Benjamin 
and Mary Jane. Benjamin was born in Erie City, this county: murried, Sept. 12. 
1848, Annie, daughter of Joseph Ba^ku;, an early settler of Haroor Creek Township, this 
count}'. He was Captain of llie sailing vessels Cuyahoga, Ontonagon, and the" steamers 
Planet, Winslow and India. The early portion of his lake sailing was between Buffalo 
and Chicago, aud the latter portion from Buffalo to Lake Superior ports. He was edu- 
cated in Erie City; was an F. & A. M. He died Sept. 8, 1881; his widow still occupies the 
homestead on 21st street, Erie City. Their children 'are Joseph H., married to Nellie 
Nickerson, have 3 children— Benjamin, Ralph P. aud BirjaM. ; Thomas, married to Emma 



MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP. 13S 

Atchison, have 3 children — Ada and Nellie; Cleveland P., married to Catherine Waters, 
have 3 children— Clara B.. Percival and Alfred R.; CMara L., wife of E. Meloy; Mary J.; 
William D., and Sadie P. Our subject, Thomas Wilkins, lost his Ist wife in 1833. By 
his 2d wife were born George and Annie. He died Oct. 3, 1870; was a member of the M. E. 
Church. 

THOMAS WILLIS, deceased, was liorn July 16, 1795, in London, England, son of 
Thomas and Elizal)eth (Evans) Willis, who came to America in 1803, bringitigour subject 
with them. They were parents of 7 children, of whom but one now lives — Henry, in Michi- 
gan. Our subject was twice married. His first wife was Mary Weidley, who bore him 5 
children, 4 of wliom grew to maturity, viz., Frank, Edwin, Matilda and Martha. On her 
death, Mr. Willis married, Aug. 12, 1841, Marilla M., daughter of Jeremiah Osborne, a na- 
tive of Nova Scotia. Mr. Osborne's family were 3 in number — Eleanor, the first wife of 
N. W. Russell, Esq.; Seth, in Kalamazoo, Mich., and Mrs. Thomas Willis, who had 2 chil- 
dren— Thomas D. and Seth H. Thomas D. was married, Sept. 26, 1876, to Annie J., 
daughter of John McKee, and to them were born — Gussie B., Thomas C. and Harvey M. 
He enlisted Aug. 22, 1862, in the 15th Penn. Cav., serving in the Cumberland division 3 
years, when he was discharged. Seth II. was married, Nov. 6, 1873, to Adella, daughter 
of Andrew Nicholson, one of the pioneers of this county. B}^ this union were born Geo. 
A. and Florence M. The 2 brothers reside with their families on the home farm of their 
late father, located on the Ridge road, in this township. 

DAVID WOLF, farmer, P.O. Erie, was born Oct. 17, 1817, in Lancaster Co., Penn., 
son of Henry and Charlotte Wolf, natives of Penn. They came to Erie in 1832, 
settling in Mill Creek, where they reared a family of 9 children, 2 of whom are now liv- 
ing — Elizabeth, wife of EphraimBoyd, of Fairview Township, and David. The names of 
the deceased are Jacob, Cyrus, Catharine, Levi, Maria, John and Margaret. Our subject 
was married, in 1852, to Susannah Bochner, a native of Lancaster Co., Penn. She is third 
in a family of 7 children, of whom 6 are now living. Her parents came to this county in 
1833, and settled in Fairview Township. To Mr. and Mrs. David Wolf have been born 9 
children, of whom 5 are now living, viz.: Robert, married to Barbara Linegong, have 5 
children — Emma, William, Maggie" Ida and Eddie; Hattie, Bertha, Ephraim and Maggie. 
Our subject has lived on the home farm since his father's death, and has prospered. 

ISAAC WOLF, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born March 17, 1828, in Lancaster Co.. Penn., 
son of Jacob and Catharine (Piatt) Wolf, who came with their family to this county in 
1836, settling in Mill Creek Township, where theyspent the remainder of their lives. They 
were parents of 2 children — Elem, deceased in 1869, his widow is also since deceased; their 
children were — Catharine, Jacob, Tillie, Ida, Levi, Frank, Annie and Elem; and our sub- 
ject, who was married, Nov. 26, 1850. to Fannie L. Hidler, of Fairview Township, this 
county, a^daughter of Curtis Hidler, of Fairview Township. To this union were born 6 
children, viz.: Curtis H., in Nebraska; Sophronia, wife of J. B. Burton, have 2 chil- 
dren — Hattie and Eda; John C, whose wife, Lillie, daughter of Amos Church, is deceased, 
leaving 1 child — Lillie; Charles A.; Hattie J., wife of F. Foote, have 1 child — Maud; and 
S. H., at home. Our subject is a member of the Lutheran Church. 

REV. W. S. WRIGHT, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in this township, 
formerly the old Fairview Church, was born Aug. 7, 184(), in'La Fayette, Ind., son of Ed- 
ward W. and Henrietta M. (Swift) Wright. His father was a native of Lancaster, Ohio. 
They were parents of 6 children— J. E., pastor of Market Square Church of Philadelphia, 
married to Ellen M. Kerr, of Allegheny City, Penn.; Jane Etta; Edward E. ; Lucy H. ; E. 
P., married to Miss Whippo; Edward, married to Agnes Alston, all residing in Allegheny 
City; and W. S. Our subject was married, May 22, 1866, to Annie M., daughter of Wash- 
ington Davis, a physician of Romney, Ind. To this union were born 3 sons — Edward W., 
Henry H. and Will E. Rev. Mr. Wright received his education at Jefferson College and 
Allegheny Theological Seminary. He was a graduate of both those institutions, and w.as 
ordained Sept. 6, 1865, in Delphi, Ind., where he remained 3 years; then supplied the 
church at Clarksville, Penn., 1* years, and finally received a call to the Westminster Pres- 
byterian Church in this towhship. Mr. Wright's father was pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church of Delphi, Ind., for many vears. 

CAPT. W. G. ZIMMERLY, relired sea Captain, P. O. Kearsarge, was born Oct. 8, 1817, 
in Philadelphia, son of Isaac and Rosanna(Rindernecht) Zimmerly, natives of Germany, the 
former a tailor bj^ trade. They emigrated to America in 1817. There were 7 children in 
the family, 5 of whom are now living, viz.: Lydia, now Mrs. Moke; Eliza, now Mrs. 
Davis; Mary, now Mrs. McComb; Nancy, now Mrs. Jackson, and our subject. Isaac 
Zimmerly moved to Ohio, remaining in New Lisbon, and from there came to Pittsburgh, 
Penn., and in 1828 to Erie Co., settling on the farm on which Daniel Tracy now resides. 
From there he again moved to Pittsburgh, where he died in the fall of 1836. Our subject 
was educated in Erie, and in 1830 entered service on board the revenue cutter " Erie" on 
which vessel he remained 8 months. Afterward sailed on merchant vessels on the lakes 
until 1836, when he went on the Oiiio River. In 1837, he went to sea on the barque James 
Anderson, trading between the Rio Grande.New Orleans, Cuba, Philadelphia, etc.; follow- 
ing that, again went on the Revenue Cutter for two years. In 1844, he was appointed 



134 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Captain of the schooner R. C. Mead, which lie sailed 3 years; then took charge of the Ef- 
fort, 3 years; the Colt, 4 years; the Signal, 3 years, and lost her; subsequently built the 
Arrow, and sailed her 6 years. His last vessel was the barque Excelsior. In 1871, our sub- 
ject retired from seafaring life, and settled on his present farm. Capt. Zimmerly was mar- 
ried, Dec. 8, 1845, to Susanna, daughter of Jacob Gintz. By this union were 4 children — 
Susan C, deceased; Samuel J. ; Annie E., wife of Dr. Garries; and Mary L., wife of Frank 
Shirk. 

S. B. P. ZUCK, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born July 10, 1815, in this township, son of John 
and Sallie (Ebersole) Zuck, who came to this county from Bedford Co., Penn., in an early 
day, settling in Mill Creek Township. They were parents of 6 children, 4 now living — 
Catherine, wife of Levi Gordon, have 3 children — John and Lucinda; Franah, widow of 
Levi Wolf, has a large family; J. C, and our subject, who was married, Aug. 24, 1837, to 
Mary A., daughter of John McLaughlan, of Lancaster Co., Penn. To this union were 
born 5 children, 3 now living— G. W., Mary E. and J. J. The deceased are Catherine A. 
and Sarah A. Mr. Zuck owns an excellent farm located near the court house, on an ele- 
vated piece of land overlooking the lake. 

C. W. ZUCK, farmer, P. O. West Mill Creek, was born Aug. 1, 1857, in Mill Creek, 
Erie Co., son of John C. and Martha (Fry) Zuck, former a native of Lancaster Co,, Penn., 
latter of this county. They were marrie'd, Sept. 22, 1853, and are parents of 4 children, 3 
now living— Wayne E., married to Morilla Mosher; C. W. and Lester J., at home. One 
son, Willmm, is deceased. John C. Zuck, who resides in this township, is a son of James 
and Sallie (Ebersole) Zuck, who came to this county in 1802. Clark W. Zuck, our sub- 
ject, was married. Sept. 21, 1881, to Ocene, daughter of John McKee; they have 1 child— J. 
Floyd. They reside near the schoolhouse on the Ridge road, near the Grange Hall, this 
township. 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 

DARIUS ABER, farmer, P. O. North East, was born Dec. 11, 1836, in Steuben Co., 
N. Y., son of H. C. Aber, a native of Pennsylvania, who had 2 children— Calista, wife of 
Mr. Sorrenson (they had 5 children), and our subject, who married Mary Alice, daughter 
of S. A. and C. A. Benedict. To this union were born 4 children— Roy, Amy E., Charles 
and Lela M. Mr. Aber enlisted in Sept., 1861, in the P. V. I., Co. D, under Col. Schlau- 
decker, of Erie. He was in several battles, including Antietam; was wounded in the leg, 
and lost an arm, for which he received a pension. 

W. F. ALLISON, proprietor of the Brawley House, North East, was born in 1829, in 
North East, son of David and Elizabeth (Mills) Allison, former born in North East, Penn., 
latter a native of Canada, and who came to the United States in 1815. The father of David 
Allison, William Allison, Sr., came to Erie Co. in 1793, settling near the mouth of Twenty- 
Mile Creek, and subsequently bought the farm owned by Mr. Urich, where he died. Da- 
vid and Elizabeth Allison had 4 children, 2 living— Harriet, married, in 1848, to Robt. O. 
Hills, who died in 1876; she has 4 children living— Frank H., Charles, Nellie and Caddie; and 
our subject, who was married in 1863 to Antoinette Brawley, daughter of Richard Brawley. 
To this union was born 1 child— Lizzie B. Mrs. Allison died in March, 1874, an excellent 
member of society and a good mother. Mr. Allison has been in the hotel business for sev- 
eral years, and tlie Brawley House is one of the leading hotels in the county. 

WELLINGTON T. APPLEBEE, farmer and machinist, P. O. North East, Penn., was 
born March 6, 1827, in Harbor Creek Township, this county, son of Thomas and Sarah (Ful- 
ler) Applebee, who came to Eric Co. in 1820, .settling in Harbor Creek Township. They 
were the parents of 12 children, 9 living, viz., Nancy, wife of A. Barrett (had one daughter 
Zoe); Sarah A., wife of R. Vrooman ; Laura R., wife of A. J. Culbertson; Jenny, wife of 
G. Soules; Malvina, wife of Jerry Stell (their children are Jennie, Dora, Eva, Hattie, Early, 
William, Thomas and George); Josephine, wife of John Abies (have 1 child, Nellie); Nellie, 
wife of B. D. Videto (had 1 child by her tirst husband, Madison Wells); John married to 
Maria Stell, and our subject, Wellington T. He is a farmer as well as practical machinist; 
is much sought after to do repair work, in which he gives great satisfaction. He is a mem- 
ber of Masonic Lodge, 399, North East. He was married, Nov. 27, 1851, to Mary J., daughter 
of John and Rebecca (Stafford) Butt, they have 1 child, Ella A. John Butt was a native 
of Va., and a son of Wendle Butt of German descent; had 3 children, 2 living— Mary J. 
and Daniel S., who had 3 children— Charles W., Carrie E. and Rose M. 

JAMES BANNISTER, brewer. North East, was born in England in 1833, son of 
Henry and Rachel Bannister. He came to America in 1864. and being a cloth fuller by 
trade', went to work in woolen mills. In 1866, he bought the brewery business of one 
A'-kerman, which he has since considerably increased. This industry he has carried on 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 135 

for 17 years. The brewery is li miles from North East. Our subject was married in 1854 
to Emma Grimshaw, sister to Benjamin Grimshaw, by whom he had 3 children, 2 living — 
Mary L. and another. Mr. Bannister intends soon to retire from active business. 

HUGH BE ATT Y, farmer, P. O. Northville, was born in 1814 in Union Co.. Penn., 
son of John and Catherine (Sax) Beatty. whose forefathers were natives of Ireland. 
John Beatty, was a widower when he came to Erie Co. in 1820. He was 3 times 
married, and his children were Mrs. Eleanor Ross, a widow, with a large family; Jacob, 
deceased: Jacob, second, deceased; William, a widower, has several children; Jane, 
wife of P. D. Ro.ss, has 5 children; John, deceased; Timothy N., deceased; John M.; 
Ann Eliza, wife of Wm. Loomis; Elizabeth, wife of O. W. Wheeler: Thomas S. ; an in- 
fant, deceased; Melvina, deceased; Eveline, wife of W. L. Shortman. and George O. N. 
John Beatty died Dec. 16, 1868, in North East. Hugli Beatty was married 4 times, his last 
wife being Mrs. Margaret DeLong, a widow. By his second wife was 1 child— Ella, born 
Nov. 8, 1845. By his third wife, were 3 boys— Isaac, John and Elbridge. Our subject has 
acted as Commissioner for one term; is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry; a member 
and Steward of the M. E. Church. His farm, consisting of 114 acres, has all modern im- 
provements, with the largest, best arranged barn in the county, and a productive vineyard. 

IRA T. BEECH ER, Deputy Collector Internal Revenue, North East, was born Aug. 
22, 1837, at Clymer, N. Y., son of David and Electa (Campbell) Beecher, natives of New 
Y^'ork. Our subject came to Erie Co. in 1868, settling in the village of North East, where 
he engaged in the dry goods business with a Mr. Nason, under firm name of Beecher & 
Nason. This continued for two years, when Mr. Beecher sold out his interest to A. Short, 
and entered the drug business with Mr. Swarts, the title of the firm being Beecher & 
Swarts. He remained in this 7 years, when he sold to N. H. Clark, and entered his pres- 
ent occupation. He was married, Jan. 7, 1868, to Cornelia, daughter of E. G. Cook, of 
Panama, N. Y. They have 2 children— Frederick C, born Dec. 1, 1871, in Clymer, N. 
Y. ; and Maud Blanche, born Oct. 10, 1877. Mr. Beecher resides in North East Village, 
and has held the office of Notary Public 6 years, Assessor 2 years and Treasurer 1 year. 
He has also been a member of the Council 3 years; is a member of North East Lodge and 
Chapter, A. Y. M. 

MRS. SARAH A. BELNAP, North East, was born in 1820 in North East Township. 
Penn., daughter of Harmon and Sally (Hall) Ensign, natives of Connecticut, the former 
of whom came to Erie Co. in 1815, settling near North East Village. In 1855, he moved 
with his family into the village, and there died in 1875, his wife having preceded him in 
1872. They left 2 children — William A., and Sarah A., who was married, Feb. 6, 1855, 
to Volney, son of Gilbert and Polly Belnap. To this union were born 2 children— Will- 
iam E. and Sarah E, Mr. Belnap was twice married. His first wife left him 2 children 
— Cornelia Antoinette, wife of Robert McCord, and C. L., now in the grocery business in 
North- East. Mr. Volney Belnap was Postmaster for many years in North East, and was 
a man of considerable influence. He died Sept. 6, 1881, aged fifty-eight years. 

S. M. BELNAP, grocer. North East, was born September 25, 1827, in North East 
Township, son of Gilbert and Polly (Gardner) Belnap. The former was a native of Penn- 
sylvania; the latter, who was a widow at the time she became Mrs. Belnap, was a native of 
Connecticut. They came to North East Township and settled there in 1814. Their fami- 
ly numbered 4 children, viz., Volney; Maria A., deceased; Nancy Jane, deceased when 
young; and our subject, who was married, Feb. 11, 1851, to Sarah E. Orton. To this 
union were born 2 children — Clara A., wife of S. O. Minegar, have 1 child — Anna L. 
(by his first wife, Mr. Minigar has 2 children — Charles L. and Clarence O.); and Mary 
E., wife of L. B. Hitchcock, have 1 child — Clarence. Mrs. Belnap dying Jan. 30, 1873, 
our subject married Eveline A,, daughter of Glover P. Wattles. Mr. Belnap has held 
some of the township offices. He is a member of the Knights of Honor. 

CLARK BLISS, retired farmer, P. O. North East, was born July 16, 1814, in Genesee 
Co., N. Y., son of Charles and Margaret (Holmes) Bliss, the former of whom came from 
New Y^ork in 1821 to Erie Co., settling in North East Township, where he died. He held 
several township offices and was regarded as a man of high literary attainments. Our 
subject was married, in 1843, to Angelina, daughter of Jesse Custard, and to this union 
were born 4 children, viz.: Margaret, deceased in infancy; Kate, wife of Thomas Pettit 
(have 1 child, Jessie A.); Charles L. and Emma (both deceased). A grandfather of Mr. 
Bliss came from his native State, Rhode Island, to this county in 1815, and became one of 
its earliest citizens. Our subject has held several county oflBces from School Director to 
Commissioner. He is a F. »& A. M. 

ANDREW BOYER, farmer, P. O. Moorheadville, was born June 16, 1834, in Chester 
Co., Penn., son of Samuel and Margaret (Supplee) Boyer, who had 10 children, viz.: Mrs. 
Harriet Graham (has 2 children); Lewis, in Allegheny Co., Penn. (has 5 children); Sa- 
bina (deceased, leaving 6 children); Mrs Rachel Dunlop (deceased, leaving 5 children, 1 died 
in infancy); Mrs. Mary Grube (has 4 children); Peter (has 8 children); Levi (deceased); 
Elizabeth (deceased); Mrs. Margaret A. Stony (has 8 children); and our subject, who was 
married, Dec. 18, 1858, to Louisa, daughter of Jacob Grube, and a native of Lancaster Co., 
Penn. To tjiis ui\\od, vfere b,orn 10 cEil(^ren, vi?i. : IJlam E. (deceased), Samuel J-. Anni^ 



136 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

E., John J., Lillian M., Margaret L., Emma C, Mary E., Clara J. and Eddie G. (died in 
infancy.) Mr. Boyer works a rented farm. 

R. BRAN, plasterer and mason. North East, was horn Feb. 7, 1819, in the county of 
Kent, England, son of Thomas and Susannah (Osborn) Bran, the former of whom was 
married 3 times, and was the father of 14 children, 4 of whom are now living — David Bran 
and Mrs. Mulvihill, Erie: Mrs. McLauglin, Harbor Creek; and our subject, who was mar 
ried, Feb. 20, 1844, to Mary, daughter of Robert and Maria Lowrey" Caldwell. To this 
union were born Maria, wife of W. P. McClure; Nancy, wife of N. M. Cross, and Abbie, 
wife of W. M. Riblet. Mr. Bran possesses an elegant residence in North East Village. He 
is a member of the Presljyterian Church and the Equital)le Aid Union. 

REV. F. BRIODY. present priest of the Catholic Church, Nortii East, was born in 
1851, in Ireland, son of John and Ann (Lynch) Briody. He came to America alone, in the 
interests of his church only, leaving father, mother and friends behind, and entered St. 
Bonaventure College, State of New York, from whicli he graduated, and in which he was 
ordained priest. From there our subject came to Erie, and was shortly a.ssigned by the 
Bishop fto the charge of the church at North East, whicii is compo.sed of 50 families, 
chiefly farmers. The church is in a prosperous condition, and the flock a quiet and con- 
tented people. 

TRISTRAM H. BROWN, farmer, P. O. North East, was born April 19, 1824. on the 
farm he now resides on, son of Lyman (born in 1800), and Lavina (Shadduck) Brown, na- 
tives of Connecticut. His grandfather came to Erie in 1778, and took up land at 50 cents 
per acre, the same land on which the family now reside, and where lie lived and died. 
Lyman Brown had 12 children, viz., Betsy, Lyman, Sewel, Lavina, Harriet and Henry 
(twins), Maria, Lydia, Eunice, David, Mary, and our subject, who was married, in 1847, to 
Rebecca, daughter of Joseph Dippo. To this union were born 6 children — Harvey L., 
married Sept. 25, 1872, to Kate Killhane, have 3 children — Katie, Annie and Hattie; 
Barnett W., married, in 1878, to Josepliine Ennis, have 2 children living — Bertie and 
MayE. ; Mary E., at home; Horace T., married June 4, 1881. has 1 child — Maude A.; 
Joseph D., married, June 27, 1876, Carrie Geibel, have 3 children — Lillie P., Carrie R. 
and Rosa T. ; and Hattie S., a most estimable young lady, killed by the cars at the cross- 
ing in North East Township. Mrs. Brown died in 1879. Mr. Brown's brother, David, 
served during the rebellion, in Capt. Dyer Loomis' company. 

AMOS BURCH, farmer, P. O. Moorheadville, was born in 1826 in Fort Ann, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., son of Benjamin and Phebe (Newman) Burch. parents of 5 sons- 
Clark, deceased; Henry, deceased; Reuben, deceased; Benjamin, and Amos, our subject, 
and 3 daughters — Clarissa, wife of Thomas Miles, decea.sed: Emeline, wife of Charles 
Moore, deceased, and Sarah, wife of Samuel Miles. Benjamin Burch, Sr., died in 1828. 
Our sidiject was married, Nov. 6, 1853, to Permelia, daughter of John and Sarah (Ham- 
mond) Jones, natives of England. To this union w^ere born — Frances, married to Clinton 
Shadduck, have 2 children — Jessie and Tamott; Emory, and Sarah, wife of Prof. Adison 
Chatley, have 2 children — Estella and Bertha. Mr. Burch served in the navy diu'ing 
the war of the rebellion, and was discharged on account of sickness. He is a member of 
a free Baptist Church; is owner of 300 acres of land. For a long time after he and his 
mother, brothers and sisters moved to this section, the only guide to their home through 
the woods was marked trees. Maple sugar was made in the frying-pan, tea kettle or 
other such vessel, and sold for 6 cents per pound. The nearest store was 7 miles dis- 
tant; their man,sion a rude log-hovise with a roof of l)ark, and floor of something like split 
rails. Two of our subject's cousins, Peter and Eli. sons of Eliet Burch, went into the 
woods one wintry November day to hunt up the cattle, and tiiey wandered about until the 
younger died. His brother then buried him in the snow, leaving his handkerchief to mark 
the .spot, and going a little further on laid down and died, no doubt of a broken heart, as, 
when found, his body was not frozen. Mr. Burch can relate many incidents of the many 
trials he had to undergo in his boyhood days, when he had to go miles to the nearest school 
without coat or shoes, and of the determination he made to be some day equal at least to 
those who sneered then at his poverty. 

CHAUNCEY CAMPBELL, retired farmer, P. O. North East, was born in 1803, in 
x| Ben.son, Rutland Co., Vt., son of John and Al)igail (Barlow) ('ampbell, natives of Massa- 
j chusetts, and who came to Chautauqua Co.. N. Y., where they died. They were parents 
of 5 children, viz. : Vincent, deceased, leaving 3 children — Chauncey, Electa and John; 
John, Jr., killed in a water-wheel, leaving 1 child— Laura A.; Mrs. Betsy Moses, deceased, 
leaving the following children: John, Anuisa, Frank, William Edward, Chauncey, Vin- 
cent, Emeline, Laura; Mrs. Electa Beecher, who has 3 children — Ira T., Eli and Emeline; 
and our .subject, who was married, September 20, 1832, to Leonora Abells, of Granville, 
Washington Co., N. Y. By this union were 3 children, viz. : L. C. (married to Frank 
A., daughter of Garrow Taylor, have 2 children living— Fred L. and Ruth L. ; Lou (de- 
ceased). John B. (married to Mrs. Mary Ett, daughter of Noble Remington, have 1 
child — Noble C). and Abel B. (at home, having the care of his parents, who are now aged). 
He is a carpenter by trade, which he works at the greater part of his time. 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 137 

E. E. CHAMBERS, oil producer and farmer, P. O. North East, was born in Harbor 
Creek Township in 1835, son of David and Mabel (Nash) Chambers, who came from Cham- 
bersburg, Pcnn. (named after tlie Chambers family), to Erie Co. about 1812-14, .settling on 
a 400-acre tract of land purchased from the Holland or Population Co., and which has 
been in possession of the Chambers family to the present time. They were parents of 10 
children, 8 now living — Wesley, Norman, Cordelia (deceased). Mary (wife of Benjamin 
Bunnell), William, Robinson (decea.sed), Eliza, Martha (wife of John Gordon), John, and 
our subject. He was married, March 9, 1865, to Louisa, daughter of William and Rosanna 
(Crawford) Davis, natives of New York State, and who came to Erie Co. in 1790, settling 
on the Lake Shore road. By this union were 3 children — Mat)el Louise and Mary (de- 
ceased). Mr. Chambers received his early education in Harbor Creek Township. He 
studied medicine' 2 years under M. M. Moore, of Wesleyville, and during the late war 
was in the Medical Purveyor's office for a time, and subsequently was appointed Hospital 
Steward. He was discharged in 1864. Since then. Mi'. Chaml)ers has engaged in farming 
and producing oil in the vicinity of Bradford, Penn. 

FREDERICK CLARK, farmer, P. O. North East, was born July 22, 1839, in North 
East Township, son of Timothy and Calista (Atkins) Clark. The former, a native of Mass. ; 
came to Erie Co. in 1800, died in 1865"; the latter, a native of N. Y. State, came to Erie Co. in 
1816, died in 1869. They had 7 children, viz. : Timothy (deceased). May F. (wife of Geo. F. 
Griffin), Elizabeth L., Levi (deceased in 1860), Benjamin (deceased in 1879, was married to 
Mary A. George, and had 2 children— Burtin and Blanche), Jonathan R. (deceased 1883, was 
married to Willia A. Wightman, and had 1 child — Walter Scott), and our subject. Mr. 
Clark served during the rebellion, and was present at the battle of Antietam. He lost an 
eye in the service, and was in consequence discharged. He owns a farm of 100 acres of fine 
land 5 miles from North East. He is a memb"r of the M. E. Church in Harbor Creek. 

MRS. KATE COURTNEY, farmer, P. O. North East, was born in Ireland in 1845, 
daughter of Michael and Bridget O'Shay. She emigrated to America in 1856, and lived 
for some time with L. S. Skinner, at Westfield, Penn. In 1863, she married Daniel Court- 
ney, also a native of Ireland, by whom she had 5 children — Mary A., James D., Kate, 
Margaret R. and Lillian A. Mr. Courtney died in 1875. Our subject and her husband came 
in 1865 to the farm she now owns and carries on, assisted by her son. The children are 
receiving a good education at the Union School, North East. From an elevated piece of 
ground adjoining Mrs. Courtney's hou.se, a magnificent view of Lake Erie can be had. 

MRS. MARY (ROGERS) CRAWFORD, Nbrth East, was born in 1807 in Orange Co., 
Vt., daughter of Zenas and Hannah (Annis) Rogers, parents of 6 children, of whom our 
subject is the only survivor. She was married in 1824 to James, son of Thomas Crawford, 
an old settler on the Lake Shore road. To this union were born 11 children — Mary, wife 
of A. B. Fuller, in Nebraska (they have 5 children — ^Nettie, Kate, Clyde, Maynard, Hat- 
tie); Martha, wife of Ephraim Jones, have 4 children; Ida, wife of Leroy Butt, have 
one daughter, Nellie; George, married to Mrs. Emeline Finch, have one child, Mrs. Kate 
Comstock, mother of 3 children, Carl, George and Ruth; James, now County Treasurer, 
married to Helen, daughter of Michael Mills, have 4 children, James M., Allison, Harry 
and Helen; Hattie, wife of W. O. Wing, had 4 children, Arthur, William, who died young, 
George and Mabel; Mrs. Ella Stone (deceased, leaving 1 child, Ella Zenas); Ellen Helen; 
Eliza; Warren, and one died in infancy. Mrs. Crawford's great-grandchildren are Edith, 
Lottie, Lizzie and Nettie, daughter of Mrs. Outhwait; John B., Mary and Nettie, chil- 
dren of Mrs. Freeland; Layton, son of Clyde Fuller and Gertrude, daughter of Mrs. Ira. 

ALEXANDER B. CRAWFORD, deceased, was born in North East township in 1831; 
son of William and Nancy (Blaine) Crawford, natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject was 
married in 1846 to Maty Symonds, daughter of Stephen and Prudence Symonds, natives 
of Connecticut. To this union were born— Charles E., married to Emma E., daughter 
of Henry and Cornelia Mclntyre, of New York State, have 2 daughters— Alice and 
RosaL. ; Rose M. ; Hattie, wife of J. Kendig, a merchant in North East, have 2 chil- 
dren, Charles D. and Mary; John C. ; William B. (deceased, March 23, 1857); Bertha and 
Annie B. Mr. Crawford, the subject of this biography, who had been a farmer in his 
lifetime, died in 1858. His ancestors were among the earliest settlers in this county. The 
widow and family are members of the Presbyterian Church of North East. 

MRS. SYLVIA CRAWFORD, North East, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., in 
1828, only daughter of Henry and Almira (Lott) Terry, who moved in 1830 to Ripley, near 
Erie County line, and from there to North East, where they settled. Our subject was mar- 
ried, in 1851, to Robert M., son of Thomas and Mary (Custard) Crawford, and one of the 
leading farmers of North East Township. To this union were born 2 children — Leoua 
E., wife of E. Webster, Danville, 111., and Edith at home. At the time of his death, Avjiich 
occured in Sept., 1878, Mr. Crawford wTas owner of several farms. His death occurred in 
North East, at the residence where his widow now resides. 

CUSHMAN BROS., North East, Penn. (D. R. Cushman, L. B. Cushman, C. C. 
Cushman.) Danford Rockwell Cu.shman was born April 7, 1844, at Stafford Springs. Tol- 
land Co., Conn., came with his parents in 1856 to Plymouth, N. Y., and in 1857 to North 
East, Penn., and in 1860 to Fairview, Erie Co., Penn.; received an academic education at 



138 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

the State Normal School, Edinboro, Penn., studied law, and was admitted to the Erie 
Co., Penn., bar, and has since practiced law at North East, Penn. He was married Nov. 

25, 1868, to Emma S. Brecht. They have 4 children— Cora Victoria, born Jan. 5, 1873; 
Leverett Elias, born Aug. 29, 1875; Danford Rockwell, Jr., born Aug. 12, 1878; Carlton 
Rider, born Sept. 10, 1881. Loren Benjamin Cushman was born at Stafford Springs, 
Conn., July 22, 1846; came to Fairview, Penn., in 1860; received an academic education at 
the State Normal School at Edinboro, Penn., and a commercial education at Eastman's 
Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Clayton Clay Cushman was born at Stafford 
Springs, Conn., July 2'S. 1848; received an academic education at the State Normal School, 
Edinboro, Penn. Cushman Bros, established the North East Sun Printing House Sept. 

26, 1868, and have since been editors, publishers and proprietors of the same. During the 
past three years, C. C. Cushman has traveled extensively in the West. Herbert F. Cush- 
man, a brother of Cushman Bros., was born Nov. 15, 1850. He is a farmer at Fairview, 
Penn. He married Ijizzie Bradagum. Eliza A. Cushman, a sister, was born Feb. 15, 
1853, married Adelbert Cushing, of Nebraska, in 1878. She died in 1881, leaving an only 
daughter, Edith. Emma L. Cushman was born July 25, 1855; was married to Fred. B. 
Brockway, of Ripley, N. Y. They have 2 children— Byron and May. Georgia A. Cush- 
man was born Nov. 25, 1857. She married H. E. Gardner, of Jamestown, N. Y. They 
have 2 children — Grace and Gertrude. Bertha May Cushman was born Aug. 27, 1866. She 
resides with her parents at Fairview, Penn. Leverett and Ann Cushman were the parents. 
He has always been engaged in farming, at which he has been successful, and they now 
reside on their farm at Fairview, Penn. They are natives of Connecticut, Leverett being 
a direct descendant from the Pilgrims who landed from the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock. 

EDWIN C. CUSTARD, farmer, P. O. North East, was born in Nov., 1833, on the 
farm on which he now resides, son of Robert and Vashti (Phillips) Custard, natives of 
Pennsylvania. Our subject's grandfather, Abraham Custard, who was of German descent, 
came to this county in 1796, and moved his family the following year, when there was but 
one cabin where the city of Erie now stands. He had a family of 7 children — Jesse, who 
served in the war of 1812; William, Polly, Sarah, Benjamin, Robert and Jane. Robert 
was born in 1797; was married to Vashti Phillips, by whom were 6 children — Dimmis, Elsie 
A., Abram, Sarah, Martha J. and Edwin C, our subject, who was married, in 1867, to 
Sarali E., daughter of F. B. Skinner. The old homestead on which he now resides was 
purchased of the Government by his grandfather. 

ALEXANDER DAVIDSON, farmer, P. O. North East, was born Nov. 4, 1808, in 
Pompey, Onondaga Co., N. Y., son of Andrew and Hannah (Hine) Davidson, parents of 6 
children, of whom 2 survive — Mrs. Betsey Atkins (has 4 sons, who were all in the army 
during the rebellion, and 4 daughters), and our subject. Andrew Davidson was engaged 
in the war of 1812, during which he died of fever. The widow then, in 1816, moved with 
her 5 children from Buffalo, N. Y., to Erie Co. They came on the ice in a large sleigh 
drawn by 2 yoke of oxen, bringing with them also 5 cows. Mrs. Davidson then bought 
200 acres of woodland, and in the course of time, by industry and thrift, acquired a good 
property. Alexander Davidson, her youngest son and the subject of this sketch, was mar- 
ried, Feb. 4, 1831. to Mary A. Andrews, who died in 1837, leaving no issue. Mr. Davidson 
then married Marrilla Curti,s, by whom were 2 children — Augusta, married to Wm. P. 
Taylor, of Buffalo; and Roscoe, station agent at North East depot. Our subject losing his 
second wife by death, married Mrs. Mary Messer, a widow with 2 children— Willis P. and 
Emma, a school teacher. By this imion there were 2 children — Perry and Mary E. 

O. W. DAVIS, Postmaster, North East, was born December 5, 1843, in North East 
Township, son of William and Rosanna (Crawford) Davis; the former, a carpenter and 
farmer, was a native of New York State, the latter of Pennsylvania. They came to Erie 
Co. at the same time, 1805 or 1806, the Crawfords settling ontheflake shore. Their family 
numbered 4 children -Louisa L., wife of E. Chambers, living in North East; Dwight, died 
in Colorado in 1882; Agnes, wife of John Pabod}^ living on the old homestead near the 
lake; and our subject, who was married in 1868 to Carrie, daughter of D. J. Hopkins, na- 
tives of New York State. To this union were born 4 children, viz., Fred, Arthur, Rosa 
and Agnes. Mr. Davis has held the position of Postmaster since 1869, and has served as 
Constable 2 years. 

W. A. ENSIGN, President of the First National Bank, North East, was born June 7, 
1827, in that borough, son of Harmon and Sally (Hall) Ensign, natives of Litchfield, 
Conn., the former of whom came to Erie Co. in 1815 on foot, with a pack on his back, but 
in a .short time returned to Connecticut. On peace being declared with Great Britain, he 
again came to Erie C'o. where he spent the remainder of his days, dying in March, 1875. 
He left 2 children— Mrs. Sarah A. Belnap and our subject, who was married Oct. 14, 1856, 
to Miss J. Y., daughter of John McCord, and a native of Pennsylvania. To this union 
Avas born Charles A., now Cashier First National Bank, North East. 

OREN O. FARNSWORTH, farmer, P. O. Northville, was born in 1815 in the village 
of Greenfield, son of John and Sarah (Whitney) Farnsworth, natives of New York, and 
who came to Erie County in 1814, settling in "Greenfield Township, where they died, the 
former la 1834, the latter in 1858. Their children were Josiah, Thomas, John, Zuba, 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 139 

Polly, Hiram, David, Titus, Lucetta, Eliza, Manander, and our subject, who was married 
in 1846 to Sarah, daughter of William and Mary P. (Brown) Ackles, natives of the North 
of Ireland. To this union were horn Mary (wife of George Taylor, have three children — 
Frederick, Bertie and May), Sarah A. (wife of Eugene Dudley, have four children— Vic- 
tor, Clyde, Charles and Lee), Emma (at home), Carrie, Nat and George. Mary was a 
school teacher seven terms; Sarah taught music. The family have all received good edu- 
cation with instruction in music. Mr. Farnsworth has a farm of 50 acres on the line of 
New York State, in a fine location and with every improvement. 

ISAAC R. FITHIAN, merchant, Buffalo, N. Y., is a son of Benjamin and Mary E. 
(Judd) Fithian, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Connecticut, who came 
to Erie Co. in 1800, settling on the Lake Shore road, where Thomas Crawford now 
resides in North East Township. They remained there till 1837, when they sold their 
farm and moved to Lockport, N. Y. Mr. Eastman, who bought the Judd farm, andCapt. 
Freeman Judd, Mr. Fithian's godfather, were founders of the paper mill now owned and 
managed by D. A. Swaney. Freeman Judd, Sr., came to Erie Co. in 1800, and died 
of cholera in North East in 1834. His daughter, Mrs. Haywood, has 3 children 
living — Alfred A., Stephen, and Margaret, wife of Thomas Youngs. Capt. Freeman Judd 
was a seaman, and he along with Benjamin Fithian bought the iron of the vessel sunk by 
Com. Perry in Lake Erie, and used it in the construction of the "Swiftsure," a trading 
ship plying between Buffalo and New York. Capt. Judd also built the "Navigator." 
Freeman Judd, Sr., was a Revolutionary soldier of 7 years' service. He and his 
3 sons built the old block-house near Erie. His brother Philo, who was a Government 
Surveyor of lands in Michigan, contracted fever there, died and was buried in North East. 
Benjamin Fithian had 4 children — F. J. (attorney-at-law and Judge of the Court, 
New York), Harriet (who died in Erie), Maria (wife of R. M. Skeels) and Isaac R., who 
was married, in 1851, to Caroline Winchester, of Lockport, N. Y. To this union were 
born Frank (married in California), Kate (wife of William Martin, Buffalo, N. Y.), and 
Clara (at home). Mr. Fithian has for many years been engaged in mercantile buisiness at 
163 Virginia street, Buffalo, N. Y. 

WILLIAM and FRANK FROMYER, carriage-makers. North East. Their father, 
who was a tanner by trade, came with his family to America in 1851, remaining in Buf- 
falo one year, and from there went to Versailles, N. Y., thence to Silver Creek, N. Y., 
and finally to North East. William and Frank came to North East in 1873, and bought 
the shop then owned by Sampson Short, and formerly carried on by French & Sons, and 
also by a Mr. Randall. Messrs. Fromyer are doing a successful trade, turning out the 
very best of work at remarkably low figures. They are credited with making the finest 
sleighs in the county. They are attentive to their business and popular in the community 
in which they reside. 

E. N. FULLER, retired farmer, P. O. North East, was born in 1809 in Madison Co., 
N. Y., son of Elisha and Rachel (Brainard) Fuller, natives of Connecticut, and parents of 
6 children, of whom the only survivor is our subject. He was married in 1835 to Louisa 
Yeomans, a native of New York State. He came to Erie Co., settling in North East Town- 
ship on a farm now owned by Mrs. Griffith, on which he set out one of the finest vine- 
yards in the township. He remained on the farm till 1859, when his business called him 
into the borough of North East, where he has an elegant residence near the Lake Shore 
R. R. His children are: Mrs. Sophia Fuller (has 2 children. Lytic and Ella, now Mrs. 
Weaver, with one daughter, Mabel); Mrs. Melvinia Boice (has 2 sons, William and Lee); 
Elisha, married to Miss Shanklin (have 1 child living, William Newell); Leander Spar- 
row, married to Miss Betty Bennett (have 4 children, Carrie, Lulu, Newell T., Ella M.); 
Jenette, wife of G. W. Butt, deceased in 1872, leaving 1 daughter, Nellie. Mr. Fuller 
taught the first school in the township after the new laws came in force, and was School 
Director for many years. He is a Univcrsalist in religious belief, and is anxious that the 
creeds of the Evangelical Churches should be revised. Universalism is not known in 
Evangelical Churches. 

I. R. GAY, miller, P. O. Northville, was born of parents Henry and Clarissa Gay, of Her- 
kimer Co., N. Y. State, in 1830. His parents moved to Ripley, Chautauqua Co., N.Y., in 1832, 
where he resided until 1858, when he removed to a farm in North East Township, Erie Co., 
Penn. ; he removed from there to Washington Hollow in 1876, where he still resides. This 
is a deep ravine surrounded by an amphitheater, in the eastern part of the county; here in 
company with his brother-in-law, he ran 2 mills, a saw and grist mill. The site is the 
oldest in Erie Co., the mill having stood there 90 years. Our subject was married to Diana, 
daughter of Hezikiah and Rosanna (Rich) Mason, by whom were 3 children — Edith, 
wife of J. Bartlett, who has 2 children, Fannie E. and Allen P.; Bertha R., wife of M. H. 
Smith, deceased, have 3 children. Jay G., Ira R., Guy M.; and Cassius M. Mr. Gay has 
held the office of Road Commissioner; is a member of the Equitable Aid Society of Ripley, 
N. Y., A. O. U. W. in Ripley, also Royal Arcanum society 

J. L. GREEN, Justice of the Peace, North East, was born in Brockport, Monroe Co., 
N. Y., son of Lewis and Mary (Tew) Green, the former a native of New York State, the 
.attcr of Connecticut, They were the parents of 2 children— Martha A., wife of David 



140 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Pease, of North East, had 7 (iliildren, viz.: L. E., in Iron "Works. Erie; James A., died in 
California; Mrs. May Bentley, also died in California; Lillie, in North East; Mrs. Martha 
W. Graham, in California; Nellie, deceased, and Eddie, at home; and our subject. 
lie was married in ISfil, to Mary, daughter of Seneca and Matilda Downer. To this 
union were born 2 children— one died in infancy, and George A., at home. Mr. Green 
came to North East in iiis tenth year. He holds the office of Justice of the Peace, and 
has been Clerk of the town several years. He is a member of the Masonic order. 

GEORGE HALL, farmer, P. O. Northville, was born Jan. 19, lo08, in New Haven, 
Conn., son of Harvey and 8arah (Hull) Hall, natives of Connecticut, and who came to 
Erie Co. from Washington Co., N. Y.,in 1821. They cleared land and lived near the village 
of Waterford. In tiie spring of 1881, they moved "to Ripley, N. Y., where they remained 
until 1851. They tiien removed to Erie City, where they died, the former March 2, 1863, 
aged eighty-three, and the hitter in 18fiS, aged ninety. They were parents of 12 children, 
7 now living— jVIrs. Hannah Hood and Mrs. Olive Hood, widows; Harvey, Samuel, Luther, 
Peter, and our subject, who was married. May 4, 1834, to Rachel, daughter of AbijahHuU. 
To this union were born 4 children— Delilah L., MaryE. (deceased), Huldah M. (deceased), 
and Ottilia A. (wife of D. C. Boslwick). Mr. Hall has a well-regulated farm situated on 
the eastern line of tlie township and county, -where he first settled in 1834. He well re- 
members in 1814, standing on a bench to help saddle the horse for his father, who was 
called out at a moment's warning to meet the " Britishers" at Plattsburg. 

A. E. HALL, retired farmer^ P. O. North East, born Dec. 26, 1812, in Litchfield, Conn., 
son of William andTherina (Waugh) Hall, natives of Connecticut, who came to North East, 
then Burgettstowu, in 1815. William Hall, one of the first merchants of North East, lookup 
400 acres north of the village, and also 10 acres within the same, on a portion of which he 
built the North East House (Brawley House). William Hall died while returning from Cuba, 
accf)mpanied by his son, A. E., at Grand Gulf, Miss., March 6, 1833, aged forty-eight; his 
widow died August 24, 1873. They had 9 children— Wm. L., born 1809, died 1883; Eliza- 
betli, born 1810, died 1845, married N. A. Lowry; Augustus E. ; Sally S., born 1815, died 
1819; Susan, born 1818, married Joel Loomis; Lydia A., born 1821; Mary, born 1823, mar- 
ried Chas. Metcalf; Samuel AV., born 1825, died 1866; Sarah L., born 1828, married Will- 
iam Ross. A. E. Hall married Nancy B., surviving daughter of John and Mary (Harkness) 
McCord. Dec. 12. 1839; they have 1 child— William A., married to Burga Fry. have 3 
children, John Mc, Mary E.. Nancy B. John McCord came to North East in 1800, and 
took up 400 acres, a portion of which is now the f;irm of Sampson Short. Mrs. Hall's 2 
sisters, Peggy and Griselda, were burned to death when their father's house was de- 
stroyed by fire in 1819. A. E. Hall was Postmaster at North East from 1834 to 1842. 

L. G. HALL, physician. North East, was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y.. June 6, 1820; 
son of Justus and Rachel (Gibbs) Hall, who moved from Saratoga Co. to Genesee Co., N. Y., 
about 1825 or 1826. They remained in Genesee Co. till the winter of 1834, at which time 
they moved into Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. ; very much of this county was at this time a 
wilderness. Our subject remained with his parents 6 years, helping them to clear the 
fai^m, enduring the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. At the age of twenty 
years, he left home and went to Lodi, now Gowanda, a village located partly in Cattaraugus, 
and partly in Erie Co., N. Y. Most of the following 3 years were spent in attending 
school summers, and teaching school winters. The Doctor commenced the study of 
medicine with Dr. Seth Fields in Gowanda, N. Y., in 1843, remaining in office one year! In 
1^44, he entered the office of S. G. Ellis, M. D., as a student, and attended for a time medical 
lectures at Geneva, N. Y. In the term of 1845-46, he attended a full course of lectures at 
Willoughby, Ohio. On May 14, 1846, our subject commenced the practice of medicine and 
surgery in Tidioute, Warren Co., Penn., where he remained till the fall of 1849, and then 
went to the university of Buffalo (medical department) where he graduated in Feb., 1850. 
In the spring o. that year. Dr. Hall located in the city of Meadville, Penn., remaining till 
fall, when he removed to Wattsburg. where he practiced his profession for 10 years. Then 
moved to North East, where he has since remained, save a few years during and following 
the war of the rebellion, when he was in the city of Dunkirk, N. Y. Our subject was 
married, Sept. 13, 1848, to Miss Mary Ann Graves, daughter of Lester and Sophia (Ransford) 
Graves, of Perrysburg. Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. To this union were born 3 daughters and 
1 son. The second daughter is married to J. J. Graham, farmer. North East, Penn., 
and the .son is a graduate of Baltimore College of Physicians and Surgeons. 

JAMES H. HAYNES, retired merchantr North East, was born Aug. 4, 1804, in Paw- 
ling, Dutchess Co., N. Y., son of Sauford and Hannah (Gould) Haynes, who were natives 
of Connecticut, and also parents of Mrs. Rachel Bently, Mrs. Sophia Webb, Mrs. Lucy 
Harper, Mrs. Rebecca Ingersoll, Hiram, Huron and Samuel— all deceased. The winter o"f 
1812, our subject removed with his parents to a farm near Westfield, N. Y. At the age of 
fourteen years, he was left a honieless orphan, and engaged as an apprentice in a carriage 
manufactory. Success attended his efforts, and he remained working at his trade at the 
al)ove-mentioned place, where, in 1825, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Bently. To 
this union were born 6 children, viz.. Harriet M., wife of J. M. Mills, North East, Penn.; 
Anna, deceased 1863, wife of Burton Campbell, Baltimore, Md.; James S.; Charles E., 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 141 

who was in Governmeut employ iu Denver, Colo. In 1861, went to Mexico, was robbed by 
Spaniards; then returned to Denver, where he was appointed Quartermaster, and served 
during the rebellion; was elected to the Lower House, and next to tlie Senate of Colorado. 
He was drowned by the great flood of Cherry Creek in 18(54; Byron, was clerk in his 
brother-in-law's store, and died in 1873; Josephine, wife of W. W. Pierce, hardware 
merchant of Erie, Penu. His first wife dying ^Nov. 1."), 1869, Mr. Ilaynes married, Jan. 
12, 1871, Mrs. Eunice Welsh, of Plymouth, Ind. She had one child— Eva, wife of George 
Sterrett, Erie, Penn. Mr. H. came to Erie Co. in May, 183'J, and settled in North East, 
where he built a flouring mill, to which he subsequently attached the first smut machine 
used in this county. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits for 37 years, retiring in favor 
of his .son, James S., in 1863, who still continues the business. The large hotel on the 
corner of Main and Lake streets, known as the Haynes House, was built by him in 1853. 
He also built the Methodist Church, of which he has been an honored member for ;")5 
years. About the building up of North East as a town are many enduring testimonials of 
the energy, perseverance, self-reliance and enterprising spirit which was ever characteristic 
of Mr. Haynes in all his undertakings. Life's battles he has bravel}^ fought, and now, 
resting in the satisfaction of acquired wealth, the once penniless boy is scarcelj^ to be 
recognized in the faltering step and gray-haired pilgrim of nearly eighty years. 

THADDEUS HISTED, farmer, P. O. North East, was born Oct. 8, 1833, in North East 
TowMiship, son of J. S. and Alziua (Perkins) Histed, natives of New York, and parents of 8 
children, 3 now living, viz., Esther E., wife of C. O. Smith (have 3 children— Jay, Effie and 
Berzilla); Henry E., has 3 chddren; and our subject, who was married, April 18, 1866, to 
Emma J., daughter of Jeremy and Amj' Bird. To this union were born 4 children — 
Flora M., Nettie B., John E. and Charles B. Mr. Histed enlisted Sept. 10, 1861, in Co. 
I, 9th N. Y. Cav. ; went into camp at Westfleld, N. Y., drilled for a few weeks; then went 
to Albany Barracks; from there to Washington, and went into camp, drilling all winter. 
In the spring of 1863, he went to Yorktown, thence back to Washington, where the}^ 
were mounted and equipped for active service; crossed the Potomac; was in some slight 
skirmishes and at the second battle of Bull Run. In the winter of 1863, our subject was 
detailed at Brigade Headquarters at Hall's Hill, Va., to carry the mail to and from Wash- 
ington. In the spring of 1868, he was detailed as Forage Master for the regiment, and 
did duty in that capacity until May 7, 1864. When his train lay at Chancellorsville, 
Mr. Histed found his regiment near Todd's Tavern, Va. On the skirmish line, he asked 
the Colonel when he should come with the forage; his answer was, "God only knows." 
He remained with the regiment but a short time, before they were ordered to tlie left to 
support a battery near the Wilderness. When they arrived at the battery, the orders were 
to prepare to fight on foot, count off by fours, every fourth man to hold four horses. Our 
subject had no weapon except a Colt's revolver, so he asked a comrade, William Shad- 
duck, for his carbine and cartridges, and went into the fight. They drove the enemy back 
to their breastworks in the woods. While loading his carbine, Mr. Histed received a mus- 
ket bail through his right arm below the elbow, breaking the arm in splinters. His carbine 
fell to the ground, and in stooping to pick it up, received an explosive ball in the left hand, 
badly larceratino; the flesh. Before he had time to move, he received a charge of fine shot 
in the right hand, a revolver ball in the left arm near the shoulder, breaking the bone. He 
carried the ball in his arm 13 months before it was extracted. He had also a very bad 
shell wound in tJie left breast; a slight wound in the neck; had his watch struck' with 
buck and ball, which badly demoralized the gearing; was taken prisoner, but re-captured 
next day; was then sent to Washington, thence to Philadelphia, thence home, where he 
staid until Dec, and then went back to Philadelphia, thence to Washington, where he re- 
mained till Sept. 1. 1865. Mr. Histed was discharged, and returned horne a mere wreck of 
his former self as to health and strength. 

CHARLES A. HITCHCOCK, attorney at law, North East. was born Aug. 9, 1836, in New 
Haven, N. Y., son of Miron and Sarah A. (Wright) Hitchcock, natives of New York State, the 
former of whom came to Harbor Creek Township, and died in May, 1869, in Greenfield 
Township; the latter died March 10, 1877, in North East Township. They had 10 children, 
viz., Mrs. Helen Watson; Esther; Milton, a widower; Newton, married to Ellen Lewis; 
Mary, wife of William Addison; Sarah, wife of S. E. Mitchell; Annie, wife of William 
Burnley; Alice, wife of J. Spofford; Ida, deceased; and our subject. He was married, 
Oct. 13, 1859, to Hannah, daughter of Wm. P. and Elizabeth (Charlock) Edwards, former 
a native of Connecticut, latter of New York City. To this union were born Alice, de- 
ceased Jan. 9, 1863; Frederick E., deceased May 23, 1864; Emma I., deceased April 5, 
1869; Josie L., deceased March 30, 1877; E. C. ; Sarah, married in 1869 to S. A. Mitchell, 
have 3 children — Anna M., Charles A. and Alice S. Mrs. Edwards, mother of Mrs. 
Charles A. Hitchcock, died Oct. 35, 1883, in the village of North East, Penn. Our subject 
was a Justice of the Peace 3 terms, and was twice elected Assemblyman. He was appointed 
Internal Revenue Collector, but resigned in order to give his time to an invention for sep- 
arating gold dust in the mines, and he is now in California operating the same. 

CLARK D. JAMESON, cabinet-maker, dealer in furniture, and undertaker. North 
East, was boru Aprils, 1833, in Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y., son of Hugh and Susanna 



142 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

(Moore) Jameson, the former of whom was twice married. His first wife was the mother 
of 7 children, three of whom survive — AVilliam W., in Genesee Co., N. Y., has four chil- 
dren; Helen J., unmarried; and our subject. His second wife was Mrs. Mahala Clark, a 
widow, who had four children— Susannah, Herrick, Ruth and Henry. Our subject was 
also twice married. On the first occasion, Sept. 7, 1848, to Eliza Henshaw, by whom he 
had 2 children— Grace A., wife of J. P. Goodrich, of Sherman, N. Y., has one child — Lo- 
rency G. ; and Lillie A., at home. Mr. Jameson's second marriage occurred Dec. 11, 1862, 
with Mrs. Lorency Stull, a widow with one child— James B., now at college. Mr. Jameson 
learned his trade in 1841, of Chappell & Perkstafif, of North East. He is a highly-skilled 
and competent workman, as his work will testify in his shop in North East, which is 
stocked with everything connected with his trade. 
/ HORACE JANES, farmer, P. O. Northville, was born Aug. 23, 1825, in North 

J East Township, son of Oliver and Emily (Lee) Janes, the former a relative of the eminent 

Dr. Janes, and the latter a sister of the well-known Elder Lee, natives of Vermont; came 
to Erie Co. in 1816 with his father, Humphrey Janes, a soldier in the war of 1812, and a 
farmer of good standing. Oliver Janes had ten children, of whom are now living Mrs. 
Betsy Goodrich; Oliver, married to Ellen Philip; Hannah, married first to Moses Barnett, 
afterward to Mr. La Rue; Hiram, married to A. Tidd; Seth O., and our subject, who was 
married March 27, 1860, to Mary, daughter of Harry and Polly (Crawford) Rogers, the lat- 
ter a daughter of Thomas Crawford, an old settler on the lake shore. To this union were 
born 6 children, viz.: Emma L., born July 17, 1861, died Jan. 10, 1880; Addie M., born 
Jan 29 1863; Arthur H., born Jan. 9, 1865, died Sept. 1, 1883; Frank C, born May 9, 
1868, died Jan. 10, 1869; Wm. H., born Nov. 18, 1869; Mary E., born Sept. 7, 1871. The 
deceased are Frank, Emma and Arthur. Mr. Janes is a strongly-built man, at one time 
weighing 267 pounds. He once lifted a 43 gallon pipe of liquor from the floor to the top 
of the counter and back again to the floor. 

JAMES S. JOHNSON, retired farmer and paper manufacturer. North East, was born 
in 1813, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., son of Uriah L. andMahitabel (Sprague) Johnson, early 
settlersof Chautauqua Co., where they died. Theirfamily numbered 8 children, 4 now living 
— William in Omar, N. Y. ; Pari, in Laona, N. Y. ; Marilla, wife of Joel Day, of Springfield, 
Penn., and our subject. He was married in May, 1840, to Nancy B., daughter of Theodore 
Childs, who built the first carding mill in Erie Co. To this union were born 6 children, viz. : 
Caroline C; C. U., one of the propietorsof the Dispatch, Erie, married to a daughter of Mr. 
Mills, of North East, have one child — MaudHaynes; HattieF.,wife of Frank P. Taylor, West 
Liberty, Ohio, have 2 children— Ralph and Sprague; Helen May, wife of J. B. Parker; N._T-, 
wife of Frank Mills, of Erie; and Lulu, wife of Eugene T. Funk. Mr. Johnson was fore- 
man of a paper mill for 40 years, and is a practical paper manufacturer of 55 j^ears' expe- 
rience. He commenced the trade when a boy, first making paper by hand. On com- 
ing to Erie he engaged as journeyman with Wm. L. Hall, and in 1852 bought the mill from 
John Scouller, and ran it till 1883, when he sold to Cochran & Young, of Erie City. In 
politics, he is a Republican; his first vote was cast for Andrew Jackson. 

A. F. JONES, merchant. North East, was born in 1833, in Allegany Co., N. Y., son 
of Reuben and Celia M. (Partridge) Jones, natives of Connecticut, and who came to Erie 
Co. in 1835, settling on Walnut Creek, 9 miles north of Erie; the former died in 1842, 
the latter in Feb., 1881, aged eighty-four years. They had 4 children — Bradford, in Min- 
nesota; Sarah, deceased; Sophia: and our subject, who was married, in 1872, to Nellie, 
daughter of Joseph B. Moorhead. By this union were 5 children, 4 living— Frank H., 
Corinne M., Paul P. (died in infancy), Walter B. and Ruth M. (twins). Mr. Jones has been 
engaged in mercantile business for 30 years in Erie Co., chiefly in North East. He is now 
located in the Webb Block. He has served as Councilman; is a member of the K. of H. 

HENRY KENDALL, son of Abel Kendall, was born at Royalton July 19, 1816. He 
came to North East with his father, and settled on the farm which is now the old home- 
stead, and which comprises 100 acres of well watered and highly cultivated land. Our 
subject married Susan McCann Apr. 4, 1839. To this union were born 7 children — Mary 
8., born March 25, 1840, married M. C. Putnam March 14, 1860, and had 4 children — Lizzie, 
Jennie, Eddie, Grace; Calista S., born Apr. 28, 1842, married D. Gifford March 22, 1882, 
and has 1 child, Clayton Randall, by previous marriage; William H., born June 11, 1844, 
married Roann, daughter of John Hardy, Feb. 27, 1872, and had 4 children— Carrie, Albert, 
Melvin and John; Charles M., born Dec. 25, 1846, married Mary, daughter of Marcus Col- 
by, Dec. 14, 1870, and had 1 child, Marcus; Byron, born May 6, 1850, married Alice, 
daughter of Storey, Dec. 27, 1873, and had 1 child, Harry; Hiram, twin mate of By- 
ron; Bertha G., born Sept. 26, 1861. 

E. H. KENNICOTT, merchant. North East, was born in Montgomery, N. Y., son of 
Joseph and Julia (Foote) Kennicott, parents of 8 children, of whom 6 are now living, viz. : 
Julia, widow of Noah Denton (deceased), she has two children — Frank and Edward; Har- 
riet, wife of E. Spire, have 5 children living— Lydia Ammon (killed m the Angola disaster 
in December, 1868), Ellen, William and Elizabeth, residing in Fulton House, Pennsylvania; 
S. A. Kennicott, now in Erie, has 1 child — Emma; Emily, wife of C. D. Butler, of Edin- 
burg, N. Y., have 1 child — Erwin; George, deceased in infancy; Martha, wife of Dr. Keis, 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 143 

of Edinboro (she died in 1876, leaving 1 child— Anna); and E. H. Our subject was married 
in 1863 to Jennie, daughter of R. S. and Rebecca (Greer) Browley. To this union was 
born 1 son, William B., at home with his father. E. H. Kennicott has been enuaged 
in merchandising for twenty years, and probably carries the largest stock of any merchant 
in the borough. In 1879, Mr. Samson Short, and tlie firm of Short, Blaine & Co , succeedeil 
to an interest in the business, and the firm became as now known. Tlie capital is ample, 
and they are enabled to purchase goods on the lowest cash basis. Their stock embraces 
almost everything in the way of dry goods, notions, hosiery, underwear, groceries, pro- 
visions, flour and feed, and a considerable assortment of hardware, cutlery, glassware, 
etc., aggregating in value from $10,000 to $13,000. These goods are all sold at prices 
which cannot be discounted. Mr. Kennicott is a thorough merchant, and a good judge of 
what will best suit the demands of his trade. He enjoys in an unusual degree the confi- 
dence and respect of his neighbors, and occupies a prominent position among the business 
men of the town. 

ZENUS M. KING, blacksmith and wagon maker, North East, was born in 1835 iu 
North East, son of Earl and Persina (Brown) King (latter a daughter of Dr. Tristam Brown), 
who came from Rhode Island in 1798. They had a family of 11 children, 8 now living, 
viz., John, has 4 children; Peter, has 5 ciiildren; Rufus S. ; Martha R., wife of Norman 
Nash; Mrs. Dorcas Green, has 3 children; Mrs. Mary Cheney, has 1 child; Mrs. Phoebe 
Beshore, has 5 children; and Z. M. Our subject was married in 1854 to Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Horace and Hannah Rice. By tliis union there were 3 children— H. R., married to 
Agnes Barrett, and Eoline. Mr. King is a lifelong resident of North East Township, in 
which he has held some of the oflices. He resides on East Main street. North East Village. 

SAMUEL B. KINGSBURY, farmer, P. O. Moorheadville, was born in 1834 in North 
East Township, son of Samuel and Mary (Nutting) Kingsbury, who had 4 children — 
Caroline, deceased; Casper M., deceased; Mary M. Sadd, deceased; and Samuel B. The 
parents were married, Oct. 38, 1839, in Ware, Mass., and came to Erie Co. same year, set- 
tling in the western part of North East Township, where they resided until the death of 
the father in 1866. Samuel B. Kingsbury was married, Apr. 4, 1870, to Sara J., daughter 
of William and Saphronia (Brooks) Allen, of same township. 

EBENEZER KNAPP, farmer. North East, was born in 1834 in Port Henry, N. 
Y., son of Nezer and Eunice (Miller) Knapp, natives of New York State, and parents of 11 
children, 4 of whom survive — Augustus H., in North East; Sarah, wife of J. Reynolds; 
Mrs. Emily M. Lewis, has 1 child, Mrs. Emma Miller; and our subject. He was married 
in 1856 to Mary Sophia, daughter of Dr. Richard W. Stockton, of North East. She died 
in 1875, leaving 3 children — Sarah E., Susan M. and James E. F. S. Mr. Knapp was a 
manufacturer of linseed oil for manj' years before the days of railroads in this section of 
the country, and this business he operated as well as his farm. He still owns and farms a 
fine property near North East, although he now resides in the village. 

DYER LOOMIS was born in 1810 on the farm on which he now resides. Was mar- 
ried in May, 1839, to Eliza M. Robinson. By this union were 3 children— Mary E., de- 
ceased; Joseph W., on the homestead; and George Lamartine, decea.sed. He formed a 
company of volunteers in 1863, of which he was Captain. His son, J. W., enlisted in Co. 
F, 111th Reg., in his nineteenth year. George Lamartine enlisted in Co. C, 145th Reg., 
his father's command, in his eighteenth year; he contracted the typhoid fever at Haiper's 
Ferry, and died 4 weeks after being brought home, in Nov., 1863; his sister, who nursed 
him, took the same fever and died the following month. Mrs. Dyer Loomis died Nov. 30, 
1867. He was taken prisoner at the battle at Chancellorsville, and imprisoned in Libby 
Prison; was discharged from the service in Sept., 1863. He was elected a Justice of the 
Peace in 1845, and continued in office 35 years; is now a Notary Public. Was elected an 
Elder in the Presbyterian Church in 1849, and still retains thie office. His father and 
mother. Dyer and Nancy (Wood) Loomis, came to Erie Co. in 1796-97, the former a native 
of Connecticut, and the latter of Rhode Island, and settled on the farm occupied by our 
subject. He was the first Constable and Deputy Sheriff in what was then known as Up- 
per and Lower Greenfield. Dyer Loomis, Sr., died in 1843, leaving 13 children from a 
family of 15, 6 of whom are now living — Sally, a maiden lady in North East; Nancy, a 
widow in Batavia, 111.; Eliza Gilman, in North East; Mary Glidden, Kansas; William, in 
Pullman, 111., and our subject. 

R. S. LOOMIS (deceased) was born Jan. 80, 1811, in North East, Penn. He received 
his early education in the place of his nativity, and at the age of fifteen left home to seek 
some pursuit in which to engage through life. He chose the trade of carpenter, and after 
an apprenticeship and some time occupied as journeyman, he became a master workman. 
In 1838, he came to Erie Co., and carried on his trade in North East Village till 1830. He 
afterward purchased a farm, which he cultivated until his death. He was there ap- 
pointed Chorister iu the Presbyterian Church, a position he held for 30 years. He was 
married in 1833 to Sarah, daughter of Amos Tuttle. To this union were born the follow- 
ing children: Sarah A. and Susan A., twins, both deceased; A. T., married to Marion Colt, 
have 2 children— George C. and Mabel T. ; John J. and Ella May, at home with their 
mother; Mary Louise, deceased; Francis A., deceased. The subject of this sketch was a 



144 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

man much respected ia the community in which he lived, and was greatly missed at his 
death, wliich occurred Aug. 13, 1873. He was a member and Trustee of the Pre.sbyterian 
Church for many years. Mrs. Loomis, her daughter and 1 son reside on the old home- 
stead built by Mr. Loomis many years ago. 

JOEL LOOMIS, Jr., farmer"; P. O. North East, was born in 1813 in North Ea.st, son 
of Joel and Susannah (Baird) Loomis, natives or Massachusetts, From that State the lat- 
ter moved to New York State, and from there to Erie Co. in 1798, bought land, and re- 
tm-ned to New York State, where he married. In 1800, he and his wife came to Erie Co., 
settling on the land bought. They had 9 children, 3 of whom .survive, viz., Jedediah, 
John, and Joel. Our subject was married in 1841 to Susan, daughter of Wm. and Therina 
Hall, of Connecticut, who came to Erie Co. in 1816, settling in North East Township. To 
this union were born 5 children — Mrs. Mary Loomis, Mrs. Anna Buckie, Charles M. (mar- 
ried to Ida Smith, have 2 children — Harriet E. and Catherine S.), Cora and Georgina. Mr. 
Loomis was a teacher in his earlier days. He and his family are members of the Presbyte- 
rian Church. 

D. D. LOOP, phy.sician and surgeon, North East, was born in Sherman, N. Y., in 
1827, son of Peter and Sena Loop, natives of New York, latter a daughter of Rev. Orange 
Spencer. Peter Loop came with his family to Sherman, N. Y., in 1827, and in 1830 moved 
to Erie Co., settling 2 miles southeast of North East Village, where he died in 1855. His 
widow died in 1880, at the residence of her son, aged eighty years. ( )ur subject received 
his early education at North East, commenced the study of medicine when eighteen j^ears 
of age, and after attending 1 course of lectures at Buffalo, temporarily abandoned reading 
owing to ill-health. He began the practice of medicine in 1853, for that reason, and 
by the advice of Prof. Austin Flint. In 1864, in which year he graduated, he renewed 
study at Buffalo, and at the end of the cour.se was appointed Assistant Surgeon to the 
145th Reg., but was prevented from serving owing to an attack of acute rheumatism. He 
was elected a curator of Buffalo Medical College, which position he still retains. He was 
married in 1850 to Rebecca, daughter of Cyrus Dolph. and a native of New York. To this 
union were born 2 children — Alice A., wife of A. Husted, Buffalo, and Carrie, at home. 
The Doctor has practiced medicine in North East for over 30 years, and is recognized as 
one of the leading physicians of the countj\ 

WILLIAM McCORD, Sr. (deceased), was born in Paxton, Penn.. July 29, 1797, and 
was brought to Erie Co. by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth McCord, in 1798, settling on 
the farm now occupied bj' the widow of our subjei't. He was twice married, on first occa- 
sion to Jane, daughter of Thomas and Jane Moorhead, by whom were 5 children — Thomas 
M., married to Adella Durst (have 4 children— W. C, H. D., Fred M. and Helen A.); Kate 
E., at home with her stepmother; Joseph, deceased; William A., formerly a soldier during 
the rebellion, was married to Mary E. Backus, and had 4 children (he died in 1876); and 
Isaac, deceased in 1872. His first wife dying, our subject married Mrs. Sarah Cowles, b}'- 
whom there was 1 son — Montgomery C , deceased. At the time of her marriage with 
Mr. McCord, she (Mrs. Cowles) had an adopted son. afterward drowned in Lake Michigan. 
Our subject died April 24, 1883, aged eighty-six. He was one of the first settlers of the 
township, and lived on the same farm for 84 years. 

W. F. McCORD, farmer, P. O. North East, was born in North East Township in 1856, 
son of John and Catherine A. (Dada) McCord. John McCord was a son of Joseph ancl 
Elizabeth McCord, pioneers of Erie Co., coming here in 1798, and settling on the Lake 
Shore, where he died, aged forty-seven. The father of our subject was twice married, and 
by his first marriage had 4 children, viz.: Jane Y., wife of W. A. Ensign, have 1 son, 
Charles A.; James M., deceased; John C, married to Lizzie Downer, of Chicago (have 2 
sons— Downer and John C); Joseph T., married to Mary Blane, have 2 daughters^ 
Florence and Ruth. John McCord was married, on the second occasion, in 1853, to Miss 
Catherine A., daughter of Nora and Sarah (Clark) Dada. The latter, who came to Erie 
Co. from New York, a widow, is a remarkable lady, and, though ninety-two years of age, 
still retains her mental faculties. Her family consisted of 5 children, viz.: Noah C, has 
1 son, Winford E. Dada; William B., in Nebraska, married Laura Lyon, has a son, Arthur 
H. ; Edward P., married Rose Taggart, have 2 daughters — Lillian E. and Valma R. ; S. 
Maria, now Mrs. Thomas Moorhead, and Mrs. Catherine A. McCord, who is also a widow, 
her husband dying April 9, 1871, leaving 2 children— W. F. McCord, our subject, who mar- 
ried Miss Florence E., daughter of Dr. E. M. Bemus; and Caroline, at home. 

JOSEPH McCORD. farmer, P. O. North East, was born May 19, 1810, in North East 
Township, son of Joseph and Elizabeth McCord, natives of Dauphin Co., Penn., and came 
to Erie Co. in 1798, settling in North East Township. They came across the Alleghany 
Mountains on horseback with their 2 children, Eliza and William. There were afterward 
5 children born to them in this county— Sarah, James, John, Nancy and Joseph, the sub- 
ject of this sketch, who still occupies the old homestead on the bank of Lake Erie. Our 
subject was man-ied, Sept. 6, 1838, to Amanda, daughter of Simeon and Hannah (Neeley) 
Leet. To this union were born 9 children, viz.: Hannah E., wife of George Selkregg, 
their children now living are Chassie, Mary and Anna; Simeon, married to Nancy M. 
Loomis, by whom he has 6 children — Margaret A., Ella, Joseph L., Frank H., Alice and 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 145 

Andrew; Andrew, deceased, whose wife was Anna M. Tuttle; Robert, married to Nettie 
Belnap; Eliza, wife of Samuel T. Moorhead; Nancy M.; Anna, wife of G. A. Hampson 
(have 3 children — Helen and llattie, twins, and Alice); Joseph; and Susan, deceased in 
1880, aged twenty- two years. Mr. McCord is the owner of 100 acres of valuable land; has 
held the offices of Road Commissioner and School Director, and is an Elder in the Presby- 
terian Church. He followed the lakes for 10 years, and was mate and master of several of 
the first-class vessels of that day. In 1842, Mr. McCord quitted the lakes and settled down 
as a farmer on the land where he still resides. 

WILLIAM E. MARVIN, retired farmer. North East, was born in March, 1814, in the 
State of New York, son of Elislia and Minerva (Prendergast) Marvin, the former of whom 
came to Erie Co. in 179G. He was a Land Surveyor for many years. Justice of the Peace 
for 9, and was connected with the Population Company for a considerable period. He 
purchased land largely, and was at one time owner of several hundred acres. He was the 
parent of 3 children — Elizabeth, a maiden lady, and W. E. Our subject was married in 1848 
to Catherine T., daughter of Wm. Spencer, of Connecticut. Mr. Marvin filled the office 
of Justice of the Peace for many years in Greenfield, as well as several township offices. 
He is an old established farmer, and has accumulated a comfortable competency. 

JACOB MEEHL, farmer, P. O. North East, was born in 1843 in Boston, Erie Co., N. 
Y. ; son of Michael and Sallie (Follmer) Meehl, parents of 10 children, viz., Michael, Sallie, 
Kate, George, Christ, Christiana, Lena, William, Elizabeth, and Jacob. They were citi- 
zens of Buffalo, and the father, who is now in his seventy-third year, came to North East 
Township in 1865, preceded by some other meml)ers of the family. Our subjeet was mar- 
ried in March, 1867, to Mena Heiden. To this union were born Carolina, Charles, Mary, 
Elizabeth, John, Kate, Lena and Augusta. Mr. Meehl enlisted in 1863 uncfcr Capt. Geo. 
Wortz and Col. Veitrick, of Buffalo His farm is situated about 2^ miles from North East 
Village. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. 

A. J. MILLER, farmer, P. O. North East, was born July 24, 1838, in Fairview Town- 
ship, Erie Co., Penn., son of John and Elizabeth (Traut) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania, 
who had 9 children, viz., Amos; George; Susan, wife of C Rhusterhultz, have one child — 
Ella v.; John W., married to Jennie Turner, have 4 children — Claiid H., Edward, Gilbert 
and Bertha; Rebecca, wife of A. Weidle, have 7 children — Minnie, Sarah, George, Charles, 
Ida, Clyde, one deceased and Mary; Mary, wife of S. Zinn, have 4 childi'en — Floyd, Harry, 
Lillie and Elton; William; Henry; and A. J. Our subject was married Jan. 25, 1872, to 
Marj', daughter of Isaac Mosier, natives of Pennsylvania. To this union were born 3 chil- 
dren, viz., Anna E., George Elwood and Walter A. Mr. Miller served during the rebellion 
under Capt. D. B. McCrary, and was mustered out in 1865. He owns an excellent farm of 
93 acres, 2^ miles from North East Village. 

J. M. MILLS, farmer, P. O. North East; was born in North East Township in 1823; sou 
of James and Margaret (Blain) Mills, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Penn- 
sylvania, who was brought, when two years of age, on horseback to North East Township, 
Erie Co., in the year 1811 from Cumberland Co., Penn. Their family numbered 5 children, of 
whom 2 are living — ^Margaret, wife of William A. Selkregg, and our subject. He was mar- 
ried in Sept., 1847, to Marania, daughter of J. H. Hayues. To this union were born 7 
children, viz.. Royal James, married to Elwena Waldorf, of Monroe, Mich., he is with 
Adams Express Co. in St. Louis; Florence Margaret, wife of C. U. Johnson, one of the 
proprietors of the Dispatch, Erie, have one child — Maud Haynes; Frank Charles, married 
to Tillie Johnson, they reside in Erie; John Marcellus, married to Lizzie Beversou, of York, 
Penn., he is a physician and surgeon in Antrim, Tioga Co., Penn.; Annie Josephine, at 
home; Burton Campbell, telegraph operator on C. & A. Railroad; and May Elizabeth, at 
home. Mr. Mills has been Town Clerk and School Director for many years. He was 
engaged in mercantile business with his father-in law, J. H. Haynes, for several years. 
Tiie family are members of the Episcopal and Presbyterian Churches. 

BARNETT MOORHEAD, son of George and Matilda (Barnett) Moorhead, was born 
Jan. 17, 1822. The parents of George Moorhead came to this county as early as 1805, 
located land in Harbor Creek and North East Townships, where they subsequently lived and 
died. George Moorhead married Matilda Barnett, and with her reared his family on his 
farm in Harbor Creek, and there he died in 1861. He was father of 5 children — James, 
Barnett, Catherine Ann, Eliza Jane, and a daughter deceased in infancy. Their eldest son, 
James Moorhead, "died aged twenty five years. The others are living, married, and residents 
of this county. Barnett Moorhead owns the farm on which he was born, but retired from 
farming in 1869. and now resides in the village of North East. He has 2 children living — Rose 
E. and Victor Moorhead. His eldest son, George Harvey Moorhead, came to his death at 
the age of ten j^ears by being thrown from a wagon. Catherine Ann, now Mrs. M. Moore, 
has4 children living — George M. Moore; Anna (Mrs. J. Pettit); Lillie and William Moore, 
also 2 deceased in infancy; Eliza Jane, Mrs. Joseph McCarter, of Erie City, has 2 children- 
Cora B. (Mrs. Boyer), and William McCarter. Barnett Moorhead and family are members of 
the First Presbyterian Church, North East, C. J. Hunter, D. D., pastor. Matilda Barnett 
Moorhead died in 1874, at the residence of her son in North East. 



146 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

H. L. MUNGER, faimer. P. O. North East, was born in North East, son of Stephen 
and Polly (Edmunds) Hunger, natives of New York State, and who came to Erie Co. 60 
years ago. They were parents of 10 children, 4 now living, viz., Lemuel, a resident of 
North East, has 4 sons; Melden, also living in North East, is the parent of 3 sons; Eliza 
A., now Mrs. Leonard, has 5 children, and resides in Union Township; and H. L. Hunger. 
Our subject was married, in 1858, to Hiss Hatilda, daughter of Joel Pellor, and a 
native of Sherman, N. Y. Her parents, now residents of North East, had a family of 8, 
viz., Phebe A., Avife of Halden Hunger; Ellen, wife of L. C. Hart; James, who served in 
the 145th Reg. during the war; Diana, wife of Peter Brower; Joseph R., also serving 
during the war of the rebellion; Frank P.; Peter, deceased, during late war was a member 
of the 83d Reg.; and Hatilda, wife of our subject. To Hr. and Hrs. Hunger have 
been born 4 children, viz.. Belle, a teacher; Josephine, now Hrs. Alfred L. Short, have 2 
children— Anna and a babe; Cora and Hark, at home. Hr. Hunger is a worthy citizen, 
and has a well-cultivated farm on the Buffalo road, on which is a spacious barn and other 
improvements. He and his estimable wife have been ambitious to see their children well 
educated, spending much of their means to further this end, and their labor has not been 
unappreciated by them. 

SYLVESTER J. NASH, retired farmer, P. O. North East,was born Dec. 10, 1819, in North 
EastTownship; son of Justin, Jr., and Haria( Underwood) Nash, natives of Connecticut and 
who came to Erie Co. in 1814, with Justin Nash, Sr. , son of Elisha Nash, of Hassachusetts, 
settling in North East Township on the Nash homestead now owned by Frank J., son of 
Sylvester J., son of Justin, Jr., who had the following-named children: S. J., our subject; 
Julia H., wife of S. Crawford, have 8 children; Hopkins J., married to Annette, daugh- 
ter of Judge Francisco, have 2 daughters; S. J. Nash was married in 1844 to Lina, 
daughter of Joseph and Hahitabel (Brown) Wolsey, of Ohio, the former of whom orig 
inally from Connecticut, was a Justice of Peace for manj'^ years in Cuyahoga, Co., Ohio. To 
this union were born 2 sons — Henry, married to Alice, daughter of S. C. Smith, and Frank 
J., who has been President of the Y. H. C. A. for the past 4 years. Our subject and his 
son Henry are members of the Hasonic fraternity. 

HENRY S. NASH, farmer. North East, was born in 1844, in Girard Township, son 
of S. J. and Lina (Wolsey) Nash, the former a native of Penn.sylvania, the latter of Ohio. 
They were parents of 2 children; Frank at home audH. S. Our subject was married Dec. 
24, 1872, to Alice, daughter of Sidney C. and Julia (Valentine) Smith. To this union were 
born 4 children, viz.: Hartlia, Habel, Jessie and Lina. Hr. Nash is Justice of the Peace 
and has served as School Director. His farm of 126 acres is situated on the Buffalo road 
1 mile and a half east of North East, in a delightful locality near the old residence of 
Hrs. Nash's grandfather. 

HRS. HARTHA R. NASH, North East, was born in Amity, Erie Co. Penn., 
daughter of Earl King, a native of Rhode Island, born in 1790. In 1806, he with his 
parents moved to Connecticut, and, in 1816, came to North East, this county, where he died 
Sept. 24, 1856. On Aug. 10, 1823, he married Persiania Brown, born Nov. 23, 1802, in North 
East, Erie Co. To this union were born 11 children, 9 now living, viz.: Zenas H., John 
W., Peter B., Rufus S., Hartha R., George W., Dorcas W., Hary S. and Phebe A. Hrs. 
Persiania (Brown) King, died April 7, 1883. Hartha R. King married, Hay 23, 1865, Nor- 
man, son of Justin Nash, of North East, Erie Co. He was a member of the H. E. Church, 
of which he had held most of the offices as well as those pertaining to the township. As a 
valuable citizen and a good man, he was held in high respect. He died Feb. 27, 1876, hav- 
ing had poor health for some years. His widow is comfortablj' settled in the North East 
Village, and a sister, Hrs. Dorcas Green, makes her home with her. 

E. K. NASON, Justice of Peace, and tanner. North East, was born July 19. 1833, in 
Otsego Co., N. Y., son of Northrop and Esther (Row.se) Nason, natives of Rhode Island, 
and who in 1835 came to Erie Co., residing in Girard Village 8 years, when they 
went to Ripley, N. Y., where they died. The former was an attorney at law, and Justice 
of tlie Peace for many years in Ripley. They had 10 children, 7 of whom are now living, 
viz.: Hrs. Henrietta Root, has 7 chiklrcn; Hrs. Lydia J. Hesler, a widow, has 6 children; 
D. O., married to Ellen Gifford, have 2 sons, one named Augustus, married to Elnora 
Brown, have 1 child; Sarah, wife of J. F. Strickland, one of the proprietors of the Spring 
Mills, Girard; Elizabeth, wife of William R. Hlles, have 3 children; and E. K. Our sub- 
ject was married, Dec. 4, 1851, to Caroline E., daughter of Ezra Burrows. By this union 
there are 3 children — Hrs. Caroline E. Howard, Ims one child, Nason; Cas.sius E. and 
Ella H. E. K. Na.son, was elected Burgess of the borough in 1868, and .served 3 
years. In 1876 was appointed Justice of the Peace; was elected by the people in 1877, 
and served until 1882, in which year he was re elected. He was Notary Public for several 
3'ears, School Director and Secretary of the School Board. He was engaged in the dry 
goods business for eight years, and is still carrying on the tannery he has been operating 
for many years in North East. He is a member of the United Workman, Knights of 
Honor, Equitable Aid Society, and is a Knight Temjilar. 

JOSEPH OTTO, miller' North East, was bora in Germany in 1851, son of George 
Otto. He came to America in 1873. His brother George, who is now a cooper in Oil City, 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 147 

came in 1868. Our subject first settled in Union City, Erie Co., and tliere worked as a 
butcher. In 1874, he engaged with Croucli Bros, in their flour mills, remaining four years, 
and from there came to North East and took cliarge, as chief miller, of the mills now 
owned by Ezra ScouUer, 1 mile from North P^ast. The capacity of these mills is 75 barrels 
per day. Mr. Otto was married, in 1878, to Harriet Wolverton, who died in 1879, and our 
subject was again married, in 1881, to Alice M. Graham, by whom there is one son, 
George, and one daughter, Hellen. 

WILLIAM L. PALMER, dealer in land, bonds and mortgages, North East, was born 
Sept. 28, 1834, in Vermont, son of Tyler and Acenith (Varney) Palmer, the latter a native of 
Maine; tiie former, a farmer, a nativeof Vermont, came to Erie CDTth 1853, where he died a 
year or two after. He was twice married, his first wife being Lucy Champlain, who bore 
him 3 children — Daniel, Thomas and Rosanna. By his second marriage were 3 children — 
Amos (married to Mary Ball; have 4 children — Eunice, John, (Ellen, and Ira), Maryette 
(wife of Nathan Ball; have 3 children — Edwin, William and Alvin), and W. L. Our sub- 
ject was married, Aug. 9, 1846, to Irene M., daughter of Levi Babcock. To this union were 
born 4 children, viz.: William D. (married to Myra, daughter of John Peters; have 3 
children — Pearl and Bertha I.), John L., Sarah (wife of B. T. Southwick; have one cliild — 
Glenn) and Frank B. Mr. Palmer came to Erie Co. in 1851, remaining in Greenfield Town 
ship, and in 1853 returned lo New York State. In 1854, he came a second time to Erie 
Co., and settled in Greenfield Township. In 1863, he again returned to New York State, 
and in 1863, for the third time, came to Erie Co., and finally settled in North East Town- 
ship. He is a member of the Baptist ('hurch. Mrs. Palmer's father, who is now an old 
gentleman, came to Erie Co. in 1806; her mother was Miss Sally Belnap, and W. L. Pal- 
mer is the only surviving member of her family. 

SETH PETTIT, farmer, P. O. North East, was born June 33, 1806, in Galway, N. Y., 
son of Elisha and Hannah (Rowe) Peltit, who died in New York State. They had 14 chil- 
dren, of whom are now Hving — James, in Minnesota; Elisha, in Wisconsin; Clark, in Me- 
dina, N. Y. ; Lavvton, at Lake Road, N. Y. ; Clinton, at Wilson, N. Y.; and Mrs. Hannah 
Nash, of Galway. N. Y. Seth Pettit was married to Nancy M. Mellon, of North East, 
Sept. 19, 1833. Their family numbered 10 children, 6 now living— Charles E. (married 
Nellie Wickwire; have 4 children— Guy, Ray, Inez and Cora), S. Alsina (married Capt. C. 
H. Culver; have 3 sons — Fred and Charhe), D. Clinton (married Phcebe Arnott; have 2 
children — Bert and Stella), Thomas (married Kate E. Bliss; have 1 child — Jessie A.), 
Martin (married to Mary Seay; have 1 child— Bertha), Lillie Pettit (at home). Mr. Pettit 
has been a resident of North East for 50 years; is a member of the M. E. CUiurch. 

M. C. PUTNAM, farmer. P. O. North East, was born in 1836 in North East Township, 
son of Joseph and Joanna (Russell) Putnam. Joseph, who came to Erie in 1814, settling in 
Greenfield Townsliip, was a son of Col. Clark Putnam. He purchased a piece of land from the 
Population Co., and became one of tlie first settlers in the township. Col. Clark Putnam had 
3 children— Mrs. Sarah Tuttle, Mrs. Prudence Ciilber, and Joseph, who was parent of 7 
children, viz.: Clark, married to Mrs. Sarthom, have 1 child — Ella; Mrs. Theresa Rowley, 
has 3 children— Frank, Mary and William; Luciens, married to Miss Ellicot; Lorenzo, 
married to Miss Dlppenhaugh, have 1 child— Joseph; Mary, deceased; William, married to 
Eveline Allison; and M. C. Our subject was married, in 1860, to Mary, daughter of Henry 
Kendal, and to this union were born the following: Mrs. Elizabeth Brounell (has 1 child 
—Mary J.), Jennie, Edward and Grace. Mr. Putnam has a farm of 381 acres, situated 
within sight of North East Village. 

BURTON H. PUTNAM, physician and surgeon, North East, was born Sept. 13, 1849, 
in Westfield, N. Y. ; son of George W. and Alpa A. (Van Vleet) Putnam, the former a 
native of New Hampshire, and who came to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1838; the latter a 
cousin of Gen. Van Vleet, of Gen. Grant's staff. Mr. Putnam traces his genealogical tree 
almost to the landing of the Pilgrims in 1634. George W. Putnam had 5 children, viz., 
Lillian F., wife of Dr. Meeder; Ida, deceased in 1879, wife of Horace Jones; Bradford V., 
pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Huntington, L. I.; Mary E., wife of H. R. Brown; 
and B. H. Our subject was married, April 17,' 1876, to FU)ra, daughter of Harvey Blowers, 
of Portland, N. Y. By this union were born 3 children— Cleo H. and George W. The Doc- 
tor received his early education In Westfield, N. Y., and was prepared for Amherst College 
by Prof. Wedge. Changing his mind, however, he weut to Buffalo Meitlcal College, grad- 
uating from there in 1876 with several prizes which placed him at the head of his class in 
surgerj^ and anatomy. He studied medicine with Dr. Strong, of Westfield, N. Y., and 
commenced the practice of medicine in April, 1876, in North East, where he enjoys a 
good practice. (Jur subject is a member of the Presbyterian Church; is Dictator of the 
Knights of Honor, and President of the Erie County Medical Society. 

J. H. REED, organ manufacturer. North East, was born Sept. 1, 1846, In Mill Creek 
Township, this county, son of James L. and Margaret A. (Grubb) Reed, natives of Penn- 
sylvania. James L. Reed's father, George, came to Erie Co., settling in Mill Creek Town- 
ship in 1800. The family of James L. Reed was 6 in number, 3 living — Rebecca, wife 
of Samuel Love, had the following children: Jane, Mary A., Martha, Thomas, Sophia, 
Josephine, Rosanna, Washington, James F., Charlotte E., one died in infancy; and James 



148 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

L., who had the following children, viz.: William C. deceased in 1855; Emma A., wife 
of H. Y. Hart; they have 3 children — James P., Walter E. and Cora and Kate J., at home; 
and J. H. Our subject was married, May 7, 1874, to Emma, daughter of Theodore 
Sprague, of East Bloomfield, Ontario Co., N. Y. To this union were born 3 children — 
Howard S., Margaret B. and Emily C. Mr. Reed has been engaged in the manufacture of 
the New Era Organ, in North East Village, for the past four years. This organ can com- 
pete well with any other, and is sold throughout the entire Union. He has been a member 
of the Council 3 years; is now Burgess ot the village. He is a member of the MaSonic 
fraternity, and of the A. O. U. W. 

N. C. REMINGTON, farmer, P. O. North East, was born Sept. 1814, in Pierpout, 
Ashtabula Co., Ohio, son of Seth and Asenath (Bisbee) Remington, natives of Connecticut, 
who went to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, in 1812, and afterward came to this county in 1817, settling 
in Springfield Township. Their children were one daughter and three sons, viz.: Lucy, 
wife of E. Phillips; Amos, married to Matilda Munger; Jonathan, deceased, and N. C. 
Our subject was married in Dec, 1837, to Mary, daughter of Thomas Munger, a native of 
Saratoga, N. Y., who died Jan. 8, 1878. To this union were born 8 children — Asenath, 
wife of Charles Barker; Mary E., wife of J. B. Campbell (have 1 son); Seth R., has 1 
son and 1 daughter; Malissa; Luzerne, married to Sarah Linden Lilbern, died March 1, 
1853; Bernice, died Oct. 39, 1866; and Amos C. Mr. Remington has a farm of 100 acres, 
situated 3 miles east of North East, on the Buffalo road. 

JOSEPH RHODES, manufacturer of cider and vinegar, P. O. Northville, Penn., was 
born in New Jersey Nov. 1, 1828; son of George and Anna (Vanderhoof) Rhodes, natives 
of New Jersey, and parents of 8 children, 4 now living, viz., Caroline. Joseph, Hosea 
and John. Caroline is the wife of Robert Clark, parents of 6 children — John, Lilly, Mary, 
Peter, Carrie and Hosea. Joseph was married, March 31, 1853, to Sarah Townsend, by 
whom was born 1 son, Marcus, married to Martha Merrill. They are the parents of 4 chil 
dren— Maria, Merrill, Joseph (deceased) and Sarah. Our subject is carrying on a large 
cider and vinegar factory, run by water and steam, in the gulf near North East. The 
capacity for cider is 5,500 gallons, or 2 car loads per day, and 3 car loads per week of 
vinegar. This mill stands at the base of the great amphitheater which surrounds the gulf, 
and is 4 stories high, complete in all departments, and equipped with everything essential 
to the business. In the basement are immense storage tanks; in the west flat, store rooms for 
the raw material used in the production of vinegar; and in the third flat are the engine, 
still, vats and press; fourth story for apple storage. On the outside of the building, stand 
ing on the table land, are huge tanks for cider. Mr. Rhodes is also a skilled machinist and 
draughtsman. He it was who planned and surveyed the docks at Buffalo and Dunkirk, 
and he is at present interested in a machine which it is calculated will soon be in domestic 
use by millions. 

FRANK SCANDLON, farmer and railroad contractor, P. O. North East, was borq 
Jan. 1, 1825, in the North of Ireland, son of James and Catherine (Keenan) Scandlon, also 
natives of Ireland. Our subject, who was a civil engineer in his native country, emigrated 
with his family to America in 1848, soon after locating near Rochester, N. Y. In 1863, 
they removed to Erie Co., settling in North East Township on a farm formerly owned by 
a Mr. Warner, one of the first settlers of the county. Our subject married Margaret Brogan, 
a native of Ireland, who bore him 9 children, viz., James, George, Mary J. (wife of D. Mc- 
Gaughey, of North East), Catherine, Margaret E. (wife of Patrick Hough), Robert F., 
Lillie, John J. and Etfia. Mr. Scandlon has been an extensive and successful contractor 
on various railroads in the States, and has accumulated a fine property, located in the 
eastern part of the township. 

EZRA SCOULLER, miller. North East, was born in 1839, son of John and Sarah 
(Andrews) Scouller, the former a native of Scotland, the latter of Pennsylvania. Their 
family consisted of three sons and one daughter, three now living— John B., Mary L. 
(wife of C. F. Ellis, of Erie), and Ezra. Our subject was married in 1863 to Joanna E., 
daughter of John Webb, a native of Pennsylvania. To this union were born 4 chil- 
dren — John W., Annie B., William and Esther. Mr. Scouller is proprietor of the mill his 
father built, having some time previously bought the mill built by John Scouller in 1844, 
and rebuilt in 1867 and 1883. 

M. L. SELKREGG, dealer in groceries and hardware. North East, was born in No 
vember, 1834, in North East Township; son of Osee and Harriet (Robinson) Selkregg. He 
was married, Oct. 20, 1865, to Carrie, daughter of B. T. Spooner, and to this union were 
born 5 children— Mary L., Clara H., Jennie B.. Edward M. and Funny P. Mr. Sel 
kregg's extensive business was founded by himself in 1858, and has ever since been under 
his able management. The salesrooms are the largest in town, occupying 3 floors and 
basement, each 40x50, and are filled with a very desirable stock of hardware, in shelf, 
heavy and novelt}^ goods. A full line of stoves is carried, besides a large assortment of 
farming tools and agricultural implements. In the grocery department he carries a com- 
plete line of such goods as are required to meet the wants of an extensive trade. A part 
of the second floor is set apart as a tin shop, and one skilled workman is engaged in sup 
plying the wants of the customers in this direction. 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. 149 

CAPT. GEORGE SELKREGG, farmer, P. O. North East, was born in North East in 
1838; son of Osee and Harriet (Robinson) Selkregg, natives of Connecticut and early set- 
tlers in North East Township. Osee Selkregg took up land near the village of North 
East. He died in 1883. Our subject was married, Oct. 30, 1866, to Hannah, daughter of 
Joseph McCord. To this union were born 4 children — Chassie, Mary, Annie and 
Laura. Capt. Selkregg enlisted in 1861 under Col. Schlaudecker in the 111th P. V. I. 
Among the principal battles he was engaged in were Cedar Mountain, South Mountain. 
Antietam, Chancellorsville. Gettysburg and Savannah. From a private lie rose to be 
Captain, and had charge of a company till his discharge at the close of the war in 1865. 
He is a member of the School Board, of which he has been Secretary four years; is a 
member and Trustee of the Presbyterian Church. The Captain resides on the old home- 
stead situated a short distance from North East Village. 

SAMPSON SHORT, son of John Short, was born at Chatham Valley, Tioga Co. 
Penn. He left home for Potter County, Penn., when sixteen years of age. He had 
few advantages of education, total attendance being 2 terms of district school. Early 
in life he turned his attention to lumbering, which has been his principal business. Re! 
moved to Horton Township, Elk Co., Penn., in 1860, and to North East, Erie Co., in 1867. 
Our subject married Olive Sherman, daughter of Geo. W. and Artmisa Sherman, of Sharon 
Township, Potter Co., Penn. They had 3 children, 1 boy, who only lived a short time, 
and Alfred, born Jan. 1, 1847, who now resides in North East. His wife dying, Mr. 
Short was married to Lucinda Wilcox, daughter of Simeon Wilcox, of Independence, N. 
Y. Only 1 child was born to this union, named Frank (deceased). His second wife dying, 
our subject was married again to Cate Nissell, daughter of Sebastian Nissell, of St. Marys, 
Elk County, Penn. Three children were born to this union — Anna, died in 1880; 
Geo. Sampson, born in May, 1875, and Mary Catherine, born in 1883. Mr. Short is 
present President of the North East Canning Co., limited, one of the largest stock-holders 
of the People's Savings Institution of Erie Co. He built the Palace hotel, which he now 
owns; is part owner with Alfred Short of the Handle and Heading Factory and Planing 
Mill and Lumber Yard in North East; owns a lumber yard at Pittsburgh, Penn., several 
line farms about North East; is interested in several oil and lumber projects and timber 
lands in Michigan and Missouri He was 1 of the founders of the banking firm of 
Short, Blaine & Co., who were succeeded May 14, 1883, by the People's Savings Institu- 
tion of Erie Co. 

ALFRED SHORT, son of Sampson and Olive (Sherman) Short, was born in Jan 1, 
1847, in Sharon Township, Potter Co., Penn., where he attended the district school. He 
afterward attended Richburg Academy, Friendship Academy and Alfred Universitjr; 
removed to Horton Township. Elk Co., Penn., in 1860. He engaged in lumbering in 
1867, and removed to North East, Erie Co., in 1870; was made Cashier of Short, Blaine 
& Co.'s Bank in May, 1872, and served in that capacity until Aug. 1, 1878. He served in the 
House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, session of 1878-79. At present he is President 
of People's Savings Institution, and is interested in several lumbering and oil company 
partnerships in Pennsylvania. Our subject married Helen A. Horton, daughter of Isaac 
and Sarah S. Horton, of Ridgway, Penn., Jan. 1, 1872. Their children are Ida Olive, born 
June 10, 1873; Alfred Lee, born July 17, 1875, and Alice Lyle, born Sept. 18, 1882. Mr. 
Short was the Democratic candidate for Congress in Erie District in 1880, and was de- 
feated by L. F. Watson, of Warren Co., by a majority of 1,206. Garfield's majority in 
district same election was 3,886. Mr. Short is at present Burgess of North East Borough. 

ALFRED L. SHORT, farmer, P. O. North East, was born May 23, 1860, in Pennsyl- 
vania, son of Lovell and Harriet (Lovell) Short, natives of Pennsylvania. Four of their 
family survive— Anilla, Ellis, Mary, and A. L. Our subject was married Jan. 12, 1881, to 
Josie, daughter of H. L. Munger. To this union were born 2 children— Annie and 
Glenn. 

THOMAS SILLIMAN, farmer, P. O. North East, was born April 24, 1802. in 
Northumberland Co., Penn.; son of James and Mary (Hunter) Silliman, parents of eight 
children — Mrs. Nancy Cochran (deceased leaving 6 children), Alexander (deceased), 
James H., Asey, Mrs. May Smith, John (deceased), William (in Michigan) and Thonias. 
James Silliman came to Erie County in 1802, settling where his son Thomas now lives. 
He built the first brick house in the township. Our subject was married, in 1848, to Jane, 
daughter of John Shultz, and by this union had 3 children — Henry (married to Belle 
Bort; have 2 children — Thomas and Lorenzo), Frank (married to Alice Adams), and 
Frederick (deceased). Mr. Silliman is now in his eighty-third year, and is remarkably 
active for his age. He has a fine farm near North East Village, which has been in pos- 
session of the Silliman family for over 80 years. He has held most of the township 
offices, and has always been a leading man in the township. 

SIDNEY C. SMITH, retired farmer. North East, was born July 28, 1819, in the town- 
ship of North East, son of Samuel G. and Betsy (Arnaut) Smith, natives of New York State, 
the former born in 1791, the latter in 1796. They were married in 1813, and came to Erie 
County in 1816, settlingon what is now known as the Scanlan farm. They had a family 
of 7 children— Oscar F,, Sidney C, Mary A., Rosetta (deceased), Sarah Jane, Cornelia 



150 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

(deceased) and Sophia. Samuel G. Smith was the first builder to any extent in this town- 
ship. He served in the war of 1813, and kept a hotel, built of brick in 1832, where the old 
homestead now is, from 1833 to 1836; then leased 2 years; was a public tavern from 1833 to 
1839. Our subject was married May 10, 1847, to Julia A. Valentine, of Ogden Township, Len 
awee Co., Mich. To this union were born 5 children — Alice A., born March 10, 1848, mar 
ried to Henry S. Nash, December 24, 1872 (have four children — Martha, Mabel, Jessie 
and Lina); Samuel G., married March 26, 1873, to Nora Alexander; Moses H. (deceased) 
was married Dec. 31, 1873, to Bertha Ciay (had three children -Jay, Ira and Guy); Sidney 
H.. married Oct., 1883, to Mary Hagerty, of Bradford, McKean Co., Penn.; Frank L., 
in Bradford, Penn. 

CALVIN SPOFFORD, who is a legal descendant of the first John Spofford, who came, 
to America in 1640. and who was our subject's great-great great great grandfather; was born 
in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Felt. 17, 1807, son of Thomas Spoflford, who was born in 1775, mar- 
ried Bulah Ransom. Our subject was married in 1839, to Polly Rundell, daughter of H. 
Rundell. To this union were born 3 children — Jo^n K., Phebe and Helen. His first wife 
dying in Feb., 1843, Mr. Spofford married his second wife, Eliza Lamberson, Feb. 28, 
1844, daughter of James Lamberson, Herkimer Co., N. Y. By this union was born 1 son, 
James L., who married Alice Hitchcock'(have 3 children— Edith, Calvin, James). Our sub- 
ject's other grandchildren are Jay M., John D., Charles C., Gertrude. Cassia and Mary. 
Cal\(^n Spofford settled in Mina, Chautauqua Co.,N. Y., in 1829, and moved to North East, 
Erie Co., Penn., in 1831, and is now living f)n the farm that he now occupies. He had 
been a teacher many years; is a member of the M. E. Church. 

THOMAS W. STEWART, farmer, P. ()., North East, was born Aug. 5. 1830, in Erie 
City, Penn., son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Ovington) Stewart, natives of New Hampshire, 
married in Erie in 1819. The former was born Feb. 3, 1794, in the house in which Hor- 
ace Greeley afterward first saw light. Mrs. Stewart died in 1862. At the age of eight years, 
Thomas Stewart was left an orphan by the death of his father, and he had to be content 
with such education as circumstances afforded him. He learned the trade of builder in 
Albany, N. Y., a business in which he met with much success, and in which he excelled. 
After putting up extensive buildings in Ohio, he went to Erie in 1819, when he married. 
He then moved to Pittsburgh in 1820, and there erected the Allegheny Bridge Penitentiary 
and other county buildings. He died April 20, 1878. He was elected Burgess; was several 
times Assessor; was for 10 years a Poor House Director, and was among the founders and 
builders of the First Baptist Church in Erie. He had 5 children — Mrs. Mary Moore (has 
4 children — John, Annie, Stewart and Edson); Mrs. Hannah Williams (has 2 children — 
Frank and Mary); Mrs. Eliza Tage, deceased (had one child- Essie); Sarah, wife of Dr. J. 
T. Clark (have 3 children— Frederick, Nellie and James); and T. W. Our subject was 
married Dec. 25, 1859, to Sarah A., daughter of Dr. D. T. Bennett, of Venango, and a na- 
tive of Delaware Co., N. Y. To this union were born Bennett A., and Charles T. Mr. 
Stewart is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry and of the A. O. U. W. He has 
filled the offices of School Director and Township Auditor. Bennett A., a graduate 
of the Art School of Cincinnati, stands at the head of his profession as an artist. 

GEORGE B. STOCKTON, jeweler. North East, was born March 10, 1855, in Dunkirk, 
N. Y., son of Dr. G. B. and Catherine (Vassault) Stockton, who came to Erie Co. in 1860, 
settling in the village of North East. The former, a prominent physician, was a son of 
Dr. R.^W. Stockton, an old settler of the county. Dr. G. B. Stockton died July 4, 1880, 
leaving 2 children — Julia and George B.; another son, Charles, died in infancy. Our sub- 
ject was married, Oct. 5, 1882, to Hattie, daughter of Silas and Eliza (McLane) Kendig, 
of North East. He commenced the trade of jeweler with a Mr. Inglis, formerly propri- 
etor of the store which our subject now owns exclusively. He first purchased Mr. Dins- 
dale's half-interest and finally the entire stock. He has now a first-class stock of every- 
thing in his line, amounting to about $8,000, and enjoys a good patronage. 

D. A. SWANEY, proprietor of the Lakeside Paper Mill, North East, was born in 
1846 in Allegheny Co., Penn., son of John and Matilda (McCkilly) Swaney, former a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania, latter of Maryland. John Swaney went to California, when his 
son, our subject, was a young lad, and was never seen by him after. In 1862, D. A. en- 
listed in the 6th Penn. Art., serving 2 years. In 1865, he was mustered out, returned home 
and entered the Duff Business College at Pittsburgh. H(! commenced learning the art of 
paper-making with C. P. Markle & Sons and continued with them 3 years, after which he 
went to Mumford Falls, Ohio, and was with the Cleveland Paper Co. for 1 year. From 
there he returned to Markle & Sons' warerooms in Pittsburgh, remaining 5 years. For 
some time afterward he traveled for that firm as salesman until he entered the new paper 
mill of Mannis Beer & Co., Garland Springs, Penn.; he next engaged as paper broker in 
tiie office of P. Duff & Co., Pittsburgh. A' few years afterward he entered into partner- 
ship with a Mr. West, as paper dealers. On Jan. 1, 1883, thev received into the firm Mr. 
A. A. Jackson, of the Pittsburgh Chronicle. Mr. West and Mr. Jackson soon after with- 
drawing from the firm, Mr. Swaney took the mill into his own hands Aug. 1, 1883, and 
is now sole proprietor. The capacity of the mill is 4,000 pounds of paper (chiefly manilla) 
per day. Our subject was married, in 1866. to Annie, daugliter of John Henderson, of 
Westniorelaqd Co., Penu., by whom he had 2 children— Robert and Corey (deceased). 



NORTH EAST TOWNSHIP. LSI 

DANIEL R. TAYLOR, retired farmer, P. O. North East, was born in 1812, in Green 
field Township, Erie Co., son of James and Anna (Reed) Taylor, natives of Virginia, and 
who came to Erie Co. in 1803, settling in Greenfield Township. In 1813, they removed 
close to the State line where they died, Mrs. Taylor in 1836, and Mr. Taylor in 1840. 
They had 6 children, 3 now living— Mary A., wife of" Isaac Morey, have 3 children— James 
O., Milton and Eunice, now Mrs. Hopper; and D. R. Our subject was married, in 1834, to 
Phoebe O., daughter of John T. Myers, of New York State. ' By this union were 2 chil- 
dren— Wm. P., married to Augusta M. Davison, have 1 child, Alice; and Clarence D., 
formerly relieving station agent on the Wisconsin R. R., now station agent on the West 
Shore R. R., at Clyde, N. Y. Wm. P. Taylor began life by peddling apples, which he car- 
ried in a basket, to the passengers on the L. S. R. R. This he continued until he was em- 
ployed, at the age of fifteen, as telegraph operator at the State line. Promotion quickly 
followed, first to train dispatcher, then to Division Superintendent on the L. S. R. R., and 
finally to the position of General Manager, Canada Southern R. R.. but has now abandoned 
railroad business and gone South for the benefit of his health. Our subject has acted as 
Assessor, Collector and School Director under the new law. In 1843, he moved to New 
York State, where he remained until 1875, in the spring of which year he returned to North 
East. He is a Democrat in politics. 

B. C. TOWN, of North East, Penn., was born June 16. 1820, in Grandville, Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y., .son of Bester and Betsy M. (Martin) Town, the former a native of New 
York, the latter of Vermont, who came to this county in 1834, settling in North East 
Township. They were parents of 8 cliildren, 6 now living — M. C., B. C, B. F.. John J., 
Joseph J. and Mary T., deceased, Wm. Martin and Geo. W. The father died Dec. 2, 
1870, aged seventy-six, the mother in following year, aged .seventy-seven, having faithfully 
fulfilled their mission on earth, leaving an honored name and highly respected family. Mr. 
Bester Town, during his time, was engaged in farming, hatting ("though not a hatter by 
trade), hotel keeping and general merchandising, all being carried on .succes.sfully at the 
same time, each department servmg as a help to the other. Being a man of sterling qual- 
ities and of strict business habits, he held a leading position in mercantile trade. Miss 
Mary T. Town, a maiden lady, occupies the old homestead of her parents. B. (J. Town, 
om- subject, was married, Aug. 7, 1841, to Juliette, daughter of Wm. D. Burdick, and to 
this union were born Rollin H., Warren C, Geo. E., B. D. and Dennison, all of whom 
are now living except Rollin H., who died in infancy. Warren C. married Adda Ferris; 
Geo. E., Eliza Emtka; B. D., Ella M. Scott; Dennison remaining in single blessedness. 
Our subject has been connected with mercantile business since he became a young man. 
In 1843, he entered into partnership with his father and brother, M. C, in North East 
and Wattsbiu-g, under firm name of B. Town & Sons, After a time, M. C. withdraw- 
ing, the firm name was changed to B. C. Town & Co., who continued business both at 
Wattsburg and North East for 7 years, when the partnership closed, and our subject took 
a sea.son of rustication in collecting, farming, milling, and finally landed on the beautiful 
shores of Maryland, where he spent five years. Grim death taking away his father, re- 
called him to North East, where he is now engaged in the business harness. 

N. C. TYLER, tanner and currier. North Ea.st, was born Aug. 18, 1838, in Girard, 
Erie Co., Penn., .son of James S. and Hannah (Cass) Tyler, the former a native of Ver- 
mont (and who was in the war of 1813), the latter a native of Massachusetts. They came 
to Erie Co. about 1817-18. settling near Girard, where they died, he in 1869, and liis wife 
some years previous. Their family numbered 9 children, 4 now living, viz.: Mary A., 
wife of Geo. Winkler, have 8 children; James, married to Lydia Gleeson, have 4 children; 
Mrs. Eliza Trout, has 7 children; and N. C. Our subject was married, in 1856, to Ma- 
hala L., daughter of Wm. Jones. By this union there was 1 child — James W. Mrs. 
Tyler dying in 1865, Mr. Tyler was again married, in 1873, to Eliza McLain, a sister of 
Col. McLain. He, together with Mr. John Scouller, of North East, built the extensive 
tannery known as the Tyler & Scouller Tannery; it is run by steam, and does a large 
business. Mr. Tyler enlisted in 1861 under Capt. Richards, and served in the 6th Ohio 
Cavalry under Col. Lloyd, being engaged in all the principal battles of the Potomac. At 
the end of 3 vears' service he re-enlisted as a veteran under Gen. Steadman, and was 
discharged July 18, 1865. 

JAMES B. WASS, sexton and cooper. North East, was born in England in 1816, son 
of John and Sarah (Bedford) Wass, natives of Lincolnshire. England. They came to 
Rochester, N. Y., in 1823, where the father died. The children of John and Sarah Wass 
were Walter (deceased), Elizabeth, James, John, Sarah, Thomas, Jane and Charles. Our 
subject came to Erie Co. in 1841; was married, in 1844, to Laura, daughter of Bassett 
Cobb. To this union were born — James Franklin, married to Miss Ball, have 1 child 
— Murl; John, deceased; Mary E., wife of O. Hall, have 1 child — Laura; Charles A., 
married to May E. Page, have 1 child — Laura; and Colin P. 

SAMUEL P. WHlTEHILL, farmer, P. O. North East, Erie Co.. Penn.,was born in 1839 
in North East, son of James and Sophia (Piatt) Whitehill. James Whitehill was a native of 
Pennsylvania, his wife of New York State. They came to Erie Co. in 1822, and settled 
\j\ Greeafield Township on a farm purchased of Judah Colt, and in 1830 they moved to 



152 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHEG: 

North East, where they spent the remainiug part of their lives. They were parents of 
Mary, wife of E. H. Doolittle; Eunice, wife of L. P. Stephens, Anna, wife of H. W. 
Gleason; Helen, wife of E. W. Butt, and S. P. Our subject was married, in 1863, to 
Catherine S., daughter of Frederick Smedley; she was a native of Connecticut. To this 
unioq were born Jessie A., James S., John F. Mr. Whitehill's farm, which is the old 
homestead of his parents, is situated 2 miles east of North East Village, on the middle road 
between the Buffalo and Lake roads. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

HENRY WOLF, farmer and stock-feeder. P. O. North East, was born in Lancaster 
Co., Penn., in 1825, son of Cyrus and Mary (Piatt) Wolf, who came to Erie Co. in 1833, 
settling 4 miles south of Erie. They had 6 children, 4 of whom are now living, viz. : Isaac, 
near the State line; Margaret, wife of Henry Gingrich, in Erie; Kate, wife of Joseph Hen 
derson; and Henry. Our subject was married in 1847 to Caroline Hayberger, daughter of 
George Hayberger, who served as Lieutenant under Captain Perry in liis naval engagement 
on Lake Erie. He was one of the first settlers in Erie Co., having come about 1802 or 
1805. To this union were born 7 children, 6 now living, viz.: Hannah, wife of William 
Woolsey, in Nebraska — have an adopted child, Mary C. ; Amanda, wife of E. W. Merrill — 
have 1 child, Nellie; Evelyn, now Mrs. Coon, has two children, Burney and Ralph; 
Presley C, married to Miss Bell Wolsey, have 1 child, Carl C. ; Marion, wife of Lida V. 
Graves, have 2 children, Mary C. and Henry F. ; and Ida May, wife of Henry E. Mosher. 
Mr. Wolf has served as Road C'ommissioner for 2 terms, also as Auditor and Judge of 
Elections, and has filled many other offices. He has been Director, Treasurer and Vice 
President of the Savings Bank, as well as a stockliolder. 

ISAAC WOLF, farmer and merchant, P. O. Northville, was born in 1827, in Lancas 
ter Co., Penn., son of Cyrus and Mary (Piatt) Wolf, who came to Erie Co. in 1833, set- 
tling near Walnut Creek Bridge, in Mill Creek Township, south of Erie City, where they 
died. They had 7 children, viz.: Henry; Mrs. Margaret Gingrich — her children are Mary, 
Etta, John, Charles, Willis, Lewis, Walter and Gertrude; Mrs. Maria Sherman, deceased, 
leaving 1 child, Alice; Cyrus, deceased, leaving 3 children — Horle5\ George and Wilber, 
Mrs. Catherine Henderson, had 4 children — George, Edward, Ross and Mary M. ; 1 de- 
ceased in infancy, and Isaac. Our subject was married Oct. 14, 1853, to Eliza, daughter of 
Samuel and Mary (Heiss) Myers. To this union were born Mrs. Clara Moore, has 1 child, 
Clyde; Perry, married to Flora Phear, have 1 child, Hattie; Willis, married to Elsey 
Woolsey; Ford; Edward, deceased in infancy; Frank, deceased; Nelson; Mary; Charles 
and Boyd A. Mr. Wolf has a farm on the east line of Erie Co., and he also carries on a 
dry goods store at Northville, Penn. He is a member of the Patronsof Husbandry and of 
the A. O. U. W. 



SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 

AMOS BAKER, farmer, P. O, Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., June 
23, 1811, ninth child and fourth son of Elias and Irany Baker, natives of Massachu 
setts, who reared a family of 9 children (the lOtli died in infancy), 3 now living. The 
parents were consistent members of the M. E. Church. Elias Baker was a prominent 
farmer; he departed this life July 28, 1831, his widow following him Dec. 31, 1857. Our 
subject married, Sept. 21, 1837, Jane Sessions, a native of Broome Co., N. Y., and a daugh 
ter of Leonard and Azubeth Sessions. The latter died Jan. 9, 1860. The former, who 
now resides with our subject, is probably the oldest man in Erie Co., born July 26, 1787, 
in Mansfield, Conn. He settled in this county in 1876, and has always been engaged in 
agricultural pursuits. He was the father of 7 children, 4 living, and has about 70 grand- 
children and 1 great-grandchild. He used tobacco 60 years, but thinks he added to the 
length of his life by stopping it 12 years ago. He cast his first vote for James Madison, 
and, with the exception of the campaign of 1856, has voted at each Presidential election 
since. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have 4 children now living — Mary A., wife of W. H. Webb; 
Harriet L., wife of Ralston Harvey; Jerome A., who served 3 years in the 2d Ohio Bat. 
during the late war; and Lydia S., wife of Hiram E. George. Mr. Baker owns 77 acres of 
land situated in the northvrest corner of the State of Pennsylvania. In politics, he is a 
Republican. 

C. L. BARKER, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born in Glrard, Erie Co., Penn., 
May 7, 1835, son of Levi and Isabell Barker, the former a native of New York, and the 
latter of Penns}ivania. They are among the early settlers of Erie C^o., and reared a fam- 
ily of 8 children, 5 now living. Our subject is the 4th child in this family. Mr. and Mrs. 
Barker, now in their eighty-third year, are residents of Girard Township. Our subject 
was united in marriage, in 1862, with Lovilla, daughter of Wm. Luther, both natives of 
^airview Township, this county. This union has been blessed with 3 children, 2 now 



SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 153 

living — Jennette, married, Nov. 28, 1883, by Rev. E. M. Kernic, to J. S. C'udney, and 
Harry. Mrs. Barker dying in 1869, our subject married a Miss Nancy Gibson, also a native 
of Erie Co., by whom he had 3 children, viz., Charles S. and Jennie, surviving. Mr. 
Barker is a member of the M. E. Church, his wife of the Baptist denomination. He owns 
63 acres of well-improved land, and is a Trustee of the East Springfield Academy. His 
grandfather McClend was a soldier in the war of 1812, and one of the first settlers of 
Girard Township. Our subject is a Republican in politics. 

NATHAN BLICKENSDERFER, farmer, P. O. Conneaut, Ohio, was born in Tusca- 
rawas Co., Ohio, April 13, 1823, son of Jacob Blickensderfer. a native of Lancaster Co., 
Penn., who moved to Ohio in 1811. He reared 3 children; the oldest, Jacob, is now chief 
engineer of the U. P. R. R. Jacob Blickensderfer departed this life in 1856. Nathan, the 
2d son, received his education in one of the Moravian schools of Lancaster Co., Penn., and in 
his younger days followed surveying in his native county. He studied law, and was ad- 
mitted to the Ohio bar in the spring of 1849. The following winter he gave up his pro- 
fession and came to Erie Co. Here he purchased 2 tracts of land of 3,000 acres each, in Spring- 
field and Le Bceuf Townships. He then engaged in real estate business in Erie City for 
3 years. He made the purchase alone, but subsequently took a partner — Judge Miles, who 
had a third interest. This land he has sold until now he has but 325 acres left in this town- 
ship. In 1853, he moved from Erie to his present residence. He was united in marriage, 
in 1844, with Catherine M. Canfield, a native of Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, by whom he had 7 
children — Ulric. James C, George C, William J., Mary H. (wife of G. T. Jordan), Charles 
E. and Susan A. Mr. Blickensderfer is now Independent in politics. 

JOSEPH BRINDLE, farmer, P.O. North Springfield, was born March 5, 1802, in Spring 
field Township, Erie Co., Penn., son of Matthias and Elizabeth Brindle, natives of Cumber- 
land and York Cos., Penn., respectively. Matthias, in 1800, took up 400 acres of land on 
the banks of Lake Erie, where our subject now lives. In the fall of 1800, he went to 
Franklin Co., and married Elizabeth Hossler, returning with his bride in the .spring of 
1801. They settled on the farm, and reared 11 children, 6 of whom are now living. He 
filled some of the township oflfices, was a prominent farmer, and with the help of his boys 
finally cleared all his land. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and 
one of the incorporators of the beautiful cemetery at East Springfield. He served in the 
war of 1812. His wife departed this life in 1840, and he in 1845. Our subject, the 2d child 
of this pioneer family, was the 1st white boy born in Springfield Township. He married, 
Oct. 5, 1826, Lodosska Putney, a native of Canada, daughter of Jewel Putney. This union 
has been blessed with 7 children, namely: Sarah E., wife of Adolphus Maxina; Frank 
lin M., deceased; Charlotte M., deceased; Louisa H., deceased; Martha, now living; 
and Willie J., deceased. Mrs. Brindle departed this life in Oct., 1880. Mr. Brindle owns 
103 acres of well-improved land, a part of his father's old homestead. He is a member 
of the Christian Church; in politics, a Republican. 

P. M. BRINDLE, retired farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born Nov. 19, 1820, in 
this township, twelfth child of Matthias and Elizabeth Brindle, natives of Frank- 
lin Co., Penn., who came thence to Erie Co. in 1801, driving a span of horses. They set- 
tled on the farm now owned by P. M., then a wilderness. Matthias was a soldier in the 
war of 1812, a prominent farmer, and held some of the township offices. He was one of 
the founders of the Presbyterian Church and the first cemetery in East Springfield. Mrs. 
Brindle went back to Franklin Co., a distance of 300 miles, traveling on horseback, with a 
neighbor, Sam'l Holliday, carrying her baby. Mr. and Mrs. Brindle were the parents of 
13 children, 11 living to be men and women. She died July 20, 1840, and Mr. Brindle Oct. 
10, 1845. Our subject was united in marriage, in 1846, with Janet, daughter of Sela and Eliz- 
abeth Walbridge, who came to this county from Vt. in 1828; she is a native of Vt. Three 
children were born to this union, 2 surviving — Adelbert H., and Charlotte E.,wife of A. W. 
Walker, of Erie. Mr. and Mrs. Brindle have been members of the Christian Church for 
over 30 years. He owns 100 acres of fine land, the original old homestead; is a member of 
the E. A. U. ; in politics, a Republican. 

WM. CROSS, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born in this township July 12, 1806, 
and is the eldest child of Oliver and Margaret^Cross, natives of Vt. and Washington Co.. 
Penn., respectively. 01iv"Sf"^oss came to Erfe Co. in 1797, driving a yoke of 4-year-old 
steers from Genesee Co., N. Y. Margaret, his wife, was a daughter of Wm. Porter. They 
reared a family of 7 children, 5 of whom are now living. One of the sons served in the 
war of 1812, Mr. Cross providing a substitute for himself. He was a prominent farmer. 
He departed this life in 1853, his widow following him in 1868. Our subject was reared in 
this county, with but few opportunities for acquiring an education. He was united in 
marriage, in 1842, with Emily, daughter of Ira Allen, who came to Erie Co. about 1830. 
Two children blessed this union, both dying in infancy. Mr. Cro.ss owns over 1,000 acres 
of improved land, most of which lies on each side of the Ridge road, in probably the finest 
part of the county. He is an extensive grain-grower, and buj's and feeds cattle extensively. 
He is a self-made man, acquiring his property solely by liard work. During the late war, 
he went out in answer to Gov. Curtin's call for minutemen and also contributed liberally 
to the Union. He gives liberally to the Presbyterian Church, of which his wife is a meni 



154 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ber, and is one of the founders of the beautiful cemetery at East Springfield, which will 
remain a lasting monument to his memory. Mr. Cross is a prominent man of this town 
ship. In his day he filled all its offices of trust, and has also acted as Associate Judge. 
He is a Republican in politics. 
r JOEL DAY, East Springfield, was born in Bradford, Vt., June 22. 1810, and is the 4th 

"^ child of Elifert and Louisa Day. both natives of Conn. Our subject was united in 
marriage, Apr. 9. 1835. with Marilla L. Johnson, a native of N. Y. State, and daugh- 
ter of Uriah and Mehitable Johnson, natives of R. L; the former was a soldier in the 
war of 1812. This union has been blessed with 3 children, viz.. Oscar R. (deceased). 
Alice A. and Albert R. Alice was married, July 24, 1866, to T. B. Fickinger, who was a 
soldier in Battery B, Independent Artillery, and served 3 years in the Army of the Cum- 
berland; he was honorably discharged at the close of the war. Two children were born 
to this union, both deceased. Mr. Fickinger is now a conductor on the Canada Southern 
Railroad; is a member of O. R. Conductor's Association; was a brave soldier, and is a 
good citizen. Mr. Day purchased his farm of 114 acres over 30 years ago, and is one of 
the prominent farmers in his section. Mrs. Day is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. 
Day is a Republican in principle, as are all his children. 

■ OSCAR C. DE GROODT, miller. East Springfield, was born Nov. 15, 1842, in East 
Springfield Township, second son of Peter and Clarissa De Groodt, natives of Madison Co., 
N. Y., and Mass. respectively. They came to this county in 1841, but in 1855 moved 
to Iowa; after a year, they went to Minn., where they now reside. They reared 2 sons. 
Our subject served nearly 3 years during the late war, enlisting in 1863, in Bracket's 
Minn. Cav., doing duty in the West. He participated in several skirmishes with 
the Indians, and was honorably discharged in May, 1866, and returned to Minn. He was 
united in marriage, in Sept., i868, with Laura V. Hurd, a native of this township, and 
daughter of Morris Hurd, a resident and one of the oldest settlers of Springfield Township. 
This union has been blessed with 4 children, viz.. Reuben H., Linnie L., Cortland M. and 
Myron B. The last mentioned was but an infant when Mrs. De Groodt died, Oct. 30, 
1883. Mr. De Groodt owns 4 acres of land and a beautiful residence at Springfield. He 
has been engaged in milling for the past 18 years, most of the time in the Springfield 
Mills. He is a member of the E. A. U., P. M. of a lodge of F. & A. M., and a member of 
the Commandery at Conneaut, Ohio; also a member of G. A. R., Post No. 42, at Wells- 
burg, Penn. 

PERRY DEVORE, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born in Springfield Township, 
Erie Co., Penn., March 5, 1816, seventh child born to John and Elizabeth Devore, 
natives of Bedford Co., Penn., wdio came thence to this county in 1796, and reared a 
family of 14 children. 7 now living. John Devore was a prominent farmer in his day; he 
built the first frame barn, and filled most of the township offices. He was a man of strict 
honesty, and a consistent member of the Old-School Presbj^terian Church. During the 
war of 1812, he was Quartermaster of the minutemen at Erie. He departed this life in 
Oct., 1838. his widow in 1866. Perry, the subject of this sketch, married, Oct. 20, 1837, 
Marsha Walbridge, born in Vt., daughter of Selah Walbridge, who came to Erie Co. 
in 1827. She is a inember of the Baptist Church. Mr. Devore owns 125 acres of improved 
land, (Aie of the finest grain farms in the county, located on the Ridge road. He also does 
a large business in his general collection and loan office. He is a generous, upright man, 
who during the late war contributed liberally to the support of the Union army. He is a 
representative man of this section; in politics, he is a Republican. 

THOS. J. DEVORE, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born on the farm he now 
occupies in Springfield "rownship, Erie Co., Penn.. Sept. 6, 1827. thirteenth child of 
John and Elizabeth Devore, natives of Bedford Co., Penn., and a brother of Perry Devore 
(see his sketch). Our subject had fine educational advantages for his day. He married, 
Feb. 24, 1864, Emily C, daughter of Zacariah Thomas, an early settler and prominent 
man in this township, in which his daughter was born. To Mr. and Mrs. Devore has been 
born 1 daughter — Louisa E. Mr. Devore owns about 200 acres of improved land, and a 
fine residence near the village of East Springfield, besides other property. He has served 
as County Treasurer 1 term. He raises a large amount of grain, and buys and feeds stock 
extensively. 

HOSEA DeWOLF, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born at Luzerne, Washington 
Co., N. Y., Aug. 26, 1808, sonof Steven and Diobery DeWolf, who emigrated to Erie Co., 
Penn., in 1819. reared 6 children, only Hosea and a sister now surviving. Steven DeWolf 
was a son of a soldier of the war of 1776. He was a prominent farmer, and a professor 
of religion. His wife departed this life in 1840, he following her in the year 1842. Our 
subject was united in marriage, in 1836, with Eleanor Taylor, a native of Hadley, N. Y., 
and a daughter of John and Orella Taylor, who settled in this county in 1824. This union 
was blessed with 5 children, only 1 surviving — Louisa. Mr. DeWolf is the ownerof 78 
acres of well improved land, a part of which was his father's old homestead. Politically, 
he is a Democrat. 

JOHN EAGLEY, farmer, P. O. North Springfield, was born on his present farm in 
[>pringfie}d Township, Erie- C'o., Fepn., PeC; 7, 1805. second spn of 4bralaarR ,and C^atb^r 



SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 155 

ine Eagley, natives of Dauphin Co., Penn., who came to Erie Co., Penn., in Oct., 1803, taking 
up 335 acres of land, which he and his sons cleared and improved, and which is now one 
of the best farms here. He reared a family of 8 children, 4 now living. His wife died 
Dec. 26, 1842, aged seventy years and twenty-one days. He departed this life June 8, 1851, 
aged seventy-eight years two months and four days. He was a prominent farmer, hold- 
ing several township offices. Our subject's educational advantages were limited to what 
could be obtained in a new country. He was united in marriage, in 1842, with lantha 
May, of Kin^sville, Ohio, who departed this life June 21, 1851. On March 3, 1852, Mr. 
Eagley married Nancy F. Anderson, a native of Crawford Co., Penn. This union has 
been blessed with one son, John, born April 2. 1854. Mrs. Eagley is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Eagley's grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, 
and was in active service during the Jersey campaign of 1776 and 1777. Our subject owns 
280 acres of well-improved land, part of which was his father's homestead. He is a Re 
publican in politics; was elected County Auditor in 184S, and has filled various township 
offices. 

ABRAHAM EAGLEY, farmer. P. O. North Springfield, was born in Springfield Town- 
ship. Erie Co., Penn., April 8, 1809, sixth child of Abraham and Catherine Eag- 
ley, natives of Penn., who came to this county from Dauphin Co., Penn., in 1808, and 
settled on 325 acres^of land, part of which he cleared and gave to four of his sons. He 
had a family of 8 children, 4 deceased. Mr. Eagley, Sr., was a prominent farmer, and 
held some of the township offices. His wife departed this life Dec. 26, 1842; he died in 
June, 1851, aged seventy-eight years. Our subject was united in marriage, Nov. 14, 1843, 
with Sarah A. Gerred, a native of Vt., by whom he had 3 children— Henry C, Catherine, 
and Eunice, wife of Henry Weis. Mrs. Eagley departed this life Nov. 4, 1850. Mr. Eag- 
ley was again married, Jan. 9, 18.58, to Christiana S. Smith, a native of Ohio. This union 
was bles<ed with 8 children, 7 now living— Casper A., George, Millard, Frank, Jessie C, 
Charles R. and Smith J. Mrs. Eagley went to her rest May 14, 1879. Mr. Eagley owns 
144 acres of well-improved land. He is a man of integrity; a stanch Republican in 
politics. 

DANIEL EAGLEY, farmer and apiarian, P. O. North Springfield, was born Nov. 5, 
1815, in Springfield Township, Erie Co., Penn., and is a son of Abraham and (Catharine 
Eagley, and brother of John and Abraham Eagley, whose sketches appear above. 
Our subject married in 1842 Jane Guthrie, born in same township, daughter of William 
C. and Mary Guthrie. William C. Guthrie was a soldier of the war 1812; he came to Erie 
that year and took up 100 acres of land, and reared a family of 9 children. He died in 
1834, his widow surviving until 1857. Lawrence, the only child by this union, served over 
2 years in the U. 8. Navy during the late rebellion. He returned home, and in 1867 was 
drowned in Lake Erie, near Dunkirk, N. Y. Mr. Eagley worked at blacksmithing until a 
few years ago, carrying on his business near his present residence. He keeps from 30 to 
50 swarms of bees, and sells bees and has home demand for honej^. He owns a fine brick 
residence, and 22 acres of land, part of his father's homestead, situated on the banks of 
Lake Erie. Here he keeps boats for the accommodation of the public. He has a fine 
dining hall, with 2 rows of tables, and kitchen attached; in the grove near by, there are 
speakers' and band stands, swings, etc. He has a register for guests to record their names, 
and keeps a plentiful supply of ice, etc. This is an excellent summer resort, which will 
increase in popularity from year to year. Mr. Eagley is a member of the Universalist 
Church. In politics, he is a Republican. 

GEORGE ELLIS, physician and surgeon. East Springfield, was born in Ashfield, 
Franklin Co., Mass., and is the third child of David and Ruannah Ellis, and a grandson of 
David Ellis, Sr., who on May 28, 1794, was appointed Ensign in the 5th Reg., 2d Brig., 
4th Div., of the Mass. Mil., and on September 4, 1795, was promoted Lieutenant of the 
same. He served in the Revolutionary war, and was a grandson of Richard Ellis, who 
came from Dublin to America in 1641. In 1823, the father of our subject brought his fam- 
ily in an ox-team from Mass. to Erie Co., Penn., making the trip in just six weeks. 
He reared 9 children, 7 of whom are still living. Peter Ellis, whose sketch appears in 
this work, is one of his sons. He was a prominent farmer, and died Feb. 1, 1866, his 
widow surviving until May 18, 1869. Our subject married, Sept. 5, 1846. Eunice B. Lyon, 
born in Conway, Franklin Co., Mass., daughter of Marshal Lyon. Two children were 
born to this union— Orry M. and Lue D. Mr. Ellis lost his wife by death April 5, 1862. 
He then married Lizzie, daughter of Rev. Josiah Flower, and a native of Poland, N. Y. 
She departed this life Jan. 31, 1872. His present wife was Sarah F. Mauck, a native 
of Va. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Ellis graduated in 1866, 
from the Cleveland Medical College, and has followed his profession in this township for 
over 30 years. H^j has a large practice, and enjoys the respect of the community. He is 
a self-made man, and owns 104 acres of well-improved land. The Doctor is a K. T. He 
is a member of the Christian Church; a representative man of his county; iu politics, a 
Republican. 

PETER ELLIS, farmer, P. O. North Springfield, was born May 18, 1824, on his pres- 
ent place of residence iu Springfield Township, Erie Co., Penn., sou of David and Rhu- 



156 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

mina Ellis, and brother of Dr. Geo. Ellis. Our subject had but the limited educational 
advantages of the district school; he married, Feb. 11, 1846, Violetta, daughter of Paul 
Davenport, and a native of Mass., her parents lived in this township over 20| years, 
and were much respected by all. Five children have been born to this union, 3 liv- 
ing — George W., Hazen and Flower. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis are members of the Christian 
Church at East Springfield. Our subject owns 24 acres of well-improved land, 
situated in the most fertile portion of thie township, specially adapted to grain-raising. 
Mr. Ellis hereafter intends making the poultry business a specialty; he supported the 
Union, financiall}-, during the war, and is a stanch Republican. 

.JOSEPH ELLIS, farmer, P. O. North Springfield, was born on the farm on which he 
now resides in Springfield Township, Erie Co., Penn., Dec. 28, 1831, and is a eon of 
William and Rhoda Ellis, natives of Mass. William came to this county with his 
father in about 1808; was a brother of David Ellis, and the father of 10 children, 5 
still surviving; was a prominent farmer, and much interested in the Baptist Church; 
his wife died in 1864. and he in 1873. Our subject, the 7th child of these pioneers, 
married, in Feb., 1863, Martha Weed, a native of Springfield Township, Erie Co., 
Penn., and a daughter of William Weed, one of the early settlers of this township. 
Five children blessed this union, 3 surviving — Nevada A., George W. and Ralph G. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ellis are members of the E. A. U. He owns 160 acres of fine land in the most 
fertile part of the township, and raises grain extensively, also buys and feeds cattle. He 
is a representative man, has filled several of the township offices; in politics, Mr. Ellis is 
a Republican. 

CHARLES C. FRENCH, hotel keeper. East Springfield, was born in Crawford 
Co., Penn., Feb. 1, 1850, son of William and Jemima French, natives of N. Y. and 
Penn. respectively. They reared 2 children. William died Dec. 17, 1851, and Jemima 
Jan. 13, 1875. Our subject came to this county in 1863 and taught school at an 
early day. He was* united in marriage, Aug. 15, 1872, with Emma A. Reed, born in 
Mass., July 27, 1864, 2d child of Cyrus and Polly W. Reed, natives of Mass. and Vt. 
respectively, who came to Erie Co. in 1854; reared a family of 3, and are now living at 
West Springfield. To Mr. and Mrs. French have been born 2 children, viz., Willie R., 
who died when three and a half years old, of scarlet fever, and Clyde B., born Jan. 
14, 1878. Our subject farmed from the time of his marriage until 1882, when he bought 
the Keith House at East Springfield, which he has since conducted. He furnishes pleasant 
accommodation to the traveling public, and with his wife is aiming to keep the hotel up 
to its original high standing. Mr. French is a sociable gentleman; he is an F. & A. M. 

GEORGE K. HALL, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born on his farm in Spring- 
field Township, Erie Co., Penn., May 24, 1831, son of John and Polly Hall, both natives of 
Mifflin Co., Penn., and who came to Erie Co. about 1807. John Hall was a prominent 
farmer, a soldier in the war of 1812, member of the Presbyterian Church. He bad 5 
children, now living. His wife departed this life in 1843; he followed her in 1848. Our 
subject was the 4th child of this family, and at an early day taught school. He was 
united in marriage in 1864 with Martha J. Dickson, a native of Springfield Township.and 
a daughter of Henry Dickson, an old settler of Erie Co. Mrs. Hall is a member of 
the Presbyterian Church at East Springfield. Our subject owns 150 acres of fine land, 
100 of which was part of the old homestead of his father; he raises grain, and feeds stock 
extensively during the winter season. In politics, he is a Republican. 

HENRY G. HARVEY, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born Dec. 4, 1839, in Spring- 
field Township, Erie Co,, Penn., the only child of Lorenzo D. and Lucia M. Harvey, natives 
of N. Y. State and Vt. respectively. Lorenzo, a farmer, came to this county about 1830, and 
departed this life in 1872. His widow still lives on the old homestead in this township. Our 
subject, during the late war,enlisted Aug. 26, 1862, in the 145th P. V. I., serving in the 2d Corps 
under Gen. Hancock, Army of tiie Potomac. He participated in the battles of Fredericks- 
burg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness and Cold Harbor, wherehewas wounded in 
the leg, which had to be amputated. He was promoted gradually from private to Captain, 
and was honorably discharged, Dec. 19, 1864, on account of his wounds. From 1866 to 1871, 
he served as Register and Recorder of Erie Co. In 1867, Mr. Harvey was united in mar- 
riage with Sarah A. DeWolf, a native of this township, and daughter of Erastus DeWolf, 
one of the early settlers of Eric. Our subject owns 100 acres of well-improved land, a part 
of which was his father's old homestead. He is a representative man of his section, a 
member of the G. A. R. ; was a good soldier, and is a first-class citizen. Politically, he is 
a Republican. 

HUMPHREY A. HILLS, retired merchant and insurance agent, East Springfield, 
was born in Vernon Center, N. Y., Aug. 10, 1811, third child born to Elisha and Lucy 
Hills, natives of Conn., who came to Erie Co. in 1819. Elisha Hills engaged in mercantile 
business and taught school. He died at the home of his son at Albion, Penn.. July 23, 
1847. Humphrey A. came to this county Nov., 1822, attended school 3 years, then served 
an apprenticesnip as carpenter and joiner at Albion, where he remained until 1863, when 
lie came to East Springfield. Mr. Hills has served as Justice of the Peace, School Director, 
(/ounty Commissioner frora 1847 to 1850, sm-veyed Ihc boundary line bet^yceci Crawforc^ 



SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 157 

and Erie Cos. in 1880, and the same year was appointed U. S. Marshal and collecteci 
the census. In 1852-53, was in the State Legislature. Our subject married, Sept. 11, 1834, 
Antha, daughter of George and Eunice Reed, of Cranesville, Penn., and had 9 children, 
viz. : Charles W., a soldier in the late war in 7th Iowa V. I., and discharged as Capt. ; Marquis 
Alonzo, honorably discharged as 1st Lieut. 3d Iowa V. I.; Alice P., deceased; Henry H., a 
soldier in 1st Colo. Infy. ; Mary A., widow of Charles Van Sickles; Wiulield, a soldier who 
served in the New Ironsides; Lucy E., wife of J. (Barnes; Humphrey A., Jr., and Eager L. 
Mrs. Hills departed this life at Albion, Penn., June 16, 1853. Mr. Hills was again united 
in marriage, Dec. 11, 1864, with Louisa A., daughter of Hiram and Susan Williams, of Elk 
Creek Township, by whom he had 4 children — Willie P., James L., Victor and Jessie M. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hills are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hills has a nice resi- 
dence in East Springfield, besides property in Conneaut, Cleveland and other places. He 
is now living a retired life; in politics, formerly a Whig, now a stanch Republican. 

SAMUEL HOLLIDAY, farmer, P. O. North Springfield, was born Sept. 27, 1805, in 
Springfield Township, Erie Co., Penn., on the farm where he now resides. He is the fourth 
child born to Sam'l HoUiday, Sr., who was probably the first white settler in this township; 
was a native of Franklin Co., Penn. ; came to this county in 1796, and purchased 700 
acres on the borders of the lake. He returned to Franklin Co. in the fall of 1796, and 
there married Jennette Campbell. They returned in the spring of 1797, settling on a tract 
of laud in the woods, and built the first cabin in Springfield. They reared a family of 3 
boys and 3 girls, of whom only our subject survives. S. Holliday, Sr., was a .soldier in 
the war of 1812. He erected the first saw mill and grist mill here, and conducted the bus- 
iness 35 years. He was a prominent man, was one of the founders of the Presbyterian 
(Jhurch at East Springfield, and helped to establish the old graveyard. He departed this 
life in 1841, aged eighty-six; his widow followed him in Aug., 1851. Our subject was united 
in marriage, in 1840, with Elizabeth Porter, born in Girard Township, daughter of Robt. 
and Elizabeth Porter, natives of Westmoreland Co., Penn., and Miftlin Co., Penn., respect- 
ively. They were among the first settlers of Girard. Eight children have been born to 
this union, 7 surviving— Robert P., Charles C, Benjamin W., W. Wallace, Susie M., Fran- 
cis J. and Ada. Mr. and Mrs. Holliday and their daughters are members of the Presby 
terian Church. He owns a part of his fathers old homestead, consisting of 170 acres of 
well-improved land. Politically, he is a Republican. 

CHARLES C. HOLLIDAY, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. North Springfield, was 
born April 30, 1843, in Springfield Township, Erie Co., Penn. He is descended from a 
pioneer family, second child of Sam'l and Elizabeth P. Holliday, also natives of and resi- 
dents in this township (see sketch), and grandson of Sam'l Holliday, who moved to this 
county from Franklin Co., Penn., in 1796. Our subject attended school at Edinboro, 
Penn., and Conneaut, Ohio. He enlisted Sept. 25, 1862, in Co. I, 14th P. V. C, .serving 3 
years under Col. Wm. Blakeley, Gen. Averill's brigade, and under Gen. Sheridan. He 
participated in the following engagements: Rocky Gap, Droop Mountains, Salem raid, 
Lynchburg, Martinsburg, Snicker's Gap, White Post, I)ark.sville, Fisher's Hill, Forest- 
ville. Mount Crawford, Middleton, Mount Jackson, Libertyville, etc. He was honorably 
discharged at 1st Lieut, at the close of the war, and returned home. Then for 2 years he 
attended Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Mich. He married, Oct. 27, 1881, Mary Z., 
daughter of Wm. Blakeley, of Allegheny, Penn. One child, William B., born Dec. 22, 
1882, has blessed this union. Mrs. Holliday is a member of the Presbyterian Church in 
East Springfield. Mr. Holliday owns 100 acres of fine land, is a prominent farmer, and 
deals extensively in cattle. He is a member of the G. A. R. at Miles Grove, and of the 
A. O. U. W. 

JAMES HUBBARD, farmer, and Justice of the Peace, P. O. West Springfield, was 
born in West Springfield, Penn., Oct. 16, 1816, the eldest child of Anderson and Oris 
Hubbard, natives of Conn, and Canada respectively, and who emigrated to this 
county in 1812. They reared a family of 6 children, 4 now living. After the death of his 
first wife, in 1846, Mr. Hubbard married again, and had a family. He was a tanner and 
shoe-maker by trade, at which he worked most of the time, although he owned a farm. 
He was Justice of the Peace for 10 years, and died about the year 1869. Our subject mar- 
ried, Nov. 29, 1843, Hester Ann Devereaux, a native of the State of N. Y., and daugh- 
ter of John Devereaux, who came to Erie Co. about 1833. This union has been blessed 
with 5 children— Anderson, Mary A., Sarah J. (wife of Edward Ellis), Orie M. and Celia 
L. Mrs. Hubbard and her daughters are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Hubbard 
owns 80 acres of land, is engaged in farming and stock raising, and is imprnving the grade 
by introducing the short-horn Durham cattle. He is a Republican in politics, and for 
nearly 8 years has been serving as Justice of the Peace, following the example set by his 
father, who was a noted peace-maker, using moral suasion instead of the strong hand of 
the law. 

ORANGE S. HUNTLEY, farmer, P. O. West Springfield, was born in Ashtabula Co., 
Ohio, May 20, 1824, and is a son of Orrin and Charity Huntley, natives of Mass. and Conn, 
respectively, who came to Erie Co. in 1826. They reared a family of 6 children, 4 now 
living, our subject being second in the family. Orrin Huntley's father was a soldier in 



158 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

the Revolutionary war. lie, Orrin, was a prominent farmer, and member of the M. E. 
Church, in which he was much interested. He died April 14, 1865; his widow resides with 
her daughter, Mrs. D. W. Brown, at Cherry Hill. Our subject was united in marriage, in 
1846, with Clarrisa R. Carter, a native of Conneaut, Ohio, and daughter of Franklin H. 
and Clarrisa Carter, the former horn in N. H., died in 1804, tlie latter a native of Vt.,died 
in 1841. To this union have been born 6 children —Ellen M. (wife of Albert Wass), Frank- 
lin C, Myron H., Clara Louise, wife of W. J. Sherman; Emma R., wife of Hiram Arm- 
strong, and Lizzie C. Mr. and Mrs. Huntley are members of the M. E. Church. He owns 
56 acres of well-improved land. He is descended from one of the early settlers. In poli- 
tics, is a Republican. 

MORRIS HURD, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born in Augusta, Oneida Co., 
N. Y., May 14, 1809, the second child of Reuben and Amanda Hurd, natives of Vt. 
and State of N. Y. respectively. They reared a family of 9 children, 6 now living; they 
died and were buried in Augusta, N. Y. Our subject has been twice united in marriage; 
first occasion, Aug. 25, 1834, with Diadama, daughter of John Brown of Madison Co., 
N. Y. Five children were born to this union, only Mary A., wife of Townsend Webster, 
living. Mrs. Hurd departed this life March 5, 1859. Mr. Hurd's second marriage 
occurred March 6, 1861, with Frances M. Brown, a native of Oswego, N. Y., and daughter 
of Luman and Nancy Brown. Luman Brown was a fine mechanic. They lived many 
years in Conneaut, Ohio, where her father died Oct., 1864, and her mother in Oct., 1878. 
Mr. Hurd came to Erie Co., where he bought a farm in the eastern part of Springfield 
T»wnship, in 1834; this he cleared, and there reared his family. He sold this farm in 1870, 
and then bought his present one of nearly 33 acres, situated on the Ridge road. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hurd are members of the Springfield Baptist Church, in which he has been Deacon 
for nearly 40 years. He is a Republican in politics. 

SHERMAN JOINER, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born in McKean Township, 
Erie Co., Penu., April 16, 18:^8, son of Zaccheus and Elizabeth Joiner, natives of vt. 
and Penn. respectively, and who came to Erie Co. about 1830. Zaccheus, who was 
a prominent farmer, died in 1854, his wife having preceded him in 1852. Our subject, 
the only son of this couple, emigrated to the West in 1853. T)uring the gold excitement 
of 1858, he went to Cal., where he met with moderate success. He returned to Penn. 
in 1864, and was united in- marriage, in 1865, with Susan Whealer, a native of Erie 
Co., and a daughter of James Whealer, a prominent farmer, who came to this county in 
1819, and who, with his wife, was a native of Washington Co., N. Y. They reared a family 
of 9 children, 7 now living. He died in 1869, his widow in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Joiner are 
the parents of 1 son — Wells. Our subject, in the spring of 1866, moved on his present 
farm of 63 acres, which he had purchased. He sustained a loss of |500 in 1878, by having 
his barn and contents destroyed by fire. He and wife are worthy descendants of Erie's 
earliest settlers. Mr. Joiner is a Republican in politics. 

HENRY KEITH, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born in Girard Township, Erie 
Co., Penn., Jan. 30, 1817, only son of Scott and Susan Keith, w^ho moved from Mass. to 
this county in 1816, driving a yoke of cattle and a team of horses before them. They reared 
three children, all now living. Scott Keith was a prominent man in his day, and by strict 
integrity won the respect of all. For nearly 50 years, he kept the Keith House at East 
Springfield. The passengers by the stages running through from Cleveland to Buffalo 
always stopped there for their meals. His wife departed this life in 1875, he following her 
in 1877, aged eighty-five. Henry, our subject, was married, in 1850, to Diana Silverthorn, a 
native of Erie Co., by whom he had 1 child — Henry T., now residing in Neb. She died in 
1856, and is interred in the beautiful cemetery at East Springfield. Mr. Keith was again 
united in marria'ge, in 1865,with Lottie McKee, also a native of this county, b}' whom he 
had 1 child that died in infancy. Mr. Keith owns over 70 acres of well-improved land. 
For many years, he has been one of the proprietors of the grist and^saw mills here, and 
has also done a very large distillery business. He was Capt. of the* State police many 
years; for nearly half his life he has acted as Constable, and in his time has probably 
arrested more horse-thieves than any other man in this county. He is a stanch Republican 
in politics. 

H. V. LINE, proprietor of Keystone Roller Mills, P. O. East Springfield, was born 
in Linesville, Crawford Co., Penn., May 33, 1833, eldest son of Smith and Mary Line, 
both natives of N. J., and of Quaker descent. Amos Line, after whom Linesville, Penn., 
is named, was the founder of that village. The father of our .subject, who has always fol 
lowed milling, still resides there, and is one of its prominent business men. H. V. Line 
was in mercantile business for about 7 years, has also followed surveying to some 
extent. He has been engaged in milling since 1856. He moved to East Springfield in 
1876, and purchased the Keystone Mill, built in 1873, which was converted into a roller 
mill in the spring of 1883; it is now run by steam and water, has a capacity of about 70 
barrels of Hour per day, and is the onlj^ roller mill, except In Corry and Erie City, in the 
county. Our subject was married, in 1856, to Mary L. Manning, of N. J., by whom he 
has one child — A. M., now a partner with his father in the mill. Mrs. Line died in April, 
1865. Mr. Line was subsequently united in marriage with Helen E. Smith, a native of this 



SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 159 

township. They had five children, four now living— Cliarles S., James W., Fred A. 
and W. Raymond. Mr. Lines owns, besides his mill, 18 acres of fine land in Line.sville, 
and a residence on same. He is, politically, a Republican. 

EVERETT W. LOVERIDGE. station a.ijjeut, North Springfield, born in Concord, 
Erie Co. N. Y., Sept. 18, 1838, is a son of Amasa and Eunice Loveridge, natives of Conn, 
and N. H. respectively. Our subject went to Cal. in 1852, daring tiie gold excitement, 
remaining 2i years. Whilst there, his left arm was disabled from the effects of a blast. 
He came to Erie Co. April, 1855, and was a salesman for a year; he then entered his 
present position as agent for the L. S. & M. S. R. R., which he has acceptably filled. He 
was united in marriage, in 1857, with Ellen C. Gwin, also a native of N. Y. State, and 
daughter of Thomas Gwin, who was a soldier in the war of 1812; one child — Melvin E., 
has blessed this union. Mrs. Loveridge is a member of the Universalist Church at West 
Springfield. Mr. Loveridge is a sociable, genial gentleman. He is a Republican in poli- 
tics. 

ANDREW J. McKEE, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born Dec. 21, 1831, in 
Springfield Township, Erie Co., Penn., eldest son of Thomas and Anna McKee, natives of 
Perry Co., Penn., and N. Y. respectively, who reared a family of 8 children, all now 
living. Thomas McKee, when thirteen years old, came with his parents to this county. 
He became a prominent farmer, and served in the war of 1812. He departed this life 
April 25, 1857. His widow draws a pension, and now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Sil- 
verthorn; her father was a Revolutionary soldier. Our subject taught school a term in 
Kentucky before the war. On April 20, 1861, he enlisted in the 83d P. V. I., serving in 
the 5th Corps, Army of the Potomac, and participated in the following engagements: 
Seven Days' Fight, 2d Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, Mine 
Run, Wilderness (where he was wounded in the head by a shell), siege of Peters- 
burg and capture of Lee's army. He occupied every position, non-commissioned and 
commissioned, from private to Capt. He received an honorable discharge July 5, 1865, 
and returned home. In June, 1868, Mr. McKee married Mary, daughter of William and 
Cecelia Cudne3^ She and her mother are natives of Erie Co., Penn. Her father, born in 
N. Y., came to Erie Co. with his parents at an early day. Her grandfather built the 
first frame house here. This union has been blessed with one child — T. Cordello. Mr. and 
Mrs. McKee are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is also a member of the G. A. 
R., Wellsburg, Penn.; owns 92 acres of fine land. In politics is a Republican. 

EDWARD F. MALLORY, farmer, P. O. West Springfield, was born on the home- 
stead in Springfield Township, Erie Co., Penn., March 12, 1846, and is the youngest child 
of Harry and Emily Mallory, natives of Conn, and Vt. respectively. Harry Mallory came 
to this county about 18S2, finally settling on the farm now owned by our subject, in 1832. 
He reared 4 children; served as Justice of the Peace 11 years, and as Constable for at 
least 2 years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was an earnest, constant member 
of the Baptist Church at West Springfield, in which he was Trustee for many years. His 
wife died in 1869; he died in 1883, aged nearly eighty-five years. Our subject was united 
in marriage, Dec. 13, 1870, with Ellen Bump, daughter of Heman and Ann (Mallory) 
Bump, the former a native of New York, the latter a daughter, the second child in the 
family of 10, of Andrew Mallory, who came to this county in 1819; she was born in 1820. 
Andrew Mallory was a soldier of the war of 1812, a Maj. in the State Militia, and was a 
very prominent man, dying April, 1877, in his eighty-sixth year. Mr. and Mrs. Bump 
reared 2 children, and were both prominent members of the Baptist Church. He died 
in Feb., 1868. Our subject and wife have 2 children— Edith E. and Harry H. They 
are both members of the West Springfield Baptist Church. Mr. Mallorj^ owns 80 acres of 
well-improved land, a part of his father's old homestead. He has filled the office of Town- 
ship Clerk; is a Democrat in politics. 

I. NEWTON MILLER, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born April 19, 1820, on 
his present farm, which was settled by his parents, Thomas R. and Margaret Miller, of 
Franklin Co., Penn., who came to Erie Co. in 1802, and reared a family of 7 children, 5 
of whom are now living. Thomas R. Miller was a prominent farmer; he served in the war 
of 1812; held nearly every township office; was Director of the Poor, County Commis- 
sioner, and served for this county in the House of Representatives. His wife departed 
this life in 1835. He survived until 1866. Our subject married, in 1843, Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Isaac Silverthorn, an early settler of Erie Co., in which she was born. This union 
has been blessed with onechild — Florence D., w^hodied Jan., 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are 
members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a representative man of this township; owns 
53 acres of land in the most fertile part of Springfield, and has taken great interest in 
laying out the beautiful little cemetery at East Springfield. He has served as Justice of 
the Peace for 12 years, and was one term, in 1870, in the State Legislature. Mr. Miller 
taught school for 9 or 10 years between 1840 and 1850. 

FINDLEY MILLER, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born on the homestead in 
Springfield Township, Brie Co., Penn., July 8, 1824, and is the youngest child of Thomas 
R. and Margaret Miller, natives of Franklin Co., Penn., who came to this county at an 
early date. They reared a family of 7 children, two deceased. Thomas R. Miller was 



160 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

a soldier in the war of 1813; was in the State Legislature in 1836-37; served as Justice of 
the Peace and Commissioner, each 2 terms, and held other township offices. He was an 
earnest Christian member of the U. P. Church, and departed this life in 1866. His wife 
died in 1835. Our subject married, Sept. 32, 1852, Emily, daughter of Isaac Silverthorn, 
one of the first settlers of Girard Township, where she was 1)orn. Five children have 
blessed this union, 3 now living — Charles F., Elmer S. and Effie E. Mrs. Miller died in 
March, 1877. Mr. Miller owns 130 acres of well-improved land, part of which was the old 
homestead. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he 
is a^Republican. 

NORTON D. MOON, hotel keeper and farmer. West Springfield, was born at 
Hanover, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Sept. 28, 1828, and is a son of Daniel G. and Octavia A. 
Moon, natives of N. Y., who came to this county in 1833; they reared a family of 5 
children, all living. Daniel G. Moon worked at his trade (carpenter), and filled several town- 
ship offices. He departed this life Dec. 16, 1869. His widow still resides in the village of 
West Springfield. Norton, their oldest child, married, in 1852, Elizabeth J. McKee, a na- 
tive of Springfield, daughter of Thomas McKee, and sister of A. J. McKee (see his sketch). 
This union has been blessed with 5 children — Frances E. ; Stella A.; Effie A., wife of De- 
forest Smith; Katie L. and Jay G. Mr. and Mrs. Moon are members of the E. A. U. Our 
subject took possession of the West Springfield House in Sept., 1876, and enjoys the con- 
fidence of the traveling public, and keeps a neat and home-like hotel. He owns 100 acres 
of fine improved land, his father's old homestead. He is a Republican in politics. 

EBEN MOORE, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., 
Apr. 8, 1819. son of Elijah and Jane Moore, both natives of N. Y. State. They reared a 
family of 7 children, of whom our subject was sixth. Mr. Moore was a prominent 
farmer and a member of the M. E. Church. He and his wife are buried at Chautauqua, 
N. Y. Eben spent the most of his life on a farm; also engaged in milling, owning at one 
time 2 mills which he sold. He married, Sept. 1, 1839, Margaret Conner, a native of N. Y. 
State, by whom he has no children living. 'She died Jidy, 1873. On Jan. 9, 1874, Mr. 
Moore married Abbie Chase, also a native of N. Y. State, which union has been blessed 
with 2 children— Edna L. and Edith M. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the M. E. 
Church at West Springfield. Our subject is owner of 40 acres of fine land in the most fer- 
tile part of the township. He reared a boy, who is prospering in Indiana. Mr. Moore is a 
sociable, intelligent gentleman. Politically, he is a Republican. 

CHARLES N. MOORE, physician, surgeon, and proprietor of drug store. East 
Springfield, was born in Madison Co.. N. Y.. Sept. 30. 1843, and is a son of Henry L. and 
Emeline Moore, natives of N. Y., who came to Erie Co. in 1878. The former in an early 
day was a member of the State Militia. He was a stone and brick mason, and at one time 
an extensive contractor. He died in East Springfield in 1881. His widow now resides 
with her son, Charles N. Our subject graduated in 1864 from the N. Y. Therapeutic Col- 
lege, and commenced to practice medicine in Vineland, N. J., where he remained a year, 
then spent a year at Grand Rapids, Mich., thence came to East Springfield, where he has 
followed his profession for over 14 years. Dr. Moore was married, in 1871, to Elizabeth 
Owen, a native of Oneida Co., N. Y. They are both members of the M. E. Church, and 
of the E. A. U., and enjoy the respect of all. Dr. Moore is the proprietor of the onlj' 
drug store in East Springfield; he also owns some nice property in the village. He is a 
sociable gentleman, has a good practice; a member of the A. O. U. W. In politics, is a 
Democrat. 

SAMUEL REA, the subject of this sketch, was born in Washington, Penn., Oct. 27, 
1792. He, with his father's family, moved to Springfield, Penn., in 1804, and on April 12, 
that year, settled on the farm on which he lived until the time of his death, Sept. 8, 1883. 
He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and he inherited many of their marked traits of character. 
He was strictly temperate in the broad sense of the word, and adhered closely to rules of 
justice, right and truth. Although deprived of a father's counsel in quite early life, yet 
these innate principles were so truly his own, that he never yielded, however great the temp- 
tation. It seemed very necessary that he should be just what he was. Settling here in 
the then dense forest, it required strength, determination, frugality, and all that is noble 
in man to assist in building up a home for his parents, and finally for himself. He served 
in the war of 1812, in recompense for which he for several years received a pension. He 
was one of the founders of the Presbyterian Church in Springfield, and united with it in 
early manhood, and ever endeavored to live a consistent Christian life. In 1818, he mar 
ried Elizabeth Ferguson, who in every way proved herself a true wife, counselor and 
Christian mother. She died in 1855, leaving her husband and 8 children to mourn their 
great loss. It can readily be seen that had the subject of this sketch lived until the 27th of 
Oct., 1883, he would have been ninety-one years of age. Thus lived and died one of the 
early settlers of Springfield. Erie Co., Penn. 

JOHN RUDD (deceased), moved to Erie Co., Penn., in Aug., 1805, from Otsego Co., N. 
Y., with a large family, his son John having preceded him several years and commenced a 
distillery. He took up about 350 acres of land along the lake front, on the Moravian 
tract. John Rudd, Sr., died in 1830, aged eighty two. His widow and her children be 



SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 161 

coming infatuated with the Mormon cause, about the year 1839 joined the sect and went 
West. Thus ended one of Erie's pioneer families. 

LUTHER W. SAVAGE, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born Oct. 4, 1817, in 
Granville. Washington Co., N. Y., and is the only child of Nathan and Hannah Savage, 
both natives of Conn. The former died when Luther "was only one year old; the latter in 
1871. Our subject graduated at Williams College, Mass., in 1843. He moved in 1844 to 
Conneaut, Ohio, and taught in the academy one year; thence moved to East Springfield in 
1845. In 1845, Mr. Savage was married to Miss Harriet Keith, daughter of Scott Keith, 
one of the early settlers of Erie Co. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Savage were born 
3 children — Walter S., dying when four years and ten months old, and Susan K., wife of 
James B. Cross. Our subject has served as Justice of the Peace 5 years, and County 
Superintendent of Schools 3 years (1860-63). 

ZER. L. SHER^NIAN". farmer and Tax Collector, East Springfield, was born Jan. 25, 
1819, in Luzerne, Warren Co., N. Y., and is the eldest child of John S. and Polly Sher- 
man, natives of Vermont and Connecticut respectively, who came to Erie Co. in 1831, 
They were the parents of 16 children, 11 now living, and were consistent members of 
tiie Cnristian Church. John S. Sherman, a prominent farmer, and who held several town- 
ship offices, was a son of a soldier in the war of 1812; he departed this life Aug. 15, 1877. 
His widow is now living with her daughter, Mrs. L. Salsbury. Our subject married, in 
1839, Elizabeth Leavens, a native of this township, and daughter of Luther and Olive 
Leavens, who came from New York State to Erie Co. in 1830. To Mr. and Mrs. Sherman 
have been born 9 children, 7 now living — Eunice, wife of Rev. Allan Allen; Melvin Z., 
wlio enlisted during the late war in the 2d Penn. Bat., served about 22 months with the 
Army of Tennessee, and was honorably discharged at the close of the rebellion; Winfield 
S.; Olive L. ; Mahala M., wife of O. M. Ellis: J. Leonard and Alta B. Mr. and Mrs. Sher- 
man, with the whole family, are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Sherman owns 
125 acres of well-improved laud, and is a prosperous farmer, dealing extensively in phos- 
phates, and to some extent in agricultural implements. He has held several township 
olfices; is now serving as Township Comm'ssioner and Tax Collector. 

JESSE E. SHERMAN, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born on his present farm 
in Springfield ToA'nship, Erie Co.. Penn., March 9, 1843, son of John S. and Polly Sherman, 
aatives of Vt., and brother of Zer. Sherman (see his sketch). Our subject was 14 months 
in the U. S. Navy, enlisting in 1883, and serving in the Miss. Squadron under Adm. Porter; 
he was honorably discharged in 1863, and returned to his home. He married, in 1865, 
Ruth Raymond, a native of Erie Co., Penn., and daughter of Nehemiah Raymond, an old 
settler of this county. Four children nave blessed this union— Addie May, John S., 
Lavern M. and Harry R. Mr. Sherman owns his father's old homestead, comprising 70 
.acres of well-improved land, and is engaged in farming. He is a member of the G. A. R., 
Wellsburg, Penn. Politicall}% he is a Republican. 

ALBERT H. SMITH, P. O. North Springfield, was born Oct. 9, 1824, in Springfield, 
second son of Lyman and Maria Smith, the former a native of N. Y., and the latter 
of Mass. Lyman came to this county with his father and mother when he was 2 years 
old. They came up on Lake Erie in a little rowboat from Buffalo, N. Y., and landed at 
what was called the Rud Landing; it was in June, 1800. His father settled on 200 acres 
of land here. He owned a boat, and transported salt from Buffalo. He raised a familj' of 
11 children, our subject's father being second son. He was Deacon and one of the founders 
of the Christian Church at East Springfield; he died Sept. 3, 1875; his widow died Sept. 21, 
the same year. Albert H. Smith was married, April 23, 1847, to Albertine C. Brockway, a 
native of N. Y., and daughter of Hiram and Sarah Brockway, wjio came from East Chat- 
ham, N. Y., during the Asiatic cholera excitement in 1833" They raised a family of 7 
children— Elias and William F., who enlisted in the 145th P. V. I. (the former, after serv- 
ing 31 months, was made 1st Lieut. ; the latter, after his death, was promoted to 1st Lieut. ; 
was wounded at Gettj'sburg and Fredericksburg, and on this account was discharged in 
1864, dying from the effects of the same in 1868); Albertine C. ; Charles D. ; Julia E. ; Alvah 
and Sarah C, wife of C. A. Sherman. Mr. Brockwaj' is a miller by trade, at which he has 
worked the most of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of 6 children — Fletcher 
B.; Florence E., wife of A. H. White; Agnes B., wife of H. E. Crouch; Eddie A.; Eva 
M., wife of G. E. Ormsbe, and Clara A. They are all members of the Christian Church. 
Mr. Smith was appointed Deacon on the death of his father. He is descended from one of 
the old pioneer families; is owner of 75 acres of land, part of his father's homestead. He 
is a Republican in politics, and a farmer. 

JAMES O. SMITH, farmer, and dealer in fruit trees, P. O. East Springfield, was born 
on the farm he now occupies in Springfield Township, Erie Co., Penn., July 33, 1847, and 
is the youngest child of Charles F. and Emily Smith, natives of Erie Co., Penn., and Vt. 
respectively. The father of Charles F. Smith came to Erie Co. from N. H. in 1801, and 
reared a family of li) children, only 3 now living. Chas. F. has also reared a family of 
10 children, 7 of whom survive. He is a prominent man of West Springfield, and a con- 
sistent member of the Universalist Church. James O., the subject of this sketch, married 
in 1873 Sarah Pettis, a native of Elk Creek, this county, and a daughter of John W. Pet- 

1 1 



162 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

tis. Four children have blessed this union— Grace G., Addie G., Dallas A. and an iiifanl. 
Mr. Smith now owns the old homestead, purchased by his father when it was covered wiih 
woods. He cleared it himself. Our subject has been engaged in selling fruit trees, having 



of Erie Co. He and his father have always been stanch Republicans. 

J. M. STRONG, miller, dealer in lumber, and farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was boru 
in Southampton, Mass., April 3. 1834, son of Job S. and Betsey H. Strong, also natives of 
Mass., who came to this county in 1838, and reared 2 children, J. M. only surviving. They 
were both earnest members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Strong departed this life iu 
1859, his widow following him in 18G8, aged seventy-nine years. Our subject married, in 
1859, Louise M. Webster, a native of Springfield Township, and a daughter of Thos. Web- 
ster,' an early settler in this county; his widow is now residing with Mr. Strong. Of the 
children born to this union, only Charles C, now twelve years old, survives. Mr. Strong 
owns 160 acres of well-improved land. He has been, operating the Springfield Mills 
since about 1861, which were built by his father-in-law in 1842. He has overhauled them, 
putting iu all modern improvements. Tlie mills have now 4 run of buhrs, with excellent 
water-power aided by steam, and a capacity of 75 barrels per day. He finds a ready sale 
for his flour in the smaller towns south, and ships also to the East and West. Mr. Strong 
also deals extensively in lumber, doing custom sawing and .shipping large quantities. He 
is probably transacting the largest business of any man in this township, and is energetic 
and enterprising. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Strong 
is also a K. T., and a member of the E. A. U.; politically, a Republican. 

HERMAM K. SUMNER, farmer,' P. O. East Springfield, was born in Addison Co., 
Vt., Dec. 29, 1839, son of Herman K. and Sophrona Sumner, natives of Vt.; the former 
died when our subject was an infant; the latter is living with her daughter in N. Y. State, 
H. K. Sumner, Jr.', came to Erie Co. in 1860, and Aug. 18, 1862, enlisted in Co. I, 145th P. 
V. I., 2d Corps, under Gen. Hancock, Army of the Potomac. He participated in the bat- 
tles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville. Wilderness. At the siege of Peters- 
burg, while his command was capturing the Weldon Railroad, he was captured and re- 
mained a prisoner 10 months and 6 days at the Libby and Andersonville Prisons. At the 
close of the war, he was honorably discharged at Jacksonville, Fla., and returned home 
physically a wreck, and has never entirely recovered from the effects of his imprisonment. 
He married in 1868. Alvenia March, a native of Mass., and daughter of Andrew March, of 
Wellsburg, by whom he had 1 child— Frank H. Mr. Sumner owns 106 acres of well-im- 
proved land, with fine buildings. He is a member of the G. A. R., Wellsburg; is a Re- 
publican in politics. He was a good soldier and is a good citizen. 

LORAN THAYER, farmer, P. O. Conneaut, Ohio, boru in Springfield Township. 
Erie Co., Penn., Jan. 11. 1839, is a son of Luke and Hannah Thayer, both natives of 
Mass., and who came to Erie Co. in 1812 with 1 child. Luke Thayer took up 420 acres of 
land. ' His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was a stone mason by trade, 
and built and ran the State Line House for about la years. He was the parent of 8 chil- 
dren, 5 now living; took great interest in church matters, being a member and one of 
the founders of the M. E. Church at West Springfield. He departed this life July 17, 
1866 his widow in Nov. following. Our subject, the youngest child of this pioneer couple, 
married June 17, 1861, Mary Meiwin, a native of the State of N. Y., which union was 
blessed with 4 children, 3 living— Martha, Sherman E. and Emma. Mrs. Thayer de- 
parted this life Aug. 22, 1871. In Jan., 1872, Mr. Thayer married Abigail Forsyth, a native 
of Ashtabula Co., "Ohio, and daughter of Steven and Mary Forsyth, the former of whom, 
died Nov. 24, 1867; the latter is now residing in Springfield. One child, Luke, has 
blessed this union. Mr. Thayer owns 110 acres of fine land, his father's old homestead. 
He is a stanch Republican. 

ZACHARIAH THOMAS, farmer, and manufacturer of tile, P. O. West Springfield, 
was born Oct. 20, 1828, in West Springfield, Erie Co., Penn., the eldest child of Zachariah. 
and Cynthia Tiamas, natives of Vt. and State of N. Y. respectively. The former came 
apoor man to this section of Erie Co. in 1813, where he accumulated a large fortune. 
Here he reared his familv of 8 children, 4 now deceased; built the hotel at West Spring- 
field, and was its proprietor for many years; he was also an extensive farmer and 
cattle-dealer. He departed this life in f864, his widow surviving until Feb., 1873. Our 
subject married, March 19, 1857, Louisa Rea, a native of Springfield Township, Erie Co., 
and daughter of Samuel Rea, one of its early and prominent settlers, a soldier in the war 
of 1812, and father of 11 children, 7 now living; he died in Oct., 1883. his wife preceded 
him in 1855. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been born 3 children— Jay W., 
Carl N. and Maggie R. Mr. Thomas owns 700 acres of land mostly improved. He and 
his brother are extensively manufacturing drain tile, running the only factory of the kind 
between here and Albion. Our subject has held several township offices. He is a Re- 
publican in politics. 



SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP. 163 

A. JUDSON THOMAS, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. West Springfield, was born 
Oct. 19, 1839, in Springfield Township, Erie Co.. Penn., son of Zacliariah (deceased Dec. 
12, 1804), and Cynthia Thomas, early settlers in this county, a brother of Zachuriah and 
Mrs. T. J. Devore (see their sketches). Our subject married, April 9, 1868, Mary L. Cross, 
a native of this county, and a daughter of James and Louisa Cross, also early settlers; her 
father was a brother of Wm. Cross. Three children have blessed this union — Emily L., 
James C, and Raymond W. Mr. Thomas owns about 700 acres of well-improved land, 
on the most of which he has tenants. He is now living on a part of his father's old home- 
stead in West Springfield, and follows farming. He has dealt quite extensively in stock, 
and during the winter months feeds cattle. Previously, for about 4 years, he engaged in 
mercantile business at West Springfield. He is a Republican in politics. 

JOHN M. VAN CAMP, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born Dec. 28, 1836. in Fairview 
Township, Erie Co., Penn., and is the eldest child of Garrett and Julia Van Camp, natives 
of N. Y. State, who came to Erie Co., at an early daJ^ Garrett Van Camp is a prominent 
farmer, residing on his farm in Girard Township; he is the father of 7 children now liv- 
ing. Our subject was united in marriage, in 1859, wuth Hannah, daughter of Thomas 
Thorton, and sister of Joshua and Thomas Thorton, Jr., of Albion. Four children, all living, 
have blessed this union — Ida M., Clara L., Charles G., and Millie A. Mr. Van Camp pur- 
chased his farm of 166 acres of land in Springfield Township in 1872. In politics, he is a 
Republican. 

ANDREW M. WALBRID6E, farmer and hay-dealer, P. O. East Springfield, was 
born on the homestead farm, which he now owns, in Springfield Township, Erie Co., 
Penn., March 29, 1849. His parents. John S. and Jane Walbridge, natives of Vt. and 
State of N. Y. respectively, came to thi.s~cotinty in 1829, anffTeiirpd a family of 8 children, 
all now living. John S. was a prominent farmer, and filled some of the township offices at 
an early day. He departed this life in 1859, his widow following him in 1872. Our subject, 
■who was the 5th child, married, in 1872, Kittie, born in N. Y. Slate, daughter of William 
and Betsey Strickland. Four sons have been born to this union — John J., Carl S., Ralph 
H. and Lee N. Mrs. Walbridge is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject 
owns 50 acres of fine land, with beautiful buildings, on the Ridge road, his father's old 
homestead, on which his grandfather settled, and where his grandmother died. He is also 
the owner of two hay-pre.sses, and has done an extensive business since 1878. He moves 
his machines from farm to farm, pressing the ha3^ which is shipped principal!}^ to the coal 
mines in the center of the State. Mr. Walbridge is also a contractor and one of the most 
enterprising business men of Springfield Township; is one of the largest growers of straw- 
berries in this locality. 

JOSEPH WELDON, farmer, P. O. West Springfield, was born in McKean Township, 
Erie Co., Penn., July 20, 1803, and is the youngest child of David and Mary Weldon, 
natives of this State, who came to Erie Co. in 181J2, from Mifflin Co. David Weldon was 
a tailor by trade, but cleared his farm. He reared 5 children, 2 now living. He was one 
of the first settlers of McKean Township, and was a prominent man; he died in 1833; his 
widow followed him in 1848. Our subject married, Nov. 15, 1826, Bets}' H. Washburn, a 
native of the State of N. Y., by whom he had 4 sons, all now deceased. She died May 10, 
1836; his second marriage was with Margai'et A. Sterrett, anativeof Erie Co., auddaughterof 
William and Elizabeth Sterrett, who were among the earliest settlers in the county, com- 
ing here in 1803. This union has been blessed with 4 children, only 2 surviving — Joseph 
P.. and Mary E., wife of Seymour D. Ware. Mr. Weldon owns nearly 100 acres of veil- 
improved land, and in his earW days was an extensixe cattle-dealer, driving them to the 
Eastern market. Mr. and Mrs. Weldon are members of the M. E. Church. He was one 
of Ihe founders of the church at Sterrettania, Erie Co. He and his sons are Republican in 
politics. 

WM. W. WHEELER, farmer and sawyer, P. O. East Springfield, was born in McKean 
Township, Erie Co.. Penn.. May 1, 1838, and is the youngest child of James and Bath- 
sheba Wheeler, natives of Vt. and N. Y. States respectively, and who came~TO Erie Co. in 
1819. TllPy"~reared a family of 9 children, 7 of whom are living. Mr. Wheeler was a 
prominent farmer, and took up and cleared 100 acres of land. He departed this life Feb. 
19, 1871, his wife having preceded him July 4, 1869. Wm. W., our subject, was married 
in 1866 to Mary A. Prosser, born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, only daughter of Rev. John Pros- 
ser, who was born at Edmondson, N. Y., Apr., 1868. His father and 3 brothers were min- 
isters. He was converted and joined the M. E. Church when he w^as eighteen years old, 
and soon studied for the ministry. Receiving his license to preach in"l832, he was or- 
dained Deacon in 1837, and Elder in 1839. Mr. Prosser and family settled at East Spring- 
field in 1864, and for the last 20 j^ears of his life was on the superannuated list. He died 
of pneumonia at his residence in East Springfield Dec. 22, 1882; his funeral sermon was 
preached to the largest congregation ever assembled in the East Springfield M. E. Church. 
His remains were interred in the cemeteiy at that place. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler are the 
parents of 1 child — John H. They own 68 acres of well-improved land, part of which was 
the homestead of Rev. J. Prosser. Mrs. Wheeler is a consistent member of the M. E. 
Church. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and of the State police. 



164 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

RUEL WHITCOMB, farmer, P. O. East Springfield, was born in Greene Co., N. Y., 
Apr. 31, 1830, the youngest cbild born to Ira and Clarissa Whitcomb, natives of Conn. ; the 
former was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject was united in marriage, Dec, 1855, 
with Mary P. Burr, a native of Delaware Co., N. Y., and a daughter of Cyrus and Sallie 
Burr, who came to this county with jVIr. Whitcomb, with whom they resided. Cyrus Burr 
departed this life in 1871; his widow, aged ninety-one, is now living with our subject. 
Four children have been born to this union, 2 surviving — William B. and Washington. 
Mr. Whitcomb is a sociable, intelligent gentleman, owner of 98 acres of land. He and his 
wife are members of the Christian Church at East Springfield. He is a member of the F. 
& A. M. at Albion. Penn. ; politically, a Democrat. 

IRA O. WILKINSON, farmer, P. O. North Springfield, was born in Amity Town- 
ship, Erie Co., Penn., March 17, 1855, and is a son of Ira and Delaney Wilkinson, who 
were natives of N. Y. State, and came to Erie Co. at an early date. They reared a family 
of 7 children, 5 of whom are now living. Ira was a prominent farmer, and departed this 
life Oct., 1854. His widow now resides with her children; her father was a soldier in the 
war of 1812. Our subject was married, June 8, 1880, to Sophia C. Beckmau, of Fairview 
Township, Erie Co., Penn., born Feb. 15, 1858, and daughter of Louis and Maggie Beck- 
man, natives of Germany, and early settlers here. One child, dying in infancy, has blessed 
this union. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. 
He is a Republican in principle. 



SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 

LEANDER ALEXANDER, farmer, P. O. Kearsarge, son of James and Jane (McCurdy) 
Alexander, was born in Venango Co.. Penn., Aug. 5, 1830. He was married Oct. 1, 1857, 
to Mary Ann Smith, who died in 1875. By this union there were 5 children — William, 
Emma, Anna, David and Clara. Mr. Alexander came to this township in 1872; April 24, 
1873, he was united in marriage with Bell Andrus, of Summit Township. , bj^ whom lie has one 
child — George T. Mr. Alexander has a fine farm of 130 acres, about 110 improved. Mr. 
Alexander, wife and daughters, Emma and Anna, are members of the United Presbyterian 
Church. Mr. Alexander is a leading citizen, has served as Road Commissioner one term; 
politically, is a Democrat. 

ORSON B. ANDRUS, farmer, P. O. McKean. was born in Mass. Oct. 35, 1828, 
and is a son of Philemon Andrus, born in Conn., March 2, 1799, married Orpha, born Oct. 
14, 1805, daughter of Elisha and Rachel (Belden) Pinny, all natives of Mass. They had a 
family of 6 children — Orson B., Harriet E., Jane M., Alta E., Mary A. and Isabella R. 
Philemon Andrus came to Erie Co. in 1836, and settled in Middlel)oro, residing there 10 j'ears. 
He filled several offices in Middleboro and Summit Township in his day, among which 
were Judge of Election and Road Commissioner. He died April 6, 1872. His widow 
still survives him. Philemon was a son of Leeman Andrus, a native of Conn., drowned in 
Farmington River, near Hartford, in 1804. Orson B., the subject of this sketch, married 
Sept. 19, 1850, Lydia M., born Aug. 16, 1822, daughter of Daniel and Amv (White) Wood, 
the former born in R. I. Feb. "5, 1774, died Feb. 25, 1844; the latter born in Vt., 
Oct. 14, 1784, died Aug. 8, 1850. By the above marriage there are 2 children — Florence 
A. L., born Dec. 16, 1853. married Dec. 1, 1874, Thomas R. Smith, of Summit Township, 
where they reside; (they are the parents of 3 children— Mable M., born July 29, 1877; 
Lee A., born Oct. 27, 1879, dj'ing May 1, 1882); and James B.. born April 4. 1882. Her- 
bert E. lives with his father on the home farm; he was born June 13, 1861. He is a 
pronounced advocate of total abstinence, and of all things pertaining to the temperance 
cause. Our subject and wife are adherents of the. United Presbyterian Church; they 
reside in Summit Township, where they have a farm comprising 125 acres, also 50 in 
McKean Township, The farm is under a high state of cultivation, is well stocked and 
the farm buildings are of a superior order. Mr. Andrus is a prominent citizen of Sum- 
mit Township. Has filled the oflices of Road Commissioner. School Director, Assessor, 
Collector and Judge and Clerk of election in his township at various periods for several 
years. Politically, he is a Republican. 

WILLIAM A. BEAN, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born June 3, 1817, in Nashville, Tenn. 
He settled in Erie Co. in 1844. in McKean, now Summit, Township. He was married in 
Summit Township, Sept. 11, 1848, to Cornelia H., daughter of Benjamin F. and Roxy 
(Lee) Norris. Thev have 9 children living— Byron B., Erie A., Helen L., Reginal F.. Kit- 
tie R., Squire C, Ellsworth M., Alfaretta C. and Leoni L. Mr. Bean has 174 acres of land. 
100 of which are improved. He has one of the finest farm residences in the township, and 
his outbuildings are first-class, showing the enterprising, thrifty farmer. In politics, he is 
a Democrat, and has been School Director of his township 38 years in succession. 



SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 165 

OSCAR F. DUNN, farmer, P. O. Kearsarge, was born June 24. 1836, in what is now 
Summit Township, and is a son of William and Mary J. (McCann) Dunn. Mr. Dunn's 
grandfather, Oliver Dunn, settled in Erie Co. in 1797. William Dunn, the father of sub- 
ject of this sketch, was born in 1798, and was said to be the first white male child born in 
Erie Co. ; he died in 1880, aged eighty-two years and one month. Oscar F. Dunn has been 
twice married; first to Matilda R. Ewing, Nov. 6, 18.51, who died May 3, 1857. His second 
wife was Mary E. Miner, of Mill Creek, whom he married April 30, 1860; her decease oc- 
curred Sept. 25, 1876. Mr. Dunn attends the U. P. Church, though not a member. He has 
served as Collector several terms, and also as School Director. He has always been a 
Republican, 

JACKSON J. GRAHAM, farmer, P. O. Godard, was born in Erie Co. in 1825. 
His grandfather, James Graham, settled in what is now Summit Township in 1801, mov- 
ing his family and household goods on horseback from Bellefonte, Centre Co., Penn. 
Wni. Graham, the father of Jackson J., died in Aug., 1883, aged eighty-seven years. In 
1864, our subject was united in marriage with Lavina Robinson, of Mill Creek Township. 
One child has been born to this union— Emma E. Mr. Graham is now serving his second 
term as Commissioner of Summit Township. Politically, he is a Democrat. 

AN OLD SETTLER GONE. 
William Graham, one of the earliest settlers in Erie County, died yesterday morning at his home in 
Summit Township, at the advanced age of eighty-six years and nine months. Mr. Graham was born in Belle- 
fonte. Centre Co., Penn., Nov. 21, 1795, coming to Erie County with his parents in ISul. They located about 
six miles south of the city of Erie, in what was then Crawford' Co. He lived with his parents until 1818, when 
he purchased the farm he ever after lived on from George W. Reed. Mr. Graham endured all the hardships 
incident to clearing and cultivating a new country. He came all the way from Centre County on horseback 
through dense and boundless forests, only broken here and there with a narrow path, only to be followed by 
the blazed trees along them. He was the oldest of a family of seven children, all of whom have died in years 
gone by. Mr. Graham was a soldier of the war of 1812, in which he served with great credit, although scarcely 
seventeen years of age when war was declared. He was a man of sterling honesty and uprightness, admired 
and respected by his neighbors. In all his unusually long life, he never was in any court as either plaintiff or 
defendant in a "law suit, a fact that speaks volumes of his undeviating integrity and honorable dealings with 
his fellow-men. For 20 years he acted as Justice of the Peace, conducting the attairs of his district in so suc- 
cessful a manner that it was rarely ever heard of in court. Mr. Graham leaves one son— .Jackson — and one 
daughter— Mrs. Clark Ewing — both of whom live on their father's farm. He was one of the first subscribers of 
the Weekly Observer when it was started, and he has taken it without a break from that time to the present. 
JErie Observer, Aug. 25, 1882. 

ABRAM HERSHEY, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Sept. 5, 1838, in Donegal, Lancas- 
ter Co., Penn.; he is a son of Benj. and Mary (Zook) Hershey, who settled in Mill Creek, 
Erie Co., in 1832. Mr. Hershey was united in marriage, March 18, 1852, in McKean Town- 
ship, with Fanny, daughter of Samuel and Mary M. (Froy) Toner ; 3 children were born 
to this union— WilliainW., Henry B. and Samuel A. Mr. and Mrs. Hershey are members 
of the Lutheran Church ; he has a farm of 200 acres, under a high state of cultivation, 
and a good residence and outbuildings ; he has never held office ; has always voted the 
Republican ticket. 

ARTHUR O. HILL, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in N. H. in 1823, and settled 
in Erie County with his parents in 1832. Our subject was united in marriage in 1846, with 
Mary Ann Hale, by whom he has 8 children, all living. Mr. Hill has served two terms as 
Road Commissioner of his township, and several terms as School Director ; politically, is 
a Democrat. 

JOHN D. JACKSON, farmer, P. O. Godard. was born in this township Feb. 24, 1847, 
and is a son of James and Mary (Davidson) Jackson, who came from N. Y. and settled in 
what is now Summit Township in 1825. James had 10 children— Mary E., Rebecca J., 
Nancy C, William A., Smith I., Ira V. B., Sarah A., James P., Florence and John D. 
Smith I. and Ira V. B. enlisted in Company B, 145th Penn. Reg. Smith I. was honorably 
discharged after 2 months' service on account of disability, and is now living iu 111. Ira 
was in the battle of Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1862, and died Dec. 21 of the same year. 
John D., our subject, was married, Nov. 11, 1875, to Emma J., daughter of John Myers, 
of Greene Township, by whom he has 1 child, Porter M. Mr. Jackson has served as Au- 
ditor of his township 3 term.s, and been on the Board of Election. In politics, he is a 
Democrat. 

NOAH W. JEWETT, farmer. P. O. Waterford, Penn., is a native of Erie Co.. born 
Feb. 28, 1823, in Waterford Township. He is a son of Samuel and Lory (Porter) Jewett, 
who settled in Waterford, Erie Co., in 1801, died October 22, 1857, aged eighty-two years. 
Mr. Jewett was married in Waterford Sept. 24, 1846. to Caroline A., daughter of Lewis 
and Annie Thomas. Their children were Isadore C, Delancy S., Hester E., Anna B., Ad- 
dison P. and Jay, the last dying in infancy. Mr. Jewett moved from Waterford to_^ Sum- 
mit Township in 1858, and owns a fine farm of 193 acres. His wife died Oct. 10. 1876; he 
has been elected to the office of School Director for 4 years. Assessor and Collector each 1 
year, and Delegate to the Congressional Convention in 1882. In early manhood he voted 
the Whig ticket, casting his first vote for Gen. Scott for President. He joined the Republican 
party on its organization, and was a Delegate to the first Republican Convention held in 
Erie Co. He was drafted during the war "of the rebellion, March, 1865, serving in Co. K, 
103d Reg., and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. 



IQQ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ERASTUS LAWRENCE, farmer, P. O. Kearsarge, was born in Albany Co., N. Y., 
and is a son of Joseph and Jeruslia (Austin) Lawrence, who settled in Greene Township, Erie 
Co., in ISol. Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage, Jul}' 13, 1838, in Springfield, to Jane 
R., daughter of Amos and Martha (Rose) Hilborn, by whom he has had 5 children — Celestia 
andBuelboth diedMarch24, 1843, audwere buried inonecoffin. The surviving are — Watson 
E., married Agnes H. Osborn; Frank H., married to Kitt Palmer, and Eva J., tvife of Geo. 
H. Topper. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence came to Summit Township in 1860, where they have 
since resided, and have always attended the M. E. Church. Mr. Lawrence's son, Watson, 
enlisted in the U. S. Navy, at the age of eighteen, Aug. 1, 1864, serving to the close of the 
war. Our subject was formerly a Whig, but is now a Republican. 

CLARK iilNINGER, farmer, P. O. Kearsarge, was born in this township April 15. 
1841, and is a son of John P. and Christiana (Carroll) Lininger, who settled in what is now 
Summit Township about 1830. The children were 13, viz.: Eliza, Joshua, Matilda, Clark, 
Isaac, Washington, Miranda, Fannie, Mary, Thompson, Susan and Carrie. Of these 
Washington and Clark were in the late war, enlisting Aug. 11, 1863, in Co. B, 145th Penn. 
Regt. Washington was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. Clark was in the 
battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. At the latter he was taken prisoner and 
confined in Libby Prison 3 weeks, when he was exchanged, and rejoined his regiment at 
Annapolis. He was married. May 31,1871, to Eunice, daugliter of James and Emily (Starr) 
Beardsley, by whom he has 3 children— Ella B., Hattie M. and Claude S. Mrs. Lininger is 
a member of the United Presbvterian Church. 

JOHN J. MARQUART, 'farmer, P. O. Godard, was born June 38, 1845, in Germany. 
He emigrated to America with his parents, Jacob and Catherine Marquart, when eight 
years of age, landing at N. Y., shortly afterward coming to Erie, where he learned the 
trade of a"^ blacksmith, which he followed for several years. On July 16. 1874, he was 
united in matrimony with Philipena, daughter of Ludwig and Catherine Blass. By Ihis 
union there have been born 5 children, as follows: John, Dora, Edward, Ellen and Olga. 
In 1874, Mr. Marquart settled Avhere he now resides. He is the owner of 134 acres of land, 
partly in Greene and Summit Townships. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. 

DAVID W. NICHOLS, farmer, P. O. Godard, was born in Madison Co., N. Y., June 
7, 1835, and is a son of Rowland and Abigail (Wooley) Nichols, who settled in what is 
now Summit Towniship in 1837. Rowland was a son of Jonathan Nichols, of Madison Co., 
N. Y., and had 3 children — David W. and Dwight. The latter died in infancy. David 
W. was married in Sept., 1851, to Elvira, daughter of John Dunn, who was among the 
first settlers in what is now Summit Township. By this union there were 4 children — 
Annette E., wife of A. H. Graves, of Ottumwa ; Ira; Elry J., who married Cora Curtis, and 
lives in this township ; Anson, who married Lona Davis, resides in Erie; and Burr D. Mr. 
Nichols has been honored with almost every ofl3ce in the gift of his township. In politics, 
he is a Democrat. 

JOHN OSBORN, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in Devonshire, England, January 
24, 1813. and is a sou of James and Mary (White) Osborn. He married, March 25, 1838, 
Martha Longman, also a native of Devonshire, and had a family of 6 children, of whom 
Edward, John L. and Thomas are dead, and AVilliam, Seth and Alfred are now living. Of 
this family, John L. volunteered Aug. 14, 1863, in Co. B, 145th Regt. P. V. I., 2d Corps, 
under Maj. Gen. W. S. Hancock. Army of the Potomac. He w'aswith his regiment at the 
battle of Aniietam, Md., and was killed in the battle of Fredericksburg Dec. 15, 1863. 
Mr. Osborn came to America in 1841. and settled in McKean Township in 1843. where he 
took up 50 acres of land. His wife died April 30, 1866, and he married, Nov. 7, 1866, Ma- 
tilda Smalley, born Sept. 38, 1830, and is a daughter of John and Sabine Kiel. Four chil- 
dren have been, born to this union — John, born Sept. 30, 1867; Martha, Sept. 36, 1869; 
Grant, Aug. 5, 1871; and Mar}-, Feb. 29. 1874. When Summit Township was organized, 
Mr. Osborn was one of the first School Directors, and held the office 4 years. He is the 
owner of 3 farms, of 54, 79 and 115 acres respectively; the latter is the home farm, 40 acres 
of which are in McKean Township. Mr. Osborn is an adherent of the U. P. Church; po- 
liticallv, is a Republican. 

CHARLES OSBORN, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born Nov. 17, 1833, in Devonshire, 
England, and is a son of James and Mary (White) Osborn, who came to this county in 
1845. Mr. Osborn came to Erie Co. in 1843, settling in what is now Summit Township. 
He w-as married, Dec. 35, 1846, in McKean Township, to Mary, daughter of Richard and 
Agnes (Stoneman) Hearn. They are the parents of 6 children — Agnes H.. Hearn J.. Han- 
nah B., Samuel, Winfield and Frank. Mr. Osborn and wife have been members of the 
M. E. Church 35 years. He owns 150 acres of land, 130 of which are under cultivation. 
He is a thrifty, enterprising farmer; has lived on this farm 36 years. In politics, is a Re- 
publican. 

HEARN J. OSBORN, farmer, P. O. Kearsarge. was born Jan. 11, 1848, in McKean 
Township, this county, and is a son of Charles and Mary (Hearn) Osborn, natives of Eng- 
land, whosettled in Erie Co., in 1843. Oursubject was united in marriage, April 15, 1874, with 
Clara Hinkson, of Summit Township. Mr. Osborn has 50 acres of land under good cultiva- 
tion. In politics, is a Republican. 



SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 167 

OR A PARKER, farmer, P. O. Kearsarge, was born in Berry, Vt., Nov. 10, 1810, and is a 
sonof Jfitaas^and Amanda (Allen) Parker, wlio settled in Mill Creek Township, Erie Co., in 
1814. Mr. Parker was married in MiU Creek, Oct. 20, 1842, to Emily, daughter of Andrew and 
Margaret (Clark) Martin, who settled in Erie Co. in 1800; 6 children were born to this 
Union. Sophia J., Cassias C, David C, Emily F., Ora F. and Jonas A., both dausrhters, 
and David died within a week, of diphtheria, in 1863. In 1842, Mr. Parker left MilfCreek 
and settled in what is now Summit Township, where he has since resided. He has a farm 
of 200 acres under cultivation, and cleared by himself. He has been Collector one term, 
and served as School Director several terms. Mr. Parker was formerly a Whig, but has 
been a Republican since the organization of that party. 

AMOS RIPLEY, farmer, P. O. Kearsarge, was born in McKean Township, Nov. 
20, 1842, and is a son of Edward and Lavina (Barford) Ripley, who came from Lan- 
caster Co., settling in McKean in 1833. Edward Ripley's children were — Henry, born 
Jan. 7, 1840. and Amos. Amos first married, Aug. 27, 1872, in Erie, Mary B., daughter of 
John and Mary Whiteman ; and again, Jan. 18, 1877, to Isabel Whiteman, a sister of his 
first wife. Mr. Ripley occupies the old homestead, most of it having been cleared by his 
father. His brother Henry resides with him. 

KING ROBISON, farmer, P. O. Kearsarge, was born June, 1809, in County Donegal, 
Ireland, and is a son of William and Jane (Ewing) Robison. Mr. Robison settled in 
Erie Co. about 1822, and was married, Oct. 21, 1847, to Jane, daughter of James and Eliz- 
abeth King, of Waterford. She was born in Belfast, Ireland, and reared in Buifalo, N. Y. 
Her parents were among the early settlers of Waterford Township. To this union have 
been born 6 children, viz.: Serena J., Irena, Pressly, Tillie, George, and M. Lucinda, who 
died Nov., 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Robison have been members of the United Presbyterian 
Church about 30 years. Mr. Robison has a farm of about 190 acres, about 130 improved, 
and most of which he has cleared himself. In politics, he is a stanch Republican. 

HARRY O. ROOT, farmer, P. O. Erie, is a son of Roger and Florinda (Miner) Root. 
He was born in Winchester, Conn., Aug. 23, 1810, and moved to Erie with his parents 
when seven years of age; he married in 1838 Eliza, daughter of Capt. Warren Foot, who 
settled in this county in 1804. The issue of this marriage was Warren F., George, Allen 
P. and Florinda. During his residence in Summit Township, Mr. Root has held nearly 
every local office. In tiie early times, he was a Whig and Anti-Mason, but joined the Re- 
publican party on its organization, and has since voted that ticket. His wife died in 
1882, aged seventy-two years. 

HENRY STUEVxl, farmer, P. O. Kearsarge, Penn., was born April 17, 1832, in Prus- 
sia, and is a son of Christopher and Catherine Stueva. Our subject settled in Erie Co. in 

1851, and was united in marriage, April 1, 1855, with Elizabeth Finner of Summit Town- 
ship. They have been the parents of 9 children — Christiana, Joim H., Mary C, 
George M.. Frank B., Lizzie A., Charles W., Abner A. and Bertha C. Mr. Stueva first 
located in McKean Township, moving to Summit, where he now resides, in 1872. His 
father-in-law, John M. Finner, settled on the place in 1842, making most of the clearing. 
Mr. and Mrs. Stueva are members of the Evangelical Association, and have been since 

1852. In politics, he is a Republican. 

JOHN C. VEIT, farmer, P. O. Erie, was born in Germany March 8, 1888, and is a son 
of John M. and Margaret (Knodle) Veit, who settled in McKean Township in 1840. He 
was married, Nov. 19, 1865, to Helen, daughter of Nathan Stafford, who settled in what 
is now Summit Township in 1823. The issue of this marriage was 3 children — Delia, Tra- 
vers and Roy. The Staffords were among the early settlers of McKean and Summit Town- 
ships; they were enterprising citizens, and did mucii to improve the county in its early 
settlement. Nathan had 6 children — George W., Montgomery, Nancy, Mary J., Helen and 
Alice. He died in Summit in 1881, at the age of seventy-five. John C. Veit, our subject, 
was in the late war, enlisting Aug. 11, 1862; was in the battles of Antietam, Fredericks- 
burg, Gettysburg, and the campaign of the Wilderness and Petersburg. At the latter he 
was taken prisoner, and confined in Andersonville and Florence Prisons 9 months. He 
was then exchanged, and rejoined his regiment near Washington, D. C, and was honor- 
ably discharged in June. 1865. 

■ CAPT. MARITONO. WAY, farmer, P. O. Godard, was born in this township 
Feb. 11, 1840, and is a son of Daniel F. and Adeline (Fritts) Waj^ who settled in Erie Co. 
in 1830. Capt. Way married, Dec. 16, 1868, Isadore C, daughter of Noah and Caroline 
Jewett; they -have a family of 6 children— Daniel B., Hattie B., Glady M., Nick, Glenn 
and Ethel. Mr. Way has held the offices of Assessor, School Director, and is now serving 
his second term as Road Commissioner in his township. At the beginning of the war, 
Capt. Way was one of the first to respond to the call of President Lincoln for 75,000 men to 
put down the rebellion ; served 3 months as a private, and was hnnorablj' discharged June 
6. same year; he then re-enlisted Aug. 2, 1862, for 3 years, or during the war. Was third 
Sergeant in Co. B, 145tli Penn. Reg.; was promoted to Orderlj^ Sergeant, and soon after to 
the rank of Captain ; he participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Antietam, Sharps- 
burg and Gettysburg, and in other smaller engagements. He was wounded in left forearm 
at Gettysburg, and was mustered out with the regiment in June, 1865, when he returned 



168 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

to Summit Township, and has since resided on the old homestead. In politics, Capt. Waj' 
is a Republican. 

ZELOTES L. WEBSTER, farmer, P. O. Kearsarge, Penn., was born in this county 
Dec. 5. 1814; his father, Eli Webster, settled in Erie Co., in 1803. Our subject married in 
1840 Mary Ann White, of Crawford Co. They have had 12 children— Charlotte, born in 
1841; Frank D., born in 1843; Alden, born in 1845; Emma, in 1847; Clara, in 1849; Ida, in 1851 -. 
Agnes, in 1853; Blanche, in 1855; Kate, in 1857; Cora, in 1858; Lee White, in 1860; Ro.ss 
M., in 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Webster, are members of the Universalist Church. Mr. Web- 
ster has held several township offices, and has been Justice of the Peace for 38 years. In 
politics, he is a Republican. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 



O. L. ABBEY, physician, Union City, was born in Wayne Township, Erie Co., Penn., 
in 1843. His father, Herman, was a native of Conn., and his mother, Jane Smith Abbey, was 
of Scotch-Irish descent. They were among the pioneersof Union Township, and after mar- 
riage settled in Wayne Co., where they both died. They raised a family of 8 children, 7 of 
whom survive. The subject of this sketch acquired his primary education in the acade- 
my of Waterford, Erie Co. He took a thorough course of studies under the instruction of 
Dr. Humphrey, of this city, and completed his medical studies at the University of Buffalo, 
where he graduated in the class of 1864. He began the practice of his profession at Mt. 
Washington, Butler Co. The following year he removed to Wattsburg, and two years 
later to this city, where he has since been in constant and successful practice. The firm of 
Abbey", Gracer & Co. erected the chair factory in Union City, and Dr. Abbey was identi- 
fied in the erection of the Keystone Block, which is a monument to him and other enter- 
prising spirits. He was married in this county in 1877 to Miss Roxie McLean, a native of 
this county. Dr. Abbey is a member of the Presbyterian Church; is an honored member 
of the Masonic fraternity, and the K. of H. 

CHESTER W. BACON, farmer, P. O. Union City, was born in Phelps, Ontario Co., 
N. Y., in 1822. His mother, Ro.xy Bacon, died in Chenango Co., N. Y., Feb., 1828. His 
father, Henry C, was a native of Whately, Mass., and a son of Jonathan Bacon, a pioneer 
of Genesee and Chenango Cos., a soldier of the Revolutionary war, who died in Genesee 
Co. in 1833. Henry C. Bacon settled on the present farm of his son in 1840, where he 
lived till his decease in 1862, in his 72d year. He was a soldier of the war of 1812. 
Of his children, 3 are now living — Daniel S., Chester W. and Wells W. Chester W, 
married, in 1849, Rosanah Hale, a native of Chenango Co., N. Y.. by whom he has had 2 
children, both living— Charles H. and Jennie L. Mr. Bacon has always lived on the home- 
stead farm, and is well and favorably known among the citizens and pioneers. 

L. G. BARNES, farmer, P. O. Union City, was born on the homestead in this town 
ship in 1835. His father. Rev. Levi Barnes, was born February 25, 1796, in North 
Canaan. Conn., and in 1818 was married to Susan Capron, and in 1820 with his wife and one 
child took up the farm occupied by our subject in Erie Co. The journey from Utica, N. 
Y., was made in a sleigh. He was converted when eighteen, and licensed to exhort in 
1822; was ordained a Deacon in 1853, and an Elder in 1863. The pioneer preachers always 
found a warm welcome at his home. He spent 57 years in this county, enduring many 
hardships. He took an active part in establishing schools, churches, etc., and in 1834 was 
elected and for several years served as Capt. of a company of militia. His son preserveg 
his sword. Mrs. Barnes after a lingering illness died in the faith May 10, 1877; he followed 
her May 19, 1877. The church lost a pillar, and the people a worthy citizen. Their chil- 
dren now living are Charles G., John Vincent, Harriet, Hannah E., Alpheus, L. G. and 
Susan A. Nathan S. died \i years after his parents' deaths. Our subject married in 1857 
Mary M. Shelmadine, of this county, who has borne him 6 children, 5 livinff — Olive A. 
(wife of J. M. Carroll), Alice N. (wife of F. S. Carroll), May R., Emma A. and Jennie L. 
Mr. Barnes has alwaj's resided on the homestead. He has served as School Director some 
years, and is a consistent member of the M. E. Church. 

WILLIAM P. BILES, Jk., physician. Union City, born in 1850 in Greenwood Town- 
ship, Crawford Co., Penn., is a son of William P. and Martha Anna (Murdick) Biles, 
natives of Washington Co., and Lawrence. Penn., respectively. The former, now en- 
gaged in stock-raising, has been a resident of Crawford Co. 50 years, and though a prom- 
inent man. never accepted office. Four of his children are living— John C, residing at 
Chanute, Kan.; Mary C, wife of Wm. Aunorer, of Crawford Co.; James W. and Wm. P., 
Jr. Andrew enlisted in C^o. F, 38th P. V. I., in 1861, and received his death wound in the 
seven days' fight before Richmond. Our subject received his medicsl education at the 
Eclectic Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated in 1879. Soon after receiving 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 169 

his degree, he practiced his profession at Mill Village, Erie Co. June. 1883, the Doctor came 
to Union Cit}^, and opened an office, and is doing a large and lucrative practice, being ua 
usually successful with all cases brought to him. He married in Mercer Co., Penn., in 1874, 
Barah E. Dilley. The surviving children born to this union are Bertha M. and William E. 
The family are members of theM. E. Church. Dr. Biles is a member of the State Medical 
Association of Penn., and President of the Northwestern Medical Association. He was 
for years a member of the Penn. State Police, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. 
of H. and R. T. of T. 

W. O. BLACK, Postmaster, Union City, was born in Meadville, Penn., in 1833, and 
is the 3d child of William and Phebe (Jones) Black. The mother, a native of Meadville, 
was a daughter of Robert Jones, of Scotch descent, a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and 
who had 3 sons in the war of 1812, one of whom now resides in Crawford Co., Penn. Will- 
iam Black, born near Pittsburgh, was a son of John Black, who, with his brother, James, 
emigrated to America, from Ireland, at an early date. James went South, and his where- 
abouts are not known. John settled in Penn., served in the war of 1812, and resided at 
Meadville until his death. William Black in early life farmed, and traveled on horseback 
from Pittsburgh to Warren, Penn., carrying the mail. Later, he engaged in mercantile 
trade at Meadville. In 18o9, he moved to Union City, where he lived in retirement until 
he was accidentally killed while walking on the rail of the P. <& E. road, in 1870. His 
wife and mother died in 111., but are interred here. Five of their children survive — Caro- 
line, Margaret, Katie, John D. and our subject. W. O. Black, though reared on a farm in 
early life, was a salesman in Meadville and in Erie City, to which he came in 1844. In 
1847, he opened a stock of goods for a Buffalo house, running a grist mill and saw mill in 
connection. He then farmed for 8 years in this township. In 1866, he sold this farm, and 
manufactured oil barrels. He also largely engaged in stock-dealing until 1880, when he 
was appointed Postmaster. Mr. Black took an active part during the late war, assisting 
to raise the 83d, 111th and the 145th Regs., and also served as a Surgeon, doing active 
work at Fredericksburg and Gettj^sburg, where his brother John was pierced by 3 bullets. 
Mr. Black married, in this county, Elizabeth R., daughter of Judge M. Sterrett, of Erie 
City, by whom he has the following-named children: Ada, Emma, Mary, Jessie, Nettie 
and William. Mr. Black served as County Treasurer (in 1859), in the City Council, as 
Commissioner and in various local offices, always giving satisfactiun to his constituents. 

G. W. BRAKEMAN, dry goods, boots, shoes and carpets. Union City, was born in 
Venango Co., Penn., in 1847, son of Lorenzo and Sarah (Thompson) Brakeman, natives 
of the same State. They moved from Mercer Co., Penn., to York Co., Neb., in 1870, where 
Mrs. Brakeman died. Our subject came to this city in 1870, engaging as a salesman until 
the spring of 1882, when he opened his present place of business in the Gillett Block. 
Possessing good business qualifications and carrying a good stock, he does a large and in- 
creasing business.' Mr. Brakeman married, in Mercer Co., Penn., in 1870, Almira C. 
McCutcheon, a native of same. Three children blessed this union, all living, viz., James 
D., Frank E. and William. Our subject is connected with the M. E. Church, and is a 
member of the I. O. O. F., K. of H. and Royal Templars. He is a highly esteemed bus- 
iness man of Union City. 

CHARLES W. BREED, farmer, P. O. Union City, w^as born in Hawley, Franklia 
Co., Mass., in 1822, son of John and Catherine (Fish) Breed, the former a native of Conn., 
the latter of Vt. They mig.ated to Crawford Co., Penn., in 1834, but after a year's res- 
idence there moved to Union Township, Erie Co., Penn. He was one of the pioneers in 
the wilderness, entering 100 acres of land in Crawford Co., and 60 in Wayne, where they 
passed the remainder of their lives. They reared a family of 11 children, 6 now living- 
Maria, John, Eunice S., Charles W., Catherine and Henry. Our subject was married, in 
this county, June 17, 1847, to Emma, daughter of Jacob Shepard, a distinguished pioneer 
of this county, Avhere she was born. Six children were born to this union, but one surviving 
— Alta, wife of Willis Hubbell, who resides on the homestead. Mr. Breed settled on his 
present farm of 100 acres in 1849, which at that time was an unbroken wilderness, but 
which he has cleared and improved. He erected a commodious, substantial residence, and 
is liviniT a quiet, unostentatious life. Mr. Breed is a member of the M. E. Church. 

FERDINAND CARROLL was born in the North of Ireland in 1757, and spent his 
bojiiood days with his widowed mother. He served a 7-}^ears' apprenticeship at the weaver's 
trade, and when twenty-four married Isabella Johnson, who bore him 12 children. In the 
spring of 1801, he, with his wife and 10 children, set sail in an old war vessel for N. Y. 
After a stormy voyage of 8 weeks (during which his daughter Isabella died and was 
buried), he landed at New Castle, Del. Their destination was Chillicothe, Ohio, but, on 
arriving at Pittsburgh and hearing of the inducements offered by the Holland Land Co.. 
Mr. Carroll, with his sons Samuel and George, came to Erie Co., where he purchased for 
$30 in gold, a Dutch pioneer's claim to Land Tract No. 159, on which was a rude hut, and 
brought the famiiy on pack-horses from Pittsburgh. He departed this life, Feb. 1, 1831, 
his wife Sept. 30, 1830. He bequeathed his estate to William, his youngest son. William 
married Hannah Slauson in 1820, by whom he had 10 children. She died in 1872. Wm. 
Carroll died in 1882, leaving the greater part of the homestead to George W., who, by .ui 



370 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ditional purchases, has now 167 acres of land. He married, in 1863, Susan A., daughter 
of Levi Barnes, a pioneer of Union Township. She is a lady of rare energj^ and business 
sapacity. In 1871, Mr. Carroll erected a cheese factory, which he is conducting success- 
f\illy, and is making annually over 50 tons of cheese. Mr. Carroll and wife are descended 
from pioneer stock. They are intelligent, progressive and highly esteemed citizens. 

H. C. CHENEY, of Cheney & Lowry, chair manufacturers. Union City, was born in 
Cheshire Co., N. H., in 1836, and learned chair-making at Ashburnham, Mass. At the break- 
iBg-outof the war, our subject, in 1861. enlisted in Co. G, 31st Mass. V. I. He was wounded 
in the arm in the battle a Camden, N. C, in April, 1862, and returned home on furlough. 
He rejoined his regiment in Aug., and participated in the 2d battle of Bull Run, South 
Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Spottsylvauia, and was with Burnside at Roanoke, 
through the battle of the Wildernesss with Grrant, and was again wounded at the mine 
explosion before Petersburg, Va., in July, 1864. He was mustered out Sept.. 1864, at Wor- 
cester, Mass. Mr. Cheney, in 1870, contracted for chair-making at Jamestown, N. Y. Two 
years later, he became proprietor of a hotel at Canisteo, N. Y., but 4 j'ears after re- 
turned to Jamestown. In 1881, he came to this city and organized this firm, of which he 
is the manager. They purchased tlie old factory of Wheeler and rebuilt it, but it was 
destroyed by fire the same year. The present edifice is 40x150 feet. The engine, boiler 
and dry-kiln room 36x64, and a new addition to the main 30x60. It is the largest manu- 
factory in the city, employing from 50 to 60 men. Mr. Chenej' married" at Fitch- 
burg, Mass., in 1861, Ellen P. Burgess, a native of the same, who bore him 2 sons — 
Harry C. and Louis I. Our subject is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P., and A. 
0. U. W. 

H. L. CHURCH, of the firm of H. L. Church & Sons, millers. Union City, was born in 
Haddam, Middlesex Co., Conn., in 1811. His father, Thomas Church, a native of Haddam, 
ami his mother, Saliie N. (Parmelee) Church, born in Killingworth, moved to this town- 
ship in 1855, where Thomas passed the remainder of his life. i\Irs. Church, an estimable 
]ad3^ died aged ninety-four years one month and seventeen days. Three of their children 
are living — H. L., Russell S. and Thomas R. Mr. Church entered mercantile trade in 
Union City in 1855, under the firm name of Summerton ct Church, erecting and conduct- 
ing the Union City Mills, until 1864, when they dissolved. Mr. Church retained his in- 
terest, and Charles H. and R. S., his sons, are now associated with him. The mill has 
i run of buhrs, with a capacity of 25 barrels per day, besides an extensive run of custom 
work. A saw mill, rebuilt in 1855, is also run in connection with the same. The water-power 
is supplied by a dam erected in 1800. Mr. Church married in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 
1838, to E. M. J., daughter of Henry Whitney, a native of Oneida Co., N. Y. ; of the children 
born to this union, 4 are living — Charles, R. S. second, Horatio L. and Carrie E. 
Mr. Church served as Treasurer of Warren Co., Penn., one term and has filled various 
oflBces of trust in this township. He is one of the active business workers of this city. 

W. E. CLARKE, produce dealer. Union City. The Clarke family are of English stock. 
John Clarke, from whom the later generations sprang, was the founder of Rhode Island. Our 
subject was born in Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y., Dec. 22, 1838, and is a son of Isaac 
D. and Sophia (Taft) Clarke, who came to the West in 1847, and settled in Wattsburg, Erie 
Co.. where the latter died in 1865. John, who has attained the age of eighty years, is the 
father of 4 children — Artemus N. and Henry T., residents of Omaha; W. E'. and Augus- 
tiis W., of Papillion, Neb. Mr. Clarke has been dealing in produce since 1861, and is no 
doubt the most extensive butter buyer in Erie Co. His business averages $100,000 per 
annum in produce. He is also largely engaged in real estate, bonds and mortgages. Mr. 
Clarke was married at Waterford, Erie Co., Penn.', in 1877, to Mary A., daughter of 
S. G. Brotherton. Three children have been born to this union — Ward B. Louis S. and 
Edith H. 

L. S. CLOUGH, wholesale lumber dealer. Union City, is a grandson of Levi Clough, 
a native of the State of N. Y., where he was reared, educated and married. In early life, 
he worked at the trade of carpenter and joiner, and afterward followed farming. When about 
eighteen years of age, he settled in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he married and resided 
many years. For several years previous to his death, he resided with his son in Crawford 
Co., Penn., and there retired from active business, and enjoj-ed the fruits of his past labors 
and the loving care of his children and friends. Walter R. Clough, his son, and father of 
our sul)ject, was born in Chautauqua Co., X. Y., in 1826. He remained at home assisting 
to till the home farm and receiving an education, until he was twenty-one years of age. 
He then began farming on his own account, and in 1N.54 came to Penn., and settled in 
Sparta, Crawford Co., where he remained until 1874, and then removed to Dover, Cuyahoga 
Co., Ohio, where he now resides, engaged in fruit farming. His wife, Melissa H. (Smith) 
Clough, IS a native of N. Y. State, born about 10 miles east of Lockport. She is a daugh- 
ter of Levi Smith, of R. I., a participant of the war of 1812, who died in Conneaut, 
Ashtabula Co., Ohio, after a long and useful life. Mrs. Clough is the mother of 7 children, 
viz., L. S., Emma A., Kate A.. George W., Alton A., Eugene D. and Charles L. Levi 
Smith Clough, the subject of this sketch, was born in Chautauqua Co., X. Y., Feb. 11, 
tS48. At eighteen years of age, he left home and engaged in working at the trade of car- 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 171 

penter and joiner, and thereby earned the means which enabled him to buy books and se 
cure an education. After about 2 years' experience at the carpenter's trade, he began con" 
tracting, and 8 years later engaged in the wholesale lumber business. Since 1876, he 
has been residing in Union City, where he has built up a large and increasing business. 
When he opened his business here, it was on the small capital of $4,500, but by perse- 
verance, honesty and industry, he has met with success, and now carries an average stock 
of $15,000, and besides is engaged in manufacturing in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and Craw- 
ford Co., Penn. His residence, a model of refinement and neatness, shows its owner to be 
a wide-awake and public-spirited citizen. In July, 1876, he married Miss Sarah M., daugh- 
ter of Perry G. Stranahan, whose portrait and biography appear elsewhere in this volume. 
Mr. Clougli is an active meml)er of the order A., F. & A. M., and though yet young, is 
looked upon as one of the leading and enterprising men of Union City. 

JOHN S. COE, farmer, P. O. Union City, was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1815, 
son of Samuel and Sally Coe., the former of Conn, and the latter of Madison Co., N. Y., a 
daughter of John Stockholm, a native of Newport, England. They came to Erie Co. in 
1837. and, excepting a short residence at Mayville, lived here till their deaths. They reared 
9 children, 8 now living. Our subject, John S., came to Erie Co. in 1836, empty handed. 
He worked for $10 per month, but by perseverance and frugality was enabled to purchase 
loO acres of land, which he has, by additional purchases, increased to 256 acres. He was 
united in marriage, Nov. 4, 1841, with Eliza Louther, now deceased, a native of this 
county; she was the mother of 3 children — Mary E., George W. and Martha J. George W. 
enlisted Oct. 16, 1864, in the 145th Reg. P. V. I. ; was taken prisoner and died at Anderson- 
ville. Mr. Coe's second union was with Lucy Utter, a native of Allegany Co. N. Y. ; 3 
children have blessed this marriage, viz., John E., Charles S. and Ella E. Mr. Coe is 
descended from one of the esteemed pioneer families of this count}^ 

ELI DUNCOMBE, deceased. Among the early ancestry of this gentleman, was Sir 
Charles Duncombe, who emigrated from England to Boston in 1730, married in that city, 
and reared a family of 4 sons and 1 daughter. Charles, the eldest son, was boVn in 1747; 
married Mary Treadwell, and moved to Conn. Their family consisted of 5 sons and 1 
daughter. David, the 3d son of Charles, was born in Conn, in 1777, amid the living events 
of the Revolution. After the war, his parents moved with him and some of his 
brothers from Conn, to Stamford, Delaware Co., N. Y. David was married, in Stamford, 
in 1802, to Phebe Nickols, of that place. To them were born 3 sons — Eli, Almond and 
Charles H. Eli Duncombe, the subject of this sketch was born in Stamford, Delaware Co., 
N. Y.. in 1804. His early days were spent at the farm home of his father, he receiving such 
school training as could be imparted in those early days. At the age of twenty, he entered 
the study and practice of medicine with his cousin, Dr. C. H. Duncombe, of St. Thomas, Can. 
In 1827, he married Selina Champlain, of Stamford, Delaware Co., N. Y. In the spring of 
1830, in company with his parents and their family, they moved to the then " far West," 
and located in Amity Township, Erie Co., Penn., on French Creek, 2 miles below Watts- 
burg. Here in the unbroken forest he formed the nucleus of his new home, and by the 
assistance of a frugal and industrious wife they soon found themselves surrounded by a very 
pleasant home. To them were born 4 sons and 2 daughters, 2 of whom died in infancy. 
To these he gave the best educational advantages the country afforded, fitting them to oc- 
cupy the most worthy position of citizenship. His counsel was sought on all subjects of 
public note, and where arbitration could prevent litigation, few if any equaled him in 
adjusting difficulties. He served his township in various official capacities, not from 
choice, but in obedience to the demands of its citizens. His study was laden with the 
most practical, historical and progressive literature of the day, of which he was a close 
student. He was zealously attached to the interests of the church in his home town of 
Wattsburg, and very few can be found who contributed more or labored more assiduously 
in advancing its usefulness. He died, of congestion of the lungs, in the spring of 1877, 
aged seventy-three years. Mrs. Duucoml)e is still living (1884) with her daughter, Mrs. 
W. T. Everson, in Union Cilj', in her eighty-first vear. 

W. T. EVERSON, Union City, Penn., was born in 1827, in Moravia, N. Y. His 
parents, Wm. and Catherine (Thompson) Everson, were natives of N. J.; his school educa- 
cation was completed at the Homer Academy at the age of eighteen years, when he en- 
gaged in teaching school in the counties of Onondaga and Cayuga, N. Y., for 6 years. In 
1851, he taught school in Ripley, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. In 1853, he located in Wattsburg, 
Erie Co. , where he carried on wagon manufacturing for a number of years. In 1857, he mar- 
ried Phebe J., only surviving daughter of Eli and Selina Duncombe, of Amity, Erie Co., but 
natives of Delaware Co., N. Y. (See biographj^ of Eli Duncombe.) Mr. Everson's family 
consists of 3 children — Wm. E. and 2 adopted children, J. F. Duncombe, orphan and 
nephew of Mrs. E. and Mary C, adopted from the Home in N. Y. Mr. E. engaged in 
producing and refining petroleum oils in 1862, and was actively engaged for 6 years, 
when he returned to Amity, Erie Co., and engaged in farming. With former experience 
and practical life, he soon became a noted agriculturist, and his counsels were sought after 
by patrons of husbandry throughout the entire State. He was the Prohibition candidate 
for Congress in fall of 1882, receiving a very complimentary vote for the infant cause in 



172 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

which he is zealously engaged. Mr. Everson is at present Director ani Vice President in 
the Farmers' Trust Co., a banking institution organized in Union City in 1883. He is 
highl}^ esteemed and respected by all who know him. He is a member of the M. E. Church, 
in which he has acted in the capacity of Class Leader and Sunday School Superintendent 
a large portion of his life. 

A. O. GILLETT, furniture dealer and undertaker, Gillett Block, Union City, second 
child and only son born to William A. and Julia A. (Organ) Gillett, natives of Geauga Co., 
Ohio, and Putnam Co., N. Y., respectively. They moved on a farm in Union Township, Erie 
Co., Penn. They now reside in Union City. Our subject was born in 1841, in Steuben Co., 
N. Y. He remained on the homestead farm until eighteen years of age. He was second to 
respond to the first call for troops in this place, and served 3 months in Co. H. 83d P. V. I. 
After his return, he engaged in various mercantile pursuits, and established the first fur- 
niture store in this city, in Brooklyn Block, which was destroyed by fire in 1878. Recov- 
ering from this .severe loss, he erected the Gillett Block, cor. Main and Market streets, 
which is a monument to his enterprise; it has a frontage of 41 ft., depth 102 ft., also a 
frontage of 21x61 ft. on Market street. His furniture store and undertaking establishment 
is the largest business house in the city, and he carries an average stock of .f 6.000. He 
has a large trade, getting the bulk of this class of business. He is a member of the School 
Board, and has served 3 years in the City C'ouncil; is also a member of the K. of H. and 
I. O. O. F. Mr. Gillett married in this city, in 1867, Caroline, daughter of Alex. Whitney, 
of Chautauqua Co., N. Y., who bore him 3 children — Willie H., Maud E. and Martha J. 

OSCAR GLEZEN, blacksmith. Union City, is a native of Broome Co., N. Y., born in 
1827. He is a son of Marcellus and Abigail (Howland) Glezen, who were the parents of 2 
children— Ezra F., of Tompkins Co., N. Y., and Oscar. Mrs. Glezen was a native of 
Delaware Co., and Mr. Glezen of Berkshire Co., Mass., and died at the age of eighty-five 
at New Jersey. Our subject, with the family moved to Tioga when a boy, and there he 
learned his trade. Mr. Glezen remained at home until his marriage, in 1850, with Sarah S. 
Cross, a native of Berkshire Co., Mass. They came to this city in 1869, and Mr. Glezen 
opened a shop which was destroyed by fire Aug. 8, 1875. In March, 1883, he opened his 
present siiop, where he does a large and increasing trade, employing 3 men continually. 
His eldest son — James L., was connected with him in business until his death in 1877. 
Oscar B., his second son, is a resident of Tioga County. Mr. Glezen served as Justice of 
the Peace in Tioga Co. 9 years. Justice of the Sessions 1 year, and as Assistant Revenue 
Assessor 5 years. He %vas one of the City Council for a term, and is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, the I. O. O. F., and E. A. U. 

C. N. GOUCHER, physician. Union City, was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, in 1845, 
son of William S. and Deborali (Webb) Goucher, natives of Ohio and residents of Green- 
ville, Penn., where he is Justice of the Peace. Of their 5 children, only C. N. survives. 
Our subject acquired his education in the schools of Hartford, Ohio, and graduated at the 
Henniston Institute, in Cleveland, in 1863. Then for 4 years he applied himself to the 
study of medicine with Dr. Allen Jones, of Kinsman, Ohio, completing same at the 
Cleveland Medical College, graduating in the class of 1869. In 1870, he began to practice 
in Girard, Ohio, remaining 4 years, when he moved to Mercer Co., Penn.; thence to this 
city in 1881, where he has since very successfully followed his profession. Dr. Goucher was 
married in Girard, in 1871, to Emma Kincade, a native of same, and a daughter of Joseph 
Kincade; 1 son — Willie, has blessed this union. Mrs. Goucher died in 1872. Mr. Goucher 
sub.sequently remarried in Mercer Co., Penn., Louisa, daughter of Geo. Battiger, a native 
of same county; 2 children have been born to this union, viz., Addie B. and Curtis N. 
The Doctor Is connected with the Presbyterian Church, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

HENRY N. HALL, proprietor of market on Main St., Union City, one of our active 
business men, is the only son of Noah Hall, who was born in Warren Co., Ohio. In 1836, he 
married, in Orleans Co., N. Y., Evaline Drake, a native of same, and soon after moved 
to Burton, Ohio, where he engaged in mercantile trade until 1843, when he returned to 
Orleans Co., dealing in stock, which he drove over the mountains to Philadelphia. Leaving 
his family enjoying the comforts of his home, he returned, in 1847, to Burton on l)usiness; 
from thence journeyed to Shiloh, Richland Co., Ohio, where he was murdered in cold blood 
by R. G. M. Ward, with whom he was boarding, in March, 1853, and who escaped the law, 
but afterward was sentenced to be hung for murdering a woman, and, before execution, 
confessed to the murder of Mr. Hall and an unknown peddler. His wMdow subsequently 
purchased a farm and hotel in Riceville, Penn., where she settled with her family and 
passed the remainder of her life. Our subject was born in Burton, Ohio, in 1839. He as- 
sumed the proprietorship of the hotel at Riceville, Penn., for several years. After 1861, 
he entered the mercantile trade and manufactured barrels; 7 years later he disposed of 
his interest and came to this city, where he conducted a market several years. From 1877 
to 1880, he ran a wholesale and retail fiour and feed store at Tarport, McKean Co., Penn. 
At the expiration of this time he returned to this city and opened his present place of bus- 
iness. He employs 2 men, and with the assistance of his son attends to his large and in- 
creasing trade. Daring the late war he was drafted in 1862 and 1863 for the Union army, 
and furnished 2 substitutes. Mr. Hall has about 400 acres of land in Crawford Co., where 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 173 

he carried on the lumber trade for a short time. He served as a member of the Council at 
Riceville, and is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, and the K. of H. His mar- 
riage to Mary E. Maliery, of Jamestown, N. Y., occurred at Riceville in 1863. She was a 
daughter of Wm. Maliery, an early settler of Riceville, where she was reared and educated. 
She died in 1880, leaving one son— J. Park. Mr. Hall was again married, on this occasion 
Sept. 5, 1883, to Abbie V. Burchfield, of Edinboro, Penn. 

EDWIN W. HATCH, broom manufacturer, Union City, was born in Amity Town- 
ship, Erie Co., in 1835. He is a grandson of Roswell (a soldier in 1812, a prominent char- 
acter, founder of the M. E. Church at Hatch Hollow, where he passed his life), and son of 
Jason C. Hatch, born in Herkimer Co. in 1806, and who married Maryann King; she died 
in 1838, and he afterward married her younger sister, Elizabeth, daughter of Levi King, 
born in Vt. in 1784, who with his father, Adinijah, born in 1857, settled in Waterford 
Township in 1815. Adinijah, familiarly known as the Yankee King, died at Waterford. 
Levi purchased our subject's estate, but moved to Amity, where he died. To Jason C. 
were born 15 children, 10 surviving — Edwin, Daniel W., George, Arvilla, Julia, Scott, EI- 
win, Wilson, Eugene and Fred. Daniel W., George and Cyrus served in the late war; the 
latter was killed in the second battle of Fredericksburg. The family settled in Amity 
Township in 1825. Jason and William, his older brothers, entered 3 tracts of 200 acres 
each, and erected the first saw mill in the township, which was operated by the Hatch fam- 
ily until 1872. Jason was extensively engaged in farming, and at the time of his death in 
1865 owned over 600 acres of land. Our sul)ject married, in Amity Township, in 1856, 
Nancy, daughter of Ira Chaft'e, one of the pioneer settlers of Amity Township, Erie Co. 
Their children are Leon W., Frank P., P. Luther and Augustus E. Mr. Hatch came to 
Union City in 1872, engaging in business. He purchased and improved a tract of land known 
as the Hatch Hill, on which he erected his residence. Our subject made staves until 1875, 
when his place was burned. In 1876, he, with his brother George, erected the broom fac- 
tory, with a capacity of 10 dozen brooms per day. George withdrew in 1879, and he ad- 
mitted his sons. Leon W. and Frank, as partners, and increased the capacity to 30 dozen 
per day. Mr. H. has been connected with the M. E. Church for the past 26 years, and was 
Superintendent of Sabbath school 15 years. 

J. P. HEARN, photographer, Union Cit}', is a native of Devonshire, England, born in 
1846. He immigrated with his brother John in 1872, locating in Ottawa, Canada, 1 year; 
thence to St. Catharines, Ontario, where he was a pupil of G. F. Maitland, with whom he 
remained 1 year in St. Catharines, and 2 years in Buffalo, N. Y. In the spring of 1875 he 
came to this city, built and opened a photograph gallery, which was destroyed in the 
"Brooklyn Fire" in 1879; he lost his entire stock. By pluck and perseverance he again 
established himself in business, over the post office, where he has fitted a gallery with all 
modern improvements, and has built up a large trade. He is a fine artist, and specimens 
of his handiwork not only attest to his skill, but to the progress of photography. Mr. 
Hearn was united in marriage, Sept., 1878, with Annie McClelland, a native of St. Catha- 
rines, Ontario. Their eldest child, Robert Raleigh, was born Sept. 19, 1880; George Leland 
■vVas born Oct. 21, 1882, died Jan. 14, 1883; Lulu Alice was born Feb. 27, 1884. Our subject 
is a member of the M. E. Church, in which he is chorister and a teacher in the Sabbath 
school. He is also an honored member of the I. O. O. F. society. 

D. B. HITCHCOCK, farmer, contractor and builder, P. O. Union City, was born in 
Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1830, son of Darius and Elizabeth (Bailey) Hitchcock, both resi- 
dents of that place. Our subject came to Erie Co. in 1853, and located in Amity Town- 
ship, where he remained until 1870, when he sold this farm and went to Kan. and was en- 
gaged in stock-raising and farming 10 years. In 1880, he returned to Erie Co. and pur- 
chased in Ur.ion Township his present farm of 140 acres, well known as the Smith farm. 
This he has greatly improved, and has erected a fine, commodious, residence. Mr. 
Hitchcock was united in marriage, in 1855, with Elsie E., daughter of Sylvester Inman, of 
this county. The children now living born to this union are Adelaide A., Devillo B., 
Esther E., Mortimer B., Minnie M., Elsie E. and Melvin D. In 1870, Mr. Hitchcock re- 
signed the office of Commissioner. On going West he served as Justice of the Peace during 
his residence in Kan., and has held other offices of trust. He is a man of enteiprise. 

CLARENCE G. HOLLISTER, physician. Union City, was born in Garrettsville, Ohio, 
Feb. 19, 1857, son of Washington and Abby G. (Gray) HoUister, the former a native of N. 
Y., a clergyman of the M. E. Church, well known in Crawford and Erie Cos.; the latter a 
native of Mass. Our subject began the study of medicine in 1875 with Dr. S. H. Benton, 
of Oil City, where he remained 2 years. He went to Cleveland in 1877, and for 2 years 
was a private student under Dr. A. C. Miller, Professor of Medical Department Wooster 
University, that city, and graduated from there in 1879. Dr. Hollister then followed his 
profession for a year in Sharpsville, Mercer Co., Penn.; in 1881, locating at Cambridge, 
Crawford Co., where, with the exception of 8 months, which he spent in traveling, visit- 
ing California and other resorts for the benefit of his health. He was in active practice 
until the spring of 1884, when he located in Union City. Dr. Hollister is a gentleman of 
culture and refinement, and, though a young man, has an extensive and lucrative prac- 
tice. He w\as married, Dec. 28, 1882, to Mrs. Frances S. Gill, widow of W. R. Gill, and 



174 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

daughter of Evaus W. and Catherine Y. (McEhvee) Shippen, a prominent family of Mead- 
ville, Penn. 

DAVID HUBBELL, farmer, P. O. Union City, was born in Otsego Co., N. Y.. in 1827, 
son of Jabus and Maria (Benedict) Hubbell, both natives of Otsego Co., where thej- were 
married. Jabus came to Erie in 1830 and settled upon 250 acres of land in Amity Township, 
where they lived till the close of their lives. They reared a family of 3 children, all 
now living, viz., Hiram. David and Eliza (she married Maj. Geo. H. Clark, of Mankato, 
Minn). The second wife of Jabus was Maria Peck, who bore him 3 children, all now liv- 
ing — Mary, Burtis and Eva. Our subject was married in Amity Township in 1851 to 
Phebe C, daughter of James McCullough, a pioneer familj'. Charles A. and Willis N. 
are the living issue of this union. Mr. Hubbell settled in 1856 on his present farm in Union 
Township, consisting of 125 acres. He also owns a farm of 50 acres in this township. Mr. 
Hubbell comes of pioneer stock, and for many years has been an officer and supporter of 
the M. E. Church, of which he is also one of the Trustees, and is widely and favorably 
known. 

GARRETT B. JOHNSON, proprietor of the Johnson House, Union City, was born 
in Federal Hill, Madison Co., N. Y., Dec. 24, 1822. His father, a native of Holland, en- 
tered the navy as a cabin boy when fifteen years old, ruse to the rank of Captain and 
fought in the war of 1812. He subsequently became agent for an East India tobacco 
house. He married Sally Bingham in Madison Co., N. Y., who bore him 8 children, of 
whom are now living — Catherine, widow of Chas. Clark; Garrett B. ; John; and Sarah 
M,, wife of Thomas Woods. Tliey removed to Oneida Co., N. Y.. where they both 
died. Our subject was married in 1847 to Charlotte E.. daughter of Orange Hopkins; 
their surviving children are Garrett W. and C. Edith. Mr. Johnson was Postmaster 12 
years, and in mercantile trade 9 years at Prospect. N. Y. Thence he came to Union 
City in 1863, and established himself in business. He was succeeded in his store bj' his 
son Garrett W. and Smiley. In 1881, Charles E. Hunter was admitted as a partner in the 
concern, which is one of the most active in this city. In 1870, Mr. Johnson purchased the 
lots and erected the Johnson House, at a cost of $25,000. This hotel, the largest in the 
county, outside of Erie, has 4 stories and a basement, with modern improvements, and has 
30 rooms, finely furnished throughout. As a landlord, Mr. Johnson bears an enviable 
reputation. He has served many years as a member of the Council of Union Citv. 

JOHN LANDSRATH, hardware. Union City, was born in 1822 in Wiesbaden, Ger- 
many, and in 1847, with his brother, Henry, emigrated to America. During the Mexican 
war, John enlisted at Philadelphia, under Lieut. Pleaston, seeing active service under Gen. 
Taylor. Returning in 1848. he worked at his trade, tinner, at "Dunkirk, N. Y. ; there, in 
1852, he married LydiaH. Burnham. of Chautauqua Co., N. Y. He then went to James 
town, where he remained until 1853, when he came to Union City; of their children, E. 
B. only survives, and is with his father in business. The deceased are John A., the eldest 
son who died Feb. 24, 1880, a promising young man. married only a few months to Mary 
Hill; Clement and Grace. Mr. Landsrath worked at his trade till 1860, when he opened 
the first hardware store here, and by perseverance and frugality, he has increased in 
wealth with the growth of the city. In 1861, he aided in raising, and was made Captain 
of, Co. H, McLane's Reg. V. I., which Avent to Pittsburgh, and remained inactive till the 
expiration of its time. Our subject purchased half an acre of land on [Main street, from 
which he sold 2 lots, retaining the remainder on which he built. In 1868, he erected 
his present commodious place of business, the largest store of the kind in Union City. He 
carries a stock valued at $10,000, and is doing a large trade. Mr. L. w'as one of the build- 
ing committee and raised funds to build the Presbyterian Church in 1873. He is a mem- 
ber of the Masonic order. 

F. H. LAWRENCE, dentist. Union City, was born in Greene Township, Erie Co., Penn., 
in 1851; son of Erastus and Jane R. (Hilborn) Lawrence, residents of this county. His 
grandfather, Joseph Lawrence, was one of the distinguished pioneers of the county and 
lived to be ninety-eight years of age. Our subject began the study of dentistry in' 1871, 
under the instructions of Dr. C. H. Hawey, of Erie; two years later he entered the Phila- 
delphia Dental College and there completed his studies. He then took charge of Dr. 
Fisher's dental office, of Warren, Penn., and in 1874 opened dental rooms at Albion, Erie 
Co. Dr. Lawrence came to this city in 1881, where he has since conducted a large and 
lucrative business. From a long study of dentistry, he has attained a thorough knowledge 
of his profession and has the reputation of being a skillful and superior operator. Our 
subject was married at Albion, Feb. 25, 1874, to Clara Belle Palmer, of this county. This 
union has been blessed by the birth of Lille M. and Gena M. 

A. J. LILLEY, farmer, P. O. Union City, is of Scotch descent. The first of the family 
to set4le in this country was his grandfather Phenias, a native of Scotland, and a .soldier 
in the war of 1812, who settled in Sandy Creek, Oswego Co., N. Y., where he died. The 
family have since become numerous there. His children who survive are Abner, Alford, 
Olive and Diantha. Abner was among the pioneers of 1838 to locate in Concord Town- 
ship, Erie Co., where he erected the Lilley Mill, which he successfully conducted 35 
years. In 1859, he sold his farm and moved to Va., but returned at the breaking- 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 1713 

out of the rebellion, as be was a strong Union man. His wife, Lorene Porter, died in 1849, 
the mother of 8 children, Snow living — Jane, Polly, William, Cynthia and our subject. Mr. 
Lilley then married Mrs. Olive Pratt, who bore him the following children: Abner, Viuey 
Henry, Fred, Walter, Morris and Charles. He subsequently moved to near Westfield, N. Y. 
and is in the seventy-eight year of his ag^. A. J. Lilley was born in Oswego Co., N 
Y., in 1833. He married in this county, in 1858, Cynthia Reynolds, who died in 1877, leav- 
ing 3 children — Volley, Minnie and Morris. He then married Mary Perry. In 1868, he 
settled on his present farm, consisting or 102A acres. Mr. Lillev has held various town- 
ship offices; he is a descendant of pioneer stock. 

GEORGE McLEAN, one of Erie Co.'s most respected pioneers, was born in Lancaster 
Co., Penn., ]March 7, 1793; at an early age, he removed to Prattsburg, Steuben Co., N. Y., 
and after a residence there for a number of years, be came to Waterford, this county, and 
passed here the remainder of his life, his demise occurring March 17, 1872. By earnest 
toil and unremitting industry be accumulated quite a competency. He was ever a man of 
sound, upright principle, and one of Erie's best citizens. His family consisted of Joac 
Whitney, D^S. McLean, W. E. McLean, George McLean, Jr.. L. H." McLean, J. S. Mc- 
Lean, C. N. McLean, A. P. McLean, Deborah Moore, Drusilla Fidlerton and Jane Boj^d. 

F. E. & J. C. McLEAN, proprietors of Union City Times, and sons of Lewis McLeaa, 
are natives of Erie Co., and although, owing to the circumstances of their family, they 
were not able to secure educational advantages over the common school, they have made 
such use of their opportunities that they take a high rank with men of education. They 
early selected the printing business as their life vocation, acquiring a knowledge of the 
trade in Union City. In 1878, F. E., the senior member of the firm, undertook the duties 
of editor and business manager of the Times. In the following year, he purchased an in- 
terest in the paper, and in 1882, in association with bis brother J. C, be purchased the 
office, and they have conducted the business since under the firm name of McLean Bros 
Politically, F. E. McLean is a Democrat, and has taken a leading and active part in the 
party progress and w^orkings since be arrived at his majority. He was once the party 
nominee for the Protbonotary's office, and in 1882 Avas one of the candidates for the As- 
sembly, but the county being strongly Republican, be was defeated, but made a strong 
run. J. C. McLean, the junior member of the firm, is a Republican, takes a leading part 
in the workings of the party, and, although a young man, has bright prospects before him. 

C. N. McLEAN, Union City, is a native of Steuben Co., N. Y., born in 1833, son of 
George and Elizabeth (Sebring) McLean, natives of N. Y. State and Tioga Co., Penn., 
respectively, and who settled on a farm in Le Boeuf Tow'nsbip in 1848, where thej' spent 
the remainder of their lives. They reared a family of 11 children, 8 now living. Our 
subject resided on the homestead until 1859, when he came to this city, establishing him- 
self in the grocery trade, which he pursued successfully 20 years. In 1875, Mr. Mc- 
Lean opened bis present place of business on Main street, and has realized a fair and pros- 
perous trade. He served as Constable 4 years and 1 term in the Citj' Council. He 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the I. O. O. F., and is a reliable business mac 
of this city. Mr. McLean was united in marriage, in 1867, in this county, with Demarias 
Wescott, a native of Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Newman C. is the only issue of this unior. 
now living. 

F. M. McCLINTOCK, attorney. Union City, was born at Beaver Dam, Erie Co., 
Penn., in 1853; son of James and Mary (Hays) McClintock, natives of Penn.; of their 
children, 7 are living — Annie, Henry C., John H., Milton H., William L., Charles and 
Frank M. Our subject's great-grandfather, Hays, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; 
one of bis sons served in the Avar of 1812, and his widow still lives in Venango Township, 
Erie Co. Frank M. acquired bis education at the State Normal School at Edinboro, Erie 
Co. ; taught school 3 years in Crawford Co. ; then read law in the office of J. W. Sproul, of 
Union City. He was admitted to the Erie Co. bar. May 11, 1878; to the Superior Court a£ 
Pittsburgh, in 1880; to the U. S. Courts in 1881. Our subject was united in marriage in 1881, 
in Venango Co., Penn., with Ada C, daughter of Samuel Cross, of Venango Co. One child, 
Jessie I., now living, was born to this union. Mr. McClintock began to practice in thie 
city, where he has since been very succe.=sful. His only living sister, Annie, was a most 
successful teacher in the county of Crawford for 8 years. Henry C. McClintock is a vtaiy 
prominent physician in the city of Cumberland, Md. J. H. studied law but has continaefi 
the practice of teaching for 11 years, and is now the Principal of Schools of Columbue, 
Warren Co., Penn. The minds of the children like the parents run to education and 
literary attainments. The grandfather on the father's side was from Ireland, and the 
grandparents on the side of the mother were natives of Penn. 

ERASTUS D. MATTESON, farmer. P. O. Union City, w\as born at Edmeston, Otsegc 
Co., N. Y., in 1827. His parents Avere Abel and Keziah (Rudd) Matteson, former a native 
of the State of N. Y., latter of Vt.; they were among the pioneers of 1836, who settled Ie. 
Amity Township, Erie Co., Penn. Abel purchased 64 acres of land, upon which he liA^ed 
7 years, when he moved on the farm now occupied by our subject. The last purchase 
was 125 acres, mostly cleared by Wm. Bracken. Mrs. Matteson died in 1844, leaving 1 
son, E. D. Abel again married, this time toMelvina Blodget, who bore him 1 daughter. 



176 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Keziah, now wife of Seth Rowley, of Youngsville. Erastus D. was married in Union 
Township, in 1853, to Miranda Davis, a native of Vt. Flora is the only child horn to this 
union, and resides at home. Mr. Matteson purchased 50 acres more, and, in 1875, erected 
a large and commodious dwelling, where he lives a quiet, unostentatious life, respected by 
all. The family are members of the M. E. Church. 

F. T. MOSES, proprietor of St. Charles Hotel, Union City, successor to L. Agnew, from 
whom, in Feb., 1883. he purchased the hotel and livery attached. The following summer 
he added 26x36 feet, and refurnished it throughout. He made an outlay of about $2,000 
The hotel has 20 rooms, is very complete, and he intends making it the leading house 
in Union City. He runs a free bus to and from the trains, and is a genial, hospitable 
landlord. Mr. Moses is a native of Cuba, Allegany Co., N. Y., born in 1849, son of Sam- 
uel and Lucietta Moses, natives of that State, and residents of Cuba. Our subject located 
in this city in 1880, conducting a billiard room which he sold prior to purchasing the hotel. 
He married in his native county, in 1870, LaVonia Wilkinson, a native of the same county, 
where Mr. Moses served as Constable 5 years. Deputy Sheriff 3 j-ears, and was em- 
ployed by the State as contractor on the canals. He has always l)eeu a public character, 
and has also engaged in railroading; was with the Washington & Philadelphia Railroad 
and on other shorter lines. He has proven himself to be an active, successful business 
man. 

DANIEL B. NORTHOP, farmer, P. O. Union City. The Northop family are of 
English descent. The records show that three brothers, emigrated to America, who 
spelt their names each different from the other— Northrop, Northrup and Northrip. 
One was Gideon, another Joseph, who subsequently moved to Oneida Co., thence to War- 
ren Co., Penn., in 1808, where the family became numerous, when Levvitt, the father of 
our subject, was a young man. They were among that county's earliest pioneers. Lev- 
vitt was born in 1794 in Conn., and married in Busti Co., N. Y., Lusina Bushuell, of Her- 
kimer Co., N. Y. Of their family, 4 are living. Daniel B. is a native of Warren Co.. 
Penn., and married, at Ashville, N. Y., in 1842, Matilda Pierce, a native of that State. Of 
their children, Niram, the eldest son, enlisted in 1862 in the 145th P. V. I. ; was taken 
prisoner at Chancellorsville, and died in Douglas Hospital, Washington, D. C, Nov. 28, 
1863, from the effects of his confinement; Levvitt married Esther Spencer; Perry married 
Charity Debutts; Darius and Abraham. In 1850, Mr Northon, our subject, came to 
Union Township and built his house and barn in the woods, settling on his present farm of 
200 acres, to which he has made additional purchases. He has held various offices of 
trust, and has been a consistent member of the M. E. Church for 47 years. 

HUNTINGTON D. PERSONS, Union City, manager for D. Appleton & Co., N. Y., 
was born in Geauga Co,, Ohio, May 26, 1839, the eldest son of Huntington and Theda A. 
(Dowd) Persons, natives of Berkshire Co., Mass. H. Persons, Sr., was for years engaged 
in the tanning business at Colebrook River, Conn. In 1846-47, he served a term m the 
State Legislature. In 1852, he sold his farm near Hartford, Conn., and came to Amity 
Township, Erie Co. Our subject was reared on a farm, acquiring a common school educa- 
tion, and attending the Waterford Academy for 3 years. He has taught in the common 
schools of Amity, Concord, Greenfield, Venango and Waterford Townships, and several 
terms of select school, and was highly esteemed by his pupils and their parents. He married, 
Aug. 12, 1863, Martha M. Dewey, of Waterford, and has 5 children. In 1864. he was 
elected Principal of the graded schools at Saegertown, Crawford Co., resigning in 1866 to 
assume the duties of SupV of Schools in that county. At the close of the term (3 years), he 
was re-elected by a majority of 3 to 1 over the combined vote of 3 competitors. Feb., 
1872, he was seriously injured, and declined to be a candidate for another term. Aug., 1872. 
he was chosen professor of the Normal department, Buchtel College, Akron, Ohio, but re- 
signed at the end of the 1st year on account of ill health. Sept., 1873, he purchased, and 
for nearly 5 years ran the printing ofl[ice of the Union City Times. His ability as an edi- 
tor and the popularity of the paper under his administration is well known in this county. 
In 1878, he engaged in the subscription book business, and has been employed as mana- 
ger of the American Cyclopaedia and other publications of D. Appleton & Co. for Western 
Penn. and N. Y. since Jan. 1, 1880. 

JAMES D. PHILLIPS, retired, Union City, the only living representative of the 
Phillips family in this county, is a son of James and grandson of Thomas Phillips, Sr. 
The latter with his family came to Erie Co. in 1797, took up large tracts of land, and per- 
formed an active part in its history. Oneof his sons, John, took up 1,400 acres,served as Pay- 
masterin the war of 1812; was the first Representative sent by Erie Co. to the State Leg- 
islature at Lancaster; Canal Commissioner and Justice of the Peace several years. He 
died in the fall of 1846. In 1829, the first post ofllce was established at Phillip-sburg, and 
James, the father of our subject, was appointed Postmaster. He was married to Catha- 
rine Fink, and died in 1846, aiged seventy-five. The living children born to this union are 
Ann, widow of James Phillips, a resident of La Salle, 111.; Thomas J., of Kendall Co., 111., 
and James D. The latter reared in the wilderness, has cleared land, erected and ran saw- 
mills, etc., etc. Our .subject, in Sept., 1842, was commissioned Captain of a company of 
volunteers, a part of the 2d Penn. Mil., and the same year was promoted Major of the 2d 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 177 

Bat., 112th Reg. In Dec, 1846, he was appointed Postmaster of Phillipshurq;. which posi- 
tion he resigned. In 1853, he was elected Justice of the Peace, which he also resigned, 
and went to Iowa, where he became Captain of the first company raised for the militia iu 
that State, July, 1858. Mr. Phillips was commissioned County Auctioneer in 1868-7:3; 
Was elected, and served 3 years as Jury Commissioner of Erie Co., and has held other 
township offices. He married, in Amity Township, in 1846, Fidelia A., daughter of Charles 
Capron, one of a pioneer family of Erie. Two sons were born to this union — Abner, who en- 
listed in the 12th Penn. Cav. in 1864, and was accidently shot at Hancock, Md. ; and Ar- 
thur, a resident of Chippewa Falls, who became totally blind when a young man. This 
family settled in Union City in 1869. Mr. Phillips is widely and favorably known as a 
pioneer, and highly esteemed as a citizen. 

WILLIAM PUTMAM, R. R. and express agent and real estate dealer, Union City, 
whose portrait appears in this work as one of the representative men of Union City, is a 
descendant of John Putnam, a native of Buckinghamshire, England, born in 1582, who, in 
16-34, emigrated to America and settled in Salem. Mass., where he died in 1662. The 
grandfather of our subject, Ezra Putnam, a son of Holyhel. was born in Sutton, Mass., on 
the 6th of Nov., 1751. He moved to Bethel, Vt., in 1787, and there died in 1842. His son, 
and father of our subject, was Wra. W. Putnam, a native of Bethel, Vt., born Aug. 3, 
1796, and died May 13, 1848. In 1818, he married Philana Buck, a native of Williamstown, 
Vt., born in 1799. She is the mother of 10 children, of whom 6 are now living. She re 
sides now in Iowa. William Putnam, our subject, was born in Bethel, Vt., on the 13th of 
.May, 1822. In 1834, he came with his parents to Erie County, N. Y., and March, 1839, to 
Union Township, Erie Co., Penn. His early life was spent at home assisting to till the 
soil of the home farm, learning the carpenter's trade, and receiving a limited common 
school education. When he was twenty-two years of age, he left his home and embarked 
upon his career in life, working at his trade. He continued the same until 1859, and be- 
came an efficient workman. For some time previous to abandoning his trade, he began in- 
vesting and dealing in real estate, at which he still continues. In 1857, he was elected 
County Commissioner, and served 3 years. When he was twenty-seven years of a^e, he 
Was elected Justice of thePeace; he served one year and resigned. In 1859, when the Penn- 
sylvania R. R. was completed as far as Union, Mr. Putnam was appointed agent of the 
company, and has since held the position, with the confidence and esteem of the company, 
and to the general satisfaction of the people. He is also agent of the Adams Express Com- 
pany, and of the B., N. Y. & P. R. R. since 1876. In connection with the duties of the 
railroad and real estate business, he has, since 1868, been carrying on a general lime and 
coal business at Union City, and besides is extensively engaged in farming, having a fine 
farm of 100 acres, well stocked, etc. On the 13th of Nov., 1845, he was married to Miss 
Nancy C, daughter of Dr. Alanson C. Burroughs. Dr. Burroughs was a native of Alsted, 
N. H.', came to this county in 1843, and carried on a large and lucrative medical prac- 
tice to the time of his death, which occurred July 10, 1846. Mrs. Putnam is a native of 
Windham, Vt., born May 17, 1823. Mr. Putnam is one of the self-made men of Erie Co. 
Beginning life a poor boy, with a meager education, he has, through perseverance, hon- 
esty, industry and economy, succeeded in accumulating a good propertj', and a worthy 
name and reputation. He has served the people and county in many of its offices, and is 
often solicited to become a candidate to the higher State offices. Politically, he is a Re- 
publican, having been so since the organization of the party, and is always active in its 
management. 

L. D. ROCKWELL, physician, Union City. The founder of the Rockwell family 
in America was Deacon Wm. Rockwell, who emigrated from England in 1630, and was one 
of the first Selectmen of Dorchester, and one of the 24 freemen who took the oath of fealty 
May, 1630. Benard Rockwell, grandfather of our subject, moved to Crawford Co., Penn., 
in 1816, where he cleared liis farm and married, Feb. 3, 1819, Rebecca Marcy, by whom he 
had 6 children. They both died at a good old age. Their eldest son, Orlando, born in 
Rockdale, Penn., Dec. 16, 1819, married Martha L. Root Oct. 8, 1845, by whom he had the 
following children: Wilber F. and La-Rue Du-Retz, our subject. The latter was born iu 
Crawford Co., Penn., Aug. 9. 1849, on the homestead farm, where he spent his early life 
and acquired a primary education in the schools of Cambridge. In Feb., 1864, La-Rue en- 
listed in Co. E, 83d P. V. I., and served till the close of the war. He participated in the 
battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania and Laurel Hill, where he was wounded May 8, 
1864. He was discharged from Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia, in Oct., 1865. Mr. 
Rockwell attended the Waterford Academy one term, then entered the Normal School at 
Edinboro, and graduated in the class of 1870. During 1871-72, he was Principal of the 
Ridgeway Public Schools; then entered the Medical Department of the University of 
Penn.. at Philadelphia, graduating in 1874. He began practicing at Cochranton, Penn., 
in 1874, and in 1875 located in Union Chy, where he has since been constantly engaged. 
He married in 1875 Frank A., daughter of Wm. T. Lane, of East Sharon, Penn. ^ Four 
children, all living, were born to them — Alfred L., Florence O., Mary E. and Paul. The 
Doctor has been Superintendent of the M. E. Sunday school some years. He is an honored 
member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. 

12 



178 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

E. N. SACKET, attorney, Union City, is the only son of Horace N. and Harriet (Hall) 
Sacket, both natives of N. Y. and residents of St. James, Neb. Our subject received a 
primary education at Whitestown Seminary, Oneida Co., N. Y., and entered Hamilton 
College in 1862, from which he graduated in 1866. He read law under H. R. Terry, of 
Union City, and after admission to the bar in 1875, began to practice his profession in this 
city. He has attained considerable prominence at the bar, and is well and favorably known. 
Mr. Sacket was united in marriage in this county in 1868, with Jennie Brown, a native of 
Onondaga Co., N. Y. He has a sister, Emma, residing with her parents. Mr. Sacket is a 
member of the I. O. O. F. 

WILSON SHEPARD, farmer, P. O. Union City, was born in Center Co., Penn., in 
1816, son of Jacob and Rebecca Shepard, natives of N. J. and N. Y. States respectivelj"-, 
and both descended from the early pilgrims that settled near Eagle Valley, Center Co., 
Penn. Jacob came to this county in 1820, bringing his widowed mother and 2 unmarried 
sisters, and settled in Union Township. His children now living are Wilson, Palmer, Mc- 
Arthur, Lorenzo, Rhoda, Amy, Mary A. Jacob entered 160 acres of land, and lived to be 
ninety-two years old. Our subject, who has alwaj^s lived on the homestead, was married 
in 1842 to Louisa J., daughter of Absalom and Mary Harris, and a native of Erie County, 
Seven children blessed this union, 4 now living— Mary A., wife of W. Johnson, of Craw- 
ford Co.; Edgar, married to Mrs. La Varne; Royal D., married to Louise Johnson, of 
Crawford Co.; and Addie L., residing at home. Mr. Shepard has cleared his farm, which 
was wooded when he settled on it, and passed through the privations incident to a pio- 
neer's life. Though advanced in years, he is strong and vigorous. The family are well 
and favorably known, and are respected members of the Baptist Church. 

A. C. SHERWOOD, physician, Union City, is the eldest child of Frederick W. and 
Evaline (Trow) Sherwood, the former a native of Erie Co., Penn,, and the latter of Chau- 
tauqua Co., N. Y. Dr. Sherwood acquired his primary education at the district .schools; 
then entered the Edinboro Normal School, and soon after read medicine with Dr. H. R, 
Terry, of this city. Four years later, he entered the L'niversity of Penn., where he grad- 
uated in the class of 1873. " Forming a partnership with his preceptor, he began to practice 
his profession in this city. This relationship dissolved two years later, and the Doctor has 
since been practicing alone. Prior to graduation, he was appointed Physician of the 
County, which position he has continuously filled. He has been surgeon for the P. & E, 
R. R. during his residence in this city, and is one of the most active and successful physi- 
cians in the county. Dr. Sherwood was married at Meadville, Penn., in 1876, to Emma, 
daughter of Andrew Jackson, of that county. Three children born to this union are all 
living — Daisy M., Andrew J. and Belle E. The family are connected with the Pres- 
byterian Church. The Doctor is an honored member of the I. O. O. F., K. of H. and 
Royal Arcanum. 

THOMAS B. SHREVE, produce dealer, is a grandson of Richard and Margaret (New- 
bold) Shreve, the former boi'n Sept. 22, 1760, at Burlington, N. J.; had charge of the Wash- 
ington Mills. Fayette Co. ; he, with family, in 1798. settled near the head of Oil Creek 
Lake, this county. To them were born — William, Brazillar, Thomas, Nancy, Israel, Char- 
lotte, Richard 2d, Caleb, Benjamin, Charles, Isaac. Sarah and Margaret. Sir. Shreve was 
Captain of the militia, and served as Justice of the Peace. He died Sept. 12. 1822, aged 
sixty-two years; his widow on Oct. 9, 1852, aged eighty-six years. They were both de- 
scended from the English nobility. Israel, the father of our subject, was born in 1794, 
and married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Bloomfield, a Revolutionarj^ soldier, and who 
in 1798 was a pioneer companion of Richard Shreve. Israel reared a famil}' of 8 chil- 
dren, 7 now living, viz., Caleb, Cyrus, Thomas, Darius, Caroline, Elizabeth and Mar- 
garet. Israel died in 1866, his wife aged eighty-three, in 1880. Our subject was born at 
Bloomfield, Crawford Co., Penn., in 1831, remaining on the homestead until the death of 
his father, when he came to Union City and engaged in mercantile trade. He subsequently 
went into real estate business, in which he has been very successful. He married, in Craw- 
ford Co., in 1857, Mary Richards, born in Mass., daughter of Squire Richards, a prominent 
man of that county. Mr. Shreve has filled various oflices of trust, and is one of Union 
City's solid business men. 

" JOSIAH SHREVE, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Union City, was born on the 
homestead farm, in Union Township, Erie Co., Penn.. Dec. 22, 1822, son of Richard and 
Margaret Shreve. He was married in Union City, Jan. 6, 1848, to Belle, daughter of 
Thomas Carroll, of LeBceuf Township, where she was born Oct. 18, 1824. This union 
has been blessed with 3 children— Sidna A., wife of J. P. Wilkins; Almida E., wdfe of 
O. B. Sherwood, and Geo. R., deceased. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Shreve set- 
tled on their present farm, then a wilderness, which comprises 80 acres. For some years 
he ran a dairy, but now deals principally in stock, making sheep a specialty. He is an 
officer, and was the President for 2 years of the C'entral Agricultural Societj^ is a 
Director of the Farmers' Co-operative Trust Co. Mr. Shreve is descended from one of the 
most extensive pioneer families of Erie Co. For the last 25 years, he has been Steward 
in the M. E. Church. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 179 

MILTON SHREVE, farmer, P. O. Union City, was born in Union Township, on tbe 
homestead farm, in 1831. He is tlie youngest living son of Richard Shreve, who was born 
in 1796, and married Margaret, daughter of Peter Kepler, whose wife is said to have 
cooked the first meal in Wattsburg. Richard, was a son of Richard and IMargaret (New- 
bold) Shreve. Richard 2d, and a brother in-law, Jacob Kepler, entered 400 acres of an 
unbroken wilderness, which land is now occupied, all but 100 acres, by his descendants, 
who number among the best families of Union Township, Erie Co. Richard, the father 
of our subject, reaTred 11 children, 5 sons and 3 daughters now living — Josiah, James, 
John K., Solomon, Milton, Eliza, Emily, Matilda, Mary , J. and Melissa. Mr. Shreve 
died in 1873, aged 76; his widow lived to attain 81 years. Our subject, Milton, married in 
Corry, Penn., April, 1869, Christine Cross, a native of Chautauqua Co.. N. Y. The chil- 
drenborn to this union are all living — Florence M., Ralph P. and Clyde M. The family 
are members of the Baptist Church. 

G. GARY SMITH, grocer, Union City, was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1887; son of 
Alpheus and Cynthia (Osborn) Smith, natives of Oneida and Herkimer Cos., N. Y.. re- 
spectively, and who came to this county in 1847, settling on a farm in Union Township, 
where Mr. Smith died in 1857. His widow still survives and is in her 73d year. They 
were the parents of 3 sons and 1 daughter, all now living — Gerrett G., Hawley G., Ellen 
A., wife of G. Hoyt, of Ashtabula, Ohio, and G. G. Smith. Our subject was reared on 
the farm; in 1864, was employed as a salesman in this city. In this capacity, he served 
8 years at Erie and Philadelphia. In 1876, he established himself in his present business 
which he has conducted successfully. He carries a stock valued at $4,000, and has a 
good trade. G. G. Smith married in 1857, in this county, Nancy A. Stewart, a native of 
same; 4 children have been born to this union, 3 living — George A., Charles G. and 
Lena E. Mr. Smith filled the office of Burgess of Union City 4 successive terms, a longer 
period than any Mayor preceding him. He is now serving his first term as member of the 
Council. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and I. O. O. F., and one of the active mer- 
chants of Union Citv. 

GERRETT G. SMITH, of Smith & Warden, produce dealers. Union City, was born 
in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1838, and is a son of Alpheus and C.ynthia (Osborn) Smith, natives 
of Oneida and Herkimer Cos. N. Y., respectively, and who settled in this county in 1846. 
Our subject, reared on a farm, followed farming until 1865, when he embarked in mercan- 
tile trade in this city. In 1879, the firm of Smith &> Warden was formed, and the business 
carried on in a warehouse on the Atlantic and P. & E. roads. Their present establish- 
ment, 20x100 feet, is situated on Crooked street; 60 feet will shortly be added to its length. 
The firm do a large trade in hay, straw, wool, butter and all kinds of produce. Mr. Smith 
was married in this county in 1858, to Maria Sherwood, a native of this county. Our sub- 
ject served one term as Burgess of this city, and is an active business man; is now Jury 
Commissioner. 

HAWLEY G. SMITH, grocer, Union City, is a son of Alpheus and Cynthia (Osborn) 
Smith, natives of Oneida and Herkimer Cos., N. Y., respectively, and was born in the 
former county in 1840. At the a2;e of seven, he came with his parents to this county, 
where he was reared on a farm, fn 1863, Hawley entered the naval service, serving be- 
fore the mast. He rose to the command of the merchant vessel "Highland Chief." He 
followed the sea 8 years, visiting various foreign countries. In 1871, he returned to this 
county, and opened a glass and crockery establishment in 1871, which he disposed of the 
following year. He then was engaged as salesman for houses in Erie, N. Y. and Penn. 
In 1881, he opened his present place of business. Mr. Smith was married in this county 
in 1875 to Roxanna Green, of Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Our subject is a member of the M. 
E. Church. He is a mason, having taken all the degrees in a Blue Lodge, Chapter, Coun- 
cil and Commandery, an I. O- O. F., Encampment, subordinate, and a Knight of Honor, 
and a Royal Templar, in all of which orders he is in good standing. He has been a mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity for 12 years. 

J. W. SPROUL, attorney, Union City, was born in Summerhill Township, Crawford 
Co., Penn., in 1849, son of John and Jane (Woods) Sproul, both of Scotch-Irish descent. 
John Sproul entered land, and was a distinguished pioneer of Crawford Co., where he 
resided till the close of life. His widow, now in her seventieth year, resides on the home- 
stead. Five of their children are living — Catherine, William, Mary, Jennie and J. W. 
Our subject acquired his education in the State Normal School atEdinboro, Erie Co., and 
his mercantile knowledge with Bryant & Stratton, Meadville. He then, for a year, 
engaged in teaching school,. He entered the Allegheny College at Meadville. Penn., in 
1870, and the following year read law with H. L. Richmond & Son, of Meadville. Nov., 
1873, he was admitted to the bar, and the same year began practicing his profession in that 
city. In 1874, he settled in Union City, Penn., where he has since been practicing. He 
has t^yice been a delegate to the Republican State Convention, and is at present serving 
as City Attorney. Mr. Sproul was united in marriage in 1874, in this county, with Ida, 
daughter of Ezra Cooper, of this city. They are both members of the M. E. Church. 

PERRY G. STRANAHAN, farmer and stock-raiser, Union City, is a grandson of 
John Stranahan, a native of Scituate, R. I., born in 1737, and died March 23, 1798. In 



180 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Sept., 1763, previous to the Revolution, be married Lucj' Buck and settled in Canaan, 
Columbia Co., N. Y. He was a man of intelligence and wealth, and lived to see his 
numerous family settled and prosperous. Gibson J. Stranahan, the father of our subject, 
was born in Canaan, Columbia Co.. N. Y., in 1786. He married Miss Dolly Devendorf, of 
Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1807. He was a resident of Herkimer Co. for many years, and 
there followed the occupation of a farmer. In 1836, he, with his family, came West, and 
settled in what is now Concord Township, Erie Co., Peun. He entered a large tract of 
land, and imported 450 line-wool sheep. He became one of the largest stock-raisers of 
Erie Co. He died in 1869. His wife was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and died at the 
residence of our subject in 1862 or 1863. aged seventy-three years. She was a daughter 
of John Devendorf, a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., where he was born May 28, 1764, 
and died March 4, 1813. He was one of the wealthiest farmers in his county. The parents 
of our subject- had the followinc: children: Daniel Y., a prominent physician, who died in 
"Warren, Penn., in 1874; Hon. John D., a farmer; James, a farmer; Perry G. ; Franklin B., 
a farmer; and Margaret E., wife of William A. Mead, a surveyor and farmer of Youngsville, 
Penn. Perry G. Stranahan, the subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears elsewhere in 
this volume," was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., on the 12th of July, 1820. He devoted his 
early life to work on the farm and in teaching school, winters. In 1843, he was married to 
Miss Louisa, only daughter of P. K. Webber, of Columbus, Warren Co., Penn., who was 
one of the earliest pioneers of that place, and cut away the pines wiiere the village now 
stands. He and his estimable wife, Annie, reside with Mr. Stranahan, and have reached 
the respective ages of eighty-one and seventy-nine years. Mr. Stranahan studied law with 
Horace Hawes, of Erie, who was afterward appointed U. S. Consul to the Society Islands. 
On account of failing health, Mr. Stranahan was compelled to abandon the law. He then 
came to Le Breuf, bought a farm on French Creek, built and kept the Moravian Hotel for a 
number of years. In i859, when the P. & E. and A. & G. W. Railways were being budt, Mr. 
Stranahan saw the opportunity for advancement and purchased nearly all of the old Miles 
estate, consisting of several hundred acres of land, upon which a large part of the borough 
of Union City is now built. He immediately laid it out in village lots, established a real 
estate agency, and in connection with farming and stock-raising amassed considerable 
means, and became one of the enterprising and solid men of Union City. He was always 
foremost in any enterprise which promised the advancement of Union City. He was 
liberal with his means, and assisted the worthy in building up industries of the place. He 
lost large sums of money in the stave and barrel works of Union City, and as one of the 
projectors of the Union & Titusville Railroad he lost thousands of dollars. His name was 
a tower of financial strength, but the great losses sustained in these calamities almost over- 
whelmed him. In 1871 , he, with others, started the Casement Savings Bank, which did a 
successful business until 1778, when it succumbed to the general depression of business. A 
large credit had been loaned the bank, and the obligations could not be met. It may be 
said to the credit of Mr. Stranahan that he turned over his individual property, and the 
bank matters were honorably and satisfactorily settled, and without a law suit. He was 
the onlv man in the community that helped in the erection of the A. & G. W. Ry. ; and 
with this corporation he has been largely and prominently identified. Mr.Strauahan has held 
town and county offices, and is now in the autumn years of his life, and occupies his 
time in farming and stock-raising, his attention being mostly directed to Percheron horse- 
breeding, in which be has been very successful. In his intercourse he is pleasing, benevo- 
lent and cheerful, and inflects the philanthropy which is an innate characteristic of the 
man. He is happiest when doing good, and always has the interest of the city and local- 
ity at heart. He makes friends without attempting so to do; is bold and outspoken in his 
likes and dislikes, and never has a malicious feeling toward an enemy. A self-made man, 
he has earned the fruitage of his years by his own industry and perseverance; his integrity 
has never been impeached. He has been blessed with children, viz., Sarah M., wife of 
L. S. Clough, a large lumber dealer; Ellen, wife of E. G. Stranahan, of Cleveland, Ohio; 
Maggie L., wife of A. F. Bole, a prominent lawyer of Corry, Penn.; Belle L., youngest 
daughter; and William P., book-keeper, an adopted son, though as dear to Mr. and Mrs. 
Stranahan as their own children, as he has lived with them since he was a child, and has 
thus unconsciously, by his uprightness, made himself as one of their own children. 

A. H. SUMMERTOX, dece\ised, was born Oct. 28, 1815, in N. Y., and married. Aug. 
25, 1840, to Amanda M. French, of Warren, Penn., by whom he had 1 son, Thomas, who 
died at the age of 3 years, and 1 daughter, Ellen, wife of Wm. Blanchard, of Union City, 
Penn., and mother of 4 children— Eva Belle, Gertrude, Charlie and Lottie, the first 2 of 
whom are dead. They adopted James H., now a resident of Tex. Mrs. Summerton died 
May 11, 1857. Mr. Summerton came from Ithaca, N. Y.; w-as one of the pioneer mer- 
chants, and built the first store in Warren, Penn. In 1853, he came to Union City, bring- 
ing a stock of goods, and opened in mercantile trade; also did a prosperous milling bus- 
iness. Mr. Summerton purchased and laid out in lots the tract on the southern boundaries 
of this city, called Brooklyn, now the most populous and wealthy portion of the Union. 
He w^as ever ready to assist public and private enterprises conducive to the public good; 
gave largely toward advancing church and educational interests. He donated the lot on 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 181 

which the Catholic Church is built. Mr. Summerton married, for his second wife, Amanda 
M., daughter of James and Rhoda Brooks, pioneers of Chautauqua Co., who settled here 
in 1855; had a family of 11 children, and died at a ripe old age. Mr. and Mrs. 8ummerton 
adopted 1 daughter, Jennie B., who still resides with Mrs. Summerton in this city. By 
Mr. Summerton's death, Sept. 14, 1864, Union lost an estimable citizen and a public ben- 
efactor. 

A. C. TAYLOR, farmer, P. O. Union City, was born in Cuba, Allegany Co., N. Y., 
in 1834, son of Chauncy and Rachael Taylor, both natives of Mass. Chaunc}^ died in 
March, 1883, aged eighty-two years. Our subject went from his native county to the oil 
regions, and sunk the first well at Rixford, McKean Co., Penn., also at Tarport and Saw- 
yer. Two years later he disposed of his interest and purchased his present farm of 80 
acres, where he has since made his home. Though comparatively a stranger, he has a 
neat, well-kept farm, and shows an active enterprising spirit. He was married, in his 
native county, in 1855, to Mary Dewey, who was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., and died 
leaving 3 children, viz., Willis A., Henry B. and Fred A. Mr. Taylor then married Lena 
Hibner, a native of Cuba, N. Y., Sept., 1873. He has filled various township offices, and 
the family attend the M. E. Church. 

ANDREW THOMPSON, farmer. P. O. Union City, is a grandson of Andrew and 
Martha Thompson, who were among the pioneers of 1778 to Union Township. Andrew 
purchased 200 acres of the Holland Land Co., which has remained a homestead to his de- 
scendants. He engaged in milling, and died in 1823. John, the father of our subject, was 
reared on the farm, and marri,ed Sarah Bracken, of Washington Co., Penn. The children 
now living born to this union are William, Andrew and James. Andrew was born on the 
homestead in 1813, and married, in 1833, Sarah Smith, who died in 1843, leaving 3 children 
— Lovina, wife of Levi Proctor; James S.; and Jane S., wife of T. Watson. He then married 
Sarah Berry, of this county, who died in 1857. Three children born to this union survive, 
viz.: Louis B. ; Emma A., wife of C. M. Terrell; and William B. Mr. Thompson's 3d 
marriage was with Lydia Boyce, of Washington Co., N. Y. , by whom he has had 2 chil- 
dren — Lucretia, wife of Edward Wise, and Charles J. Mr. Thompson served as Assessor 
and Collector manj^ years, also as Justice of the Peace. He is a consistent member of the 
Presbyterian Church — a member of the session. The family are among the old and es- 
teemed pioneers. 

JOHN W. THOMPSON, farmer, P. O. Drake's Mills, Crawford Co.. was born in 
Union Township Nov. 9, 1826, son of Joel and Mary (Mulvin) Thompson, and grandson of 
Abel Thompson, who settled in Union Township in 1797, locating on the farm now owned 
by Andrew Agnew, which he cleared and improved. He came from Fayette Co., Penn., 
though a native of N. J., of English descent. Mary Mulvin, wife of Joel, was a daughter 
of Wm. Mulvin, an early settler of Le Bceuf Township, and a native of Ireland. Joel was 
thrice married; his first wife was Margaret Smith, by whom he had 1 child, Nancy, now Mrs. 
Daniel Bunting. His second wife was Mary Mulvin, by whom he had 8 children — Will- 
iam, Margaret (deceased), Samuel, Jane J. (wife of David Coe), Caleb (deceased), JohnW., 
Lucilla (deceased, wife of Thomas J. Wilson) and Charles (died of diarrha?a contracted in 
the army); and his third wife was Elizabeth Wilson, who now survives him. Joel died Aug. 
21. 1868, at the age of eighty-foiu-, and his wife Mary, mother of our subject, died Dec, 
1868, at the age of sixty-six. The subject of this sketch was married, Dec. 25, 1855, to 
Mary J., daughter of Job and Mary (Annis)Tobey, by whom he has had 8 children— Dud- 
ley (deceased), Mary (wife of Orson P. Scott), Frederick, Abraham L., Gertrude N., Sam- 
uel G., William (deceased) and Cassius. Mr. Thompson was raised on a farm, and has al- 
ways followed that occupation. He located in Venango Township, Crawford Co., Penn., 
in 1871, where he has since resided. He was drafted during the war of the rebellion, and 
went out in Co. F, 163d Penn. Regt., and after 8 months' service was honorably discharged 
on account of disability. In politics, Mr. Thompson is a stanch Republican. Both he 
and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. 

J. S. THOMPSON, druggist. Union City, is a native of Union Township, born on the 
homestead of his ancestors in 1838, son of Andrew and Sarah (Smith) Thompson. He 
comes of a pioneer family; his great-grandfather, Andrew Thompson, was of Scotch-Irish 
extraction, but the time he located in the colonies is not known. Our subject was reared 
on a farm, remaining until twenty-four years of age, when he engaged as a salesman in 
the hardware trade. In 1869, the firm of Thompson & Wilkins was formed in the drug 
trade, continuing until 1871, when Mr. Thompson purchased Wilkins' interest, since which 
he has conducted the business alone. This is the oldest drug house in the city, and has a 
large, well-established trade. Mr. Thompson carries a complete stock of drugs, stationery, 
toilet articles, etc. Our subject married. May, 1864, Josephine, daughter of John K. 
Smith, of this county, and a member of a pioneer family of Wattsburg. Two children 
have blessed this union, viz., HarleyS. and J. Herbert. Mr. Thompson is a member of 
the Presbyterian Church; also ot the I. O. O. F. and K. of H. He is an active business 
man. and has a well-established reputation. 

THERESIA WAGER, proprietress of Union City Brewery, which establishment is 
managed by John and Michael, sons of Protasius and our subject, all natives of Germany. 



182 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

The fami]}' came to America in 18G5, locating in Steuben Co., N. Y., and came to this 
county soon after. Mr. Wager purchased a brewery in Corry, which he operated 2 j^ears; 
then farmed in Tiffin, Ohio, until 187'3. Returning to this county, he erected a small brew- 
ery on the site of the present building, which he conducted until his death in 1875. His 
sons rebuilt the editice in 1881. The main building is 27x50, with ice-house attached 30x30, 
and 16 feet high, of frume and brick. The bottling house is 16x24. The brewery is 
run by steam, has all the modern improvements, and has a capacity of over 500 barrels. 
Their business exceeding this amount last j'ear, they w^ere taxed .f 100 more. It is built on 
one of the most beautiful locations in the vicinity, and has a spring of w^ater from which 
they use 15 or 20 barrels per day. John, the oldest son, born in Wittenberg, Germany, 
May 26, 1847, married in 1876 Caroline Stiefel, a native of same place. Their children now 
living are Amelia, Louis, Julius, John and Charles. His brothers and sisters are Josephine, 
Cornelia, Francis, Gebhardt, Michael, Hubert and Eupheamia. 

WILLIAM WARDEN, of Smith & Warden, produce dealers, Union City, is a native of 
Ashtabula Co., Ohio, born April, 1839, a son of Jonathan and Mary (Lovell) Warden, na- 
tives of England, who emigrated to this country in 1832, and w^ere pioneers of this county. 
Jonathan was a wagon-maker by trade, but farmed after coming to Crawford, Penn. He 
settled in this township in 1855, lived on a farm 2 years and then moved to Union City, 
where he died in 1864. Six of the 9 children born to this union are now living, viz., Jona- 
than, Elizabeth, Joseph, Thomas, Amelia and William. Our subject was reared on the home- 
stead until seventeen years of age, when he entered the store of Woods & Johnson as a 
salesman. In 1862, he secured a position in the office of the Atlantic R. R. Co., upon the 
opening of that line. After 2 years he returned to his former position, and in 1865 was 
admitted a partner under the lirm name of Woods, Johnson & Co., which ran 2 years, 
when Woods & Johnson sold out to C. W. Dabnej'; then it was Dabney «fc Warden 2 
years, w'hen J. F. Laubender was admitted to the firm and then was Dabnej', Warden & 
Laubender till Jan. 17, 1879, when Warden sold out; then in Sept., 1879, thefirm of Smith 
& Warden w-as formed. Mr. Warden married in this county, in 1876, Ellen M. Gibbs, a na- 
tive of Chautauqua Co., N. Y. In 1878, he was elected to fill an unexpired term in the 
City Council, and was re-elected in 1880, and again in 1883, and he is still serving. Mr. 
Warden was also Assessor 3 j'ears. then re-elected in 1882. He is a member of the I. O. O. 
F., and is one of the active, enterprising merchants of this community. 

DAVID WILSON, farmer, P. O. Union City, one of Erie Co.'s olde'st native residents, 
was born on the homestead in Union Township March 30, 1812, a son of Hugh Wilson, who 
was born Oct. 16, 1773, at Gray Abbey, Co. Down, Ireland, landing at Wilmington, Del., 
in 1792. Two j'ears later he joined Gen. Washington on his way to quell the whisky re- 
bellion at Pittsburgh. He was married to Hannah Frampton, born July 22. 1774, at Kis- 
hacoquillas, 3Iifflin Co., Penn. Mr. Wilson settled in Erie Co.. legally acquiring 200 
acres from :Le Holland Land Co., and 400 acres of State lands. In 1798, he brought his 
wife 200 miles through the wilderness to her new home in Union Township. She was the 
mother of the first white child born in this township. They were the parents of 9 chil- 
dren, three now living — Nathaniel, married to Catherine Wethington, residing in Madison 
Co., Ohio; David; and Rachel, wife of John Smiley, this county. ]^rs. Wilson died Feb., 
1852, aged seventy-eight. Soon after locating here, Mr. Wilson was commissioned Jus- 
tice of the Peace of the entire southeastern portions of Erie Co. He resigned in 1817. 
He helped to protect the building of Perry's fleet at Erie in 1813. He joined the Presby- 
terian Church under Amos Chase in 1820. Mr. Wilson was a well-read man, and died in 
the summer of 1851. Our subject, reared in the wilderness, with no advantages of educa- 
tion, began to study siu'vcying. In 1838, he obtained a practical knowledge of his profes- 
sion as axman witli the surveyors of the P. <k E. R. R. He was employed subsequently 
by the Holland Land Co.. surveying in this county. By teaching through the winters, he 
earned enough to pay for his present farm, at $2.50 an acre, which he cleared and on 
■which he has lived since 1839. Nov. 21, 1839. he married Eliza Jane Thompson, born at 
St. Charles, Mo., Feb. 23, 1821. Their children are Hugh, married to Rosabel Cross; 
Sarah, Avife of J. N. Smith; Hannah, wife of B. F. Holdefi, and Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Wil- 
son were members of the Presbyterian Church, in which the former has been Elder since 
1854. Mrs. Wilson died March 18, 1876. Mr. Wilson surveyed and built plank roads 
through Erie and Crawford Cos. ; was also assistant engineer in constructing the Erie 
& Waterford road. In 1850, he was elected and served for three years as Countj' Survey- 
or. He surveyed and laid out the Evergreen Cemetery, near L^nion City. His health fail- 
ing, he retired in the summer of 1865, and his sons now possess his instruments and follow 
his profession. Mr. Wilson has held various offices of trust, and for upward of twenty 
years has been Auditor and Justice of the Peace of Union Township. 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 183 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 

DANIEL B. ALLEN, druggist, Wattsburg, was born Jan. 6, 1830, in Delaware Co., 
N. Y. His parents, John and Phebe Allen, were natives of same county. In 1848, they 
moved with their family to Erie Co., Penn., locating on a farm. John Allen departed this 
life April 24, 1872. His widow resides in Amity Township. Our subject was reared on his 
father's farm, attending home schools, the Academj^ at New Berlin, N. Y., and in Water- 
ford, Erie Co. He taught, during the winter terms, for about 15 years in this county. In 
1868, he established his present business, and is running the only drug store in Wattsburg. 
In addition to drugs, medicines and toilet articles, he keeps a full line of books, stationery 
and notions. He was united in marriage, April 20, 1875. with Julia Buell, of Chautauqua 
Co., N. Y. They have 2 children living — Clarence and Arthur. Mr. Allen is an influen- 
tial, public-spirited citizen of this community. 

WILLIAM ALLISON, farmer, P. O. West Greene, was born Jan. 18, 1808, on his 
present farm, and is a son of William and Nancy (Gilchrist) Allison, who entered land 
about 1797, which has always been in the family name. Children's names — James, de- 
ceased; Mrs. Sidney Gifford, deceased; Robert G., deceased; Mrs. Margaret Van Curon, 
deceased; John, deceased; Mrs. Eleanor Sturgeon, William, Mary Ann and Elizabeth. 
Mr. Allison died Nov. 5, 1825, Mrs. Allison March 27, 1846. Our subject was married, 
Sept. 24, 1835, to Harriet H., daughter of John and Rachel (White) Carson, both now de- 
ceased. John Carson came from Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1797, and moved his family in 
1801 or 1802. A copper tea-kettle carried by Mrs. Carson on the horn of her saddle is 
still preserved in the family. He came from Scotland when six years of age. His father 
came to America some years after, and settled in Perry Co., but died in Erie Co. at the age 
of ninety-.seven. Both are deceased. Our subject, with wife, settled on the old homestead. 
Of their 6 children, 3 are living — Mrs. Amelia A. Gifford, Mrs. Rachel R. GifEord and 
James W. Mr. and Mrs. Allison are now enjoying the quiet of a peaceful old age, and are 
upright. Christian pioneer people, respected by all. 

WILLIAM B. APPLEBEE, farmer, P. O. Lake Pleasant, was born April 13, 1834. 
His father, a native of N. J., came to Erie Co. about 1827, and was married to Mary D. 
Peck, of Harbor Creek. They came to Venango Township about 1828. Here they cleared 
a farm and reared 6 children — Mrs. Elsie Bradish, of Michigan; Mrs. Rosetta Austin, of 
Kan.; Mrs. Nancy Johnson, deceased; William B. ; John, in Erie; and Julius, in Amity 
Township. Mr. Applebee was an honest pioneer citizen; he departed this life April 18, 
1873. His widow, aged eighty-eight, is residing with our subject. William B. was reared on 
his father's farm, and attended the district schools. He was united in marriage, Feb. 24, 
1857, with Melissa Edwards, a native of Wayne Co., N. Y. Five children have been born 
to this union — Mrs. Ella Bradish, living at Fairfield, Mich. ; Elsie, living at home; Mrs. Ida 
Curtis, living at Lake Pleasant, Penn.; Alice and Charles, living at home. Our subject 
and wife are living on the old homestead, and are members of the Free- Will Baptist 
Church. 

REV. E. H. BALDWIN, minister and farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born Jan. 24, 
1826, in Washington Co., N. Y., and is a son of Ebenezer and Thirza (Murray) Baldwin, 
natives of Mass. and N. Y. respectively. In 1836, thej' moved to Amity Township, this 
county, where they both died— Mr. Baldwin in Oct., 1839, and Mrs. Baldwin April 4, 1864. 
Five of their 10 children still survive, viz. : Washington, Hiram and David, of Amity 
Township; Mrs. Elizabeth Lawrence, of Elk Creek Township, and Ebenezer Hibbard. 
Our subject was united in marriage, Feb. 12, 1862, with Clarissa A. Piatt, who bore him 5 
children, viz.: Cheney L.; Thirza M., married to Charles M. Freligh, and died June 21, 
1883; Attie May; Ivy M; and Archie R. Mrs. Baldwin died March 15, 1879. She was a 
true wife, a kind and faithful mother, and was respected by all who knew her. Mr. Bald- 
win joined the Free- Will Baptist Church in 1861, and was ordained minister June 1, 1873. 
He is a conscientious and thorough worker, and has done much good in the church. He 
has a farm of 100 acres, and has been very successful as a farmer. He is a Republican in 
politics. Mr. Baldwin is a reliable, influential citizen in this township. 

J. V. BALDWIN, manufacturer, Wattsburg, was born Nov. 24, 1836, in Washington 
Co., N. Y. His parents, H. W. and S. E. Baldwin, reside in Amity Township, this coun- 
ty, where they moved in 1837. Our subject was brought up on the farm, receiving his 
education in the home schools and at the Waterford Academy. March 6, 1865, he enlisted 
in the I02d Penn. Reg. He offered himself previouslj% and was twice refused. He served 
in the Army of the Potomac, receiving his discharge June 28, 1865. Mr. Baldwin was 
united in marriage, Nov. 28. 1865, with Phebe Nichols, of Waterford. They are the par- 



184 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ents of 3 children— Kitty, Joseph and Ward. They are giving their children good advan- 
tages. After his marriage, for 2 years he was a contractor in Union City, Erie Co. He 
then formed a partnership with George Cowden, for the manufacture of shingles. InlSTl. 
he established the manufactory of what is known as the "D " handles, for shovels, forks, 
scoops, etc., in partnership with Joseph Deamer, whose interest he bought out in 1879. 
He has since carried on the business alone, and has the reputation of making a tirstclass 
article, and has a large trade, extending from the New England States to St. Louis. He 
sent the first order that went west of the Mississippi River. Mr. Baldwin is a Democrat 
in politics, and is one of the influential business meo of his township. 

SETH M. BALDWIN, manufacturer, Wattsburg, was born February 11, 1856, in 
Amity Township, Erie Co., where his parents still reside, and where he was brought up, 
receiving his education in the district schools. When nineteen years of age, he engaged 
with his brother, J. V. Baldwin, in the handle factory at Wattsburg. He was united in 
marriaae, Jan. 1, 1878, with Sophronia, daughter of Samuel Hayes, of Amity Town- 
ship. Three children have been born to this union, viz., Earl, Ross and Bret. They have 
a neat little home on the corner of Main and Jamestown Sts. Dec, 1879. Mr. Baldwin 
engaged in partnership with Messrs. Gross <k Patterson, establishing a shingle and handle 
factory in the town. Nov. 1, 1883, Mr. Baldwin, in partnership with his brother, R. W. 
Baldwin, purchased the interest of Gross & Patterson in said factory, and is now doing 
bu.siness under the firm name of Baldwin Brothers. They have a first-class establishment, 
and are making pine and hemlock shingles, broom and fork handles, rake teeth and lath. 
They have a large trade, extending into the surrounding States, but they ship mostly to 
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Mr. Baldwin is a Republican in politics, a member of the 
E. A. U. He is a busmess man of energy and perseverance, and an upright, reliable citizen, 

JOSHUA BANNISTER, Sr., farmer, P. O. East Greene, was born July IS, 1820. in 
Derby, England, where he learned and worked at the trade of pattern maker in iron, 
mills. He married May. 1843. Mary Smithard. They came to America in 1847, stopping 
a few mouths at Brooklyn, N. Y., and at Pittsburgh, Penn. They finally located in Erie, 
where Mr. Bannister worked at his trade several years. In 1855. they purchased a farm 
of 145 acres in this township, where they now reside; 5 children have been born to this 
union — Hugh G., Mrs. Elizabeth M. Brace, Mrs" Emma J. Barney, William J. and Joshua 
J. Mr. Bannister, on March, 27, 1881, lost the use of hi-: left side by a stroke of parah'sis. 
He is an upright citizen, who has the respect of the community. He is a Republican in 
politics. 

HUGH G. BANNISTER, farmer. P. O, East Greene, was born Nov. 27, 1846, in Bol- 
ton, England, and when five months old was brought to America by his parents, Joshua and 
Mary (Smithard) Bannister. He was reared principally in Erie; then came with parents 
to their farm in this township, where he remained until his marriage, April 9, 1872, with 
Annie Filley, of CTreene Township. They have 2 daughters — Frances E. and Sarah A. 
Mr. Bannister purchased 45 acres, where he has lived since 1876; is an enterprising, indus- 
trious yoima: farmer; politically, is a Republican. 

SUMNER BEMIS, farmer, P. O. Six Mile Creek, was born March 20, 1823. in Che- 
nango Co., N. Y., a son of Jotham and Fannie (Billings) Bemis, natives of Mass., and 
Chenango Co., N. Y., respectively. The children born to this union were — Henry, who 
dying, left a son, Charles G., and Mrs. Lydia A. Hinton, of Low^ville. Mrs. Bemis died 
in the spring of 1828, and subsequently Mr. Bemis married Martha Kingsle}^ In 1837. 
they located in the northwestern part of this township, and cleared a farm, but, in 1853, 
the}' moved West, remaining in Iowa 4 and in Kan. 20 years, finally settling in Richardson 
Co.", Neb., where the family still reside, and where Mr. Bemis died in 1881. Our subject 
was reared on a farm and attended the limited schools. He was united in marriage, June 
29, 1848, with Eleanor, a daughter of Griffith Hinton, a native of Wales, whose parents, 
with a large family, located in Erie Co. in the year 1800. He was a soldier in the war of 
1812, and died at his daughter's house, March 15, 1881, aged ninety-six. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bemis settled on the homestead, taken up by the former's father, which has never been out 
of the family, where they expect to pass the remainder of their da3's. They have 200 acres 
under good cultivation. The cliildren born to this union are Fannie, who died Feb. 13, 
1870, in her 20th year; Seth, married to Lida Fritts; Sumner. Jr.. Ella, Elmer E., Henry 
and Gear}'. Mrs. Bemis is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Bemis was School 
Director 12 years, and has held various township offices, and supports all public-spirited 
enterprises, and has been a life-long Republican. 

CHARLES G. BEMIS, farmed-, P. O. Six Mile Creek, was born Aug. 11, 1851. in 
this township. His father, Henry Bemis, was a native of Cattaraugus Co.. N. Y., and 
came with his father. Jotham Bemis, to this township about the year 1840. Here he was 
married, Nov. 20, 1845, to Rachel, a daughter of Griffith Hinton, born April 4, 1819. They 
were the parents of 3 children — Charles G. died in childhood; Rachel Ann died in child- 
hood, and Charles G., our subject. Mrs. Bemis, departed this life Jan. 8, 1859, and Mr, 
Bemis July 9, 1863. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and attended the district 
schools. He was united in marriage, April 30, 1873, with Emma Henderson, who departed 
this life May 8, 1880. Mr. Bemis subsequently married her sister, Ella Henderson, Nov, 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 185 

29, 1881, bj^ whom he has 1 son— Glenn Henry. Mr. Bemis now lives on his father's old 
homestead. He is a Republican in politics. 

COL. JOHN H. BENNETT, farmer and proprietor of saw mill, P. O. Wattsburg, was 
born July 8, 1808. in Delaware Co., N. Y., and is a son of John and Betsey (Harley) Ben- 
nett, natives of Conn., who came to Erie Co. in 1829, and settled where our subject now 
lives. The}^ passed long and useful lives, and died, Mr. Bennett Dec. 28, 1851, in his 
^seventy-eighth year, and Mrs. Bennett in 1864, aged over eighty-three years. Our subject 
came to Erie in 1828, a year before the family, and was one of the early settlers of this 
township. He located on a farm, and in 1829, he and his father purchased the saw mill of 
Nimes & Ball, located on the East Branch of French Creek. He-was united in marriage 
in Jan.. 1833, with Mary Etta Foote. Of their family of 7, 2 children are now living- 
Victor H. and John. Mrs. Bennett departed this life April, 1851. Our subject has been 
industrious and successful, and has acquired a farm of 417 acres of finely-improved land, 
situated on Frencli Creek, within 1 mile of Wattsburg. Besides this property, he owns a 
first-class saw mill and cider mill, run by steam. He manufactures lumber, shingles, etc. 
The Colonel is a Democrat in politics, and has served as Commissioner of Venango Town- 
ship. He is the oldest pioneer resident, and is regarded by the whole community as a use- 
ful and infiuential citizen. 

VICTOR H. BENNETT, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born Feb. 15, 1843, in Venango 
Township. He was reared on the farm of his father. Col. John H. Bennett (see sketch), 
and was educated in the township schools and in the select schools of Wattsburg. He 
then assisted his father in the saw mill. He was united in marriage, Oct. 15, 1867, with 
Mariett Bingham, a native of Chautauqua Co.,N. Y., but resident of North East Township, 
this county." Her father, Jonathan Bingham, was also a native of Chautauqua Co., N. Y., 
but is now a resident of Vineland. N. J.: her mother died at North East, Penn., in 1872; 

4 children have been born to this union— Lucia M., Nellie (deceased), John H. F. and 
Minetta A. They moved to their present farm, consisting of 100 acres, adjoining the bor- 
ough of Wattsburg. It was one of the first settled farms in the township, once owned by 
the well-known pioneer, Nathan Jones. Mr. Bennett has made valuable improvements, 
almost entirely cleared it of stumps, and there is no farm in the township under better cul- 
tivation. Besides this farm he owns 26 acres of land near Lowville. He is a Democrat in 
politics; has served as School Dii-ector of Venango Township 3 years; is a member of 
the K. of H., Lodge No. 539 Wattsburg. Our subject has given his children good educa- 
tional advantages. He is much interested in geology and archa?ology, and possesses many 
interesting relics. In 1878, he was employed as a State detective, and was very success- 
ful in his"3 years' engagement. He is a worthy representative of one of the oldest fam- 
ilies in the county. 

DANIEL D. T. BENNETT. M. D., Wattsburg, was born April 28, 1810, in Harpers- 
field. Delaware Co., N. Y., and is a son of John and Betsey Bennett. He received his 
education in the schools of his native county, and in Aug., 1829, moved with his father's 
family to Erie Co., Penn. In Oct., 1830, he returned to Delaware Co., and was married, 
in the latter part of Dec. of same year, to Mary A. Butler, a native of same county. In 
May, they moved to Erie Co., and settled where they have since resided; having prepared 
himself for the medical profession. Dr. Bennett began practice in the spring of 1844. He 
built up a large practice for several years, till ill health and other business interests les- 
sened it for some years, the Doctor attending only such families as urged him. July 4, 1876. 
he became a member of the Eclectic association of Penn. .receiving the honorary degree of M. 
D., at Franklin, Penn. Besides attending to his large practice, the Doctor has managed 
an estate of 273 acres of -finely-improved land, on French Creek, near Wattsburg. To 
the Doctor and Mrs. Bennett have been born 8 children, 4 surviving— Phebe, Elizabeth; 
Augusta, wife of T. W Stewart, of North East, Penn., have 2 sons, Bennett A. and 
Charles T.; and Daniel W., married to Anna E. Seeburn, of Mercer, Mercer Co., Penn., have 

5 children, Frank M., Celestia A., Marv S., Mvra A. and Daniel D. T. Mrs. Bennett departed 
this life Jan. 22, 1883. She was a member of the M. E. Church, and was a devoted 
wife and mother. Her death was a loss to the entire community. Dr. Bennett is, in poli- 
tics, a Republican. He has a thorough knowledge of his profession, in which he has been 
a successful and popular practitioner; has reared an intelligent family, and is one of the 
useful and intelligent citizens of Venango Township. 

DANIEL R. BOVEE, farmer and mechanic, P. O. Lowville, was born Feb. 10, 1841, 
in Gibsonville. Genesee Co., N. Y. His father, William R. Bovee, a native of Mass.^ 
moved to N. Y., and there married Maria Quakenbush. They moved to Titusville, Craw- 
ford Co., Penn., in 1850, where Mr. Bovee died Jan. 18. 1857. Mrs. Bovee married An- 
drew Hays in 1861, and moved to Erie Co. Our subject enlisted September 2, 1861, in the 
111th Reg. P. V. I. He served in the Army of Virginia under Gen. Pope, and was honor- 
ably discharged for disability Feb. 11, 1863. He was married, July 3, 1864, to Lucina Ray- 
mond, of Greenfield Township, this county. They have 3 children— Ada C, June R. and 
Irl C. In 1877, Mr. Bovee settled on his present farm, near Lowville, which comprises 27 
acres. He is politically a Republican; a member of the F. & A. M., G. A. R., and member 
of the Grand Lodge of the K. of H. He possesses the respect and confidence of the entire 
communitv. 



186 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

H. W. BOYD, dealer in boots and shoes, Lowville, was born Auff. 14, 1809, in County 
Down, Ireland. His parents, William and Elizabeth Boyd, came to Union County, Penn., 
in 1820. They moved, in 1829, to Greenfield Township, Erie Co., and afterward settled in 
Venango Township, where they purchased a farm. Here Mrs. Boyd died July 30, 1844, 
and Mr. Boyd Oct. 5. 1847. Our subject was brought up on a farm, and received his edu- 
cation in the limited schools of those early days. He was engaged in working on public 
works in Ohio for about a year, and subsequently was employed in various public enter-, 
prises, and in working at the carpenter's trade. He was united in marriage, Nov. 1, 1833, 
with Sallie Ann Bobbins. They settled on a farm in this township, and were the parents 
of 12 children, of whom are now living— Julia Ann, wife of D. Kaut, of Mich. ; Mrs. Mary 
E. Vandenburg; John, now in Erie; William S., Mrs. Emma J. Blackmore, Sylvester H.. 
George A. and Mrs. Vashti Patterson. In 1879, Mr. Boyd moved to Lowville, and opened 
a boot and shoe store. His wife died Dec. 22, 1880. She had been a devoted and kind 
companion, and an indulgent mother, loved and respected by the whole community. Mr. 
Boyd, afterward, in May, 1881, married Mrs. Nancy Dibble, who died Aug., 1883. Mr. 
Boyd is now keeping store in Lowville. He is a Democrat in politics; an honest respected 
pioneer citizen of this township. 

HENRY BROOKS, farmer, P. O. East Greene, was born in Birmingham, England, 
Apr. 21, 1846, son of Josiah and Ann Brooks, who came to America in 1848, and located in 
the city of Erie where the former plied his trade, that of a scale-maker and gunsmith. 
About 1859, they purchased a farm in this township and moved on it. This place was pur- 
chased in 1880 by our subject, and his father now resides in Wesleyville. Henry Brooks 
was united in marriage, Oct. 27, 1870, with Marilla Brace, who has borne him 2 children — 
Ona Belle and Edmund Josiah. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are members of the Presbyterian 
Church, and also of the Patrons of Husbandry. Mr. Brooks is a man of fine principles 
and of strict integritv. He is a Republican in politics. 

PLINY CHAPIN. retired farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born Feb. 25, 1805, in Madison 
Co., N. Y. His parents, Daniel and Alice Chapin, both natives of Mass., were married in 
N. Y. About 1812, they moved to Ontario Co., N. Y., and Mr. Chapin entered the 
U. S. Army, serving 6 months in the war of 1812. About 1815, they moved to Otsego 
Co., where they remained until 1827, when they came to Venango Township, Erie Co., 
Penn. The country was then new, with but few clearings or roads. When Pliny was 
twenty-two years of age, he purchased a farm, and his parents resided with him until their 
deaths. The father died Oct., 1842, and the mother Feb., 1844. They were the parents of 
12 children. 5 still living — Pliny, Philander B., Jonathan, Mrs. Orilla Williams and Mrs. 
Hannah Howard. Our subject was united in marriage. Jan. 14, 1830, with Hannah Smith, 
a native of this township. They are the parents ot' 3 children, viz.: Betsy, deceased in 
infancy; Orrin, who died from exposure, July 25, 1865, in the L^. S. service, aged twenty- 
seven; and Sabrina, who married George H. Howard, ))y whom she has 1 son — Pliny. 
They live on the old homestead, near Wattsburg. Mrs. Chapin departed this life Jan. 
10, 1873. She was a member of the Presbj'terian Church, a devoted wife and mother, and 
her loss was deeply felt. Mr. Chapin in a Republican in politics: has served as Treasurer 
and Justice of the Peace in Venango Township. He is a man of sterling character, and of 
great influence and usefulness in the communit}-. 

JONATHAN CHAPIN, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born Jan. 3. 1818, in Butter- 
nuts, Otsego Co., N. Y. He came with his father's family to Venango Co. in 1827, and 
was reared on a farm adjoining the village of Lowville. Mr. Chapin was united in mar- 
riage. Sept. 26, 1842, with Abigail McClure. Three children are the fruits of this union, 
viz.: Eugenia, wife of Spencer Butler, and the mother of 4 children: I. P. A., who enlisted 
in the 111th Reg. P. V. I., and was killed at the battle of Lookout Mountain May 24, 1864; 
and Emily Alice. Soon after their marriage, JMr. and 3Irs. Chapin moved on a place just 
west of Wattsburg, where they resided until 1871, when they located on their present 
farm, consisting of 210 acres of finely improved land. Mr. Chapin is a man with a fine con- 
stitution, great strength of mind, and firmness of principle; a Republican in politics. He 
and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. 

NORMAN CHAPIN, deceased, was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., April 29, 1811, and 
came to Venango Township in 1824, with his parents. Plin}- and Eliza (Bennett) Chapin, 
who died here years ago. Our subject was united in marriage, Feb. 2, 1840, w^ith jMary J. 
Barney, born in Chittenden Co., Vt., Aug. 8, 1819. daughterof John and Clarissa Barney, 
who came to Erie Co. in 1832, and died in Greene Township. Five of the children born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Chapin are living — Lucius M., Ebert N.. Mrs. Sarah Sophia Wiard, Hervey 
R. and Mintern B. Our subject wsvS an upright pioneer citizen, and departed this life Jan. 
26, 1877. His widow lives with her son Mintern B. He was married, Oct. 26, 1877, to 
Lelia Howard, by whom he has 1 daughter — Ezma M. He is an enterprising young farm- 
er, enjoying the respect and confidence of the community. 

LUCIUS M. CHAPIN. farmer, P. O. Philipsville, was born July 16. 1842, in Venango 
Township, son of Norman Chapin. He attended the schools of the home district, and 
Waterford Academy 1 term. He has taught 3 terms in this township. He enlisted Aug.. 
1861, in the 83d Reg. P. V. I. He was wounded at the 2d battle of Bull Run, losing the 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 187 

thumb and first finger of the left hand, and discharged on account of disability Feb., 1863. 
Mr. Chapin was united in marriage, Oct. 1, 1866, with Viola M., daughter of Samuel K. 
Bayle. She was born Oct. 1, 1848. They have ;i children living— Addie G., Norah and 
Paul E. Their oldest son died when four years old. Mr. (;hapin has been industrious and 
successful, and has acquired a farm of 75 acres. He and his wife are members of the M. 
E. Church. Mr. Chapin is an upright, enterprising farmer, and a useful citizen; supports 
the Prohibition party. 

S. F. CHAPIN, 'M. D., physician and surgeon, Wattsburg, was born Nov. 13, 1834, m 
Butternuts, Otsego Co., N. Y., son of Joseph and Fanny (Farnham) Chapin, natives of New 
England. In 1835, they removed to Venango Township, Erie Co., and settled near Low- 
ville; here our subject was reared on the farm, and received his early education. At eight- 
een years of age, he went to Audover, Mass., completing his classical course it Phillips' 
Academy, graduating in the class of 1855. He entered the medical department, Yale Col- 
lege, graduating with the degree of M. D. in 1859. having- in the meantime taken a course 
and graduated in medicine from Michigan University, Ann Arbor. He returned home, and 
for 1 year taught select school. Aug., 1861, he was appointed Asst. Surgeon in the 1st 
Penn. Reserve; Sept., 1863, he was promoted to the rank of Surgeon, and assigned to the 
139th Penn. Reg.; 1863, was appointed chief operator for 3d Brigade, 3d Division, 6th 
Corps; 1864, was appointed Surgeon-in-Chief 2d Division, 6th Corps, and known as Getz's 
division. He participated in the engagements at Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Charles 
Citv Cross Roads, Malvern Hill. Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Freder- 
icksburg, Marys' and Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, 
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Pet'ersburg, Fort Stevens, Charleston, Winches- 
ter. Fislier's Hill, Cedar Creek, Second Petersburg, Sailor's Creek and Lee's surrender. 
After his discharge. July, 1865, Dr. Chapin practiced his profession in Erie 1 year, then in 
Chicago till the great fire. He returned to Watt«burg, where he remained until his mar- 
riage, Sept. 3, 1870, with Emily, daughter of Rev. B. S. Hill, when he established himself 
in business here. In 1875. he was elected by the Republican party Representative from 
Erie Co. to the State Legislature, and re-elected in 1877, serving 4 years to the satisfaction 
of his constituents. He" subsequently settled down to private life, and the uninterrupted 
practice of his profession. He has served as School Director 12 consecutive years. Dr. 
and Mrs. Chapin have 4 children, viz. : Albert Orlo; Lynn F., deceased Feb. 5, 1881, aged 
five A'ears: Eva, and Leah. 

SIMON S. CROOK, farmer, P. O. Philipsville, was born in 1807 in Grafton Co., N. 
H., and united in marriage, March 3, 1839, with Mary MacArthur. They came to Erie Co. 
in 1840. living in Elk Creek 7 years, in Greenfield 4 years, then moved to Mill Creek Town- 
ship. Here they reared a family, 4 children now living— Mrs. Marilla Manley, James K., 
John A. and Mrs. Eugenia Donaldson. After residing in Mill Creek 28 years, Mr. and Mrs. 
Crook moved, in 1880, to their present place in this township, where they have 45 acres of 
land. Mrs. Crook is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Crook is a supporter of the Dem- 
ocratic party. 

GEORGE W. DEAN, farmer, P. 0. Wattsburg, was born Sept. 11, 1842, in Chautau- 
qua Co., N. Y., and is a son of Samuel and Zadia (Bailey) Dean, married Aug. 15, 1830. 
The former, a cloth-dresser by trade, was born in Onondaga Co.. N. Y. He lived in Chau- 
tauqua Co., same State, some years, and also in Wattsburg, Erie Co., Penn, but finally set- 
tled on a farm o.t Dean road, this township, where he died July 5, 1875, and where his 
widow is still residing. They reared a familj of 8 children— Mrs. Mary Chase, Bailey, 
Leroy, Mrs. Harriet Hall, Mrs. Maria Church, George W.. Elbert S. (who was a member 
of the 211th Reg., Co. F, P. V, I., killed at Point of Rocks, Va., Sept. 29, 1864), and 
Mrs. Emeline Sager. Leroy was thrice married; first to Calista Brown, then to Harriet 
Sager, by whom he had 2 children— Martin E. (deceased^ and George H. She died Oct. 
18, 1881. He then married Lizzie Williams, Aug., 1883. He was a soldier in the82d Penn. 
ileg., and made a record as a brave, faithful soldier. George W., our subject, was mar- 
ried Sei)t. 10, 1868, to Kate M. Kent. They have 1 daughter, Efi3e Louisa. He has a 
fine farm on the old homestead. He is a Republican in politics; with his wife, a member 
of the U. B. Church. 

DAVIS ALONZA DOOLITTLE, faimer. P. O. Lowville, was born Jan. 11. 1820, in 
Madison Co., N. Y.. and is a son of John, a native of same, and Delia (Way) Doolittle, 
who were the parents of Mrs. Maria Hill, of Cony; Davis A.; Sterling, at Hatch Hollow; 
Celissa, decea,«ed; and Willaid, deciased. Our s-ubiect, Davis Alonza, married, July 21, 
1842, Jeannette Woodard, who depart( d this life Jan. 4, 1844. leaving a son, Martin, who 
now resides in North East Township, this county. Mr. Doolittle married again, Dec. 29, 
1844. Alvira Burlingr.me, of Chenango Co., N. Y. Five children have been born to this 
union, viz., Wiilettr^ho died Julv il, 1864. in his country's service at Nashville, Tenn., at 
the age of eighteen; George L., deceased; Harley A., Delia M., Allen and Lewis L. Soon 
after his marriage, Mr. Doolittle moved to Chautauqua Co., where he nmainedS years; 
thence went to Venanao. and lived with his parents until their death— his mother dyingin 
March and his father in June of 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle have a comfortable home 
here in their old age; are members of the M. E. Church, and are an infiuential pioneer 
family. 



188 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

HARLEY A. DOOLITTLE. farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born July 11, 1850, in Chau- 
tauqua Co., N. Y., and is a son of Davis A. and Alvira (Burlingame) Doolittle. He came 
to Venango Township with his father's family when three years old, and has since lived 
here. He was united in marriage, Feb. 8, 1871, with Carrie, daughter of Henry Rouse, 
by whom be has S children — Fred, Eddie and Bertha. In 1874, Mr. Doolittle bought his 
present place. He has been successful, and has acquired a farm of 81 acres. Mrs. 
Doolittle is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Doolittle is an upright, influential citizen 
of this community. 

LEWIS DOOLITTLE, farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born Aug.. 1857, in Venango 
Township, Erie Co., Penn. He is a son of Davis A. and Alvira (Burlingame) Doolittle. 
He was brought up in this township and educated in the district schools. He was united 
in marriage, March 6, 1878, with Helen McClennahan. They have 2 children — Arthur 
and Frankie. ]\Ir. Doolittle has a farm of 50 acres. He is a Democrat in politics, and is 
an industrious, ambitious, successful 3'^oung man. 

HIRAM J. DRAKE, merchant and Postmaster, Philipsville, was born in Smyrna, 
Chenango Co., N. Y., Nov. 9, 1836- His father, Hiram Dralie, a native of N. Y., was 
twice married, on the first occasion to Electa Pease. They came to Erie Co. about 1837, 
and lived for 3 years at Beaver Dam; thence moved to Crawford Co., where Mrs. 
Drake died in about 1850. Mr. Drake subsequently married Adeline Hewitt. He departed 
this life in 1867, his widow surviving until 1883. Our subject was reared on his father's 
farm, and attended tlie district schools. He was united in marriage, Sept. 10, 1858. with 
Betsey B. Morton, who has borne him 4 children— Cora A., Cara L., Jedediah C. and Fred 
D. They lived on the farm in Crawford Co. until April 1, 1877, when Mr. Drake entered 
mercantile business at Miller's Station. He established his present store at Philipsville 
Aug., 1879, and was appointed Postmaster. He carries a stock of dry goods, groceries and 
general merchandise. He has by close attention to business, built up a prosperous trade. 
He was Postmaster at Brown Hill, Crawford Co., from 1870 to 1877. He is a member of 
Cambridge Lodge, No. 901, I. O. O. F. ; an energetic, enterprising merchant, and a Re- 
publican in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Drake are adherents of the Baptist Church. 

CHARLES H. DUXCOMBE. farmer, P. O. Wattsburg. was born Jan. 11, 183S. in Ve- 
nango Township, Erie Co.. Penn. His father. Francis B. Duncombe. was one of the 
earliest settlers in this county, coming from Delaware Co., N. Y., in 1838; his father,John 
Duncombe, subject's grandfather, came out the following year. Francis B. married Char- 
ity Louisa Foote, in Delaware Co.. N. Y., Jan., 1839, and "settled on a place adjoining the 
borough of Wattsburg, where he died Aug. 18, 1876, and his widow Feb. 3, 1878. Charles 
H. Duncombe was united in marriage, Oct. 11, 1857, with Eunice E. Wood, of Chautauqua 
Co., N. Y. He enlisted in 1863, in the 145th P. V. I., receiving his discharge in 1863, 
when he .settled on present place, which was the homestead of his grandfather. Two chil- 
have been born to this union — George H. and Maurice E. He is, in politics, a Democrat; 
a member of the M. E. Church, of the K. of H.. and G. A. R. 

JACOB ETTER, farmer. P. O. East C-rreeue, was born Nov. 14, 1841, in Wurtemburg, 
Germany. His parents. Jacob and Phillipena Etter, came to America and to Erie Co. 
with their family in 1847. Mrs. Etter died March 9, 1878. Mr. Etter still resides in 
Greene Township. Our subject enlisted in the U. S. Navy, July 13, 1864. He served in 
different departments of the navy on the Atlantic coast, the Bahama Islands, along the 
coast of South America and South Africa, and was honorably discharged in 1868. After 
living on the home farm a year, he went on the P. & E. R. R. at Erie, where he remained 
3 years. He was united in marriage, March, 1869, with Anne Gloth. Of the 3 children 
born to this union, only Annie survives. In 1873, they settled on the place they have 
since occupied. Mrs. Etter died Jan. 9, 1875. Mr. Etter afterward married Julia Zim- 
mer, and has 5 sons— Henry, Adam, Fred, Jacob and Cryst. Mr. and Mrs. Etter are 
members of the Lutheran Protestant Church. He is an industrious, reliable and success- 
ful farmer, and with the aid of his worthy wife is building up a fine estate. He is politi- 
callv a Democrat. 

JABEZ B. FOOTE (deceased) was born at Newtown, Conn., Oct. 13, 1785. His father 
moved to the village of Hobart, Delaware Co., N. Y., in 1798. Our subject was united in 
marriage, March 16, 1809, with Lucia Foote, a native of same place. To this union were 
born the following children: Charity Louisa, born Jan. 1810, married Burritt Dun .omb, 
Jan. 18, 1839; David Edmond, born Jan. 17, 1813, is now residing in this township; Mary- 
etta, born Jan. 23, 1814, married John H. Bennett. Jan. 30, 1833; Jane Elizabeth, born 
Sept. 30, 1816, married Mr. Ford, now living near Columbus, Penn.; Daniel North- 
rop, born May 31, 1830, died Feb. 15, 1831; Frances Adella, born Nov. 11, 1836, died Feb. 
21. 1881. Mr. Foote kept a country store in Delaware Co., where he remainrd until the 
fall of 1831, when he came to this county, and divided his time between blacksmitliing, 
carpentering and farming, though farming formed his principal occupation. His first wife 
died March 18. 1839. His second marriage occurred August 4, 1840, when he was united 
with Fannie Fenton. who lived until May 37, 1859. He then resided with his son David 
until his death, which took place in 1870. 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 189 

DAVID EDMOND FOOTE, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born Jan. 17, 1812, in Del- 
aware Co., N. Y. His parents, Jabez B. and Lucia, natives of Conn., went to N. Y. 
when children and came to this county in 1831, settling on the farm now occupied by our 
subject. David E. learned the cooper's trade of his father and has followed it in connec- 
tion with farming all his life. He was united in marriage, May 9, 1839, with Rhoda Jane 
Hill, a native of Erie Co., N. Y. Six children have been born to this union — Daniel B., 
George J., Frederick M., Louisa C. and 3 who died in infanc}'. Daniel B. resides iu 
Wattsburg. George J. enlisted iu the 88d R. V. I.; was taken prisoner at the battle of 
Sd Bull Run, while assisting a wounded comrade, and died in camp parole at Annapolis, 
Md , Oct. 5, 1862. His remains were brought home and buried in the "Wattsburg Ceme- 
tery Frederick M. lives at home, the stay and support of his parents' declining years. 
Louisa C. married H. M. Bailey, Dec. 25, 1877. H. M. Bailey, P. O. Wattsburg, is an indus- 
trious and successful farmer, owning a farm of over 100 acres of land, paid for and im- 
proved by his own labor. In politics a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Foote have lived all 
their lives since marriage on the home farm, consisting of 250 acres of well-improved land. 
He is a Republican in politics; has held various township offices; he and his wife are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church. 

DANIEL B. FOOTE, merchant, Wattsburg, was born Aug. 24, 1841, in Venango 
Township, this county, where his father, David E., is still living. Daniel was brought up 
on his father's farm, attending the district schools. At seventeen, he entered the Water- 
ford Academy, which he attended 3 terms, teaching in this township in the intervals. 
He enlisted Aug. 17, 1861, in the 83d Reg. P. V. I. He was in all the general engagements 
of the Army of the Potomac, except 2. He was wounded at the battle of Laurel Hill, in 
the Wilderness. He received an honorable discharge at Harrisburg, Penn., July 8, 1865, 
at that time holding the frank of 2d Lieutenant. He returned home and for 4 years 
followed farming. He was united in marriage, Oct. 26, 1865, with Julia, daughter of the 
Rev. B. S. Hill. They have 3 children— Mary R., Estella L. and David E. In 1870, he 
engaged in merchandising at Wattsburg, under the firm name of D. B. Foote & Co., 
which in a j'ear was changed to Foot ct Field, then after another year to Patterson & 
Foote. Two years afterward, he sold out his interest to W. W. Harwood, and then for 3 
years carried on a meat market, when he added a stock of groceries. Sept. 7, 1877, he 
entered into partnership with E. C. Tracy in a dry goods and notion stock. They bought 
the grocery stock of John Hill in 1881; this they carry on in a separate building. 
They have a full line of drj^ goods, boots and shoes, books and school supplies, queens- 
ware and notions. By their courtesj' and strict business habits, they have built up a first- 
class trade. Mr. Foote is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the F. & A. M., G. A. 
R., K. of H., and the E. A. U. societies- He and his wife and daughter Mary are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church. He is a liberal supporter of all enterprises of public benefit. 

ANSEL C. FRITTS, farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born April 13, 1844, in Venango 
Township, Erie Co. son of Jacob and Amanda (Coy) Fritts, natives of New York, who 
came to Erie Co., about 1833. Here Jacob died in 1869. Our subject entered the 199th 
Penn. Reg., Sept., 1864; he served in the department of the James River, Army of Vir- 
ginia. He participated in several engagements, and was honorably discharged Jul}' 8, 
1865, when he returned home and went on a farm. He married, March 27, 1867, Leora D. 
Kerman, a native of Cohoes, N. Y. They have 6 children — Jennie G., Carrie G., Lottie 
A., Nellie I., Fernie L. and Garfield B. Mr. Fritts now lives on the old homestead. He 
has held various local and township offices; is a member of the Republican party; a K. of 
H. He is an influential citizen. 

WILLIAM SYLVESTER FRITTS, farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born Dec. 6, 1849, in 
Venango Township, Erie Co., son of B. F. Fritts. residing in this township. His parents 
moved from near Lowville to where our subject now resides (3 miles northwest of Low- 
ville) when he was about six years of age, where he was reared and attended the district 
schools. Wm. S. Fritts was united in marriage, July 14, 1880, with Eva J., daughter of 
Jonas W. Urch, of this township. Mrs. Fritts was born Oct. 11, 1854. Mr. Fritts bought 
his father's farm of 100 acres of well-improved laud, and here they settled. They have 1 
son, Clyde H. Mr. and Mrs. Fritts are members of the M. E. Church. He is a K. of H., 
a successful, young farmer, enjoying the respect and confidence. of the whole community; 
in politics, a Republican. 

JUSTUS W. FULLER, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born July 27, 1830, in this 
township. His father. Tiffany N. Fuller, a native of Genesee Co., N. Y., came to this 
township with his parents, Timothy and Anna (Nettleton) Fuller, about 1818, after 
spending a couple of years in Northeastern Ohio. Here he was married, Oct. 21. 1823, to 
Nancy M. Walker, daughter of Justus Walker, of Harbor Creek Township, this county. 
They settled in this township, lived long and prosperous lives, rearing a famil}' of much 
usefulness and influence. Mrs. Fuller died Dec. 23, 1840. Mr. Fuller was married 
twice, first to Betsy Corry, then to Mrs. Orpat Beers. He died May 29. 1875, highly 
respected by all. He was the parent of 6 children— Mariett E. (deceased), Samuel T. (de- 
ceased). Tiffany E. (deceased), Justus W., Silas H. (deceased) and George M. (deceased). 
Silas was a soldier in the 199th Penn. Reg., and received injuries in the service, from 



190 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

which he died after his return. Our subject passed Jiis boyhood on his father's farm, 
attending the district schools. He was married, Oct. 19, 1851, to Mary E., daughter of 
Abram Coons, a native of Rensselaer Co., N. Y. They have been residents of this neigh- 
borhood since; 5 sons were born to this union — La Fayette N., Wellie W. (deceased" at 
eighteen), Ca.ssius M., U. Silas and George Wallace. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have built up a 
comfortable home, reclaiming the farm from the wilderness. They are members of the 
Baptist Church. Our subject has been a life-long liepublican; has served as School Direc- 
tor 2 terms, and is one of the leading men of Venango Township. 

LAFAYETTE N. FULLER, furniture dealer, Wattsburg, was born Nov. 25, 1854, in 
Venango Township, Erie Co., Penn., where his father still resides. He was brought upon 
his father's farm, and educated in the school of tlie home district. At nineteen years of 
age, he began to learn cabinet-making with Hugh Cushing, of Watt.sburg, with whom he 
remained 9 years. He was united in marriage, Feb. 22, 1877, with Jennie Hall, of this bor- 
ough, who has borne him 1 sou, Burrell Fuller. In Aug., 1882, Mr. Fuller bought out the 
furniture establishment of Mr. Cushing. Sept., 1883, he, in partnership with Lorou Marts, 
of Wayne Township, bought out the store of J. O. Looniis, and are conducting the 2 
establishments under the firm name of Fuller & Marts. They have a full line of house- 
keeping goods and notions, also a stock of undertakers' goods, and, with the exception of 
Erie City, have the finest hearse in the county. Mr. Fuller is a Republican in politics. 
He is a member of the K. of H., and has held various positions in the lodge. He and his 
wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is one of the enterprising, successful business 
men of this place. 

WILLIAM L. GIFFORD, farmer, P. O. Philipsville, was born Oct. 22, 1827, in Ve- 
nango Township, Erie Co., Penn. His father, William S. Gifford, was a native of Vt., 
and came to this county while yet a young man. Married Sydney Allison, and settled on 
a farm near Philipsville, where he died in 1847, and his widow in 1854. Their children 
were William L., Mrs. Catherine Ann Carson, of Beaver Dam, this county; Robert.!., 
now living on the old homestead; George W., died August 1, 1880; Martin V. B.. in Erie 
Post Office; Mrs. Lucy J. Turk, residing in Wesley ville, Penn., and James E., who died in 
1866, from a wound received in the service of his country in one of the battles before Rich- 
mond, Va. Our subject was reared on a farm, and united in marriage, May 29, 1850, with 
Laura L. Carson, a native of Erie Co., born May 11, 1828, daughter of John D. and Amy 
L. Carson. He was born Jan. 11, 1803, died Aug. 14, 1864; his widow was born July 3, 
1810, died Oct. 4, 1880. They were parents of 10 children — Mrs. LauraL. Gifford, Almeda 
S., Rachel L., Amy G,, William W., Lucy J., Almira V., George W. and Ellen E., all now 
deceased excepting Mrs. Gifford, Mrs. Peck, Mrs. Cox and Mrs. Longstreet. The children 
born to this union are William W. (has 3 children — Ivan L., Emma and Edith L.) and Mrs. 
Ida A. Smith (has 1 child — Eva Almeda). After living 3 years on the old home farm, 
our subject purchased 100 acres of well-improved land where the family now resides. Mr. 
and Mrs. Gifford are members of the Presbyterian Church. They are worthy descendants 
of some of the oldest pioneer families of Erie Co. In politics, he is a Democrat. 

REV. ROBERT J. GIFFORD, A. M., farmer, P. O. Philipsville, was born June 11, 
1831, in Venango Township, on his present farm. He Avas reared on his father's farm, 
and attended the district schools. At 26 he entered Alleghany College, teaching at inter- 
vals, between terms, to defray expenses. He graduated in the classical courses June 18, 
1859. In addition to the regular course, he took up Hebrew and Biblical literature. He 
was united in marriage, June 19, 1859, with Izza Sackett, of Sagerstown, Penn., daughter 
of Squire Harvey Sackett. They settled on a farm in Greene Township, Erie Co. Mr. 
Gifford was constituted a local preacher in the M. E. Church, while attending college, dis- 
charging these duties until 1872. He and his wife are now members of the congregation 
at Philipsville. In 1882, they sold their farm, and purchased the old Gifford homestead. 
They have 6 children — Jesse, Mertie, Charley, George G., Blaine and Clare. Mr. Gifford is 
a Republican in politics, a man of strong, active intellect, sterling integritj^ and a leader 
in all useful public enterprises. 

WILLIAM A. GORDON, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg. was born Sept. 22, 1841, in Chau- 
tauqua Co., N. Y., son of Abner M., Sr., and Jane (Wheeler) Gordon. Abner M., Sr., a 
native of N. H., came to N. Y. in early manhood, where he was married. They then 
lived for several years in different counties of N. W. Penn. Mr. Gordon was accidentally 
killed on the railway near Corry, April 14, 1868. Mrs. Gordon subsequently married Squire 
Hiram Southworth, who is also deceased. She now lives in Columbus. Of their 9 chil- 
dren, 6 are now living — William and Newton J. residents of Erie Co. Our subject was 
reared in Penn. He enlisted Aug. 9, 1862, in Co. B, an independent Penn. company. His 
brothers Newton, Isaac and George were in the same company, and Abner was in another 
Penn. company. They were all brave soldiers, and all but'one mustered out June 5, 1865. 
William has been living in this and adjoining counties since the war. He was married, 
Dec. 2, 1866, to Arvilla Curtis, daughter of Hector Crosby, of Crawford Co., Penn., by 
whom he has 1 daughter. Belle I. They have also an adopted daughter, Minnie. Dec. 2, 
1880, Mr. Gordon moved to his present place, having purchased it 4 years previously. He 
has 45 acres. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the G. A. R. and K. of H. ; is 
highly respected by all who know him. 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 191 

WASHINGTON W. HARWOOD. farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born Juae 15, 1842, 
in Venango Township, Erie Co., Penn., and is a son of James and 'Caroline (Weed) Har- 
wood, natives of Otsego Co., N. Y. They came to this county in 1833, where Mr. Harwood 
died in 1859. They had 3 children— David L. (at Chautauqua N. Y.), W. W., and Eliza 
beth (deceased in her thirteenth year). The widow is living with her son, Washington. 
Our subject received his education in the district school and at the Eastman Business Col- 
lege of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He was united in marriage, Dec. 23. 1869, with Esther Bax- 
ter. Two sons were born to this union— Willie G. and Charles B. Mrs. Harwood departed 
this life April 23, 1874. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a devoted mother 
and wife, and went to her rest enjoying the respect of the whole community. Mr. Harwood 
engaged in mercantile, business with D. N. Patterson, Wattsburg, from March, 1874, to Sept.. 
1876. He then returned to the farm, consisting of nearly 300 acres of well-improved land. 
He is. politically, a Republican, and is at present Assessor of this township. He is a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church; belongs to the Knights of Honor; has been a member or 
the School Board of Wattsburg 4 years. He has been an industrious, successful man, and 
is one of the influential citizens of Venango Township. 

MRS. MARY HENDERSON, Lowville, a daughter of George W . and Esther (Miller) 
Ad dison , natives respectively of Huntington, Vt., and Esse.x Co.,^. Y., was born in Green- V 
field Township March 25, 1828, to which her grandfather Addison had come in 1812, and 
her grandfather Miller in 1820. To her parents were born 9 children, 7 surviving — Mrs. 
Mary Henderson, Edwin J., Mrs. Cordelia Raymond, Mrs. Ann Mallory, George H., Mrs. 
Ellen Everett and William. Our subject was married, Sept, 18, 1845. to Andrew Hender- 
son, of this township. They settled on the homestead, where Mrs. Henderson is now liv- 
ing, and were the parents of 12 children, 5 surviving — Miller, Eugene A., Mrs. Ella Bemis. 
Samuel and Lottie. Mr. Henderson departed this life Feb. 6, 1878. He was a kind hus- 
band and father, and died lamented by all who knew him. George A. Davis, a son of her 
deceased daughter Esther, the wife of Henry G. Davis, of Harbor Creek Township, is re- 
siding with Mrs. Henderson. She is a lady of estimable character, a pious member of the 
M. E. Church, and is respected by the community. 

ISRAEL HIBBARD, farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born March 10, 1825, in Monroe. 
Ashtabula Co., Ohio, son of Jacob and Wealthj"^ Hibbar d, natives of Vt., who lived in N. 
Y. State some time, and movM"!;© Ashtabula Co., Ohio, about 1816. Mr. Hibbard was 
drowned in Lake Erie, near Conneaut, Ohio, in 1825; his widow died in this township in 
1831. Israel was brought up by his step-father, Thomas Prentice, in Venango Township. 
He was united in marriage, Sept. 20, 1846, with Clarrissa Adeline Moore, of this township. 
They located in Lowville, where Mr. Hibbard followed his trade (shoe-maker), 2 years; 
then for 2 years lived on a farm, northwest of the village; then returned to Lowville, 
and resided there 12 years. In 1862, they moved to their present farm, consisting of 81i 
acres. Mr. and Mrs. Hibbard are the parents of 3 children — Lyman Elbert, Emmitt J., 
both living near their father, and Ella Bertha, at home. They are both members of the 
M. E. Church. He is a Democrat in politics; a friend of the cause of education; has given 
his children good advantages. He is an industrious, influential citizen. 

LYMAN ELBERT HIBBARD, farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born July 29, 1849, in Ve- 
nango Township, Erie Co., Penn., son of Israel and Clarissa A. (Moore) Hibbard. He was 
brought up in this township, and was imited in marriage, May 23, 1872, with Lucinda A., 
daughter of Morgan B. Tanner. (See his sketch.) They settled on their present farm, 
consisting of 100 acres, in 1874. He is a Democrat in politics; an industrious, enterprising 
young farmer. 

EMMITT HIBBARD. farmer and teacher, P. O. Wattsburg, was born Jan. 19, 1860, in 
Venango Township, Erie Co., Penn., son of Israel and Clarissa A. (Moore*) Hibbard. He 
acquired his education in the township schools, and at the academy at Wattsburg. He 
was united in marriage, Feb. 23, 1881, with Flora Allen, daughter of George Allen, Sr., of 
Lowville. Two children were born to this union — Fred and Charlie. At the age of eight- 
een, Mr. Hibbard began teaching in this township, in which he has continued during the 
winter terms since, and is a well-known, thorough teacher. He owns his home and 57 
acres of land adjoining his father's farm. He is a respected and influential citizen of the 
community. 

REV. BRYAN S. HILL, minister of the M. E. Church, and Postmaster Wattsburg. 
was born May 27, 1812, in Windham Co., Vt. His parents, Moses and Catharine (Swanej') \ 
Hill, both natives of New England, moved to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1820, where the 
former departed this life in 1821. Our subject was reared in the same county, and edu- 
cated in the common school of those early times. He united with the M. E. Church at 
the age of fifteen. He early devoted himself to the ministry; first was licensed as an e.x- 
horter, then as a local preacher; he was employed by the Presiding Elder as a supply for 1 
year. In 1834, he was received as a member of the Pittsburgh Conference. He was united 
in marriage, Aug. 11, 1836, with Mary Sanborn, of Chautauqua, N. Y. They are the par- 
ents of the following children: Arvilla, wife of Rev. David Osborn, Canton, Ohio; Ade- 
line, wife of C. M. Permar, Newcastle, Penn. ; Julia, wife of D. B. Foote, of Wattsburg; 
Emily, wife of Dr. S. F. Chapin, Wattsburg; Estella, teaching in Cleveland, Ohio; Eva, 



-h, 



192 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

wife of J. C. Compton, Cleveland, Ohio: John S., merchant, Wattsburg, and Jennie, wife 
of J. R. Allen, this county. Mr. Hill was a member of the Erie Conference in 1836; also 
of General Conference, wliich convened at Boston in 1852. At this conference was elected 
Bishops Scott, Simpson, Baker and Ames, He has supplied the following charges: For- 
estville, N. Y. ; Smithport, Penn.; Gerry, N. Y. ; Sheridan, N. Y. ; Warren, Penn.; Mead- 
ville, Penn.; Warren, Ohio; Youngstown, Ohio; Newcastle, Penn. ; Greenville, and Albion, 
Penn.; Girard and Wattsburg. He was then appointed Presiding Elder of the Jamestown 
district, with residence at Wattsburg. After y years, he had a severe spell of fever; sub- 
sequently filled charges at this place and at North East, this county, but was compelled to 
retire from active worli, and w'as placed in superannuated relation. He has since lived at 
this place. In 1862, without effort or solicitation, he was elected to the Pennsylvania Leg- 
islature. He was appointed Postmaster, by President Grant, which position he still holds. 
Elder Hill is beloved by his people, and is "regarded as an earnest minister, and is faithful 
and efficient in all his public relations. 

MORANDO HOWARD, farmer P. O. Wattsburg, was born July 14, 1817, in Conn., 
and is a son of Zephaniah and Olive Howard, natives of the old puritan State. They 
moved to WashingToB Co?, Vt., in 1818,'~Wliere Morando was reared and educated in the 
public schools. In 1835, they moved to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where Mr. Howard died 
Nov. 31, 1847, aged fifty-nine, and his widow Oct. 3, 1860, aged seventy-three years and 
five months. Our subject was united in marriage. Ma}- 24, 1838, witli Amy Fuller, born in 
Dutchess Co., N. Y., Nov. 10, 1821, a daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Fuller,who came 
to Chautauqua Co. in 1833. Mr. Fuller died March 14, 1860, and Mrs. Fuller May 3, 1883. 
Mr. and Mrs. Howard resided in Chautauqua Co. 13 years; then moved to present resi- 
dence in this township. The country was a wilderness, and he had to clear up and improve 
Ms own farm. They are the parents of 7 children now living — Mrs. Rosanna Hatch, of 
Woodstock, Minn.; Mrs. Alice Warner, of Chautauqua Co., N. Y. ; Mrs. Elizal)eth Curtis, 
and Mrs. Maria Bromley,of this township; Mrs. Martha Munsee, of Amitj^ Township; Mrs. 
Annie Munsee and Mrs. Florence Evans, of Forest Co., Penn. They also had 4 sons who 
died in childhood. Mr. Howard is an upright, influential citizen; a supporter of the Dem- 
ocratic party. 

HUMPHREY HOWLAND, farmer, P. O. West Greene, was born May 11, 1821, in 
Dutchess Co., N. Y. His father ended his days in Otsego, N. Y. Our subject was united 
in marriage, in 1857, with Mary Mudge. They lived until 1865 in Otsego Co., then spent 
1 year in Schoharie Co., another in Otsego, and in 1868 came to Erie Co., Penn., locating 
on the east shore of Lake Pleasant, where Mrs. Howland departed this life April 9. 1871. 
She was a member of the Christian Church, and was a kind, affectionate mother, and faith- 
ful wife. She left 1 son — Lycurgus. Mr. Howland has a comfortable home of 80 acres. 
He is a Democrat in politics; an'advocate of prohibition principles. He is a man of ster- 
ling integrity, and is respected by all. 

CHARLES K. HUNTLEY, farmer. P. O. Wattsburg, was born July 14, 1856, in Ve- 
nango Township, Erie Co., Penn., son of Amos Huntley, a resident of this township. Our 
subject was reared on his father's farm, and attended the district school. He was united 
in marriage, Feb. 20, 1877, with Eva I. Bemis, a daughter of Francis W. Bemis, of Chau- 
tauc^ua Co., N. Y. Mrs. Huntley was born in Kane Co., 111., Nov. 18, 1854, and while yet 
an infant, lost her mother. Her father then returned to Chautauciua Co., where she was 
reared. Three children have blessed this union — Ida Ma3% Alton Fay and an infant. 
Mr. and Mrs. Huntley are members of the U. B. Church. They settled on their farm of 
50 acres, adjoining the State line in 1877. Our subject is an enterprising, industrious man. 
In politics, a Republican. 

JAMES JANES, Sr. (deceased), was born Aug. 7, 1789, in Grand Isle, Yt. ; in early 
manhood moved to O.xford, LTpper Canada, and there married, July 25, 1809, Lucena Sage, 
V^a native of Bloomfield, N. Y. Mr. Janes refused to take up arms against the U. S. Gov- 
/ ernment during the war of 1812, and came to North East, this county, in 1815, soon after 
sent for his family, and settled in Venango Township in 1818, in which he was the first 
Methodist settler. Of their children Mrs. Lucina Woodward, Reuben. Mrs. Mary Rath- 
burn, Allen S. and Rebecca are deceased. Those now living are Mrs. Happylona Sheets, 
James, Heman, Mrs. Sallie Smith and Mrs. Abigail Clark. Mr. Janes departed this life 
Jan. 16, 1831, and Mrs. Janes Feb. 27, 1866. They were pious Christians, and brought up 
their children in the fear of the Lord. 

JAMES JANES, Jr., farmer, P. O. Philipsville, was born in Oxford, Upper Canada, 
March 19, 1815. His father died when he wasjnit fifteen, and he was left the main sup- 
port of his mother and 6 younger children. 1 he little farm of 56 acres was involved to 
nearly its whole value by liabilities and indorsements contracted bj^ his father, as well as 
other debts, but James determined to keep the family together. Times were hard, but he 
farmed, looked well after the stock, worked out by the day, and before he was twenty-one 
had the satisfaction of paying the old debts, and freeing the homestead which he left to 
his brothers and sisters on his marriage in 1836. He paid his marriage fee by taking oats 
to North East and selling them for 18 cents per bushel, and had but 18 cents remaining. 
He went in debt for a farm of 100 acres, with 12 acres cleared. He was prospered and 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 193 

BOW owns a large estate, besides much personal property. Of his children, James H. died 
in infancy, and James Lucius, a soldier in the 199th Reg., P. V. I., died in the hospital at 
Point of Rocks, Va., Dec. 17, ISBl. Mr. Janes is descended from a line of Puritans, 
which gave to the world Bishop E.S. Janes of the M. E. Church. He is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church; one of the original supporters of the Republican party. 

MARVIN E. JANES, farmer, P. O. Lowville. was born June 15, 1837. He was 
united in marriage in 1858 with Geraldine Staiford. Two children were born to this union 
— Mrs. Annie Dippo and James H. Our subject enlisted in 1863 in the 111th Reg. P. V. 
I. He served a year in the Army of the Potomac; then was transferred to Sherman's 
army, and participated in his celebrated march to the sea. Mr. Janes married, Aug. 25, 
1868, Maria Louisa Shipmau, who died June 23, 1869. He subsequently was united in 
marriage in 1871 with Alice Delia Allen, who has borne him 3 children — Heraan Lucious 
and Maria Louisa. Mr. Janes has led an active, industrious life, and has now a farm of 
118 acres, cleared entirely by his own labor. He is a member of the G. A. R.,.and a Re- 
publican in politics. ' 

ALVA and ELI E. JENKINS, lumbermen and manufacturers, P. O. Wattsburg, are 
the sons of Henry L. Jenkins, who was born July 27, 1831, in Delaware Co., N. Y. He 
Is a son of Solomon and Margaret (Morse) Jenkins, of Conn:, both dj'-ing in Erie Co., 
Penn., the former June 3, 1877, and the latter May 14, 1857. Henry L. Jenkins married, 
in 1850, Penina Herington, who died about 6 weeks after. July 7, 1853, he married Mary 
Church, by whom he had 4 children— Alva, Mrs. Elizabeth Eads, Eli E., and Mrs. Nina J. 
More, who had 1 child— Bertie R. Mr. Jenkins spent 3 years driving a sta^e from Cleveland 
to Strongsville, Ohio, and some 11 years as conductor on the C. & E. R. R. In 1877, he lo- 
cated on the farm, which he now occupies in Venango Township. Alva was born Mav 4, 
1854, and married, Sept. 31, 1881, to Mulvina Shadduck. Eli E. was born Aug. 19, 1859. 
After being in partnership at diiJerent times with their father in the mill business, they 
went into business together; the}^ own 3 saw mills and a shingle mill. They are indus- 
trious and prosperous, and are making a good business reputation. They are both Re- 
publican in politics. 

WILLIAM W.JONES, farmer, carpenter, and civil engineer, P. 0. Philipsville, was 
born Jan. 9, 1820, in Venango Township, Erie Co., Penn. His father, John B. Jones, came 
here in 1803, and married, in 1S18, Elizabeth, daughter of John Phillips. To them were 
born 14 children — Mrs. Louisa M. Day, La Salle, 111.; Eliza B., deceased; Nancj', de- 
ceased; John P., deceased; William W. ; Margaret, deceased; James B., deceased; James 
B., who was named after deceased brother, resident of Streator, 111.; Robert S., accidently 
killed in a saw mill at Ottawa, III., April, 1854; Nancy I., deceased; Wilson S., at Sioux 
i*\dls. Dak.; George M., residing in Union Township, Erie Co.; Isaac S., a merchant at 
Oysterville, Pacific Co., Wash, Ter. ; and Charles C, who was a Lieut. Col. of the 76th 
111. V. I., and died at New Orleans Feb. 37, 1883. John Phillips was a hardy pioneer of 
Erie Co. He was commissioned Lieut. Col. of a Penn. Reg. Militia, Aug. 3, 1811, and was 
promoted to Brig. Gen. and was in the active service during the war of 1813. John B. 
Jones died Aug. 19, 1849, his widow followed him in 1871. Our subject married, Feb 34, 
1843, Mary Haggerty, who died Jan. 33, 1843. He then married Eliza S. Gallowhur, who 
died April 8, 1848. She was the mother of 3 children, who died in infancy. Mr. Jones 
married Elizabeth Smith, Jan. 39, 1850, by whom he has 3 sons — William AV. and George 
R. Besides doing considerable business as an engineer, Mr. Jones has devoted the greater 
part of ins life to carpentering and joining, giving some attention to farming. He has a 
farm of 550 acres adjoining the village of Philipsville. He is a Republican. Mr. Jones 
is a man of fine Intellect, firm principles, ani one of the leading, influential citizens of 
Erie Co. 

W. W. JONES. Jr., farmer, P. O. Philipsville, was born Aug. 4, 1851, at Girard. Erie 
Co., Penn. He moved to Venango when nine years of age with liis father's family. When 
he was sixteen years old, they moved to Erie, then came back to this township when he 
was twenty-one. He was united in marriage, Feb. 16, 1875, with Ettie Newsham, of Greene 
Township. Two children bless this union — Addie and Earl. Mr Jones is an enterprising 
young farmer, and is respected by the community. 

JAMES E. KIMBALL, deceased, was born. June 19, 1837, in Otsego Co., N. Y., and 
moved to Clymer, N. Y., while a boy, and there learned the cooper's trade. He was united 
in marriage, Sept. 13, 1855, with Eliza A. Gallup, of Sherman, N. Y. She was born July 
18, 1837. in Otsego Co., and is a daughter of Lloyd Gallup. To this union were born 2 
3ons— George G. and William D. After spending a few vears in Iowa and Kansas, Mr. 
and Mrs. Kimball came to Erie Co. He enlisted Feb. 25, 1864, in the 6th Reg., N. Y. V. A., 
and was stationed principally at Bermuda Hundred, receiving his dischage Aug. 24, 1865. 
In 1872, they settled on the present homestead: here our subject died May 6, 1883. He was 
a kind husband and father, and an influential citizen. His widow resides on the home- 
stead with her son, William D. 

WILLIAM D. KLMBALL, farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born Aug. 14, 1860, in Colum- 
bus, Penn., son of James E. and Eliza A. (Gallup) Kimball. He has principallj^ resided in 
this township. He was united in marriage, Sept. 7, 1881, with Nellie Wallace, of Sher- 

13 



194 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

man, N. Y. One son, Earl Deloss, has blessed this union. Mr. Kimball is an upright, 
exemplary young man, and is living with his mother on the old homestead. 

EZRA W. KING, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Wattsburg, was born Nov. 11, 1850, 
in the State of N. Y., and is a son of Hiram King, who came to this county with his family 
about 1854, and is still residing in this township. Our subject was brought up on his 
father's farm. He was united in marriage, Sept. 30, 1869, with Sarah J. Smith. Three 

children have blessed this union William E., Lizzie J. and Lydia May. They moved 

to their present farm, consisting of 50 acres of land, in 1879. Mr. King is a supporter of 
the Republican party; is a prosperous young farmer, and is building up a good home for 
his family. Mrs. King is a member of the U. B. Church. 

MRS. MARGARET LESLIE, proprietress of Wattsburg House, was born near Lon- 
donderry, Ireland, and is a daughter of William and Kate (Louden) Harvey. William 
Louden was a Sergt. in the Royal Engineers in the British Army, and died of cholera in 
1834. His widow subsequently married Robert Thompson, and emigrated to America, 
coming to Union City, this county, in 1839. Here our subject married, June 18, 1847, 
Robert Leslie. He was born in New Castle, Penn., July, 1834, and came to Waterford, 
Erie Co. in 1845, where he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. In 1861, 
they took charge of the Waterford House, which they kept until it burned in March, 1862. 
They then bought the old stone hotel, which they kept under the name of the Eagle Hotel 
for 7 years. February, 1872, they took charge of the Wattsburg House, which thej' after- 
ward bought. In 1874. Mr. Leslie was elected Jury Commissioner of Erie Co. He de- 
parted this life, March 9, 1883. He was of a generous, social disposition, a popular land- 
lord, and left hosts of friends to mourn his loss. Mr. and Mrs. Leslie were the parents of 
3 children — Addison, decea.sed ; Lizzie, deceased wife of Edgar Boyd, of Waterford, and 
James L. Mrs. Boyd died May 30, 1878, leaving 2 children, Fred, since deceased, and Robert 
Leslie Boyd, who has since lived with his grandparent. Mrs. Leslie now carries on the 
hotel, assisted by her son, James L. She is a pious member of the Episcopal Church; a. 
lady who has many friends and enjoys the respect and esteem of the entire community^ 
HURUM E. LEWIS, P. O. Wattsburg, was born Nov. 19, 1824, in Otsego Co., N. Y- 
His parents, Stephen and Polly Lewis, of remote Scotch and French descent, could trace 
themselves back to some sturdy Revolutionary patriots. In 1832, the family went from 
Otsego Co. to Chautauqua Co., N. Y. After 7 years, they went to Gallia Co., Ohio, where 
the old folks died. Our subject went to Chautauqua on a visit, and there married, Jan. 1, 
1851, Mary A., daughter of Wm. T. Tanner, of Venango Township, Erie Co., Penn. She 
was born Jan. 1, 1831, in Greenwich, N. Y., and came to this county with her father's 
family in 1842. She still possesses their canal boat ticket, bearing the name of the boat, 
A. A. Wemple, master, O. V. Lewis, running from Troy to Buffalo, N. Y. In her young 
life she was a teacher. Seven children have been born to this union, viz. : Mrs. Irene 
Whitney and Wm. T. of N. Y. State; Marcena S. and George E., of Dakota; Francis 
M., Albert A. and James M., still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have been living in this 
community ever since their marriage. They have raised an intelligent family, giving them 
good educational advantages. Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Baptist Church. He is a 
Democrat in politics; a member of the M. E. Church. They are one of the oldest pioneer 
families in this community. 

GEORGE W. LEWIS, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born July 26, 1836, in Chautau- 
qua Co., N. Y., where his father died Dec. 7, 1878, and his mother still resides. He was 
united in marriage, Dec. 18, 1872, with Matilda, a daughter of Morgan B. Tanner, of Ve- 
nango Township, Erie Co., Penn. (see sketch). After their marriage, they lived in French. 
Creek Township until 1880, when they moved to their present place in this township. Mr, 
Lewis has been industrious and successful, and has acquired a farm of 170 acres of well- 
improved land. He is politically a Democrat, has much enterprise and energy, and is a 
respected citizen of this community. 

WILLIAM R. McCLENAHAN, farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born March 15, 1844, in 
Geauga Co., Ohio, son of J. A. McClenahan. During his boyhood, his family lived in Craw- 
ford County, Penn., until 1852, when they moved to Waterford Township, this county. 
Our subject enlisted Sept. 2, 1862, in the 145th Reg. P. V. T., participated in most of the 
hard-fought battles of the Army of the Potomac, and was slightly wounded at Spottsyl- 
vania Court House. He was a brave soldier, and received his discharge, as Sergeant. June, 
1865. Mr. McClenahan was married, Sept. 23, 1869, to An^elia Baybrook, who was bom 
August 25, 1850. Her father, William Baybrook, was born ml822 in Washington Co.. N- 
Y., and came to Erie Co., after the death of his father, Joseph, in 1835; here his mother^ 
Roxana, died December 22, 1858. He was married in 1842 to Delia Brooks, by whom he 
had 10 children— Corydon, Mrs. Delphine Jones, Mrs. Adelaide Barnes, Mrs. Angelis Mc- 
Clenahan, Seymour, Mrs. Annetta Eads, Mrs. Kittle Gilson, Mrs. Ella Gilson, George and 
Mattie. They are still living in Venango Township. To Mr. and Mrs. McClenahan have 
been born a son — Clayton W. They have a fine farm, comprising 100 acres, which they 
purchased in 1873. Our subject is a Republican in politics; his wife is a member of 
the M. E. Church. 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 195 

ALBERT M. MANLEY, farmer, P. O. West Greene, was born in Greene Township, 
Erie Co., Auc;. 13, 1834. His father, Nathan M. Manley, a native of Vt., married Mrs. 
Susan Barnes, who was a Miss Freeman. Thej^ came to Erie Co. about 1837, and reared 
5 ehildren— Mrs. Emily K. Martin, of Mill Creek Township; Jared F., deceased; Mrs. Mar- 
tha M. Martin, deceased; Heman P., living in Bueua Vista Co., Iowa, and Albert M. Our 
subject lived in Mill Creek until 1879.' He was united in mnrriage, Oct. 1, 1863, 
witii Marilla A. Crook. They are the parents of 6 children— Eugenia M., Edith C, Susan 
Gertrude, Albert B., Emily Adelle and Fannie L. They located on their present place in 
1879. They are both consistent members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Manley is a Repub- 
lican in politics; a man of sterling integrity, respected by the community. 

WILSON T. MARTS, farmer, P. O. Lowville, born Feb. 4, 1836, in Venango Co., is a 
son of Samuel and Paulina Marts, who were natives of Livingston Co., N. Y., and early^ 
pioneers, who settled on French Creek and reared a large family, viz.: Jane, Nelson, Wil- 
son T., David, James G., William F., Mrs. Martha M. Brooks (deceased). Mrs. Mary A. 
Tower, Elizabeth and Loren (both deceased). Samuel Marts died April 6, 1878. His 
widow resides in Venango Township. Our subject was reared in his township, and at- 
tended the district schools. He settled on present farm after his marriage, Sept. 26, 1866, 
with Margaret E., daughter of Daniel and Susan Fritts. This union has been blessed witb 
1 daughter — Cora Evaline. They have been industrious and successful in life, and now 
own a fine, well-improved farm of 325 acres. Mrs. Marts is a member of the M. E. Church. 
Our subject is a man of great physical and mental energy, a supporter of all enterprises 
conducive to the intellectual or moral improvement and growth of the community. He 
has been a life-long member of the Republican party. 

JAMES M. MOODIE, P. O. Wattsburg. was born March 9, 1857, in Erie City, 
Penn. His father, Paschall W. Moodie. now lives in Union City. The family moved to- 
West Springfield when James was about nine years old, remaining about 2 years, when 
they went to their present location. Our subject moved to Wattsburg about 1871, and 
was here united in marriage, October 10, 1872, with Mary A. Palmer. They have 4 chil- 
dren living — Linnie, Jimmie, Gurne and Earl. Mr. Moodie engaged in handle manufact- 
uring about 10 years. In 1882, he purchased the stage route from Wattsburg to Union 
City, which he operated for a year. In 1883, he built the only public hall in Wattsburg, 
known as Moodie's Hall, and which was opened July 4, 1883. Mr. Moodie is an active, 
enterprising, successful business man; a supporter of the Democratic party. 

HORACE R. MUNSEE, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., 
Feb. 10, 1829. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was twice wounded; he 
was a native of Kinderhook, N. Y. ; married to Matilda Worden. They came to this town- 
ship in 1839. The mother departed this life in 1869, the father May 26, 1876. They were 
an industrious pioneer couple, respected by all. They left 6 children — Mrs. Saiinda Bur- 
lingham; Harvey, in Venango Co.; Jackson A.; Peter, in Ogden, Utah; Franklin and' 
Horace R. Our subject was brought up in this township and educated at the district 
schools. He was married, August 16, 1849. to Fannie, daughter of Gilbert Dailey, who 
died in 1862. His widow subsequently married Ira Boynton, and resides in this township. 
Mrs. Munsee is a native of Rensselaer Co., N. Y. Three children were born to this union! 
— Saiinda,. deceased; Willard G., married to Carrie Johnson, and has 50 acres adjoining- 
his father's farm; Artemus B., deceased. Mr. Munsee is a citizen of integrity and influ- 
ence. He is politically a Democrat. 

IRA B. MUNSEE, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born Jan. 9, 1849, in Amity Town- 
ship, this county. His father, Harvey Munsee, married Almeda Drake, and settled in this 
township, where Ira now lives. Mr. Munsee was a minister of the U. B. Church; he moved 
from here in 1874, and now resides in Crawford Co., Penn. Our subject was brought up 
in this township, acquiring his education in the town schools, and at tlie academJ^ He- 
enlisted Jan. 5, 1864, in the 111th Penn. Reg., division of the Army of the Cumberland, 
and went with Sherman to the sea. He was in 12 regular engagements, besides a number 
of skirmishes. At Peach Tree Creek, Ga., Co. F, to which he belonged, went into battle 
with 63 able-bodied men, and came out with 13, Mr. Munsee and 12 others. He was a brave, 
faithful soldier, who did not lose a day's service or miss a battle in which his regiment en- 
gaged. He was mustered out July 20, 1865. Mr. Munsee married. December 25, 1876, 
Mrs. Amerett Porter, a daughter of J. E. Fenno, now residing in Union City. Her mar- 
riage with A. J. Porter, occurred Sept. 20, 1866; he died Jan. 23, 1870. She has one sou— 
Morello. Mr. and Mrs. Munsee have been residents of Erie Co. since their marriage, and 
they bought their present place in 1882. Mr. Munsee is an industrious and successful! 
farmer. In politics, a Republican. 

DARIUS ORTON, farmer, P. O. East Greene, was born Apr. 20, 1815. in Williams- 
town, Oswego Co., N. Y., where his parents, Baruk and Eleanor Orton, both died. Our 
subject was brought up on a farm. He made a trip to Erie Co. about 1831, staying 3i 
years. He then returned to his native county, and was married, Apr. 30, 1835, to Druzilhii 
Bonney, born Aug. 17, 1816, in Oswego County. They remained there until 1847, when 
they came to this county, and settled where they now reside, on one of the highest points 
in Erie Co.. in the northern part of Venango. To this union were born 9 children, 4 now 



196 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

living — Asbbel, in Iowa; Lester L. ; Mrs. Mima Ortou, of La Porte Co., Ind., and Mrs. 
Frank Estelle Ketcham. Mr. Orton has been an industrious and successful farmer; he is 
a man of strict integrity, and is respected by all. In politics, lie is a Democrat. Lester 
L. was married, Sept. 12, 1871, to Eliza Raymond, by whom he has 2 children, Milly D. 
and Leslie Raymond. Mr. Orton learned the blacksmithing in North East and Philipsville. 

WILLIAM P. ORTON, farmer, P. O. East Greene, was born in the year 1821 in Os- 
wego Co., N. Y. ; when but 5 years of age his father died. Our subject came to Erie Co. 
in 1839, and took up a tract of land in the northern part of Venango Township. In 1841, 
he visited his native county, and was there united in marriage, June 1, 1842, with Margaret 
Jordan. They came to this place, where they have since resided. By industry and good 
management, they have accumulated a well-improved estate. To Mr. and Mrs. Orton 
have been born 4 children, viz., Mrs. Nancj^ Clark, Mrs. Alma Barker, Dennis C. and Mrs. 
Martha H. Estes, who died Feb. 15, 1883. Mr. Orton is an upright, reliable man, a friend 
to the cause of education and all public-spirited enterprises. He is politically a 
Democrat. 

DENNIS C. ORTON. farmer, P. O. East Greene, was born May 17. 1850, in this 
township, and is a son of William P. and Margaret Orton. He was brought up on his father's 
farm, and attended the district schools. He was united in marriage, Dec. 25, 1872, with 
Clara Barney, of Greene Township. They then took charge of the place which they now 
occupy, and which thej^ have improved. It consists of a farm of 42 acres, with' good 
buildings. To Mr. and Mrs. Orton have been born Cassie ]\Iaud and Charley Barney. Mr. 
Orton is an industrious, enterprising voung famier. He is a Democrat in politics. 

ERASTUS ORTON, farmer, P.O. East Greene, was born May 3, 1821, in Oswego Co., 
N. Y. He came to his present place in the northern part of this township on Nov. 13, 
1840, purchasing same in 1843. He owns altogether 100 acres of well-improved land. Mr. 
Orton was united in marriage, June 20, 1841, with Lydia, daughter of Chauncy Plumb, a 
native of Oneida Co., N. Y., born Dec. 1, 1827. Of the 11 children born to this union, 5 
survive, viz.. Chauncj', Truman, Baruk, Almeron C. and Lydia J. Mr. Orton has always 
supported the Democratic party. He is a man of integrity and influence in the commu- 
nity. He owns 101 acres of laiid. 

CHARLES D. PAGE, manufacturer, Wattsburg, was born March 24, 1846, in Wayne 
Township, Erie Co., son of Dobso G. Page, who was a native of L. I., and of En- 
glish descent. Our subject was brought up in Wayne Township, and acquired his educa- 
tion in the district schools. He was united in marriage, ]\Iarch 26, 1871, with Mary E.. 
daughter of Joseph Jenkins, who now lives in Union Cit}'. Two children have been born 
to this union — Laura May and an infant not named. Mr. Page learned and followed for 
about 12 years the trade of a carpenter and joiner. In 1880, he established a planing mill, 
sash, door and blind factory, and a sleigh factory, and is building up an extensive busi- 
ness. Mr. Page is a skillful mechanic, a reliable business man, and enjoys the confidence 
of the community. In politics, he is a Republican. 

AMBROSE S. PECK, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg. was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 
1831, son of Davis and Delana (Fuller) Peck, who were natives of R. I. andN. Y. respect- 
ively. They came to this county about 1845, locating near Philipsville. where Mrs. Peck 
departed this life in 1848, and Mr. Peck in 1878. Our subject was united in marriage, 
March 10, 1857, with Rachel Carson, of this township. They have reared 3 children 
— Charles L., Ernest A. and Lucj^ Mabel. Our subject has been very successful in life, 
and owns a fine farm of 65 acres of well-improved land, with good buildings, in this town- 
ship. Mrs. Peck is a member of the Presbyterian Church, "her husband of the Baptist 
denomination. He is an upright, reliable business man, a much-esteemed citizen; has 
been a life-long supporter of the Democratic partv. 

JAMES M. PECK, farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born April 5, 1888. in Herkimer Co.. 
N. Y. He came to Venango Township, Erie Co., with his parents, in 1845. Here he was 
brought up on his father's farm, and attended the district schools. He was united in mar- 
riage. Dec. 18, 1862, with Cynthia Morton, born Dec. 8, 1837. in Leverett Township. 
Franklin Co., Mass. Her father, Chauncy Morton, with 5 of his children, settled in 
Fairview, Erie Co.. in 1853, and 5 remained in Mass. One daughter, Mrs. Esther Peck, 
is now residing in Wattsburg, this county. Mr. Peck served from April 5 until June 27, 
1865, in the 102d Penn. Regt. with the army of the Potomac. Returning home, he bought 
a farm in L^nion Township, where he lived 2 years. He then bought and remained the 
same length of time on a farm in Waterford." He worked 3 years in Waterford at the 
cooper's trade. In 1875, he bought a farm in this township, where he has since remained. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Peck have been born 2 children— Eva B., Avho died in infancy, and Car- 
rie May They are both members of the M. E. Churcli. Mr. Peck is a liberal supporter 
of the cause of education, and all enterprises conducive to the mental and moral improve- 
ment of the community. He is a supporter of the Democratic partv. 

STEPHEN EUGENE PREBLE, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Wattsburg. was 
born Jan. 14, 1851, at Philipsville, this township. The familv is remotely related to Commo- 
dore Preble, of the U. S. Navy. Our sulijecfs father is William E. Preble, of Greenfield, 
Erie Co. Our subject was married, April 12, 1873. to Ella L. French, of Chautauqua Co., 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 197 

N. Y. Two children have been born to this union — Norah Belle (deceased) and 
Fremont F. Mr. Preble has a preference for the U. B. Church, and in politics, though 
formerly a Republican, is now supporting- the Prohibition party. Franlvlin C. Preble, 
brother of Stephen E., was born April 20, 1856. He was united in marriage, March 4, 
1876, with Mary E. King, of Portland, N. Y. They are the parents of 2 children— Clin- 
ton and Edith. These gentlemen are reliable young business men. Each owns a tract of 
50 acres, adjoining the N. Y. State Line. They are citizens of good character and influ- 
ence in this communit}^ 

WILLIAM H. RANKIN, farmer. P. O. Philipsville, was born in 1822 in Goshen, 
Orange Co., N. Y., where his parents, George and \melia (Etsel) Rankin, ended their days. 
He was brought up on his father's farm, attending the district school and a 3 years' 
course in N. Y. City. He then engaged in the mercantile house of a Mr. Bonar in N. Y. 
3 years. When twenty-two, after his father's death, he returned home to manage the home 
farm. He was married, Feb. 28, 1850, to Deborah Ann Lockwood, and came to Erie Co., 
Penn., in 1852. Mr. Ranl-ciu enlisted in the 168th Penn. Reg. Nov., 1862, serving his time, 
and receiving an honorable discharge Aug., 1863. He returned home and has since been 
engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin have 3 children — George F., Charles W. and 
Judson G. Mr. Rankin is a member of the Democratic party, to which his family, on both 
sides, have always belonged since its organization. He is a prominent member of the 
P. of H., and Capt. of tlie State police force, known as the Independent Order of Home 
Guards. Mr. Rankin is well educated, and is a recognized leader in this community. 

JOHN W. RAYMOND, machinist, P. O. Lowville, was born May 22, 1854, in Green- 
field Township, Erie Co., Penn. Our subject moved with his parents, Anan and Dorcas 
Raymond, to ^Minnesota, in, 1864, where he remained two years, returning in 1866. He has 
since been living in this township. His parents are now residents of French Creek Town- 
ship, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Our subject learned the blacksmith's trade with L. L. Orton. 
He was united in marriage, October 15, 1876, with Alta Barney, of Greene Township, and 
since has lived in Lowville. Mr. Raymond is now devoting himself to perfecting his 
inventions. He received a patent July 25, 1882, for a grapple used in hauling logs, pro- 
nounced by lumbermen to be a success; thousands are used over the country. They are 
manufactured at Pittsburgh. He increased its usefulness, and obtained a patent for the 
improvement Jan. 9, 1883. Oct. 3, 1883 he received another patent on the "Eagle Claw 
Hay Fork," which will undoubtedly prove a great success. He has several other inven- 
tions not fully developed. He is making a name for himself with other inventors of our 
country, and certainly deserves great credit for the way he has risen in life. He is an 
upright, reliable citizen, respected by the community. 

THOMAS M. ROBISON, farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born in 1802, near Belfast, 
Ireland. He emigrated to America in 1836, and after spending a year in Vermont came to 
Erie Co., where lie was married to Mary, daughter of Thomas Smith, who settled here in 
1802, and was the parent of 12 children, 3 now living, viz., David, in Wis., and Mrs. 
Jane Shepherd, Atlanta. Crawford Co., Penn. To Mr. and Mrs. Robison was born, INIarch 
15, 1838, one son — Smith S. He married, February 3 1863, Hannah M. Davis, of Harbor 
Creek Township, and has 3 children — George S., Mary M. and Thomas H. Mrs. Robison 
died Aug. 6, 1865. Mr. Robison then married Mary Plenderson, and they are now resid- 
ing on their farm. Our subject has been industrious and very successful, and with son. 
Smith S., has 800 acres of land. They are both members of the Republican party, are 
ardent friends to the cause of education, and members of the Presbyterian Church. 

WILLIAM PUTNAM SABIN, M. D. Wattsburg, was born April 14, 1818, in Halifax, 
Windham Co., Vt. His father, Nehemiah Sabin, a farmer, married Zilpah Putnam, second 
cousin of Gen. Israel Putnam. They had a family of 6 children — Mrs. Laura Gore, de- s. / 
ceased; Mrs. Louisa Williams, deceased; David Sabin, of Ripley, N. Y. ; Mrs. Dence Ballon, 
of Monroe, Mass. ; Mrs. Zilpah Burnham, of Clayton, Ohio, and William P. Mr. 
Sabin departed this life in Buckland, Mass., July 32, 1856; his widow died at the home of 
her son, David, in Stockton, N. Y., July 11, 1867. Our subject was brought up on his 
father's farm, and finished his education at the academy at Whittington, Vt. He studied 
medicine under Dr. Stephen W. Tabor, at Shelburn, Mass.; attended lectures at Pitts- 
field, Mass., and Castleton, Vt., where he graduated. In 1845 and 1846, he practiced at 
Ashfield, Mass., then at Gerry, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., for 8 years; subsequently at 
French Creek, same county, for about 29 years. He moved to Wattsburg in 1§67, 
where he has endeared himself to all, by his justice, courtesy and strict professional 
principles. He was united in marriage, Dec. i3, 1845, with Miss Harriet L. Clark, of 
Ellery, N. Y. ; this couple have adopted and reared several children, among whom are 
Dr. A. Ross, of Clymcr, N. Y., and Mrs. Helen Whitmore, of Sherman, N. Y. They now 
have a brother and sister who have taken the Doctor's family name— James L and Belle 
L. Dr. Sabin is a Republican in politics; a member of the I. O. O. F. He and his wife 
are members of the Presb\"terian Church. Dr. Putnam Sabin is a gentleman of fine scien- 
tific attainments, a strong, quick mind, and is now enjoying the quiet of a peaceful old 
age, possessing the respect of all who know him. 



198 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

EZRA SAGER, farmer, P. O. Wattsbiirg, was born Dec. 8, 1846, in Ellery, Chautau- 
qua Co., N. Y., and is a son of Henry W. and Mary Sager, natives of Schenectady, N. 
Y., who settled in Chautauqua Co. in 1830, where the latter is still living, aged eighty-two. 
Henry W. departed this life, April 21, 1870. Our subject was brought up on the farm, receiv- 
ing his education in the district schools. He was married, April 2, 1871, to Emeline Dean, 
by whom he has 2 children — Chester S. and Lee W. Mr. Sager belongs to the Republican 
party; is an upright, industrious man, and has many friends. 

DAVID B. SAAVLEY, farmer, P. O. Philipsville, was born in 1853 in Waukesha Co., 
Wis.,_ and is a sou of Aaron M. and Eunice (Bennett) Sawley, the former of whom resides 
in Wis.; the latter is deceased. Our subject came to Erie Co. in 1873. Here he was mar- 
ried, Aug. 10, 1875, to Mary Rolland; 2 children have been born to this union— Aaron and 
Samuel. Mr. Sawley is a Republican in politics. He is an enterprising, industrious young 
farmer; owns 25 acres of well-improved land. 

CHARLES N. SAWYER, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born in 1847 in Merrimac 
Co., N. 11., where he lived until he was seven years of age. He then moved to Orange 
Co., Vt. ; from there he came to Concord. N. H.. at twenty-three j^ears of age, and there 
married Stella A. Giddings, by whom he has 1 child— Hariy H. Her father, Isaac B. Gid- 
■dings, was born in Hillsb'oro Co., N. H., in 1822, and is a son of Isaac and Mary (Stratton) 
Giddings; he was married, in 1845, to .Julia, daughter of .Jonathan C. and Candace (Senter) 
Buttertield, and a native of Gofftown, iN'. H. Their children are : George D. (married to Mrs. 
Mary Hall, of Wattsburg. and parents of 1 child; they now live in Erie, where George is 
engaged in selling musical instruments), Mrs. Stella A. Sawyer, Frank P. and Fred A. "Mr. 
Sawyer, our subject, came to Erie Co. in 1882, and in 1883^ located in Venango Township. 
He is joint owner here, with George D. Giddings. of a farm of 219 acres, on which he and 
his father in-law now live. He is a Republican in politics; an ambitious young farmer. 

A. J. SEARS, M. D., Wattsburg, was born .June 7, 1848, in Erie Co", Penn. His par- 
ents, Oscar and Mary Sears, still reside in this township. Our subject, until fourteen years 
of age, lived with his father; he then spent a year in Kankakee, learning the carriage- 
making trade. He returned to Erie Co., and clerked in D. B. Allen's drug store. He then 
took up the study of medicine, and attended the Medical Department of the University 
Ann Arbor, Midi., 1874 and 1875. He took his second course at the Medical Department 
of the Worcester University, Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated Feb. 28, 1878; he then 
practiced his profession 3 years at Findley's Lake. N. Y, then for a year and a half was 
local surgeon for the Nickel Plate R. R., at North East, this county; thence for 2 years at 
Bear Lake, Warren Co., Penn. In Aug., 1883, he located at his old home in Wattsburg, 
where he now resides. Mr. Sears was united in marrirge. Aug. 29, 1878, with Ella A. 
Chaffes, of Venango Township, Erie Co. The Doctor, a" gentleman of line scientific at- 
tainments, is not onl}' making friends in his profession but among the people of this town- 
ship. 

GEORGE SHADDUCK. farmer, P. O. Greenfield, was born July 23, 1820, in Green- 
field Township, Erie Co., Penn.; his father, Joseph Shadduck, a native of Vt., married 
Nabbie Keith, and came to Erie Co., locating~ili-GTeEBlicld~Township, where he took up 
400 acres of land, paying for same by selling to the State wolf scalps at $12, and bear 
scalps at $24 each. He afterward settled in North East, where he bought 150 acres more. 
His wife died about 1799, leaving 3 children— Betsy and Matilda (deceased), and Ira, who 
was the first white male child born in Greenfield Township, and is now a resident of Clin- 
ton, Iowa. Mr. Shadduck's second wife was Betsey Willard, b^- whom he had 19 children, 
9 now living— Horace, of North East Township; Mrs. Nancy Carter, in Rochester. Minn.; 
David, in Iowa; Mrs. Hannah Langford, in Iowa; Henry, in North East Township; George; 
Hiram, in Greenfield Township: Lester, in Wisconsin; Mrs. Polly Ann Mimger, of North 
East. Mr. Shadduck died about 1835; he was a useful pioneer citizen, enduring many 
hardships, and rendering valuable services in the development of this county. Our subject 
was united in marriage, November 7, 1842, with Amanda Bellows, of Cortland Co., N. Y. ; 
she was born March 6, 1827. They have always lived in Erie Co. since marriage, locating 
on their present place in 1851. iS'iue children have been born to this union— Mrs. Phebe 
Ann Sager, of Iowa; Mrs. Addie Peck, of Harbor Creek Township; Mrs. Rosa Norton, of 
Kansas; Mrs. Mary Sturtivant, of this township: Charles W., maiTied to Tillie Colvin, still 
at home; Hattie, living in Stockton, N. Y. ; Mrs. Vina .Jenkins, Emma and Duaue W. Mr. 
Shadduck is an industrious and successful farmer, owning about 335 acres of land in Erie 
Co. ; he is a liberal supporter of the church and all useful public enterprises. Mr. and Mrs. 
Shadduck are members of the U. B. Church, which they joined in 1856. 

MATTHEW HENRY SMITH, farmer, P. O. PhilipsviUe, was born May 10, 1832. in 
Venango Township. His grandfather, with his family, came to this townshipin 1801, and 
cleared up a farm, where he spent the remainder of his days; he was a soldier in the war 
of 1812. His son John, also a soldier in the war of 1812. married Elizabeth Taylor, and 
reared 9 of their 11 children, viz., Thomas, Mrs. Ann S. Janes, John H. (deceased), Sarah 
I., Robert T., Mrs. Jane Kincaid, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Jones. Georare D. (a soldier in the 18th 
Penn. Cav., who died at Cumberland, Md., June 27, 1865), and Matthew Henry. Mr. 
Smith died March 3, 1877; his wife July 1. 1873. Our subject was a soldier in the 102d 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 199 

Penn. Regt., returning home in 1865. He now owns and occupies the homestead entered 
by his grandfather Smith, and on which the family have since resided; lie has a farm of 150 
cares of well-improved land, with good buildings. Our subject was united in marriage, Oct. 
26, 1880, with Almira A., daughter of Simon Jones, of Greentield Township, now in Venango 
Township, and widow of Edwin T. Showerman. Our subject has 1 son by a former mar- 
riage, Willis H., born in 1865. Mr. Smith is Commissioner of Venango Township. He is 
an influential citizen, a man of integrity, and a successful farmer. 

MALVIN M. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born Aug. 27, 1840, in Venango 
Township, son of Thomas Smith, now residing in Wattsburg. He was reared on his 
father's farm, and attended the district schools and the academies at Waterford and Gi- 
rard, this county. Mr. Smith enlisted, Aug., 1863, in the South Atlantic Squadron, U. S. 
N., under Admiral Porter, and served on board the man-of-war, R. R. Cuyler. He par- 
ticipated in the engagements at Hampton Roads, Wilmington, N. C, New Orleans, La., 
and many others. After receiving an honorable discharge, in June, 1865, he returned 
home. Mr. Smith was united in marriage, Apr. 13, 1866, with Eliza, daughter of Daniel 
W. Titus. Two children have blessed this union — William W. and Jessie Phebe. Our 
subject has been industrious and successful, and has acquired a place of 138 acres of well- 
improved land, with good buildings. He is an ardent friend to the cause of education, 
and is giving his children good advantages. He is a Republican in politics, and an enter- 
prising, respected farmer. 

FRANKLIN STEWART, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born Dec. 7, 1884, in Amity 
Township, this Co. His father, Truman Stewart, is now living in Union City. Franklin 
■was brought up on his father's farm, and attended the district school. He was united in 
marriage, Jan. 1, 1855, with Emily L., born in Pittsfleld, Chenango Co., N. Y., Feb. 3, 
1837, daughter of Titus and Betsy Burlingame, who came to Amity Township, Erie Co., 
about 1851. (Mr. Burlingame died in 1868, his wife in 1856.) Three children were born 
to this union, 1 now living — Edith May. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart lived in Amity Township 
after their marriage until the fall of 1859, when they came to Venango Township and 
bought their present home. Thej^ have about 65 acres of well-improved land. They are 
both members of the U. B. Church. Mr. Stewart is an influential citizen of Venango; he 
is a Democrat in politics; is much interested in the educational cause. 

GEORGE W. STURTEVANT, farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born Aug. 17, 1849, in 
Waterford Township, Erie Co., Penn. His father, Solomon Sturtevant, now resides near 
Sheboygan, Wis. Our subject, Feb., 1864, when in his sixteenth year, enlisted in the 48th 
Wis. Reg. He served in the Western States and Territories , and was a brave soldier. He 
■was mustered out in Feb., 1865. He was married, Dec. 25, 1873, to Mary Shadduck. They 
are the parents of 4 children, viz., William M., Charles W., Rosa Belle and Frank. Mr. 
Sturtevant is an industrious farmer, and a generous-hearted, upright citizen, an adherent 
of the Republican part}"; he and his wife are members of the U. B. Church. 

TIMOTHY A. STURTEVANT was born Jan. 11, 1837. He was a soldier in the 145th 
Penn. Regt., and in the gunboat service, on board the General Thomas. He was married, 
Dec. 25, 1857, to Arilla J. McClennahan, whose decease occurred Jan. 12, 1866. His second 
wife is Naomi Bogue. 

MORGAN B. TANNER, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born Aug. 4, 1824, in Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y; his father, born in 1800, was also a native of same county; he married Lydia 
Foster, and came to this township in 1842, where they developed a home. Mr. Tanner, 
Sr., died Sept. 15, 1879, and his widow Jan. 6, 1883. They reared 6 children, viz.: James 
W., in Mo.; Morgan B. ; Maty, wife of H. E. Lewis; Jane E., deceased, wife of Samuel 
E. Cliff, of Mo.; Amos F., Amity Township; and Elizabeth, wife of J. B. Bradley, of Mo. 
Our subject came with his farher and famil}- to this county in 1842. He was united in 
marriage, Sept. 7, 1844, with Electa Whitney, of Chautauqua, N. Y., who has borne him 
6 children, viz.: Emma, wife of Charles Faulkner, of Amity Township; Ellen, wife of 
Truman Patchen, of N. Y. ; Matilda, wife of George Lewis; Lucinda, wife of E. Hibbard; 
Durward, at home; and Alice, deceased Sept. 20, 1879, at seventeen years of age. Mr. 
Tanner enlisted in the 168th Regt. P. V. I. in 1863. serving in N. C. ; he was discharged 
July, 1864; he re-enlisted, March, 1865. in the I8th P. Cav., and was discharged July of 
same year. His country being out of danger, he returned to farm-life; he is a Republican 
in politics, has held many township offices, and is now Assessor for same; he has proven 
himself honest and capable, giving satisfaction to all. He takes great interest in the cause 
of education, and taught himself 10 terms, beginning when he was but sixteen j^ears old. 
During his boyhood days, he states, he was personall}' and intimately acquainted with 
President Chester A. Arthur. He is a respected, influential citizen of his township. 

DR. GILBERT THICKSTUN, deceased, was born Nov. 9, 1839, at Mosiertowu, Craw- 
ford Co., Penn. He graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical Colleore March 1, 1864. 
He then practiced 2 years at Petroleum Centre, Penn., then came to Wattsburg, where 
he followed his profession 17 years. He was united in marriage, Oct. 10, 1872, with I. 
Delia Cadmus, of Rushville. who graduated in music from the Genesee Wesleyan Semi- 
nary at Lima, N. Y., in 1870. Three children blessed this union— Fred C. (deceased), Leon- 
ard Dru, and Verne, deceased. The Doctor was long a member of the American Medical 



200 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Association. He was Secj'. of the Penn. State Medical Society in 1882. The same year 
was elected President of the Erie County Medical Society, and re-elected in 1883. "Our 
subject died Aug. 17, 1883, from the effect of injuries received in falling from a train on 
Angola bridge. "His death was deeply deplored by the whole community, and on the day 
of his burial all business places were closed in Wattsburg, and about 1500 people attended 
his funeral. He was a member of Wattsburg Lodge, No. 533 F. & A. M. 

DANIEL W. TITUS, farmer, P. O. Phitipsville, was born in 1819, in Albany Co., N. 
Y., and is a son of Jes.?e Titus, a native of Dutchess Co., N. Y., who was thrice married, 
first to Miss Susanna Wood, who died in 1827; his second wife. Patience Gurney, died one 
year later; he then married M. Cantine. They came to Venango Township, Erie Co., in 
1830, settling just east of Wattsburg, where Mr. Titus died Feb. 28, 1873, aged eighty-two 
years. Mrs^ Titus departed this life June 18. 1881. Our subject was reared on the farm, 
in Erie Co.. Penn., receiving the limited educational advantages of those early da3^s. 
When twenty-one years of age, he went to Dutchess Co. N. Y.. where he married, March 
12, 1842, Maria Langdon, a native of Otsego Co., N. Y., but residing in Dutchess Co., where 
they lived for 2 years, when they moved to thistown.sjaip, where they have since remained. 
Their children are Isaac, Jesse, Mrs. Eliza Smith, Mrs. Francis Baldwin, De Forest and 
William. Mr. Titus has been industrious and successful, giving his children a good start 
in life, and retaining a farm of 100 acres of well-improved land for himself. He is a Re- 
publican in politics." In 1872. he was elected Auditor of Erie Co.; in 1875, County Com- 
missioner, and re-elected in 1878, filling these offices with credit to himself and to "the sat- 
isfaction of his constituents. Mr. and Mrs. Titus have given their children good educa- 
tion and musical advantages. They are both members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Titus is 
a well-known and influential citizen of Erie County. 

ISAAC L. TITUS, farmer, P. O. Philipsville, was born Feb. 26, 1843, in Dutchess Co., 
N. Y., and is a son of Daniel W. Titus (see sketch above). Isaac was brought here by his 
father in 1844. and was reared and educated in this township. He enlisted in the i99th 
Penn. Reg. Oct., 1864, serving faithfully until the close of the war, when he was honora- 
bly discharged July, 1865. He was united in marriage, April, 1866. with Cornelia Terry, 
of Waterford Borough, by whom he had one daughter — Florence. Tliey .settled down on 
their present farm, comprising 100 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Titus and his wife are 
members of the M. E. Church; he is a Republican in politics; a man of sterling integrity, 
held in hiorh esteem bv the community. 

DANIEL D. TITUS, farmer. P. O. Philipsville, was born May 20, 1855, in Venango 
Township, this Co., where his father. Daniel W. Titus, still resides. Our subject married, 
Dec. 31. 1875, Eunice Hewitt, of same township. They are the parents of 2 children — 
Arrie and Aurey. Mr. Titus and wife are members of the M. E. Church. The former is 
an enterprisinir" successful young farmer, and owns 60 acres of well-improved land. 

JESSE S." TITUS, farmer, P. 0. Philipsville, was born Aug. 21, 1845, in this town- 
ship, son of D. W. Titus (see his sketch). He was reared on his father's farms, attending 
the township schools, and the academy of Waterford. He married, Jtine 12, 1872, Sylvia 
A. Peck, a native of Venango Township, and has 1 son — Earl — and 1 daughter — Grace. He 
bought from his father the old homestead, consisting of 100 acres of well-improved land, 
and settled down. J. S. Titus supports the Prohibition party. He is an industrious, 
successful citizen, of much influence for good in the community. He and his wife are 
members of the M. E. Church. 

ARTHUR TITUS, farmer, P. O, Philipsville, w^as born Nov. 6, 1823, in Albany Co., 
N. Y. ; his mother died in 1826, leaving 3 children— Daniel W., Mrs. Eliza Howland (de- 
ceased) and Arthur; his father then married Patience Gurney, who died after giving birth 
to Jesse G., now living in Warren Co., N. Y. Mr. Titus next married Miranda Cantine, 
and settled about a mile east of Wattsburg, this county, about 1830. He died Feb. 28, 
1873. aged eighty-two years, his widow in 1881. leaving 7 children born to this union, viz.: 
Mrs. Susan Crane, Caspar, Henry, Frank, in Crawford Co. ; Mrs. Jane Putman, Kan. ;Louisa 
and Lewis. Our subject was reared principally in this township after his fifth year. He 
was united in marriage, Nov, 6, 1845, with Mary J. Phillips, born July 5, 1824, a daughter of 
David Phillips, of Scotch descent, and an early settler of Erie Co., who married Ann Gra- 
ham, of North East Township, then moved West ; both died in 111. Mr. and ]\Irs. Titus, 
after marriage, settled on their present estate, which they reclaimed from the wilderness 
and b3' their industry have made a success of life. Six children have been born to this, 
union— OraG., Wilbert, Mrs. Viola Baldwin (deceased), Richard, Mrs. Minnie Rideout. of 
Wesleyville, and Alvin. Our subject and wife are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. 
Titus is a Prohibitionist: a man of sterling integrity and sincerity of purpose. 

BURRELL TRACY, a native of Springfield, Mass., came to Erie Co., Penn., in 1797, 
settling in what is now Venango Township, being tlie fifth to settle in Erie Co., working 
his farm summers and returning to his former home in the winters until 1804, when lie was 
married 1o Polly Phillips, a native of Northumberland Co., Penn. He died Nov. 25, 
1853, in the eightieth year of his age. Ten children were born to them, of whom 3 are now 
living. Buying furs of the Indians for Seth Reed, of Erie, which were taken there with 
oxen by way of North East, their nearest cut road. They obtained in his early settlement 



VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 201 

flour from Pittsburgh, afterward from Union Mills, from which he drew lumber for his 
buildin^nrg. 

WILLIAM C. TRACY, M. D., physician and surgeon, Wattsburg, was born May 38, 
1833, in Venango Township, this county. His father, "Waterman B. Tracy, was a son of 
Burrell Tracy. Waterman B. married Mary A. Carson, and has 4 sons, viz. : William 
C, Josiah W., of Hardin Co., Iowa; Andrew W., Phillips Co., Kan., and Henry W., in 
Titusville, Penn. Our subject remained in this township until fourteen years old, wiien 
he went to Westfield, N. Y., where he obtained his education. At twenty-one he attended 
Phillips' Academy, Andover, Mass., 3 years, then went to Boston, Mass., where he at- 
tended the medical department of Harvard University, where he graduated with the 
degree of M. D. March 7, 1866; he was united in marriage, Sept. 13, 1866, with xAnn Eliza 
Rockwood, of Union City, this county. They have 1 daughter — Ruby E. After practic- 
ing 6 years at Steamboat Rocli, Iowa, the Doctor returned to this county, and located at 
Harbor Creek, where he remained until 1878, when he went to Duke Centre. McKean Co., 
Penn., and engaged in the oil business. In Sept., 1883, Mr. Tracy came to Wattsburg; he 
still retains his connection with the oil trade. The Doctor is a fine pliysician, courteous 
and friendly. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. 

ELGIN C. TRACY, merchant, Wattsburg. was born "Feb. 4, ISol, in Venango Town- 
ship, this couniy. His father, Hiram, was also a native of this township ; his grandfather, 
Burrell Tracy, a native of Mass., coming to Erie Co. in 1797 — the fifth to settle in same. 
Hiram Tracy married Elizabeth Chapin, a native of Otsego Co., N. Y., and departed this 
life in June, 1883. His widow is living in Wattsburg. Our subject was brought up on 
his father's farm, attending the schools of Wattsburg, and one year in North East, this 
county. He was married, Nov. 18, 1880, to Edith Patterson, of Wayne Township, this 
county. One child, Anna, has been born to this union. Sept., 1878, Mr. Tracj'' entered 
into partnership with D. B. Foote, dry goods and general merchandise, which they still 
carry on. He is a supporter of the Republican party, and a member of the E. A. U. ; he 
and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Cliurch ; he is an ardent friend to the cause 
of education, and a liberal supporter of all enterprises conducive to the public benefit ; he 
is an active, reliable young business man of this township. 

DANIEL TRESLER, farmer, P. O. Wattsburg, was born Sept. 16, 1831, in Schuylkill 
Co., Penn.; his parents, Henry and Lydia (Rites) Tresler, were natives of Penn.; Henry 
died April 10, 1880. Daniel was married in August, 1855, to Elizabeth Stitchler, of Center 
Co., Penn. They have eleven children now living — Mrs. Lydia A. Trass, Daniel H., Will- 
iam A., Mary A., Susan M., Lucy, Elmer E., Addie, Charlie, Josiah and Elizabeth. After 
their marriage, they lived four years in Center Co. ; then went to the oil countr3\ Venango 
Co., remaining fourteen years. In 1868, they moved to Venango Township, this county, 
where they bought a farm, which they lost in 1875 by giving security. They have since 
bought a farm on which they are residing, and where they have a good home. Mr. Tresler 
is a Democrat in politics ; a strong supporter of the cause of education ; an honest, enter- 
prising citizen. 

JONAS W. URCH, farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born Oct. 5, 1833, in Manlius, Onon- 
daga Co., N. Y., and is a son of Jonas and Sarali (Bryan) Urch, natives of England, 
wlio emigrated to America in 1839, and to Erie Co. in 1835, settling in Venango Township, 
where Mrs. Urch died in 1854, and Mr. Urch in 1871. Our subject was reared and educated 
in this township, and united in marriage, Oct. 5, 1853, with Julia I. Harris, a native of 
and resident in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. They have two children living, Eva J., wife of 
Sylvester Fritts, and Dana O. In 1871, Mr. Urch moved to his present farm, adjoining the 
village of Lowville. He is a member of the Republican party; a K. of H., having filled, 
all the chairs of the lodge. He and his family are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. 
Urch is a man of strong mind and strict integrity, possessing the respect of the community. 

NELSON WHITFORD, farmer, P. O. Philipsville, was born March 10, 1833, in Colum- 
bus, Chenango Co. N. Y., and is a son of Ezekiel and Ruth (Rice) Whitford, both now de- 
ceased. Our subject moved to Chautauqua Co. when seventeen years of age; he was united 
in marrir.ge, March 1, 1847, with Mary Howard, and settled in 1850 on their present place; 
it was then a wilderness, and they sufered many privations. They have been industrious 
and successful, and, besides helping their children, have a farm of about 75 acres. They 
are the parents of 6 children — Mrs. Harriet Coons, Merrills D., Mrs. Manie Smith, Mrs. 
Emily Gifford, Mrs. Ella Warner and Charley. Charley Whitford was married January 1, 
1881, to Winnie E. Chambers; they live with our subject. Mr. Whitford is a Democrat in 
politics, a solid, reliable farmer, and a man of influence. 

MERRILLS D. WHITFORD, farmer, P. O. Philipsville, was born June 5, 1848, in 
Chautauqua Co.. N. Y. ; he was brought to Erie Co. in 1850, and was married in 1874 to Sarah 
J. Hubbard. They are the parents of 4 children — Charley Henry (deceased), Norris N., 
Rua E. and Ai D. Mr. Whitford is a Democrat in politics. 

WILLIAM BENJAMIN WHITNEY, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Wattsburg, was 
born June 35, 1846, in French Creek Township, Chautauciua Co., N. Y., where bis father, 
Isaac Whitney, still resides. August 3, 1863, our subject enlisted in the H3th Reg. N. 
Y. V. I., and served in the Army of the Potomac, participating in many skirmishes, and 



-> 



202 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in the following engagements: Lawrence Plantation, siege of Suffolk, Morris Island, S. 
C, Augusta, Fla., Drury's Bluff, Va., Cold Harbor, sieges of Richmond, Petersburg, 
Fort Fisher, N. C. This regiment made a brilliant record; at Cold Harbor it lost 300 men 
in 30 minutes, losing every non-commissioned officer. Our subject was one of the picked 
band of 100 men who were led by Gen. Foster, and captured a fort on an island in the 
siege of Suffolk. They killed 100 of the enemj", and took 400 prisoners. They were dis- 
charged in N. Y. City July, 1865. After his return, Mr. Whitney engaged in lumbering 1 
year, in the grocery business 1 year, then farmed li j'ears in Illinois, and a year in Iowa. 
He was united in marriage, July 29, 1876, with Alice Johnston, of Bremer Co., Iowa, by 
whom he had 3 children — William, Warren and Edgar. Mr. and Mrs. Whitney went 
to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1877, and in 1880 came to Erie Co., where they bought their 
farm of 81 acres. He is a Democrat in politics; a member of the G. A. R. He is an in- 
dustrious, energetic business man. 

ALFRED D. WIARD, farmer, and Justice of the Peace, P. O. Philipsville, was born 
Dec. 2, 1852, on the place he now occupies. His father, Stephen D. Wiard, a native of 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., married Abigail Bently, of Rensselaer Co., N. Y., and came to this 
township in 1851; they were the parents of 2 children — Alfred D. and Mary M. Mr. Wiard 
died April 28, 1875. He was a soldier in the 102d Penn. Regt., served in the Army of the 
Potomac; discharged May 16, 1865. His widow resides with her son. Our subject was 
reared and educated in Venango Township. He married, Sept. 10, 1871, Sophia Chapin, 
born Jime 18, 1850, daughter of Norman Chapin. They are the parents of 1 son — Uriah D. 
Squire Wiard supports the Republican party. In Feb., 1882, he was elected Justice of the 
Peace in Venango Township, which office he has discharged creditably to himself, and to 
the satisfaction of others. He is a man of strict integrity, firm principles, and enjoys the 
confidence of the community. His wife is a member of the M. E. Church. 

BURTON P. WIARD, farmer, P.O. Philipsville, was born March 2, 1835, in Chautauqua 
Co., N. Y., son of LuciusP. and Mercy (Allen) Wiard, natives of Conn., and Rensselaer Co., 
N. Y., respectively. Thej' moved to Chautauqua Co. in 1831, and to Venango Township, 
Erie Co., Penn., in 1852, where they lived imtil their death. Mrs. Wiard died March 1867, Mr. 
Wiard in April, 1876. They left 4 children — George A., Stephen D. (deceased). Burton P. 
and Mrs. Minerva Brace. Our subject was united in marriage, Dec. 31, 1857, with Diana 
E. Butler, and has 1 son, Willie B., who is married to Eva U. Holmes. Mrs. Wiard died 
Jan. 8, 1865, when he married Lucy Jane Patterson Sept. 2, 1867; she was born Sept. 5. 
1835, and is a daughter of Joseph and Alice Patterson. They settled on the Wiard home- 
stead, and have a place of 106 acres. IVIr. Wiard is a Republican in politics; he and his 
wife are members of the M. E. Church and of the Patrons of Husbandry. He is a man of 
strict intearitv and has much influence for good in the community. 

PHILEfUS H. YOST, farmer, P. O. Lowville, was born Sept. 2, 1839, in Venango 
Township; his father, William Yost, was also born in this township, being a son of John 
Yost, who came here from Luzerne Co., Penn., in an early day. William Yost married 
Ann Metcalf ; 5 of their children are now living, viz. : Mrs. Reed in Iowa; James H. ; Phil- 
etusH.; Mrs. Philena Rogers, of Portland, Ore., and Mrs. Amelia Stockton, of Humboldt, 
Neb. Mrs. Yost departed this life Nov. 4, 1868, and Mr. Yost March 12, 1873. Our sub- 
ject attended the schools of the home district and the Academy at Lowville. He was united 
in marriage. Sept, 24. 1862, with Laura Burnham. Their children now living are Arthur, 
Clark and Clayton. Mr. Yost is an industrious farmer; by his enterprise and good man- 
agement, he has acquired 400 acres of land. He is a member of the F. & A. M. ; has been 
a life-long supporter of the Republican party. 

JOHiSf YOUNG, farmer, P. O. LomcII, was born May 28, 1824, in Venango Township, 
Erie Co., Penn., son of Alcinous Young, a native of Vermont, who came to this county in 
a very early day. and was'^a-preacher in the M. E. Church. He married Mary, daughter of 
John Yost, whose family originally came from Susquehanna Co., Penn.; she was one of 
the earliest born citizens of this township. A. Young departed this life in Iowa City 
about 1876. Our subject was united in marriage Jan. 8, 1868. He had previously lived 
with an uncle. Mr. and Mrs. Young settled on their present farm, consisting of 186 
acres, in 1871, and owned l)esides another tract of 50 acres in this township. They are 
the parents of 1 son — Daniel. Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of the M. E. Church; the 
former has been a life-long Republican, and is an energetic, successful farmer. 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 203 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 

JOHN W. ANDERSON, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born iu Lewis Co., N. Y., April 
12, 1828, a son of Elijah and Susanna (Williams) Anderson. Elijah was a son of Jo- 
seph and Hannah (Packard) Anderson, formerly of Mass. He, with his wife, came to this 
section of the country in 1838, first locating at Rockdale, Crawford Co., Penn., thence 
moved to Venango Township, where they both died. Our subject moved with his par- 
ents to Crawford Co., where he remained until 1863, when he moved to this township, 
where he has since resided. He was married, on April 4, 1852, to Mary Ette, daughter of 
Jared and Polly (Burr) Anderson, of Wis. Six children have been born to this marriage — 
Delos, married to Nettie Bates, lives in this township; EllaO., wife of Warren Perry, lives 
in Edinboro; Adella, wife of Delos Darrow, lives in Denver, Colo.; Rosell, married to Ella 
McGahen, lives in Dakota; Frank, married to Libby Wetsell, lives in this township, and 
Etta. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Adventist Church. 

NATHANIEL C. AUSTIN, retired, Edinboro, was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., 
Sept. 25, 1811, a son of Seymour and Mary (Chapman) Austin, natives of Berkshire Co., 
Mass., and Washington Co., N. Y. respectively, who settled in this township in 1833. Our 
subject came with his parents, and Feb. 12, 1835, married Nancy A., daughter of Lot and 
Jemima (Garwood) Lewis, of Meadville, Penn., by whom he had six children, viz.: Wm. 
v., who served three years in the late rebellion; Emeline, wife of Robt. R. Burchfield, who 
enlisted in 1863, and died in prison at Florence, S. C, Jan 8, 1865, and left tliree children, 
two daughters and a son — Chas. S., who is now Justice of the Peace, elected in Feb., 1881, 
when only twenty-three years Of age; Edgar H., who enlisted Aug. 14, 1862, in Co. B, 
145th P. V. I., and participated in the battles at Autietam, Fredericksburg, Spottsylvania, 
Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Gettysburg; he received a very 
severe wound in th*e head at Deep Bottom, Va., and in the thigh at Petersburg, and was 
honorably discharged May 31, 1865; he married, Feb. 13, 1866, Rachel S., daughter of 
Jacob B. Everett, of Welland Co., Canada; Sarah, Mary and Teresa, deceased. Mr. Aus- 
tin began life as a carpenter, which occupation he followed until 1881, when he retired. 
He has in all probability erected two-thirds of the principal buildings in Edinboro and 
vicinity. He has filled various township offices, and was Burgess of Edinboro two terms. 

CHARLES W. AUSTIN, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in McKean Township,. 
May 27, 1843, a son of William and Elizabeth (Osborne) Austin, natives of England, who 
settled in McKean Township in 1843. He was married, June 3, 1863, to Maryett, daugh- 
ter of Joseph and PhcKbe (Fish) Haggerty, by wiiom he has had one child — Elanson B. 
Mrs. Austin departed this life April 6."l879; Mr. Austin was in the late war, enhstingAug. 
30, 1862. He participated in the battles of Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Wilderness, 
Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, and in other important engagements. He was wounded at 
Gettysburg, and also at Grove Church, near Richmond; was discharged on account of dis- 
ability, July, 1865. 

QUINCY BIGGERS, livery, Edinboro, was born in Cambridge, Crawford Co., Penn., 
April 22, 1851, a son of Wm. P. and Sophia (Bishop) Biggers. Wm. P. was born in 
Le Bceuf Township, his father was one of the first settlers of that township; he spent 
most of his life in his native township, though was a resident of Crawford Co. a few years; 
he died in 1880, aged sixty-four years. He was the father of three children— Quincy, the 
only one now living. He was married March 17, 1877, to Jennie, daughter of Wm. and 
Elizabeth (Pinney) Towey, of Edinboro. Mr. Biggers has been engaged in the livery 
business since 1880. 

CHAS. BILLINGS, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. 
23, 1823, a son of Ezekiel and Dimmis (Menross) Billings, who settled in this township in 
1835, both natives of Vt. Our subject has been twice married, first on March 2, 1849, to 
Amanda, daughter of John Mallory, an early settler of this county. Two children were 
born to this union— Cyrus and Hulda (both deceased). His second marriage occurred on 
May 2, 1854, to Elizabeth Marble, widow of Warren Marble and daughter of Andrew and 
Isabella (Smith) Proudfit, who settled in Franklin Township in 1833. Four children blessed 
this union — Vernon B.; married Jennie Irish and has two children — Wilber and an infant; 
Frank T. married Marj' Mills, and also has two children — Inez and an infant; Archie H. 
and Hugh C. Mr. Billingshas lived on his present farm thirty-seven years, and is a repre- 
sentative farmer of his township. He has never sought or held an office. He is a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church; politically, he is a Republican. 

WM. W. CAMPBELL, farmer, P.O. Edinboro, was born in Washington Township, 
Erie Co., Penn., May 18, 1825, and is a son of Wm. and Hannah (Isherwood) Campbell, 



204 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

who had six children, viz. : Elizabeth (deceased), James (deceased), Jane, residing in Erie; 
Francis, a resident of Kansas; John (deceased), and W. W. Our subject lives on the old 
homestead; he was united in marriage at Waterford, July 1, 1852, with Laviuia L., daugh- 
ter of William and Rebecca (Ishervvood) Waterhouse, of Le Ba?uf Township. The Isher- 
woods were early settlers of that township. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been born 
>en children, six surviving, viz. : Alice, George, Effie, William, Grant and Lizzie. Alice 
married Lester Frow, and lives in the eastern part of the township. Mr. Campbell has 
served one term as Trustee of the State Normal School of Edinboro, and has been elected 
to the office of School Director of his township two terms. He and his wife have been 
members of the Presbvterian Church twenty-three years. He is a Republican in politico. 

CHARLES A. CRANDALL, merchant, P. O., McLane, was born in McKean Town- 
ship, Feb. 18, 1845, a son of Thomas and Lucy (Harrison) Crandall, who settled in McKean 
Township in 1840. Thomas was a son of Peleg Crandall, formerly from Northern N. Y. 
He had eight children— George W., Vigil L. (deceased), Charles A., Thomas H., Betsey A., 
Flora A., William C. and John X. (deceased). George W. and Vigil L. were soldiers in 
the late rebellion, enlisting in 1863, in Co. B. 145th P. V. L. the latter died of disease con- 
tracted in the army after three months' service. The former was wounded at Gettysburg, 
July, 1863, and honorabl}^ discharged on account of disability. Charles A. was united in 
marriage, Sept. 24, 1867, with Martha E., daughter of James C. Graham, of Mill Creek 
Township, and has one child— Thomas H. Mr. Crandall has been a resident of this town- 
ship eleven years, and has kept a store at McLane for the past six years. 

ANDREW CULBERTSON, farmer. P. O. McLallen's Corners, was born in Washing- 
ton Township, Erie Co., Penu., Oct. 22, 1821, a son of John and Mary (McClenathan) 
Culbertson, who settled here in 1799. John took up 400 acres of land, but his title was 
not perfect, and it was claimed Ijy a party named Fisher. The matter was settled 1)y Mr. 
Culbertson taking a deed of 150 acres. He had twelve children— six deceased, viz.: Robert 
A.. William D., Stephen, John, Lucina and Sylvester. The living are: Sarah, wife of 
William Clemmens, a resident of Crawford Co.; Jean, wife of Dow Allen, of Fairview; 
Mary A., wife of Charles Skinner, residing in Waterford; Susanna, wife of Sherwood Mc- 
Lallen, living in this township; James, married to Susan Mitchell, of Waterford, and 
Andrew. Our subject married, March 5, 1844, Fanny, daughter of Joseph and Tyler 
(Crossett) Giles, who settled in this township in 1818." One child, Annette, blessed this 
union; she is now the wife of Milo Adams of Oil City, and has two children— Fannie and 
Forest. Mr. Culbertson and wife are members of the Christian Church. He owns 256 
acres of land, including the homestead farm. The Culbertsons are from Lancaster Co., 
Penn He has been School Director two terms. He is politically a Republican. 

EDWIN G. CULBERTSON, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born May 11. 1843, at 
Edinboro, Erie Co., Penn., and is a son of Augustus and Clarissa (Harrison) Culbertson. 
Augustus Culbertson was the first white male child born in this township, a son of William 
Culbertson, who came here in 1797, who was the first settler, and built the first grist and 
saw mill in this township. To this union were born six children, the surviving members 
residing at Edinboro— Harrison (deceased),Lewis, Johnson who enlisted in 1863 in the 211th 
Penn. Regt., and was honorably discharged at the clo.se of the w\ar; Porter enlisted in 1861, 
in the 83d Penu. Regt., was wounded before Richmond, and taken prisoner (after eleven 
months' confinement he was discharged, in 1863, and re-enlisted in the navy, serving till 
the close of the war); Emily and Edwin G. Our subject when but seventeen years old, 
enlisted, April, 1861, in the three months' service, in Col. McLane's Regiment. He re-en- 
listed Aug. 14, 1862, in Co. B. 145th P. V. I., and participated in the battles of Antietam. 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Petersburg, Deep Bottom, Wilderness and 
in other engagements. On May 3, 1863, he was taken prisoner at the battle of Chancel- 
lorsville, and taken to Richmond, where he remained fifteen days, when he was exchanged 
and returned to his regiment at Coffee Hill. He was honorably discharged, near Alexan- 
dria, Va., May 31, 1865. He was Burgess of Edinboro in 1872, and is now a member of 
the Council. He married at Edinboro, March 24, 1868, Ella H., daughter of Joseph and 
Celestia (Calkins) Towns. Mr. and Mrs. Culbertson are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. He is a Republican in politics. 

WILLIAM W. DAVIS, farmer. P. O. McLallen's Corners, was born in this township 
on July 28, 1842. a son of Daniel and Polly (McLallen) Davis. Daniel's father was Zopher 
Davis, who settled in this township in 1816, coming from Vt. ; was the father of nine chil- 
dren, viz., Polly (now living, aged ninety-three), Lois, Daniel, Beulah, Dura, Phila, Abso- 
lom T., William and Sarah. Eight of the eleven children born to Daniel are surviving, viz., 
Zopher, Polly, Robert, Philena, George, Van Buren, Asenath and William W. Our sub- 
ject was united in marriage, April 11, 1867, with Emily, daughter of Alva and Rhoda 
(Wilson) Brownell, who were formerly of Jefferson Co., N. Y.. but have resided in Water- 
ford and Washington Townships, this county, since 1858. Mr. Davis was in the late war, 
enlisting in the navy Aug. 13, 1864, and was honorably discharged Julv 26, 1865. 

HAZARD P. DIRHAM, farmer, P. O. Edinboro. was born at Cambridge, Crawford 
Co., Penn., Jan. 23, 1827, a son of James and Mary (Fullerton) Dirham. James was a son 
of Richard Dirham, a native of Delaware who settled in Crawford Co. in 1790, locating la 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 205 

Beaver Township, where he lived until 1808, when he moved to Rockdale Township, on 
French Creek, and in 1826 went to Cambridge Township, where he lived the remainder of 
his life. He was the father of ninechildren, viz., Hannah, Sarah, Polly, Elizabeth, James, 
Mary A., Jane, Hazard P. and Angeline. He departed this life March, 1864, aged eighty- 
five. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, Oct. 25, 1848, with Hannah E., 
daughter of Ira and Amret (Case) Nichols, of Rockdale, Crawford Co., by whom he has 
had live children — Oscar H., Almar N., James W., Marvin W. and ArthurL. Mr. Dirham 
has resided in this township since 1869. He and his wife are members of the Baptist 
Church. He is a Democrat, politically. 

JOHN FELLOWS, farmer, P. O. McLane, was born in Livingston County, N. Y.. 
May 29, 1826, a son of William and Deborah (Fuller) Fellows, who settled in this township 
in 1H41. William had nine children— Guelma S. (deceased), Caroline, William A., Allif 
E., John, Mary M., Lucy, Charles and George. William, Sr., died Dec. 14, 1865. John, 
the subject of this sketch, was married, Feb. 11, 1858, to Elizabeth, daughter of William 
and Rebecca (Ore) Lander, who settled in this township in 1833. By this union there were 
four children, viz., Ida J., William C. (deceased) Frank F. and John B. Ida J. married 
Winfield McLallen. Mr. Fellows is a member of the Adventist Church. He has lived on 
his present farm since 1848. He has never sought or held an office. Is a Democrat, in 
politics. 

DEWITT C. GARDNER, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in this township, Feb. 
19, 1835. a son of Nathaniel and Rhoda (Hammond) Gardner, who settled in this township 
in 1822, and were the parents of twelve children, seven now living — Olive, Nathaniel, 
John, Arnold, Hammond. Marcellus and Dewitt C. Our subject was united in mar- 
riage on Jan. 1, 1854, with Mariette, daughter of Alva and Dury (Davis) Gardner; he had 
five children, three now living, viz., Ada, Charlie and Harry. Ada married Roscoe Eth- 
eridge and has one child— Clare. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have been members of the 
Christian Church for the last seven years. He resides on the old homestead, on which his 
father settled. 

DANIEL C. GIBSON (deceased), was born in this township July 10, 1820, a son of 
Jesse and Rachel (Daniels) Gibson. Jesse was of Quaker parentage, a native of Bucks 
Count}", Penn., and a son of William and Ann (Smith) Gibson, of Virginia. He settled in 
this township in 1815, and for a time was Mail Agent between Erie and Meadville, the 
service being performed on horseback. Jesse and Rachel Gibson had eight children — 
David, now residing in Woodcock Township, Crawford Co.; Daniel C, deceased; 
Mary A., deceased; Elizabeth A., deceased; Jesse O. and Nathan R., twins, both deceased; 
Thomas S. and Aurora C, residents of this township. Our subject married Mariah, daugh- 
ter of Origin and Mary (Butler) Conant, by whom he had seven children: Mary E., wife 
of Marian M. Anderson; Vincent D., a dentist in Edinboro, Union City and Cambridge; 
Marillie, deceased; Martha, wife of H. J. Alward; Reed L., married to Rosa McBride; 
Perry A., practicing dentistry at Edinboro. Union City and Cambridge, also an attorney 
at law; and Emmet C., professor of Latin and Greek. Daniel C. Gibson departed this life 
Feb. 13, 1859, in his thirty-ninth year. His widow married J. M. Smith, of Iowa City, and 
now resides there. 

MARTIN GILLASPIE, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Marcellus, Onondaga 
Co., N. Y., April 30, 1820, and is a son of David aiid Agnes (Van Alstin) Gillaspie. Our 
subject settled in this township in 1841; his brother George came here two years prior to 
this. Our subject married Geoi-giana, a daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Blackmore) 
Taylor, of Canada, natives of England. Seven children have been born to this marriage — 
Horace G., married Ida Belle, daughter of Marvin and Mary (Austin) McLallen; George 
H. ; David E., married Fannie, daughter of John and Ruemma (Sherrod) Godell; Martin 
S., Flora P. (deceased). John C. (deceased), and Sarah A., the wife of William N. McLal- 
len. Mr. Gillaspie has been School Director and Road Commissioner. He is politically a 
Republican. 

LAYTON B. GOODELL, retired, Edinboro, was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. ¥., 
Aug. 4, 1808, a son of Samuel and Delanj^ (Woodworth) Goodell, formerly of Washington 
Co., N. Y. Mr. Goodell settled in what is now Washington Township in 1832, locating 
four miles northwest of Edinboro, and at that time was two miles from his nearest neigh- 
bor. He cut a road through to his place, and stayed there until he had cleared twenty 
acres of land when he moved to Edinboro in Jan., 1836. He was a blacksmith by trade, 
and after leaving his farm, he pursued this occupation until 1870, when he retired. He 
owns and looks after his farm of fifty acres southwest of Edinboro. He has been twice 
married, first on October 9, 1828, to ]\Iaiy. daughter of Ezekiel and Lydia (Carpenter) 
Goodell. and had five children — Caroline, deceased; John W. married to Rhuhamah Sher- 
rod, lives in Edinboro; J. Adolphus, married Chlorinda Webster, lives at Mattoon, 111.; 
George, married Nancy Gleeten, a resident of Edinboro, as is also his siste Martha D., 
wife of A. E. Waters. The present Mrs. Goodell, v as Emily J., daughter of John A. Lewis 
of North Collins, Erie Co., N. Y. The}* were married Jan. 12, 1881. Mr. Goodell is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. He has been Burgess of Edinboro several terms. 
In politics, he was alwaj's a Repul.)lican, until 1883, when he voted the Prohibition ticket 



206 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES! 

WILLIAM B. GOODRICH, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was bora in Otsego Co.. N. Y., 
Jan. 10, 1822. a son of Calvin and Hopa (Hawkins) Goodrich, who settled in this township 
in 1838. Calvin was a son of Calvin and Alma (Fuller) Goodrich, who still survives 
aged eighty. Calvin R. departed this life Sept., 1873. Our subject was married, Feb. 24, 
1848, to Mary A., daughter of William and Margaret (Lee) Piatt, natives of Ireland, who 
settled in this township in 1836, and have two children surviving — Sarah J., wife of Alius 
A. Clemens, of Crossingville, Penn., and Mrs. Goodrich. Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich have 
been the parents of six children, viz., Jennie, Carson, Preston, Rose, Maggie and Carrie. 
Of these, Jennie married Charles Porter, of this township, and has four children — Ernest, 
Mary, ^Villie and Gemella; Car.son married Etha Proudfit. and has two children — Margaret 
and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich are members of the Presbyterian Church, and have 
lived on their present farm fifteen years. 

CALEB M. GREENFIELD, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Cayuga Co.. N. Y., 
Jan. 14, 1818, a son of Sherman and Nancy (Lick) Greenfield, who settled in this township 
May, 1832. The former was a son of James and Margaret (Philps) Greenfield, natives of 
Herkimer Co., N. Y. Sherman and wife were the parents of six children — Perliua (de- 
ceased), Caleb M., Charles, a resident of this township; Willard, in Girard; Caroline, wife 
of Solomon White, lives in Edinboro, and Maria, wife of William Fellows, of Franklin 
Township. Our subject was married, Oct. 19, 1839, to Polly, daughter of Daniel and Julia 
(Mittmoyer) Sherrod, of this township; he has had seven children, viz., Melissa, wife 
of Luke Hotchkiss, resides at Elk Creek; Daniel, married to Mary Lewis, lives in this 
township; Jasper and Alice (deceased); Leon and Lillie (twins) the former married to Celia 
Judd, lives in Elk Creek; and Cora, wife of Albert Wood, also resides in this township. 
The oldest son, Daniel, was in the late war, enlisting in 1864, and honorably discharged 
in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Greenfield are members of the Methodist Church ; he lives on the 
homestead settled by his father. In 1883, there was a family gathering, when it was 
resolved that hereafter there should be an annual re-union of the Greenfield family. 
Our subject has served his township as Assessor twice, and Road Commissioner, one term 
of three j^ears. 

JAMES GROGER, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Feb. 
5, 1821; son of Richard and Cynthia (Perry) Grogcr. w^ho settled in this township in 1833. 
They had ten children — James, Jane, Jennett, Juliett. Armintha, Corintha, Richard, 
Cynta, Nelson and Charles. Our subject was married Jan. 17, 1869, to Maggie, daughter 
of Leman and Margaret (Gillespie) Oatman, early settlers of this township. By this mar- 
riage, there are seven children, viz., Charles, Lulu, Jakie, Jimmie, Helen, William and 
Mary. Mr. Groger owns and lives on the farm first settled by his parents; he is, in poli- 
tics, a Republican. 

HENRY HITT, farmer, P. O. McLane, was born at Peru. Clinton Co., N. Y., Feb. 9, 
1817; a son of Stephen and Phebe (Stafford) Hitt, who located at McKean's Corners, Erie 
Co., in 1831, but, after nine months, came to this township, living three years on the farm 
now owned by Homer Compton, which they subsequently sold. Then, after a residence 
of five years on the property now occupied by Lee Ensign, moved to Granville, Ohio. 
Henry, our subject, was united in marriage Nov. 1, 1841, with Rosa, daughter of Aaron 
and Polly Sisson, of Otsego Co., N. Y. Three children blessed this union — Fanny, wife 
of Alenon Harrison, and the mother of six children — Blanche, Mary, Susan, Frank, Hen- 
ry D. and an infant; Florence, wife of a Mr. Crandall, of McKean Township, had twO' 
children — Lynn and Henry N. — and departed this life, aged twenty-eight; and Frank F.. 
who died aged seven years. Henry Hitt and his brother Heman are the only members of 
his father's family now residing in this county. He has lived on his present farm since 
1838; he served as Postmaster of McLane about twentj'' years; he is, politically, a Republi- 
can. 

JOHN W. HOTCHKISS, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Richmond, Crawford 
Co., Penn., April 28. 1836, a son of Cornelius B. and Lucy (Webster) Hotchkiss. C-orne- 
lius B., a native of Connecticut, was a son of Luke and Lovin Hotchkiss, of New Haven, 
Conn. Luke's father was John Hotchkiss, who came from England before the Revolu- 
tionary war. Cornelius B. lived in Crawford Co., from 1821 to 1845. when he came to 
Washington Township, settling on the farm now owned by his son. The children born to 
him were Asenath, Ann L. and Henry W. (both deceased). Hopa L., William W., Luke 
W., John W. and Julia E. Mr. Hotchkiss departed this life June 8, 1871, aged seventj'- 
two; and his wife Oct. 14, 1868, aged sixty-seven. Our subject was united in marriage 
Jan. 1, 1857, with Sarah M. daughter of William and Betsey (Lick) Lamb, of Town- 
ville, Penn., by whom he has had two children — Henry W. and Rettie. Henry W. mar- 
ried Julia Pulling, and has one child — Jennie. Mr. Hotchkiss resides on the old homestead 
farm, on which his father settled in 1845. 

SIDNEY B. HOTCHKISS, A. M., M. D., Edinboro, was born May 25, 1841. in Craw- 
ford Co., Penn., a son of Henry and Esther Hotchkiss. His grandfather, Joel Hotch- 
kiss, settled in Crawford Co. in 1807. Dr. Hotchkiss was raised on a farm, attending 
school only winters, the usual lot of farmers' sons in those days. He attended the Normal 
School at Edinboro in 1862 and 1863, and afterward taught two years as Principal of Mosier- 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 207 

town Academy. He then went to Allegheny College at Meadville, where he graduated after 
a four years' course ; he then registered as a student of Dr. William Gamble, of Mosier- 
town, and graduated in medicine and surgery at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New 
York City in March, 1871. He commenced the practice of his profession at Edinboro in 
November of the same year; he is a successful physician and surgeon and enterprising 
citizen. 

JOHN KINTER, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Washington Township, Erie 
Co., Penn., Nov. 30, 1836, a son of Philip and Susanna (Gross) Kinter, who sctthid in what 
is now Franklin Township, in 1799, and about 1807-8came to Kinter Hill, in this township, 
taking up 1,100 acres of land, and were the parents of ten children, five now living — Kate, 
wife of Abraham Blyston, residing in Crawford County, Betsey, wife of Jacob Le Fever, 
a resident of Edinboro; Caroline, wife of Walton Kenyon, also living in Edinboro; Aman- 
da, wife of William Skinner, resides in the Northern part of the township, and John, our 
subject. Philip Kinter died in 1852, aged seventy-five years, his widow in 1869, aged 
eighty eight years. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Annie McLal- 
len, by whom he had two children, viz., Ellen, wife of Albert D. Stelle; Ida A., wife of Adel- 
bert Port. His second marriage was with Elvira Crow, March 28, 1854, by whom he had 
the following named children: Philip, married to Ellen McGahan; George A.; Annie, Will- 
iam, married to Lavonia Philp, and Edna A. Mr. Kinter lives on the old homestead, 
where he was born and reared ; he is an enterprising well-to-do farmer. 

JARIUS A. KINTER, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Blystone) 
Kinter, was born in Washington Township, Erie Co., Penn., Aug. 22, 1837; he was 
married Feb. 18, 1858, to Martha, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Gleeton) Ethridge, of 
this township. One child blessed this union — Zela, who married Xerxes Gross, of this 
township, and has one child — Paul V. Mr. Kinter was in the l^ate war, being drafted in 
1865; he served three months, and was honorably discharged in June of the same year; his 
brother, Christian, was also in the service, enlisting at Edinboro, Aug. 6, 1861; he was 
wounded in the thigh at Malvern Hill, and taken prisoner; after remaining in Libby 
Prison a month, he was exchanged and discharged on account of disability in 1863. 

CHAS. KINTER. farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in this township, Aug. 26, 1844, 
a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Blystone) Kinter. Henry Kinter was born April 15, 1811, 
was a son of Philip Kinter, one of the first settlers in this township, and had tlae following 
children: Jairus, living on part of his father's farm; Christian, a resident of Iowa, and 
Mary, wife of John Fertig, residing in Dauphin Co., Penn. He departed this life, April 
24, 1882. His widow dwells on the old homestead, with her son Charles. Our subject 
was united in marriage, July 7, 1870, with Alma, daughter of Frederick and Eveline (Trow) 
Sherwood. This union has been blessed with two children — Alfred L. and Frank B. 

GEORGE LANDER, farmer. P. 0. Waterford, was born in this township May 29. 
1834, a son of Richard and Ann (Broade) Lander, who settled in this t )wnship in 1833, and 
were the parents of four children — George, Mary A., Elizabeth and Joseph. Mary A. mar- 
ried A. H. Potter, and lives in Waterford township, Elizabeth married James Duncan, Jo- 
seph man-ied Nettie Way. resides in Waterford. George, the subject of this sketch, was 
united in marriage June 25, 1859, with Emma, daughter of William and Ann(Clutterbook) 
Mayo, of England. Of the six children born to this union, three survive— Clara, Hattie- 
and Frank. His father, Richard Lander, is still living, aged seventy-six. He is a native 
of England. 

WILLIS LE SUER, farmer. P. O. Edinboro. was born in Otsego Co. N. Y., Nov. 29, 
1824, a son of John and Nancy Potter LeSuer. He was united in marriage, Oct. 26, 1844, 
with Sarah, daughter of Aaron and Mary Sis^on, of Unadilla, N. Y. Three children were 
born to this union, viz.: John, married to Elva Francis, living in Edinboro; Charles, mar- 
ried to Jane Lockwood, residing in this township, and Fred. Mr. LeSuer settled on his 
present farm in the year 1853. Himself, wife and two eldest sons, with their wives, are 
members of the Christian Church. He is now serving his second term as Road Com- 
misioner. He is politically a Republican. 

HENRY LEWIS, Postmaster Edinboro, was born in Meadville, Penn., Dec. 9, 1832, 
a son of Jesse and Sarah (Campbell) Lewis, who settled in this town.ship in 1833. The 
former was a son of Lot and Jemima (Garwood) Lewis, who settled in Crawford Co. 
in 1797. The latter was a daughter of John and Mary (Laughery) Campbell. John Camp- 
bell was a son of Jane Campbell, who settled in this township in 1798. Jesse's children 
were Mary J., Henry, John R., Sarah J., James A., Harriet A., Martha A. and William 
W. Of these. John enlisted in the three months' service in a Vermont regiment, served 
his time, and returned to Vermont, re-enlisting in the 5th Vt. Regt., raising a company 
and going out as Captain. He lost his left arm in the battle of the Wilderness; July, 1864, 
was transferred to the Veteran Corps, with rank of Colonel; was transferred to the regular 
army as Major, and finally retired with the rank of Colonel, and is now residing at Atlanta, 
Ga. James served in the three months' service, re-enlisted in the same yeai (1861) in 
the 83d P. V. I., and was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, July 2. 1863. Henry, our subject, 
enlisted July, 1862. in Co. B, 145th Penn. Regt., and participated in the battles of Fredericks- 
burg. Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, where he lost his left arm, and was honorably dis- 



208 BIOGEArHICAL SKETCHES: 

charged Dec. 22, 1863. He was twice married, first on Jan. 13, 1856, with Frances Fry. of 
Franklin Township, by whom he had one child — Mary F., widow of Daniel F. Delow, by 
whom she had one child — Flora W. His present wife, whom he married Aug., 1866, was 
Catharine A. Shreve, of Pleasantville. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
He has been Postmaster at Edinboro since 1865. 

SHELDON P. MATTESON, farmer, P. O. McLallen's Corners, was born in Erie Co., 
N. Y., Dec. 18, 1827, and is a .son of Reuben and Experience (Potter) Matteson, who set- 
tled in this count}" in 1840. Three of their six children are living, viz.: Asenath, wife of 
Stephen Wait, and resides in LeBa?uf : Sherman R., married Jane Nichols, and is a resi- 
dent of Michigan; and Sheldon P. Our subject has been twice married; first, on Oct. 8, 

1848. to Esther, daughter of Elisha and Rhoda (Matteson) Dibble, by whom he had six 
children, three survivmg — Ardelia, wife of Alex Swails, residing in LeBoeuf; Alwilda, 
wife of William Briggs, lives in Cheboygan Co., Mich.; and Amelia, wife of Fred Clark, 
and resides in this township. Mr. Matteson's present wife was Delinda, daughterof Calvin 
and Lavinia (Reed) Woodard, to whom he was married Dec. 9. 1860. Two children have 
blessed this union — Emery S. and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Matteson are members of the 
Christian Church. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. His father was a soldier in the 
war of 1812. 

JOAN McGAHEN (deceased), was a native of Canada, and was a son of John and 
Rachel McGahen, who resided near Toronto. Our subject settled in this township about 
1815, and was united in marriage, in 1816, with Lydia, daughter of Peter and Catharine 
Kline, who settled here about 1800. Of the twelve children born to this union, the follow- 
ing survive: John; Kate, wife of Henry Smith; Susan, wife of Henry Gross; Silas, an old 
bachelor, resides on the homestead; Lydia, wife of Jeremiah Colvin; and Ezra, who mar- 
ried Clarissa, daughter of Philip and Betsey (Rogers) Kline; he has five children — 
Winfield. John, Clyde, Murney and Edith; his brother, John, who is also a bachelor, re- 
sides with him. Ezra was in the war of the rebellion, being drafted in 1862 in Co. F, 
169th Penn. Reg.; was quartered opposite Yorktown, Va., and was honoral)ly discharged 
after nine months' service. The McGahens are all Republican in their politics. John Mc- 
Gahen, the subject of this sketch, departed this life in the vear 1839. 

ROBERT B. McCLAUGHRY, farmer, P. O. Edinboro". was born in Washington Co.. 
N. Y., Nov. 23, 1833, a son of Matthew M. and Martha (Beattie) McClaughry, who settled 
in this township in 1834. Matthew was a tanner b}- trade, and worked at that business 
some ten or twelve years, when he purchased a farm, which he carried on for a time, and 
followed mercantile business for twenty j'ears at Edinboro. He was the father of seven 
children, all deceased but Robert B. and Margaret E., wife of Prof. J. W. Cannon, residing 
at Sharon, Penn. He died in March, 1882, aged seventj'-three j-ears. Our'subject bought 
his present farm in 1861, and was married, Feb. 17, 1862, in Oakland, Livingston Co., N. Y.. 
to Mary, daughter of Rev. Pliuj^ and Julia A. (Caulkins) Twichell, by whom he has had 
three children — Morgan M., Robert G. and Samuel H. 

DAVIS McLALLEN, farmer, P. O. McLallen's Corners, was born Dec. 27. 1827, a son 
of William and Philena (Davis) McLalleu, who settled here about 1815, and were the 
parents of eleven children, viz., Davis, Charles, Tunis, Marvin, Zilpha., Lucinda, Norman, 
Asenath, William, Aurelia and Celestia. The subject of this sketch was married, Oct., 

1849, to Lucina C, daughterof Daniel and Adeline (L-ons) Williams. They had seven 
children, five living: Harrison M., married Eva A. Hotchki.ss, and has five children— Min- 
nie M., Stella Z., Loretta, Abbie and Anna; Marvin T., married Deda Colvin. and has one 
child — Bertha; Frances A., wife of Durant Crow, has one child — Lee; Eva A., wife of 
Barney L. Crow, one child— Murney; and Clyde O. D. Mr. and Mrs. McLallen are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church. He secured the mail privileges at McLallen's Corners in 
1869, being a special route from that point to Mill Village and return, and was its Post- 
master for twelve years. The year 1873, he erected a fine building which is now occupied 
as general store and post ofllce. 

' CHARLES McLALLEN, farmer, P. O. McLallen's Corners, was born Nov. 19, 1829. 
a son of William and Philena (Davis) McLallen, and grandson of Robert McLallen, an 
early settler in this township. His grandfather, Zopher Davis, settled here in 1816. ]Mr. 
McLallen was united in marriage, April 8. 1852, with Betsy, daughter of Alfred and Re- 
lief (Carter) Trow, who settled in this township about 1836 or 1837. Nine ciiildren have 
been born to this union, six living — Winfield M., who married Ida Fellows, of this town- 
ship; Eugene, married to Eva Port; Horatio N., married to Phena Trask; Lillie. wife of 
Thomas C. Clafferty; Alta and Glennie. Mrs. McLallen has been a member of the Chris- 
tian Church upAvard of thirty years. Mr. McLallen owns the farm first settled by his 
gi'andfather, Zopher Davis. 

MARVIN McLALLEN, farmer, P. Q. McLallen's Corners, was born March 24, 1884, in 
this township. He is a son of William and Philena (Davis) McLallen. early settlers of this 
township. Our subject married, Oct. 31, 1855. Mary, daughterof William and Elizabeth 
(Osborn) Austin, who were natives of Devonshire, England, and settled in McKean Town- 
ship in 1871. Of the four children who blessed this union, two survive— William N. and 
Ida B. William N. married Sarah A., daughter of Martin and Georgiauna (Taylor) Gil- 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 209 

laspie. of this township, who has borne him two children, viz., Mary N. and Bernice. Ida 
B. was married, Feb. 31, 1884, to Horace S., son of Martin and Georgianna Gillaspie. Mr. 
McLallen resides on the farm owned bj' his father, on which he settled in 1834. He has 
been School Director of this township one term, but has never been an office seeker, prefer- 
ring to let those who crave official honors have the positions. 

NORMAN T. McLALLEN, farmer, P. O. McLallen' s Corners, was born in Wash- 
ington Township, Erie Co., Penn., Oct. 31, 1840, a son of William and Philena (Davis) 
McLallen, early settlers of this township. Our subject was united in marriage, Nov. 2, 
1862, with Jane, daughter of Robert and Jennie (Dodels) Morrison, who settled in this 
township about 1833-34. Three children have blessed this union— John B., Jane E. and 
Cora B. Mr. McLallen has a fine farm, under a high state of cultivation, comprising 213 
acres of land, a part of which was originally settled by John Culbertson. He has served 
his township as Road Commissioner, School Director and Collector. He is a Republican 
in politics. 

ELIAS McWILLIAMS, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, son of John and Hannah (Campbell) 
McWilliams, was born Oct 30, 1813, on the farm in this township where he now resides. 
John was a native of Ireland, and one of the first settlers of this township, coming here 
about 1800. His wife was a daughter of Jean Campbell, a pioneer of Washington Town- 
ship, settling here in 1798. To this union were born eleven children, viz., James, 
Jane, William, Rhuanna, Elias, Nancy, John, Robert, Job, Hugh and Joseph. The sur- 
viving of this family are John, residing in Edinboro; Job, in Oshkosh, Wis.; Hugh, in 
Le Bceuf Township, and Jane and Ellas, in this township. Our subject was married in 
this township, July 35, 1844, to Hannah, daughter of Job and Nancy (Campbell) Reeder, 
by whom he has had five children, three surviving— Jerome J., married to Ella, daughter 
of William and Catherine (Krider) Long, of Washington Co., Penn., has two children- 
Milton E. and Bernice T., and is residing with his parents on the homestead. Hugh, a 
resident of Edinboro, and Joseph E., who is living in Eau Claire, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- 
Williams have been members of the Presbyterian Church upward of twenty-five years. . 

DANIEL F-. MILSPAW. retired, Edinboro, was born at Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., 
Aug. 8, 1806, a son of Jeremiah and Margaret (Waggoner) Milspaw. The former was born 
at Schenectady, N. Y., and the latter, a daughter of George Waggoner, was a native of 
New Jersey. Mr. Milspaw located in this county about 1850, living on a farm two miles 
southwest of Edinboro until 1877, when he moved to the village, where he has since re- 
sided; he has been twice married, first to Charity, daughter of John and Eunice Merchant, 
of Chautauqua Co., N. Y. This occurred in 1831. Three children were born to this union, 
viz.: Ann, deceased; Austin, married Mary Woodward; and Freeman M., married Anna 
Culbertson, both reside in this township. On Sept. 1, 1870, Mr. Milspaw married Eliza- 
beth, widow of William McLallen, and daughter of Washington and Sarah (Green) Hal- 
sted. the former a son of Samuel Halsted, and a native of baratoga Co., N. Y., and the 
latter a daughter of Benjamin Green, a native of Rhode Island, who lived many years in 
Luzerne Co.. Penn.. where he died. Mrs. Milspaw is a member of the Methodist Church. 
He has been Road Commissioner. He is politically a Republican. 

FREEMAN M. MILLSPAW, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Chautauqua Co., 
N. Y., Sept. 18, 1833, a son of Daniel F. and Charity (Merchant) Millspaw. He settled in 
this township in 1849, and was united in marriage. May 4, 1857, with Anna, daughter of 
William D. and Mary J. (Graham) Culbertson; the former was a son of John Culbertson, 
who settled in this township in the year 18i)0. The latter was born in this township, a 
daughter of James Graham, who was' a native of Ireland. Mr. Millspaw has two children, 
LMlie B., the wife of David B. Pulling, of this township, married Oct. 2, 1883, and Willie 
D. He has lived on his present farm twenty years, and has been School Director. 

JOHN MORRISON, farmer, P. O. Edinboro. was born in this township May 35, 1843, 
a sou of Robert and Jane (Dodds) Morrison. Robert Morrison was a native of Ireland, 
coming to Erie in 1833, and settling in this township in 1834. He was the father of eight 
children, six living: Ann, wife of Wm. Chase; Margaret, wife of Henry Austin; Jane, 
married to Norman T. McLallen; John; Walter, married Belva Ethridge; and James, who 
is Principal of the Girard High School. Robert Morrison departed this :ife in 1845; his 
widow still resides on the old homestead. The subject of this sketch was in the late re 
hellion, enlisting Sept. 11. 1864, in Co. H, 199th P.'V. I. He was wounded in both legs 
at the battle of Petersburg April 3, 1865, and was honorably discharged Oct. 11 of the 
same year. 

GILBERT O. PERRY, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in this township July 38, 
1834, a son of Samuel and Parney (Crossett) Perry. Samuel was a native of Massachu- 
setts; settled in this township in 1817. The subject of this sketch was married, March 34, 
1852, to Ann R., daughter of William and Sophia (Marvin) Curtis. Four children were 
born to this union— Elwin P., Willis F., Emma A. and Sophia J. Emma is the wife of 
James P. Philp. Mrs. Perry departed this life Aug. 10. 1879; she was an active member of 
the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Perr\' has held the position of School Director several 
years. In politics, he was formerly a Republican, but is now Independent, and states that 
he will vote for no man for President or Congress, who is not in favor of paying the Na- 

14 



210 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

tioual debt at once. He is in favor of greenbacks for our National money as against Na- 
tional bank shin-plaster money, and is an advocate of free trade as a principle, and no 
tariff for special parties as a National policy. 

ALONZO PERRY, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in tliis township March 18, 1827, 
a son of Samuel and Parnely (Crossett) Perry. Samuel was a son of Eli and Eunice (Hunt) 
Perry, and with his brother Samson settled in this township in 1817. He married Parnely, 
daughter of Israel and Martha (Hamilton) Crossett, all of Salem, Mass. By this marriage, 
there were twelve children, viz., Stillman H., Gilbert O., Sarah, Alonzo, Martha, Eleanor, 
Darius, Hamilton, Mary, Harriet J., Horatio (deceased) and Eunice. Horatio was in the 
late war, enlisting in 1861 in the three months' service in the 83d P. V. I. He served his 
time, and re-enlisted in same regiment in 1863, and was killed at the battle of Fredericks- 
burg the same year. Our subject was married, Feb. 20, 1849, to Eunice A., daughter of 
Horace and Flora (Taylor) Powers, and had four children, viz., Willis, deceased; Warren, 
married Ella O. Anderson, has one child — Orris W. ; Odella E., married Elbin A. Perry; 
and Lillie F., the wife of Clement L. Damoe. Mr. Perry resides on the farm settled by 
his father-in law, Horace Powers. 

RICHARD PHILP, farmer, P.O. Edinboro,wasbornin Cornwall,England,Feb. 24,1819, 
a son of John and Grace (Cullis) Philp. Our subject settled in Darlington, Ont., in 1843; 
coming to Washington Township in 1848, where he married. Oct. 17, 1850, Jane, daughter 
of James and Lydia (McLallen) Port, who were among the early settlers of this township. 
Five children were born to this union, viz., John (deceased), Emeline, James, Mary J. (de- 
ceased) and Lavonia (wife of Wm. Kinter). Mrs. Philp departed this life Feb. 18, 1879, 
aged fifty-seven. Mr. Philp joined the Methodist Church at the age of sixteen, and has 
been an active member since. He settled on the farm on which he now resides in 1853, 
coming into the woods, which he cleared. By industry, he has acquired a fine property, 
comprising 150 acres. 

WILLARD F. PIFER, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in this township, June 5, 
1855, a son of Davis and Elizabeth (Kline) Pifer. Davis Pifer was a native of Lancaster 
Co., Penn., and settled in this township about 1815, first locating on the farm now owned 
by G. O Perry; then lived on the farm owned by Alonzo Perry, and finally settled on the 
farm now owned by his son Willard, which he cleared, as well as portions of the other farms. 
He died April, 1882, at the age of eighty-two; he was twice married, and the father of ten 
children, six now surviving — William, Carrie, Mary, Alma, John and Willard F. Oursub- 
ject was united in marriage Oct. 25, 1873, with Kate, daughter of Dryas and Eunice (Her- 
rick) Rockwell, of Crawford Co., Penn.; one child has blessed this union— Dora. Mrs. 
Pifer is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

JAMES PORT, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Johnstown, N. Y., May 20, 1819, 
a son of James and Lydia (McLallen) Port. James Port was a native of Ireland; came to 
America when very young; he settled in this township in the year 1821, first clearing a 
farm of fifty acres, to which he added until he had acquired a farm of 170 acres ; he was 
the father of eleven children, viz., William, who is residing with his mother on the home- 
stead; James, Jr., Jane, Henry, John, Margaret, George, Israel, Lavina, Lydia A. and 
Irwin. Of the six who survive, all reside in this county but Israel, who is in Kansas. 
James, Jr., the subject of this sketch, was united in marriage Feb. 18, 1845, with Alice, 
daughter of Samuel and Laura (Gibbs) Jewett, early settlers of Waterford Township ; four 
children have blessed this union — Adella M., wife of Fernando F. McLallen; Adelbert J. 
married Ida Kinter; Irwin W. and Alfred E. Mr. Port has never held or sought office; he 
was a Democrat in politics until 1860, when he changed his views and voted for Abraham 
Lincoln for President, and has been a stanch Republican since; with the exception of the 
years which lie spent in Wisconsin — going in the spring of 1845, and returning in the fall 
of 1854 — Mr. Port has resided in this township, settling on his present farm in 1868. 

MARTIN H. PRATT, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Crawford County, May 
28, 1829; a son of John and Lydia (Herrington) Pratt, who settled in Crawford County 
about 1810. Mr. Pratt came to this township in 1845, and has lived on his present farm 
since 1852, which was first settled by Alexander Hamilton. He was married on May 6, 
1851, to Hettie A., daughter of James and Polly (Taylor) Reeder, and grand-daughter of 
Job Reeder, who settlecl in Washington Township in 1798. Seven children have been born 
to this union, viz.. Rose A., wife of W. H. McClure; Mary, wife of Edgar Hotchkiss; 
Winnie, Grace, Isaac, Emma and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt and the four eldest daugh- 
ters are members of the Presbyterian Church. 

JAMES REEDER (deceased), was born in Washington Township, Erie Co., Penn., 
Nov. 17, 1804; his father. Job Reeder, came from Central Pennsylvania and settled in Erie 
County in 1798, and March 10, 1800, married Nancy Campbell, by whom he had twelve 
children — Joseph, James, Polly, Dorothy, Jane, Mary, Job, Eleanor, John C, Samuel, 
Hannah and Moses. The subject of this sketch was married Nov. 9, 1825, to Polly, daugh- 
ter of Isaac and Hettie (Gay) Taylor, by whom he had twelve children, viz., James O., 
Job D., Isaac T., Isaac R., Hettie A., John T., Mary J., Flora L., Sally D., Fanny Q., 
Polly A. and Eleanor J.; of these the surviving are — Hettie, wife of Martin Pratt; Isaac R., 
married Sarah T., daughter of Joseph andTyle Giles, and has two children living*— Charles 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 211 

J. and Anna G. ; Flora L., wife of Charles Dale, of Franklin; Polly A., wife of James 
Martin, of Newcastle, and Ella J. Mr. and Mrs. Reeder were members of the Presbyterian 
Church; the former died in 1860, as?ed fifty-six years, and the latter is still livin.a; at the 
ripe age of seventy-seven. Isaac, the only surviving son of this union, resides in Edin- 
boro, and is engaged in farming, and manufacturing wood and chain pumps ; he is a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and is one of the leading enterprising citizens of Edinboro. 

SAMUEL G. REEDER, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Washington Township, 
Sept. 14, 1831, and is a son of Job and Nancy (Campbell) Reeder, who settled in this town- 
ship in 1798. Job was a son of Joseph Reeder, anative of BucksCo., Penn., Joseph was ason 
of Ciiarles Reeder, a native of England, who came to America in 1734, settling in Bucks 
Co., Penn., where he reared a family of fourteen children, twelve growing tomaTihood and 
womanhood, married, and had large families, who are scattered all over the Union. 
James Campbell, the maternal grandfather, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, was 
taken prisoner by the British, and after three months of hardship and suffering was ex- 
changed. The subject of this sketch married, Jan. 5, 1843, Lydia A., daughter of Samuel 
and Elizabeth (Gillespie) Graham, by whom he has had eight children, five living — George 
H., a merchant, residing at Big Rapids, Mich.; Job P., a farmer in Elk Creek Town.ship; 
James G., attorney-at-law, at Columbus, Neb.; Lizzie and Milton, living at home. George 
H. served in the late war, enlisting Aug. 1863, at the age of eighteen, in Co. B, 145th P. 
V. I., and participated in the battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg, and was discharged 
on account of disability in 1863. Samuel G. Reeder has served as County Auditor one 
term, and Trustee of the Normal School four terms. He and his wife are members of the 
Presbyterian Church, and reside on a part of the old homestead farm, on which his father set- 
tled. A sister of Jane Campbell (mother of Nancy Campbell Reeder) married the grand- 
father of Abraham Lincoln, in Bucks Co., Penn., went to Virginia, and afterward to Ken- 
tucky. Her descendants, the Reeders, Campbells, Lewises and McWilliamses are therefore 
second cousins of the late President Lincoln. Mr. Reeder is politically a Republican. 
The Reeders, Taylors, McWilliamses, Campbells, Twichells, Clarks, Lewises and Austins, 
are the principal founders of the Northwestern Normal School at Edinboro. 

MOSES REEDER, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, born April 19, 1836, the youngest son of 
Job and Nancy (Campbell) Reeder, who settled in this township in 1798. Nancy Campbell 
was a daughter of Jane Campbell who settled in Washington Township in 1798 taking up 
land on her own responsibility, and enduring all the hardships of pioneer life. Moses, 
our subject, was married, Jan. 39, 1848 in Elk Creek Township, to Sally J., daughter of 
Burr L. and Julia (Pierce) Pulling. They came from Saratoga Co., N. Y., and settled in 
Erie Co. in 1835. By this union Ihere is one child— Estella M., born May 19, 1868. Mr. 
Reeder lived on the old homestead where he was born until 1869, when he sold out and 
purchased his present residence the same year. The farm comprises 175 acres, 165 under 
cultivation, the balance timber. Mr. Reeder was a Trustee of Normal School when organ- 
ized, and gave $1,000 toward the erection of the building. He and his wife are members 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

MARTIN, SCRAFFORD, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Guilderland, Albany 
Co., N. Y., February 11, 1823, a son of Charles and Hannah (Gray) Scraffordof that place. 
Charles was a son of George C. ScrafFord. Our subject settled in Washington Township 
in 1843. and was married Oct. 13, 1847, to Mary A., daughter of Henr}' R. and Harriet 
(Loomis) Terry. By this marriage are seven children — Sylvester, Eugene, Lester (married 
to Elnora Stelle, and has three children— Grace. Mable and Frank), Charles O., Alice I. 
Hattie H. and Horatio S. Mr. Scrafford has lived on his present farm since 1851. He has 
been Trustee of the Normal School nine years; is a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
as is also his wife. He is a Democrat in politics. His children, Charles 0. and Alice L 
are graduates of the Normal School. For a scries of years, Charles O. was Professor of 
Historv and Higher Mathematics in the State Normal School at Edinboro. 

ANDREW E. SHEROD, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in this town.ship, Sept. 3, 
1837, a son of Michael and Fanny (Morris) Slierod, who were theparentsof six childrerrviz.: 
Andrew E., John residing in Dakota; Sylvester, who, during the late war, enlisted in Col. 
McLane's Regt., Co. D, 83d, P. V. I., and was killed in the seven days' fight at Gaines' 
Mill; Rheuanna, wife of John Goodell, living at Edinboro; Cordelia, wife of Derwin Rey- 
nolds, a resident of Elk Creek, and Lewis, who also served in the late war, enlisting in the 
same regiment and company as his Ijrother, and losing his life at Petersburg. Andrew 
E. lives on a part of the homestead of his grandfather, Daniel Sherod, who came from 
Susquehanna, Penn., and was the first settler in his section of this township, taking up 
400 acres of land on what is now known as Sherod Hill. Here he killed 107 bears. '^ He 
was the father of twenty-one children. He died aged eighty-six, and Andrew E.,his 
mother and sister are now the only representatives of this "family living in this county. 
Andrew E. married, Feb. 13, 1853, Abigail, daughter of William and Abbie (Warren) 
Bartlett, and grand-daughter of Guil Warren, who, with his four sons, was killed at the 
battle of Bunker Hill during the Revolutionary war. To this union have been born the 
following children: Rheuanna C. (deceased); Cordelia L. wife of David Barnes, lives near 
Crossingville, Crawford Co., Penn.; Lewis S., Maggie B., Nellie E., Hattie V. and Will- 
iam A. Mr. Sherod is serving as Road Commissioner of his township. 



212 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

BURNET M. SHERWOOD, farmer, Edinboro, was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., 
March 22, 1810, a son of John and Rosanna (Miller) Sherwood, who settled in this town- 
ship in 1816. They were formerly of New England. Burnet M. was married, Jan. 7, 
1830, in this township, to Eliza, daughter of Edward and Mahala (Brownell) Briggs. Ed- 
ward Briggs .settled in this township in 1822, coming from Yates Co., N. Y. Mr. Sherwood 
had fourteen children, seven now living, viz.: Halsey, Alanson, Tunis, Lucian, Joseph 
R., Edward B., Francis W., who served in the war of the rebellion, enlisting Sept., 1862, 
in Co. F, 83d Penn. Regt., and was killed in the battle of Fredericksburg; Jennie, Burnet, 
Minnie, Burnhara (now living on the homestead farm): Parker F., Rose and Lillie. Mr. 
Sherwood lived on t'he old homestead settled by his father, until the year 1866, when he 
moved to Edinboro. where he has since resided. 

ALANSON SHERWOOD, manufacturer, Cambridgeboro, was born in this township, 
July 22, 1832; son of Burnet M. and Eliza (Briggs) Sherwood, and grandson of John Sher- 
wood, who settled in Washington Township in 1816. Alanson Sherwood was twice mar- 
ried; his first wife was Louisa, daughter of Hiram Johnson, of Edinboro, formerly of 
Maine, to whom he was married Nov., 1854. By this union there were three children- 
Ada (deceased), William and Eliza B. His second wife was Emma Johnson, a half-sister 
of his first wife, to whom he was married Sept., 1878. The issue of this marriage was one 
child — Mabel. Mr. Sherwood began the manufacture of shovel handles in Edinl)oro in 
1853, and carried on business there until 1873, when he located in Cambridgeboro, and en- 
gaged in the same business on a larger scale, and in connection with that, in company 
with his father, engaged also in flour milling, planing mill and hmiber business, which 
partnership lasted until 1881, when the fathei-'sold his interest to three of his sons; they 
in turn sold to Thos. H. Agnew, the same year, and the business has been carried on suc- 
cessfully to the present time, under the firm name of Sherwood & Agnew. Mr. Sherwood 
is now Burgess of Cambridgeboro, serving his second term. In politics, he is a Republican. 

BURNHAM SHERWOOD, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in this township, Jan. 
1, 1852, a son of Burnet M. and Eliza (Briggs) Sherwood, and grandson of John Sherwood, 
who settled in this township in 1816. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, 
Jan. 13, 1875, with Helen, daughter of Jeremiah and Susan (Kepler) Hatfield, of Cam- 
bridge, Crawford Co., Penn., by whom he has two children, viz.: Peter and Ned. 

MARTIN S. SHERWOOD, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in this township, Sept. 
16, 1838, a son of John, Jr., and Sally (Hammond) Sherwood, and grandson of John Siier- 
wood, Sr., who settled in this township in 1816. John, Jr., was twice married; his first 
wife being Sally Hammond, by whom he had seven children, of whom two are now living — 
Martin S. and Arabella, wife of Lewis Thomas, of Edinboro. His second wife was Mrs. 
Mary Black, by whom he had six children— Caroline, Charlotte, Clara, Kate, John, Abra- 
ham L. Martin S., the subject of this sketch, was united in marriage, Oct. 9, i860, with 
Harriet, daughter of Cyrus and Harriet (Atwater) Sherrod. Two children have blessed 
this marriage — Marritt M. and John M. Mr. Sherwood was in the late war, enlisting Sept. 
8, 1862, in the 18th Penn. Cavalry. He participated in numerous engagements, was 
wounded twice, and honorably discharged at the close of the war. Marlon M., a brother, 
was also in the service, enlisting in the lUth Penn. Regt., was wounded a't the battle of 
Lookout Mountain, and died of his wounds Nov. 7, 1863. 

JAMES H. SHIELDS, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Saratoga County, 
N. Y., May 19, 1824, a son of Henry and Lucina S. (Pulling) Shields, who settled in 
this township in 1836. The former was a native of New York, and a son of James Shields, 
a native of Ireland. The latter was a daughter of Zalmon and Molly (Olmsted) Pulling, 
who were formerly from Danbury, Conn. The children of Henry and Lucina were ]\Iar- 
garet, wife of Alfred Green, living in this township; Nehemiah, married to Mary Graham, 
also living here, and James H. James H. was united in marriage, January 1, 1849, with 
Martha, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Gillespie) Graham, of this township, though 
natives of Ireland. Henry, the father of James H. Shields, departed this life in 1858, 
aged fifty-seven ; his widow is still living (Dec. 1883) aged eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. 
Shields are members of the Methodist Church, which is located on their farm. 

JAMES C. SIPPS, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Washington Township, Erie 
Co., Penn., Dec. 12, 1844, and is a son of Benjamin and Polly (McGahen) Sipps, and 
grandson of Mathias Sipps, who located in this township for about twenty years, coming 
about 1798. Mathias reared a large family, which in 1818 he took with him on a flat- 
boat, built at Waterford, down French Creek, Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, settling in 
St. Louis, where many of his descendants still reside. Benjamin remained here, married 
and had eleven children ; the deceased are Asa, who served in the 81st Mich. V. I. during 
the late war, dying in Michigan of a disease contracted whilst in the army; Elizabeth, 
Lewis and Harriet; the living are Mary, wife of Joseph N. Stafford, who resides in this 
township; George and Mathias, in Michigan: Daniel, in Edinboro; Electa, wife of S. Gil- 
bert, residing in Michigan; Lavern, wife of Adolphus Davis, a resident of Oil City, and 
James C. Our subject has been twice married, first on July 4, 1866, to Lucina, daugh- 
ter of John and Harriet (Haggerty) Smith, the mother of one child— Eva; his second mar- 
riage was on Aug. 13, 1873, with Jennie Gleeten, widow of Russel Gleeten, by whom he has 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 213 

had two children— Ella and Warren P. During the late war. Mr. Sipps enlisted, Aug. 18, 
1862, in Co. D., 83d P. V. I., and participated in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg 
and Chancellorsville ; he was honorably discharged Aug. 30, 1865. 

DAVID T. SLOCUM, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., 
Nov. 33, 1818, a son of Stoddard and Nancy (Hamilton) Slocum, who settled in this town- 
ship in 1834. Stoddard, a son of Peleg and Hannah (Stoddard) Slocum, formerly of New- 
England, had the following children: Wanton J., David T. andNancy Jane. Our subject 
has been twice married; first to Anna, daughter of Joseph and Tyla (Crossett) Giles, who 
settled in this township in 1818. This union was blessed with one child— Elvitia D., dying 
Feb. 12, 1866, aged eighteen, His second marriage was on March 8, 1864, with Mary S., 
daughter of Samuel and Parna (Crossett) Perry. She is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. Mr. Slocum has served as Townsuip Treasurer two years. He lives on 
the old homestead, on which his father settled in 1834. In politics, he is a Republican. 

CHARLES F. SWEET, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., July 
26 1823, a son of George and Hannah (Van Ostrand) Sweet, who settled in Washington 
Township, July, 1833. George was a native of Saratoga Co., N. Y., and the son of 
Reuben and Keziah (Babcock) Sweet, natives of Rhode Island. Reuben served in the Rev- 
olutionary war, and was a son of Caleb Sweet, who lived to be one hundred years old. 
Reuben Sweet lived to be ninety years. George served in the war of 1812, and was the 
parent of fourteen children, seven surviving ; he married Hannah, daughter of Charles 
and Hannah (Turner) Van Ostrand Charles Van Ostrand lived eighty-nine years; his 
father lived to be ninety-seven years old. Of the children, George S. married Nancy Jane, 
daughter of David and Abigal Hopkins, of Elk Creek, and now resides in Illinois; Chancy 
married Beatta Bower, a native of Germany, is now dead; Norman a bachelor and resident 
of this township; Harriet M. married Charles Greenfield, since deceased; Charles F.; Ben- 




^v.^v,v.... ship, „.->. ^_., _._,_^^ _ .. - -. 

and his wife Feb. 23, 1876, both aged eighty-six at their death, and are said to be the old- 
est couple interred in the Edinboro Cemetery. Charles F., the subject of this sketch was 
united in marriage Oct. 1, 1851, with Ann E., daughter of William and Louisa (Buckley) 
Allen, formerly of Orleans Co., N. Y., descended from Col. Ethan Allen of Revolutionary 
fame; the hero of Ticonderoga. Four children have been born to this union— Harriet L., 
married Samuel E. Fuller, of Venango Township, April 12, 1876, and has two children- 
Charles H. and Eugene E.; George W. married DoraE. Stelle, of Harbor Creek, and resides 
in Elk Creek Township; Mary A. and Frederick E. Mr. Sweet has served his township 
as Judge of Elections and Auditor. He is a Democrat in politics. The family of George 
Sweet saw hard times in the pioneer life. Their advantages for school and church were 
limited. . ^ . , ^ , , ^, ^ 

CORNELIUS T. SWIFT, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., 
Oct. 5, 1832, a son of Julius and Laura (Shove) Swift, who settled in this townishipjn 
1844. Cornelius T. settled here at the same time, and has been twice married, first in 1851, 
to Mary Stocker, of Herkimer Co., N. Y., who had one child that died in infancy. His 
second marriage occurred on Dec. 22, 1857, to Lauretta, daughter of Calvin and Hopa (Haw- 
kins) Goodrich. Nine children blessed this union— Mary and Chauncy, deceased; Wm. 
R.,Nirum C, John, Seymour, Ruby, Leonard V. and Jennie. Mr. and Mrs. Swift are mem- 
bers of the Adventist Church. 

GEORGE W. SWIFT, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Otsego Co., N. \., May 
10, 1835, a son of Julius and Laura (Shove) Swift, who settled in this township in 1844. 
Julius was three times married, and reared a family of twenty-two children, all of whom 
are now living but four. He died in May, 1875, aged seventy-seven. The subject of 
this sketch was united in marriage. May 8, 1861, with Lucinda A., daughter of Capt. John 
C. and Sarah A. (Cook) Graham, of Summit Township, by whom he has eight children, 
viz., Georgianna, Minnie E., Rufus W., Carrie, Anna, Lizzie, Emma and Fred G. Mr. 
and Mrs. Swift are members of the Presbyterian Church of Edinboro, in which he has been 
Trustee for the past four years. , ,. ^ 

ISAAC R. TAYLOR, miller, P. O. Edinboro. was born Feb. 25. 1813, in Franklin Co., 
Mass., a son of Isaac and Hettie (Gay) Taylor, who settled in Washington Township in 
1818. Isaac, Sr., was a son of Abram and Molly (Leland) Taylor. Molly was a daughter 
of Moses Leland, a prominent citizen of Worcester Co., Mass. Isaac, the father of our 
subject, settled one mile and a half southeast of of Edinboro, clearing most of the farm on 
which he located, and which he purchased from Andrew Culbertson, one of the first settlers 
of this township, where he resided until his death. May 11, 1849. He died, aged seventy-three 
years. Isaac R. lived on the homestead farm from the time he settled there with his fa- 
ther in 1818, until 1877, when he moved to Edinboro, where he has since resided. He mar- 
ried, Nov. 2, 1837, Eleanor, daughter of Job and Nancy (Campbell) Reeder, early settlers 
of Washington Township. Nine children were born to this union— Isaac N., John M., 
Verniece, Job, George, Oliver E., James B., Joseph and Effie A. Joseph now resides on 
the old homestead. Isaac R. Taylor is now engaged in milling, flour business, and is inter- 



214 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ested in the planiug mill and pump factoiy, besides attending to his farm. He was Jus- 
tice of the Peace in Washington Township from 1850 to 1860, and is now serving his third 
term in that office in Edinboro. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for 
about forty years, a Ruling Elder in the church upward of twenty years. His second son, 
John, enlisted in the late war Aug., 1862, in the 145th P. V. I., and was killed at the bat- 
tle of Gettysburg July 3, 1863. 

JOSEPH TAYLOR, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Washington Township, Erie 
Co., Penn., July 30, 1855, and is a son of Isaac R. and Eleanor (Reeder) Taylor. Our sub- 
ject was united in marriage, in this township, May 23, 1877, with Kate, daughter of Alex- 
ander and Catharine (Courtney) McCoy, by whom he has had two children, viz., Fred R. 
and Eleanor C. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are members of the Presbyterian Church. He re- 
sides on the old homestead, settled by his grandfather, Isaac Taylor, in 1819. 

HENRY R. TERRY, physician and attorney at law, Edinboro, was born in Sanger- 
field, Oneida Co., N. Y., April 36, 1811, and is a son of Henry and Rebecca (Jewell) Terry. 
Henry, St., was a native of Connecticut. Our subject settled in what is now Edinboro in 
1837, and S'hortly after began to practice medicine, being a graduate of the Jefferson Med- 
ical College of Philadelphia. He was admitted to the bar of Erie Co. about 1850, and since 
then has been admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the State and District and 
Circuit Courts of the U. S. Mr. Terry has been thrice married, his first wife was Harriet 
Loomis, of Madison Co., N. Y., by whom he had one child— Mary A., wife of Martin 
Scrafford, living in this township; his second wife was Elizabeth Tanner of this township, 
the mother of eight children, six now living— John, a resident of Kansas; Juliet, wife of 
John Walker, of Paw Paw, Mich.; Marilla, wife of John Sherrod, of Dakota; George; 
Emmet, attorney at law, of Illinois; Harriet, wife of Dr. B. E. Phelps of Corry, and Reed, 
married to Almira Blade and lives in this township. Mr. Terry married his present wife, 
Feb. 11, 1866, Mrs. Luciua M. Stevens, a daughter of Burnet M. and Eliza (Briggs) Sher- 
wood, early settlers of this township, and widow of Alpheus, a son of Daniel Stevens, also 
an early settler here, who lived on the farm now owned by Charles Drake— one child, Mary 
E., dying in 1863, crowned this union. Mr. Stevens departed this life in 1863. Mr. Terry 
has been Justice of the Peace for fifteen years. He was appointed to that office for life by 
Gov. Ritner, under the old constitution; that law was afterward repealed, and he was 
elected by the people for two terms. He is a Trustee of the Normal School. He is a Re- 
publican in politics. 

WILLIAM TORRY, retired farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Crawford Co., Penn., 
Oct. 2, 1816, a son of James and Margaret (Alexander) Torry, natives of Ireland, who came 
to America in 1796, locating in Loudon Co., Va., and in 1803, settled in what is now Ve- 
nango Township, Crawford Co., and were among the first settlers in that locality. James 
had ten children, but four of whom are living— Archibald, David, Mary and William. Our 
subject was married on Oct. 6, 1846, to EHzabeth, daughter of Elisha and Rachel Pinney, 
of McKean Township, formerly of Massachusetts. Three children have been born to this 
union, viz.: Jane E., wife of Quincy Biggers: Delphene R., wife of Thayer Robinson and 
has two children— Kittle and Leah; and Ella, wife of George Cole. Mr. Torry resided in 
Venango Township sixty-three years, and for four years has been a resident of Edinboro. 
His wife departed this life Jan. 6, 1883, aged sixty-one. She was a member of the Method- 
ist Church thirty-eight years. 

BENJAMIN TROW, farmer, P. O. McLallen's Corners, was born in Chautauqua Co., 
N. Y., March 31, 1838, a son of Alfred and Relief (Carter) Trow, who settled here about 
1836-37, coming from Chautauqua Co., though formerly from Massachusetts. Alfred was 
a son of Benjamin and Rachel Trow, and the father of eight children, five deceased— Re 
lief, Lucy, Christina, Lester and Eveline. The living are: Benjamin, Otis, married to 
Anna Davis, and Betsy, wife of ("harles McLallen. Our subject was united in marriage, 
Nov. 34, 1850, with Lucina, daughter of Robert A. and Rachel (Holmes) Culbertson, by 
whom he has five children, viz.: Benjamin F., married to Mary E. Tjder of Erie; Abbie 
Arminta, wife of George Port, of this township; Lester A., married Alice Campbell of this 
township; Effie and Alfred. Mr. and Mrs. Trow are members of the Christian Church, in 
which he has been a Deacon fifteen years. He lives on his father's old homestead; has 
been School Director two terms; is a Republican in politics. 

EDWIN W. TWICHELL, merchant, Edinboro, was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., May 
11, 1819; is a son of Evi Twichell, who settled in Erie Co. in 1833, and who was married in 
Athol, Mass., to Irene Whitney, by whom he had seven children— Charles W. (now re- 
siding on the homestead, two miles from Edinboro) Edwin W., Louisa V., Arathusa, 
Pierce, Enos M. and Lewis J. Our subject was married, Dec. 1, 1839, to Polly, daughter 
of Dyer and Phebe (Kellogg) Walker, of Washington Township. Two children blessed 
this union— Henry C. and Mary B., both residing in Edinboro. Henry C. during the late 
war enlisted Aug., 1861, in Co. B, 145th Penn. Regt., and participated in the battles of 
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Petersburg, Gettysburg and the Wilderness. 
He was Avounded at Gettysburg, and discharged near Alexandria, May 31, 1865. Edwin 
W. Twichell settled in Washington Township with his parents in 1832, and followed the 
trade of carpenter and joiner up to 1846, when he entered mercantile business, in which he 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 215 

has continued up to the present tinae. He served two terms in the State Legislature; for 
twenty years has been Trustee of tlie Normal School, and was one of the main instigators 
in locating this school in Ediuhoro; and has held some local offices in his township almost 
continually for thirty-five years. He has been President of the Edinboro Savings Bank 
since 1876, when it was organized. In politics, he has always been a Kepublican. 

WILLIAM H. VAN DYKE, photographer, Edinboro, was born at Castile, Wyoming 
Co., N.Y., April 27, 1827, and is a son of Henry andNancy (Weller) Van Dyke, who settled 
in Crawford Co. in 1834. The latter was a daughter of William Weller, of Schenectady, 
formerly of Holland. The former was a son of Peter Van Dyke, of Germany, who lo- 
cated in Dutchess Co., N. Y., about 1795, subsequently moving: to Schenectady, where he 
died. Henry moved to Ashtabula, Ohio, about 1867, and departed this life July, 1879. The 
subject of this sketch came to Erie Co. in 1850, locating in Elk Creek, and engaging in 
farming, which he continued until 1870, when he came to Edinboro and bought out a pho- 
tograph gallery, which business he has since successfully conducted. He has been thrice 
married, first on Dec. 25, 1851, to Cynthia, daughter of Hiram and Elizabeth (Colton) 
Bradley, of Crossingville, Penn., by whom he had one child— Cynthia, who married Asa 
Sturtivant, and lives in Crawford Co. His second marriage, on Jan. 4, 1854, was with Jane, 
daughter of Reuben Tower, of Crossingville, Penn. Two children blessed this union- 
Inez, wife of Arthur Hopkins, and lives in Warren Co., Penn.; and Izora, wife of Ferdi- 
nand Hall, who resides at Chicago. Mr. Van Dyke was united Jan. 27, 1859, to his present 
wife, Alfreda, daughter of John Smith, of Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and six children have 
crowned this union, three living, viz., Lizzie (wife of Charles Lloyd, living in this county), 
Henry and Frank. Mr. Van Dyke, wife and son, Henry, are members of the Presbyte- 
rian Church. He has been a Trustee of the Normal School for the past nine years. He is 
a Republican politically. 

FRANCIS C. VUNK, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Charleston, N. Y., Nov. 
18, 1818, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Reese) Vunk. He was united in marriage 
in Cortland Co., N. Y., Feb., 1849, with Sarah J., daughter of Abram Carson, Esq. Two 
children were born to this union — Virene, wife of Dr. George F. Cole, residing at Lincoln- 
ville, Crawford Co., Penn.; and Henry, who resides with his parents. Mr. Vunk settled in 
this township in the year 1849. He has a farm of 150 acres under good cultivation, and is 
an enteiprising farmer and worthy citizen. 

JOHN.T. WADE, planing mill, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Welland Co., Ont., Aug. 
10, 1844, a son of Wm. W. and Margaret (McDade) Wade. He came to this township in 
1865, and worked in the planing mill of Wm. Lewis until 1876, when he, in company with 
his brother, Robert J., bought the planing mill and saw mill adjoining, and have since 
carried on the business. Mr. Wade was united in marriage Aug. 21, 1867, with Ida I., 
daughter of Wm. and Juliana (Walker) Lewis; the former born in Meadville, came to this 
township in 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Wade are the parents of five children, viz., Wm. W., 
Margaret M., Chas. T., Lillian J. and Ida E. They are both members of the Methodist 
Church. 

ASA WELLMAN, farmer, P. O. Edinboro, was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. 9, 
1825, a son of William and Azubah (Benson) Wellman, who were formerly of Vermont. 
Wm. Wellman died in 1827, and his widow married Robt. S. McClenathan, and came to 
Washington Township, Erie Co., in 1837, bringing Asa with her. She died Nov. 2, 1873. 
Our subject was married, April 17, 1851, to Melissa S., daughter of Joseph and Tyla (Cross- 
ett) Giles, early settlers of this township, coming here in 1818, from Franklin Co., Mass., 
with an ox team, and were six weeks on the road. They located a half mile east of Edin- 
boro. They lived here till death. Tyla Giles died Nov. 17, 1844. Joseph Giles died June 
10, 1859. Asa Wellman was the father of six children, all deceased but Melvin M., who 
married Lodema Baker, and Wm. A. Mr. and Mrs. Wellman have been members of the 
Presbyterian Church for eleven years, in which he has been a Ruling Elder for four years. 
He has been elected School Director of his township five terms, and has been Trustee of 
the State Normal School at Edinboro, fifteen years. In politics, he is a Republican. 

NATHANIEL WHITE, practical mechanic, and manufacturer and dealer in furni- 
ture and cabinet organs, was born in Moravia, Cayuga Co., N. Y., April 18, 1826, a son 
of John and Barbara (Greenfield) White. The former a native of Massachusetts, was a 
son of Nathaniel White, whose father, John White, came from England during the seven- 
teenth century, settling in Massachusetts. The father of our subject, with family, settled 
in Edinboro, Sept. 29, 1844; he was a practical mechanic, and manufactured scythe-snathes 
and grain cradles. His children were Benjamin (deceased), Esther (deceased), James, 
residing in Moravia, N. Y. ;Levi, in Michigan; John and Sophronia, residing in Ohio; 
Salmon, in Edinboro; and Nathaniel, the youngest and subject of this sketch. He married, 
Jan. 7, 1847, Fanny Taylor Powers, daughter of Horace and Flora (Taylor) Powers, who 
settled here in 1820, and were the parents of two children — Fannj' Taylor and Eunice A., 
wife of Alonzo Perry. To Mr. and Mrs. White have been given six children, viz. : Hor- 
ace (deceased), Olevia Lyola; Eunice, wife of John E. Torry, and living in Edinboro; 
Sarah Corrinna, wife of Theola K. Lewis, living in this township; E,sther Sophronia, wife of 
Evi B. Twichell, also of this township; and George, the youngest, and lives in Richmond, 



216 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Ind. Our subject, with wife, is a member of the Second Advent Church. He has served 
as Trustee of State Normal School about fifteen years, and still holds that office. 

JOSEPH C. WILSON, physician and surgeon, Edinboro. was born at Meadville, 
Penn., Nov. 15, 1827, a son of John and Elizabeth (Himmelwright) Wilson, who settled 
there in 1827. The former, a son of Francis Wilson, was of Irish descent, and the latter 
was a native of Philadelphia. Joseph C, our subject, has been twice married, first to 
Margaret, daughter of Wynant, and Mary (Nodine) Stone, of New York, whom he married 
May 15, 1851, and had two children — Wynant S., married to Miss Nellie H. Mantland, of 
LeMars, Iowa; and Mary E., wife of Andrew McGill, of St. Paul, Minn. Dr. Wilson's 
present wife, was Mrs. Harriet E. Bates, daughter of Dr. Ezra and Laura (Worden) Day, 
of Saratoga Co., N. Y. By this marriage is a daughter — Annie Laurie. Dr. Wilson is a 
graduate of Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, receiving his diploma Feb. 22, 
1851. He settled in Edinboro in 1856, and has been in active practice here since. 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 

CHARLES W. S. ANDERSON. Justice of the Peace, Waterford, was born July 20, 
1827, in Waterford, Penn., son of Willian and Nancy P. Anderson, natives of Northum- 
berland Co., and Erie Co., Penn., respective!}', latter a daughter of Capt. James Pollock, 
who came to Erie in 1800. William Anderson came to this county with his parents in 
1802, had but few educational advantages and passed through all the hardships assof;iated 
with life in a new country. They were the parents of three children, two dying young. 
Our subject was the second child. William Anderson died in 1875, his wife preceded him 
in 1870. Charles W. S. Anderson was united in marriage May 15, 1853, with Miss Mary- 
etta, a native of Erie Co., and a daughter of Benjamin Leland. Seven children blessed this 
union, one dying in infancy. The living are: Virginia A., wife of B. D. McClure; Charles 
W. S., Jr.; Mary K., wife of L. B. Thompson; Harry R., Perry L. and Grace. Mrs. An- 
derson and daughters are members of the P. E. Church. Mr. Anderson owns ten acres of 
fine land, and several lots in the corporated limits of Waterford. With the exception of one 
year, he has served as Justice of the Peace since 1866. He is politically a Republican. 

JOHN T. BANKSON, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born Feb. 6, 1829, in Auburn, N. 
Y. He never saw his father, but was adopted by his mother's brother, Coonrod Baukson, 
and came with him to this county. Our subject was united in marriage, Oct. 20, 1852, with 
Elizabeth R. Strong, born March 23, 1833, in Erie Co., Penn., daughter of Chancy B. 
Strong, a native of New York State, who came to this county about 1881. He retired 
eight children, six now living. He was a carpenter by trade, but for over thirty years was 
an invalid. John T. Bankson and wife have had a family of four children, three now liv- 
ing — Emma G., born Sept. 6, 1854; died Sept. 12, 1865; Helen H., wife of Charles Bowen; 
Elliott R. and Wilber L. Mr. and Mrs. Bankson are members of the F. W. Baptist 
Church. The former, a prominent man in his section, owns fifty-seven acres of well-im- 
proved land. In politics is a Republican. 

GEORGE H. BARNETT, farmer, stock dealer and hay presser, P. O. Waterford,, 
was born Nov. 3, 1839, on the farm south of his present residence, in Waterford Township, 
Erie Co., Penn., son of William Barnett, a native of Ireland, and an early settler of Erie 
Co. He raised a familj^ of five children (our subject being the second son), four now liv- 
ing. He died in 1873. G. H. Barnett married, July, 1864, Miss Emily Van Sise, a native 
of Waterford and daughter of B. W. Van Sise. This union has been blessed with two 
children— Jessie May and William R. Mr. Barnett is one of the principal raisers of Dur- 
ham stock in Erie Co. He has a fine herd of short-horn cattle of which he makes a 
"specialty, and a number of draught horses in which he takes great pride. He owns one of 
the finest stock farms in this section, consisting of 240 acres of well-improved land, a half 
mile from Waterford. He also deals extensivelj- in hay, and owns a hay press. He 
buys, presses and ships 2,000 tons of hay annually. He is also a prominent stock shipper of 
Erie County, having engaged in this business for over twenty years. Mr. Barnett is a 
member of the A. O. U. W. 

THEODORE W. BARTON, physician and surgeon, Waterford, Penn., was born in 
Weston, Windsor Co., Vt., July 22, 1834, son of Ira and Mary Barton, latter a native of 
Vermont. Ira Barton was born in Hoosick, N. "Y., TVIarch 24, 1706, and is a son of Timo- 
thy S. Barton, a native of Massachusetts, and a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Ira is 
a graduate of the Medical College at Castleton, Vt. He first practiced a few years in 
Western Vermont, then moved and practiced for five years in Massachusetts. In 1836, he 
came to Erie City, where he practiced four years, and finally to Waterford, where he fol- 
lowed his profession forty years. His brother Leonard, who had been a prominent man 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 217 

and a Doctor several years in Waterford, died soon after bis arrival. Ira has three chil- 
dren now living: a son who is a dentist in Waverly, Iowa; a daughter, now the wife of 
W. L. Kelley, whose biography is in this work; and Theodore W., who obtained his med- 
ical education in Buffalo College. In 1862 our subject commenced to practice his pro- 
fession in Hartstown, Crawford Co., Penn., where he remained until 1865, when he moved 
to Waterford, Erie Co., Penn., and followed his profession in partnership with his father. 
The latter retired from active business in 1872, and his son has since continued alone. 
Dr. Barton is a universal favorite. He married, Oct. 4, 1864, Miss Emiline, daughterof 
Dr. James White, of Hartstown, Crawford Co., Penn. This union has been blessed with 
four children, three daughters and a son. Mrs. Barton is a member of the U. P. Church. 
Dr. Barton is a member of the firm of Barton & Kelley, druggists, wlio have the finest 
business stand in the city, under the Opera Hall. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and 
I. O. O. F. societies. 

JEHIEL BOOTES, farmer and dairyman. P. O. Le Boeuf, Erie Co., was born Oct. 9, 
1821, in Seneca Co., N. Y., son of Joseph Bootes, who died when he (Jehiel) was but six 
years old. Mr. Bootes came to Erie Co., Penn., in April, 1845, and settled where he still 
resides, in Waterford Township; he has been married twice, first to Miss Diana Newman 
in 1845; one child, Abraham C, blessed this union. Mrs. Bootes was a native of Steuben 
Co., N. Y., and died in 1848. Mr. Bootes married for his second wife, in 1850, Miss Mar- 
garite Port, a native of Erie Co., and a daughter of James Port, one of the early settlers 
of Erie Co. To them have been born a family of five daughters, all living— Sophrania 
E. (widow of E. Middleton), Emma A., Eva. J., Josephine, Jennie M. Mr. Bootes is a 
self-made man, and has educated himself and family in a highly creditable manner. His 
three oldest daughters have taught school to some extent. They all have attended the 
Academy at Waterford, the second daughter graduating at Edinboro. Eva J. graduated 
in music from Hillsdale College. Mich. Our subject owns 100 acres of well-improved land. 
He and his wife are members of the F. W. Baptist Church. He is a Republican in prin- 
ciple; a P. M. of the Grange; also a member of the I. O. O. F. 

CHARLES C. BOYD, Assistant Postmaster, Waterford, was born in Waterford 
Township, Erie Co., Penn., Sept. 16, 1808, son of John Boyd, a native of Maryland, who 
brought his wife and three children on horseback from Northumberland Co., Penn., in 
1802. He raised a family of ten children, two of the three still surviving are residing in Erie 
Co., and one living in Titusville, Crawford Co., Penn. Mr. Boyd was a farmer, and served 
as Justice of the Peace for about thirty years, and County Commissioner for one terra. 
He died in 1854; his wife preceded him six years. Our subject is the fourth son of this 
family. His educational advantages were only such as a new country afforded; he was mar- 
ried in 1839 to Miss Louisa, daughter of Elijah Hitchcock, of New York State. This union 
not being blessed with children, Mr. and Mrs. Boyd adopted a baby girl, who is still living, 
with them. Mr. Boyd was one of the contractors, for about three jj-ears, when the first 
railroad was built through Erie Co. He has also engaged for about ten years in the mer- 
cantile business at Waterford, and farmed about the same length of time in the same 
township. He served as County Commissioner three years during the war, when the 
position was an important one, for arrangements had to be made, in order to pay bounties, 
that Erie Co. might keep to the front. He was found equal to the occasion, and retired 
from office with honor to himself and satisfaction to others. He is now acting as Assist- 
ant Postmaster. Mr. Boyd has been a strong supporter of the Republican party since the 
breaking out of the war. 

HARVEY BOYD, farmer and dealer in lumber, P. O. Waterford, was born Feb. 21, 
1815, on his present farm in Waterford Township, Erie Co., Penn. He owns 200 acres of 
well-improved land near the village of Waterford, on which he has a sawmill, run by 
water, with a capacity of 3,000 feet per day. Politically he is a Republican. 

BENJAMIN BRIGGS, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Cortland Co., N. Y.. 
May 20, 1809. eldest son of Edward Brlggs, also a native of New York, whose father was 
a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Edward Briggs, who was a farmer, came to Erie Co. 
with his family in 1824. He raised ten children, six probably now living. He took con- 
siderable interest in church matters in the latter part of his life; died Oct. 8, 1870. Our 
subject married, March 20, 1834, Miss Sarah, sister of Wm. Davis. This union has been 
blessed with nine children, seven now living, viz.: Matilda, Almira, wife of John J. Wil- 
son; James P., a soldier in the late war, serving about six months and receiving an honor- 
able discharge at the close of the war; Lois M., wife of Frank Thomas; Eliza, wife of 
Barton Gardner; Edward and Harriet J., wife of Elmer Thomas. Mr. Briggs now owns 
150 acres of well-improved land, which he has obtained by his own industry. In 1875, 
his barn was burned, and he sustained a loss of about $500. He is a member of the Ad- 
vent Church. In politics, an Independent. 

EDWIN BRIGGS, farmer and insurance agent, also local preacher, P. O. Waterford, 
Penn., was born in Stephentown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., May 16, 1813; third son of Fran- 
cis and Betsey Briggs, natives of New York State, who had a family of nine children, five 
now living. Mr. Briggs was a prominent farmer; he took much interest in the Baptist 
Church. He died Nov. 26, 1844, aged sixty years; his widow died Jan. 21, 1867, :igcd 



218 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

seventy-nine years. Our subject was united in marriage, April 19, 1843, with Miss Harriet 
H. Hill, born in Vermont, daughter of John and Laura Hill. This union has been blessed 
with eight children, viz. : John F., a soldier in the 145th P. V. I. (at the battle of Freder- 
icksburg he received a wound in the leg which never healed; he returned home after his 
discharge in 1863, and died March 12, 1868); Theron, was also a soldier in the same regi- 
ment, and after the battle of Spottsylvania he was reported missing, and has never since 
been heard from; Myron F.; Laura E.; Ellen L., wife of William Nesbitt; Charles C; 
Mary H., and Delia C, who died Dec. 19, 1870. Mr. Briggs is greatly interested in the 
M. E. Church, in which he has preached since his ordination in 1849, and to which his 
wife and children (excepting Myron F.) also belong. He owns 112 acres of well-improved 
land on which he settled when he came to this county in 1851. He is Independent in pol- 
itics, but never votes Democratic. 

SAMUEL G. BROTHERTON, banker, Waterford, was born in Waterford Township, 
Erie Co., Penn., March 14, 1817; son of Robert and Dorothea Brotherton, natives of 
Franklin County, Penn. Robert Brotherton, who was born Dec. 25, 1760, came to Erie 
County in 1797, and settled in Waterford Township, where he built the Brotherton Grist 
and Saw Mills; he reared a family of five children, of whom Samuel G. is the only one liv- 
ing; he was a prominent man in Ir'ittsburgh, and died Nov. 20, 1844. Our subject married 
Mary R., daughter of John Marvin, a prominent business man in Waterford and Erie 
County from 1826 to 1863. This union has been blessed with five children, viz., Henry W., 
in Denver, Colo.; Mary A., wife of W. E. Clark, of Union City; J. Rawle, an attorney at 
law; Blanche H. and Robert L., who is operating his father's saw-mill and factory, man- 
ufacturing butter tubs, etc. Mr. Brotherton formed a partnership in 1874, under the firm 
name of Benson & Brotherton. Theirs is the only bank in Waterford, and is doing a 
flourishing business. Our subject owns 300 acres of land, on which Waterford Station is 
erected. He is a sociable, influential gentleman. 

SAMUEL R. BRYANT, dentist, was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Jan. 22, 1837; 
son of A. C. Bryant, a native of Massachusetts, and a cousin of Wm. C. Bryant, the poet. 
A. C. Bryant came to Erie County from New York State with his family in 1847; he car- 
ried on the carriage making business in Waterford until his death, which occurred in 1863; 
his widow followed him in 1872. Our subj.ect, who is the youngest child, learned dentistry 
in 1868, and has since practiced the same in Waterford; he, however, is naturally an in- 
ventor, and has made a success as such. Dr. Brj'aut married, in 1874, Miss Alice G., 
daughter of David Boyd, one of the first settlers in the county. This union has been 
blessed with one child — Florence. Mrs. Bryant is a member of the Episcopal Church. 
Mr. Bryant met with reverses in the oil regions in 1865 and 1866, but since then has been 
gradually gaining financially, and has been successful in business; he is a very moral man, 
a strong advocate of prohibition. 

MATTHEW CAMPBELL, farmer, Waterford, was born in Crawford Co., Penn., Dec. 
8, 1828; third son of James Campbell, a native of Pennsylvania, a tanner by trade, and a 
soldier of the war of 1812; he raised a family of eight children, four now living; he de- 
parted this life Jan. 8, 1846. Our subject came to Erie in 1853, and married, in 1856, Sarah, 
daughter of Thomas Moore, an old settler of Waterford, and now living. This union has 
been blessed with four children, viz., Martha E.; Benha J., wife of Marshal Hood; James 
M. and George W. Mrs. Campbell and two daughters are members of the U. P. Church. 
Mr. Campbell is a self-made man, having accumulated 130 acres of well-improved land, 
with good buildings, by hard work; he keeps a small dairy, and sends his milk to the 
Waterford cheese factory. Mr. Campbell is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; a true Repub- 
lican in politics. 

F. L. CLEMENS, physician and surgeon, Waterford, was born in Crawford Co., Penn., 
March 13, 1856, second child of A. A. Clemens, a native of Erie Co., Penn., who is now living 
with his wife in Crawford Co., Penn. Our subject obtained his education in the Crawford 
Co. schools and at Waterford Academy. In 1877, he commenced to study medicine with 
J. W. Bowman, M. D., Waterford, and graduated in the Jefferson Medical College, Phila- 
delphia, Penn., March, 1881. Since his graduation he has been successfullj^ following his 
profession in Waterford, where he enjoys the confidence and patronage of the general pub- 
lic. He is also a member of the firm of Clemens & Patten, successors of Bowman & 
Smith. They have a nice drug store, and do a good business. Although young. Dr. 
Clemens has a bright prospect before him. He is a member of Mt. Olivet Commandery 
No. 30, of Erie, also of the I. O. O. F., of Waterford. 

WILLIAM O. COLT, proprietor of bus line and livery stable, Waterford, was born 
Sept. 25, 1832, in the village of Waterford, Erie Co., Penn., son of Henry Colt, Jr., a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania, who carried on blacksmitliing and wagon-making in Waterford many 
years, and died about 1842. Our subject enlisted, April, 1861, in Company E., the old Erie 
regiment, and served three months. In July, 1861, he re-enlisted in the 83d P. V. I., and 
soon received the appointment of Second Lieutenant. This regiment was in the 5th Corps, 
Army of the Potomac, and was as distinguished as any during the war. Its first Colonel, 
McLane, was killed at Gaines' Mill; S. Vincent, its second Colonel, lost his life at Gettys- 
burg; then Col. O. S. Woodward took command; he lost a leg in the battle of the Wilder- 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 219 

ness; after which the regiment was re-organized, and C. P. Rodgers was appointed 
Colonel, and our subject Lieutenant Colonel. He commanded the regiment at Hatcher's 
Run, and passed through all the battles in which his regiment engaged during the war, 
and filled everj^ rank from Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant Colonel. He had charge of 
the 16th Mich. Regt. at Boydtown Road, where he repulsed the enemy; he commanded the 
same regiment the day before the battle of Grand Forks. The chief in command of the 
corps knew Col. Colt was a man to be depended on, and placed him where there was the 
hardest fighting, and always found him equal to the occasion. He received a wound in his 
head at Malvern Hill, and at Bethesda Church was again wounded in the same place. He 
held the extreme right of the entire line, with the 16th Mich. Regt. ; at the battle of Five 
Forks repulsed three charges of the rebels, and captured a regiinent of the enemy's infant- 
ry. He returned home as Lieutenant Colonel, and was honorably discharged July, 1865, 
when he settled down as a peaceable citizen in Waterford. . 

J. L. COOK, builder and retired farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born Jan. 28, 1811, in 
Buffalo, N. Y., son of Robert and Lodima Cook, natives of New England. Robert Cook 
was accidentally shot in 1811, while sitting in a hotel in Buffalo. His widow moved to 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and bought a farm; she was subsequently married to Samuel 
Trusdel; she died in 1827. Our subject, until he was twelve years of age, remained Avith 
his mother; he then lived with a Capt. John Tracy one year, and was afterward ostler at 
H. G. Davice's hotel. Being an orphan, he was literally kicked from post to pillar, until 
he learnt the cabinet-making of John Boyd, at which he served five years. He married 
Belinda, daughter of John Boyd, and a sister of Charles E. Boyd, by whom he had follow- 
ing named children: Laura M., wife of John Brian; Ella, wife of D. V. Minor; Julia, wife 
of Dr. H. A. Spencer, of Erie, and Edwin; Lee died, aged nineteen, and Boyd when two 
years old. Mrs. Cook departed this life Sept. 1, 1877. Our subject kept the Cook's Hotel 
for about fifteen years; at the same time was engaged in the carpenter's and joiner's busi- 
ness, employing from three to five men most of the time. He was one of a company who 
constructed the Lake Shore Railroad from New York State line to North East, including 
the building of a bridge over Twenty -Mile Creek, 580 feet long and 300 feet high, and the 
railroad buildings at North East. He then engaged in building three miles of plank road 
from Waterford to Marvin's Mills; piers and abutments across the Wabash at Vincennes, 
Ind. ; graded about twelve miles on the O. & M. R. R., and about twenty on the N. M., in 
Maryland, and erected twenty buildings. He then returned to Waterford, bought the 
Eagle Hotel, which he conducted two years; then sold out and went to Cameron, Penn., 
and opened the " Biddle House," which he ran in connection with his trade for about four 
years. He then erected, himself, a large hotel, a block of buildings and a fine residence, 
which he presented to his daughter Laura. In fact, he built the greater part of the town 
of Emporium, and was probably worth at that time $180,000. But reverses came, and his 
buildings burned down, which were worth over $80,000. He then engaged in the hotel 
business in the oil regions; was burned out, and returned to Waterford, where he erected 
the Park Place Hotel, located in the beautiful park, in which he had set out most of the 
trees twenty years previously. Mr. Cook now owns a well-improved farm of about seventy 
acres. Though over seventy years old, he is a healthy, energetic man. He served as 
Commissioner in Cameron County, and as Postmaster for four years in Waterford. He is 
a Republican in politics. 

JOHN R. CROSS, farmer and stone mason, P. O. Waterford, was born Nov. 17, 1818, 
in County Tyrone, Ireland, and emigrated to this country in 1846, bringing his wife and five 
children. He worked at his trade, that of stone mason, to support his family and buy his 
farm. He married, in Ireland, Nov. 28, 1837, Miss Ann Hayse, a native of same place, who 
bore him nine children, five now living— Eliza A., wife of James D. Gourley; James H., a 
soldier in the late rebellion, serving his country three months; Richard, whose biography 
appears elsewhere in this work; Thomas D. and Alfred. Mr. Cross is one of the promi- 
nent farmers of Waterford. He owns 180 acres of well improved land, with nice build- 
ings on same, and makes his dairy a specialty. He and his wife are members of the M. E. 
Church . 

RICHARD CROSS, carpenter and farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Waterford 
Township, Erie Co., Penn., April 26, 1848, son of John R. Cross, a native of Ireland, born 
in 1818, who came with his family to Erie in 1847. He reared five children, our subject be- 
ing third child, all now living. One son served three months in the late rebellion. Rich- 
ard Cross was united in marriage, inl878,withLillieRice, a native of Erie Co., and a daughter 
of William Rice. This union has been blessed with two children — Clyde D. and William 
L. Mr. Cross works principally at his trade, that of carpenter, and is well skilled. He is 
owner of thirty-five acres of improved land. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; politi- 
cally, is a Democrat. 

"WILLIAM DAVIS, retired farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Rutland Co., Vt., 
Nov. 27, 1812, son of Zophar Davis, a native of Long Island, and who came to Erie Co., , / 
Penn., with his family in 1816: aiid died June, 1858. He was a soldier of the war of 1813. / 
Our subject was the fourth son in the family. He married March 16, 1837, Miss Louisa, 
sister of Joseph Thomas, whose biography appears in this work. This union has been 



220 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

blessed with eight children, seven now living, viz., Thomas M., Minor M., Stoton W., 
Montillo W., Oscar P., Anna M., wife of Otis Trow, and Louie L., wife of Harvey Clute. 
Mr._ Davis began with nothing, but by hard work has accumulated 100 acres of fine land, 
besides giving much to his children; each of his sons received $1,000 from him. He has 
held the office of Constable; has always been a Democrat. 

ELIPHALET G. DAVIS, cheese manufacturer, McLain, Erie Co., was born in New 
York Aug. 31, 1841, youngest child of Henry and Mary Davis, the former a native of New 
York State, the latter of Massachusetts. They reared a family of four children. Our sub- 
ject enlisted, in 1863, in Bat. A, 1st N. Y. Lt. Art., and served on the borders of Maryland. 
He was in the battle of Chambersburgh, Penn. After serving two years and ten months, 
he was honorably discharged in 1865. and returned home. Mr. Davis married, in 1866, 
Emily J. Burrows, a native of New York State. This union has been blessed with two 
children — Edith and Bertram. . Mr. Davis made cheese four seasons in New York State; 
came to Erie Co. in the fall of 1881, and worked the first season in the Draketown Cheese 
Factory, in Washington Township. In the spring of 1883, he was employed in the Sharp's 
Corners factor}-, located in Waterford Township, which he now operates alone. That 
the factory is well patronized is proved from the fact, that though running in competition 
with another factory of the same kind only half a mile distant, in one season, the first, the 
milk of 200 cows was consumed. Mr. Davis is a Democrat in politics; was a good soldier, 
and is a good citizen. 

F. F. FARRAR, retired, P. O. Waterford. The gentleman, whose name heads this 
biography, is not among the oldest settlers of Erie County, but one whose talents and abil- 
ity have prominently identified him in the business interests of the county. He is a native 
of Vermont, born Aug. 24, 1822; his father, Oliver, was a native of Massachusetts, and his 
mother, Polly, of New Hampshire. The father was engaged many years of his life in the 
milling business; was for several terms a member of the Legislature of Vermont, chosen by 
the Democrats; he also served the people of his resident county in Vermont as a Justice of 
the Peace. F. F., Franklin and A. W. are the only survivors of his thirteen children. Our 
subject was brought up in his father's mills and upon the farm. His educational advantages 
were good, being the common schools and the Hancock Academy in New Hampshire; he 
taught one successful term of school about the time of reaching his majority. In 1843, he 
removed to Waterford, this county, and with his brother, A. J., conducted a mercantile bus- 
iness until 1853, when he withdrew and engaged in farming and the hotel business at Forest 
Home, Erie Co., continuing nearly four years with good success; he then entered a partner- 
ship with L. Phelps in the grocery line at Waterford. In one year he sold out and engaged 
under the firm name of Gray & Farrar in the wholesale gi'ocery business at Erie with his 
usual good luck, up to 1867 or 1868, when he sold and turned his entire attention to the 
restoration of sulphuric acid at Pittsburgh, in which enterprise he had invested prior to 
this time ; he subsequently took the principal management of the branch business at Titus- 
ville and was very successful. At a period during his busy life, he was compelled to lay 
away his first consort, the mother of four children, three of whom are living, viz., Charles 
W., W. T. and Mrs. Minnie Arbuckle; he was again married to Mrs. Marj' Day, the result 
being Joe; his estimable wife is a member of the Episcopal Chui-ch, while he is a 
worthy element in the A. F. & A. M. fraternity. During the war he was Mayor of Erie, 
and discharged the duties of that office with efficiency and satisfaction; he was ardently 
attached to the cause of the Union, was ever opposed to slavery, and is to-day an enthusi- 
astic .Republican. Sociall}% we find him a genial, pleasant gentleman. He is the artificer 
of his own little fortune, and is indeed fortunate beyond the common lot of humanity, in 
being surrounded by all that makes life pleasant, yet now, in his declining years, is some- 
what troubled with the asthma. 

REV. P. W. FREE, pastor of the United Presbyterian Church, Waterford, was born 
in Crawford Co., Penn., in 1839; son of Richard Free, a native of same county. Our sub- 
ject enlisted in 1862, in the 145th Reg. P. V. I., and served in Hancock's Corps, Army of 
the Potomac; he participated in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellors- 
ville, where he was taken prisoner, but exchanged at the end of four months, returned to 
his regiment and was through the battles of the Wilderness and in the siege of Petersburg; 
he was honorably discharged as Captain at the close of the war. Our subject was united 
in marriage, June 16, 1870, with Sarah, daughter of Jacob Rodgers, of Crawford Co., 
Penn., who has borne him four children, viz.: J. Clark, who died May 13, 1879; Ina S. ; 
George G. and Lytte R. Mr. Free commenced his ministry in the United Presbj'terian 
denomination in 1870, and has since been located in a congregation in Waterford, organ- 
ized in 1812, whose first pastor, the Rev. Robert Reid, remained until June 1, 1841, when 
the Rev. John J. Findlay took charge until Nov., 1853; the next was Rev. Thomas Love, 
who was succeeded May 3, 1864, by the Rev. H. P. Jackson, who was released Sept., 
1869. The congregation is in a flourishing condition, the church property worth prob- 
ably $10,000, with a memljership of 140 persons, among whom are some of the wealth- 
iest residents of Waterford. Our subject is the owner of a fine residence in Waterford. 

GEORGE FRITTS, retired farmer and stock-dealer, Waterford, was born in Rens- 
selaer Co., N. Y., Apr. 3, 1811; son of Peter Fritts, a native of New York State, who came 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 221 

to Erie Co. with bis family in tbe spring of 1825 and located in Waterford Township: he 
raised a family consisting of eleven children (our subject being second child) four now liv- 
ing He died, aged eighty-one, in 1871; his widow died in 1880, aged ninety-five. Our 
subject married in 1832 Miss Lucy Ann, daughter of Lewis Thomas and sister of Josephus 
Thomas, whose biography appears in this work. This union has been blessed with four 
children, viz.: Darius P., Clinton G., Isadore (deceased in infancy) and Delia I., wife of 
W. L. Brown. Mr. Fritts has lived on a farm the greater part of his life, and has accu- 
mulated a nice property by honesty and hard work. He sold a farm of 250 acres and 
moved to Waterford in 1874, where he, has lived a retired life. He has dealt quite ex^ 
tensively in cattle for many years, and during the war shipped a great many head of 
stock from Canada. He has served as Director of the Poor one term. In politics is a 
Republican. , ^ _ ^„„„ . 

JAMES D. GOURLAY, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born Sept. 19, 1836, on the 
farm he now occupies in Waterford Township, Erie Co., Penn., and is the youngest child 
of John and Elizabeth Gourlay, natives of Scotland, where the former manufactured 
linen and cotton goods. He came to Erie Co. in 1832, and engaged in farming. He was a 
member of the Presbyterian denomination, and took great interest in all that concerned 
the church. After being an invalid fifteen years, he died Jan. 2, 1855. His widow, aged 
ei.o-hty-nine, is living with her daughter, Mrs. William Lee. Our subject served three 
months in McLane's Erie Regiment. After his return he was drafted, and served as 2d 
Lieut, of the 169th P. V. I., where he remained ten months. He came home again, and 
later was commissioned as Captain, and appointed recruiting officer in 1864. He raised 
144 men in Waterford and joined the 211th P. V. I., where he received the command of 
Co F attached to the Ninth Corps of the Army of the James. He participated in the 
battle' of Fort Steadman, and in the capture of Petersburg, where he was wounded in the 
head. After an honorable discharge June 2, 1865, he returned to his home. July 3, 1866, 
he married Miss Eliza A., daughter of John Cross, whose biography is in this work. Five 
children, three living, have blessed this union— Steen F., May J., Mary (died March 23, 
1884), Lee W. and Margret H. Mr. Gourlay is one of the proprietors of the cheese factory 
located at Davis' Corners. This factory, which has been opened one season, consumes 
about 5,000 pounds of milk per day, is well patronized and gives perfect satisfaction. Our 
subject owns 151 acres of well improved land. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and of 
the Republican party. 

DAVID C. GRAY, tanner, Waterford, was born in Crawford Co., Penn., JNov. 28, 
1842; second child of John and Hannah Gray, natives of New York State. John Gray 
was a miller by trade, at which he worked nearly all his life. He raised a famdy of four 
children, three now living. He departed this life Sept.. 1850; his widow died June, 1877. 
David C. Gray enlisted Aug. 10, 1861, in the 83d Reg. P. V. I., Co. E. Fifth Corps, Army 
of the Potomac. He took part in the siege of Yorktown, seven days' fight on the Penin- 
sula, Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, second Bull Run, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, 
Spottsylvania, and in the siege of Petersburg, including some very hard fighting in cap- 
turing the Weldon Railroad, and finally in the capture of Lee's army, besides many minor 
engagements. At the battle of Gaines' Mill he lost his knapsack, and, m 1866, a bible, 
given him by his mother, was returned to him by the rebel who had secured the knapsack, 
and in which he had found the bible. Mr. Gray now p^rizes this book as a sacred relic-. 
He served his country nearly four years, and was honorably discharged June 28, 1865, and 
returned home. He is now employed in the tannery business. He is a Republican in poli- 
tics, and cast his first presidential vote for A. Lincoln. Is a member of the I. O. O. F. 
and A. O. U. W. societies. . . . ^ , 

CORNELIUS HALEY, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born m 1830 m County Cork, 
Ireland. He emigrated to America in 1849. Mr. Haley worked four or five years pn the 
railroad, and accumulated enough money to buy a farm of ninety-five acres, which he 
now owns in Waterford Township. He bought the farm cheap, but has improved it and 
made it into a splendid home. Our subject married, in 1850, in St. Patrick's Church, 
Erie, Miss Nora Austin, a native of County Clare, Ireland. This union has been blessed 
with four children, two dying young. Those now living are Daniel (married and living in 
Dallas City) and a daughter, Maria (residing with her parents). The entire family are 
members of the Roman Catholic Church at Waterford Station. Mr. Haley has been a 
hard worker, and has now a nice property. 

JAMES HARE, farmer, P. O. LeBoeuf, was born Oct. 22, 1815, in LeBoeuf Township, 
Erie Co.. Penn., second son of John Hare, a native of Pennsylvania, who must have come 
to Erie Co. about 1800, and whose father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and also 
served in the French war. He witnessed the defeat of Braddock, and shouldered his musket 
to go forth in the war of 1812, when over eighty years of age; he died in 1843 at the patri- 
archal age of nearly one hundred and si.xteen years. John Hare reared a family of thirteen 
children, five now living: he died in 1854. Our subject married, in 1835, Harriet Preston, 
a native of New York State, and a daughter of Jeremiah Preston. To them have been born 
seven children— Amos W. ; Stephen W., who served twenty-one months in the late war. 
and was honorably discharged; Silas H., a soldier in the 83d P. V. I., and died in the hospital 



222 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

at Alexandria in 1862; Martin E., a soldier in the 83d P. V. T., was missing at the battle of 
the Wilderness and never since heard from; Mary J., widow of David Cottrell; Lydia A., 
wife of S. B. Stoke, and Aaron L. Mr. Hare is descended from one of the oldest a"nd most 
respected families of the county. He owns eighty acres of improved land— a part of the 
old homestead. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. In politics he is 
a Repul)lican. 

AARON M. HIMROD, farmer and proprietor of saw mill, P. O. Waterford, was born 
in Waterford, Erie Co., Penn., Jan. 23, 1823, son of Moses and Nancy (Lattimore) Himrod, 
the latter a daughter of James Lattimore, a native of Northum1)erland Co., Penn., a sol- 
dier in the Revolutionary war, and one of the first pioneers of this section. Moses Himrod 
was also a native of Northumberland Co., Pa., and came to Erie Co. in 1800; his father, 
our subject's grandfather, was also a soldier in the Revolutionary war, participating in 
the battles of Princeton and Trenton, besides other engagements; he received a pension in 
his latter days. Moses Himrod reared a famil}' of eight children, seven now living. He 
was a Captain in the war of 1812. He was a prominent farmer, held nearly all the town- 
ship offices, and died in 1865. Our subject married, in 1853, Miss Mary 'J., daughter of 
David Cook, of Venango Co., Penn. They were parents of seven children, viz.: M. L., 
a promising young man, married but nine months to Miss Mary Mitchell, when he died; 
Eva A.; Alfred C, died at the age of twenty-one; Lee, Frank H., Belle and Carl. Mr. 
Himrod owns 120 acres of well-improved land, which he has mostly cleared himself, and on 
which is his saw mill, which is operated nearly all the time, and doing a good business. 
Mr. and Mrs. Himrod are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Repul)lican in 
politics. 

MRS. NANCY HIMROD, widow of Aaron Himrod, Waterford, was born in Erie Co., 
Penn., Aug. 21, 1834, second daughter of George Smith, a native of Erie Co., now living 
in Waterford. Our subject married, Dec. 31, 1861, Aaron Himrod, eldest son of Simon 
Himrod, a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the early settlers of Erie Co. He raised a 
famil}^ of eight children, only one now living, viz., Martha, wife of Alfred Lamb, of 
Pleasantville, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Himrod were blessed with 1,wo children, viz., Reid S., 
born Jan. 20, 1863, and S. Steele, born April 22, 1864; both sons'reside with their mother. 
Mr. Himrod was a farmer, but during the last two years of his life was engaged in the 
grocery business. He accumulated a nice little property, which he left to his widow. He 
and his wife were members of the U. P. Church, to which the latter still belongs. He 
took quite an interest in church matters. He departed this life Feb. 15, 1873. Mrs. 
Nancy Himrod owns a fine residence on Third street, Waterford. She is descended from 
one of the oldest and best families in the township. 

GEORGE HIPPLE, miller, Waterford, was born in Perry Co., Penn., in 1831, and 
came to Erie Co., Penn., in 1854, wliere he engaged as miller in the old mill at Waterford, 
located on the spot of his present place of business. After remaining about five years, he 
moved to Erie City, where he worked fifteen years, when the old Waterford mill burned 
dowB, and he moved back and built the present mill on Le Ba?uf Creek, about a half mile 
south of Waterford. He was then associated with T. P. Judson, whose interest is now owned 
by his son, T. N. Judson. This is one of the best mills in Waterford Township; has four 
sets of buhrs and a set of rollers, run by water and steam, and has a capacity of 100 bush- 
els of wheat per day. It is under the immediate control of our subject, and is doing a 
first-class business. Mr. Hippie married, in 1854, Miss Julia, sister of David Kinaman, 
whose biography appears elsewhere in this work. Three children were born to this union, 
viz., Ida, wife of Marshal Moore, Anna and Sadie. Mr. Hippie is a member of the A. O. 
U. W. ; an Anti-Monopolist in politics. 

OSC^AR J. HITCHCOCK, harness maker, Waterford, was born in Erie, Erie Co., 
Penn.. May 14, 1841, son of Julius Hitchcock. Our subject enlisted, in 1862, in Co. E, 83d 
P. V. I., 5th Corps, Army of the Potomac. After serving about one month, and while on 
the march from Falmouth to Warrenton Junction, in crossing a stream on a log he was so 
severely wounded that he received his discharge at Harrisburg for disability, and is now a 
pensioner. Mr. Hitchcock married, in 1881, Miss Sarah A., daughter of Robert Johnson, 
a native of Ireland. This union has been blessed with one child— Merril L. Mr. Hitch- 
cockhas worked at harness-making, principally, since the war. He was a good soldier, 
and is a good citizen; politicallv. he is a Democrat. 

WILLIAM HOOD, farmer,' P. O. Waterford, was born Oct. 25, 1828, in Waterford 
Township, Erie Co., Penn., son of George and Hannah Hood. The former was an early 
settler of Erie Co.. coming in 1800 with his father, who received a large tract of land from 
the Government for services rendered as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The father of 
our subject raised a family of seven children, all living. He departed this life in 1874. 
Mr. William Hood, Jr., married Miss Dorcas King, a native of Erie Co., daughter of Robert 
King. This union has been blessed with three girls— Mary, wife of Charles Burns; Emma 
J., wife of Jacob Schlosser (whose biography appears in this work), and Harriet I., wife of 
John Smilley. Mr. Hood owns fifty acres of fine land near the station at Waterford, a part 
of the old homestead. He is descended from one of the first pioneers of Erie Co.; is Dem- 
ocratic in politics. 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 223 

ADAM H. HOVIS, blacksmith, Waterford, was born in Venango Co., Pa., Feb. 27, 
1831, son of Ernest Hovis, also a native of Pennsylvania, and a soldier of the war of 1812; 
he died in 1S66; his widow, aged ninety-one, is still living. Our subject came to Erie Co. 
in 1859 with his family. He married, in 1843, Miss Polly Suttly. This union has been 
blessed with four children, viz.: Horace D. ; Emma J., wife of C J. Borah; Margret, 
widow of William Jurdan; and Mary E., wife of M. J. Blackwell. This wife dying, our 
subject married, in 3Iarch, 1856, Miss Susan A. Wheeler, a native of New York. Mr. 
Hovis enlisted Oct. 1, 1862, in the 14th Penn. Cav., Co. I, and served in tiie Army of Western 
Virginia. He was captured by Moody's guerrillas at Bolivar's Heights June '29, 1863, and 
remained prisoner over four months in Libby Prison. He acted as company blacksmith 
during his service, and washonorably discharged Oct. 1, 1865, having served three j'ears. He 
is a member of the F. & A. M.. Ct. A. K. and of the Andersonville Associative Survivors, of 
Chicago, 111. He has worked at his trade forty-five years, and has accumulated some propert5\ 
Politically, he is a Republican. His son, Horace D., enlisted in 1861 in the 111th P. V. I , 
12tli Corps, in the Shenandoah Valley; then the 11th and 12th Corps were consolidated, 
and called the 20th, by Gen. Hooker principally, and attached to the Western Army. 
Horace D. was in the battles of Cedar Mountain, White Sulphur Springs, second Bull 
Run, where he was injured by a wagon running over him; he went to the hospital, and 
after recovering joined his regiment at Harper's Ferry, where he was taken ill, and if he 
had not been cared for by an old lady (Mrs. Kennedy) would have died. He was dis- 
charged at Chester, Penn., on account of physical disability, but, in 1863. re-enlisted at 
Waterford in the same regiment and company, and participated in the battles of Resaca, 
Dallas, Pine Knob, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and in Sherman's march to the 
sea. His regiment and the Sixtieth New York were the first to enter Atlanta. In June, 
1865, he returned home, where he has since been chiefly engaged in blacksmithing. He 
married, in the fall of 1868, Miss Lucy O. Luke, a native of Ohio. This union has been 
blessed with six children, viz., Mary M., Alice H., Laura O., George A., Bertha and an 
infant. He is a member of the G. A. R. and I. O. O. F. He is a moral, upright citizen, 
and a first-class mechanic. 

FRANCIS A. HOWE, carriage-maker, Waterford, was born in Chautauqua Co., 
N. Y., Sept. 14, 1838; son of G. A. H. Howe, also a native of New York State, who came 
to Erie Co. with his family in 1840, and has been manufacturing wagons since in Wa- 
terford. He has a family of three sons, all now living, our subject being the second child. 
He enlisted July 29, 1861, in the 83d P. V. I., serving in the 12th Corps, and was wounded 
in the battle of Gaines' Mill by a ball passing through his arm. It lodged in a testament 
he carried directly over his heart. He has the book and ball still in his possession. He 
was in the army eighteen months, and was discharged for phj'^sical disability in Dec, 
1862. Mr. Howe married, Nov. 19, 1869, Miss Rebecca, daughter of P. E. Judsbn, of the 
Eagle Hotel, Waterford, Penn. One child, Florence, has blessed this union. Mrs. Howe 
is a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Howe has worked at carriage-making for the 
past ten years: he owns a nice little home in Waterford. He is a pensioner, a member of 
the A. O. U. W., and G. A. R. ; in politics, a Republican. 

JULIUS A. HULL, farmer, contractor and proprietor of saw mill, P. O. Waterford, 
was born in Summit Township, Erie Co., Penn., Jan. 2, 1841, eldest son of Lucians A. and 
Margret Hull, the latter a native of England. Lucians A. Hull, a prominent farmer, was born 
in Summit Township, Erie Co., Penn, where he reared a family of eight children. One of 
his sons, William M., enlisted in the 145th P. V. 1., was wounded in the leg, and died dur- 
mg the war. Mr. Hull, Sr., died in 1880. Our subject was united in marriage, in 1862, with 
Sophia M., a native of Erie Co. and a daughter of Eli Osborn. Two children have 
blessed this union, viz., William H. and George J. Mr. Hull learned the carpenter's trade 
while young, and has worked more or less at it ever since. He moved to Waterford 
Township about 1860, and engaged in the saw mill business; has also been building exten- 
sivel3\ He erected several of the township schools and a number of private residences. 
He attached a planing machine to his saw mill in 1871, and does quite an amount of cus- 
tom work. He is the owner of ten acres of well-improved land, on which stands his resi- 
dence and saw mill. He is a Democrat in politics. 

DANIEL W. HUNT, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born March 12, 1834, on the farm 
he now lives on in Waterford Borough, son of Simeon and Aseneth (Tracy) Hunt. The 
latter is a daughter of Capt. John Tracy. Simeon Hunt, who was a native of Vermont, came 
to Erie Co. about 1814, and built and operated Waterford's only distillery. He was a 
prominent farmer; bought the farm now occupied by our subject from old Gen. Martin. 
He served as County Auditor several terms. He reared a family of six children, four now 
living; he depared this life April 2, 1874, his wife having preceded him in 1854. Our sub- 
ject was married. Dec. 14, 1876, to Adeline, youngest daughter of Scjuire T. Trask, who 
was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1797, and when only two years old came to Erie 
Co. with his parents. He was a prominent farmer, and died Oct. 9, 1866. His widow re- 
sided with Mr. Hunt the last four years of her life and died Nov. 19, 1883. This union has 
been blessed with one child — Reed Tracy, born Feb. 6, 1880. During the late rebellion, 
our subject responded to Gov. Curtin's call for minute men. He owns 195 acres of fine 



224 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

land, well improved. He possesses one of the finest bred stallions, "Triffle." in this sec- 
tion of the country. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; in politics, a Republican. 

WASHINGTON JAMES, farmer. P. O. Waterford, was born in Oswecro Co., N. Y.. 
Feb. 7, 1834, son of Able James, a native of Vermont, who came to Erie Co., where he was a 
prominent farmer, when our subject was about three years old. He raised a familj' of 
nine children, all now living. He died in 1873, aged eighty years. Washington James 
enlisted in 1861, in the 9th N. Y. Cavalrj', serving in the Army of the Potomac under Bu- 
ford. He participated in the siege of Yorktown, battles of Cedar Mountain, White Sul- 
phur Springs, second Bull Run, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg and in several minor engage- 
ments. Whilst making a charge in 1863, he was hurt by a horse falling on him, from 
which injuries he has never fully recovered. He served three years; was engaged in over 
twenty conflicts with the enemy, and honorably discharged in the fall of 1864, and re- 
turned home. Mr. James married, October 17, 1872, Miss Clara, daughter of Sidna and 
Elizabeth Doe, natives of Erie Co., Penn., the former a manufacturer of oars, was a 
prominent man. They were parents of nine children, seven still living. Mr. Doe died in 
April, 1882; his widow resides in West Springfield, Erie Co., Penn. Mr. James owns a 
well-improved farm of fifty-eight acres. He is a member of the M. E. Church, is P. G. in 
the I. O. O. F., and is Officer of the Day, G. A. R. Politically he is a Republican. 

WILLIAM JUDSON, retired merchant, Waterford, was born in Woodbury, Litchfield 
Co., Conn., Sept. 7, 1807; son of Seth Judson, who came with his family to Erie Co. in 
1823; reared four children and departed this life in 1856, his widow following him in 1858. 
Our subject, who was the second child in this family, married, February 12, 1839, Clarissa 
King, daughter of Thomas and grand-daughter of Robert King, a prominent man and one 
of the first settlers in Waterford; he and a Mr. Black being probably the first to bring 
their families to Erie Co. Mr. King received from the Government, for making certain 
favorable negotiations with the Indians, 400 acres of land located in Waterford, known as 
King's Flats, now in Le Bo-uf Township. Mr. and Mrs. Judson have had five children, 
viz.: Mary, wife of S. Gu.stine Snowdcn, M. D., Franklin, Penn.; Alice F., wife of Charles 
Himrod, of Chicago; George D., who enlisted in Co. E, 83d Reg. P. V. I.; after a 
month's service, he lost his life in the second battle of Bull Run; Alfred, died in infancy; 
and Jessie K., wife of Robert Lamberton, Esq., of Franklin, Penn. Mrs. Judson and 
her daughters are members of the Episcopal Church. Our svibject has served as Burgess of 
Waterford several terms; Trustee of the Waterford Academy since 1847; is owner of 480 
acres and a fine residence in Waterford. Politically is a Republican. 

WALTER L. KELLEY, druggist and Burgess, Waterford, born in Crawford Co., Penn., 
Dec. 5, 1855, son of J. L. Kelley, a native of Crawford Co. also. Our subject came to Water- 
ford in 1879, where he engaged in the produce business two years, with M. H. Terry, when he 
became partner for one year. In 1880, he commenced business for himself, but in 1881, went 
into partnership with Dr. Barton in the drug business. This firmhave built a fine brick block, 
on the corner of High and Third streets, Waterford, which is an honor to the township. 
They use the first floor for their large drug store, and a stock of boots and shoes. The 
Park Opera Hall occupies the second floor. Mr. Kelley married, April 5, 1879, Miss Hellen, 
daughter of Dr. I. Barton, and sister of our subject's partner. This union has been blessed 
with one child — Theodora, a bright little girl born October 29, 1881. Mr. Kelley is now 
serving his second term as Burgess of the village of Waterford. He is a member of the F. 
&A. M. also I. O. O. F. ; he is one of the most enterprising young business men in this sec- 
tion. 

DAVID KINAMAN, miller, P. O. Waterford, was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Sept. 
21, 1846; son of David Kinaman, a native of Pennsylvania. Our subject enlisted in the U. 
S. Navy in 1864, and served on the gunboat Benton, on the Red and Mississippi Rivers, for fif- 
teen months. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, battle of Grand Gulf and in several 
other engagements. He held the position of Quarter Gunner; he was honorably discharged 
in 1865, and returned to Waterford, where he has since been engaged in the business of 
miller. He has been employed by Dewey & Williams as first miller for nearly seven 
years. Mr. Kinaman was united in marriage, in 1866, with Miss Marj' M., daughter of P. 
E. Judson, both natives of Erie Co., Penn. This union has been blessed with one child — 
Grace. Mrs. Kinaman is a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Kinaman is a sociable 
gentleman; a member of the G. A. R. and the A. O. U. W. Politicall}\ a Republican. 

ROBT. F. LATTIMORE, farmer and proprietor of saw mill. P. O. Waterford, Penn.. 
was born on his present farm in Waterford Township, Erie Co., June 13, 1850; son of John 
and Hannah (Fretwell) Lattimore. The former was also born on subject's farm, Oct. 27, 
1819, where he married March 4, 1847. John and Hannah reared a family of seven chil- 
dren (Robt. F. being second child), all now living. He died June 21, 1880, his wife preced- 
ing him on May 2,1879. His grandfather Fretwell enlisted during the war of the rebellion, 
was taken prisoner at Shiloh, and died in the rebel prison at Macon, Ga.. and was buried 
there in 1863. Our subject's great-grandfather, James Lattimore, came from Northumber- 
Jand Co.. this State, at an early date (about the year 1800) and he and family .settled upon 
above farm, and were among the first to buikf a flouring and saw mill here. Robt. F. 
Lattimore received his education in the academy at Waterford. He was united in mar- 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 225 

riage, June 5, 1883, -with Nell W. Kiagsley, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Ana Kin^sley, 
the latter a native of Connecticut; the former was born in Massachusetts. Mr. Lattimore 
owns a fine farm of 160 acres, part of the old homestead known as the Wexford Tract. 
He is of the fourth generation of Lattimores living on same farm; he is a Republican in 
politics. 

W. G. LE FEVRE, editor, Waterford. was born Nov. 17, 1861, in Erie Co., Penn.; son 
of Jacob and Hettie A. (Given) Le Fevre, w^ho were early residents of this county. He 
was permitted to attend the county schools and at Cambridgeboro, Crawford Co., until 
sixteen years old, when he began learning the printi;r's trade with D. P. Robbins, editor 
of the Cambridgeboro Index. Some time subsequent Mr. Robbins bought the Union City 
Times, and Mr. Le Fevre continued in his employ. Later he served a period with the 
Economy Printing Co., of Erie. He owned one-third interest in the Union City Times 
before April, 1883, when he bought the Waterford Leader, now a six column quarto 44x33 
inches, with a circulation of 700, which he edits with marked ability for a young man of 
his age. He is well equipped for doing all kinds of job work on short notice. He is In- 
dependent in politics, and devotes the columns of his worthy publication to the local news 
of his borough and surrounding country. He was married, Sept. 26, 1883, to Miss Jen- 
nie Shreve, the result being one child — Mary S. 

LUCIUS LOCKWOOD, retired farmer, P. O. Waterford, Penn., was born in Spring- 
field, Addison Co., Vt., June 1, 1817; eldest son of Henry Lockwood, whose father was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary war. Henry Lockwood died in 1861. Our subject was united 
in marriage Jan. 2, 1842, with Louisa Wattenpaugh, a native of New York State. To this 
union have been born eleven children, viz.: Celestia, wife of Wm. Anderson; George R., 
a soldier in the 142d P. V. I. (lost his life at the battle of Gettysburg); John H.; Plumy E., 
wife of Benj. Anderson; Levi A.; Emeline V., wife of George Spawn; Luella M. (de- 
ceased); Lucretia D., wife of Jerome Post; Mary L., wife of Jeff. Post; George R. and 
Lucivis B. Mrs. Lockwood died March 5, 1879, and our subject married for his second 
wife, Ded. 1, 1881, Miss Aurelia H. Boyd, a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. 
Lockwood has long been a prominent farmer of Erie Co., to which he came in 1869; he 
owns 112 acres of fine land. In politics is a Republican. 

ISAAC Y. LUNGER, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Montgomery Co., Penn., 
Jan. 5, 1822; youngest son of Jacob and Elizabeth Lunger, natives of Pennsylvania, who 
came to Erie Co. in the fall of 1822. They raised a family of eleven children, seven 
now living. Jacob Lunger was a shoemaker by trade, and in those early days went from 
one farm house to another, making all the shoes the families wore; he accumulated enough 
in this way to buy a farm in Waterford Township. His father was a soldier in the Rev- 
olutionar}^ war. Jacob died in 1858, his wife having preceded him in 1855. Our subject 
has been twice married; first, in 1843, to Elizabeth Burger, a native of Erie Co.; eight 
children were born to this union. Mrs. Lunger died in 1880, and in the fall of 1881, Mr. 
Lunger lost his oldest sou — Charles — a promising boy, who died of congestion of the bowels. 
In 1881 Mr. Lunger married his second wife, Mrs. Anna Miller, widow of Greekson Mil- 
ler. In 1857 Michael Dangler was convicted on charge of setting fire to Mr. Lunger's 
three barns, by which the latter lost $2,000; at the same time, a barn belonging to Adam 
Boyd, another to a Mr. Clark, the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mill Village, and a big 
pile of hemlock bark, the property of Wm. Bryans, of Le Boeuf, were destroyed by fire, 
evidence pointing to the same incendiar}'. Mr. Lunger now makes a specialty of raising 
shorthorn cattle, and is the owner of the celebrated bull " Senator," bred by George Bar- 
nett; is also owner of a well-improved farm of 170 acres; he educated all his children in 
the Waterford Academy; he is a representative man of his section; in politics is a Democrat. 

HENRY LYTLE,' grocer, Waterford, was born in Erie Co., Penn., Jan. 11, 1842; son 
of Andrew Lj^tle, also a native of Erie County, a tanner by trade, who engaged in farming 
and operated a tannery on his place for about thirty years; he was a prominent man in 
his day; he cleared a farm of 150 acres; he departed this life in the fall of 1876; his father 
was a soldier of the war of 1812, and his grandfather a captain in the Revolutionary war. 
Our subject enlisted in 1862 in Co. E. 83d P. V.. and served in the 5th Corps, Armj^ of the 
Potomac; he participated in the battles of second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, and was wounded in the right leg at the siege of Peters- 
burg, Sept. 30, 1864; he received an honorable discharge July, 1865, at the close of the 
war. Since 1876 he has engaged in the grocery business at Waterford, Penn.; he was a 
good soldier, and is a good citizen. 

JOHN McGONNELL, apiarian, P. O. Waterford, was born in Sunbmy, Penn., March 
8, 1837, son of Patrick McGonnell, a native of Ireland, who came with his family to Erie 
Co., Penn., in 1838. He died in Illinois in 1857. His widow, a native of Crawford Co., 
Penn., is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Susan Sanny, at the ripe old age of seventy- 
seven. In 1863 our subject started an apiary. He manufactures and sells a large number 
of bee-hives, of his own invention, which have proved a success. He makes the raising of 
the Italian bee a specialty, and ships queen bees and large quantit'es of honey all over the 
United States. He is an expert apiarian, doing more to advance the bee culture by inven- 
tions, etc., than any man in Erie Co. Mr. McGonnell married, in the fall of 1873. Miss 



226 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Emma, a daughter of Marvin St. John, an old settler of Erie Co. This union has been 
blessed with three children, two sons and a daughter. Mrs. McGounell is a member of the 
Christian Church. Mr. McGounell had a brother, Samuel, killed in 1862, in Virginia. He 
was a member of the 8th 111. Cav. Our subject is a man of some property and ample 
means. Politically he is a Democrat. 

TRUMAN MALLORY, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born April 23, 1825, in Le Ba3uf 
Township, Erie Co., Penn., son of John and Annie Mallory, the latter a native of Erie 
Co., N. Y. ; John Mallory was born in Erie Co., Penn. His father came to Erie as earh'as 
1795; was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and one of the first settlers of the county. 
The father and mother of our subject are probably the oldest married couple of Erie Co. 
Thej' are residing in Le Boeuf Township. Truman Mallory married, Dec. 31, 1846, Miss 
Lydia C. Phelps, a native of Waterford and a daughter of Theodore Phelps, one of the 
first settlers of Erie Co.; they have six children, viz.: Lewis E., Frederick E., Emma J., 
wife of S. D. Chase; John F., Sydney T. and Lvdia A. Mr. and Mrs. Mallor}^ are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church at Draketown. He owns a fine farm of about eighty acres. 
In 1852 his house and its contents were burned, by which he lost about $500. The fire was 
supposed to be the work of an enemy. In politics he is a stanch Republican. 

THEODORE H. MARSH, lumber manufacturer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Otsego 
Co., N. Y., March 14, 1835, son of James and Jane (Thompson) Marsh, mentioned in the 
biography of John Marsh. Mr. Marsh married, Feb. 2, 1862, Almena born April 21, 1835, 
daughter of Hiram and Julia (Grant) Sedgwick, of Waterford Township. By this union 
there are five children, viz.: Archie C, Julia J., Ernest A., Effie L. and Henry H. Arcliie 
married, Jan. 16, 1883, Emma Davis, born Ma}^ 1, 1863, daughter of Robert and Sally 
(Colvin) Davis, of McKean Township. Mr. Marsh has a proprietary interest with Mr. 
William Marsh, of McKean Township, in an excellent steam saw mill, located on the 
McKean Township line, on the former's property, and which turns out large quantities of 
lumber, laths and shingles. They make a specialty of bill stuff, which is hauled to 
Waterford for shipment to Eastern markets. They have also a good trade in hemlock 
building lumber, which is hauled to Erie to order of builders in that city. Their custom 
sawing is large, the business is in a flourishing condition, and highly creditable to its en- 
terprising proprietors. Mr. Marsh also engages in farming. He owns three fine proper- 
ties in Waterford Township, two well improved and one timber lot, aggregating 181 acres. 
The home farm consists of sixty-eight acres, well stocked and with fine buildings thereon; 
it is a dairy farm, situated on the McKean Township line. His cattle are cross-bred with, 
pure Holstein. Mr. Marsh is a Granger, and politically a Greenbacker. 

JAMES M. MIDDLETON, retired farmer, Waterford, was born in County Down, 
Ireland, June 10, 1803, son of Samuel Middleton, who came to America about 1835, money 
being sent for the purpose by our subject and his brother John, who had emigrated to this 
countiy in 1828. Samuel Middleton died about 1838, and is buried in the Waterford Cem- 
etery. James M. worked first in an iron ore bed in New York State, after coming to this 
country; then went to the lake shore and dug ore during summer seasons, and worked in the 
furnace during winters. Finally he came to Erie Co. and married, about 1833, Miss Mary 
A. Middleton. This union was blessed with one child, Samuel Robert, who lived until 
about seventeen years of age, when he was accidentally shot one 4th of July. Mrs. Mid- 
dleton died in 1866, and Mr. Middleton married Miss Amanda Hannery, a native of Water- 
ford. Our subject spent many years on a farm after coming to Erie Co., and amassed 
quite a fortune by hard work and economy. He sold his farm and moved to Waterford, 
where he has since lived a retired life. Mrs. Middleton is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. Mr. Middleton is a liberal man, having paid much money toward the support of 
the church; he gave his brother John at one time fifty acres of excellent land; he has done 
much toward clearing and making Erie Co. what it is. Politically he is a Republican. 

MRS. NANCY MOORE was born in Erie Co., Penn., April 29, 1806, daughter of 
David and Jane Boyd, natives of Pennsylvania, and a cousin of Charles C. Boyd. David 
Boyd was one of the first settlers of Erie Co., and a prominent farmer in his day. In 
1824 our subject was married to John Moore, a native of Ireland, eldest child of James 
and Elizabeth Moore. They raised a family of ten children, viz.: George, William B., 
James B., Robert G., Wilson, Jane (wife of Henry Putnam), Eliza S., Nancy, Hannah G. 
(wife of J. W. Willard) and Mary E. (wife of S. E. Dewey). Nearly all the family are lo- 
cated near Waterford. Mr. Moore was a devoted Christian, a member of the U. P. Church. 
He departed this life Oct. 2, 1882, at the ripe old age of nearly eighty. He left a nice 
farm of 115 acres and a fine residence to his heirs. His widow is living in the residence 
with her married children and one grand-daughter, Sadie E. Moore. Mrs. Moore is a 
member of the U. P. Church. Her father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and a son 
served about nine months in Co. F, 169th P. V. I. in the late war of the rebellion. 

THOMAS MOORE, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Ireland April 3, 1813, fourth 
son of James and Elizabeth Moore, who came to America with ten children in 1821. They 
were the parents of twelve children, six now living. James Moore and wife were earnest 
Christian Church members; the former was a prominent member of the U. P. Church at Wa- 
terford. He settled on a farm, on part of which the subject of this sketch now lives, cleared 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 227 

and paid for same, with the aid of his sons, and at his death left it to his children. He 
died in 1842, his widow following in 1845. Thomas Moore has been twice married, first to 
Martha, a native of Erie Co., and a daughter of Aaron Himrod, one of the early settlers 
of this county. To this union were born five children, two living — Ralph, who served in 
the 83d P. V. I. three years and three months, passing through jill the hardships with his 
glorious regiment, and receiving an honorable discharge; and Sarah, wife of Mathew 
Campbell, whose sketch appears in this work. Prcssly, who died in 1883, also served in 
the 83d P. V. I. Mrs. Moore departed tliis life Feb., 1860, and in Sept., 1863, Mr. Moore 
married Isabell Powell, a native of Crawford Co... Penn., and a daughter of Thomas Pow- 
ell. Three children blessed this union, one dying in infancy. Tlie surviving are Albert 
L. and Anna E. These, with Mr. and Mrs. Moore, are members of the U. P. Church. 
Mr. Moore owns 205 acres of fine land, part of the old homestead. AH his children have 
attended the academy at Waterford. He is a prominent man of this section; a Republican 
in polities. 

JAMES A. MOORE, proprietor of livery stable, Waterford, was born in Canada, May 
8, 1838, and is a son of William Moore, who came to Erie Co., Penn., with his family 
about 1860, and is still a resident of Waterford Town-ship. Our subject served nearly three 
years during the late war, enlisting in 1863 in the 83d P. V. I., 5th Corps, Army of the 
Potomac. He participated in the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, 
Gettysburg, Wilderness, the siege of Petersburg and in several other eugagemeuls of 
minor importance. He received an honorable discharge as First Lieutenant. Mr. iMoore 
has been engaged in the livery business for about seven years; is now conducting the 
principal stable in Waterford, and has the mail route between Waterford and Mill Village, 
running a hack daily. He was married. June, 1879, to Margaret Irwine, a native of Centre 
Co., Penn., by whom there is one child— Alice E. Our subject is a member of the A. O. 
U. W., John Rice Post of Waterford; in politics is a Republican. 

B. E. PHELPS, physician and surgeon, Wattsburg, was born in Herkimer Co.. N. Y., 
son of Benjamin Phelps and Sarah {nee Greenfield) Phelps; the former, a farmer, wa.s 
born in Connecticut; the latter was a native of New York. Our subject having been 
parti}' educated in the common school, entered the Fairfield Academy. At sixteen years 
of age, he became a student at a medical college; at twenty-two years of age, at Castleton, 
Vt. ; then attended the Albany, N. Y. Medical College; thence to college in Buffalo, N.' 
Y., where he obtained the degree of M. D. He practiced, first in Crawford Co. five 
years, thence went to Erie Co., Penn., practicing in Union Township a short time, and 
in 1865 came to Corry, where he has been very successful, and has obtained an enviable 
reputation as surgeon. Dr. Phelps married in 1846, Luvilla Sweezy. a resident of Her- 
kimer Co. N. Y. ; their son, a talented young practitioner, will in time take his father's 
place in the profession. Drs. B. E. Phelps, Sr. and Jr. are now located at Wattsburg, 
Erie Co., Penn.. following their profession. 

LAFAYETTE F. PHELPS, farmer and Tax Collector, P. O. Waterford, was born 
April 29, 1835, in Waterford Township, Erie Co., Penn.; second son of Drayton Phelps, 
a native of Connecticut, who came to Erie Co. with his brother Jason in 1815. He reared 
a family of seven children, four now living. He departed this life in 1854. Our subject 
married in 1851, Miss Sarah J., daughter of James F. Benson, a descendant of one of the 
first families of Erie Co. This union has been blessed with eight children, .seven now 
living— Sarah S., wife of Seth Feedler; Charles B., Madora M., wife of Henry xillen; 
Jessie J., wife of Fred King; James B., Harriet E., wife of George C. Judson, and Lena 
B. Mr. Phelps isaprominent man in his section; is now Collector of Taxes; he acted as 
special agent for the Provost Marshal for two years during the war; he has held nearly all 
the township offices. Our subject owns a well-improved farm of about thirty-five acres. 
Politically he is a Republican. 

HIRAM RICE, farmer and dealer in agricultural implements, Waterford, was born 
March 3, 1843, in the house in which he now resides; son of Henry Rice, a native of New 
York City, and who came to Erie Co. about 1833. He raised a family of ten children, 
eight of whom are now living. He was a prominent farmer, but has retired, and with his 
wife is now living in the village of Waterford. Our subject enlisted July, 1864, in the U. 
S. Navy, serving in the North Atlantic Squadron 'on the gunboat " Pontoosuc," and was in 
the coast service; was engaged in both battles of Fort Fisher; in the bombardment of Fort 
Darling, and several minor engagements. After serving ten months, he was lionorably 
discharged at the close of the war and returned home. He is now Commander of the J. 
F. Rice Post, No. 345, of Waterford. This post is named after his brother, who was a 
member of the 83d P. V. I. and killed at Malvern Hill. Mr. Rice married Oct. 6. 1868, 
Miss Henrietta A., daughter of H. R. Whittelsey, a native of Connecticut. This union 
has been blessed with three children, viz.: Lena E., Anna and Edward R. Mr. Rice is 
engaged in farming, and also in the sale of agricultural implements. He makes a specialty 
of the Buckeye Mower, Reaper and Self-Binder. Politically he is a Republican. 

GEORGE ROBBINS, shoemaker and farmer, Waterford, was born in Crawford Co., 
Penn., Aug. 19, 1825; third son of Josiah and Betsey Robbins, natives of Connecticut. 
Josiah Robbins was a soldier of the war of 1813. Our subject came to Erie Co. in 1855, 



228 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and settled in Washington Township. He was united in marriage Jan. 1, 1848, with Miss 
Mary J. Giles, a native of Erie Co., Penn. and daughter of Joseph Giles, a native of 
Massachusetts, and one of the first settlers of Washington Township. This union has 
been blessed with five children, viz.: Rosetta, Arthur C, Martha, Vernon and Ernest. 
Mr. Robbing has been a shoemaker nearly all of his life, and has worked at the same in 
Waterford for nearly two years, doing a good business. He owns a well-improved farm 
of sixty-three acres, in Le Boeuf Township, on which his family reside. He served in the 
Union army three months, during the war of the rebellion. Mr. Robbins has made all he 
now owns by industry and economy. He and his wife are members of the Christian 
Church. He is a first class mechanic, in politics, a stanch Republican. 

STEVEN ROBERTS, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Erie Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 
1824; second son of Dorsey and Edith Roberts; the former, with family, drove a team 
from New York to Erie Co., Penn., in 1835. They reared a family of eleven children, 
five now living. Mr. Roberts, Sr. was a cooper by trade, at which he worked earl}' in life. 
He died in May, 1863, and his widow in June, 1872. Our subject was united in marriage, 
Oct. 7, 1847, with Miss Lavina Osborn, a native of Bedford Co., Penn., and daughter of 
Jerret Osborn, a native of Maryland, who came to Erie Co., Penn., in 1827. To this 
union have been born six children, five now living, viz.: Jarrett F., Agnes R., Eli N., 
Harriet E. and Charles N. Mr. Roberts served three months in the 202d P. V. I. during 
the late war. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our .subject owns fifty acres of 
well-improved land, fruits of his industry and economj'. In politics is a Repul)lican. 

AMOS ROBERTS, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Evans, Erie Co., N. Y., Dec. 
29, 1826, third son of Dorsey and Edith Roberts, both natives of Massachusetts, who came 
to Erie Co., Penn., in 1836. They reared a family of eleven children, five now living. 
Dorsey Roberts was a soldier in the war of 1812; he worked at his trade (coopering) after 
coming here; died in 1862, his widow followed him in 1872. Our subject married Jan. 1, 
1852, Miss Helen C. Heath, a native of Collins, N. Y. ; her grandfather was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war. They have four children living— Alice V., Mary L., wife of Jason 
Woods; William M. and Herbert V. (one is deceased). Mr. Roberts enlisted in Aug., 1864, 
in the U. S. Navy,_and served on the gunboat " Gen. Buruside," on the Upper Tennessee. 
After a year's service, he was honorably discharged at the close of the war, and returned 
home. He is a member of the G. A. R. Bates Post, No. 83. Mr. Roberts owns fifty -five 
acres of well improved land, a part of his father's homestead. He and his wife are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church. Politically he is a Republican. 

JAMES S. ROSS, f aimer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., July 22, 
1812; son of Jq.Iixi and Lucy Ross; the former born in Vermont, was a soldier in the war of 
1812; the latter was a native of'Gonnecticut. They died in Erie City about 184.5. Our 
subject married in 1836, Sarah Ann Wilson, of Whitehall, N. Y. They had a family of six 
children, five now living. Mr. Ross came to Erie Co., Penn., in 1838. Mrs. Ross 
died in 1865, and in 1868 Mr. Ross married Miss Rachel, daughter of John Alcon, both 
natives of Venango Co., Penn. Mr. Ross has always engaged in farming, is a self-made 
man,_ and has accumulated what he has bj' industry and economy. He was Captain in the 
militia in an early day, and has served as Collector one term. He received a sun-stroke in 
June, 1873, from the effects of which he has never recovered entirely; he is an honest, in- 
telligent citizen. In polities he is a Republican. L. M. Ross, our subject's oldest son, 
was born Sept. 2, 1841, in McKean Township, Erie Co., Penn. He married Jan. 13. 
1863, Miss Nancy J., daughter of Isaac Y. Lunger, a native of Pennsylvania, and one of 
the old settlers of Erie Co. This union has been blessed with two children, viz. : Hattie 
E. and Fi^ed E. Mr. Ross is the owner of seventy-five acres of well-improved land; is con- 
nected with George H. Barnett, and doing an extensive business in ha}' pressing and 
threshing; he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Ross has served as 
School Director six years, and Assesor one term. Is a member of the A. O. U. W. He 
believes strongly in prohibition, and always votes the Republican ticket. 

JACOB SCHLOSSER, barber and tobacco dealer, Waterford, was born in Syracuse, 
N. Y., May 7, 1853; second son of Charles and Kate Schlosser, natives of Germany, who 
have lived in this country about forty years. They raised a family of five sons, all living. 
Our subject came to Erie Co., in May, 1875. and settled in Waterford Township May 
1, 1876, where he has since engaged in business. Mr. Schlosser married Oct. 2, 1879, Miss 
Emma J., daughter of William Hood, an old settler of Erie Co. This union has been 
blessed with two children— Walter H. and Charles W. Mr. Schlosser not only runs a first- 
class barber shop, but keeps in connection with same a cigar store, where he sells the best 
tobacco and cigars manufactured; he is a fine workman and gives satisfaction to all; his 
wife is a member of the Episcopal Church; he is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. 
O. U. W. ; in politics is Independent. 

HIRAM SEDGWICK, retired farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Rensselaer Co., 
N. Y., July 16, 1803; eldest son of Aaron and Betsy Sedgwick, former a native of Massa- 
chusetts and brother of Louis Sedgwick, whose biography appears in this work. Our sub- 
ject came to Erie Co. with his parents {in 1825; he married Jan. 28, 1830, Miss Julia A., 
eighth child of Benjamin Grant, a native of Connecticut, who came to Erie Co. in 1800, 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 229 

with his wife and three children; he worked at an early day at blacksmithing and reared 
a family of ten children, five now living; he served one term as Poor Director. Two of 
his sons, Benjamin and William C. were soldiers in the war of 1812; he died in 1849, aged 
eighty years. Seven children were born to this union, five now living, viz.: Solyman, who 
received an honorable discharge, after serving nine months in the Army of the Potomac, 
during the late war; Almena, wife of Hardin Marsh; Bertram, Louisa, Efiie; Arthur died 
in his eighteenth year. Mr. and Mrs. Sedgwick are among the landmarks of the county, 
having lived together more than fifty years. The latter has been for over ten years an 
invalid. The former spends many hours of his old age fishing, a recreation he is 
very fond of; he is the owner of his father's homestead, consisting of 108 acres of well- 
improved land. 

LEWIS SEDGWICK, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., 
Aug. 28, 1813; son of Aaron Sedgwick, a native of Massachusetts, who came to Erie Co. 
with his family in 1825; he raised ten children, six now living; was a prominent farmer 
and an honest man; he died in Waterford Township, in 1854. Our subject married, Aug. 
15, 1839, Emily H., born in Erie Co., and daughter of Reuben Sharp, a soldier of the 
war of 1812, a native of England, and an old settler of Erie County. This union lias been 
blessed with four children, three surviving, viz., ElminaM., wife of Wilson Mar.sh; Eu- 
gene v., who lost his life at the battle of Cedar Mountain (he was Second Sergeant in the 
111th P. Y. I.); Jermaine B. and Claude D. Mr. Sedgwick has helped his children to some 
extent; he owns a nice property; has served as Constable, Collector and Assessor; is a 
Republican in politics; his grandfather Upham Avas a soldier of the Revolutionary war. 

LEE A. SEDGWICK, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born Oct. 19, 1850, on the farm 
he now occupies in Waterford Township, Erie Co., Penn. ; son of John and Louisa (Rock- 
well) Sedgwick, latter a daughter of Jonathan Rockwell, one of the first settlers of Erie 
Co. Jonathan Rockwell was a prominent farmer, an early settler of Waterford Township. 
He died March 4, 1875. Louisa Sedgwick died March 17, 1884. Our subject was married 
Dec. 21, 1876, to Miss Ella M. Smith, a native of Waterford, and daughter of Charles 
Smith. This union has been blessed with three children, viz. : Bessie, Wilmer C. and Roy. 
Mrs. Sedgwick departed this life Oct. 28, 1881. Mr. Sedgwick is an enterprising young 
man. Owns 140 acres of well improved land, a half mile from Waterford, and one of the 
finest residences in the township. Is a member of the F. & A. M. ; Republican in politics. 

REUBEN SHARPE, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born July 16, 1822, on his present 
farm in Waterford Township, Erie Co., Penn.; second son of Reuben and Louisa Sharpe, 
the latter a native of Vermont. Reuljen Sharpe', Sr., an early settler of Erie Co., was 
born in North Walsham, Eng. ; was in the U. S. Navy in the war of 1812 under Com. Mc- 
Donough, and was wounded at the battle of Plattsburg. In early life he was a sailor; he 
settled on the farm now occupied by his son in 1816, and reared a family of five children. 
He died in 1851, his widow following him in 1875. Our subject enlisted, first for three 
months' service in McLane's Regiment of Erie; then, in Aug., 1861, he re-enlisted in the 
83d P. V. I., Co. E, and served in the 5th Corps, Army of the Potomac. He took part in 
the seven days' fight at Yorktowu, Sharpi^burg, Gettysburg, and in a skirmish at North 
Ann River was wounded in the right foot. He also participated in the battles of the Wil- 
derness, Chancellorsville, and many minor engagements. He was honorably discharged in 
1865 at the close of the war. Our subject married, in 1866, Mrs. Emma A., widow of 
Richard Cross, who was a Captain in the 111th P. V. I., served about one year, and died 
in the fall of 1865. Mrs. Sharpe has two children by her first husband — Louis G. and Katie 
B. Mr. Sharpe owns forty acres of well-improved land, a part of his father's old home- 
stead. He is a member of^the F. &A. M., and theG. A. R. ; he receives a pension from the 
Government. 

GEORGE SMITH, retired farmer, Waterford, was born in Erie Co., Penn., Nov. 21, 
1807; son of James Smith, a native of Ireland, who came here about 1803. He raised a 
famil;^of eight children, our subject being the fourth child, three now surviving. He took 
great interest in church matters; was instrumental in establishing a U. P. Church in Wa- 
terford, of which he was a member. He died about 1829; his widow survived him nineteen 
years. Our subject married, in 1831, Miss Mary, daughter of John Barnes, of Luzerne 
Co., Penn. This union has been blessed with seven children, viz.: Robert R., who en- 
listed in the 83d P. V. I., and lost his life at the battle of Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862; Sid- 
ney, wife of John Lytle; Nancy, widow of Aaron Himrod (whose biography appears else- 
where in this volume); Elizabeth, wife of Robert Lytle; James N.; Marv. wife of William 
Moore; and George A. Mr. and'Mrs. Smith are members of the IT. P Church. The for- 
mer in early life worked at the carpenter's trade, but later was a farmer. He accumulated a 
nice property, and moved to Waterford about 1873, where he has since lived a retired life. 
He is one of the oldest and most respected citizens born in Waterford now living. Politi- 
cally he is a Republican. 

WILLIAM STANCLIFF, farmer and painter, P. O. Waterford, was born in Erie 
Co., N. Y., March 12, 1821; third son of Timothy Stancliff, who drove his team and 
brought his family here in 1836. Timothy was drafted by the British in the war of 1812. 
He reared a family of twelve children, nine now living; he was a prominent farmer, and 



230 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

died when ninety-three years of age. His father was a Revolutionary soldier. Our sub- 
ject married, Dec. 31, 1843, Miss Delia Whitney, a native of Clinton Co., N. Y., daughter 
of Leonard Whitney. Eleven children were born to this union, six now living— Leonard 
T., Winfield W., Olan D., Eva A. (wife of Harry S. Crandle), George E. and Mertie E. 
Mr. Stancliff has worked at painting for over forty-five years. He has a well-improved 
farm of forty-tive acres; is a member of the I. O. O. F. ; in politics, a Republican. 

ALDEN STANCLIFF, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Collins, Erie Co., N. Y., 
Aug. 30, 1823, third child of Thomas and Mary P. Stancliff, the former of whom, a na- 
tive of Canada, came with his family to Erie Co. in 1835. They were the parents of six 
children, five now living. Thomas Stancliff was a prominent farmer. He was a 
member of the M. E. Church, and took a great interest in church matters. His father was 
a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Thomas Stancliff died in May, 1848; his widow, aged 
•eighty-six, is living with her daughter, Lorina Stancliff. Our subject is a painter by trade 
and also worked for many years manufacturing handles. He married, in 1846, Miss 
Emily Brooks, a native of Collins, Erie Co., N. Y., and daughter of Enoch Brooks. This 
union has been blessed with four children, three now living— Emma A., wife of M B. 
Vancese; Jackson, and Minnie M., wife of H. C. Stackhouse. Mr. Stancliff owns twenty 
acresof well-improved land. He has been Road Commissioner and School Director. 
Politicall}'- he is a Republican. 

AMOS S. STAFFORD, farmer and cooper, P. O. Waterford, was born in Peru, Clinton 
Co., N. Y., June 6. 1811, son of Edward Stafford, a cooper by trade, and a soldier in the 
war of 1812, who came with his family to Erie Co. in 1835. Four of his eleven children 
are living. He belonged to the M. E. Church, in which he took special interest; he died 
March 3, 1861. Our subject married, in the fall of 1833, Miss Martha M., daughter of 
Aaron Sedgwick, a pioneer of this county, and a sister of Lewis Sedgwick, whose biography 
appears in this volume. This union has been blessed by the birth of Andrew W. and Clara, 
wife of O. D. Rider. Andrew W. enlisted in the Ulth'P. V. I. and served three years and 
three months in the Army of the Potomac, participating in the battles of Cedar Mountain, 
South Mountain, second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg and several 
minor engagements. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, and returned 
home. Mr. Stafford is politically a Reputilican. 

FRANKLIN STOUT, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born February 25, 1839, at White 
Haven, Penn., son of Thomas Stout, a native of Easton, Penn., and a nephew of the cel- 
ebrated Dr. Gross, of Philadelphia; he died in 1869. Our subject at an early date en- 
gaged in lumbering. He enlisted Sept., 1861, in the 67th P. V. I., serving in the Sixth 
Corps, Army of the Potomac. He participated in the battles of Opequan, Cedar Creek, 
Fisher's Hill, Winchester (where he was taken prisoner, remaining forty days in Belle 
Isle, when he was exchanged). Wilderness, Petersburg and capture of Lee's army. After 
nearly four years' service, he was honorably discharged in Aug., 1865. In 1867 he mar- 
ried Miss Helen S., daughter of Chancy Moore, now deceased. " Mr. Stout owns 140 acres 
of improved land, jind keeps good stock, and has in connection a small dairy. Mr. Stout 
is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; in politics, a Republican. 

FRANCIS D. STRONG, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born on his present farm in 
Waterford Township, Erie Co., Penn., April 4, 1814, and is first son of Martin and Sarah 
Strong, both natives of Connecticut. Martin Strong, a surveyor, came on foot and alone 
from Connecticut in 1795, bringing his instruments with him. He was a Captain in the 
State militia, and worked at his profession the greater part of his life. He surveyed much 
of the land southeast of the Susquehanna River, also for the Holland & Population Co., 
besides doing a good local business in same line. He was twice married, first to Miss Han- 
nah Trask; they reared one daughter only to die when eighteen years of age. His second 
marriage, in 1811, was with Miss Sarah, daughter of Francis Drake; she was a native of 
Connecticut. This union was blessed with five children, three now living — Sarah Ann, 
"Widow of B. B. Vincent (deceased); Francis D. and Martin, who occupy the old farm. 
The deceased are Lydia Webb, wife of Col. T. B. Vincent; Dr. Laudaff. Mr. Strong ac- 
cumulated a large property; he died March 24, 1858; his widow survived him until Janu- 
ary, 1867. 

JOHN TAYLOR, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, 
Feb. 24, 1831, and is a son of John Taylor, Sr. His parents died when he was small. 
Our subject came to America July 4, 1853; he earned the money and brought three of his 
sisters and a brother to America. He first worked on public works and then on a farm for 
seven years, then bought a farm for himself, and as the results of his hard labor and econ- 
omy has now 111 acres of fine improved land. Mr. Taylor married in 1857, Miss Sarah, 
daughter of John Gillespie. She was also a native of County Armagh, Ireland. Five chil- 
dren have been born to this union, viz.: Lizzie M., John Jr., Triphena L., Samuel and 
Clyde. Mr. Taylor and his wife attend the M. E. Church. John Taylor entered the ser- 
vice in 1865 in the 98th P. V. I., serving under Gen. Wright, 6th Corps, Army of the Poto- 
mac, and remained until the capture of Lee's army. He was honorably discharged June 
22, 1865. He is an adherent of the Democratic party. 



WATERFORD TOWNSHIP. 231 

C. C. TAYLOR, Waterford, was born near Coopersiown, Otsego Co..N. Y., July 9, 
1882, and moved to Erie Co., Penn., with his parents in 1835; his father, John C. Taylor, 
was a blacksmith by trade; he took a deep interest in church matters, and in the latter 
part of his life was a preacher in the M. E. Church. He died at Waterford in July, 1864, 
and Mercy Taylor, his widow and mother of C. C, followed him in 1866. The subject of 
this brief sketch was thrown upon his own resources in early life, and his opportunities for 
acquiring an education were limited. He, however, acquired an academic course. In 
1851, he married Miss Lovina J. McGee, daughter of John J. McGee, one of the early set- 
tlers of Elk Creek Township, moved to Mt. Pleasant, Penn., and commenced teaching 
school. Subsequent to this he attended Mt. Pleasant College, and graduated at Iron City 
College in 1859. He taught in Mt. Pleasant until 1864, when he returned to Erie Co., and 
engaged in mercantile business. In 1867 he took charge of the Wellsburg schools, and in 
1869 was elected Superintendent of the public schools of Erie Co., and served three conse- 
cutive terms, or nine years in that capacity. Since voluntarily resigning the Superinten- 
dency in 1878, Mr. Taylor has been engaged in the introduction of school and college 
text books. He has succeeded in acquiring a very pleasant home. He now owns one of 
the best farms in Waterford Township, and his residence is perhaps not excelled in the 
county. 

JOSEPH THOMAS, retired farmer and Collector of Taxes, Waterford, was born in 
Erie Co., N. Y., July 20, 1812, son of Lewis Thomas also a native 'of New York State, who 
moved to Erie Co., Penn., in 1818. He raised a family of eleven children, nine now living. 
Our subject was the oldest child, and married in 1834, Miss Mary, daughter of Aaron 
Sedgwick, an old settler of Erie Co. Seven children have been born to this union, viz. : 
Helen, wife of William Sharp; Charles A.; Cynthia, wife of Josiah P. Osbunna; Francena, 
wife of Ervin Port; Betsy, widow of Frank Gardner; Ella M., wife of George Comer, and 
Maggie, wife of Hanford B. Skinner. All are living near their parents, who have eighteen 
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Thomas when a j'^oung man worked 
at carpentering, but settled down to farming, in which he has been successful. He moved 
to Waterford in 1873, where he owns a fine residence and other village property. He is a 
self-made man, has educated all his children well and accumulated a large property. He 
has served his township as Assessor, and is now Tax Collector of the Borough of Water- 
ford Politically he is a Republican. 

E. M. THURBER, proprietor of cheese factory, Waterford, was born in Franklinville, 
N. Y., Oct. 22, 1855; son of David and Adaline Thurber. In early life our subject taught 
school, but in 1876 moved to Waterford, where he bought an interest in a cheese factory, 
established in 1868, now the largest in the township, and one of the largest and best in Erie 
Co. The milk of 500 cows is consumed, and as the cheese is a superior article, the factory 
is well patronized, and its products bring the highest market values. It is under the im- 
mediate supervision of Mr. Thurber. Our subject married, March, 1876, Miss Rebecca 
McAffee, a native of Canada. Three children have been born to this union, viz. : Ray, 
Edith and Addie. Mr. Thurber owns a nice residence in Waterford. He is a member 
of the I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W; in politics a Republican. His grandfather was a soldier 
in the war of 1812. 

WILLIAM VAN ANDEN, farmer, P. O. Waterford, was born in Schaghticoke Valley, 
Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Jan. 2, 1828, son of Barney and Clarisa Van Anden, natives of Ver- 
mont. The former was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in 1837: the latter departed 
this life in 1868. Our subject came to Erie Co., in 1852, and engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness; was also postmaster at Wattsburg for about eight years. He married for his first 
wife, Sept. 27, 1854, Miss Mary J., daughter of D. D. White, of Wattsburg. This union 
was blessed with three children, all now deceased. His wife died May 4, 1874, and Nov. 
21, 1876, Mr. Van Anden married Mrs. Maryett. widow of Philip Akerly (who was raised 
in Erie Co. but died in Ohio), and daughter of John L. Way. Both grandparents were 
among the first settlers of Erie Co. Mr. Van Anden owns a splendid farm of ninety acres, 
with fine buildings. He is raising the Holstein grade of cattle, of which he intends to 
make a specialty; was Adjuster for the Lycoming Insurance Co., Muncy, Penn., for many 
years. Is a member of the K. of H. In politics is a stanch Republican. 

HENRY R. VINCENT, retired farmer, Waterford, was born Jan. 28, 1811, in the 
Village of Waterford, Erie Co., Penn.; son of the Hon. John Vincent, who was born in 
Essex Co. N. J., in 1772. The latter was a son of Cornelius Vincent, a native of New 
Jersey, born April 15, 1737, and grandson of John Vincent, also a native of New Jersey, 
born Jan. 26, 1709, and great-grandson of Levi Vincent, who was born in France, April 10, 
1676. The Hon. John Vincent came to Erie Co. about the 1st of June, 1797, and married 
Miss Nancy Boyd, in 1802. One child blessed this union — B. B. Vincent, a prominent 
business man in Erie for several years, now deceased. Mrs. (Boyd) Vincent died March, 
1806, and Feb. 1, 1807, Mr. Vincent married Miss Nancy Anderson. Five children were 
born to this union, viz.: John A., Pheba W., Henry R., Cornelius H. and James P. He 
came to Erie Co. from Northumberland Co., Penn., on foot, in company with Wilson 
Smith, both carrying knapsacks on their backs all the way. He was appointed one of the 
Associate Judges in 1805, by Thomas McKean, then Governor of Pennsylvania, and one of 



232 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Vincent served with distinction for 
about thirty-three years, until chan.<?e of State Constitution in 1838. As a singular coin- 
cidence, his companion, Wilson Smith, was appointed to a like position, and served until 
1819, when he was elected to State Senate. The father of our subject, a prominent man 
of Erie in his day, departed this life Feb., 1860. 

JAMES WALKER. Waterford, was born in New London. Conn., Oct. 25, 1795, came 
to Erie Co., Penn., in 1816, and settled in Waterford Township the year following. In 
1826. he married Sarah Ross of Meadville, Penn. This couple were the parents of'^eight 
childien, six of whom are still living. Three of these, Joseph, Judson and Nancy M. re- 
side in Waterford Township. In about 1850, a plank road was built from Waterford to 
Erie and he constructed over a mile of the work. During the construction of the P. & E. 
R. R., he and his sons built about three miles of said road. He was a son of Revolution- 
ary stock, his father, Joseph Walker, having served in that memorable vpar, on the staff 
of Gen. La Fayette, and assisted in carrying that officer from the field when wounded at 
the battle of Brandywine. He was himself a soldier in the war of 1812, for which he re- 
ceived a pension. He was the oldest man in Waterford Township at the time of his death, 
which occurred Dec. 30, 1883, in his eighty-ninth year. He was a member of the Christian 
Church for over sixty-five years. His wife was also connected with the same until her 
death, which occurred March 30, 1866. They were among the pioneers of the county, and 
suffered all the hardships and privations incident to the settling of a new and densely 
wooded country. Politically, the family are all Republicans. 

CELIA WAY, widow of John L. Way, Waterford, was born June 13, 1811, in Con- 
necticut, daughter of Jason and Submit Phelps, natives of the New England States. The 
former brought his wife and two children, and drove a yoke of oxen and a horse from 
Connecticut, in 1815; he reared three children, tw^o now living; he died in 1858. Our .sub- 
ject married in 1833, John L. Way, a native of Erie Co., Penn., and son of John Way, 
one of the first settlers of Erie Co. They had born to them eight children, five now liv- 
ing: Maryette, wife of William Van Anden, whose biography appears in this work; Jason 
P.^ Annette C, wife of Joseph Lander; Locke J. and True D. Mr. Way was a prominent 
business man and accumulated considerable property. He held tlie oflice of Justice of the 
Peace; died June 22, 1880. Our subject is living in Waterford with her youngest son. 

ISAAC M. WHITE. Jeweler, Borough CleVk and Treasurer, Waterford borough, was 
born in Dummerstou, Windham Co., Vt., Nov. 25, 1802; fourth son of Asa White, who 
was a native of Massachusetts, and came with his family of ten children to Erie in 1828. 
Only two of this family are now living. Asa White and wife lived with our subject the 
last fifteen years of their lives, both dying in this county; the former in 1855, at the age of 
eighty-five, the latter in 1857 at the'age of eighty-seven. Isaac M. White learned the 
jewelry trade in New Hampshire and came to Waterford in 1822, and engaged in tiie bus- 
iness which he has since continued, and he has now the leading jewelry store here. After 
remaining a year in Waterford, he returned to Vermont for his parents and the remainder 
of the family. He rode on horseback the entire distance, 600 miles, returning with the 
family with a team in Feb., 1823. He was united in marriage, Nov. 2, 1824, with Rosauna, 
daughter of John Lenox, a native of Ireland, who settled here in 1796. Of the children 
born to this union, Horace L. and William C. survive. Besides rearing their own family 
this couple have raised and educated five girls, all married but one. Mrs. White is a mem- 
ber of the United Presbyterian Church. Our subject owns twelve acres of land near the 
borough and a residence and jewelry store in Waterford. There is only one person living 
here now that was married when he came, the mother of the Hon. Judge Vincent, of Erie. 
Mr. White is one of the borough's prominent citizens, and is noted for his liberality and 
honesty. He served as Justice of the Peace from 1845 to 1850; forty-three consecutive years 
as Borough Clerk and Treasurer; was one of the first Councilmen; for twelve years. Trustee 
of the Academy which was built the year he came here, and since 1865 has been Secretary 
and Treasurer of Waterford Cemetery Association. He is a member of the F. & A. M., 
and P. G. in the I. O. O. F. He is a Democrat in politics and cast his first vote for An- 
drew Jackson. 

HENRY R. WHITTELSEY, Waterford, was born April 26, 1816, in Litchfield, 
Litchfield Co., Conn. ; was married July 6, 1837, to Mary A. Parmelee of Bethlehem, Conn. 
(Her mother was a sister to Amos Judson, one of the earliest settlers in Waterford, Erie 
Co., Penn.) They were the parents of eight children, of whom Ann Maria, married to A. 
W. Tracy, residing in Kansas; Edward L., a lawyer, residing in Erie. Penn. (married); 
Henrietta, married to Hiram Rice, Waterford, Penn., were born in Bethlehem, Conn. ; Edith, 
Wilbur, Lincoln and Alice were born in Waterford, Penn., and still reside there (except 
Lincoln who is in Florence, Neb., at this date. Oct., 1883). Henry R. was the son of Henry 
Whittelsey, who was born in Litchfield, Conn., May 18, 1790, married July 20, 1815, to 
Abby Rea, who was born Dec. 6, 1790, and died in New York, Nov. 1, 1860. Henry died in 
New York, April 26, 1879. His father was Roger N. Whittelsey, who was a resident of 
Litchfield, Conn., and a direct descendant of Jolm Whittelsey, the only person of the name 
who ever emigrated to the United States. He came from Cambridgeshire, England, about 
1650, and settled in Saybrook, Conn., and died April 15, 1704. Henry R. Whittelsey came 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 233 

from Bethlehem, Conn., to Waterford, Erie Co., April 4, 1850; in 1858 he was elected Jus- 
tice of the Peace, which office he held ten years; he served as Town Clerk and Treasurer 
during the war, was Assessor of the town; Mercantile Appraisor of the county; School Di- 
rector six years; Township Auditor six years; and frequently on the Election Board of the 
town. At present, 1883, he resides about two miles north of Waterford borough on a 
farm. 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 



R. H. ABBEY, farmer, stock raising a specialty, P. O. Corry, was born on the home- 
stead farm where he now resides Sept. 17, 1840, son of Herman and Jane (Smith) Abbey. 
The latter, a daughter of Robert Smith, an early pioneer of this county, was born in 1812 
in Erie Co., and was of Irish extraction. Herman Abbey, of Welsh descent, was born in 
1804 in Chenango Co., N. Y.; came to Warren Co. in 1838, and settled in this township in 
1830 clearing his land. He had eight children, seven living, viz.. Rev. Alexander S., 
Jane A. (wife of Dr. Humphey), A. E. (wife of J. H. Carr), Dr. O. L., R. H., Josephine E 
(Wife of G W. Spencer), Helen M. and E. Blanche G. (deceased). Mr. Abbey departed 
this life in March, 1871; his wife in April, 1879, each in their sixty-seventh year. Our 
subiect owns 150 acres of land on the old turnpike, running from Sugar Grove to Water- 
ford, three miles northwest of Corry. His sister H. M. is his housekeeper, and they have 
always resided on the homestead. Mr. Abbey is a stanch Democrat in politics. 

WILLIAM BRIGHTMAN, farmer and carpenier, P. O. Corry, was born in Brookfield, 
Madison Co , N. Y., July 12, 1826, to William and Hannah (Lamb) Brightman, natives the 
former of Rhode Island, the latter of Connecticut. The father was born April 8, 1785; emi- 
grated to Madison Co., N. Y., in 1807, and to Erie Co.. Penn., in 1832, settling where Wilham 
Brio-htman, the son, now lives. Here he experienced many hardships, that must neces- 
sarily fall upon the settlers of that day. but they were, perhaps, not so irksome to him as 
many others, owing to his general pleasant manners and general disposition to be content 
with his surroundings. He made two round trips from Madison Co., N. Y., to Erie Co. 
before moving his family, his mode of travel being horseback. A certificate of mem- 
bership to the Baptist Church, dated 1807, now in possession of his son, William, tells his 
early religious proclivities. In 1821, he was licensed to exhort in the M. E. Church, and 
in 1832 was licensed to preach. This he continued as long as age and health would per- 
mit. He worked during the week, and on Sundays preached and taught in the Sunday 
schools in various parts of the country. In all his transactions he never forgot his pledge 
to the Ruler of the universe, and died in the full triumph of his faith, and the good he did 
will only be known in that day when the secrets of all hearts shall be revealed. He was 
the father of eight children— Henry, Silence, Erastus, Hannah, Sallie, Polly, William, and 
one deceased in infancy. He died Aug. 10, 1867, and his home, which was a rendezvous 
for preachers and church people, will not soon be forgotten. His wife died Aug. 7, 1861. 
In this volume can be found a portrait of that noble-hearted soul, William Brightman 
Our subject was brought up on the farm, and his education consisted not only of mental 
but spiritual training. He was married, March 2, 1853, to Cornelia A. Steadman, born 
March 18, 1833, in Pennsylvania, and died March 10. 1863, the result being two children, 
deceased. Was again married to Rosina A. Carson, born Sept. 20, 1840. in Wayne Town- 
ship, this countv, and by this union have William McClellan and Louisa A., to both of 
whom they have given a good education. Mr. Brightman is the owner of 180 acres of 
finely-improved land, and is making a specialty of growing grapes. He has been for over 
forty years an active member of the M. E. Church, having been at times of no short dura- 
tion Steward and Recording Steward, and at present is Class Leader in the First M. E. 
Church of Corry. . , . , . t i o^ i oi o 

JAMES CARSON, retired farmer, P. O. Wayne, was born in this township July 21, 1813; 
son of William and Jane (Kincaide) Carson, who settled in this township in 1800, and reared 
eleven of their family of thirteen children; the only members of this family now living are 
James, the eighth, and Absalom, the youngest, who is a resident of Waterford. Our sub- 
ject has been twice married; on the first occasion to Marina Turner, who is deceased. His 
second marriage was with Mrs. Holmes, widow of Reuben Holmes, and a daughter of 
William and Sidney (Ellison) Giflford. Mr. and Mrs. GifEord had a family of eleven chil- 
dren, eight growing to manhood and womanhood, and of whom five are now living. Of 
this family, Martin V. and James E. participated in the late war. The former was an offi- 
cer, and served three years and three months; the latter served two years; was wounded, 
and died from the effects. Another son fitted himself for the ministry in the M. E. 
Church. Mr. Carson has been invalided by consumption since 1842. He is a member of 



234 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

the M. E. Church, in which he has been Trustee; his wife is connected with the Presby- 
terian denomination. 

R. T. CLINGENSMITH, farmer, P. O. Corry, was born June 17, 1843, in Mercer Co.. 
Penn., son of R. T., Sr., and Jane (Carr) Clin2;ensmith. Our subject was united in marriage, 
Dec. 27, 1868, with Elizabeth Mitchell, born Dec. 17, 1833, in Peterhead, Scotland, daugh- 
ter of William and Isabel (Thom) Mitchell. William Thom was born in 1792; was a sailor 
for thirty years, and was twice shipwrecked, once off the coast of Ireland and another 
time off Greenland. His wife was born in 1797, died in 1883; he died in 1876; they came 
to this county in 1840. They were the parents of five children, three now living— Cather- 
ine Ann, wife of Philo Patterson; Jane, wife of L. D. Clark, and Elizabeth. To the union 
of Mr. and Mrs. Clingensmith was born one child, now living— Jennie Belle. They own 
seventy-eight acres of laud in this township where they have resided for ten years. Mrs. 
Clingensmith is a member of the M. E. Church as were her parents before her. Mr. Clin- 
gensmith is a Republican in politics. 

HIRAM CROWELL, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born in Hamilton, 
Madison Co., N. Y., May 9, 1819, a son of Abraham and Betsy (Wheeler) Crowell, who 
were the parents of thirteen children, six living. Abraham Crowell was born in 1789, and 
died in 1852; his widow died in 1880, aged eighty years. Our subject was the fourth in 
this family; he was married, in 1844, to Esther Eagles, born in Columbus, Chenango Co., 
N. Y. , May 9, 1819. Her father, Francis Eagles, born in 1778, had a family of eleven 
children, three living; his wife, Mary (Low) Eagles, died April, 1851, aged sixty-seven. 
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Crowell has been blessed by the birth of onechild— Rensler J., 
born in 1851, married to Retta (McCray), by whom he has had two children — twin girls — 
Mertie and Maud, born March 31, 1879. Our subject and wife have made all they now 
own by industry and frugality; they began with only one horse and a cow, and now have 
100 acres of land. The}' make a specialty of grape culture and have over 1,000 vines. Mr. 
Crowell was a cooper by trade, his wife a tailoress. They have been members of the M. E. 
Church thirtj' years, and he has been Steward and a Class Leader. He is a Republican, 
politically. 

CAXiVIN DUTTON", farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Columbus, Penn., was born in 
New Hampshire, Dec. 22, 1802; son of Richard and Sarah (Grant) Dutton, the former of 
whom was twice married, having nine children (two surviving) by his first wife, and five 
by his second. Our subject was married, Dec. 26, 1832, in Sherburne, N. Y., to Lucina Bab- 
cock, born in Sherburne, March 17, 1808, daughter of John R. and Mercy Whitford Bab- 
cock. To this union were born three children— Hiram E., Frank and Hollis W. In 1832 
our subject moved with his family to Erie Co., Penn., having purchased 300 acres of land 
there. Hiram E. and Hollis W. have owned a shingle mill located on the farm since 1872, 
and manufacture from 15,000 to 20,000 shingles per day. Hiram E. was married in Colum- 
bus, Penn., Oct. 24, 1860, to Anna L. Day,' born in Genesee Co., Mich., March 23, 1841, 
daughter of Henry M. and Sallie C. (Abbey) Day (deceased), natives of New York State. 
Our subject owns 120 acres in Erie Co., and thirty-five acres in Warren Co., Penn. He 
has acted as School Director three terms, Road Commissioner and Pathmaster six years. 
In politics he is a Democrat. 

NATHAN B. GREELEY, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born in Amherst, 
N. H., June 12, 1812, son of Zaccheus and Mary (Woodburn) Greeley (both deceased), also 
natives of Amherst and of English extraction. They settled in this township nearly sixty 
years ago, and took up 400 acres of land, which our subject now owns and resides on. 
Nathan B. was twice married — on first occasion, in 1838, to Sallie Ann Hinesbornin 1816, 
died in 1856. By this union were born seven children — Victoria, wife of George King; 
Mary (deceased), wife of M. Wickwin; Esther, wife of Peter S. Lewis; Horace, Woodburn, 
Oscar and Clarence D. The second union was in Dec, 1856, with Rheuemmy Conn, born 
in Freehold, Penn.. March 31, 1836, daughter of John and Miriam (Pierce) Conn, and by 
this union w^ere born Eugenia, wife of Sanford Dibble; Edward Burtt, married, Aug. 25, 
1883, to Emma Drake; Carrie Lewis, Ina May, Jane Sylvania. 

H. D. HILLS, farmer, carpenter and joiner, P. O. Corry, was born in Erie Co., Penn., 
Jan. 11, 1843; son of a local minister. Our subject was twice married; on the first occasion 
to Malvina A. Hills, who departed this life July 30, 1874; his second marriage was with 
Mary Van Campin, a native of Alleghany Co. N. Y. ; she departed this life Nov. 30, 1877, 
leaving one daughter — Marj' F. Mr. Hills served two years and nine months in the late 
war, and was confined in the Andersonville Prison for four months. He is a member of 
the G. A. R. Our subject owns 100 acres of land in Wayne Township, and has served as 
Assessor and Tax Collector for two years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Patrons of 
Husbandry and of the Republican party. 

ALFRED JENNINGS, farming and dairying. P. O. Corry, was born Feb. 27, 1833, at 
Walsgrave, Warwickshire, England; son of Josiah (deceased) and Arrabella (Bradbury) 
Jennings, the former of whom was born Oct. 26, 1808, and the latter Nov. 19, 1813; they 
were married in 1831 ; had three children— Alfred, John (deceased) and Elizabeth (deceased). 
Mrs. Elizabeth (Wickstead) Jennings was our subject's grandmother. Alfred Jennings 
was married, in England, Sept. 3, 1860, to Maiy CoUis, born there March 16, 1833; daughter 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 235 

of John and Sarah (Liggins) Collis (both deceased), the former of whom was born on Feb. 
16, 1806, died in 1869; the latter was a daughter of J. and Ann (Bunney) Liggins, born Feb. 
21, 1806, and died April 25, 1873. Two children were born to this union — Benjamin Collis, 
dying Sept. 16, 1882, and Mary Collis. Mr. Jennings emigrated to Canada in 1863, and 
came from thence to this county in 1865. He owns a well-improved farm located about a 
mile and a half north of Corry. He has made all he owns by hard work and economy, and 
is a representative man of Wayne Township. 

HARRIS JOHNSON, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born in Columbus, 
Chenango Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1821, son of Jabez and Margaret (Richards) Johnson, both 
deceased, natives of New York State, and who settled in Columbus, Warren Co., in 1823. 
Our subject settled in Erie Co. in 1846 on his present farm, and was married to Edna Baker, 
born in Columbus, Penn., March 6, 1830, and daughter of Tilly and Phojbe (Marble) Baker 
{former deceased), pioneers of Warren Co. over sixty years ago. To this union were born 
three children: D. E. ; Eva M., wife of Jackson Raymond; and Eunitia, deceased. Our 
subject is owner of 100 acres of land in Wayne Township, his son D. E. being in partner- 
ship. D. E. married, Feb. 22, 1869, Helen, daughter of Lucian Stowell, by whom he has 
two boys, Harris and Guy C. Harris Johnson has served as School Director and Town- 
ship Commissioner; is a member of the Grange and Relief Association; in politics is 
Independent. 

D. C. liLENNEDY, farmer, P. O. Corry, born in Columbus Township, Chenango Co., 
N. Y., Dec. 28, 1827, to Isaac and Catharine (Rightor) Kennedy, natives of the same State; 
the father was born of parents not in affluent circumstances, and consequently had his 
own "blossoms" to bloom and battles to fi^ht. While quite young, he was employed as 
foreman of a glass factory near Utica, N. i., and at the end of several years he had saved 
some money from his salary, which, added to means his wife had secured by keeping 
boarders, enabled him to purchase considerable land. The proprietor of the glass factory 
was unfortunate (by its burning up), and Mr. Kennedy began farming in Chenango Co. 
He made several trips to Erie and Warren Cos. on horseback, and bought land at the treas- 
urer's sales prior to the year 1835, when he moved his family to Columbus, Warren Co., 
Penn., and in less than two years they settled on the farm now owned by D. C. Kennedy; 
he bought land to the amount of 6,000 acres, and gave to each of his children a farm, 
whose names were Sydney, Charles H. (physician living near Toledo), Betsy, Madison, 
Catharine, Polly E., Austin, Julia A. and D. C. Our subject was brought up on a farm, 
and received a common school education ; was married June 19, 1845, to Phoebe Russell, 
born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Nov. 30, 1827, and is a daughter of Adin and Roxanna 
(Wilcox) Russell, natives of Black River Co., N. Y., which union has blessed him with 
nine children, viz., Mary E., Isaac, Rosaline, Franklin, Charles, Darwin, Louisa, Estella 
E., wife of James Dalton, and Sydney. Mr. Kennedy was the founder of the Grange 
in his neighborhood, and he has organized about forty subordinate Granges, and 
held an important position in the Penn. State Grange for the past ten years, which was 
organized Sept. 18, 1873, at Reading, Penn. ; was commissioned a Justice of the Peace in 
1870, and is the present incumbent; is president of the Farmers' Exchange, of Corry, and 
is a worthy member of the F. & A. M. fraternity at Corry. He brought the first Durham 
stock into his community, and deals somewhat in the same on his 400 acres of finely-im- 
proved land. He is independent in his political proclivities, and is recognized as a sub- 
stantial, upright, industrious and worthy citizen. Nicholas Rightor, the father of D. C. 
Kennedy's mother, is of German parentage, a thorough representative of that nationality 
to which the United States is indebted for many of her most prosperous citizens and sub- 
stantial men of worth and merit; he married Catharine, daughter of Abram Cook, a 
worthy Englishman, and Mary Cook, of Irish descent. Mr. Cook was among the unfor- 
tunate in the memorable Cherry Valley massacre during the year 1778, the leading com- 
manders of the atrocious crime being Walter N. Butler and an Indian chief named Joseph 
Brant, the former of whom was killed in 1778, while attempting to escape from the Amer- 
ican troops. Aunt Molly, as she was familiarly known, some time subsequent to the death 
of her husband, Abram Cook, married an Irishman named Alexander McCoUum, and with 
him passed her latter days with their youngest son, David McCollum. Andrew, a descend- 
ant of the McCollum family, became recognized as a talented attorney in Ogdensburg, on 
the St. Lawrence River, and in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. ; and his brother, Reuben McCol- 
lum, was a merchant, at one time very wealthy, but went under through careless habits 
and dissipation, and a portion of his property was bought by his father and brother Da- 
vid — being land, the present site of Middlefield, N. Y. One Dan McCollum w^as stolen by 
Indians when quite young, and was governed by them for twenty-three years. About two 
days prior to the Cherry Valley massacre, the Indians had a war dance, and some killing 
occurred among their own tribe, on account of an Indian squaw refusing to dance with 
one of the participants, and the fracas was brought to a climax in the ending of the mas- 
sacre. A number of women and children were taken prisoners, among whom was Cath- 
arine Cook,* who was forced to dry the scalps of the victims of this horrible deed for the 
Indians, for thirty or more daj's. She suspected one scalp to be that of her mother, and 

* Then about sixteen years of age. 



236 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

manifested emotions of grief, whereupon the Indian chief, Brant, noticing her condition, 
drew his tomahawk and threatened her life if she did not suppress even the tlioughts of 
its identification. A conversation occurred between her and the chief, in which he learned 
that her father was the Abram Cook whom he had known as so "good a white man" at 
Schenectady College. Possessed with this knowledge, the chief saved her life when the 
prisoners were finally destroyed. Miss Cook was an eye witness of the torture and final 
killing of the belle of Cherry Valley, the means of destruction being on the first day to 
cut off her ears ; the second da}% her nose and mouth, from ear to ear ; and on the third, 
they cut her throat and filled the incision with hot embers. After the slaughter was ended, 
soldiers were detailed to bury the dead, and Nicholas Rightor performed a part of the 
labor, and here is where he became acquainted with Catharine Cook, the union with whom 
blessed him with Catharine, Nicholas, Dolly, Jane, Abram, Menda, Sarah, Joanuah and 
Henry. The second, Nicholas, early learned the art of surveying, and left his father's 
home in 1814 for the Brokenstraw Country of Warren Co., Penn. Failing to obtain em- 
ployment as a surveyor, he traced his course along the Brokenstraw Creek to the Alle- 
gheny River, thence down the "river sides " to New Orleans. Early on his journey to the 
Allegheny, he fell in with an Indian, whom he allowed to ride his horse for ten miles, and 
this kind act was subsequently rewarded. On his arrival at New Orleans, Nicholas sought 
services with the Survej^or General of Louisiana, whose name was Nicholas Rightor, a 
German, who agreed to claim relationship, thus assuring his employment and the immedi- 
ate charge of a survej'iug "squad," and subsequently his appointment by President James 
Madison to till the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of his predecessor, Nicholas 
Rightor, which position he held until death. While on a surveying trip, he and assistants 
were taken prisoners by the Indians, and, after a week of privations, with only horse and 
dog flesh for food, it was arranged to execute them on a certain evening; and here came 
the reward for allowing the Indian to ride his horse along the Brokenstraw Creek, for the 
same identical red man turned them loose and led them to a place of safety, before the 
time came to kill them. Dolly married Richard Graham; Jane married John Van Tyle, a 
brother-in-law of John Whitney, famous by the fine of $2,000 on the "William Morgan 
trouble" — reflecting on the secrets of Freemasonry, in 1836; Abram, after assisting his 
brother, Nicholas, was, in 1833, appointed Surveyor -General of Tennessee by James Mon- 
roe; Menda died }^oung; Sarah married Dr. Parchall; Joannah married a wealth}' mer- 
chant, and Henry became very wealthy, and died in New Orleans of yellow fever. Henry 
Kennedy, the father of Isaac and grandfather of our .subject, D. C., was the son of Sam- 
uel, a powerful man, who at various times stood astride the hub of a wagon wheel, which 
he lifted with twelve men sitting on the rim of the wheel. Henry Kennedy married Esther 
Fuller, whose brother, Isaac Fuller, helped to bury the dead of the Cherry Valley mas- 
sacre, and often talked over the sad affair with sorrowful expressions. To Henry and 
Esther were born— Samuel, Henry, Isaac, Esther, James, Polly, Robert and Abram. " The 
vicissitudes of the Kennedy family in early times were many, and not the most irksome 
was their having to sleep in the woods at night, to be out of danger of the Indians, who 
often murdered the inmates of the log cabins. 

WILLIAM KING AIDE, farmer, P. O. Wayne, was born in Erie Co., Penn., March 5, 
1831, son of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Kincaide. He was united in marriage, Oct. 3, 
1840, with Jane Smith, who was born in Erie Co., Penn., May 1, 1833, daughter of John 
Smith, a pioneer. Two children blessed this union: J. S., a minister of the IJ. B. Church, 
located at the Macedonia Mission, Venango Township; and Ida E., wife of Frank Olver- 
son. Mr. Kincaide owns 100 acres of land, and is also interested in the cheese factory with 
his l)rothers. 

J. G. KINCAIDE, farmer and stock-raiser, and cheese manufacturer, P. O. Wayne, 
was born on the farm where he now lives Feb. 4, 1835, son of John and Elizabeth (Smith) 
Kincaide, the former born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., March 35, 1791, the latter a native 
of Wayne, Penn., born March 39, 1799. They were married Feb. 38, 1816, and had a fam- 
ily of six children— Jane (deceased, wife of Mr. Lyons), William, Margaret (now Mrs. 
Thomas), John G., S. E., and Henry (deceased). Mr. Kincaide was a surgeon in the war 
of 1812, and departed this life Feb. 3, 1874; his widow followed him Sept. 30, 1879. Our 
subject, who bears his grandfather's as well as his father's name, was married at Erie, Jan. 
15, 1861, to Mary Ann Dunn, born in Erie Co., Penn., Feb. 17, 1840, daughter of Oliver 
Dunn. To this union have been born four children: Charles M., Allen S., May E. and 
Francis J. Mr. Kincaide is an enterprising and industrious man, and is highly esteemed 
by his neighbors. He has filled many local ofiices; was Director of the Poor of Erie Co. 
for three years (1876-79); Constable one year, and Notary Public six years. He and wife 
are members of the U. P. Church, in which he has been Treasurer, Deacon, Sunday School 
Superintendent and Elder for about fifteen years. He is a Republican in politics. Eliza- 
beth Dunn, the mother of Mrs. J. G. Kincaide, was born Dec. 25, 1803, in Mill Creek Town- 
ship, this county. Is a daughter of James and Margaret (Robison) Dumars, who came 
from Ireland to Mill Creek Township about 1801, and there died. They were the parents of 
eight children, viz., Elizabeth, Nancy, John, Thomas, Claudius, Rebecca, Alexander, and 
Margaret Jane Dumars. In 1825, she married Oliver Dunn, now deceased, born in McKean 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 237 

Township, Erie Co., in 1803, son of Tbonias Dunn, whose children were: Oliver, John, 
Robert, Thomas and Harvey, all deceased. Mrs. Dunn is still livinf;;; she is the mother of 
thirteen children, six of whom are living— Margaret, Allen, Frank, Mary, Finley and Ma- 
tilda J. 

SAMUEL E. KINCAIDE, farmer, stock-raiser, and engaged in dairying and manu- 
facturing cheese, P. O. Wayne, was born in Wayne Township, Erie Co., July 16, 1837, son 
of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Kincaide. He was reared on the farm and received a com- 
mon school education. He was twice married, on the first occasion to Anna, daughter of 
John and Lucinda (Riley) Yager; she departed this life Dec. 25, 1868. His secoud marriage 
in Erie City, Aug. 17, 1870, was with Dora, daughter of Ira and Deland (Combs) Wilki- 
son. To this union have been born four children— Elmer Lincoln, Geriy Thaddeus, Sam- 
uel Blaine, and Cora, deceased in infancy. Mr. Kincaide has an interest with his brother 
in a cheese factory, in which he has been salesman fourteen years. This is a well man- 
aged, profitable enterprise, and is located on their land convenient to the railroad. He 
owns 1,000 acres of land, two farms in Wayne, 250 acres in Union, seventy in Elgin, ninety 
in Concord. Three-fourths of this is well improved and stocked. Mr. Kincaide is a prom- 
inent man, and is always interested in every enterprise conducive to the public prosperity. 
When twenty-one he served as Constable for one year; during the war was Town Com- 
missioner; has been Justice of the Peace two terms, A.ssessor one year; was elected to the 
Legislature in 1876, re-elected in 1878, and is now serving as President of the School Board. 
During 1882 he was Vice President of the N. W. Agricultural society, and in 1883 he was 
President of the same. The good order of the well kept cemetery is due to the labors of 
the board in which he is Secretary. 

G. H. LEACH, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born near Findley's Lake, 
N. Y., Jan. 12, 1857; son of Zebulon and Abba H. (Jackson) Leach; the former, a farmer, 
was born in 1824, the latter in 1826, and were both residents of Findley's Lake. Our sub- 
ject was married there, Nov. 5, 1879, to Alice E. Rockwell, born in Greenfield, Erie Co., 
Penn., March 25, 1861, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Cloud) Rockwell, who reside with 
our subject. Mr. Leach came to Erie Co. with his wife in March, 1880. He owns 150 
acres of land, in an excellent state of cultivation; is a member of the E. A. U., North 
Wayne Union, No. 218, at Hare Creek; in politics, is a Republican. 

WILLIAM McINTIER, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Corry, was born in Connecti- 
cut, Sept. 30, 1814; son of Isaiah and Polly (Eaton) Mclntier (both deceased), natives of 
Connecticut, and who came to Erie Co. in 1833. Our subject was married in Columbus, 
Penn., Nov. 2, 1837, to Harriet L. Davis, born in Madison Co., N. Y., March 17, 1821, 
daughter of Oliver and Temperance (Vincent) Davis, natives of Rhode Island. By this 
union were born ten children— Francis E., Rev. Edgar O.. Temperance L., Mary R. and 
Viola L. (all deceased), Andrew A., Louisa T., Calista O., Emma D. and Fred D. (all mar- 
ried except FredD.). Mr. Mclntier owns 100 acres of land, and has been a resident on same 
for twenty-three years, and of the county fifty years. He and his wife are members of the 
United Brethren Church in which he has acted as Trustee, Steward and Treasurer. He 
has also served as School Director and Treasurer of School Board; has also served as High- 
way Commissioner. In politics is a Republican. 

DAVID MARTS, farmer and stock raiser, also engaged in the furniture and under- 
taking busidess at Wattsburg, P. O. Wattsburg, was born in Venango Township, this 
county, son of Samuel and Pelina (Gregory) Marts, natives of New York State, and early 
settlers of Venango Township, Erie Co., Penn. Our subject married, Feb. 9, 1864, in 
Erie City, Mary Ann Henderson, born in Venango Township, May 4, 1840, daughter of 
Samuel and Jane (Weir) Henderson, the former of whom was a native of Venango Town- 
ship, the latter of Ireland. They had seven children, and reside in Lowville. To the union 
of Mr. and Mrs. Marts have been born four children: Loren T., Jessie J., Delia May, Rillie 
Jane. Mr. Marts owns 210 acres of land in this township, and twenty-four at Wattsburg, 
where he carries on the furniture and undertaking business. During the late war he en- 
listed in the 111th P. V. I., and served three and a half years. He was wounded at the 
battle of Resaca in 1864, and in the thigh, at Cedar Mountain, Aug. 9, 1862. He and 
wife are members of the Grange, and also of the Methodist Church. He is a Republican 
in politics. 

PHILANDER MILLER (deceased) was born in the State of New York Sept. 17, 1807; 
was married Jan. 8, 1835, to Tamzin Marsh, born in Hawley, Franklin Co., Mass., June 
28, 1812, daughter of Elijah and Tamzin Marsh, natives of Vermont, who settled in Mas- 
sachusetts at an early day. Phih.nder Miller departed this life Feb. 28, 1877. 

GEORGE F. OLIVER, farmer and stock-raiser. Box 228, P. O. CoiTy, was born at 
Seven Oaks, county of Kent, England, Jan. 8, 1830, the only issue of Stephen and Eliza- 
beth (Forward) Oliver (both deceased), natives of the county of Sussex, England. Our 
subject emigrated to America in 1848, and lived from 1856 to 1862 in Cook Co., 111. In 
1865, he came to Erie Co., but was absent from it for an interval of seven years. He mar- 
ried, July 9, 1852, at Mount Upton, N. Y.. Dorcas W. Madison, born in 1828 in Pittsfield, 
Otsego Co.. N. Y. To this union were born Josephine (deceased), Edwin F., Mary F. and 
Charles. Mr. Oliver enlisted Aug. 8, 1862, in the 88th I. V. I. Co. K, and served two years 



238 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

and ten months, and now enjoj's a pension for injuries received in the service. He owns 
thirtv-three acres of land; is a member of the A. O. U. W.; in politics is a Republican. 

C. W. PARKER, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born in Chautauqua Co., 
X. Y., Aug. 1, 1841, son of E. Parker, who came to Erie' Co. in 1855. He was a farmer by 
occupation, and the parent of nine children. Our subject was the fourth child in this fam- 
ily. He enlisted durin^'the late war (in 1863). in the ist Penn. Bat. Lt. Art., and was dis- 
charged at the close of the war. Mr. Parker was united in marriage, Dec. 31, 1868, in 
Wayne Township, with Julia Adams, a native of same township, l)orn May 19, 1844. Four 
children blessed this union — Harley W., Carrie, Gertie and an infant. He is a successful 
self-made man, and owns ninety acres of land on which he has resided for eighteen j^ears. 
He and wife are members of the M. E. Church, in which he is Steward. His first cousin, 
Phillip Phillips, is a singing pilgrim. Our subject is a member of the G. A. R., No. 70, 
Andrew Post. He is politicallj^ a Republican. 

WILLIAM B. PIER, lumberer and farmer, Corry, was born in Chautauqua Co., N. 
Y.. Jan. 26, 1814, son of Oliver and Betsy (Carpenter) Pier (deceased), natives of New 
York State and of English descent. Nine children were born to this union — William B., 
Malinda Brace}', Newell, Levi, Calvin, Anna Switzer, Chauncy, Oliver and an infant de- 
ceased. Oliver Pier, Sr., is upwards of ninety years of age, and is the third oldest resident 
of the city of Corry. He has a rifle with which he^.claims he killed over 1,300 deer. He 
lost his eyesight over twenty years ago. Our subject was first married, in Harmony, 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Jan. 5, 1834, to Adah Carpenter, born Aug. 37, 1813. They came 
to this county Jan. 26, 1834, and were the parents of three children — William A., married 
to Lydia L., daughter of Andrew J. Ford (deceased Feb. 8, 1880); Edwin B. (deceased 
July 12, 1862, from the effects of a wound received during the late war); Calvin, who was 
also killed in the rebellion, dying at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. The grandchil- 
dren of this family are Adah, wife of William H. Austin (have two children — Clara Belle 
and Frank Gu}^; Mary L., Eliza and Edna. Our subject is a successful, self-made man, 
and owns 144 acres of land, partly in the city limits. His wife is now deceased, but his 
son's widow and some of the grandchildren live with him. He has served as Road Com- 
missioner, Judge of elections. Auditor, Inspector. School Director and as Justice of the 
Peace for ten years; also served as Councilman two years. Mr. Pier is a member of the 
M. E. Church in which he has served as Steward and Trustee. He was formerly a Whig 
in politics, but is now a Republican. 

FRANCIS RAYMOND, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Corry, was born in Sherburne, 
Chenango Co., N. Y., March 16, 1819, son of Seth S. and Caroline (Eagle) Raymond, who 
settled in Warren Co., Penn., fifty-five years ago, where they died. Our subject came to 
this county in 1872, and was twice married; on first occasion to Delia Colegrove, born 
Nov. 9, 1828, in Edmeston, Otsego Co.. N. Y., by which union there were five children, 
viz.: Murray M., Byron, Enoch F. (deceased), Jackson, Oscar (deceased.) The .second 
marriage was at Findle3^'s Lake, June 14, 1873, with Mrs. Eunitia O. (Sampson) Briggs, 
widow of Russel Briggs, who died in 1865, and daughter of Virgil and Perley (Alderman) 
Sampson (both deceaseil). She was born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, Oct. 9,1823. To this union 
were born— Lorenzo V. (married); Edwin A. (deceased); Perley C.,wife of L. G. Davis; Har- 
riSjR. and May E. Our subject owns eighty-five acres of land in Wayne Township, on which 
he has resided eleven years. He has been member of the Grange nine years; is member 
also of the E. A. U. ; has acted as School Director; in politics is a Greenbacker. 

HOWARD RAYMOND, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Corry, was born in Columbus, 
N. Y., Nov. 27, 1822, son of Lewis and Martha (Howard) Raymond (both deceased), former 
a native of Vermont, latter of Rhode Island, and who came" to Wayne Township in 1851. 
Our subject came to this locality in 1847 , and was married, May 9, 1850, to Angeline Doane, 
born in Sherburne, N. Y., March 13, 1829, daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Tillotson) 
Doane, former a native of Massachusetts, who settled in Warren Co., Penn., in 1830. By 
this union were born five children — Celia. wife of Wesley Mickle; Stella, wife of Miles 
Mickle; Mott, married to Bettie Van Campen; Will, Frank, married, Nov. 22, 1833, to 
Jennie Rickerson. The children of Miles Mickel and wife are Pearl and Maud. The 
children of Mott Raymond and wife are Blanche and Flossie. Our subject is the owner 
of 227 acres of well-improved land. 

G. W. SIMMONS, farming and dairying, P. O. Corry, was born at Columbus, Warren 
Co., Penn., April 10, 1838; son of David and Elmina (Skinner) Simmons, natives of the 
Eastern States, who settled in Warren Co. in 1834. Our subject was united in marriage, 
April 10, 1864, with Maria Root, born Oct. 15, 1843. She bore him one child— Elbert D.; 
she died June 30, 1870. His second marria'^e occurred March 12, 1871, with Melissa A. 
Williams, born Feb. 11, 1847, daughter of Elijah and Sallie (Coy) Williams, who settled in 
Erie Co. May, 18,59. One child has blessed this union— Elton L. Our subject is a repre- 
sentative man of his township. He lives two and a half miles northeast of Corry, and 
owns 200 acres of land in a good state of cultivation. One of his brothers was through 
the late war; he has died since. Mr. Simmons has served for three years as School Direc- 
tor. He and his wife are members of the Grange. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat. 



J 



WAYNE TOWNSHIP. 239 

TAMES D SMITH, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Wayne, was born in 
Union,^ now Wayne, Township, this county September 29, 1817. His parents Sam- 
nel and Tane (Dickey) Smith, were natives of Ireland, born, the former June 16, 1774, and 
Sied sit 4 1850^xnd the latter born June 12, 1777, and died Nov. 17 1862; they 
emigrated to America in 1796. and resided for a short time near Philadelphia, and 
iiTtlie snrino- of 1797 they came to what is now Wayne Township, carrying f^l^^^"" 
worldly %ods on horseback. They bought 400 acres which is now owned by R. 
Abbev M Grav's heirs, et al., and lived there until 1818. when they settled on the 
farm where our subject, their youngest son. lives. Samuel Smith experienced many 
hardshiiis during his early residence in the county. Soon after erecting shelters for 
themselves and domestic animals, he thought to add to their comfort by making ma- 
ple sugar and molasses, and after arranging to "tap" a " sugar bush he carried ket^ 
tle^ from Franklin, a long distance, on the back of an ox. Salt could not be obtained 
nearer than Waterford, and Mr. Smith often carried the necessary article on his shoulders. 
Wolves were numerous when they first located in the almost unbroken forest, and they 
were compelled to pen their sheep and small animals of nights. Deer were none the less 
nlentiful and constituted a portion of their food. On a certain occasion, Mrs. Smith was 
diffffin^-- some potatoes, and a little deer that had accompanied the cows from the forests, 
and thought to feast upon the potato vi"es, jumped over the fence unconscious of Mrs. 
Smith's presence behind a large stump, but was soon after ready for the bake oven, the 
woman liavino- sprung from her secluded place, intending to scare it; the deer happened to 
land however, with 'its neck encased by her strong arms, after which there was only a 
short tussle before she had its throat cut with a knife brought by her daughter, the de- 
ceased mother of Samuel and J. D. Kincaide. Samuel Smith was appointed Captain m 
the war of 1812, but the making up of companies fell short, and Wilham Smith, a relative, 
assumed command. He was Postmaster at Beaver Dam for many years, and was a Demo- 
crat until the organization of the Republican party, when he alhed himself with it. He 
was a Presbyterian in Ireland and died in the full faith of that persuasion. He was the 
father of twelve children, eleven of whom grew up and became church members, viz. : 
John Elizabeth. William. Esther. Jane, Mary. Levina, Samuel, Nancy, Sallie^ Sophia and 
James D. The latter was educated in the country schools, and married December xi4, 
1839, Emeline Smith, born May 1, 1819, in Erie County, daughter of William and Eliza^ 
bath (Wilson) Smith (relatives of our subject). Her father came to Erie Co. in 179b, and 
her mother in 1799; the latter lived to be ninety-nine years old, and retained her memory 
to the last. Our subject's union has given him twelve children six of whom are lijing- 
Julia (wife of H. W. Renner). Lizzie J.. Annetta C. (wife of Silas W. Tenney)._M. Estella 
(widow of Sewell W. Tenney). Melvin J., Sylvia B. Mr. Smith was commissioned Post- 
master at Beaver Dam August 16, 1840, and served ten years, during which term the name 
of the office was changed to Wayne. He was Justice of the Peace for ten years, School 
Director, Auditor and Assessor his full share. Is a Prohibitionist in politics He and 
wife are Presbvterians, to which religious sect he has been attached for over fafty years; 
has been Superintendent of Sabbath schools and for forty years an Elder. He owns ^15 
acres of finely improved land, principally the fruit of his own labors. Out of respect for 
his deceased father, our subject has caused the insertion of his portrait m this work. 

D S SPENCER, farmer and stock-raiser. P. O. Corry, was born m Columbus, oue- 
naneo Co N Y April 5, 1820; son of Mathias and Harriet (Smith) Spencer (both 
dece^ased)." After living ten years in Columbus, they came to Erie Co. over fifty-five years 
a«-o settling in Wayne. Our subject has been thrice married, on the first occasion, in 
1844 to Charity Yager (deceased), who bore him four children; his second marriage in 
1872! was with Lucinda E. Eldredge (also deceased). In 1833 Mr. bpencer was again united 
in matrimony, this time to Almeda (a widow), daughter of Jeddiah Vaughn. Our subject 
owns 104 acres of well-improved land in this county and eighty acres m Monroe Co., 
Mich., where he previously farmed some eighteen years. -r, r. /^ 

GEORGE E. WATROUS, farmer and stock-raiser, also carpenter. V O. Corry, wa;* 
born in Freetown, Cortland Co., N. Y., Nov. 21, 1841, son of George W. and Jemima 
(Travis) Watrous. early settlers in La Fayette Hill, Penn., the latter of whom died in 
Freetown. Cortland Co., N. Y., early in 1843. Our subject was married in Bradford, Mc- 
Kean Co., to Anna Bathurst, born in Mount Eagle. May 15, 1861, daughter of James and 
Nancy Bathurst. By this union were born two children— Alfred L. and Harris ±.. Uur 
subject came to this county in 1881. He enlisted in the 76th N. Y. \ .Co. D., Aug 14 
1861. discharged in 1865. Was wounded at Second Bull Run Aug ^. 1B62. captured by 
the enemy and released in nine days; was also wounded at Laurel Hill May 8, l»b4, toi 
which he receives a pension. Mr. Watrous owns forty acres of land, in politics he is a 
Republican. 




LK6D79 



